Entangled With Adonis Klaus

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.

Over the weekend, right before resumption for my last year in high school, the tabliods outed my identity as the first daughter of Dominic Powers, one of the wealthiest men in our city. I have not had peace since I set foot in school.

I should have just stayed at home.

"I am fine. Jake" I said to my friend. "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 had hummed.

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.

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."

Ruby

Right. I do have another mother; the one who birthed me.

How could I forget the woman who didn't, for once, treat me like a daughter during the few times she managed to be around my dad and me?

My gaze hardened, I walked out of her grip and said, "You are not my mother. My mother is probably at her office working."

"Yes," she snorted. "That babysitter." The look of disgust on her face made me want to kick some sense into her. "I am sure she has bad-mouthed me. You know nothing about how vile she is."

My mind could only imagine what bad thing she was about to say about my mother. And my curiosity got the best of me.

"What do you mean?"

The tall woman wore a small smile and moved closer as though she had secrets she aimed to present to me.

"Do you know why I am not with your father? That woman stole him from me. She seduced him when I wasn't around."

Still wearing a fake surprise look, which encouraged her to talk more, I asked, "Really?"

"Look at me..." She beat her chest lightly. "I was a good mother to you, and I would still be with you if not for that woman who brainwashed your father."

"A good mother?" It would have been fun to watch her go on about how she was so good, but I had a class to attend, and so did Abby, who was watching the exchange in front of her as silently as she could. "Miss Diane..." Her eyes darkened. "I don't need you in my life."

"What?! But I am your mother! Do you know how long I have searched for you? If not for that tabloid that revealed your details, I'd still be searching relentlessly."

Of course, that article.

I licked my lower lip to contain how sickening her presence was.

With laziness in my tone, I gave her my response. "Do you think I don't remember how you treated me? How do you expect me to welcome you after you took pleasure in coming and leaving as you wished?"

"No, you've got it wrong. I-"

"Then, you find it so convenient to stand in front of me now and badmouth the woman who has taken care of me all these years? You should be ashamed, ma'am."

"But I am your mother. I-"

"You gave birth to me?" I guessed her last statement, and I scoffed. "From what I recall, you never once acted like a mother. So you have no right to stand here and expect me to act like everything is fine."

The little strength with which I was using to speak to her was getting dimmer as seconds passed. And then it finally hit me- I have two mothers.

"So, you are telling me off?" she scorned. "I guess you have your father's attitude after all."

An uncomfortable heat wrapped around me.

But I still managed a sarcastic smile and said, "Maybe I am like my father. And maybe I should call him right now and tell him who came looking for me in school. I am sure he'll be elated."

Diane did not miss the bitterness in my voice, so she just nodded and began to take small steps back. "Very well then. But know this, Ruby... The fact that I am your mother is just the tip of the iceberg. There are a lot of things you still don't know."

"Please..." I was beginning to feel stuffed. "Leave." I dropped the box in my hand and rested my hands on my kneecaps for a minute while my ears picked up the clicking of Diane's heels departing.

"Ruby?" Abby placed her hand on my back, her voice laced with worry. As I eventually stood straight and told her I was fine, she shook her head in disagreement. "You look pale. Do you want to go sit at our spot?"

I was sort of relieved that she did not question me about what just happened. Perhaps she understood that I needed to take things one step after another.

"That sounds good. But you are late for class," I said as my eyes swept through the surroundings and noticed the pizza bus had left. It took its loud music with it. " Don't worry, I'll go to the spot alone."

"Are you sure?" Abby asked, and I nodded and handed her the box. "I'll see you later."

We soon parted ways, and I made for a quiet spot just beside the main school building where Jake, Abby, and I usually study.

But someone was already there. Two people, actually. And they both seemed to be engaged in a heated conversation.

One of them, a young-looking man who wore a lot of bling around his neck, sensed my arrival and said something to the taller guy with dark hair, who quickly relaxed how he pinned the younger man against the wall.

This taller man shifted his gaze to me, and with a frown, he studied me just as I studied the handsome roughness of his face. I also noted his eyes... because there was something about them that I couldn't help but find intriguing. Maybe their colour, which seemed quite ethereal.

And his lips...

I would have kept staring if the man hadn't looked away.

Well, I did keep staring as he walked away, his broad shoulders swinging with an enviable swag, leaving me to wonder if they were doing something shady. Or if they were lovers.

Quickly deciding that was none of my business, I soon realised I should be in class before Mrs. Cook decides to mark me absent for the rest of the term.

(break)

As I stepped into our house, I met my mother in the living room, sitting freely. She seemed tired, but her current state revealed how beautiful she is even when stressed. No wonder my father fell in love with her while she was babysitting me.

"Hey Mum," I quietly greeted and sat on the white couch next to her.

"You are back. How are you?" Her eyes opened, and she flashed me a smile while her hand reached to cover mine.

"I'm good." I took off my backpack. "How was work today?"

"Oh, you know the usual... a lot of paperwork here and there. I'm glad I will be having a break soon."

I nodded in agreement. She does need a break.

"I met someone today." A pause followed. "She said she is my real mother."

She instantly sat up. "What? Who?"

"Diane."

"Oh, my God. Why would she-?" Her worried eyes darted at me. "What did she say to you?"

Shrugging, I replied, "She just said she had been looking for me for some time."

"Anything else?" I shook my head, and I had to wonder if there really was something else I shouldn't know. "How are you feeling baby?" Mum seemed more relaxed and I had to suspect something was being hidden.

"I was taken aback. But I'm fine now."

"Aww, my little girl," she cooed and pulled me into a huge hug, her hand running through my back. "I am so glad you are fine." I relaxed into her hold and failed to hold back my smile.

Her hug is the best.

"Can I get a hug too?" The tiny voice of my ever-cute brother asked and I looked his way. His full black hair danced as he approached us with those curious eyes of his.

"Hey Zee," I greeted him and he smiled. "How is my favourite boy?"

He climbed into Mum's lap and gave an inaudible response.

Typical of him.

"Look at you two... You are both so cute," Mum said, her eyes darting between my brother and me lovingly. "Alright, bring it in."

"Family hug?" asked the little one, and as my wonderful woman nodded, he squealed happily and dragged her into a hug. Then she did the same to me.

And I enjoyed that simple company.

Without a doubt, they are people I love with all my heart. And I certainly wasn't going to let people like Diane ruin such a good thing.