Twenty Nine

Ruby

His scent led me right into the principal's office.

The one place that is rumoured to exist but never seen.

And why is that?

Because our wonderful principal makes sure to never show us her face nor does she care to see ours.

Everything in here is just weird. This school, its management, the students, the dramas, everything was just wired in an odd manner.

After tearing my eyes off the medieval-like painting that welcomed me into the room, I landed them on the broad back of Mr. Klaus who was staring at the mauve-coloured curtain that shielded the room from the sun.

"Why are we here?" I queried. "I'd like to believe the principal wouldn't like it if she finds us here."

" Don't worry." He turned to face me. " She is letting us have this space."

I frowned. "What is that even supposed to mean?"

His arms crossed over his chest. "Let's just say your principal owes me a favour or two."

That statement brought up more questions in my mind.

"Is that favour the reason you are working in this school?"

He gave a light shrug and I took that as a positive response.

" You are very mysterious," I blurted after a few blinks amidst racing thoughts.

" I know." He left his position and began to slowly approach me. "We need to talk."

"That is not disputable," I replied.

" How are you feeling? You know, about... "

" My birth mother's death? " I squared my shoulders so that I could show him that I refuse to be affected by his aura. All that is in my mind concerning him are the questions that are begging to find an answer. So, after a deep exhale, I replied, "I feel terrible. And I need answers."

"You'll get them, Ruby. But first..." When he was just barely two steps away from me, he stopped, stretched his right hand, and gave my head a little pat. "I need to know how you are really feeling."

"How I am really feeling?" His question drove away my intent to ask him to remove his hand from my head.

Mr. Klaus nodded and I looked up at the ceiling to think about his question. But he soon moved closer and ran his fingers through the length of my hair. As he did that, I weirdly didn't stop him.

And that was because his action was soothing.

"Tell me, Ruby," he pushed.

"Well, I feel like a terrible human being to start with. "

" Why?" I looked up at him and saw how full of intent his gaze was. Just that simple expression was enough to cause chaos inside me.

I suddenly felt mushy inside, almost as if I had fluttering objects in my belly.

"I... Uh..." My eyes narrowed instantly. Am I not meant to be the one asking the questions? "Enough about me, Mr. Klaus. Can you please tell me what exactly is going on?"

" I was hoping to stall that particular discussion."

" Well, it is not something you will be able to avoid. So..."

The man sighed, withdrew his hand to his side, and took a step back toward the edge of the leather desk.

"The topic is something I have constantly wished you would never get to know. But with the way things are now, I can't keep anything from you."

He settled his buttocks on the edge and resumed the routine of locking eyes with me.

And then he said, with his voice suddenly turning thick, "Not when you are in danger."

"Why am I in danger? I am pretty sure I have kept a crime-free record ever since I found myself on Earth."

" Good for you, Ruby. But this man right here grew up in crime."

My brows lifted instinctively. "And that means?"

" I used to be a gangster," he said without haste.

" Used to be?" I crossed my arms. " So what? You retired?"

His head danced a bit. "Yes, I did."

"Why?"

His head flew back a bit and his lips wore a ridiculous scrunch. "How come you are not mortified?"

"By the fact that you are in a gang?" I asked, a blank look on my face.

" Was in a gang," he corrected. " And yes, most people show fear whenever I tell them that aspect of my life. But you don't even look worried talk less of being scared."

I blinked. "The only thing scaring me right now is the fact that I am in danger. Now, how does your being in a gang affect me?"

He sighed and his head ducked slightly. "About that... It is kind of your fault."

A huge frown etched itself on my forehead as my eyes glared at him. "I caused what?"

"Had you not walked to that spot at that very minute, they wouldn't have thought you were with me."

Confusion rushed through my system. " What are you talking about? When did I-" It then hit me. "Oh."

It was the day Diane showed up out of nowhere. He was talking about that day.

" That day, Maximus, the leader of the gang sent a few men to deal with me. I was in a conversation with one of them when you showed up."

" So, that other guy..." My fingers danced in the air as I replayed that particular day. I could still picture Mr. Klaus's rough yet intriguing look. "...was threatening you."

Mr. Klaus left his position and began to pace the room, his hands firmly tucked in his pockets.

"The look you had on your face made the men think we were acquainted."

" Wait, I thought it was just one man."

"The rest were hiding in the bushes." His shoe stopped making knocking sounds and he looked my way. "But, that's not the point, Ruby. They all thought you knew me and they reported to Maximus that you are my girlfriend."

"Uh?"

" I know. They are dimwits. And because of their stupidity, Maximus thinks he can use you to lure me back into the gang."

" So..." I let out a scoff as my eyes refused to stay focused on a spot. "I am just bait?"

"Not to me."

My eyes stopped wandering and they locked with Mr. Klaus who made sure to flash me a small smile.

"It... It feels nice to hear that but it doesn't change the truth. I am still a bait. I am supposed to lure you back to the gang."

" Ruby-"

" I can tell you don't want to go back. I mean, you must have left for a reason. So, what's going to happen now? How will things play out from here?"

Within seconds, Mr. Klaus was already in front of me.

"I have to make sure to protect you," he said. He reached out and held my cheeks as if they were babies that weren't to be dropped. "I don't wish for you to suffer because of something you know nothing about. I refuse to let that happen, so I will make sure I protect you at all costs."

His words were assuring so was the look in his eyes. But the fear I had been keeping at bay crawled into my mind and tried to cripple my solid thoughts.

After a shaky breath, I asked, "How will you protect me? You can't keep a watch on me every second of the day. So, Mr. Klaus, how are you going to protect me?"

" Adonis. Call me Adonis." He sighed. "I know it sounds a bit ridiculous but I'll have to try my best no matter what because I won't be able to live with myself if something happens to you."

" Mr. Klaus-"

" Adonis," he insisted and I almost rolled my eyes. "Give me your phone," he said after his palms left the skin of my cheeks.

"What for?"

His hand stretched forward, and he said, "Just give me your phone."

As I handed it to him, I decided to open up about the thoughts I was having.

"I think I should tell my parents about this situation."

" Oh." His fingers which were typing something into my phone paused and his eyes fell back on me.

"I have to, Mr. Klaus."

"I am not stopping you. It's just that-"His head tilted slightly as something seemed to run through his mind. "If you tell your parents, I might end up in jail. No, I will end up in jail. I am the reason you are in danger after all. And trust me-"

" I don't want to be the reason you go to jail."

His hair danced as he shook his head to refute my statement. "No, that's not-"

"I know. But that's actually how I feel. I don't want to be the reason anyone goes to jail."

" You don't have to feel pressured. If telling your parents will work for you, please do so. Don't let certain emotions hinder you from getting your freedom."

" But-"

" It's fine, Ruby." He grabbed my hand and placed my phone into my palm. Not letting go of my hand, the largeness of his hand sending some warmth through mine, he said quite solemnly, "Just do whatever frees you from this coming burden."

"Will you be fine?" I blurted without thinking and for once, I didn't regret doing that. Because I was concerned... For me and him.

"I believe so." His line of sight travelled towards the ground and when I followed it, my eyes landed on our hands which were still sleeping against each other.

"Ruby?"

"Yeah?" I watched his long fingers twitch.

"I am sorry."

"I hope you are."

"I will show you that I am." I felt something against my chin and before I could determine what it was, my head was being lifted and his hazel-like eyes were the first thing I saw. "I am truly sorry."

He looked different at that moment. His features were more prominent, I couldn't help but want to observe everything about his face right there. But the distant sound of the bell snapped me out of a potential trance and after clearing my throat, I looked elsewhere.

"I should leave for class."

"You should. I'll see you in class then."

I managed a smile and was already turning when something held me back. Our hands... they had gotten intertwined. And after a very close look, I  saw that I was the one controlling the hold.

Instantly, feeling somewhat hot, I pulled my hand out of his and made for the door. As my legs approached the exit, I wondered if it would be appropriate to look back at him.

"Ruby?"

He must have deduced the thoughts in my head.

"Yeah?" I turned instantly.

"I like holding hands with you."

My hands suddenly felt itchy as if they were missing the contact of our palms.

"Uh?" I asked, shocked yet intrigued.

"I am going to add it to the list of things I want to do with you."

I didn't need a sorcerer to tell me that kissing me was part of the list. That fact made me want to ask him a question but I held myself, clasped my hands together, shook my head at him, and was soon out of the room.

As I took steps towards my locker, I realised that I didn't ask him about how Diane was involved in everything.

Well, I guess that can always be asked some other time.

And it really does seem like the boundary that he set up was not meant to be. It is almost as though the universe has decided to strongly stand against it.

While I pondered on whether that was a good thing or not, I caught a glimpse of Celery and Bryan at the far end of the corridor.

Without a pause, my legs achieved a faster speed and I hired toward the duo who seemed to be arguing. But by the time I reached there, Bryan had walked away.

So, I turned my full attention to Celery.

"Celery..." The girl that answered my call looked very ordinary. Her face void of makeup or whatnot, I could deduce that she had been crying thanks to the severe redness of her cheeks and nose.

"Ruby, I can't do it," she said, her voice quivering to my dismay.

Grabbing her arms gently, the tears building in her eyes getting to me, I asked, "Caitlin, what's wrong?"

" I- Bryan... I can't do it." She sniffled. "I can't get him to confess. So many things are at stake."

" What do you mean by that?"

She shook her head dejectedly. "I can't tell you, Ruby. Things are complicated."

"Uh... Okay. Then do this one thing. I just have a question and I want your honest answer."

The back of her hand did the job of rubbing off some strands of tears that fell as she talked. After she nodded, I asked my question.

"Is Bryan innocent? Did he kill Maddison?"

" I-"

" Please..." I begged when I saw a hint of hesitation in her eyes. "The truth, Caitlin."

She swallowed hard, stole a look behind her, and displayed great fright in the process. When our eyes met again, her shaky breath filled the air. Then she gave me an answer.

A simple, very clear answer.

"No, he is not innocent."