Chapter 5

Before Ruby could express any concern about having a ridiculous video of her up on the internet and without her permission, they were interrupted by Mrs. Cooper's glare. 

The class began, and it was surprising to see there was not a single sound which could be heard other than Mrs. Cooper's snarky comments about Mr. Smith's substandard ways of teaching and chalk gliding against the board.

As the class progressed, Ruby found herself engrossed in Mrs. Cooper's teaching, captivated by her snarky comments and engaging delivery. The classroom was surprisingly silent, with only the sound of Mrs. Cooper's voice and the chalk against the board breaking the stillness.

To Ruby's relief, Mrs. Cooper didn't subject her to the dreaded introduction session where students had to speak about themselves and their hobbies. It was a small victory that spared her from the anxiety-inducing experience.

Despite being fully absorbed in the lesson, Ruby's attention to detail didn't waver. She noticed a mistake she had made while solving a math problem. Instead of writing a plus sign, she had mistakenly written a multiplication sign, a seemingly insignificant error that would drastically alter the answer.

Ruby pointed out the error to Mrs. Cooper. For a moment she looked surprised, but soon a smirk covered her face.

"Pay attention, teenagers-who-behave-like-toddlers," she admonished the class, her voice filled with a mix of authority and sarcasm.

Amidst the classroom's collective chuckles, Olivia couldn't help but giggle. "She's nasty, but I love her for this very reason," she whispered to Ruby, appreciating Mrs. Cooper's no-nonsense attitude.

"With power comes responsibilities," Mrs Cooper sighed before continuing, "I'm supposed to assign a class representative. It's usually up to the class to vote, but I don't follow that rule. I want someone obedient and attentive." Her eyes zeroed in on Ruby. She felt her heart skip a beat.

"Your CR is Ruby Norman," she announced and left the class with a firm posture.

"Congratulations?" Olivia said tentatively.

Ruby listened to Olivia's words, her frown still etched on her face. The responsibility of being a Class Representative (CR) weighed heavily on her mind. She knew it meant taking on additional tasks and serving the class, and while she appreciated the recognition, she also felt a sense of reluctance.

"I guess I'm just not thrilled about the added responsibilities," Ruby replied, her voice tinged with a hint of frustration. "Being a CR means a lot of extra work, and I have my own academic goals to focus on."

Olivia observed Ruby's conflicted expression and nodded in understanding. "I get it. It can be overwhelming, especially when you're already dedicated to your studies. But hey, it's also an opportunity to make a positive impact on the class and contribute to the school community."

Ruby's frown softened slightly as she considered Olivia's words. There was a glimmer of truth in what she said. She had always valued education and learning, but perhaps there was more to school life than just academics.

"I suppose you're right," Ruby admitted, her voice reflecting a mix of apprehension and curiosity. "I'll give it a shot and see how it goes. Maybe being a part of the Students' Council could help me grow in ways I hadn't considered."

Olivia grinned, pleased with Ruby's response. "That's the spirit! Besides, with your dedication and intelligence, I have no doubt you'll excel in any role you take on."

Ruby shrugged. "Let's just go to the canteen? We have a break, right?" 

"An hour before the last class, Bio." She picked up her phone and began walking alongside Ruby. 

Realisation struck her later, "I'm sorry. I'm sure you want to go with your friends." She sighed. 

Olivia's smile widened, "You're my friend too now. Besides, I'm always with them."

***

"You sit here, I'll get the food. What do you need?" asked Olivia.

"A chicken burger and lemonade? Here," she said, passing her some money. 

Olivia took it and vanished into the beyond-crowded canteen. 

The campus was great and being with Olivia had proved beneficial to her. She had found some of the best spaces to spend her time. Cherry on top? These places were least inhabited most of the time. 

She was currently sitting under the shade of a tree on a bench. From where she sat, she could see Caden, busy hogging. He looked carefree, not bothered about anyone but himself and the group that surrounded him.

However, she noticed some members were missing. She saw a girl-calling her a diva seemed more appropriate. She was beautiful in all senses. Her hair was gorgeous; Ruby always had believed bangs didn't suit anyone but she somehow managed to pull them off so perfectly. She also wished to get some fashion advice from her someday in the future. 

There was another girl-- this guy was popular. She sat quietly but her eyes were constantly fixed on Caden, watching him intently. The other girl, the one with bangs however, was all over the canteen. People parted as she passed them, a sign of respect and Ruby felt amused at the way everyone looked at her-- with intense admiration. 

"So how's my girl doing?" 

Ruby jumped in her seat, startled at the sudden intrusion in her thoughts. 

Turning around she saw a face belonging to someone who couldn't be here. Of course, it had to be a hallucination. Did she miss her friends so much that she was now hallucinating them? She shook her head, trying to make it stop. But it persisted. 

"I'm real, darling. In flesh and blood." He winked and sat beside her. 

"Luke?"

"Luke Scott. The one and only." His face broke into a wide grin which she knew no hallucination of her could conjure. 

Ignoring the delusion and believing her eyes, she asked "I believe you are here but, how?" Her face now mirrored his, an identical smile playing on her lips. 

"I missed you too much and I knew in my absence, your high school experience would suck." 

Ruby smacked his arm playfully. Her heart fluttered, finally settling on the fact that she was seeing her best friend. For real. 

Luke removed the ID card hanging around his neck and tossed it into her lap. "Luke Scott, Grade twelve, student of Willowbrook high school."

"But-"

"... I was supposed to continue there. Yeah, I lied because I wanted to see your face when I'd walk up to you just like I did now." He was perfect, in all senses. Her best friend. 

She let out a little squeal, "I'm so happy!" She pulled him into a tight embrace.

The sweet voice of his chuckle filled the air. "It's one of the many surprises yet to come!"

"Am I interrupting something?" Olivia's merry tone pulled them out of their little world. 

"No, Olivia. This is Luke, my friend and this is Olivia, my new friend," she introduced them to each other. 

"Glad you finally consider me as one. It's a privilege, really. I already know, Luke." She sighed, "Oh, I mean the first day of high school involves a lot of baseless forced introductions and conversations administered by teachers, right?" She placed the burger and lemonade on the bench, "I gotta go check on my grumpy boy. See ya, Ruby."

Olivia jogged away, leaving them to themselves. 

"Baseless, forced conversations? I can't believe someone said that about you. I mean Luke Sharma? The hottest bachelor in the whole of Willowbrook?" Ruby burst out into boisterous laughter. 

Playfully smacking her arm, Luke said, "You know, she meant 'generally'." His voice sounded hurt and that only amused Ruby more. 

"Whatever you say, Mr. Scott. I know you're used to getting all the attention, but she's different."

"How do you know that?" He lifted his eyebrow. 

"We talked."

He shrugged it away, "Forget her, tell me about you. What was that? First day...? Class Representative? One day and you've taken Willowbrook by a storm."

"Of course, did you expect any less?" She grinned and started babbling nonsense, not once worried about him judging her. 

They talked for a while about everything. The burger laid there watching them share every single detail of all they witnessed and experienced. At one point, his phone pinged, indicating a new notification. 

"Omg, look. Our class page has posted a new prank video. I hope it's on the oldie Smith. Just two days here and I already hate him, always pestering me with physics related bullshit," Luke scoffed. 

Otherwise, she would have defended her favourite subject. But then, she was too surprised at the mention of a class page. 

Prank video. Class page? I*******m page? Oh!

She grabbed the phone from his hands, staring at the screen intensely. A sigh of relief escaped her lips as she watched the video posted on it. She wasn't in it. 

A sickly feeling arose in the pit of her stomach. Instinctively she knew she wasn't going to stay relieved for too long.