Chapter 1
Meeting the Staffers
Ruby's Pov;
" Wait here Michael. Lemme go get you another cone of ice cream " I said to my little brother as I hurried out to go get him another ice cream. The one with him was finished.
I was on my way, when I felt a beep. My phone
I brought it out and checked who was calling, then smiled seeing who the caller is
Diane. My best friend.
I picked it up and placed it on my left ear with a huge smile on my face.
" Hey girlfriend" she cheered happily into the phone. That's her usual tone though- always happy and excited; there's never a dull moment with her
" Whatsup" I cooed
" Guess what?" she said excitedly, making me wonder whatsup
" You know very well I can't guess - am not good at it" I said, hoping she'll just skip the whole guessing part and tell me
" Just try" she persisted.
" Diane, I can't please; just tell me" I whined, as I got closer to the ice cream vendor.
I have to hurry, because my brother is alone at the park.
" Okay, killjoy! It's about Louis - he's coming back to our school" she informed and I gasped
" You don't say" I shrieked
" Am telling you girlfriend. I can't just wait for this holiday to be over so we'll go back to school. Next session is surely gonna be a boom" she said
" Hell yes; this is so...Gosh! I don't even know what to say" I said still in shock
" How did you get hold of this information?" I asked her.
" Well...a little birdie told me" she said and we both burst into laughter
" I'm gonna use the rest of this vacation to go shopping- in the mall. I need to change my wardrobe; get lovely stuffs. Next session is gonna be hot" she rapsed as I nodded to every word she was saying.
Diane is a crazy fashion girl. That's also one of the things I love about her.
No one can beat her when it comes to fashion - no one even comes close
" Oh, Louis! All the girls are gonna go wild" I said
" You bet; I hope to not be the first one out" she said and gave a short laugh
Wondering who Louis is? Well...he's the school's Greekgod..
Did I say Greekgod. Yeah!!!
He's the most handsome guy I've ever seen on the surface of this earth.
He crowns it all with his great artistic skills, and doesn't fail to show it whenever an opportunity presents itself. He holds the school's record for; Best male singer, during our middle school days.
He left about two years back, for some reasons still unknown to everyone; and now - he's back
Damn!!!
I can't wait to see my longtime crush.
Did I just say longtime crush. Oh, Yeah! you heard me right.
I've had this really huge crush on him since our elementary school days; too bad he's not into girls.
I don't even think I've seen him with any girl before, neither have I heard rumours of him dating anyone.
But what I do know is - I'm not the only girl crushing on him; and I can place a bet on it - and damn sure, all the girls in Cali's High is crushing on Louis.
" Diane; you sure know how to get yourself ready" I teased.
" You can say that again. I always like to be prepared" she replied confidently.
I laughed
" Alright girlfriend - let the best girl wins...I gotta go; I left my kid brother to come get ice cream" I told her.
I heard her mouthed an OH.
" Bye Ruby, talk to you later" she said and the call disconnected.
I bought the ice cream, and started heading back.
Thoughts of Louis filled my head.
His sweet, deep, baritone voice whenever he speaks or sings.
I envisioned him perfectly in my thoughts - the way he climbs up to the podium and holds the mic; and then stared back at the audience before performing
Holy, heavens!! I wonder what he's like now?
" What took you so long?" that was Michael.
I knew I had stayed longer than I was supposed to, which isn't right; so, the best thing to do right now - is to start apologizing.
I don't wanna be the reason he doesn't have much fun earlier on
" I'm so sorry honey, was caught up with something" I said squatting to his height, but his face was still squeezed up
" Here....look, I even got you two cones" I said raising it up to his face.
I was glad he buys it because he smiled immediately, dragging them out of my palm.
He made do with one first, holding on to the other tightly.
I stood up and held his hands as we walked to the park.
" So, no one for me, yeah?" I asked him playfully
" You've forgotten the other is for your apology" he said and ran off to the park to meet the other kids there, leaving me behind.
Smart kid brother have got here.
I folded my arms as I watched him get on a swing, with the other kids
I smiled from afar where I stood, watching them all as they play.
*
*
" I had lots of fun today, Dad" Michael said to dad, immediately he was back from work.
" I can see you did. You're so excited and happy. Ruby took good care of you" Dad said not too happily.
I could see the look of sadness in his eyes, but he was trying his possible best to smile.
" Yes, Dad. Did you get me anything?" Michael asked him.
" Michael, he just got back.. Let him go freshen up first. You can have your gift later" I scolded
He made a puppy face as he walked to the couch.
I sighed and went to Dad.
" Welcome back Dad" I collected his briefcase as he led the way to his room, taking the stairs.
I followed him to his room, dropped the briefcase and came back to the sitting room
Michael was watching his favorite cartoon.
I stared at him for some seconds before walking over to the dinning.
I set the table for dinner, and went to call Dad.
*
*
" You still haven't given me what you bought for me Dad" Michael said. I shot him a hard glare, which he returned with a smile.
" Can't you see Dad's exhausted. You'll get something some other time, not today" I chided
" Let him be Ruby. He's just a kid; they don't understand stuffs like this" Dad said, touching his chin
" Hope you're enjoying your meal?" I asked him
He nodded
" You don't even need to ask me that. As long as you're the one that prepared it, then I must surely enjoy it" he said and we both laughed over it.
" I promise to get you something on my way back from work tomorrow,okay?" Dad said, facing Michael.
He nodded excitedly
" Should I tell you what I want?" he asked.
Dad thought for a while and nodded.
" I want a huge bowl of once cream,and popcorn" he said happily
I gazed at the mini definition of a cute demon, in front of me.
I don't get why a guy will so much be in love with ice cream. I thought only girls adored it
" What's with you and ice cream?" I asked.
" It's not something you would know" he said, sticking out his tongue at me.
" Dad, did you see that? Did you see what this son of yours just did?" I said angrily
" Just let him be Ruby, he's a kid. I tell you all the time. By the way, when are you resuming school?" he asked, changing the topic.
My dad is very good at this - changing topics.
I took it from him though.
" About a week from now" I replied
He nodded and didn't utter a word.
The dinning was engulfed in silence, as each person faced their meal.
*
*
We finished eating,and I cleared the table with Dad helping me with the dishes.
Michael went to the couch to continue his cartoon, but fell asleep immediately
" I'll take him to his room and then go to mine. Make sure you retire to bed early" Dad said picking up Michael from the couch.
I nodded and switched off the tv.
He took the stairs. I stared at him till they were both out of sight.
Oh, what a day! I thought sitting on the couch.
I wasn't feeling sleepy yet, and I didn't want to go to my room
I was now left with only two options - either to watch a movie, or chat with my friend - Diane; thats if she's even online.
After much thinking, I decided to go with the movie.
I walked to the mini table at the center of the sitting room, and picked up the remote from it.
I switched on the tv, and searched through the channels for anything meaningful to watch.
I searched for a while, and at last, saw a very interesting programme
I decided to make do with it, as I relaxed myself on the couch- comfortably; stretching out my legs.
Chapter 2De MartinsRuby's Pov;" What's it, Dad?" I asked during breakfast.He forced a smile at me and shook his head. I know he's lying, but what can I do?I let it slide as I served breakfast. Michael looked excited and already dressed up for summer classI don't get why Dad had insisting on him going - I hate summer class like hellI finished dishing theirs ,and dished mine before taking my seatI watched Dad closely from the corner of my eyes.I knew something's wrong - something's definitely amidst.I started noticing it, from the day he told us there will be no vacation for us.I had gotten so angry and furious and had locked myself up all day; but then I had a rethink - he's never done that before.Dad loves spoiling us with gifts, and since I was a kid, we've always been going to vacations - term in, term out. We've never missed it; so it didn't make sense to get angry at him, just this onceI tried to make him tell me what was wrong, but he wouldn't; I know all isn't well.
Chapter 3A FraudNathan's Pov;I came out of the bathroom to find my phone ringing.A towel tied round my waist, I walked to the bed and picked it up, then look into itDad!I picked it up hasteningly, placing it on my ear" Hey, Dad" I said casually" How are you son?" he asked" I'm fine; about to go meet a client" I said" Good.How's it going over there?" he asked again" It's going pretty well...but slow" I repliedThere was a short silence at the other end"Just wanted to check up on you and know how things are going over there. I had a meeting with the board of directors some days back" he informedI arched my brows, although he couldn't see me" W...why?" I asked lowly" They are worried, son. They think your reason of being there isn't yielding in any way - its not bringing any help.We haven't seen results" he cooedI itched my forehead with my index finger" I'm trying my best, Dad. I'm still meeting with them today. I believe there'll be progress when I get there. I've alre
Chapter 4Oh, no! Michael!Ruby's Pov;" Who's this crazy bitch?" One of her friends asked.I scoffed, pointing my index finger to myself.Did…did that psycho just called me a bitch?." What did you just say?" I let out with fury.They stared at me awkwardly." Come on girls, let's just leave her and go our way. I don't think she's okay" another said, and that angered the hell out of me.I walked to their car and towards the one that had said it." I sat you to repeat what you just said…to my face" I challenged, burning with anger and fury " I dare you"" Come girl, she's not worth it. We are rubbing late already" the first girl from earlier spoke up." Actually, she does. Can't you see this bitch…" I didn't ler her finish her statement before landing a very hot slap on her cheek.She held it immediately, as she winced in pain.The others rushed out of the car immediately, two held the one I had slapped, whiled the last one - the one driving, marched towards me.My angry gaze met her
Chapter 5Trouble in ParadiseRuby's Pov;I received a text message. I checked to see it was the address the teacher had sent. I hurriedly went back to my car and got in, before driving off in speed The place wasn't far from the school. It was a coffee shop closeby.I got there in less than ten minutes. I parked, came down from the car and rushed in.I got in and looked round for the teacher and Michael. I was glad when I saw them at the left hand side of the shop .I ran to them and engulfed Michael in a hug as soon as I got there.He beamed with smiles, hugging me back." Did you get me anything?" He asked , all smiles." No Michael. I was in a hurry, but I promise to get you something on our way home" I told him, playing with his hair as he stood up. He giggled happily." Thanks a lot ma'am" I said appreciatively to the teacher .She gave me a smile and a small nod." Just make sure to never repeat it. It's a good thing I was still there and I don't have anything doing" she said.
Chapter 6Long lost Friend.Ruby's Pov;Dad went to his room first to freshen up before coming down for dinner.We all had dinner- it was a lovely family moment.**" I wanna watch cartoons," Michael whined.We were all seated on the couch in the living room, watching a movie.The movie has ended and they were about to show another, but Michael kept insisting we allow him watch cartoon."Go to your room and watch it. There's no place for you here" I groaned angrily.He pouted angrily and made a sad face." Just let him, Ruby" Dad said in a soothing tone." But Dad, I don't wanna watch cartoon" I cried out." Then go to your room" Michael said.I glare at him in anger." He's your younger brother. You should give in to him. You should always let him have his way and make sacrifices because you're the eldest" Dad cautioned.I made an angry face, as I angrily changed the channel, looking for a cartoon channel.I was still looking for one, when I switched to a certain channel and stopped
Chapter 7A Merger.Mr Staffers couldn't believe his eyes, while Mr Martins got up slowly, with a huge grin on his face." Yes Staffers, it's me Martins" Mr Martins said to his friend who was looking lost and dumbfounded." Oh, my God" he ran to hug him. They engaged in a very tight hug as they exchanged manly pleasantries.**" Woah… it's been what now.. eighteen years?" Mr Staffers said happily.Both friends still couldn't believe they had found eachother." It's been so long," Mr Staffers said again." Yeah…I'm so glad we finally met again after so many years" Mr Martins said too, with excitement." Yeah…how were you able to locate me?" Mr Staffers asked in bewilderment." I saw you on the news. Actually, it was my wife that saw you and called me to come see . I was dumbfounded and thrown aback when I saw it was you. I couldn't believe my eyes at first" Mr Martins said happily." Yeah…I guess you know then" Mr Staffers said sadly." Speaking of wife, are you referring to Tracy?" H
Chapter 8Finally Back HomeNathan's Pov;I couldnt believe my ears. Is Dad for real?" What are you saying Dad?" I asked coldly, trying to stay cool and not get angry." Yes son, I think this will really…"" Cut the crap Dad" I cut him off in anger.I don't think I can hold it in any longer."Are you for real? Like I should get married. I've told you countless times that I don't want to ever get married. I don't wanna engage in that stupid union called marriage" I rasped in anger." I know son, but as it stands, I don't think you have a choice. It has already been decided and concluded". " What are you talking about?" I asked." I'm talking about the company. It's either you get married to her for the betterment of this company or you step down as the…."." What nonsense are you saying to me, Dad" I cut him off in anger again, my heart beat increasing.Is he really threatening me with that?.Hell no!!.Why do I have to get married for any reason? I hate the idea so much." It's your
In two weeks timeRuby's Pov;I wiped the tears from my eyes, and stood upright. Dad's eyes didn't leave my face and I had to bring it down to look at Michael, distracting myself in the process." Dad!?" Michael ran to hug him, leaving me standing there like a destitute.I sniffed for a while, fighting my tears hard.I had no idea he would be back so soon, I would have just stayed indoors still." How are you son?" he caressed Michael's hair as he asked the obvious question, while they took slow steps towards me.Michael was grinning from ear to ear, and I was surprised he didn't ask for anything.Is he that happy to see me get back on. my feet? Is he that happy to see my face again?.The only thing that made me feel lighter was his smile that looks more like the spring sunshine - it was radiating and pleasant to look at, and I thank God for giving me such a cute soul He's so adorable He fell to the couch behind with Dad, as they chatter about some things I didn't care to even list