Daughter of Pennywise

The Kissing Bridge

"Where are you going?" Tessa demanded harshly as I set my hand on the doorknob. I opened my mouth to respond but she cut in. "Maybe I should have the two of you" Niki looked up from the tv. "Mop the floors again. You know, just to make sure there's no more cereal!" Tessa yelled shrilly.

"Sorry." Niki responded automatically.

I grimaced as Tessa started her whole spiel again. It contained a lot of wailing, arm waving and finger pointing. I took my chance to slip out the door when she got to the guilt tripping of Niki.

Niki gave me a dirty look that said You owe me one when she saw my weasel out the door. I offered her a small grin as I stepped onto the porch.

The brilliant sunshine assaulted my retinas and I leaned back against the house, hissing in its shadow like a vampire.

Not quite knowing where I was going or why, I followed the tiny nudges in my chest. I rounded a corner when the pain hit like a ton of cinder blocks. I heard a strangled yelp and it took me a second to realize it had come from me. My knees hit the pavement as I pressed my hands against my chest.

A dull roar filled my ears as my legs formed a mind of their own, and I was charging down the street. The world of startled people and buildings blurred by as my legs carried me towards, hopefully, relief.

I skidded to a stop as the roar faded and the pain dulled to an urging throb. I followed it down the road at a cautious walk.

Jeers and taunts paired with squeals and yells echoed down the street as I crouched behind a bush.

The Bowers gang was shoving poor Ben around like he was a tubby rag doll. I wanted to run forward and help, but the feeling held me back.

I watched as they pinned him against the rail and Patrick activated his flamethrower. It didn't touch Ben, but it was close enough to make him jump. As Henry went to pin him he screamed loud enough for me to hear. "Get off me! Get off me!"

Right then a car drove past my hiding space and towards the bullies. They all looked up nervously, but held their places. Ben called out for help, but the car continued it's crawling pace past and as it crossed the bridge I thought I saw a red balloon in the back window.

Distracted as I was it took Ben's yelp of pain to bring me back to the present. Henry had pulled out his switchblade and began carving into Ben like a stuffed turkey. I started to move to help, but the feeling yanked me back.

Belch said something to Henry and he yelled back something about carving his whole name. Right then Ben used Henry's crotch as a spring board to push himself over the railing.

I jumped up as the boys yelled and vaulted over the railing after him. I ran after, but tripped in my desperation and scraped my knee. Forcing myself to my feet, I managed to climb over the railing and see Henry and Vic digging through the leaves furiously.

Picking my way to the cover of the trees I slid down the hill and ran. Following the feelings directions I saw Patrick enter the sewers, no doubt looking for Ben.

I paused as the feeling dissipated. This was my choice. Not whatever had guided my movements before.

A disjointed giggle burst from my lips. The time is now.

I stepped forward confidently and followed Patrick's path to the sewer. I was only a few feet into the sewer when I heard his scream. I felt like I should be afraid, but instead I felt excitement bubbling up inside me.

I followed the sound of Patrick struggling through the gray water. I turned down one of the many tunnels and came face to face with the fire-loving bully.

He was holding a pipe like a bat, his face frozen in fear and chest heaving. Some of the sewer's less then nice contents smeared on him. I cocked my head, fighting back laughter.

Patrick seemed about to say something when a gasp came out instead. His eyes were glued to something behind me.

"Ezra." A white gloved touched my shoulder.