A/N: Hey, everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful week! I have a few surprises in store in this chapter as things are going to get hairy. Remember, in the beginning, I didn't go into detail about Jordan? Well, you're going to find out. Also, be prepared for Chapter 14. It's going to be a heavy-hitter.

Anyway, enjoy the read! :)

09/16/20 Update: I fixed some of the dialogue, along with altering a few scenes.

Ruth's sudden disappearance not only worried Pennywise but Mike as well.

It's been almost a week since they last spoke. The only time Mike saw Ruth was when Richie nearly collided into her. He noticed then something was wrong. Mike wanted to ask but decided to leave Richie with her. It would have given them a chance to sort things out. Alas, that didn't happen. He was told Ruth cursed at him. Well, more specifically, "Fuck you, Richie." From what Mike also understands, Ruth never refers to Richie by name. Why is that? Richie didn't elaborate on the matter.

The moment they all stopped at Eddie's, shit went downhill from there. Bill was hell-bent in banding together and stop It. Beverly backed him up and wanted to run towards something. Mike wanted nothing to do with it. He's an outsider and wanted to keep it that way. Stan didn't want to get involved either because he didn't want to die. Ben plans on moving out of Derry. He won't be around whenever It returns. Richie didn't want to fight either. He got the piss scared out of him and didn't want to die like Georgie. Bill and Rich got into a fight after that.

Mike sighs heavily from remembering all of that. He even recalls the conversation he and Stan had. They both have feelings for Ruth and know of her living circumstances. Mike opened up about all of it since Stan mentioned Ruth seemed zombie-like. He didn't like the way Ruth appeared. Stan wanted to ask, but something told him to keep quiet. Mike was in the same boat. Whatever held them from speaking to Ruth has other plans for their friend.

Since that day, Mike and Stan grew worried about Ruth. She hasn't been around, and it frightened them. Richie believes Ruth "befriended" the clown. Mike wanted to believe that, along with Stan, but they knew. They know something happened to Ruth. Mike suspects The Greyson's has something to do with her disappearance.

To know for sure, Mike must visit her home. Just this morning, Mike voiced his motives to Stan, who highly advised against it. He knows it's risky, but Mike needs to know. Mike went against Stan's urgent warning and came here. He can only hope Ruth greets him as she did before.

He stood in the driveway briefly, then eased himself off his bike. With a quick breath, Mike approached Ruth's home. Every fiber of his being is screaming at him to not go, but his aching heart spoke differently. Mike cares deeply about Ruth. He needs to know. With a heavy exhale, Mike raps at the door. His heart jumped to his throat when a thought struck him. Mike saw the truck and the red car. Ruth's parents are at home.

Oh, fuck! What the hell am I doing? Leave you, idiot! You're going to get Ruth in trouble, Mike screamed at himself.

Mike listened, backing off quickly. An unbearable knot twisted in his stomach when he heard the door squeak open. He stiffens. Oh, shit and Shinola!

"Who are you?" A female questioned, her voice fruity yet orotund.

Mike, who stood petrified, stares absently at the woman in front of him. She has Marilyn Monroe's flaxen blonde hair that came to her shoulders, dishwater blonde showed at the roots, and styled in subtle waves. The woman has these beautiful lush green eyes that reminded Mike of a dark and wet forest. He blinks, scanning the woman up and down. Whoever the woman is, she's relatively attractive. She has slender legs, fair in complexion, and tight full lips which are pursed. Mike noticed a dusting of pale freckles at her hollowed cheeks and nose, even a blotchy birthmark at the corner of her right eye.

Um, she's pretty. Who is she now? Mike asks himself.

"Um, uh, sorry, I must have the wrong house," Mike answers dumbly while still staring.

The woman cocks her head slightly. "Who are you looking for then?"

"Uh, the Greyson Residence."

"This is The Greyson Residence. What do you want, and who the fuck are you?" She snapped with agitation.

Could you be a little less hostile, lady? Jeez, Mike thought to himself.

He opened his mouth to answer when Jonathan came up from behind and laid a hand on the woman's back. Jonathan glared daggers at Mike, his lips a thin line.

Oh, fucking shit and Shinola!

"Well, look who we have here. If it isn't Mike Hanlon, the Colored Boy. What are you doing in these parts, boy?" Jonathan grated.

"You know this kid?" The woman inquired, glaring at Mike still.

"Yeah, he came by here several weeks ago and returned some stupid library book Amber dropped."

The woman's eyes flickered, her head cocking in the opposite direction now. "Oh."

"Look, I'm really sorry to have bothered you. I just wanted to know if you had seen Ruth around." Mike directed this towards Jonathan.

"Why do you care? You shouldn't be around my daughter, to begin with." The woman sneered.

Mike stares, befuddled. Huh?

"Your daughter?" He questions carefully, eyeballing the woman again, who sighed heavily.

"Yes, Amber is my daughter. I know I don't look like it."

Mike continues to stares, taken aback yet extremely confused. Wait, this is Jordan?

"You're Jordan?"

Jordan rolls her eyes in exasperation. "Yes, I'm Jordan. Now, what do you want with her?"

He glares a moment longer before answering.

"I didn't know who she was at first since I'm an outsider and out of the loop on some things. I met Ruth officially several weeks ago to drop off her library book. I deliver meats to the butcher shops and usually see her around. For the last week or so, I haven't seen her. I figured I keep an eye on Ruth if she ever spoke to anyone when she shouldn't be. You know, help you guys out." Mike explained with a relaxed shrug.

Jordan observes him, reading Mike for any deception. Oddly enough, she saw no sign of dishonesty. Mike has perfected his storytelling. Jordan believes him.

"Oh, unfortunately, I haven't seen her around for about a week myself."

Jonathan watches Jordan and Mike, confusing contorting his features. Jonathan remembers the conversation he had with Henry; he doesn't buy it. Mike rescued Ruth from getting hit by a truck and rode off with her. The whole looking after Ruth for them is complete bullshit.

"Really? From what Henry informed me, you saved our little girl from getting hit by a damn truck. The next minute you rode off with her, and who knows what happened after that. So, tell me, Mike, why are you really here?"

Jordan's features scrunched, glaring dangerously at Mike now. "Is that so?"

Fuck, not good, not good at all. I should have listened to Stan, Mike berated himself.

He went to answer but stops. Yes, he's caught in a lie. However, Mike noticed something peculiar about the Greyson's now that he's met both of them. Neither of them has traits that would benefit Ruth's appearance. He eyes Jordan again. Ruth looks nothing like her mother Mike was led to believe. On top of which, Jordan is shapely and sinewy, whereas Ruth is petite. He glances at Jonathan. He's noticing more features than the first time he saw Jonathan. The man is wiry, toned, and tanned. Working in construction made him a bronze god. Jonathan is attractive to a degree. He is intimidating with a square jawline, a Romanesque nose a lot like Jordan's, and a chinstrap beard with a goatee.

How are they, Ruth's parents? She doesn't look like either of them? Mike thought.

"Speechless, are we? You know, I don't like liars."

Mike gulps, observing Jordan now. He noticed her hand reach inside her pocket and snatch a cigarette. She pulls it up to her lips while glaring at him still. Mike does not like the looks of her. As he continued to stare, he caught something else. It stuck out of her pocket where she had the cigarette, a pocketknife. Mike flicks his eyes back on her, seeing her jaw square.

Who exactly are these people?

"What are you looking at, Mike?" Jordan asked him.

Mike doesn't flinch; in fact, he puffs his chest. He glares at her, his lips lightly pursing.

"Nothing, Mrs. Greyson. I'm sorry to have bothered you. Have a good day now." Mike answers, turning quickly.

Now that he's met Jordan, Mike has a firm belief that The Greyson's are not who they appear. One of them is not a parent to Ruth, maybe even both. He's going to talk with Stan about what this discovery.

"Hey! Your name is Mike, isn't it?"

Mike looks back, glaring at her with a determined glint. "Yes, Mike Hanlon, the Home School Kid."

Jordan puffs her cigarette, frowning deeply. "Well, Mike Hanlon, the Homes School Kid, I'll let Amber know that her friend came by. That is if she ever turns up again."

Mike didn't like the sound of that. What does she mean by ever turning up? Something is not right here.

He thought about leaving it alone, but his mouth wouldn't stop. "You know, I may have met Ruth once, but she has ginger hair. Why is it none of you do?"

From this short of a distance, Jordan's gaze hardened. "That is none of your damn business, Mike." She viciously snarls.

He opens his mouth to retort, only to close when someone else came on the scene.

"MIKE!"

Mike stiffened slightly, but he turned to the voice. He saw Stan coming towards him, looking frantic.

"What the fuck are you doing? You can't be here," Stan approached, grabbing Mike by the arm.

"And just who the hell are you?" Jonathan demanded with a snarl.

"Don't answer that," Mike whispers urgently, following Stan.

"What the hell is the matter with you? You just got Ruth in deeper trouble, Mike."

"HEY! I'm talking to you, you little_" Jonathan came up from behind and snatched Stan at the collar, yanking him back. Stan yelps, cowering.

Mike snapped. He turned on his heel and clocked Jonathan in the jaw. The man staggers back, releasing Stan's shirt. Stan almost fell with the man, but Mike was quick to stabilize him. He held him up before stepping in front of Stan protectively. An intense fire burned in his coal-black eyes at Jonathan from laying a hand on Stan.

"You listen to me, you sum bitch! You don't come after one of my friends like that ever again. If you so much as lay a hand on him or me, not only will I tell my granddad of what happened, I will go to the authorities and have your short-tempered white ass arrested. You hear me!"

Jonathan glared dangerously at Mike then. "You should not have struck me, boy."

Stan stood behind Mike, mouth gaping and eyes wide. He watched as Mike stood up to the large man, frightened to the core. Stan doesn't like the fact Mike went against his warning and came here. He can't believe himself for coming. Well, Stan had a bad feeling Mike disregarded his advice. He needed to come here and stop Mike. So, he's glad Mike came. Stanley is glancing from Jonathan to Jordan suspiciously. They do not look anything like Ruth.

Wolves in sheep's clothing, Stan's father's voice rang in his ears.

He watched as Jonathan advanced on Mike, getting ready to strike. Except, Jordan intercepts and wrangles him in.

"Enough!" She bellows at him, rage blazing in her forest eyes.

Jordan glares at Jonathan, her lips pursed angrily. "Restrain yourself this instant. Striking the boy will draw unnecessary attention. We don't need that. Now calm the fuck down."

Jonathan glares at Mike then at Stan, frowning. "Fine, sure. If I see either of you two back here again, I will put you in an early grave."

"Did you seriously just threaten us?" Stan boldly questions, his fist trembling at his side.

The male towers, glaring at the teenager with malice. He inches forward, forcing the two back. "Yeah, yeah, I did. Why? You got a problem with that, flamer?"

"Back off, Jonathan," Jordan growls, pulling him away from Mike and Stan.

She glares at him for a moment then towards the boys.

"You boys best get off my property before I call the cops on you for trespassing. If Amber ever does come home, I'll point her in your direction, Mike. Now, leave."

Mike stares at Jordan while Stan pulled him towards their bikes. He sees it in Jordan's eyes, fury. Coming here was a mistake; he can see that now. Mike has an inkling that something horrible is going to happen now. He forced himself to move, following Stan. Mike doesn't take his eyes off Jordan or Jonathan as he climbed on then rushed down the road with Stan in tow.

I must find Ruth!

Jordan watched Mike and Stan rush down the road, scowling angrily. Her fingers twist, snapping the cigarette in half. She turns to Jonathan, pushing him towards the house. Jordan makes one last glance at the street, then entered the threshold where Jonathan started freaking out.

"Son of a fucking bitch! That little slut has been talking! They know!"

"You need to settle the fuck down, Jon. I highly doubt she knows anything."

"How do you know for sure? You saw the way those little punks were looking at us."

"Again, they don't know jack shit! If my nuisance of a daughter did say something, the police would be here by now. Now shut the fuck up."

Jordan approaches the phone, angrily grabbing it despite a nervous twitch of her fingers. "She should have listened to me."

Jonathan grew agitated when he saw Jordan on the phone. "No, no, I can't go back there, Jordan. I can't!"

"Maybe it would be best," Jordan mumbles under her breath.

"Fucking shit, Jo! I don't care if I have to take out a couple of cops or those two boys to not go back to that fucking hell hole. It will be an electric chair for me!" Jonathan frantically screams, pulling his hair.

"You are not going anywhere, dear brother. I'll make sure of that," Jordan reassures.

"How? What are you going to do, Jo?" Jonathan screams again.

"You need to pipe it down. Can't you see the phone in my hand?"

Jonathan glares, "Who the fuck are you calling?"

"Quiet," Jordan instructs harshly while shakily rotating numbers.

"Jo," Jonathan growls, inching towards her.

"Shut up," she grounds.

"I'm warning you, Jordan. Don't you dare call_."

"What?" A male voice demanded through the receiver.

The voice startled Jordan, causing her to flinch and tremble. Her bottom lip quivering then glances at Jonathan, who glowers.

"You need to work on your phone etiquette, Butch." Her voice is soft and low.

"Ah, Christ! What the fuck do you want?"

"Butch, I know we didn't leave on the best of terms, but I need your help."

"Aw, hell! What sort of trouble did you get yourself into this time?"

"It's not me who is in trouble, it's Ruth."

He grunts, "What about the skank?"

"I know you don't like her much, but I'm worried. She's missing."

He chokes, spews, then a clatter of beer cans follows.

"What the fuck? She's missing? When?"

"Yes, she's missing. Ruth hasn't been home for almost a week. I'm starting to worry something has happened to her, but I really don't want to think the worse. Has Henry, by any chance, seen her?"

"HENRY!" Butch yells loudly.

Jordan flinches from his booming voice, tears burning her vision.

"What?" Jordan hears Henry call.

"Where is she?"

"Who?"

"You know who, Ruth. Where is she?"

There is a short pause before Henry stutters. "I haven't seen her for almost two weeks!"

"Bullshit! I know you've seen her around."

"Yeah, several days after she punched me in the fucking nuts!"

"Oh, boohoo! Now, where is she?"

"I swear! I don't know! The guys and I have been looking all over for her! We can't find her anywhere!"

Jordan's features softened and pressed her lips to stifle a whimper.

"Butch," Jordan inquires gently.

Butch groans, "God, fuck damnit if you are lying_."

"I'm not, dad! Call The Cris's or The Huggins' if you like to confirm, but I have not seen Ruth."

"Butch," Jordan calls again, her throat tightening.

Butch sighs, "Fuck. I'll file a missing child report for you. We'll find her, Jo."

"Thank you, Butch. Do me a favor and ask Henry to continue searching for her. If he finds her, have him bring Ruth home. I miss her terribly." She sobs lightly.

Jonathan watched Jordan, biting his knuckle to keep himself quiet.

"Will do, Jo. Take care now, and don't fret. We'll find her." Butch replies solemnly.

"Thank you, Butch. We'll talk soon."

Jordan immediately hangs up and just stares at it. She searched the creamy beige plastic for the tiniest form of comfort as her stomach coiled unpleasantly. Usually, whenever Ruth disappears from here, it's two to three days. Jordan knows her daughter runs off to escape her hell and hangs out somewhere to feel some sort of security. She won't reprimand her for that, of course. Jordan did the same when she was Ruth's age from dealing with her misgivings. The only time she punishes Ruth is when her daughter disobeys or is high off her horses and seeing demons from her past. Jordan is furious with Ruth for breaking her number one rule yet again. However, with her hardwired motherly instincts, Jordan can't help but feel uneasy and frightened for her child. She doesn't know what has become of Ruth. Jordan doesn't know if she is alive, hurt, abducted, or lying in a ditch somewhere dead. The thought made her lips quiver violently, and tears are threatening to fall. Although there is another part of Jordan is glad, Ruth has disappeared. It eases a dark shadow from looming over her shoulders anytime Ruth was near, which always weighed Jordan down like a sack of wet sand plummeting to the bottom of a deep lake.

A banging sound erupted near her ear, snapping Jordan out of her thoughts with a startled yelp and balked backward only to collide into Jonathan's chest.

He stood behind her with his fist balled near the telephone, glaring down at Jordan with a snarl.

"You stupid little bitch, why did you call him?"

Jordan heaves a sigh then stepped out from under him.

"To find Ruth, why else? She disappeared, Jonathan."

"Yeah, I know that, but you could have just called the police department other than that piece of shit."

"I called Butch for a reason! Now shut the fuck up about it, christ!"

His nose flared as Jonathan took a step forward, causing Jordan to flinch. He grins from her cowering, which in turn gave him control of the situation.

"You understand why we need her back, don't you?"

Jordan frowns and diverts her gaze. "I do."

"And do you remember why?"

"Yes," she replies, robotically, then turned her attention elsewhere.

"That's a good girl. And were you crying?"

"No, of course! Do remember I am an actress."

"Who didn't get her chance in the limelight."

"Must you keep reminding me?"

Jordan rebuked before turning sharply away from him and towards the master bedroom.

"Well, if you weren't whoring around with the Cop and Big Shot, and were fertile at the time because you didn't use protection, you would not have gotten pregnant, you stupid bitch."

"I fucking know that! I slept with Rutherford, or Mr. Big Shot, as you put it, was because he was handsome," Jordan replies, as she shakily brought a cigarette to her lips.

"And freaking loaded to the teeth," Jonathan adds.

"Yeah, that, too."

Jonathan studies Jordan for a moment as she lights her cigarette. "You do realize we are both in trouble here, right?"

She glances at him, her features slacked, and showed no emotion.

"I know that."

"So, you know if Amber finds out the truth about anything, we are fucking done."

"I realize that."

"So, why don't we go wherever the dough is stashed and get the fuck out of Derry?"

"It's not that easy," Jordan answers with a ribbon of wispy smoke leaving her lips.

Jonathan glares, "What do you mean?"

"Meaning, Ruth is the sole heir to Rutherford's inheritance, which includes a substantial amount of money and some house. As long as Ruth is alive, we can't touch it."

Jonathan stares horrified. "You've kept the little slut alive this long, why?"

"It states in Rutherford's will: once Ruth comes of age fourteen, everything goes into her name. Her birthday is tomorrow, you know."

"So," he inquires, stalling.

"If you seriously want to go through with this, you would have to make her death look like an accident."

Jonathan bounces on his feet excitedly, grinning madly. "We're going to be filthy rich!"

"Don't get too excited, though. If, for whatever reason, Ruth puts up a fight, Butch will know she was murdered."

"The girl is scrawny, to begin with. What kind of fight can she put up?"

Jordan smiled suddenly, where her dingy whites show, "You never know about people until they are pushed to their limits."

When Jonathan scowls at her, she swiftly turned away and into the master to stare wistfully at the Hidden by Nature poster again, something Jordan does whenever she is stressed.

He watched her leave, hearing her mumble something but couldn't figure out what. He knows this, though, his sister Jordan wished she never met Ruth's father.

Both him and Jordan committed heinous acts. He was already in trouble with the state of Maine and was on trial facing multiple accounts of manslaughter. Of course, this was before Jonathan got sentenced to life imprisonment at Shawshank. He heard about Jordan auditioning for a starring role in a horror slash thriller film. He would have gone to see it for the sake of his only family then.

Their mother left them high and dry when they were kids. He was ten at the time while Jordan was seven. They had a deadbeat father who could care less about them. Jonathan had to step up to the plate and take care of his little sister. That was too great of a burden at such a young age.

They were almost decent kids, too. Jordan excelled in her studies and became one of those popular girls. Not the cliché kind where she is the head cheerleader dating the school's star quarterback. That was not Jordan. Jordan was a popular nerd and had a tremendous gift in acting. She was also considered the school's slut, which caused a lot of break-ups. Apparently, she was a good lay as one of the boys Jordan slept with put it. Jonathan was happy to knock their teeth out of his skull. Even though Jordan was the well-known, nerdy slut, she was also strange and unusual. She always complained about too much negativity surrounding her and sought attention from the weird emo looking kids, along with a few aspiring actresses in drama class. They seemed to provide Jordan with some sort of happiness when home life was already fuck up.

Jonathan was the silent, observant introvert who was extremely protective of his sister. Whenever he beat up a boy, everyone assumed it was the other guy. They never suspected him. Of course, it caught up with him when his father laid hands on Jordan. Jonathan beat his father to the point of killing him. The authorities would have arrested him if he and his sister hadn't fled the city of Portland to come here. From there, things looked up for them.

Unfortunately, their luck ran out by the time they were in their early adult years. Jordan got her part in an upcoming major film while he got arrested. Other than his father, Jonathan, killed other people. He went to Shawshank with no hope of parole or bail. Jordan was whoring around with the cop when she met Ruth's father. The guy had money. Jordan figured she would sleep with the guy, get his help, and use that money to bail Jonathan out, not that he needed it. He couldn't get bail, even if he wanted. Shit went downhill from there.

Oh, well, Jordan will get the revenge she wants soon. I, for one, desire it more, Jonathan thought.

He stalked towards the master. A metaphorical lightbulb went off, and an evil grin surfaced, "Oh, Jordan."

Jonathan sees her from behind the door, watching Jordan lightly cry.

"Baby sister," he calls.

Jordan hesitantly looks his way, her eyes red and tears streaming. She gulps, trembling under his intense gaze.

"Yes, big brother," Jordan quavered.

"You know I will do anything for you, JoJo. So, I have an idea I'm certain you will accept."

She shook violently with eyes widening to dollars and jaw squared.

"No," Jordan growls with a snap of her cigarette.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me! I'm not going through with it."

Jonathan storms forward with fists balled at his sides and jaw set; his eyes burned, and nose flared angrily as he approached the door with the intent of wailing on her.

Upon approaching, Jordan pushes him back with tremendous force. He falls backward and lands squarely on his back, then the door slammed with a defiant snap.

"You stay the fuck away from me!"

From behind the paneling, Jonathan swiftly stood to his feet and collided into the door, causing the doorknob to rattle.

"Goddamnit, Jordan! Open the fucking door this instant!"

"Fuck you!"

His balled fists started pounding at the thick wood paneling, which began to show hairline cracks.

"Open the door!"

"Go away!"

Jordan pressed her back against the door and feet planted on the floor. She held her ground in keeping the door from swinging open while clutching onto something in her palm and mumbling under her breath.

"Damnit, Jordan! Open the door!"

She strains, her barrier between him and his fists that are bound to land upon her flesh, is slipping. Jordan felt her brother's wrath one too many times when they were teenagers. They are close, like siblings should, but her brother has a love of which is unhealthy and destructive. Jonathan loves Jordan in more ways than she wants; it frightens her more than the illusion of her past floating in front of her every day. She hates the way he looks at her as if Jordan were his salvation, but deep down, Jonathan knew she wasn't the entrance to righteousness. He gets this sense of joy, intimidating her into submission and gets his way; rather, Jordan likes it or not. If Jordan loses herself and abides by his destructive nature, she ends up further in her own darkness.

The door jolts harshly from behind her, causing Jordan to lose concentration. Her palms slap against the cold surface of the floor, adding weight to her back as she pressed against the paneling. Her lips move frantically, either mumbling a prayer or wishing for him to leave.

"Jordan! Open up, baby girl! Now!"

Jordan refused to respond or may be concentrated on the words that flowed from her lips.

She didn't hear Jonathan growl and punched the door. It grew silent afterward, leaving Jordan to the sounds of the house. It creaked, groaned, and popped, one noise snapped Jordan's eyes open... footsteps. It sounded they were retreating, leaving Jordan be for now. She sighs heavily from holding a breath, relieved. Jordan slowly stood to her feet, listening still for any noises that would disturb the silence. Nothing.

Jordan waited a moment to make sure everything is indeed calm before she could leave the confines of her room. She cautiously turns the knob and eases the door open only a hair. Jordan peers through the crack, searching in the shadows for Jonathan's waiting form. She doesn't see him. Jordan hesitates, unsure if she should trust her surroundings. It's too quiet, and that is more alarming than not seeing her brother nearby. For all she knew, Jonathan could be hiding in one of the closets in the hallway, the bathroom, or kitchen. She is not going to play the dumb blonde card and investigate. In fact, being prepared for the worse, Jordan silently reaches for a baseball bat that sat nearby. She snatches it then stood away from the door, raising her weapon, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

The one thing Jordan didn't think about is the windows directly behind her. She realized straight away why the house is so quiet; Jonathan went around the house to enter through one of the windows in the master. There was a creak, setting her off like a firecracker on the fourth of July. She whirls and swung, hitting Jonathan at his shoulder with a thwack. He shouts but doesn't let Jordan's attack faze him. Jonathan reaches for her, but she swiftly struck him again, once on his thigh, then his stomach. Jonathan doubles over but refused to fall. He snatched the bat and pulled, resulting in Jordan to stumble and unwillingly gave Jonathan the upper hand. He forces her backward and onto the bed, holding Jordan down with the bat at her throat. She gags, struggling to breathe and attempted to push him off, her feet kicking.

Jonathan glares down at her, snarling viciously and with that dangerous look in his eyes.

"Don't you back out on me, you fucking whore!"

Jordan gasped, trying to form a word but couldn't.

"I don't care if you're gaining a conscious, but you are going through with it rather you like or not!"

Jordan continued to gasp for air, her fight slowly slipping. She sputters his name, tears brimming her eyes as she stared at him.

He threateningly presses the smooth wooden bat harder on Jordan's throat. "You are going to listen to my plan, you little fucking whore. If you ever attempt to betray me, I will kill you, Jordan. I don't give a flying fuck if you are my sister or not, do you understand me?"

She struggled at first, but Jordan quickly nodded in agreement, whimpering.

Satisfied, Jonathan removed the bat from her throat. She coughed and sucked in air, trembling from head to toe as fear still coursed through her veins. The last thing Jordan expected is the bat striking her. The impact instantly knocked her out, already leaving a nasty bruise on the left side of her head.

It clatters to the floor, then Jonathan immediately turned to leave the room. He stops though to glance at the motionless Jordan, a sick grin crossed his lips. Jonathan hastily approaches his unconscious sister, lightly touching her face, neck, and chest.

"Once your little whore of a daughter is out of the way, you will be all mine, my sweet baby sister."

Jonathan leans over her and pecks a kiss where the bruise developed at Jordan's left temple then the corner of her mouth.

"So sweet," he whispers as Jonathan caressed her jaw then pulled away.

He exits the room with a pep in his step, leaving Jordan lying on the bed, who ends up grimacing and stifles a sob the moment Jonathan left.

Thursday, July 20

Twenty-four hours later, around 7:30 p.m.

It's been a week now, Ruth, sadly thought.

It's true, a week slowly went by for Ruth. There was no excitement or laughter. She kept her distance from Pennywise for a reason. After learning the horrible truth about his nature, Georgie's death, and Pennywise hurting Ben, Ruth needed time alone. She was going through a conflict of emotions at the time. Ruth was furious at him. She didn't like the fact Pennywise was going around killing people. At the same time, though, she desperately wanted to understand. Pennywise, who became her protector, made Ruth smile and laugh. She thought about forgiving him on the spot, but her grief for Georgie was overshadowed. Ruth doesn't even like the fact she made him stay away. She cried for hours and well into the night for being cruel to him. Pennywise showed concern for her, and Ruth was a bitch towards him. She at least kept her promise to him in not returning to the hell hole.

Despite everything, the time away gave her time to think. She needed it. Ruth came to a couple of conclusions: she likes both Mike and Stan, yet Ruth is growing overly fond of Pennywise.

Ruth's crush on Mike is understandable. Mike is kind, honest, and heroic. He saved her life and offered safety at his home. She thought about going there but opted not to. Ruth didn't want to be bombarded with questions and regularly watched over. They probably wouldn't, though. Leroy and Mike would give her space until she was ready to talk. They're dependable people. Ruth could count on them if she needed help.

Ruth cares about Stan. She knows the cute boy has a crush on her. Ruth realized he was when they met at the drug store several weeks ago. Stan gives her the butterflies and can be flirtatious with him. Although Ruth does the same to Mike. Except, he doesn't get fidgety or compliments her. Stan is like that with her, which he also manages to make Ruth smile and blush. Ruth is beginning to think she has more of a crush on him than Mike. Stan cares about her. If he didn't, Stan wouldn't have directed Ruth to his hiding spot outside of Derry. Ruth made sure to give him a clue she went there.

Ruth went there to hide and think. During her time away, Ruth couldn't stop thinking about Pennywise. Well, the creature that is Pennywise. He provided Ruth with the attention she never received before and craved. While Mike and Stan showed concern towards her in their own way, Pen displayed a little more. Granted, he always liked to scare her and pretend he doesn't care. Ruth knows better. She can read people and creatures well. He cares but is probably denying his affections like she was before.

She finally accepted her own affections for the evil being. Ruth realizes Pennywise is murdering people, except there is a reason for it. He didn't explain why he would. She concluded he kills to survive. Ruth compared him to a bear, sort of. Bears eat the necessary intake of their diet before winter hibernation. Pennywise must do the same thing. He preys on children who have lost their innocence to survive. Their fear is his salt, a seasoning to taste better.

How Ruth came to that conclusion? Ruth reached a thorough understanding of his habits, mannerisms, behavior, and perceptions. There is something about the evil being of which stuck out. The creature, whatever Pennywise is, who has been here far longer than man, is probably alone. Ruth doesn't know that for sure, though. She wondered if Pennywise understands or knows what his real vulnerabilities are? He could feel fear if the being in him is overpowered by someone much mightier than he. Ruth is a perfect example. She isn't afraid of him anymore, because Pennywise is powerless with her around. The only thing he can do is the comical jump scares.

Ruth knows he is not human and can't express emotions like she can. The creature is not empathetic, compassionate, let alone kind. Except, he is different towards her. Is she a buffer of the sort? It would explain why Pennywise went out of his way to make Ruth smile. Her defense against his hostility could be ricocheting towards his emotionless heart. It's an intriguing outlook, to say the least. Is it true, though? Ruth must find out from him.

Once Ruth understood everything on her own terms, she decided to leave her hideout. She needs to see Pennywise again. Ruth misses their dynamic, the semi-predictable routine, the scares, and see the forms he takes. Hell, Ruth enjoys the minimal exchanges they have. They had an odd relationship. Is there hope to rekindle their bond? Ruth would like to think so. That is, of course, he doesn't hate her. She gave him a good reason to kill her now. Ruth still wants him to. Dying would release Ruth from this ungodly world that has anchored her body.

Except, Ruth would like to explore their odd relationship further. Despite everything he has done, Ruth won't ever forget their time together dancing. His gesture in cheering her up was monumental. That wasn't Pennywise the Evil Dancing Clown she saw. He was someone else. Pennywise saw Ruth's anguish, and instead of killing her, he made Ruth genuinely smile. She has never smiled so much or laughed with joy in her life. He did something for her when no one else ever will. Ruth loves that fun side she drew out of him.

I must go back. I know I've worried Pen and hurt him terribly. He needs to explain himself further. I didn't give Pen that opportunity. Hopefully, he's not horribly mad at me. I do wonder if he searched for me despite my cruel request to stay away. I miss him a lot, Ruth thought.

Ruth blithely walked down the road, lightly smirking. She's five minutes away from the Neibolt House. In a way, she's excited to see him but is nervous.

Unbeknownst to her, Belch's Trans-Am sped up from behind. The blare of his horn startled Ruth, snapping her out of her daze. She stops, mouth gaping.

Oh, shit and Shinola!

She thought about running, but it was too late. The car squealed to a stop. Henry quickly came up from behind and snatched her. Ruth screams, struggling to fight him off.

"We looked everywhere for you, sweet cheeks," Victor replies, approaching Henry struggling with her.

He watched as Henry tried to hoist Ruth off the ground.

"Get off of me!" Ruth screamed, twisting in his arms.

"Henry, go easy, please," Belch pleaded.

He stood to the side, watching Ruth struggle to get free. Belch wanted to step in and help, but he knew what would happen. He saw Ruth glance over at him, begging for aid. Belch stares apologetically, frowning. The look in her eye explained it all. She is disappointed in him right now but understood. Belch can't do anything to jeopardize their secret relationship.

Fuck me, Belch says to himself guiltily.

"Shut up! Quit squirming." Henry bellows.

"Damnit, Henry, let go!" Ruth yells, fighting to get free still.

"Nope. I was instructed by your mother to return you home," Henry informed.

He stops trying to pull her off the ground at her chest. Instead, Henry stoops, grabs at her thighs, then flings Ruth over his shoulder.

"HEY! Henry, you son of a bitch, let me down!"

Ruth punches and slaps at his back, growling. "LET ME DOWN!" She enunciates.

"No can do, princess. You had Jordan worried sick. She wants you home."

Victor watched as Henry carried Ruth to the car, a sickening feeling developed in his gut. He sees something in her eyes that Henry failed to notice. Ruth is terrified.

What is she afraid of? Aw, crap, I don't like this, Victor thought to himself.

"Damnit, Henry! Let me down! I can't go back there! Please, don't take me back!" Ruth screams, desperately slapping and punching his back.

I can't go back there, I just can't!

"OW! Fucking shit, bitch! You're going back, rather you like it or not."

He approached the car, shoving her in. Ruth fights still, kicking and pushing him away. She tries to escape, but Henry prevents her from doing so. He crawls in after Ruth, cramming her towards the back. Henry situated himself close to Ruth and wrapped an arm around her.

"Argh, damnit Henry, let_."

Henry slaps a hand over her mouth, muffling her shouts.

"Shh, you'll draw attention," he purrs in Ruth's ear, stroking her neck.

Ruth violently shakes, her lips tremble from underneath Henry's hand. She wants to cry and will. A few tears rolled from her eyes as Henry continued to trail his fingers down her neck.

Henry turns to Belch, who stood outside the car. "Get your ass in and let's go, Belch," he starts. He eyes Ruth again, caressing her arm now. "We need to drop off the precious cargo."

Belch reluctantly follows his instruction with a frown. He climbed in, watching Ruth from the rearview mirror. He blinks slowly, which Ruth's frightened gaze softens, only a little. With a sigh, Belch regards Henry.

"Remove your hands from her, Henry," he instructs.

Henry glares hardly. "Excuse me?"

"Dude, you may be the boss, but this is my car. Now, get your hands off her. Ruth won't make a sound, right?" Belch ordered, watching Ruth.

She quickly nods, promising him she won't scream or shout.

Henry eyes the two for a moment with a sneer, then he removes his hands from her. When he did, Ruth pulls far away from him. She sits on the opposite end of Henry. He watched her for a moment, scowling then turned to Victor, who stood outside the vehicle.

"Yo, what the hell Vic? Get your ass in here, man." Henry barks.

Vic remained to stay where he was, fear webbing through her veins like wildfire. "I don't think we should take her home, Henry."

Henry glared, "I don't give a flying fuck what you think. Now get your ass in here!"

"Henry, hear me out," Vic argues, the sickening feeling intensifying.

"Henry, I really think you," Belch started but is talked over.

"Shut up! You don't think you don't even tell me what I should do. Now get in the car and let's go!"

Victor watches Henry, defeated. He sighs then moved towards the car. Once inside, Vic glances over at Ruth, who stares at him in fright. He knows they should not take her back home.

"Move it," Henry ordered towards Belch.

With a heavy sigh, Belch reluctantly listens to Henry. He makes a final glance at Ruth, who stared down at the floor. Belch hates this for her.

I'm so sorry, Ruth, Belch thought to himself. He then drove her back home of which will be Ruth's soon to be grave.