Four

Ruby

Heat enveloped me and my heart clenched as my eyes swung open after a too-familiar scene just played in my supposed-to-be peaceful sleep.

I stared into the darkness ahead, and I wondered why my real mother bothered to show up.

I might not be so sure how, but her sudden presence affected me. And... just a few seconds ago, I saw the scene where she slapped four-year-old me- a thing that hurt not just physically, but emotionally.

She made me feel unwanted as a child. Her actions back then made me feel insecure about myself sometimes and that was a tough thing for a small version of me. 

What am I saying?

It still is. The way my heart squeezed as I dreamt about that terrible day made me want to ask someone to scientifically or magically erase that memory and some others from my brain. But I doubt such a thing could happen except I get hit in the head or something.

As I sat up, my now widened eyes checked the time on the small analogue clock seated on the small drawer beside my bed. I still had an hour and a half before school opened.

I was considering going back to sleep when I recalled the dream. That changed my mind and I decided to check if I didn't miss any homework. As if the pillow in my hands was the reason for my situation at that moment, I tossed it hard to the other end of the room and it knocked the dustbin by the entrance to my bathroom down.  

While debating whether to get it or let it join the league of dirty clothes, I heard a sound- it was like rushing water. And since I was certain there was no recording room for binaural beats in my bathroom, I frowned. 

Then with careful steps, I made for the bathroom.

After I quietly swung the door open, I was met by thick darkness, the running water, the only thing I could sense. Reaching for the switch without a fuss, the cool room became illuminated and what I first saw startled me that I let out a small shriek.

But as the blue eyes looking into mine questioned my action almost emotionlessly, I realized it was just Zion. And... he seemed to be brushing his teeth.

But in the dark? At that time?

"Zion..." I rested against the door frame. "What are you doing here?"

A blink was all he gave and he turned to spit out some foam into the basin that was still receiving loads of fluid. Then he faced me. "I am brushing."

"Why are you doing that in my bathroom? How did you even get in without me noticing?" My eyes glanced to the main entrance of my room as though I would see traces of him walking past it.

"I like the wallpaper here," he commented.

I faced Zion, my brows twitching as I looked ahead at the repetitive anchor image on the light gold background that made up my bathroom walls. 

"What?" Certainly, the look on my face said that I was trying to check if my brother was nuts or something. "You are brushing in the dark, Zion."

"The wallpaper helps me think," he simply ignored my stated observation and I decided to play along.

"What were you thinking about?"

"Life." The brush in his hand went back to cleaning his teeth which I was certain was more than clean at that point.

"Life," I repeated. I wasn't sure what to make of his... unusual act. "What about life though?" His act still intrigued me. What could a boy of his age be thinking of life? And why?

"How hard it is. And sad." The way he calmly, yet soberly answered made me certain my brother was one of a kind and it made me want to know him more. And maybe I could tickle his idea a bit. Maybe we could have an early morning argument. 

I grinned. I can't wait to see my Dad try to break through that fight. 

So I asked, "Don't you think life is happy too?"

The tap came off and his sight fell on my image in the mirror in front of him.

"It hardly is."

Man, where does this boy get his intensity from? The way he said those words... it caused some kind of heaviness to befall me. 

But then...

"Zion, I don't know why you say that, but life can be happy. It has its happiness as it has sadness. We just have to push through situations to find those emotions. Okay?"

He stared back at me like he didn't understand a word of what I said. But he did because he gave a small nod like my father does when you engage him in a conversation while he is busy with his work.

Quietly, Zion made for the entrance. But before he walked out of my room, I called him back and asked, "Why do you think life is sad?"

Dramatic silence followed before he replied with, "I saw a dog die yesterday." And he walked away, not giving me a chance to hug him as my heart yearned to.

~

While I successfully ignored the many annoying glances people kept throwing my way as I waited for Abby and Jake in front of the cafeteria, Zion's earlier words in my bathroom crept into my mind and I just had to return the looks of the people around me and wonder what life was.

As my mind searched for a response that would suit my thinking, 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 who I recognized as one of the many girls that always eyes Jake like he is some juicy element, dragged him from Abby's side.

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

As she walked to me and apologized 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 choice of food. 

"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 as she watched the lady behind the counter take care of our order. "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 that swim around him."

"You sound bitter about it."

"What?" Eyes that glared incredulously darted my way and I gave her a small grin. And nothing more was said. As soon as we got to our table with our lunch, Jake arrived and soon started to dig into his meal. 

"I can't do this anymore..." 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 into 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 does not only own and runs the biggest companies in the business industry, he 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 discretely." I scorned. 

"They are just being human. But don't worry, in a number of 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. 

~

After a long day at school, tiredness enveloped my soul and I had to wonder how the rest of the term would be if the beginning was already tasking. But then, one thing was certain, I will always get to have my energy rejuvenated in my number one abode.

Home.

Its structure didn't fit the New York style- in fact, we are surrounded by apartment buildings that become visible after a ten-minute walk from my house. But the uniqueness of our home wasn't a bother as its walls have witnessed so many memories. And it definitely provided comfort. Comfort that was enough for a small family like ours.

Starting from the small array of flowers just by the porch, to the cool colours the building gave off, it definitely was home. And I couldn't wait to go into the welcoming abode and straight into my bed without disturbances.

But as I opened the door, I was greeted by arguments.