Ruby
Ignoring the woman in front of me, I rushed outside, Abby and Jake's warnings about Bryan ringing in my head. After I successfully pushed through the crowd that was trying to get past the entrance, I hurried towards the scene.
It was no doubt the very girl Bryan was talking to.
I definitely can't mistake her unique curls for someone else's. Even the little tug on her lips from earlier was still evident.
Shaking slightly, I took steps back from the scene as my incoming thoughts started to frighten me. The questions in my mind didn't help issues either.
Sirens announced the entry of uniformed men and I watched almost lifelessly as they urged people to move back so there will be more space for the available ambulance.
From where I was, I could see the girl's blood-stained face and I could tell she was almost gone. But I couldn't help but pray for some miracle.
Nobody deserves to die so cruelly.
That statement drew my mind back to the fact that someone might be responsible for the fall. As I raised my head to observe the height of the school building, I perceived Abby's scent.
"Ruby... There you are." I looked towards her and she instantly frowned. " You look pale. Are you okay?"
"Uh?"
It couldn't have been that the girl committed suicide right? But she didn't seem like a depressed person. And then... Why would the next thing she would do after a heated conversation with Bryan is commit suicide?
"Ruby?" My friend shook me out of my thoughts. "I think you need to sit down. You don't look so well." Her eyes flew towards the damaged car. "I guess seeing so much blood makes you feel weird inside." She reached for my arm and hooked it with hers.
"Do you know her?" I asked Abby, my voice a little shaky.
"The girl?" Abby asked sadly before shaking her head negatively. "Did you?" she asked back.
"It is just so sad that she's going to die this way." I sounded really sad.
"Please go back to your classes! We will take care of things from here!" One of the uniformed men said before asking his mates to disperse the crowd.
I don't know if I started walking by my will, but I knew I was approaching the entrance, Abby's arm still hooked with mine.
I couldn't get my thoughts and speculations out of my head. The fact that Bryan Lockwood could be involved in what just happened was crazy enough and a thought that must be considered.
Now, I am considering telling the police what I observed
"Abby?"
"Yes, babe?"
"Do you think she committed suicide?" Our eyes met and she shook her head. "You don't?"
"I mean, I don't know. She might have, she might have not... It is really hard to tell." Nodding, I looked ahead and continued with my thoughts. If it isn't suicide, I'll have to tell the cops what I noticed. I can't afford to keep shut. The fact that I might have a clue might help the girl get justice for her death.
And why do I keep being bothered about Bryan Lockwood?
He doesn't even want me around. Besides, if he has killed someone, he should pay for it. No matter what. No matter who he has in his corner.
Finally coming to a conclusion, I decided to wait for the cops to give their report and till then, my mouth will be as shut as possible.
~
It was after closing already but we were still in school. We were all gathered in the school auditorium and we all could not help but wonder if the reason for the emergency call was in relation to the girl who just died.
Wearing a big frown instantly, I rubbed my chest as it occurred to me that I still didn't know the girl's name. I also felt terrible because I was not able to eavesdrop on her conversation with Bryan. If it was a discussion that led to her death, who knows, I could have helped her in a way."Do you think they know what happened already?" Abby asked, her arms hooked with both Jake's and I's. It was quite weird how she hasn't stopped linking arms since the incident.
"I don't think investigations work that way Abby," Jake replied to her. Before she could throw him a harsh response, the sound system came on and the feminine voice of our principal spoke into the speaker.
"Good day, students. I know today has been quite sad and hectic but I want to assure you the incident is being looked into. Right now, Detective Mandy Catch will like to speak to you about a thing or two. So please let's settle down and hear what she has to say."
"Why doesn't our principal ever come out of her office?" Abby started another round of questions. Almost disgustingly, she added, "She stays in that office like there's a secret that must never be found."
Snickering at her comment, I faced the podium ahead where a tall woman who wore a low haircut with pride, was now standing. "She looks so cool." I found myself yelling out. But I couldn't care less if someone heard me. The woman looked so confident, it made me feel good about myself.
"Hello, guys. I am Detective Catch and I-"
"I wonder why her forefathers chose the name Catch. It's so weird. Poor woman." Abby murmured into my ears and I shook my head before turning my attention to the podium again.
"I am very sure it wasn't an easy day for all of you. Such a gruesome sight is not something we wish anyone to see. What happened is indeed sad." The detective's head hung a bit as one of her hands went behind her. "We all-"
"I can't help but imagine what they call her at work. Detective Catch? Catch? Catcher? D.C? I can't just-"
"For God's sake Abby, could you please keep it down?" I hushed her instantly and she murmured something about trying to feel less sad.
"We have started investigations..." The woman's voice came again. "And we are considering every possible option."
"Do you think she was murdered?" A voice asked loudly from a corner.
Sighing at first, the detective said, "We will be conducting a thorough investigation. And very soon we will all know for sure what happened to Maddison."
Maddison. That's her name. "So, if anyone noticed anything abnormal about the victim before the accident, I would love it if you could inform us. That way, we can have better and more direct investigations. It might not be easy to... I know it won't be easy to report things you might have noticed. But please, try as much as you can to cooperate with us. If you can't reach us-"
"I need to go use the restroom," I informed Abby who nodded. Soon, I was outside the large auditorium which was a stand-alone building just behind the school. From where I was standing, I could still see the rear end of the main building's rooftop and my heart squeezed again.
I just have to do it. I have to tell the cops what I noticed.
"Oh! Ruby Powers!" An excited voice called from behind and as I turned to see who it was, I almost missed my step. "I can't believe we are really in the same school. Sorry about the other time, I was deep in thought."
I stared silently at Bryan Lockwood who was in front of me, a huge grin planted on his face. Is it safe to say I felt a bit scared by the grin? It was just so creepy.
"What are you doing outside? Are they done in there?" he asked while his bouncy hair danced.
" Uh..."
"Ah, I see." His shoulder sagged a bit and he scratched the back of his head. "I must have startled you with my reaction earlier. I am sorry. I really hope we can be friends." His large palm found a place on my small shoulder, and I kept looking surprised.
"F... Friends?" I repeated the unbelievable word he used.
"Yes." He held out his hand. "Friends?"
"Uh?" I stared at his hand like it was an alien material. Then, dramatically, I slowly looked up at him and his smiling face nudged towards his hand. I accepted his handshake and said, "Friends."
"It is really sad what happened to Maddison, isn't it?"
"Please excuse me." Afraid I would spill what I observed, I hurriedly cut short whatever word he had to say in addition and raced towards the restroom. And as I did that, one thing sent chills down my spine- the way his smile turned to a blank look after I excused myself.
And that became enough reason for me to reconsider my plan. Maybe I would hold off telling the cops anything for a while.
Ruby It still haunted my mind how Bryan's face instantly wore a grim look. It made me want to somewhat agree with my friends about his scary personality. But his expression change might not mean he is trying to keep an eye on me, that he thinks I know something. Right? Or, am I overreacting? Groaning loudly, my face looking up at the sky afterwards, I soon began to regret telling Jake to drop me off three junctions away from my house. I must look insane for talking to myself and wearing different thinking expressions while walking down the street. But then... I should tell the police what I know, right? I gave myself a small nod and soon stood straighter before resuming my steps. As I slung my bag over my shoulder, I assured myself, "I don't care if he goes to jail. He is not my friend. Why should I feel bad for him?" "I must say, you look cute talking to yourself on the street." I jumped to the side, absolutely startled at the masculine voice that sprung out of nowhere. Whe
Ruby “It is just a rumour, but it seems Bryan Lockwood is a suspect in Maddison’s case. Someone saw him being questioned.” Abby looked my way after blurting out her statement in the middle of the Avengers movie we were watching. “I always knew that guy was suspicious,” Jake added and I shifted on my seat, my mind finally touring towards the one thing I had been trying not to think about. Bryan Lockwood said he will punish me. No, he promised he would do it. And, that's a grandly messed up statement. “Do you guys think he killed that first girl? Uh… Melissa?” I asked my friends. “Melinda. It is very possible,” Jake replied to my question after relaxing his narrowed eyes. A sigh escaped me and I crossed my legs. “It doesn’t make sense. If he is a killer or what have you, why is he roaming the corridors of our school? Now that I think of it, when he was arrested for the first incident, he was too calm for someone who was supposedly being arrested for murder.” “What is going o
Ruby " So..." The cop seated in front of us dipped the lollipop into his mouth as he studied the pictures closely. "You are saying..." A pop sound followed and I ground my lips. "You are saying this is not you?" "That's what I am saying." "But this is your face," he stated the obvious and then looked up at Abby and I. "What exactly is the matter? Did someone leak your nudes? Did you send them to someone? You can tell me. I know teens do crazy things sometimes." Too tired to raise my voice, I sighed, then gently replied, "I have never sent anyone my nudes and not for once have I uploaded a picture of myself on the internet." "She doesn't even take normal pictures," Abby added to buttress my point. " Exactly. This is clearly a case of cyberbullying." "And who would want to bully you by uploading fake pictures of you?" Only one person came to mind. The man lowered his eyes and watched my expression closely. "You know who it is, don't you?" "I have a guess." His brows arched as
Adonis She must have thought I drugged her. It wouldn't surprise me if she slaps me with that accusation when she wakes up. But then, it's not my fault she lacked so much sleep that my very reliable sleep-inducer could not help but knock her out so fast. After settling on the little space left on her bed, I took a second to study her relaxed face. The things I heard about her in the corridors of the school were enough to tell me why she was so pale. And that made me wonder who Ruby offended that he or she would think it was necessary to release such provocating images. I sighed hard. Trying to figure that out was another issue on its own. A small smile found its way to my lips and my right hand attempted to reach out for the large mass of her shiny, nice scented, black hair that scattered all over her pillow. I quickly pulled back. I shouldn't be getting attached to her. I should not try to befriend her. But still, I need to protect her. And to do that, I need to be close
RubyI never thought it was possible for one to feel greatly at peace after sleeping. And I don't know if it is sensible to say that the sleep I just had was too sweet. My eyes were still shut because I wanted to go back into that slumber world and just dream away.But Abby's and Jake's voices kept interrupting my attempt, so I gave up. But my eyes stayed closed."I know you are awake, Ruby. I saw your hand move." Abby's stern voice made me smile inwardly.Then, I recalled the man that was with me before I fell asleep. Desperate to check if he was still in the room, I opened my eyes and the first thing I saw was the ceiling. Before I could turn my face to the side, two peering faces hovered over me and I wore a pout on my lips in reaction."Good to see you looking like yourself, Ruby," Abby commented while Jake helped me sit up. "Hmm." I ran my hands through my hair as I tried to stifle a loud yawn. "For how long was I asleep?""Dude, I have no idea. I am just glad you have got your
RubyThree days later, the school was wearing a different look in preparation for Maddison's memorial. I actually didn't think my mother would approach the principal to express her displeasure, but she did. And the principal who we hardly see around listened to my mother.Investigations were put on hold and no classes were held after eleven o'clock. And that was weird because you'd expect that there would be no class on a day like this.But then, I am glad the memorial service gets to happen. It is the least that could be done for the departed soul.Since Abby and I are part of the school decorating team, we were assigned to give a different touch to the open grounds behind our school.The view is quite nice. One would be able to see the city ahead at night and that guarantees a beautiful view. "Is that a piano?" Abby queried as she got off the ladder that she had earlier climbed so that she could put up the banner made for the occasion.I looked behind me and behold, a grand piano w
RubyWith fear within me, I walked toward my Mom who was still trying to decipher the issue on ground. Everywhere was already chaotic as murmurs filled the air and all eyes fell on me. But that didn't bother me. The woman in front of me is more important."Mom.." I carefully called after I found my stance in front of her."What is going on, Ruby? What is this?" She pushed the paper in her hand toward my face and I sighed. I didn't want her to find out in such a way.In fact, I didn't want her to find out at all."Mom...""What is this supposed to be?" Her forehead creased as she took another unbelieving look at the contents of the flier. "A naked you?" "I-""This is not how you look naked," she protested, her frown getting deeper. "I am sure of it.""You know what I look like naked?""I am your mother, of course, I do. That is not the point here. " She quickly changed the topic before I could ask the question that instantly entered my mind. "Why is this happening, Ruby? Is somethin
Ruby"Is that so?" I heard my Dad calmly yet authoritatively ask. He then took a deep sigh and shifted in the leather seat of the BMW model he had gotten the previous year. "Good. At least we know who the traitor is."My head turned to the side and my eyes captured the entrance to our house. My mind then traveled to the unexpected turn of events, playing right from the moment my parents hinted that they had something planned for me. True to her word, Mom took me to the closest mall and had me try gown after gown without slipping a word about what was going on.After choosing a red, low turtle neck, knee length, and a smooth-feeling gown that Abby would call sexy, Mom dragged me to a beauty salon and made sure I sat through the whole process.Trust me, I hated every moment.The fact that I had to sit for so long, the incessant chattering around me, the hands in my hair, the eyes staring at my face, I hated it all because I felt uneasy.But the result, I like. In Mom's words, I look l