Ruby
I did not exactly sleep well last night. The return of Diane brought a rush of memories I wished to keep hidden.
So, as I walk down to the school cafeteria, I feel like a frustrated zombie, and it doesn't help that these kids keep glancing at me as if they're seeing me for the first time.
Once I reached the doors of the cafeteria to wait for Abby and Jake, I wondered what the point of life was if we'd have to keep facing troubles now and then.
As my mind searched for a suitable response, Abby and Jake appeared at the end of the hall, engaged in a conversation.
Just as Abby's laughter rang through the hall, a tall blonde girl, whom I recognised as one of the many girls who always eye Jake as if he's some juicy element, dragged him from Abby's side.
Abby's face twitched with brisk sadness. She might have thought she wasn't showing it, but I could tell.
As she walked to me and apologised for keeping me waiting, I said, "I think we should lecture Jake on how to say no to people."
"You make him sound like a child." Abby hooked her arm with mine, and we made for the food counter while making sure to remember Jake's meal choice.
"I am just worried about him. Those girls just want to use him to fulfil their desires. I am afraid they will ruin our sweet, innocent Jake."
Abby squared her chin. "He is capable of taking care of himself. And did you call him innocent? I won't be surprised if he is doing it with those girls who swim around him."
"You sound bitter about it."
"Huh? No, I don't."
I grinned at her disagreeing expression and nothing more was said.
Once we got our plated lunch, and found a table, Jake arrived and soon dug into the meal we didn't forget to get for him.
"I can't do this anymore..." Seconds later, I slammed my half-eaten hamburger onto the plate.
"What?" The two stared at me concernedly.
"If everyone keeps checking me out as if I put a rich girl sign on my forehead, how am I supposed to eat in peace? I might as well take my lunch to the restroom and get my peace."
"Hell no! You are not doing that to yourself." Abby leaned toward me and flashed me a small smile. "They are just jealous of you."
"What's there to be jealous of? I am Dominic Powers' daughter, so what?" Their jaws dropped, and Jake forgot about the pasta he was crazily slurping seconds ago. "What is with you guys?" I asked.
"Are you even aware of how rich your father is?" Abby asked.
"Before the age of thirty, he was already making waves in the stock market," Jake added to the conversation with his recently gained deep voice. "Right now, he not only owns and runs the biggest companies in the business industry, but he also scares his rivals with his crazy competence. And his yearly assets? Crazy billions."
"I know all that." I frowned.
"And you are wondering why people stare at you? Do you know how many people wish they had your life?"
"But do they have to stare? At least do it discreetly." I scorned.
"They are just being human. But don't worry, in some weeks, they'll find something else interesting."
"I hope so."
Jake's words gave me hope. It sure would be nice to walk down the hallways without feeling like I am being stripped by hundreds of eyes.
"By the way, who was that woman I saw you two with yesterday?" Jake changed the topic to a heavier one.
Abby looked my way as if asking my permission to blurt out what happened. But I knew she was also curious about the details.
Picking up my burger, I said almost inaudibly, "That was my real mother."
Abby's eyes widened in surprise.
"Mrs. Powers isn't your mother?" Jake asked, confusion all over his face.
"She didn't give birth to me, but she is my mother regardless."
"That's crazy, Ruby. I thought that woman was lying."
A snort escaped me in response to Abby's words. But within me, I wished I didn't have such maternal complications.
"What did she want from you?" Jake asked.
"I believe she wants to be part of my life again."
"Do you want her to be?" Without thinking twice, I swiftly replied with a negative. "Are you fine though? I noticed how unsettled you looked." I nodded, and he reached to give me gentle pats on my back, and soon, everyone was facing their food without speaking a word more.
