lA/N: Hello, everyone. I hope you all had a wonderful week and a lovely Valentine's Day with your beaus.
I would have posted an update last night if I hadn't fallen asleep working on my laptop and on the bed— the spot where I mostly write anyway.
I had to break this chapter into two parts; I might even have a third depending on the length. So, it's a bit of a lengthy chapter.
There is a time jump where an event is mentioned but hasn't made it into a chapter yet. There will be some flashbacks from here going into the next update. The full occurrence will be unveiled two chapters from now. So, don't get confused once you get to it. There is a reason for my methods.
At some point, I might go back and give the chapters titles. Thoughts?
Anyway, I hope you all enjoy the read, and reviews are much appreciated, regardless of what you say. :)
… Eight months later …
Sometime in August
… Jump
It's warm, sunny, and quiet, except for the songs of birds from the treetops. A light breeze blew through the leaves, rustling them gently like whispers.
The quarry is a beautiful place, especially in the summertime. Hardly anybody can see you from the road because of the thick foliage of greenery. The edge certainly has a beautiful view, too. It overlooks a long stretch of the barrens with a glistening lake.
Ruth is sure the water below is exceptionally refreshing. She stood right at the edge, her lifeless and emotionless eyes stared at the crest of the somewhat placid surface.
It's a long way down, she thought blandly.
… Jump
She breathes steadily, leaning slowly to peer past the ledge and at the spot of where she might land.
No rocks are there.
At least then she wouldn't bust her head open upon crashing into the water.
Once you step off, there is no going back, a little voice in her head reminded.
"I know," Ruth replies out loud, acknowledging them.
She clears her throat, gazing out to the other side as fear crept in her bones.
"But I don't know if I can," she mutters, her eyes burning from keeping the tears at bay.
It's okay. You can do it, the voice urged.
"Can I?"
Yes, you can. It's okay, just jump.
"Yeah, yeah, I can. I can jump," Ruth mumbles.
She flinches to make the jump only to stop from a thought, stepping back an inch.
"What if, during the free fall, I end up on an angle and break my back or neck? Or what if I never resurface?"
You'll be okay, the voice reassured. Go on, jump, and let it all go. You'll feel free.
"Free?"
Free from what, heartache? From pain and fear? What will I be free of? Ruth questions.
"Hey, Ruth!" someone shouts for her.
Ruth blinks into awareness, then gazed back down at the water and saw Richie, along with the other six, waiting on her.
"Come on, girly! The water is great!" she hears Mike yell up at her.
For a moment, Ruth forgot where she was and had to think about how she got here.
"Oh," Ruth mutters, slightly shaken.
Did I just space out?
Ruth remembers now. Her, along with the other Losers, came here to the quarry to hang out and swim.
She cleared her throat again and peered over. "Oh, boy, that's a long way down."
Ruth has come here plenty of times with them and was able to jump in. But why is she hesitating now? Maybe it has something to do with the nightmare Ruth had last night. Ruth has a lot of them lately, but she knows it's not Pennywise's handy work. Besides, Pennywise made it abundantly clear they shouldn't be together anymore. He's avoiding her like the plague, which hurt Ruth's darkening heart even more. Ruth hates it, too.
She misses him so very much. Ruth hasn't had a good laugh in eight months, no wait a little longer than that. It has been that long since she last saw him. It's been since Christmas, Ruth had a laugh. She hasn't smiled brightly since then either. Pennywise brought her joy despite his goofy evilness.
She felt her bottom lip tremble and vision blurring from unshed tears. Ruth saw a flash of him grinning wildly while he built his snowman. She also saw Pennywise in his human form, hovering over her in the snow. The loving, tender kiss they shared filled her with absolute joy. Now, Ruth craves his touch. These flashes of him only made her wish she didn't fuck up so bad.
God, I miss him so much.
"Penny," Ruth quavers in a whisper.
"It doesn't matter what happens between us. Rather we fight, or something draws up apart; we stick together." Ruth had told him when she was in the hospital after the fall.
Did he forget?
From down below, Richie and the others watched as Ruth stood at the edge unmoving.
Eddie glances over at Mike, "Why isn't she coming down?"
"I don't know. She was able to do it before."
Beverly glared at the two, then at Ruth. "Maybe she's thinking about jumping to end her suffering? Do you remember what happened two weeks ago?"
"I know I do. But you must remember how upset Ruth was when she discovered her boyfriend missing. Ruth misses him a lot. She really hasn't been the same since she came out of hiding." Ben defends.
"Attempting to commit suicide is not her missing this schmo. The spoiled lunatic just can't handle being alone."
"Shut up, Beverly. How would you like it if the guy you really liked just suddenly disappeared on you?" Stan snaps, getting tired of Beverly treating Ruth like dirt still.
Stan might not be in Ruth's good graces, but he truly feels horrible for her. He hates seeing the girl he still harbors feelings for like this. Ruth is hurting, and Stan is not even sure how to help. Talking to her about it has proven fruitless since she won't open up to him anymore. Granted, they still talk but not private stuff. From what Stan understands, it's the same thing with Mike. Ruth won't speak to Mike about her emotions, either. Even though she is under the Hanlon's roof, Ruth will not openly speak.
Although, strangely and shockingly enough to him and the others, Ruth has taken an interest in speaking with Richie. Yes, Richie "Trash Mouth, Gray Water" Tozier is buddies with Ruth. How this happened? Stan wished he knew because their interactions are so bizarre that they act like semi-dysfunctional siblings now. Although he is glad that they are getting along.
Stan just wished Beverly and Ruth would. When Richie invited Ruth into the group, Beverly protested with hostility. She cut Ruth down to the point of making her feel small and unwelcome, causing Ruth to cry. He, along with the guys, instantly tried to defend her as she didn't deserve that kind of treatment anymore. Not because Ruth is Rutherford's daughter as most of Derry refers to her by. No, they see her as just Ruth Greyson. However, Beverly remains to see Ruth as the disease and unwanted child. They're rivals, and there's really no smoothing it out. So, when Beverly tore Ruth down, Ruth dejectedly removed herself from the group. Even when Richie begged for her to stay, she refused. If Beverly continues treating her with hostility, then there was no need to hang around them and left.
She ended up disappearing for two weeks.
It scared them, too. The gang didn't know what could have happened or where Ruth had gone.
Thankfully, Eddie and Bill found Ruth hanging around the abandoned train cars near Neibolt. A peculiar place to be in their opinions. She looked reasonably well, too, for being away from any sort of washing facilities. Eddie wondered if he and Bill discovered Ruth's hiding spot. Regardless of their discovery, they cautiously approached Ruth and asked if she would rejoin their group. Besides, Bill wanted Ruth somewhere safe and not out in the world without anyone to support her. He understood Ruth's pain and gave her the comfort she needed, convincing her to join.
Needless to say, Ruth's relationships with the Losers changed for the better now that Jordan and Jonathan are officially out of the picture.
They not too recently threw a fantastic surprise birthday party for Ruth. It was a gesture to make up for all the horrible ones she had in the past. Ruth's fourteenth birthday was the worst of them all. Well, except for Robert coming to her rescue and giving her a few smalls gifts, along with her first red velvet cupcake.
Ever since Ruth came out of hiding, things seemed pretty much natural. However, they can tell that not everything is okay. Stan, along with the guys and Beverly, sees there is something wrong. Ruth appears happy, but deep down, she struggles with deep emotional pain; the several suicide attempts made that clear. They're not sure if it has anything to do with her childhood trauma or the fact this Robert guy helped keep her sanity in check.
The Losers are helping Ruth the best they can in comforting and supporting her. From what Stan understands, Mike is secretly trying to find her best friend. Its apparent Ruth needs Robert around. Without him, she is not truly happy or sane.
So, for Beverly to insult Ruth about her mental health and Robert it is only making matters worse. The constant bullying of Ruth for being the spoiled only child of a well-acclaimed artist is hurtful as well. Somehow, they need to get Beverly to see things from Ruth's perspective.
Beverly will understand soon enough.
Stan noticed her glaring at him with a purse of her lips and arms crossed. He rolls his eyes from the girl's defiance, glaring at Beverly equally. She eventually turns in the water to face the shore, pouting.
Growing frustrated at Ruth's sudden reluctance to join them, Richie coaxes her.
"Come on, Ginger Snap. Stop being a wuss and get your ass down here."
Ruth, who barely heard him, snapped out of her heartbroken daze and glances down at the water below with a purse of her lips.
"Who are you calling a wuss, Gray Water?" She shouts, trembling still from her sudden fear of heights.
Richie glances around at his friends before turning to Ruth again.
"Uh, hello? You're about the only one who hasn't jumped in yet. What's the matter, Ru?"
Ruth frowns at the nickname, not really fond of it for some reason. She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, waltzing away from the edge.
Richie sags in the water, sighing heavily.
"She's not a wuss," Bill stuttered with a frown.
"I know she's not. She's freaking more ballsy than Ginger B over there, so I don't get why Ruth is not jumping in."
"Maybe," Bill struggled at first. "She's going through a lot more than we think."
Richie blinks, gazing at the water to consider something. Ruth has told him some pretty private things and won't repeat it to anyone else in their group. She actually trusts him now. He's not sure why Ruth would gravitate towards him, but Richie is glad he's the one she can trust enough. If he hadn't found her by the kissing bridge crying New Year's morning and comforted her, maybe he and Ruth wouldn't be close now.
"It's possible," he ventures with a shrug. "I take that back! You're not a wuss! Just take your time!"
"While we wait, let's play a game of Marco Polo," Ben suggests.
"Not it!" They all say in unison, except for Bill, since he was the slowest.
Ruth did what Richie suggested, took her time. She sat several feet away from the edge and using a stick to draw random symbols. Ruth has found herself doing this a lot more lately than usual. Her drawing aimlessly and of strange motifs made Ruth wonder if they are factual or fictional. She'll figure it out later, though. For now, Ruth needs to refocus herself.
She heaves a sigh, concentrating on the dirt and lightly mumbled. Ruth is not sure what she is saying, but it's calming her to a degree.
"Close your eyes if you don't believe. Close them and see," Ruth mumbles.
Ruth did just that. She closed her eyes, concentrating on not believing in her sudden fear of heights. When she did, Ruth saw something else in her mind, Pennywise. He stood at the edge with his big goofy grin and holding a dozen or more red balloons, which bounced and rubbed gently in the breeze.
"Since when are you afraid of heights, Ruth?" He questions, his buck teeth showing from his jovial grin. "I know you well enough that you are not afraid of something so simple as heights."
His eyes widen from an idea.
"Ooh, I know. I'll jump with you."
Ruth scuffs, smiling. "Wouldn't you just sink with that poufy clown suit of yours, Penny Pen?"
Pennywise childly gawks, "What? It's not poufy, you irritating child. It's just extra material."
"It's poufy," Ruth mused then stood up from her spot.
He grins wildly and giggles. "Come on, Ruth!"
Pennywise turns to face the edge but glanced over his shoulder at Ruth.
"Ready?'
Ruth mirrors his grin, "Ready."
She runs towards the edge then took the leap, jumping simultaneously with Pennywise.
"Yoo-hoo!"
Ruth beams brightly, finally feeling some sort of freedom from the darkness which plagued her heart. His absence depressed her to the point of hiding from the others for a while. What life is there if Ruth didn't have her best friend around to help coax her into overcoming her childish fears? She missed him a lot. Ever since New Year's, Ruth hasn't seen him around. It probably had something to do with the heated conversation and break-up they had New Year's Eve.
That is a night Ruth will never forget. It haunts and fulfills her dreams at night, even leaves her feeling… desired. He did something for her, well for both of them. They needed one more night before officially going their separate ways. It hurts still, but Ruth is sure to get past it once things get better for her. At least, she hopes.
Ever since Ruth came out of hiding, her life changed drastically. Instead of staying at Neibolt like she had planned, the officials pushed her into a foster home. They wanted her to be safe with a married couple who knew how to handle cases like Ruth's. This pissed her off to no end, which resulted in Ruth taking action herself. Needless to say, no one knew how frightening Ruth can be when pushed past her limit. There is even visual proof of Ruth's wrath. Since they didn't know what they were dealing with, or why Ruth acted one way then the next, the authorities fearfully gave her the option to go wherever she wanted.
Ruth was headstrong in staying at Neibolt. Of course, the authorities didn't know that bit of information. When that cloud blew over, and Ruth was ready to settle in at the place she called home, Leroy Hanlon approached her. He was extremely polite and offered Ruth safety at his residence. Leroy even asked if she would be okay in helping out with chores around the house and working on the farm. She was reluctant at first, but eventually, after careful consideration, Ruth decided to stay with the Hanlon's.
When Pennywise found out where she was staying, he wasn't exactly pleased. Despite their separation, he hunted her down and demanded an explanation. Granted, Ruth was glad to see him but told Pennywise her motives behind this decision. It would keep people from looking for her in unexpected places. The one place they would look was Neibolt. She didn't want her secret safe house to be discovered. Ruth promised him she will come to Neibolt at night. She stayed true to her promise since then.
Although, now it's becoming hard to sneak out to go there. It's out of Ruth's hands, though. After two suicide attempts, Leroy has put her on a twenty-four seven surveillance. If Ruth were honest, she doesn't remember them very well. Her unware efforts prompted him to take action and have Ruth go to therapy sessions, which she hates with a burning passion. The therapist is not helping at all. They keep probing Ruth into speaking about her childhood and any recent events. Their insistence promotes a different problem. Ruth gets uncharacteristically ferocious within seconds. They believe Ruth just has severe anger issues and advised anger management classes. Not helping either.
For Ruth to take this jump with Pennywise, who she believes is there, made her feel that sense of freedom. Ruth forgot about all the bullshit she is going through now then plummets into the water with a crashing slap, enveloping her into the cold depths. She sinks deep like a boulder, her arms outstretched like the wings of an angel about to take flight. Ruth freely floated in the murky blue, motionless and facing downwards.
From down below, the Losers heard Ruth shout. They glanced over in the nick of time to see her silver bikini swimsuit with red ribbons plummet into the water. She makes a big splash into the water, much bigger than it should. Oblivious to the way Ruth landed, they hooted and hollered.
"Yoo-hoo," Richie exclaimed with arms raised. "Nice!"
"About time you joined us," Beverly comments snidely, not caring either way.
Stan glares at her before shifting his attention to the spot where Ruth should surface. He waited a moment when something about her drop didn't sit well. The others didn't seem to notice.
"Why isn't she coming up?" Stan questioned.
Eddie turned, wondering himself. "She probably went a little further down considering her body mass. Just give her a second, Stanley."
He, along with Richie and Mike, watched for Ruth to crest. When they didn't see her surface after another minute, panic started to bubble in their stomachs.
"Ruth?" Richie called.
"Come on, girly! You're scaring us here!"
When Ruth failed to show, someone other than themselves started after her. They propelled forwards, maneuvering in the water like a skilled swimmer. They didn't get a good look to see who it was when they dived. That's when it hit them.
"Oh, shit," Eddie mutters.
"Ruth!" Richie yells, then swam in the direction the other swimmer went, not even bothering to figure out who it was that went to go rescue Ruth.
Mike, along with the others, watched helplessly as Richie dived. He glances around to see who is not among them. Mike sees Bill, Ben, of course, Eddie, and…
He hears someone breach the water, gasping for air. Mike turned in time to see Beverly take deep breaths then dives back in the water, looking frantic. Not seconds later, Richie breached gasping for breath as well then went back under.
"Oh, shit," Eddie repeats then started swimming towards where they settled their belongings. He needs to prepare in preforming CPR on Ruth but also needs to calm his nerves. Eddie is already panicking.
The moment he climbed out of the water and grabbed a towel to prop Ruth's head, Beverly and Richie emerged. They sputtered briefly then started towards Eddie, dragging a motionless Ruth with them.
"Eddie! She's not breathing!" Beverly shouts.
"Oh, shit," Eddie repeats, picking at his fingers and pacing.
"Eds, get your shit together, man!" Richie barks, propping Ruth's head to keep from falling backward into the water.
"He's right. Get it together, Dr. K," Eddie mutters, pacing and watching Ruth with urgency.
The others quickly swam up from behind, helping Beverly and Richie carry Ruth once they reached shallow water.
"Come on, lay her here," Eddie quickly instructs then falls to his knees.
Once they settled Ruth's unconscious form next to Eddie, they stepped back to watch while catching their breath.
"Ruth! Can you hear me? Ruth!"
When she doesn't respond to his voice, Eddie immediately started the necessary steps of compressions.
Richie stood a few feet away, staring at Ruth in fright. He felt as if this has happened before, like déjà vu. Thankfully, the nightmares he had a long while ago stopped. At least the ones with a waterlogged Ruth showing up in his room and strangling him. Richie rarely has dreams of her death now. He's glad they're not constant anymore. However, this seems like one of them. Ruth is unconscious and not breathing; she took in too much water. If Eddie doesn't revive her, his nightmare will come true.
"Come on, Ruth, wake up," he whispers.
"Damnit, Ruth, come on, breath!" Eddie shrieked, compressing still.
"What the hell happened?" Mike questioned, disturbed at the situation.
"How the hell should I know? She was fine not twenty minutes ago!"
"You were the last one to jump before she did!"
Eddie snapped his gaze on Mike to retort but is interrupted.
"Guys, stop," Beverly butts in, remaining calm yet still frantic.
Mike heaved a sigh while Eddie returned his attention back on Ruth to perform the second step.
"Remember who he's trying to save here. Ruth goes off like a flip of a switch. For all, we know Miss Lunatic here probably tried to drown herself."
"Why would you assume that, huh?" Stan inquires bitterly. "I know you don't like her, Beverly, but for crying out loud, stop being a bitch towards her. She's going through a lot right now. Ruth doesn't need to be treated like she was before still."
Beverly glared, slowly sighing. "Sorry," she whispered.
They fell quiet minus Eddie, who is now breathing into Ruth's mouth.
"Come on, come on," Eddie mumbles to himself while the others stood around.
Bill and Ben stood at Ruth's feet, both searching for any clues that would hint to Ruth's current condition. Bill was the one to notice blood on Ruth's toes. He snaps his gaze to the cliff, deciphering how Ruth could have tripped. There's really nothing that would cause her to, but the possibility of stumbling and smashing her foot on the edge might be the cause. Something else occurred to him.
Bill rushed over to Eddie's bag, rustling about.
Stan noticed, "What are you doing?"
"Her foot," he stuttered at first. Bill took a breathe, remembering the little side sessions with Ruth.
Breathe, relax, speak slowly, and be confident, he tells himself.
"Ruth must have hurt her foot before the jump. Her big toe is banged up pretty good and bleeding. Ben, can you help me with cleaning it?"
"Yeah, sure."
Once Bill returned to Ben's side with the first aid kit, they both went to work.
Eddie bolts upward, looking frantic. "You mean to tell me she has an injury, and you didn't say anything?"
"We only just now noticed. Jeez, don't have a coronary."
"Dude! Do you know how many microorganisms, pathogens, and bacteria there are in this lake?"
"Too many, I know. Just do what you need to do, and I, well, Bill and I, tend to her injury."
Beverly rolled her eyes at the bickering males, watching with mild interest. She glances at Ruth's slacked features, noting the double helix of her freckles getting darker. Something Beverly found interesting. Bev then noticed Ruth's eyes twitching, thinking she is awake. Upon closer inspection, Ruth is still very much unconscious. Beverly observed Ruth, waiting for her to start coming around.
Wait, is she dreaming? Beverly thought to herself.
"Come on, Ruth! Breath!" Eddie wheezed, bending, and breathed into Ruth's mouth.
"Come on, girly," Mike mouthed as he collapsed onto the ground, watching helplessly.
While Bill and Ben tended to her scraped toe, Eddie resuscitating Ruth, and everyone else waiting for her to wake, Ruth relived her meet with Pennywise New Year's Eve. He's about the only one keeping her going despite everything. Ruth may have Richie as a friend now, but who knows how long it will last. Everything she gains is short-lived. It almost feels like Ruth is not meant to have anyone close in her life. Why, though?
It's nearly a week now, and Ruth has yet to find Pennywise. She searched for him in the sewers, his lair, even inside the Neibolt House. He is nowhere to be found, and it is scaring her. Her deadline is approaching quickly, and Ruth needs to figure out what to do real soon. A new year will begin in three hours. Ruth has a plan in mind, but she must speak with Pennywise about this. If she came out of hiding without his knowing, Pennywise will feel even more betrayed. Ruth doesn't want to hurt him to the point of losing him and their friendship or whatever it is they have now. She cares way too much for him to give up.
Ruth found herself back at the Neibolt House, searching in the shadows of the basement for him. Alas, no cold prickle ran along her back. She frowns as desperation took root. Ruth must figure out a way to draw him out before dawn. She is sure Mike wants her to emerge by morning anyway.
She shuddered a violent sigh of a sob then collapses near the well. Thick tears streamed down her cheeks, choking back a wail.
"God, fuck, I am so fucking stupid," Ruth mumbled with a struggle.
Her back pressed against the rock and head laid on the ledge. Ruth's fingers unknowingly traced unusual patterns and symbols within the grime, mumbling incoherently before whispering a tune.
"I hear the ticking of the clock. I'm lying here, the room's pitch dark. I wonder where you are tonight. No answer on the" Ruth trails off when she heard a sound, or maybe a voice.
"Ruth?"
Ruth gasps and snaps her head up from the ledge to stare into the darkness. She strained her eyes to see who had spoken, but Ruth already knew who it was. There is an exciting flip in her stomach, and heart burst alive from hearing their voice.
She shuddered a sigh, lightly smiling. "Pen."
Ruth quickly stood, ecstatic when she saw his golden-orange eyes appear in the inky black.
"Ruth! Come on! Wake up!" Eddie's voice calls within the darkness.
She stares, befuddled, and a little disturbed.
Huh?
"Eddie, just stop! It's been five minutes." This time it was Beverly.
"I'm not giving up on her!"
What's going on?
"Come on, girly, please wake up," Mike's voice pierces her eardrums.
It sounded like he is right next to her, too.
Ow! Don't break my eardrums, Mikey.
"Move back, damnit!"
Ruth can actually feel him pressing his mouth against her, breathing steadily.
"Come on, Ruth," Stan whispered.
She then felt someone stroking the back of her hand.
"Wake up, Vivian," a familiar voice suddenly calls.
Jordan?
"Come on, hon. You need to wake up."
Mom?
"Wake up, now. It's not your time."
A series of fuzzy dots like white noise danced in the darks of Ruth's eyes, urging her into awareness.
Eddie pulls back, whimpering and whining. "Jesus, fuck! Come on, Ruth, breathe!"
"Move!" Richie butts, forcing Eddie aside to take the reins.
"Hey!"
Richie bent and placed his mouth on hers. He tried not to think about how soft and warm her lips are. It's the first time Richie touched a girl's mouth. He's not going to consider this a kiss, though. The moment Richie breathed into her mouth, there was a gurgling moan. He recoils in time for Ruth to cough up water from her lungs, splattering his face. Richie would have groaned in disgust but didn't really care at the moment. He helps Ruth turn onto her side, who spews liquid, convulses, and heaves for air.
"Easy, easy," Richie urged gently, stroking her shoulder.
"Holy sweet baby, Jesus, thank you!" Eddie exclaimed, then begun to cry.
Ruth takes a deep, shuddering breath, shaking from head to toe, and attempts to sit up.
"Take it easy, Ruth. Stan, hand me her towel," Richie demands while still kneading Ruth's shoulder.
Stan is quick to snatch her blood-red towel and handed it to Richie, who immediately draws it around Ruth. Both he, Stan, and Mike stared in relief as Ruth slowly started to open her eyes, familiarizing her surroundings. She sighs deeply then slowly lays back on the warm shore, lightly panting.
"What happened?" She questions, her voice hoarse.
"You nearly drowned, that's what," Beverly answered.
Ruth glances at her, breathing raggedly. "I what?"
"You almost drowned, Ruth. Not sure how you managed to do that when you're a pretty decent swimmer. You did, however, draw unnecessary attention on yourself because of it."
"Lay off, Beverly," Eddie urged tightly then came into Ruth's line of vision.
"To make sure you don't have a concussion, I need you to name off at least ten elements of the periodic table."
Ruth stares at him, her brows knitting close. "Who the hell are you?"
Eddie balks, along with the others, gapping in disbelief.
"Are you fucking kidding me?" Ben exclaims in horror.
"Oh, shit, fuck. You've been out five minutes and have fucking amnesia. Do you remember anyone around you?"
She continued to stare before a weak smirk surfaced. "Boy, you're so gullible."
Ruth yelps lightly when Mike smacks her arm.
"Don't be an ass."
She coughed and wheezed, chuckling lightly. "Sorry, but I couldn't help it. You should have seen your faces, though."
"That was a sick and twisted joke, Greyson," Beverly snipped.
"Don't get your bikini bottoms in a bunch, Marsh. Can I not joke about my near-death experience?"
Beverly goes to say something but is talked over.
"I would have to agree with Beverly on this one, Ruth. Laughing at our expense because of you nearly dying is not a joke." Stan comments.
Ruth grew quiet, her throating tightening and eyes burned from unshed tears.
"I'm sorry," she whispered lowly, going unheard.
Bill sadly stared at Ruth, understanding her need to laugh at the situation. He is aware she hasn't had a good yuk in months, and no one is putting that into perspective. Ruth needing to joke was to lighten the mood despite her near-death experience. With a light hum, Bill glances around for something to use as ammo to scare Eddie since he is an easy target. Except, there's nothing around them.
He hummed again when another idea sprung into mind.
Lightbulb, Bill thought, then approached Eddie from behind.
Without a seconds hesitation and no one able to react, Bill swiftly yanks his friends swim trunks down to Eddie's ankles with a snap, exposing the growing boy's private area.
Beverly shrieks, quickly turning away with her palms covering her eyes.
Eddie yells, quickly covering himself before turning to face Bill, stumbling like a newborn giraffe in the process.
"What the hell, man?"
The last thing he wanted to hear was laughter. The others, including Ruth, laughed at his misfortune of getting pantsed but are more so busting up at his flat and pale rear end.
"Holy shit, that's a sight worth burning your retinas," Richie guffaws.
"Wow, Dr. K, you are the epitome of pasty white ass," Ruth chortles.
Eddie pouts, his face glowing a bright red as he yanked his neon green swim trunks back to his hips.
"Shut up," he whined, oblivious to Ruth's mirth.
Richie noticed, though. "Nice going, Bill. You got Ruth to laugh."
"That was my intention anyway," he admits confidently, winking at Ruth.
Ruth smiled, "Thank you, Billy."
"Oh, haha, that was flipping hilarious, Bill. You humiliated me by exposing my genitals in front of pretty girls."
"You should know I'm no prude. You could do some squats to tone up those flat as Kansas cheeks."
Eddie answered with an embarrassed groan and crossed his arms.
"Alright, Flat Butt, do you still want me to name off ten periodic elements?"
"Don't call me that," he snips, blushing still. "And you don't have to unless you would like to name a few or more."
"Sure, I'll name a few. Alright, ten elements. Hydrogen, helium, lithium, beryllium, boron, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, neon, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, silicon, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, _."
Ruth named off each element on her fingers until she was interrupted.
"I said TEN, not seventeen," Eddie butts, thoroughly impressed. "Although, you know a lot more than I do and in atomic number order, too. So, good for you."
"At least, the show off doesn't have a concussion." Beverly states then sat close to the shore and stuck her feet in, mockingly mimics Ruth's counting.
No one noticed, but Ruth. She felt a knife run through her heart at Beverly's insistence on being callous and indifferent towards her. Although Ruth wouldn't blame her after the incident on the bridge, which she vaguely remembers now.
"You gave us quite a fright, you know. What exactly happened?" Ben questioned as he remained to sit by Ruth's feet, her toe now thoroughly cleaned and bandaged thanks to him and Bill.
She screws her lips and shrugs. "Honestly, I don't really know. One minute I was on the ledge ready to jump when I suddenly become afraid of heights, which you know I'm not, then find myself on my back and coughing up water the next."
Eddie regards Ruth with knitted brows, frowning. "So, wait, you don't remember anything prior?"
Ruth did remember seeing Pennywise in her mind and was coaxing her into jumping. She was on cloud nine from seeing him that Ruth didn't realize she stumbled and scraped her foot, which she ended up landing awkwardly in the water. Of course, Ruth won't tell them about Pennywise. Despite their broken friendship, at least she thinks it is, Ruth is determined to keep her association with him a secret.
"I'm afraid so. There are a lot of things I don't quite remember nowadays. Something my damn therapist keeps prying into, along with my fucking childhood."
"Maybe you should talk to them about it. Do you remember how we got here?"
Ruth deadpans, "Of course, I remember how we got here. I don't have a concussion or amnesia, Eddie."
"Okay, I was just making sure. Are you going to be alright? Or do you want us to go back and just hang out in the clubhouse?"
"No, please don't change plans on my account. Go have fun in the water. I'm just going to hang back and soak up the sun. Maybe I'll grow more freckles instead of tan."
Eddie chuckles at this.
"You sure?"
"Yes, I'm sure. By the way, who pulled me out of the water?"
The guys fell silent briefly then glanced over at Beverly, who sat by the shore still.
"Beverly was the first to reach you," Richie answered.
Ruth blinks, her jaw slacking slightly.
"She, she did?"
She glances over at Beverly's hunched form, noting the tense muscles in her shoulders. Why?
"Yeah, Beverly reacted quickly out of everyone else, which I followed. We got you out of the water, Bill and Ben helped carry you and Mike and Stan. It was a group effort." Richie explained.
Ruth stared at Beverly for a moment longer before regarding the guys again which surrounded her.
"Thank you," she acknowledges in awe.
She wants to stand and thank Beverly for saving her, but Ruth knew what would happen. She will get lightheaded and sick, something that occurs every time after these incidents.
"Are you sure you're going to be okay hanging out here?" Eddie questions, observing her carefully.
"Yeah, I'll be fine," she lies. "I have my sketchbook with to keep me occupied, so I won't get too bored watching all of you frolicking in the water."
"I'll stay to keep you company," Richie offered.
Ruth glances at him, feigning a small smile. "You don't have to, you know."
"I know, but I want to," he ventured with a dusting of pink gracing his cheeks.
She blushes a little as well.
Feeling slightly uncomfortable with their light exchange, the others started scurrying off.
"Well, if you say you're okay, we're going back in the water. If you start to feel unwell_."
"I appreciate you being concerned about me, Dr. K, but I'll be okay. Besides, I have the sidekick here." Ruth muses with a soft grin.
"Hey! How am I the sidekick here? I saved you, too." Richie exclaimed.
Ruth chuckles, "Fine. You're a hero, too, but Beverly wears the bigger superhero cape."
Beverly glances over her shoulder at Ruth from the comment, her brows knitted close.
Ruth smiles softly at her, "Thank you," she mouths then settles herself against Richie's shoulder, who rightfully groans with a roll of his eyes.
"Seriously? Do you have to lean up against me, BK?"
Richie yelps, Ruth pinched at his rip. "Ow! What the hell was that for?"
"Call me BK, one more time, Gray Water, I'll do more than just pinch you."
"Sorry. I thought you were going to draw," Richie groans.
"I was, but I'm sleepy now. Besides, you're warm."
"And you're a freaking popsicle. Get off."
"Nope."
She settles against him despite his protests, moaning softly as her head throbbed unpleasantly.
Richie goes to nudge Ruth off when he noticed her grimace and furrowed brows. He instantly became concerned.
"Maybe we should head back. Staying out in the sun like this is not going to help you, Ruth." He whispers.
"I know, but I really don't want to get up," she murmurs with difficulty.
He observed her for a moment, considering something. "You really should talk to your therapist about these headaches, Ruth. You seem to be getting them a lot lately, especially after your blackouts."
Ruth groans. "I know I should, but I hate talking to Dr. Malcom. He reminds me of Jonathan way too damn much."
Richie sighed heavily, understanding now. "Despite him being dead, you are still reminded of what that asshole did to you, huh?"
She gently nods with a hum.
With another hard sigh, Richie glanced over at Beverly, who is sidetracked in watching something in the water.
"I haven't said anything to them of what you told me, Ruth."
"Thank you," Ruth whispers.
"Are you ready to tell me what happened back in November?"
Ruth grew silent.
He's not sure if she decided to ignore the question or fell asleep. When Richie glanced down at her, he discovered Ruth sleeping soundly. It's relatively quick, but she needs it anyway. He knows Ruth is not sleeping well. Richie watched her sleep, remembering the morning he found Ruth.
Their supposed hatred slash rivalry dissolved in an instant that day. He was ecstatic to see her. Richie was more concerned about her than Mike and Stan combined. He never truly hated Ruth. Richie just wanted her to think that because deep down, Richie secretly liked her. He would never admit it out loud to anyone before, but now they know.
Richie loves Ruth like a sister. He would hate it if anything were to happen to her.
New Year's, 1990
Monday, 8:19 a.m.
It's an unbelievably cold start to the new year. There is even an eighty percent chance of snow and sleet forecasted later this afternoon. The sky is already a snowy gray; it could start a lot sooner than expected.
Never trust the weatherman, Richie thought to himself.
Richie casually strolled down the smooth snowy road, trembling uncontrollably from the intense cold piercing through his coat. His teeth audibly chattered, and arms wrapped around him to contain body heat. Why is he out here? He doesn't have a damn clue. Something told him to leave the comfort of his warm home and venture into the January cold. He had that same feeling when he left his house to check on Ruth at her old place about a year ago. The only upside to this sensation is that it's not a bad one. He doesn't feel like there is anything terribly wrong with her, but Richie senses something is up. Richie wouldn't have left if it weren't necessary.
He was several feet from the covered overpass when Richie heard a female crying. At first, Richie thought he heard things that weren't there since he is the only one out here. Except, when Richie glanced up to investigate, his eyes land on familiar strawberry blonde hair against the white. Richie blinks wildly, hoping that he is also not seeing things either. They are still there.
Richie cautiously approaches, watching the girl weep hysterically while hunched and leaning against the barrier. He's not sure why they are, but something has to be wrong if she is crying uncontrollably.
He wets his lips, gulping tightly.
Please, let it be her, Richie thought to himself.
"Ruth?"
The girl snapped her head up, tears streamed down her face, which is a bright pink from the bitter cold.
She gaps at him with widened eyes. "Rich, Richie?"
He doesn't know what came over him; Richie flings himself at her. Richie envelopes Ruth in his arms tightly to the point of nearly suffocating her. Of course, she is caught off guard by his actions that her arms dumbly hang to the side. Richie makes a sound, a sob really, and lightly cries.
"You're alive," he sobs into her dirty vanilla rose hair. "I'm so glad you're alive."
Dumbfounded still, Ruth finally was able to move her arms. She gingerly and hesitantly returns the gesture. Richie's arms only tightened, hugging Ruth flush against his body. He felt it then, Ruth shook violently from a shuddering sob, crying again.
"It's okay, Ruth. I got you. You're safe now," he murmurs lightly.
Her fingers grip his coat tightly, sobbing louder than before and lightly wailing.
"Richie," Ruth strangled. "I can't find him," she hiccupped, bawling now.
"Shh," Richie shushes her and softly combed his fingers through her matted hair. "Who can't you find?"
She pulls back, breaking their embrace. Ruth sniffled but continued crying.
"Robert," she quavered. "I can't find him."
Richie looks at her, inspecting Ruth for any sort of injuries before regarding her again.
"Who's Robert?"
She sobs, avoiding her contact with him. "He's," Ruth pauses, considering something.
A metaphorical lightbulb went off in his head, which caused Richie to gently smirk.
"Let me guess, this Robert guy is your boyfriend, huh?"
Ruth looks at him then, tears streaming down her eyes still but shrugging a little with a slight smirk.
"Um, uh yeah. I guess you can say that."
Richie saw the blush and faint smile. "You've been getting it on with, oof."
Ruth quickly punched him in the gut. "Ow, jeez, what was that for?"
"Get your mind out of the gutter, Richie."
He chuckles, "Alright, okay, sorry. Where was the last place you saw him?"
"I," she pauses again, thinking. "I don't know, I can't remember. Everything was great until the day after Christmas. He left a note saying he was going to get us some breakfast, but Robert never came back. It's been a week, and I can't find him anywhere."
Ruth started crying again, shivering from the cold.
Richie noticed her trembling. Despite being cold himself, he rushes to remove his coat.
"What, what are you doing? You're going to freeze."
"No, I won't. Come here," Richie instructs, pulling Ruth close.
He gets Ruth to snake her arm inside the left while Richie worked on getting his right arm in the other.
"What the blasted hell are you doing?"
"Keeping both of us warm. Just hug me from the side."
Ruth listens by wrapping her arm around his back, settling her hand at his waist.
"Holy Shinola, it's freezing out here."
"Well, duh, it is winter, Ruth. Why are you even out here anyway?"
"I told you, I was looking for Robert."
"In this cold?"
"Yes! Fuck, I'm freezing."
"Come on now, get closer."
She complies, although Ruth is a little uncomfortable getting this close to him.
"This is so weird," Ruth states.
"Trust me, I know. Don't worry, though, I won't bite you too hard."
Ruth rolls her eyes as Richie struggled to zip the jacket.
"I don't care if you bit me or not, now hurry it up."
"I'm trying here," he groans.
"Jesus, move."
With some help from Ruth, Richie zips the jacket up, eventually enveloping them inside his coat. It's snug, but he is at least sheltering Ruth from the bitter cold. Besides, the additional warmth from her body and his will help keep them warm.
"Phew, I feel like the marshmallow man." Richie states, then started forward with Ruth right beside him.
"More like conjoined twins. Stop walking so fast, Gray Water."
"Stop walking so slow, BK. OW!"
Ruth pinched his rib.
"Don't call me that."
"Alright, okay, jeez. Just move. I'll help you find your boyfriend later. First, I need to get you out of the cold. You're a fucking popsicle."
Ruth heaves a sigh, feigning a small smile. "My hero."
Richie chuckles at this. "Damn right, I am."
They then went quiet, mostly to concentrate on walking in the snow.
From a fair distance, Pennywise watched the two walk off and huddled close. He wants to be angry at Ruth for finding comfort from a person Pennywise doesn't particularly care for but is glad nonetheless. Ruth has told him several times she always wanted to have Richie as a friend. She enjoys their bantering because Ruth sees a sibling-like bond with Richie. If Ruth ever had an older or younger brother, she would have wanted them to be like Richie anyway.
He sighs heavily, his heart growing numb at the sight of her fiery hair receding in the white glow of winter. Pennywise does see Ruth glance over her shoulder and in his direction. From this far, their eyes lock on one another.
"Goodbye, Ruth."
She frowns, her eyes burned from holding back tears.
"Goodbye, Pen."
Pennywise eventually turns away, breaking their connection. He does, however, look back one last time before sadly slinking away. He already misses her and dreading their separation. Pennywise is not sure if he is strong enough to stay away from her. Hopefully, at least maybe, Ruth is stronger than him.
She'll be okay, Pennywise tells himself.
Even though he would much rather have his beloved and only friend near, Pennywise believes things will work out for her now that he and Ruth are no more.
If only Pennywise knew how wrong he was.