Chapter 2 Two

Ruby

I didn't tell my family about the whole drama that went down yesterday; however, they surprised me with the news that my mother was pregnant.

I can't wait to meet the new baby! After we returned to Manhattan, we came with my little brother... Zion Powers. And that boy just brings me joy every time I see his cute, alluring oceanic blue eyes.

I am sure my second sibling will be even cuter. I've been missing that baby smell that filled the house when Zion was a baby.

Humming along to the Justin Bieber's song blasting through my earphones, I recalled my timetable for the day.

After grabbing my stuff from the locker, Abby's grand smile greeted me.

"Why is your smile trying to swallow me?" I questioned.

"You are grinning too," she pointed out, and I noticed her hands were occupied by a box that had some books on top. So, I helped her with the books and got a thank you. "So, why are you happy today?" Abby asked.

"You say that like I wasn't happy yesterday," I said, hugging her huge textbooks to my chest. "My Mum is pregnant."

"Oh, really?" We both share our love for babies, so her smile became as big as mine was when my parents dropped the news. "That's so great! I wish my parents would give me a younger one." A bit of sadness was in her voice, so I said nothing. "But I don't even think those two shake hands, talk less of hugging."

"Oh, come on." I slightly nudged her. "It can't be that bad."

"You have met my father. Do you think he even allows my mother to sleep next to him? Anyway, give your Mum my greetings. I hope it is a nice journey for her."

"You are coming on Friday, you can greet her then. So what's with the box?"

"I have a project to work on. It will be an art piece like no other."

"It's just the second day of school, and you have been assigned projects already?" I can only hope my teachers won't follow in those footsteps.

"Nah. This is to apply for a scholarship at the Art school in LA."

"Really? That's so good." Abby had always spent her Sundays in church praying to God for two things. To deliver her from the claws of her father and to help her gain admission to an art school. But a potential scholarship? That would be so good for her. "I wish you the best, Abby."

I meant my words.

She gave me a playful pout. "Thanks, Ruby. Let's-"

"Well, well, if it isn't Ruby Powers." Just by the clicking of heels, I could tell who it was.

But really, who finds it convenient to wear heels to school? The shoe type looks stressful.

"Hello, Celery." A small, teasing smile was on my lips when I turned to face the girl who supposedly is the most popular in Silverbird High. I don't understand why statements like 'popularity' exist in a place like this. It seems silly to me.

"My name is Caitlin. How many times do I have to correct you?" For some unknown reason, I enjoy teasing this particular person. Getting on her nerves makes me happy. "So..." Her arms crossed after she purposely tamed her new hair. "Turns out you are Ruby Powers, Dominic Powers' daughter. How nice. I always knew I could sense wealth around you."

Yeah... And, I don't have time for this kind of thing early in the morning.

"What do you want, Celery?"

She scoffed. "We should be friends, shouldn't we?"

That I didn't laugh at her statement surprised me a lot. "Sorry, I am not interested. Abby, let's-"

"What do you think you are doing?" Her emerald-like eyes, which seemed to be one of the reasons boys swooned over her, pierced mine almost angrily. "People like us should stick together. Rich people always need rich people to survive in this world. You can't-"

"Seriously, Celery, I am not interested. I don't need your fake relationship to survive."

I just hate it when people are persuasive even after giving them a dismissive answer.

"So..." Celery bitterly eyed Abby, who still hadn't spoken a word. "You'd rather hang out with people like her?" Disgust laced her voice, and you'd just have to wonder if she was some kind of high-class human being. Maybe she has a physical feature no other human has.

"Will you please excuse us?" I asked, sarcasm mixed with politeness.

"You can't depend on someone like her, Ruby Powers. You'll come crashing before you know it."

Okay, that's it.

"Listen, Celery. Maybe somewhere within your so-called wealth, you have buried people or splashed blood on your clothes, or kept whatever secret you seem to have. That's your problem. Me? I am fine the way I am. And did you say, rich people?" I gave a small laugh that reeked of pity. "You are not rich, Celery. Your parents are. Stop being so mighty over something you haven't worked for. So, if you'll please excuse us..." I motioned to Abby, and we walked past the unbelievable lady. "We will take our leave now."

"Now, that's what I am talking about, girl. That's how you should reply to people like her and Roger," Abby excitedly said.

"I'll pass on that Roger issue. The guy is not worth my time."

"You are so-"

Loud music buried Abby's words and made us put a stop to our steps. We scanned the corridors as though we would find a response that would explain why 2Chainz's Birthday Song was blasting through the room.

"All I want for my birthday is a big booty hoe... yeahh." Abby sang along and moved to the beat, and I watched her as if she were an alien. "I wonder if this is our new fire drill system."

My eyes narrowed to question the sanity of the statement. Abby almost screamed into my ears. As I made to give her a response, I noticed students rushing towards the entrance.

"What's going on?"

My murmured question was answered by a girl who came running towards Abby and me, a small box of pizza in her hands. "Ruby! Happy birthday!" My frown didn't hesitate to appear. "Your Mum said today is your birthday, that's why we are getting free pizzas. I guess it is good to be friends with you."

I wore a smile and said in response to her last statement, "I don't even know who you are." Abby stifled a laugh beside me. "But today isn't my birthday."

The tall girl shifted her glance uncomfortably. "Well, your mother is... uh... outside... looking for you."

As we both watched the girl hasten her steps away from us, Abby asked, "Why would your Mum treat the school to pizza when it's not your birthday?"

"That's what we are going to find out."

"I can't walk around with this box in my hands," she whined, and I immediately swapped the contents in our hands, and soon, we were outside. True to the girl's word, free pizza was being given out... from a huge bus. And boy, were people crowded around it.

As I scanned the crowd for my mother, whom I had so many questions for, I heard a voice shout my name.

A woman who appeared to be in her late forties danced her way to where I was standing, her sequin gown standing out in the bright light.

"Oh my God, Ruby," she gushed when she halted. "You have grown so much."

"I am sorry, but who are you?"

Sadness befell her face, and she stood straight, her long blonde hair getting swept by the gentle wind around. "You don't remember me?"

She did look slightly familiar.

"You really don't remember me?" One of my brows cocked at her, and a small smile followed. "How can you forget me, Ruby? Look at me." She grabbed me by my shoulders. "Look into my eyes."

Abby and I shared a look before I reluctantly said, "I... I don't know who you are."

"Really? How can you forget your mother?" I frowned. "Ruby, it's me, Diane. Your real mother."