Ruby

I did not exactly sleep well last night. The return of Diane brought a rush of memories I wished to keep hidden.

So, as I walk down to the school cafeteria, I feel like a frustrated zombie, and it doesn't help that these kids keep glancing at me as if they're seeing me for the first time. 

Once I reached the doors of the cafeteria to wait for Abby and Jake, I wondered what the point of life was if we'd have to keep facing troubles now and then. 

As my mind searched for a suitable response, Abby and Jake appeared at the end of the hall, engaged in a conversation. 

Just as Abby's laughter rang through the hall, a tall blonde girl, whom I recognised as one of the many girls who always eye Jake as if he's some juicy element, dragged him from Abby's side.

Abby's face twitched with brisk sadness. She might have thought she wasn't showing it, but I could tell.

As she walked to me and apologised for keeping me waiting, I said, "I think we should lecture Jake on how to say no to people."

"You make him sound like a child." Abby hooked her arm with mine, and we made for the food counter while making sure to remember Jake's meal choice.

"I am just worried about him. Those girls just want to use him to fulfil their desires. I am afraid they will ruin our sweet, innocent Jake."

Abby squared her chin. "He is capable of taking care of himself. And did you call him innocent? I won't be surprised if he is doing it with those girls who swim around him."

"You sound bitter about it."

"Huh? No, I don't."

I grinned at her disagreeing expression and nothing more was said. 

Once we got our plated lunch, and found a table, Jake arrived and soon dug into the meal we didn't forget to get for him. 

"I can't do this anymore..." Seconds later, I slammed my half-eaten hamburger onto the plate.

"What?" The two stared at me concernedly.

"If everyone keeps checking me out as if I put a rich girl sign on my forehead, how am I supposed to eat in peace? I might as well take my lunch to the restroom and get my peace."

"Hell no! You are not doing that to yourself." Abby leaned toward me and flashed me a small smile. "They are just jealous of you."

"What's there to be jealous of? I am Dominic Powers' daughter, so what?" Their jaws dropped, and Jake forgot about the pasta he was crazily slurping seconds ago. "What is with you guys?" I asked.

"Are you even aware of how rich your father is?" Abby asked.

"Before the age of thirty, he was already making waves in the stock market," Jake added to the conversation with his recently gained deep voice. "Right now, he not only owns and runs the biggest companies in the business industry, but he also scares his rivals with his crazy competence. And his yearly assets? Crazy billions."

"I know all that." I frowned.

"And you are wondering why people stare at you? Do you know how many people wish they had your life?"

"But do they have to stare? At least do it discreetly." I scorned.

"They are just being human. But don't worry, in some weeks, they'll find something else interesting."

"I hope so."

Jake's words gave me hope. It sure would be nice to walk down the hallways without feeling like I am being stripped by hundreds of eyes.

"By the way, who was that woman I saw you two with yesterday?" Jake changed the topic to a heavier one. 

Abby looked my way as if asking my permission to blurt out what happened. But I knew she was also curious about the details.

Picking up my burger, I said almost inaudibly, "That was my real mother."

Abby's eyes widened in surprise.

"Mrs. Powers isn't your mother?" Jake asked, confusion all over his face.

"She didn't give birth to me, but she is my mother regardless."

"That's crazy, Ruby. I thought that woman was lying." 

A snort escaped me in response to Abby's words. But within me, I wished I didn't have such maternal complications.

"What did she want from you?" Jake asked.

"I believe she wants to be part of my life again."

"Do you want her to be?" Without thinking twice, I swiftly replied with a negative. "Are you fine though? I noticed how unsettled you looked." I nodded, and he reached to give me gentle pats on my back, and soon, everyone was facing their food without speaking a word more.

Ruby

When I got home, my father was pissed at Diane for showing up. It took bribing him with milk and cookies to change his mind about hiring security men to guard me in school.

Once it was certain that he wouldn't visit that idea again, I went to sleep. 

After four and a half hours of sleep, I woke up, my numerous assignments sprawled before me. And since I had no idea where to start, I grabbed my phone and texted Abby.

After ten minutes of doing nothing but alternating between staring at my phone and blankly checking the Chemistry textbook in front of me, I dialled Abby's number.

She didn't pick up, so I called Jake.

'Hey, you,' he sounded different, like he had been using his energy to do something.

"Hi. I am bored."

'Do you want to watch me work out?' he suggested swiftly. 'Let's switch to video chat so you can cheer me on as I do my push-ups.'

I chuckled. "Why would you need me to cheer you on?"

'Anything to make you feel good. Anyway, are you good?'

"Depends."

'Everything has changed so fast since that tabloid, hasn't it?' I nodded. 'I hope that doesn't mean you'll be exposed to danger, though. We'll all go nuts if something happens to you.'

His words made me smile.

"I hope nothing crazy happens. I pray my real mother showing up is the limit. My dad mentioned something about some of his business rivals playing dirty games. He is worried they'll target me."

'Let's hope they don't. And if they do, I will make them regret laying their hands on my girl.' The giggle I replied with could not be helped. 'I know how strong you are, Ruby, you'll survive whatever crazy thing it is that's coming your way.'

"Thanks, Jake."

'Are you certain you don't want to watch me work out? I am quite a sight.' He quickly changed the topic.

"Ugh... puh-lease. You can ask Abby, though."

'She'll chase me off,' Jake simply said, and I could picture the brunette screaming at a half-naked Jake to get off her phone.

Man, that girl definitely likes him. She either doesn't realise it or she's just good at pretending. But I should study Jake too, and see if he likes her.

Or... I could just stylishly ask him.

"Jake?" A loud noise followed- it sounded like it came from a motorbike. And since the noise hindered our conversation, Jake had to hang up, and I was left with my assignments. Well, I could as well start them.

'Oh Dominic.'

Like a deer about to be hunted, I became alert, and my eyes narrowed dramatically at what my ears just picked up.

′Hmm, yes Dom.'

My eyes widened. My parents are... doing it.

My hands on my ears as I tried to block out the noise, I scanned the room for my headset. Then, the door opened and Zion walked in quietly.

~~~

"So, what was your explanation?" Abby asked, stifling her laughter. 

Who knew the duo I call friends would find it amusing that my brother came to me to ask about the weird sounds my parents were making? While their noise didn't go on, Zion remained curious about it and apparently, neither Jake or I ended the call yesterday.

So Jake heard my little brother being inquisitive.

Stopping in front of Abby's locker, I said, "I told him they were praying for each other."

"What?"

I know, Jake.

Truthfully the answer  came from nowhere. I certainly wasn't going to lecture the nine-year-old about sex.

No, no. That's our mother's job.

"Did he believe you? I doubt he did," Abby pushed further.

"Ruby?" Jake called. He looked eager for a response as well.

"He somehow did."

"That's wild." Abby's eyebrows quirked as she seemed to decide whether to transform the wide smile on her face into full-blown laughter.

"The greatest sex talk ever," Jake added and received a smack from me.

"I wish my parents would do it though." Abby's voice lowered a "They are not talking to each other right now."

"Ruby's parents could give them a tip." Jake received another smack for his response and he scowled at me.

Ignoring him, I hugged my friend to my side, and said, "Things will be fine, Abby. They'll come around and see how apart they've grown and-"

"My own father thinks I am a failure." Sadness loomed around her and I had no idea what to say. But I held her still. "My mother doesn't even try to argue with him and when I do-"

"Abby!" Jake instantly interrupted. "What would you like for your birthday?"

"Uh?" 

"Tell me, anything I will get it for you."

"Really?" Her face brightened a bit and I couldn't have been more amused. As Jake nodded frantically, she looked ahead thoughtfully for some seconds before saying, "I have always wanted a bear."

"A real bear?" Jake looked frightened at first but he soon wore confidence. "Don't worry, I'll get one for you. Anything to-"

"If you get me a real bear, I promise you I'll feed you to it," Abby said almost threateningly and I shook my head.

"Hey! That's mean." He frowned. "I am just trying to make you feel good. Both of you are mean," he pointed out, almost sulking.

"Me?" I touched my chest. "What did I do?"

"You have been smacking me all day. What did I do to you?" He eyed me dramatically.

"When did I ever smack you?" Feigning ignorance made things more fun. "I only touched you."

Jake gasped, his hands over his mouth. He then faced Abby and asked, "You saw it, didn't you? She beat me here." He touched the spot on his arm that I decided to grace with my swift beating.

"I didn't see her touch you."

"You are both mean," Jake concluded after Abby's reply left him speechless for some seconds, and he gained two smiles from us, the two meanies.

"Celery's squad is finally complete," Abby said, her face no longer wearing the look she had earlier. "The school's rich kids all in one clique."

Jake turned and watched with us as the five-member group approached the corridors with unnecessary pride in their strides.

"Ruby is not part of them, though," he commented as he scanned through the three males and two females whose entry into the new school year held students' attention.

"Oh, please," Abby scoffed, and I wore a frown when I sighted an oddly familiar face. "Ruby is not at their level; she is on a higher scale," Abby completed.

"Is that Bryan Lockwood?" I asked even though I knew it was him. His brown locs were a giveaway, and that majestic stride of his was certainly still there.

"Yes, that's him. They released him already?" Abby asked an obvious question.

"I heard he was falsely accused," Jake replied.

"It's true. He was released two weeks ago, and he told me he wasn't coming back to school..." A part of me was trying to make eye contact with the Bryan guy, but he was too engrossed in making sure he gave everyone a show, most especially those who concluded he was a murderer when the cops came for him after school hours on a very cold day.

"Ruby?" Abby called. "I asked you a question."

"What?"

"When did he tell you he wasn't coming to school?"

"I saw him in prison and decided to visit him." The two of them questioned me with their brows, and I adjusted my stance before I began to properly explain. "My Mum had some business there, so I followed her. That's how I met him. He was about to be released that day, so we could only make small talk."

"Are you nuts?"

I frowned at Abby's question. "For talking to him?"

"Yes."

"What's your deal?" As I asked my question, I noticed that they didn't approve of my little confession.

"Bryan Lockwood isn't someone you walk up to and talk to like he's a next-door neighbour."

"Why? Is he God's son?"

"No. But he is dangerous to try to befriend."

Abby was making no sense. The guy did not flash a knife when I talked to him. So, I asked, "What exactly is your point?"

"He is a psycho, Ruby. And he is known for driving people crazy."

The strutting clique had already walked past us, and all I could see was Bryan's muscular back.

"That makes no sense. How is he friends with Celery if that's the case?" I asked Abby after I tore my eyes off the clique.

"Do you think they are friends?" Jake asked and I became certain Abby was being serious. Jake would never indulge in useless talks. "What you see is an alliance to make Celery appear more intriguing. Ever since Bryan Lockwood stepped into this school, people around him have lamented how quiet yet dangerous he is."

"I heard he stalks people too," Abby added.

"Okay, now you are being ridiculous. When we talked, he didn't seem like a psycho."

Abby shook her head and patted my shoulders. "Don't be deceived, babe. Stay far away from him."

"Uh..." Honestly, it still made no sense. But it doesn't hurt to sit back and watch things unfold. "I will."

"Good. Anyway, I heard you guys are getting a substitute English teacher," Abby changed the topic swiftly.

"Why? What happened to Mrs. Belinda?" I asked while wondering where she gets precious information from. 

"She's on maternity leave. Didn't you know she was pregnant?" I shook my head. "You should stop burying your head in books. Anyway, I need to go. I'll see you guys later."

"Is the whole Bryan thing really true?" I asked Jake, who stood beside me after Abby left.

"A huge part of it. If only Melinda were here, she'd tell you something about him."

"Who's Melinda?"

"The girl he was accused of murdering," Jake dropped, and my body grew cold.

Ruby

As I headed to my second class for the day, my friends' words about Bryan Lockwood continued to plague my mind. My memory of our conversation really didn't give off a terrible vibe. 

So it made no sense. How could he be a psycho?

I scoffed. Abby needs to end her subscription with her gossip suppliers and Jake...

My thoughts fell apart like a deck of cards, and my head tilted to the side as it occurred to me again that Jake wasn't exactly very fond of gossip.

But still, it made no sense.

Just when I was about to give up the deliberations, my eyes fell on Bryan Lockwood, who was leaning against a locker, staring at... nothing. 

I approached him, determined to prove my friends wrong.

When my small body stood in front of his muscular one, I said as quietly as possible, "Hey there."

His heavy gaze fell on me, his eyes barely filled with questions, but glazing with silent judgment.

"Do you remember me?" I continued. "We met the day you were released." Nothing. He said nothing. And it did not seem like he planned to say 'hi'. "Uh..." I scratched the back of my head. "It is good to see you decided to-" Bryan left his position and weaved past me. "Hey! I am talking to you," I called after him while trying so much not to show how disgusted a part of me was at his rudeness.

Without stopping or even glancing my way, his thick voice boomed with a fierce, "Get lost."

I halted. 

I was Startled. And very annoyed.

And I was no doubt surprised at his level of coldness. He waved me off like I was some clingy fool he was trying to get rid of.

Man! I don't know!

It's not like I can exactly run after him, grab his hair and curse at him for ignoring me. I don't need more eyes on me.

But honestly, besides the anger and surprise I feel, a part of me is intrigued, and I wish to know what his deal is.

As I stamped my intention to figure him out,  the bell rang, and I made my way to English class.

(break)

"Anything?" I mouthed to Jake, who shook his head. It had been thirty minutes already, and the substitute teacher hadn't come to our class yet.

But then, what could be more wonderful news if not a free period?

"Haha! I am first again," I happily said as Jake rushed back to his seat to focus more on the racing game we were playing in multiplayer mode. "You have gotten weak, Jake. I can easily outrun you now."

"That's what you think? I will show you, Ruby." He faced the phone in his hand, and I got extra serious. "Better watch out, Powers, I am coming for you," Jake playfully threatened.

"No, you are nooot." I sang and used my special feature to speed past his green car.

"What kind of sorcery is this? How are you winning?"

I would have loved to see the look on Jake's face, but I had a game to win.

 Besides, the look on his face when I finally get the first position would make my day. I might even take a picture.

"Yes!" I danced in my seat as I finally raced past the finish line. "I win! Haha!"

"Yeah, yeah." Jake playfully dismissed my victory moves, a small smile on his lips. "I am sure you cheated or something." My tongue stuck out in reply, and he shook his head. Then, he said, "I don't think we will be having a class today."

"I hope we don't. I'd like to beat your ass again."

"You plan to rub that in my face, don't you?"

"You always did the same. So... Yes." I grinned at him, and he shook his head, a small chuckle coming from him. "Jake?" I instantly recalled the question that had been on my mind.

"Yes, Ruby?" He tossed his phone to the side. That is one thing I like about him: he is always attentive.

"Uh..." Dramatically, I scanned the noisy class as though someone might be watching. Then I motioned to him to move closer. After he did, I repeated the scanning thing before asking, "Is there... someone... you like?"

"Hmm..." His voice rang into my ears, and he kept his eyes fixed on mine. "Yes."

"Really?" Oh my! I hope it is Abby. "Do I know her?" I asked further with super interest in my voice.

"Maybe." That was all he said before he sat back, his arms crossed, a small smile on his face. Or better put, a somewhat dreamy smile on his lips.

Oh my! A maybe means yes!

He does like Abby!

But I needed to be sure. Shifting closer to him, with my eyes probably looking like those of a child who is about to get the ice cream promised to her.

"Jake? Who is she?" His eyes fell on mine again, and he left my question hanging. "Tell me..." I made my puppy face.

A small shift in his seat was followed by a small exhale before he said, "Hmm... Should I?" I nodded my head crazily. "Hmm." His hand went under his chin, and he rubbed slowly. "The girl I like..." God help me, I don't scream when he finally says her name. "Her name... is a secret. Ouch!" He rubbed the spot I just smacked. "Why did you do that?"

"You know why," I returned harshly. "I-"

"Is this English A?" a male voice asked almost sultrily from the entrance.

"Oh, great. Our teacher finally found his destination."

After shooting a grin at Jake because of his words, I looked towards the entrance, and my face wore a small frown.

The tall man whose scent took over the room looked familiar. 

And, a quick scan of his outfit- a plain blue shirt which had two buttons open was tucked into his black jeans, making his legs look so long, and it was completed with a nice-looking long jacket which flowed well as he walked to the desk- was all it took to recall where I saw him.

He was the intriguing dude I saw at the spot the day Diane came. 

And, man, does he look gorgeous. I am certain the female staff will have a blast sneaking glances at the young, good-looking new teacher.

As he dropped some items on his desk, murmurs filled the air. I glanced at the back seats and saw his fineness affected the students, too.

Well, that's something.

"Hi, guys." Everyone went quiet, and in return, he raced his eyes through the class. When his eyes fell on mine, I almost smiled. Like I noticed the other day, his eyes carried something interesting. "I-" The bell rang. "Well... Bye. See you in the next class."

And like that, he was gone. Leaving us nothing but his scent as evidence that he was in the room.

"That was the weirdest class ever," Jake said as he got up. "Are you going to the library now?" I nodded, pushing away the thoughts in my head about our new English teacher. "See you at lunch, then?"

"Yes. Bye."

Soon, I was on my way to my next destination. But that was when I caught a glimpse of Bryan Lockwood, who glided through the corridors as quietly as possible. And I did not miss the fact that he was pulling a girl after him; the pull didn't look gentle. 

So, without giving it much thought, I decided to follow him.

Fortunately, they were both headed for the rarely-used library, and when they entered, they went to the science section, and what looked like a heated conversation began. But I could barely hear a thing. So I decided to move closer, but a voice stopped me.

"What are you doing?" A voice questioned from behind. 

And my skilful peeping ended as I straightened my body.

"I... ouch!" A firm pair of hands instantly wrapped around my waist before I could jump away from what my head just hit.

 Then I realised I was perceiving the scent that had just plagued English class. Quickly, my eyes snapped open, and I couldn't believe how close the substitute English teacher was.

"Uh... Could you let me go?" I fought his grip, but it was too firm, and that was... slightly disturbing yet thrilling.

"Hmm..." His beautiful eyes roamed my face, and I couldn't really ignore how his breath fanned my temple. "I have this thing-"

"You should really let me go. People will misunderstand if they see you holding me this way," I said as I tried to fight his hold again. 

"There is this one thing I can't stop wondering about." He totally ignored my complaint and filled my ears with his softened voice.

"Let go of me, Sir," I hardened my voice, hoping that would be enough to make him remember that he's the teacher and I'm his student. And that he really shouldn't be holding me in such an... intimate way.

Still ignoring me, his hand lifted to cup my chin. He tilted my face a bit and observed it seriously.

 "Do you want to know what I have been wondering?" he asked amidst his weird drama.

"Yes. But let me go before-"

"I wonder what it'll be like to kiss you."