A/N: Hey, everyone! I hope you are all having a marvelous week so far. Just wanted to drop a quick comment that there is some OOC-ness in this chapter, so I won't say too much. Chapter 13 is still in the works, along with the cover art. I will have it uploaded soon and before Ch. 14.
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the read! Thank you for all the reviews. :D
"PEN!"
Ruth barges into the house, tears streaming from her eyes. She glances around, hoping to see him lurking in a corner. No such luck. With a heavy, shuddering sigh, Ruth forces herself further into the decaying home. Her legs wobbled from sprinting back here which Ruth finally collapses onto the floor.
She sat on her shins, wheezing. Ruth doesn't know why she had to rush over here. It's not like Pennywise is going anywhere soon. At least she hopes not. She sat in her spot, crying and panting. The feeling Ruth felt after nearly colliding into Richie returned. Ruth felt a sickening lurch at how frantic and horrified him, along with the others, seemed. Despite being in a daze, Ruth saw their approach. She stares into the darkened wood, recollecting the incident.
Ruth sauntered in the middle of the road. Her blank gaze straight ahead and features stiff. Ruth's arms hung at her sides, lightly swaying with each step.
I wonder, what is it like on the other side? Where does your soul go? Ruth thought to herself.
She glances down at the pavement, a wave of unease rippled through her body. There is even a pain Ruth can't quite describe. Her head hurts, that's for sure. Except, that is not the ache she feels. It lies somewhere else on her. Ruth doesn't know what happened. All she knew after waking, Ruth left her home. She now does not want to return there, ever.
Ruth sighs heavily, gulping harshly. She can feel tears brimming her eyes, stinging her vision. Why me?
She returns her gaze to the road ahead. Ruth sees Mike, Eddie is inside the basket and Stan heading her way. She then saw Ben, Bill, and Beverly. They all look frantic and horrified. She felt a sickening lurch in her stomach at their expressions. Ruth then wondered where Richie was. She got the answer relatively quick when he came into view. His eyes grew wide as Richie is about to collide into her head-on. Startled, Ruth yelps, and so does he. She covers her face, along with her head. Richie barely swerved around her, leaving a breeze. His bike squeals to a stop.
Holy sweet cannolis that would have hurt! "Please don't be an ass, Gray Water! Ruth screamed in her head.
Ruth can feel Richie's eyes on her. She hesitates in glancing over at him. Ruth doesn't want him to see her like this, so she shielded herself from him.
"Don't look at me," Ruth mumbles.
She doesn't hear anything from him for a moment. Ruth soon felt something foreign surging down her spine. It's not the usual prickle, but intense heat. Something is wrong with Pennywise. How can she tell? Ruth doesn't know.
"Jesus Christ, Ruth! Watch where you're fucking going!" Richie shouts.
Did, did he just call me by name?
She wanted to question him but figured not to ask. Instead, something occurred to her. Ruth remembers their frantic, horrified expressions. The Loser's entered her safe house and confronted Pennywise. That is where they were coming from initially. She knows the route by heart now. The surge Ruth feels is from Pennywise getting hurt. One of the Losers laid harm on him.
Ruth slowly glances over at him, her lips trembling into a toothy snarl. You son of a bitch!
"FUCK YOU, RICHIE!"
Ruth then tore off running. She cried. Her tears are from what happened earlier and now… this. She is furious. Ruth can only hope Pennywise scared the shit out of them. She ran, no sprinted back to the Neibolt House. Ruth had to know if he was alright and to see him one last time.
She sat there, her breath slowly returning to normal. After calming down slightly, Ruth stood to her feet. She must find him. Ruth needs to know what happened and see if he's okay. He may tolerate her to a degree, but Pennywise in a way is her protector. That's why Ruth rushed over here. She panicked and is deeply concerned about him. Ruth searches the area around her for a clue. Her eyes land on the basement door. Ruth remembers him lumbering down there several days ago. She can only assume he stays down there. It seemed logical.
Ruth apprehensively approaches the door. Her fingers lightly brush the panel then grips the handle. She flings the door open and quickly descends the steps. Upon landing on the dirty basement floor, Ruth hears an ungodly roar. Her eyes grew the size of saucers, searching for the source. She doesn't see Pennywise around but the reverberating growl within the room.
What in the hell is making that noise?
She hears the unnatural, animalistic growl again. Ruth searched the room where she then discovers the well. The unnerving sound resonated deeply from within the mouth. Ruth's heart drummed in her chest, frightened by the roar.
Holy sweet cannolis! Is Pen making that sound?
Ruth slowly inches herself close to the well. She leans ever so slightly over the gaping maw of the well upon approach. The growl sounds once more. The hairs on her body stood on end, terror webbing deeper. She wants to listen to the voice in her head in ignoring the demonic sound and run. Except, something within her lonely heart is telling Ruth differently.
Go to him, they tell her.
From inside the well, Ruth heard the deep painful growl again. Her heart aches terribly at the sound of Pennywise's suffering. Yet his voice frightened Ruth. She breathes heavily, her lips quivered. Ruth heaves a sigh then braves herself to sit on the rim. With another heavy breath, Ruth descends the walls. She is entirely unaware of what awaits her below.
It's dark in here, much too dark.
Ruth travels down the darkened maze of the sewer. She kept a hand on the wall to feel her way through. As her hand and feet guided her, Ruth can still hear Pennywise's deep painful growl. She doesn't understand why she feels frightened by him now. Well, Ruth does know, its the demonic tone. Ruth likes his goofy, masculine voice and grew familiar with it. Yes, Pennywise imitates sounds from the characters he transforms into. To hear something unnatural from him is terrifying.
She heaves a sigh as Ruth slowly follows the sewer pipe. Ruth wished she knew where to go. Of course, she could always go by the sounds he's making. It would make sense, right? However, Pennywise's growls seem to echo. It is hard to pinpoint the source.
Damnit, this is irritating! I can't see shit! No, pun intended.
Ruth stumbled, cursing under her breath. "Argh, damnit. Which way?"
Ruth stops, her hand leaves the wall to search. She feels nothing but air on her right, an opening. Ruth eases herself forward and steps down from a two-foot drop. She traveled for a bit, following the beastly growls that are getting closer. Ruth breathes deeply, growing even more nervous now. She can see a decent amount of light ahead, but its gray like a rainstorm. Ruth eyes the opening, frowning.
"Okay," Ruth starts, breathing deeply.
Ruth slowly approaches, recalling everything that led up to this point. The attack from earlier remained to haunt her, especially the pain which lingered still. Not like she wants to think about it. It's about the only thing Ruth can remember right now. She tried to reminisce the "good times" with Pennywise, but his ungodly groans reminded Ruth he is a creature. Ruth's fear for him is becoming exposed. The unbearable throb of her head and a sharp ache continues to be a factor.
She approached the opening, discovering the heart of the sewers. Her eyes slowly adjust to the new source of light, which Ruth is glad. The light source is coming from above it seems. As she entered the atrium of the sewers, Ruth is taken aback at the enormous size and clutter of trash.
Well, it's called a sewer for a reason, Ruth thought.
Exploring further, her eyes land on a closed stage wagon. Plastered on the side in carnival-style lettering is "Pennywise the Dancing Clown." Ruth gawks, fascinated at the thought of him performing.
I guess he really does dance. I wonder if Pen knows any disco. Oh, now that will be a fun sight to see.
Shoving the image aside, Ruth continues to investigate the grounds. She saw a lot of clothing, but the sight of children's toys made her heart drop. Ruth then glances upwards. She holds a breath at the sight of floating decomposing bodies. She would think seeing death hanging above her head would freak Ruth out. No, the lifeless corpses made something in Ruth to be morbidly fascinated even envious. Yet, a question is answered. She gulps, frowning deeply. Ruth wants to cry, but she has done that already.
So, Pen, is responsible for the children going missing? I don't understand. Why, why would he do such a thing? Why would he keep something like this from me?
She hears a frustrated growl, followed by a painful howl. Ruth snaps her gaze off the dead to find Pennywise slowly easing a wrought iron pole from within his jaw.
He grunts and groans, "Curse it! Damn that adolescent bunch. They are going to pay dearly for this." Pennywise growls, his voice is deep and menacing.
Is Ruth frightened by his demonic tone? She is very much afraid. Ruth never heard his voice like this before. Her feet want to turn away and run. Yet, her heart ached at the wound he suffers. Why would she, though? Ruth doesn't know. Maybe, that little something is Ruth beginning to accept the strange attention Pennywise gives her. No one has ever fascinated her so much.
She gulps, heaving a sigh. Ruth wants to run, but she won't allow herself to. Ruth deserves to know the truth. With another heavy sigh, she prepares herself for the worse. Ruth moves forward, putting on her brave face.
"Who did that to you?" She inquires.
Pennywise stalls, growling. Irritating child!
"STAY AWAY!"
Ruth doesn't stop.
"Let me help," she replies in controlled anger.
"I said, STAY AWAY!" He snarls in her direction, his eyes blazing a furious gold.
Ruth wants to listen, but she won't. "No."
"Come near me, and I'll end your very existence in an instant, Ruthie!" He venomously barks, emphasizing the name Ruth despises with a passion.
Sounds like he means it this time, Ruth thought.
Except, she knows he won't. His threat doesn't faze her. Ruth defiantly approached him. She didn't give him enough time to yell at her when she quickly grips the pole. With one hand, Ruth fluidly yanks it out of his twisted jaw with a sickening rip. Pennywise lets out a short cry. She watches him massage his jaw to relieve some of the pain then replaces it with a quick snap and crack. Ruth glances down, noticing his exposed green reptilian-like hand. Her eyes widen from the sight yet is increasingly growing afraid.
Whoa. Tread lightly here. Pennywise could hurt me with those claws, Ruth told herself.
"Irritating child, I'm going to devour you." He growls with teeth showing, glaring intensely at her.
She stares up at him, her brave face still apparent. "Really? Would I be like the corpses you have floating above our heads?" Ruth questions tightly.
Ruth pauses, catching his furious frown. She missed the clawed hand twitch into a fist and trembled. She smiles crookedly, crosses her arms, and leans slightly forward.
"If you really did eat those children like Mike and the others said, then kill me." She taunts.
He growls deeply, inching closer to her.
"Don't test me, you nuisance." Pennywise enunciates with an angry snarl.
Ruth regards him with a frown, his tone terrifying her even more.
"Why didn't you tell me?" She questioned with disappointment and hurt evident in her voice and gaze.
Pennywise stares at her, growling lowly. He's angry still at the bunch from earlier and hungry. He can smell the fear radiating from Ruth now. She's afraid of him. Pennywise victoriously grins. He eyes the girl, his clawed fist twitched to rip Ruth apart. The evil clown then notices the deep gash at her brow. Someone had struck Ruth hard.
Her question goes unanswered.
Without hesitation, Pennywise reaches for her. Ruth flinches back, he's not surprised by it honestly. His intentions are not what they seem, though. His non-clawed hand gently rests at her forehead, his thumb lightly brushing her skin. What provoked him to inspect the wound is beyond him. He presses tenderly, causing Ruth's breath to hitch. She grimaces, her eyes not on him. Ruth is trembling. She's afraid of what he might do to her. Pennywise understands. Ruth had discovered his lair and found out about the dead children. He very well could kill Ruth. Except, something caught his attention. He noticed her lip quiver and gulp harshly even saw the unshed tears. Something is wrong with the irritant.
Ruth suddenly drops the pole, letting it clatter to the ground loudly. She is quick to turn away and out of his reach. Pennywise watches her stoop low at the tower's base. She rummages through the piles, avoiding him now with a deep frown. Why?
"I'm going to the quarry," Ruth started, her voice strained.
Pennywise remains silent, he sees the bruises on her arms. His chest constricts and lips taut.
"I'll figure out how to weigh myself down. I'll probably just hold onto a heavy rock," she continues.
His gold eyes scan to hers. There he sees the lifelessness in Ruth's hazel orbs. Ruth's light is gone.
"I wanted to see you one last time. I'm regretting it now. At least I would have believed you scared people for the fun of it still and not to murder them."
He watches Ruth's tears fall, and lips trembled into a deep, saddened grimace. Pennywise smells the male's cologne and alcohol on her. There is another scent that made his innards lurch, blood. His glowing gold eyes zeroed in on the source of her inner thigh. He can hear her screams as Ruth sneaked back into her bedroom. Ruth didn't have a clue of what happened as she was knocked unconscious. Pennywise listens as her breath quickens, struggling to keep herself together. She hugs herself at the stomach, choking back a sob with a struggle.
She gulps, breathing deeply. "It hurts." Ruth whines.
Pennywise understood then. The scoundrel defiled the poor girl. His jaw sets, his fingers curled tightly into a trembling fist and eyes glowed even brighter. The male forcing himself on Ruth angered Pennywise immensely. He should track the monster down and slaughter him.
The brute will pay, Pennywise growled to himself.
The unthinkable act done onto her broke Ruth.
He watched as she finally broke down crying. Ruth lets out a strangled whine, bending in half to lay against the pile of belongings. Her wails echoed in the atrium, shouting to the dead world around her. If the corpses could feel sympathetic, they would. They would even cry with her. The sight, even the sound of her anguish and despair, only made his anger skyrocket.
"Why? Why couldn't you kill me? I wouldn't have gone through that!" Ruth screams.
Pennywise can only watch with guilt weighing heavily on his shoulders. If he had, Ruth would not have been raped. What happened to her is his fault.
"Please," Ruth pauses, strangling a cry. "Just kill me already! I can't take it anymore! I'm done! Please, kill me! I don't want to live." She begs while sobbing.
He sadly stares at her hunkering form, frowning. The sickening feeling in his stomach turned into a horrible pang and chest tightens. Ruth's plea festered in his brain like a disease. Pennywise concluded he does not like the sound of her wailing. He doesn't even care for the sight of a disheartened Ruth. Ending her suffering would be ideal.
He growls lowly and unhappily then moves.
Ruth laid along the ground, crying. She waited for him to devour her like he always promised. It never came. Despite the anguish, her curiosity made Ruth glance in his direction. He wasn't there. She looks around, realizing Pennywise is nowhere to be seen. Of course, his sudden disappearance confused her. Yet, Ruth felt a pang in her heart.
He's letting me live still. Why?
The thought of him abandoning her like this brought on a fresh set of tears. She deeply grimaces, violently shaking, and convulsing from hard sobs. Ruth made a whine.
He's torturing me_
Her thought is interrupted when a loud clatter of a crash reverberated in the large cavern. Ruth bolts upwards, startled. The last thing she expected to hear was the sound of a needle scratching like a record player. Her head twitches sideways, the tears instantly stopping.
What the hell?
The scratching record player sounds again, drawing Ruth to stand. She slowly skirts the perimeter at the base of Pennywise's Tower towards the stage. The door that was initially closed for the stage wagon had sprung open. The platform uncomfortably sat empty. Ruth blinks, mouth gaping. Within seconds, music blared in the open like a foghorn. Ruth stood bewildered when she recognized the song as Bee Gee's Stayin' Alive.
What, what is he doing? I don't understand.
For added effect, which Ruth doesn't know how Pennywise managed this, a disco ball drops from the middle of the atrium. She marvels at the white, bright pink, purple, and green spectacle which illuminated on her fair creamy skin. Ruth's widened eyes sparkle to life. She glances over her shoulder at the right moment to see a spitting image of John Travolta sliding into view. With his back to her, the Pennywise John Travolta takes the iconic stance from the movie poster.
Pennywise would like to console her, except he doesn't trust himself enough. Fear is still radiating from her wretched soul. He doesn't want to accidentally hurt Ruth. Talking about what transpired could help, but Ruth needs to calm down first. So, why not try and do something completely different? He needs to calm Ruth down and hopefully get her to laugh. If Pennywise gets her to smile, his mission would be even more of a success. She needs this.
Comforting children is not in his nature. Except, Ruth is different. She welcomes death like an old friend. The poor young girl has lost her way. Ruth needs someone to help her fight. He'll provide that fight. Hopefully, this grand gesture will turn that frown right side up. With a determined small glance over his shoulder, he winks at her with a grin. Pennywise then breaks out in full disco mode to You Should Be Dancing.*
Ruth heaves a shuddering breath. Her lips tremble into a bright smile, and tears brimmed her eyes. She felt warmth swell in her chest and heart. She watched him relatively briefly before glancing down. A few tears rolled down her cheeks. Ruth is quick to wipe them away. She wants to be mad at him, but Ruth can't find it in her heart to hate him, as of now. She's seeing a different side of him that the others don't. Or perhaps, Pennywise reserves this particular behavior only for her.
Unbeknownst to her, Pennywise had approached and offered a hand. When Ruth looked up, her gaze lands on his. He smiles, winking. Ruth's bright grin widens. She happily took his hand and joined the John Travolta Pennywise on stage. Her previous state dissolves in an instant. Ruth joyfully laughs while dancing with Pennywise the Disco Dancing Clown.
Pennywise learned something new about Ruth today. She loves to dance. During their time together, he saw something no one else would see. Her real smile. It's a smile that brightened the room more than the colorful lights. The irritating child, he has dubbed since day one, smiled so brightly that it took his breath away. Ruth had fun dancing with him for hours on end. They even danced to Michael Jackson's Thriller, which Ruth was more than happy to show Pennywise the moves. Him morphing into the singer for added effect was especially neat for Ruth to see.
He may have slightly humiliated himself in stooping to this level, but it was well worth it. The demonic creature found that laughter gave him a strange and unsustainable high. It can't be just any child's laughter to provide him with this feeling. It must be Ruth's. He would much rather hear her cute giggles then those wails of anguish any day. Ruth has an infectious laugh. Pennywise heard Ruth laugh once before when she flung him as a snake at Twitchy Eddie, but it was for her enjoyment. To draw out a natural, carefree and joyous mirth because of him made Pennywise realize something. Ruth is her happiest when she is with him. He sees Ruth in her purest form when no one else ever will. He gives her a burst of life.
Pennywise knew then he is in trouble. He has grown quite fond of Ruth and does enjoy having her around. He stops suddenly at this realization, a deep frown adorning his lips. The music halts with a scratch, making Ruth stop as well. Pennywise is quick to turn away, reverting to his clown form.
Ugh, damnit, Ruth! Argh, no! Irritating child! Don't say her name!
"Why did you stop?" Ruth questions, watching him stalking away and disappear.
Once he vanished, so did the disco ball and lights. They popped out of sight, leaving Ruth in the slate grayness again.
She glances over her shoulder towards what Ruth believes to be the backstage. It looked more like the ghostly bowels as seen in Poltergeist. What is that?
"Pen?" She called, inching herself closer to the abnormality.
"You will not return there," his voice cuts through a disturbing silence she didn't know was there.
Ruth glances upwards, finding Pennywise sitting on the pile five feet above her.
"Return where?"
Within a blink, Pennywise jumped down and stood inches from her. He stares down at her from the length of his nose, eyes gold. Ruth's chest tightens but doesn't back away this time. He inwardly scuffs at her bravery, yet he admires it.
Irritating, fearless child.
"You know where. Going back of what is supposed to be your home will be the death of you."
Ruth stared back at him, understanding. Going back is not an option, it will only get worse for her. Staying here at Neibolt will guarantee her safety. Except Ruth knew she couldn't stay here for long periods. Jonathan and Jordan will figure out she's hiding from them. Would they come looking for her? Possibly, but Ruth doesn't know that for sure. For all she knew, they may want her to disappear.
If she doesn't go back, they will think she went missing like the others. Neither Jonathan nor Jordan will put any effort into looking for her anyway. They never wanted her, Jordan said so herself. Maybe, remaining here is for the best. The Neibolt House is her safe place, after all. She trusts Pennywise he will protect her from harm.
"You know, I won't go back there," Ruth replies with conviction.
"No, you must promise me you won't go back there."
He wants to say her name. It's on the tip of his tongue. However, Pennywise won't say Ruth's name. It's a sign of attachment. Despite him realizing he enjoys having Ruth around and is fond of her, Pennywise must not get attached. He must deny his affections for her.
Pennywise is nothing like Maturin. He's not loving, gentle or kind, let alone compassionate. Pennywise, or Dead Lights, is the Eater of Worlds. He eats children for crying out loud! The creature should have eaten Ruth by now. He can't do that because why? The girl lost her way and welcomes death with arms wide open. Ruth wants to die. So, why is he showing kindness to her, let alone protecting Ruth?
He scowled at her whereas Ruth regarded him softly with a frown.
After a moment, she answers, "I promise."
He doesn't say anything only nods in approval. Pennywise turns away, he needs some rest. Ruth watched him, searching his back.
"Dead Lights," Ruth lightly calls.
He halts. Ruth doesn't refer to him by that name. He glances over his shoulder at her, discovering Ruth shuffling in her spot. She's not looking at him only her feet. It took her a moment, but Ruth regarded him. Her eyes locked on his, shyly smirking. Ruth even has a dusting of pink on her cheeks.
"Thank you."
Pennywise stares, unsure if he should say anything. He's never been thanked for anything before. For some odd reason though, those two simple words made his chest swell. It's a feeling Pennywise can't quite explain. He felt proud. The evil being managed to turn Ruth's frown right side up. Pennywise cheered her up, and he's glad about it? What the hell is this child doing to him?
He shakes his head, growling.
"Irritating child," Pennywise groans, retreating.
Ruth watched him leave, searching his back still. She's beginning to understand his mannerisms and behavior around her. Pennywise has been referring to Ruth as such since they met. He has never called Ruth by her name. Ruth wonders if him not referring to her by name is a sign of attachment. Pennywise has yet to tell her the reason for keeping Ruth alive. Ruth is starting to believe Pennywise is taking a shine to her, maybe. Who knows with him. For all she knew, Pennywise could be buttering her up. She'll have to wait and see.
She wants to question him further about her discovery. He does have a lot of explaining to do. Ruth is not angry at him, at least not yet. She is more so disappointed right now. Once Pennywise clarifies everything, maybe then Ruth will understand him. For now, Ruth will let him rest. He needs it anyway. She might follow suit. The events from earlier and now dancing with Pennywise made Ruth tired.
Ruth does smile brightly from them dancing and having a gay ole time. She especially enjoyed boogieing it up to You Should Be Dancing, along with Boogie Shoes. Pennywise had some moves. It was fun stepping back and watch him go. Everything about it was enjoyable. Plus, it distracted Ruth from what Jonathan did to her.
She turns on her heels to leave the sewer, smiling still. Ruth would prefer the couch then the ground. Plus, it will give Pennywise his space. When she turned, her eyes land on a toy Ruth remembered seeing in a history book of toys. She couldn't help but gasp excitedly and drops to her knees.
"Clarabelle!"
Pennywise watched her from afar. He saw the excited gleam in her eye when she found the clown doll. The smile that followed brightened her face even more. The young girl's excitement heightened when Ruth found another, she called Bozo. Pennywise would have never thought clowns would put a smile on her face. Her infatuation for them may be why Ruth wasn't afraid of him at first. He scuffs, turning on his left side to rest a while. A corner of his mouth twitched into a half-smirk.
At least she is smiling now.
Ruth kept to her word. She never returned home for anything.
Ruth chose not to contact Mike about what happened. She didn't even want to talk with the Jewish Boy, Stan. Ruth left them in the dark of the recent developments. Pennywise wished she hadn't. Mike and Stan deserve to know after what they have done for her so far. Ruth explained why she doesn't want them to know. As long Jordan and Jonathan are around, Ruth is still trouble for them. Their involvement could cause more problems for her. Getting the police involved would be even worse. The adults can easily weasel themselves out of criminal charges. Jordan would target Ruth while Jonathan tortured the boys. Ruth doesn't want that.
Ruth is saving them from her barbaric parents. Pennywise understands that now.
Once Pennywise recovered from his injury in a matter of hours, he told her everything. Ruth deserved to know the truth about his nature. After she discovered his lair and the dead floating above, Pennywise had no choice. He's hidden this horrific fact from her since they met. Pennywise also told Ruth about the other Denbrough brother Georgie. She was upset with him, of course. Ruth had every right to be angry at him for murdering the sweet boy. He needed to survive, though. Pennywise wished to have explained that part to her. He even told her about him hurting Ben. Ruth wasn't particularly happy about that, either.
Pennywise felt he is giving her a reason to hate him and hopefully run Ruth off. He's grown attached to the girl. Pushing her away might release him from Ruth's figurative hold on him. Although she equally has an attachment to him. They're both entangled in a complex web of affections and emotions.
After Pennywise told her about Georgie and Ben, Ruth left him. Ruth opted to stay somewhere else instead of at Neibolt that night. Her absence hurt, only a little. Well, maybe a lot. He didn't think a part of him would miss the girl's presence. It made him realize something, though. The evil in him is capable of emotions. Pennywise wanted Ruth there so he could watch over her. Besides, leaving her alone would get the girl in unnecessary trouble. Despite her wishes to not search for her, his gut told him differently. He found Ruth at Bassey Park, hiding underneath the bridge where no one could see her. Pennywise watched her from afar that night with a frown, offended.
The day after that, Ruth remained to avoid him. Even the day after that. Ruth was undoubtedly upset with him over the death of Georgie and hurting Ben. He didn't like her being away. Their dynamic shifted, along with the routine. The house on Neibolt Street became unbearably quiet and lifeless without her there. By the third day of Ruth's absence, Pennywise became horribly unnerved by it. He searched for Ruth again. When Pennywise found her, Ruth demanded him to stay away. She even forbade him in searching for her. Ruth desired to be alone. Pain and anger overwhelmed his heart then. He went out of his way to put a smile on her face, and she rewarded him with a cold shoulder. Pennywise could have struck her, but he refused to stoop to that level.
Pennywise firmly believes Ruth is giving him a reason to kill her now.
He may very well follow through in doing the deed.
A/N: *I imagined this scene from the dance sequence in Saturday Night Fever, even Despicable Me