Daughter of Pennywise

Epilogue-What I've Always Been

Niki tugged I along, her excitement contagious. "Come on birthday girl!"

I sighed. "Niki, you know I don't want to make a big deal out of this."

She shook her head. "Too bad. It's your sweet sixteen and this is what you get."

Niki dragged me into the back yard and I jumped. "SURPRISE!"

Tessa was standing there with a smug smile. Gathered behind her was the losers gang. Big smiles on their faces.

After the fight it was like I had just become a fixture in their group. No questions or conversations. It just was.

Behind them was the Bowers gang. Trying to look cool while glaring at the losers. Niki must have threatened them to behave. Though Henry did seem a little less angry in the foster system.

I just shook my head and threw my arms up in defeat. "Okay! Fine! You guys win!"

"Group hug!" Niki grabbed me, and the losers thudded against me like bullets until I was buried under friends. I bit back a smile as Eddie began to complain about the possibilities of getting sick.

When I finally wiggled away, I went up to the Bowers gang. I looked up at Henry. "You guys can leave if you want."

Henry shrugged. Then sighed, looking over my head. I didn't have to turn to know Niki was making gestures. I smirked. Henry lazily lifted an arm, and I stepped under it for a stiff, one armed hug.

Patrick jumped forward and flung his arms open. I shook my head, knowing him all too well. "Not on your life."

Patrick licked his lips and lowered one arm. I groaned and relented, letting his long arm rap around me.

At the last possible second Patrick leaned down and placed a kiss on my lips. I shoved him off as he giggled. I made my eyes turn red and my fangs peeled past my lips as I growled. The gang stepped back nervously and it was my turn to giggle. "Just kidding."

The remained tense until I walked away.

I looked towards the street and saw the red balloon floating by the drain. I jogged out there before anyone else could see it.

I kneeled down and whispered into the drain. "Thank you. But I don't want it." I let out a breathy laugh. "I'm not coming back to you."

The balloon popped and as I stood, I ran my hands through my hair. The once white strands fell around my face. Now a rich purple. I made my eyes match as I walked back into the back yard.

Niki slung and arm around my shoulders. "Sometimes it's hard to tell if you're more human or creature."

I grinned. "Good."