Chapter 1 One

Ruby

"Hey, rich kid!"

Just when I thought the day was finally over.

Just at the moment I pushed aside the different kinds of looks I had been receiving all day so that I could fantasise about the bowl of ice cream I safely tucked in the refrigerator at home, Roger Stevens just had to ruin it all.

I did not bother to look back at the fool that was trying to taunt me. Truthfully, I didn't have the strength to deal with loud people like him, so I resumed my walk.

"You know I am talking to you," his annoying voice boomed, bringing everyone's attention to me. "Are you going to ignore me now?" I could hear him approach, but I still didn't look back. "Ruby..." His voice seemed to mock me. "Why didn't you tell us you are Dominic Powers' kid? Did you think we are gold-diggers or something?" He chuckled.

I sighed.

And continued my walk to my locker.

"You are still a nobody!" he bellowed. "Just as you have always been all these years. It doesn't matter if you are the smartest among us."

"Is there a problem, Roger?" Jake's firm voice cut through the silence that came with Roger's drama. "Do you want me to hang you on your locker with the help of your adult-sized underwear?"

"Just piss off, man."

"Go away... prick." Abby joined the conversation.

Abby and Jake are the only friends I have in this school. After our family moved back to Manhattan eight years ago, adjusting to the new environment was easier thanks to them, especially my beautiful brunette bestie, Abby.

"Yeah, yeah. You guys are just tag-alongs anyway. I'm sure you are with her because of her Daddy's money."

As I reached my locker, I took a minute to close my eyes and keep my rising anger at bay. As much as I would love to be the one hanging Roger up wherever, I have to remain calm, or I'll give my Dad reasons to take me to the special private school he keeps raving about.

"Ruby, you shouldn't let people like that idiot talk to you anyhow," Abby said when she finally came to my side.

"Hey, you okay? I noticed how you were uncomfortable in Chemistry class," Jake added.

After I got my things, I closed my locker and turned to my friends. And I made sure to wear a small, yet tired smile.

"I am fine. Jake? Can you drive me home today?"

"Definitely." His styled hair danced as he came to my side and hugged me. "I'll be your guard today as well."

"Look at you. You have always been our guard," Abby teased before he excused himself for some minutes. "Anyway, Ruby, you should give people like Roger a response to shut them up. It's not your fault, you are your father's daughter."

"That is just a waste of time and mental energy."

"And putting up with the shouting and staring is healthy?" She held my eyes with her serious, quite motherly look. "I don't think this is a situation where you should stay quiet. You could get hurt."

"Come on..." I rolled my eyes. "It's not as though one of them could go as far as kidnapping me or something." Abby hurriedly clamped her hands over my mouth, her eyes watching everywhere with extra attention. Startled, I frowned and tried speaking, but nothing but a mumble came out. "Abby?" It sounded like I was humming.

And she was still not releasing the temporary lock she had placed on my mouth. So, I...

"Eww." Her hands snapped away, and she hurriedly reached for some wipes inside her bag. "Why would you lick my palm? That's just disgusting."

The strap of my backpack slacked, and I adjusted it, saying, "Next time, don't cover my mouth like that."

"Well, next time don't say things like kidnapping," she retorted.

"Why?"

"You ask me why?" Gosh, Abby is so dramatic. "What if someone overhears you and decides to adopt the idea? If your dad pays your ransom, that person hits a jackpot. Now that I think of it..." She struck a thinking pose. "Maybe your Dad should hire a bodyguard. Yesterday, I could swear I saw someone trailing us. He looked bald and-"

"Okay, Abby, we get it. I am not as safe as before. But I am still going to be fine." I assured her. "But please, do not discuss the bodyguard topic with my Dad, he will jump at the idea."

"Your Dad? No. Your Dad scares me." She gave a faint shudder as though she had just caught a glimpse of the dramatic stone expressions he usually has outside the house. "I will discuss it with your Mum, and I will make sure I present the idea with enough points backing it."

"I don't need a bodyguard following me like I am some kind of child." I turned and caught a group of girls looking directly at us as they shared words among themselves.

I sighed again. I didn't expect the tabloid leak about me being Dominic Powers' daughter to have this much dramatic effect.

"Are you guys ready?" Jake gave a short smile as he walked to us.

"Yes, we are." We resumed walking to his car. "Where did you go, though?" Abby asked.

"Well..." He switched to a childish grin and slung his arms over our shoulders, dragging us into his warmth. "It's a secret." Abby rolled her eyes and kicked his knee "Ouch," he cried for a second before laughter took over his utterance.

~~~

"When is our next movie night?" Abby asked just as I was about to get out of the car.

Staring at my house was making me yearn for the comfort of its walls, but her question was quite important.

"Uh... This Friday?"

"Your place or Jake's?" she asked further. We never use her house because her father is a strong believer in a human being not needing anybody else but himself. So... he almost forbade her from having friends if not for some amazing intervention.

"Mine. My Mum is making popcorn for us."

"Yes!" Jake celebrated as his eyes met mine. "I love it when your Mum makes food."

My grin was large. "I know it is a compliment. But..." My smile dropped, and my eyes darkened. "My Dad mustn't hear you say that or he'll turn you to our house rug."

His green eyes danced away in discomfort, causing Abby and me to share an evil laughter.

"Bye, guys," I finally said, and I walked towards our house.