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."

Ruby

"K-K-Kiss?" I stuttered.

And at the same moment, the man let me go. He took a step back while his eyes smirked a little.

Feeling suddenly hot and itchy, I reached for the side of my neck and began to scratch gently as my entire brain was still not sure what to make of his sudden statement.

It didn't seem that the man in front of me wished to say anything more. Or was he waiting for me to give his audacious statement a response?

I sighed dramatically in my head. What could I say? The English substitute teacher just told me he wants to kiss me.

"Uh..." I needed to find something to say regardless. "I-I don't think it is appropriate for you to say stuff like that."

"Why?" The way his brows twitched as he asked that simple question made his face look like it was smiling... and I am not going to lie, he looked a bit gorgeous. A little bit. A tiny little...

Okay, no, that's not the point. Facing him squarely after I finally got over my mini shock, I said, "You are my teacher and you'll be like ten years older than me and it will seem-"

"Ten years?" his voice croaked.

I gave a small shrug while inwardly wishing the entire moment could be over already.

"You are a full adult. So, by estimation you'll should be ten years older than me."

"You think I am old?"

"Uh... I don't..." His hand came to my face, shutting me up. After, he began to dig into his back pocket, brought out a wallet then pushed an identification card in my face. Leaning in with my eyes squinted, I said, "What am I...?"

"Look at the date of birth." The way his voice commanded made me throw him a warning glance. I hate people being unnecessarily bossy.

"You are about four... five years older than me," I blurted soberly after I added the difference to my nineteen years. "But-"

"Don't go about saying things you have no idea of. Anyone passing by would think I am some kind of pervert."

" Uh... Have you forgotten the part where you wondered how it would be to kiss me?"

He wore a grin. "That is not being a pervert, it's called stating my mind."

Shaking my head, I said, "You are my teacher regardless. It is not appropriate-"

"What's not appropriate is how I can't get your beautiful face out of my head." My jaw slightly dropped. Was I in some kind of weird show? Why was he so keen on dropping lines that make something inside me react? "So... I have to ask..." His eyes became hazel from green as he took a step closer to me, his faint cologne hitting my sense of smell. "Who are you?"

His question changed the entire atmosphere.

My arms crossed and I returned the audacity of his gaze. "I am Ruby Powers."

He instantly wore a faint smile and said, "I know that already."

Of course. I almost rolled my eyes. My face is all over the tabloids. If I can spare a few curses for the person who is making money from exposing me, that would be nice.

"What I am asking is..." He took another step closer, my instincts having me do the same but backwards. "Who is Ruby Powers?" The pinkness of his lips became more visible to me and his gaze then began to affect me despite my decision to not be affected by how good looking he was. The air had become heavy with a kind of tension and it worsened when he reached for a lock of my hair and asked, "Who is this beautiful person in front of me?"

Beautiful.

The way the word fell out of his lips made me go crazy for a second. It became chaos inside me for seconds and I could not even focus on the question he asked.

Shaking my head immediately to get rid of the things his words made me feel, I assumed a serious pose before saying, "I don't wish to answer your question."

"Then I'll just ask some other time. But for now..." His finger went under my chin and I felt myself shake a bit at the contact. With ease, he titled my head and he observed every feature of my face like I was his specimen for a science work. "... Ruby Powers, I want you to know I've got my eyes on you and I don't think I'll be looking away anytime soon."

"I..."

"Goodbye, Ruby," he gently said before sliding out of my sight and leaving me in complete confusion. I was about to grab a seat so that I could get myself together when someone called my name.

As I turned to face the owner of the voice, I noticed that Bryan and the girl he was with were no longer there. I almost scoffed. So much for trying to stalk the mysterious dude.

But I swiftly looked away and greeted the girl in front of me. "Hi, Clara right?"

The girl wore a quick smile which caused her cheeks to puff up in the cutest way. "Yes it is. Are you busy?"

"Uh... No. Why?"

"Well, your mother is here to see you. She has been waiting for you outside the school for an hour now."

"My mother?" If Mum was around, I am certain she would have called my phone. That helped me realise that it was Diane that was waiting for me. 

Tiredly, I sighed. What does the woman want again?

My willingness to be her daughter?

She'll have to try harder or give up trying. And I intend to convey that information to her as soon as possible.

"Clara? Thanks for your help. Bye."

"Wait, Ruby," her shrill voice instantly drew me back. "I want to ask you something." She looked so shy, I had to wonder what her question could be.

"Sure. Ask away."

"Can I have lunch with you?" My brows cocked and she began to ramble. "You don't have to say yes. I was just hoping I can get to have lunch with someone after a while and you seem nice and confident about yourself and I love that. I mean, I like you." Her eyes narrowed and she shook her head. " Not in that way. But I admire you."

Okay?

"Clara?" I threw a smile at the person in front of me whose red curls were flying here and there in a very adorable way. "You can definitely join me for lunch. My friends would love to have you around too."

"Really?" You'd think she won a lottery. "That makes me so happy." Hurriedly, she reached for my hands and said, "Thank you, Ruby."

"It's okay, Clara."

"No. I mean, yes. I am grateful. You are the first person to remember my name without having to be dramatic about being forgetful."

I gave a little laugh. "I know you from three classes we have together. Besides, it is not hard to notice one of your competitions in academics."

She chuckled, her head doing this thing where it ducks several times and then she thanked me again enthusiastically before walking away.

Deciding not to be too bothered by her words, I was soon walking towards the reception where I suspected Diane would be waiting.

And there she was, exposed by the excess lights that raided the small room which faced the parking lot. Her head hung over her phone, she was totally oblivious to my presence as I slowly approached her.

"What are you doing here?" I sternly asked when I stopped my steps in front of her seated figure. I looked down at her and deduced that I would be able to spit fire on her head if I wanted to.

"Ruby. My darling..." She joyously greeted as she got up, her arms approaching my sides. I swiftly took a step back.

"I told you I don't want to see you, didn't I?"

" Ruby... Don't be like this. I am trying to beg for a second chance here. I want to be your mother again."

Crossing my arms as if it would be enough to contain my rising anger, I said, "Why are you asking for a second chance now?"

" I told you, darling..." She tried to hold me by my shoulders again and I successfully got rid of her approaching hands. Not showing her disappointment that much, she continued, "I have been looking for you all these years."

"Can you just do me a favour?" A small sign escaped me as I looked away for a second. "Stop being a-"

A loud crash from outside drowned my words and as I turned my head to look out of the huge glass, a gruesome sight greeted me. The top of the car right in front of us was dented, blood gushed onto its broken windows, and there was a body laying right on the top, lifeless.

With widened eyes, I watched as people gathered around the scene. Confusion mixed with questions on their faces as someone seemed to be calling the emergency line.

As an attempt to get the body off the roof became successful despite the bloodiness, I was able to catch a glimpse of the person who had just sadly lost his or her life.

"Oh no," I blurted out when it hit me that I knew the girl who was probably already walking towards the afterlife.

She was the girl Bryan was having an argument with.