Chapter 2 RUBY INGRID

~ RUBY INGRID ~

A ray of lights touched my skin, I can barely move my body without squirming at the small pain I was feeling. I felt so sore and strange.

“Ruby, it’s already ten in the morning! I’ll be heading out now!“ I heard Annaliese knocking on my door so I hastily took my way out of the bed.

I opened my door and was surprised to see Annaliese in her complete uniform. That’s right, she’s still studying in college and working as a part time waiter during the afternoon.

“Isn’t it Saturday, today?“ I saw how her forehead wrinkled with my question. But I clearly remembered it. The night when I went out during midnight, it was already Saturday.

“Saturday? No wonder you can’t pass scholarships, couz. It’s Thursday, you’ve been sleeping early and waking up late these past few days so I was wondering if you’re already pregnant. I knew Reah asked you to be a stripper for a bachelor’s party. And that can’t by a party without sex, my dear Ruby.“ She shook her head while a grin stayed visible on her lips.

And now it was my turn to raise a brow at her. Bachelor’s party? I can’t even remember going there and dancing with my underwear and bra. All I can recall was me being abducted by a freakin vampire.

“But—“

“No buts! I’ll get going now!“ She shouted in front of my face and kissed me on the cheeks before going out without waiting for my answer.

I lightly shook my head, I was still in dazzle and can’t even remember what the heck happened these past few days. “God, please don’t make me a crazy woman.“ I utter and continue my way to the kitchen.

There were a lot of newspapers all over the place, clothes from us were all over the floor and ketchup was even dropping from the cupboard. We don’t really have time to clean up our messes. Except that we’re both lazy, we only came home after work so we’re both tired.

I started cleaning off the whole living area. I was trying to get something from under the table when I noticed something on my ring finger. It was a ring with a peridot stone shining with its leafy green color.

I can’t remember buying any ring, especially one as beautiful and expensive as this one. I observed it without taking it off me and all I could remember was his eyes. His eyes were as green as this, shining everytime the light from the moon illuminates him.

“Weird.“ I blurted out and continued cleaning the house. “I’ll just keep this ring in case I need some urgent money.“ This’ll cost thousands of dollars so I’ll take care of it as of now.

After I finish the cleanings I went to the kitchen to prepare my breakfast. I was still thinking about what happened yesterday? Was it a dream? But it felt so true that I can even feel the way he controlled me.

I was never fond of vampire stories and I would never believe such myths, but that night, seeing those fangs and feeling him gripping me without his touches, I was sure as hell that he’s a damn vampire.

“Though I haven’t seen his face clearly.“ I kept nodding my head, munching my food while trying to restrain my memories so I could get a grip of his pale face. “Ugh! All I can remember is his eyes and lips! How can I be too distracted by those orbs!“ I pulled my hair in total frustration and filled my mouth with a lot of bread.

I need to freaking find that man or I’ll be losing my mind thinking of how he was able to do that... Also so I can take a peak of his body. I sneered on my own, “His body was gorgeous though, he has a pale yet masculine stomach. His arms are long and veiny, and those fingers– ihhh!“ I squealed and yelped as butterflies in my tummy started surging.

If ever a perfect human would exist, he would be the best epitome of it. I was grinning from ear to ear, imagining myself seeing him again. I’ll seduce him and—

“Ahhh!“ I jolted from my seat and abruptly stood up when I heard the doorbell ringing from outside the apartment. “Who the heck?“ I annoyingly stopped from my daydream and stomped my feet as I saw who it was outside.

The landlady.

I rolled my eyes and quickly faked a smile as soon as I opened the door. “Hi, good morning.“ I cheekily greeted her but she just answered me with a scowl. Tsk! Her lips look like a chicken’s butt when she does that.

She crossed her arms and looked at me from head to toe, lifting one brow and obviously judging my current appearance. “When are you planning to pay your rent, Ruby?“ She started and I don’t have any money as of now but I know the drill.

“Look, Miss Gorgeous, we’re currently facing a crisis and Annaliese needs some money for school. I promise to pay next next week. Promise.“ I raised my left hand and made a promising sign but she just let out a sigh and left me without saying a word.

Now I was back to grinning. Happily, I locked the door and went back to finishing my breakfast. I already forgot about the daydreaming and took a quick shower so I can finally find a stable job.

I wore a red sexy bodycon dress that completely hugged my curves. I had this from mom and all of her things were still with me, I don’t have money to buy all those stuffs so I need something to reuse. I paired it with an ankle strapped pump and ended my looks with a fake Victoria’s secret perfume.

I just had a red lipstick on my lips since we don’t have any make ups. Feeling contented with my looks, I took my papers with me and check it. I have all my information in here, including my certificate from when I graduated high school.

I was currently locking our apartment, Annaliese has her own key, when our neighbor also got out of hers in a complete formal attire. I offered her a smile which she returned doubtlessly.

“You look pretty.“ She complimented me. I haven’t heard that much compliment from a woman except from my cousin so I’m really touched.

“Thank you. You too– I mean you always look pretty. I always see you walking out of the building, so yeah, you always catch my attention.“ I giggled and took a glimpse of her exposed cleavage. I automatically touched mine secretly. My breasts were too small compared to her, but at least I have nipples.

“Oh, thank you. Is that a confession?“ My eyes glance back at her because of what she said. She was stifling a laugh and it just bursted out as soon as she saw my fumbled and confused face. “I was just kidding. Don’t worry, I’m into men too.“

I couldn’t help but to laugh at that, if I’m not this pretty, I would consider dating a woman, but no, I’m just too pretty for that and I’m more attracted to big... hunks.

“Are you going to an interview or are you still looking for a job?“ She questioned as we walked side by side. This is the first time I’m talking to her so I’m taking my chance.

“I’m actually looking for a job...“ I was hesitant if I should ask for her help or just walk around the street, hoping to find a poster looking for a job. And I decided to choose the first choice. “If it isn’t much trouble. Do you somehow know a place that needs more people? Uhm.. specifically, those who don’t need college certificates?“ I laughed awkwardly but she doesn’t seem to get it.

“Hmm, I’m not really sure.“ She fished out her phone and glanced at it for a few minutes before she gave me back her attention. “Good news!“ She chirped and it actually gave me hope to finally have a job. “Our company is still open for a job. They’re still looking for one more janitress to be placed at the CEO’s floor. They don’t need any requirements aside from your general information.“

My smile immediately faded and I had to clutch my head for the throbbing pulses. Damn, I never did dream to be a freaking janitress but I don’t have any choice since I didn’t graduate college.

“If you’re okay with it, I can contact my friend to tell her you’ll take the place. Don’t worry, the salary is hella fine and I’m telling you, you won’t regret working there.“

I looked at my own clothes and thought that I might look overdressed for a janitress applicant. I let out a loud sigh, taking her attention. I saw how her eyes screamed worries but I just laughed it off.

I honestly felt insulted by the fact that I can’t go much higher just because I didn’t graduate college. But still, it’s all my fault... and this stupid poverty.

“Can you give me some minutes? I’ll just change my clothes so I can go with you. Is it fine?“

She answered me with a light nod and I tapped her shoulder to bid my excuse.

So much for a pretty face but lack of knowledge. Yup! It’s me. The one and only Ruby Ingrid.