Daughter of Pennywise

You and Me, Forever

I was sitting on the stage, legs dangling down.

I knew it was a dream, but it was also real. Pennywise was sitting beside me. "It's not so bad down here is it, Little Ezie?" He asked.

I smiled. "Could be worse."

"Yes it could." He first to me, then to himself. "Yes it could."

With little warning he whipped out a box from behind his back. Normally, I would've jumped, but it was Dad. He offered it to me with his usual grin. I took it and set it on my lap.

The box itself was a deep violet and the satin ribbon was orange and tied in a big bow. The fabric slid easily as I untied it. Lifting the lid I gasped happily.

Inside was a black and white dress. The only splash of color was the violet pom poms down the front. The black and white striped skirt flared out from the hips and the sleeves were puffy. The left was black and the right was white. The torso was polka dotted black and the tights that went underneath were striped. One vertical and one horizontal. Dainty black boots, fingerless white gloves, and a black top hat with a purple and white flower went with everything.

"I made it for you." Pennywise giggled at my excited reaction. I smiled at him, clutching the dress to my chest. "You want to stay here with me?"

I cocked my head. "In the sewers?"

He nodded vigorously. "Yes. You and me, forever."

I looked down into the purple box, thinking of Niki and Tessa. Even Emma, as shitty as she was, might miss me.

Seeming to read my thoughts, Pennywise put my arm around and put his face close to mine. I could feel his breath against my nose as he said "I'll never leave you Ezra. Niki and Tessa will leave you, Emma will always fear you. Even your darling mother left."

His gloved hand squeezed my shoulder, lightly. "I love you Ezie. I'll never run from you, taunt you, or one day be bored of you. I will teach you, and lead you, and love you. Forever."

"We don't have to be alone anymore."

I jerked awake, hands going to my shoulder, where his hand had been. He was gone and I wasn't on the stage anymore.

I was in my bed. I went to lay back when my hand brushed something. I rolled over and flicked on my lamp.

Sitting next to me was the box. It's bow was redone. I set it on the pillow next to mine, unopened. My heart warmed thinking of the gift inside. 

Swinging my legs over the bed I stood and crossed the room to my window. Pulling aside the drab curtains I looked down towards the street.

The same single red balloon floated under the street light. A little voice whispered to me. To put on the dress. Go to the barrens. To the sewers where everything will be perfect, forever.

It was a suggestion, not a demand. There was no feeling in my chest, driving me, forcing me. Pennywise the Dancing Clown would wait for me to decide.