CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER 1
oooi.
SCHOOLS OUT!

__






THE LAST BELL rang through the ears of students.They all scattered out of their seats, practically yelling through the halls that were filled with jittery kids. They all screamed for the thought of summer, for the time they would spend with their friends. But, it was peculiar. For me that is. I didn't have the urge to get up at my seat. The pastel yellow chair I sat at. I watched as the last kid stumbled through the doorway leaving all the work they learned so quickly.

My fingers fumbled with the tape in my hands, sliding the object in my walkman. Pushing the small strand of hair behind my ear I headed out the room I was used to. Till next year, at least. Walking through the sea of kids, their voices boomed through the walls bouncing off the lockers roughly.

I placed the headphones around my neck heading towards the door that led the way out. My eyes caught those of Henry Bower's, chills running down my spine as I met the gaze of the older boy. I couldn't stand the small smirk on his lips as I quickly looked to the floor. Adding a pace to my step I could feel the hard glare towards my back as I walked past the boy and his friends.

Aggressively pushing the door, I was met with the bright sun staring down at me. Walking down the steps I headed to the right. It wasn't until my bag was viscously grabbed from behind me, my feet stumbling backwards as I fell straight on my back. I could hear the snickers of the obvious bully who seemed to take amusement of 'pushing' me around.

My face hardened as I saw the face of Henry, my fist curled with the adrenaline of anger that ran through me. Oh, please. It's not like you'll do anything anyway.

"Well if it isn't the same little bastard." Henry's word struck hard as his friends laughed, a frown upon my face as I felt the stinging in my palms. "Just can't get away, can you?"

"If you'd stop following me we wouldn't have this problem," I spat back, my voice barely over a whisper. I didn't even pay attention to the kids around us, questioning why nobody stopped to help. They were just bystanders. They weren't bothered to help, they just watched.

"Finally standing up for yourself huh, little squirt?" Henry seemed to eye me down like a hawk with its helpless prey. All I was able to do was just watch as he broke me down in defeat. You can't get out of this one, Monet. Not this time. Henry came closer with a swift movement, the smell of sweat and dirt fixating in my nose.

If it wasn't for the manners I grew up with, I would've gagged in his face. But even with a boy like him I never could. "Summers gonna be real fun. Yeah, I know it. You won't even hesitate to even think about coming out of your house."

My mouth wanted to speak, to spit words out so harshly. I wanted to say the words that jabbed in my mind. But nothing came out. I held my tongue, looking to the ground as I pursed my lips.

"Nothing to say now, huh? Say something. I dare you. Anything that comes out of your mouth, I won't hesitate to hurt you."

"Hey, asshole!"

A voice was heard from behind Henry. My attention caught to a group of boys. I slowly sat up, Henry's full attention now on the one who spoke. "This isn't any of your concern. Turn around before I beat your ass up."

"Oh, please. Save the bullshit for your mom." The one who spoke had dark rimmed glasses, his lens making his eyes look like bugs. I could feel the giggle behind my throat, but right now wasn't the best time.

"Go fu-" Henry's voice was cut short, a man with a cops suit slowly take two steps to us. His hardening glare towards Henry made the boy stop in his tracks. Hesitant, he took a step back. He mumbled something to the boys, giving me his infamous glare as his friends and him walked away.

My throat was scratchy, my eyes brimming with familiar wet tears. But I quickly blinked them away, wiping the strand that fell down. One of the boys grabbed my headphones from the floor, handing it to me as I shyly took it. I dusted the small powder of dirt from my skirt, pushing a hair behind my ear. Awkwardly crossing my arms, I let out a small sigh. "T-thanks, you know. For-"

"No problem, doll. Anything for you," the boy with rimmed glasses stated, swiftly nodding his head up. My brows scrunched up in confusion, ready to already leave the uncomfortable situation.

"You're M-M-Monet right?"

I knew who this boy was. I always did. Ever since the second grade. Ever since the one day I've gotten to talk to him, everything seemed to freeze within the time I had with him. Even if it was a mere question on the math homework. The very easy, now doable question. I quickly snapped my head, nodding.

"I really should get going. Thank you, again." I didn't even take one more glance to the ones who helped me, just abruptly turning around. With my feet walking into a faster pace, I didn't even take the look back as it dug into the back of mind, bugging me to look back. Way to be awkward, Monet. I pressed the 'play' button on my Walkman, the voice of the Jackson 5 releasing the tension I held.

As I thought of the ways I would spend my summer, nothing seemed to crowd my mind. To say the least, nothing came to mind. Another summer with just Frankenstein and my camera. Not to add, but my father too. Nothing bothered me that I spent every moment with the only friend I had. And I wasn't even talking about that best friend almost anyone would have at school, or the park. My dad was my best friend, and that was all I needed. As long as I never left his side, I was pleased with the lifestyle I had.

The feeling of wanting to be home was neutral. I always looked forward to walking into the comfort of my own house and to feel welcomed by the objects or the bed that awaited me all day. With the thought of knowing that I wouldn't be waking up early, a skip was added to my step and I was practically jogging towards the few things that I loved and the things that appreciated me.

...

HAPPINESS. THE SMALL spark that plugged within the brain that could make me feel this way. It was something that was like dopamine to my brain. The one thing that I craved actually wasn't something to gain. But to me one thing could light the spark so easily. It wasn't anything big, yet small. It wasn't the food I was given or the things that were bought, but it was true. The true feeling that was felt when with the one that loved you.

The one who brought a smile to your face, or the one that made the small giggles erupt from your throat. That was something that was held dearest to the spot in my heart that I have made room for. The TV's volume was no match to the laughs and words spoken at the small wooden table. Frankenstein's fluffy tail moved back and forth, watching with doe eyes and amusement towards what was going on with the moment I had with my father.

"He was simply just.. playing around. He can't help it. The famous Len Tucker isn't something he can't get away from." I said, picking up the plate of meatloaf, heading to the kitchen as I dumped the small stray of food left into Frankenstein's bowl.

"That's no excuse. I will admit, something about me is... likable. But you don't see the ladies around the street on their knees making up scenarios as to why they want to see me."

Scoffing at the remark of my father, I put the dish into the sink. "Yeah, okay dad. Please enlightenment me on this when I actually see this with my own eyes." rolling up the black long sleeves I had on, watering the small sponge. My father was soon by my side, putting his hands in as he took the tableware away from me.

"Dad-" I started,

"It's my turn tonight, anyway. Go keep your furry rat out of my room though." He held a slight hint of playfulness to his voice, giving me a sly smirk as I nudged his arm.

"He doesn't like being called that." I dried my hands on my skirt, petting Frankie from the ground as he finished the leftovers in his bowl. "Don't forget!" I added, "You need to dry the dishes with the blue rag. It's to the right of the soap."

Picking up Frankie, I practically skipped to my room, earning a few 'words' from the small cat that was held in my arms. Closing the door behind me, I was met with pink overload. My walls screamed with the random pictures I'd taken over the months.

"Sorry for the bumpy ride, Frankie." I set the poor cat onto my bed, sitting down as my hand ran through the mess of fur. Earning a few 'purrs', I quickly grabbed the Polaroid on my desk, catching the precious moment. With just one click the picture was taken. I grabbed the photo that slid out, slightly shaking the picture as I waited for the ink to dry. Quickly fading the picture slowly came to life. With dark shadows behind Frankie stood out within the flash.

I smiled, setting it down on my desk. The furniture was littered with tapes of music as well as books filled with poetry. Next to it was my father's record player. My father knew the obsession I had with my Walkmen, so he decided to lay it on my desk as a surprise for my birthday. Smiling at the past memory, I proceeded to take another picture. With one came two, which then led to more than three. With photos now scattered around my desk with the contents of my room, I plopped down at my chair.

I decided to actually look at the photos, taking in the scene as I was only there mere seconds ago. My eyes trained to the first: from Frankie to the record player. Leading to the pictures of books and frilly curtains, I laughed at the taste I had. With my eyes scanning the white borders and pictures, one had seemed to distance themselves from the pile. Looking at the photo, nothing was visible at all. Just a blank space.

Scrunching my brows I gave the picture a bit more time to dry up. I think back to the other photos I've taken and wondered what this one would be. As I gave it time minutes seemed to passed by as I realized it wasn't changing at all.

I must've took a picture while not even noticing. That had to be it.

There would be no reason for me to waste such pricy paper for a photo like this. Deciding there was no use, I leaned over to my trash can dropping it as it landed face up.

One glance. One glance was all it took. And if I was able to turn back the few seconds I would scream. Yell at myself for looking. Force myself to look away. But that's not what happened. It was everything of the opposite. Just  a quick look was all it took for me to double-take. I slowly peered over, the photo no longer pitch black. Instead, two very small dots were shown. Red dots. Slowly reaching over I took the photo in my hands.

But as the picture slowly began to process those two unreadable dots became two bloodshot eyes. Something was off with those eyes. Only a few seconds pass, the eyes making my blood run cold. The photo wasn't right. It was wrong, really wrong. My blood ran cold as more began to appear from the photo. This wasn't it. As I watched it slowly form, more and more forms were visible. From a frilly outfit, its ruffles dirtied and smudged, a face was shown. My hand slightly shook and my eyes widened to the smile that stared back.

It wasn't any happy smile, or welcoming, that is. Instead it held fright. It was... murderous? Bone chilling as it was, my eyes scanned its every feature. From the white colored face, to the red lines that drewfrom its eyebrows down to its cheeks which then led to the mouth. A freaky smile was appeared as it looked at me, eyes darting into my own. It was almost.. alive. I could feel the sudden pressure and presence of something around me. My heart began beating faster.

With each beat that continuously hit against my rib cage I could feel the fright within me rise. My eyes never left the picture as the clown smiled, a red ballon slowly popping up to his side. With the short intake of breath, I closed my eyes. Breath, Monet. Breath. Just turn around, and everything will be fine. Opening my eyes, I decided to do the worst. I turned around at an abrupt paste, looking around my room frantically. Nothing. Frankie was still propped against my bed, body slowly shifting up and down as he slept the night away.

Letting out a sigh of relief, I took one more glance to the unknown picture. Hesitant, I ripped the picture into two which lead into several more pieces. Crushing it together in my fists I threw each bit into the trash. A pinch of relief was let off my shoulder. I sighed, staring into the trash can one last time.

I turned around, instantly jumping back into my chair. My heart began to race again as a small rag doll was placed in front of my door. Its button eyes burned into me as I felt the uneasy tension rise. What the hell?

"Oh, Monet. Why won't you play with me?"

My body stiffened, I wasn't able to process the words it just spoke. Its voice was soft and delicate, something that wasn't meant to be uneasy. "Oh, please play with me. I haven't had the feeling in so long. Don't you love me, Monet?"

I slowly backed away from the chair, each step chilling as I backed into my wall. "I-I-I don't know what you are. I don't know how you got here. But-"

"Why are you walking away? Please don't leave me. Not again." The dolls voice was filled with sadness, its posture not moving. But the feeling of wanting to get away from here never disappeared.

"I won't let you." The puppet's voice had changed. This time it wasn't the same delicate tone. It was something dark, raspy and low. My breath quickened as I was now against my wall, the air thickening as it became harder and harder to breath.

"Come play with me, Monet. Come play."

Its voice was scarier from before. It was.. playful but non welcoming. It was something entirely different and whacky.

It was silent for a second. I knew it was my chance. Opening my mouth I began to scream. I yelled as I begged for my father to hear. But it was blocked by a hand that clasped to my mouth. I looked up.

I kicked. My screams were muffled, and the energy in me drained. With a smile on his face, there stood the clown from before. The one in the picture I wish I never looked at. Everything ran cold as its bone shrilling laugh filled my ears. I could feel the hot tears spring from my eyes as fear ran through me. I'm not ready. I'm not ready.

The clown began to mimic the whimpers I made, pouting his lips together as his eyes dropped. I watched in fear as it did the same as I did, before laughing and smiling the cruel smirk it held. "Don't cry, Monet. Everything will be fine. Maybe."

His hand unclasped my mouth as I was brutally pushed to the ground. I backed up towards the door, palms digging into my floor. "What do you want from me! Who are you?" My voice croaked as strands of hair stuck to my face from tears, the clown laughing as he smacked his palm on his knee.

"Kinda hurts, but I'll let that slide. I'm Pennywise, the Dancing Clown! Wanna see a trick?" His movements were swift and uneasy as I watched in confusion. I opened my mouth once more, this time a loud yell escaping my lips as I cried out for my father.

"Oh, daddy. Daddy, daddy please, help me!" Pennywise mimicked the yell I did, running up towards my face closely. He smiled down at me as a small laugh escaped his red lips and his body moved up and down. His laugh became louder and louder, his mouth becoming wider and wider. I could see the forming of new teeth. Sharper and longer they had got, a cry escaping my lips as I shut my eyes for the worst. This was it. This was how I was going to die.

"Monet? What's going on in there? Is the furry rat chewing up your pictures?"

My eyes snapped open, a knock on my door as the room was empty. My heart was the only thing I heard in my ears as my crying stopped. No clown was to be seen. No sign of the rag doll either. Nothing was left. I snapped my eyes to Frankie, the helpless cat still sleeping through it all. Was it just a daydream? No, no. It felt more than that.

"Open the door, Monet."

My fathers voice brought me back. I quickly wiped away the stray tears left on my cheeks. I felt hesitant at first, not knowing if my father was the one at the door. I didn't know if it wanted to open it. I felt afraid. Regardless, I straightened my hair and opened the door. "W-what's up?"

"I thought I heard screaming. Anything wrong?"
I was stunned. I didn't know what to say. So much had happened in these mintues that it felt like centuries. I felt like I couldn't be honest and tell him what I saw. It felt complicated. Instead, I furiously shook my head and wrapped my arms around my chest. "Your hearing's giving up on you, dad. Face it."

He walked into my room, looking around before back at me. "Hun, are you alright?"

No, I'm not. I was almost eaten by a killer clown. "Never been better. In fact, I would feel even more better if I were able to sleep." I grabbed his arm, leading him out the doorway as I slightly shut the door, resting against the small peak that was left open.

"Monet, I'm serious. I-"

"Goodnight, dad. Love you!"

I quickly shut my door, resting against it as I closed my eyes. The memories from mintues ago began to play again and again within my mind like a record player. Repeating itself over and over. The clown was in my memory. No way was it ever going to get out. But with everything happening so quickly I didn't know what to believe. With no hesitation I didn't even think about walking anywhere near the trash can that had the ripped up photo.

Taking Frankie into my lap, I petted my companion in comfort. One thing to say was that I was nowhere close to sleeping tonight. Let alone shutting the light off.







Hello everyone!

A new book, cause why not? I couldn't help the sudden urge of making this book after I saw the movie.

Not only was it humorous and scary, but enjoyable to watch. Because I'm nearly now obsessed with it, here it is! My new 'It' book!

Sorry for such a long chapter, it's just when I had the idea, it just kept flowing and flowing. Please leave comments as to what you think. Should the chapters be longer? Should they be shorter?

How do you like Monet? Pretty relatable or nah? This was such a more action pact chapter that I thought it was, but OH WHALE.

ANYWHO, hoped you guys enjoyed the chapter. Don't forget to comment and vote!
____

UPDATE: 12/15/2025

I saw It: Welcomes to Derry and I had to edit this. Completely rewriting/editing this story, hope you guys like it (: I don't want to change the story as I feel like it has charm but I want to grammatically correct it as I go !!








Bạn đang đọc truyện trên: AzTruyen.Top