RUBY"What am I supposed to say if someone asks us our story? How we met and fell in love?" She asked because that indeed was the most commonly expected question. Travis took some time to think. Even though he didn't really talk much, he mostly looked out of the window absent mindedly and stole glances occasionally at Ruby. He was indeed acting weird."We'll tell the airport story, bending it just a little bit. We'll say that the airport incident happened between us not years ago but just 2 months ago and the outcome was us falling in love," he explained while Ruby just stared at him in disbelief because there was no way he was serious."No.. not happening. Why that story? Do you wanna make me look like a maniac to people?" She protested because in the story that's how she had behaved."It's alright, I can use this reference as a reason for our breakup, they'd easily buy it and also my career would stay intact," he said and she could only hope he was being ironic. "You-""Shut up and

RUBY"We most definitely have to, it's her party she's just busy with others so we didn't have a chance yet," he said, still looking around like he was searching for something. And maybe she knew what it was, it felt natural."Alright.. but what do I say to ease off the blows she got when I lied to her about.. everything. I don't want her to think that I am a weird person," she said, unconsciously worried about their opinion on her because that was what she did. It was natural to her. "You don't need to worry about that," he said hastily, not really listening."No you don't understand. I can't just go to her and pretend to be normal, she'd definitely look down on me, how do you expect me to be okay with that?" She asked, trying to get him to focus on her and give her a convincing reply. He finally looked at her and fixed her with an unbothered gaze."I told you before and I'm telling you again, there's no need for you to make an impression or even fix the one that you have because..",

RUBY"I love your dress," Selene said, suddenly her expression switched into a sweet one. "I'm sorry if I was staring, your.. dress looks really pretty.""I.. I don't..", Ruby hesitated, she had no idea where it was from. Neither was she aware of any brands rich people wore, she couldn't show that she was poor. "It's from..""I gave it to her, she has no idea where it's from," Travis spoke, accessing the situation and placing a gentle arm around Ruby, making her feel a little strange at his touch."Oh..", Selene looked away. Yep, definitely jealousy. The conversations continued where she barely had to talk, just pretend to be listening and nod whenever someone looked her way."Hey, look. It started," Cove pointed out as they looked over the dance was about to start, it was in a ballroom format with the music slowly starting. She could tell why Travis's grandmother's parties were that famous. "Would you like to dance with me, Kelly?"Kelly said yes and they took to the dance floor for t

RUBY"You should've hinted at me," she muttered under her breath, embarrassed to even look at him."If I act like this, just know it's for a reason," he was keeping his voice down almost like he was guilty of something. Maybe the words she had said actually had an effect on him because that's what it looked like. But when he looked at her as she stood with her head down, he placed a hand on her head and patted it gently. "It's alright. I.. might've taken it too far before. I'm sorry. Let's head inside."Ruby's mouth opened to return a little apology as well but he had already started walking away. She sealed her lips, knowing enough to find another opportunity later. She made sure she did. Then with that, she started following him inside and back to the party area. The party proceeded peacefully with the same curious eyes and uninteresting conversations. It was sent to Travis that grandma wasn't feeling too well so she retired for the night, which meant Ruby was saved from facing her

EMBERShe was scared and sick, she couldn't even bring herself to look up and see what Zaire looked like. Before she could go to him, her eyes found the blurry image of Will standing in the near corner and she immediately rushed to him."Did you..""I photocopied and handed out everything after I saw you sleeping. I'm sorry you were sick so I didn't wake you up. Now go," Will said quickly because he knew the emergence of the situation. She wanted to but she couldn't say thank you as the rush settled in. She was relieved that the work was done but if everyone gets to know her work was done by someone else, it would be another problem.Ember turned back to face the place she needed to be at. And the moment she did, her eyes landed on the man who was the one waiting for her. He looked absolutely livid, about to burst with rage the moment she opened her mouth. The sudden shiver of fear made her feel even worse as she gathered up the courage and started walking towards Zaire.The night, the