Daughter of Pennywise

Loyalty

"Come on!" Niki bounced up the stairs in front of Ezra. They had ran to Tessa and Niki's house across the street, from where Emma was still inconsolable about the "devil".

Ezra didn't answer, still wary of her cousin's intentions. Niki ran into her room, barely glancing back to see if her strange new friend was following. The first thing Ezra thought when she stepped into the room was is this a boy's room?

It was painted a dark blue and was much too neat for any seven year old. Niki was sitting on a boring beige bedspread and had pulled a magazine out from under her pillow. Niki grinned her gap toothed smile. "Close the door and come here."

Ezra did as she asked before looking curiously at the magazine Niki was clutching to her chest. "What's that?"

"I'll show you, but you have to promise never ever to tell mama or nobody." Niki held out her pinky.

"Alright." Ezra shook her cousin's little finger firmly.

Niki set the magazines down and Ezra giggled. It showed a lady on a bike, except she was only in her underwear. "I stole it." Niki proclaimed proudly.

"Really?" Ezra looked up from flipping through the pages.

"Yep! I tucked it in my overalls at the gas station while mama was paying for gas." Niki crossed her arms smugly. Niki looked at her oddly for the first time. "Erm... can I ask you something?"

"Yeah."

"Is that makeup?" She pointed to the marks.

"Nah, I was born with em." Ezra shrugged, looking out the window.

Half to herself Niki said "Well I like them. Though you look like one of those scary clowns at the circus." Niki studied her a little closer. "But you're a lot prettier than them."

"Emma didn't think so. She thought I was the devil." Ezra mumbled, tears stinging her eyes.

"Meh Emma's a bitch anyways. Besides you got me I'm your friend." Niki pointed at herself proudly.

"Friend?" Ezra sniffed softly.

"Yeah!" Niki looked over at Ezra's confused expression "Ain't ya had one before?"

"No." Ezra shrugged.

"Well there's only one rule to be true friends."

"What's that?" Ezra asked, nervous that she'd disappoint her.

"We always have to have each other's backs. No matter what. It's called loyalty."

"I can do that." Ezra said relieved.

"Then we're friends."