Four
Ruby
Heat enveloped me, my heart clenched as my eyes swung open after a too familiar scene just played in my supposed to be peaceful sleep. Staring into the darkness ahead, I wondered why my real mother bothered to show up at all.
I might not be so sure how, but her sudden presence affected me. And... just few seconds ago, I just saw the scene where she slapped a four year old me- a thing that hurt not just physically, but emotionally.
She made me feel unwanted as a child. Her actions then made me feel insecure about myself sometimes and that was a tough thing for a small version of me.
What am I saying? It still is. The way my heart squeezed made me want to ask someone to scientifically or magically erase that memory and some others from my brain. But I doubt such thing could happen except I get hit in the head or something.
As I sat up, my now widened eyes checked the time on the small analog clock seated on the small drawer beside my bed. I still had an hour and half before school opens. It really wouldn't hurt to go back to sleep- then, I recalled the dream and I changed my mind and decided to check if I didn't miss any homework. As though the pillow in my hands was the reason for my situation at that moment, I tossed it hard to the other end of the room causing it to knock over the dustbin I kept there, just by the entrance to my bathroom.
While debating whether to go get it or let it join the league of dirty clothes later on, I heard a sound- it was like rushing water. And since I was certain there was no recording room for binaural beats in my bathroom, I frowned.
Then with careful steps, I made for the bathroom. After I swung the door open quietly, I was met by thick darkness, the water running, the only thing I could sense. Reaching for the switch without a fuss, the cool room became illuminated and what I saw first startled me- I let out a small shriek.
But as the blue eyes looking into mine questioned my action almost emotionlessly, I realized it was just Zion. And... he appeared to be brushing his teeth.
But in the dark? At that time?
"Zion," I rested against the door frame. "What are you doing here?"
A blink was all he gave and he turned to spit out some foam into the basin that was still receiving loads of fluid. Then he faced me. "I am brushing."
"Why are you doing that in my bathroom? How did you even get in without me noticing?" My eyes glanced towards the main entrance of my room as though I would see traces of him passing through it.
"I like the wallpaper here." I faced him, my brows twitching as I looked ahead at the repetitive anchor image on the light gold background.
"What?" Certainly the look on my face was trying to check if my brother was nuts or something. "You are brushing in the dark Zion."
"The wallpaper helps me think," he simply ignored my stated observation and I decided to play along.
"What were you thinking about?"
"Life." The brush in his hand went back to cleaning his teeth which I was certain was more than clean.
"Life," I repeated. I wasn't so sure what to make of his... unsual act. "What about life though?" His act still intrigued me. What could a boy of his age be thinking of life? And why?
"How hard it is. And sad." The way he calmly, yet soberly answered made me certain my brother was one of a kind and it made me want to know him more. And maybe tickle his idea a bit. Maybe we could have an early morning argument.
I grinned. I can't wait to see my dad try to break through that fight.
So I asked, "Don't you think life is happy too?"
The tap came off and his sight fell on my image in the mirror in front of him. "It hardly is."
Man, where does this boy get his intensity from? The way he said those words... it caused some kind of heaviness to befall me.
But then... " Zion, I don't know why you say that, but life can be happy. It has its happiness as it has sadness. We just have to push through situations to find those emotions. Okay?" He stared back at me like he didn't understand a word of what I said. But he did because he gave a small nod like my father does when you engage him in a conversation while he is busy with his work.
Quietly, Zion made for the entrance. But before he walked out of my room, I called him back and asked, "Why do you think life is sad?"
Dramatic silence followed before he replied with, "I saw a dog die yesterday." And he walked away, not giving me a chance to hug him like my heart yearned to.
~
Ignoring the very annoying glances people kept throwing my way as I waited for Abby and Jake in front of the cafeteria, Zion's earlier words in my bathroom crept into my mind and I just had to return the looks of the people around me and wonder what life really was.
As my mind searched for a response that would only suit my thinking, 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 who I recognized as one of the many that keeps eyeing Jake like he is some juicy element, dragged him from Abby's side.
She might have thought she wasn't showing it, but I could tell she was quite saddened by that. As she walked to me and apologized 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 making sure to remember Jake's menu.
"I am just worried about him. Those girls just want to use him to fulfill their desires. I am afraid they will ruin our sweet, innocent Jake."
She squared her chin as she watched the lady behind the counter take care of our order. "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 that swim around him."
"You sound bitter about it."
"What?" Eyes glaring incredulously swept my way and I gave her a small grin. And nothing more was said. As soon as we got to our table with our lunch, Jake arrived and soon started to dig into his meal.
"I can't do this anymore..." I slammed my half eaten hamburger onto the plate.
"What?" The two stared at me concernedly.
"If everyone keeps checking me out like 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 towards 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 literally dropped, Jake forgot about the pasta he was crazily into seconds ago. "What is with you guys?"
"Are you even aware how rich your father is?" Abby asked.
"Before the age of thirty, he was already making waves in the stock market," Jake added with his recently gained deep voice. "Right now, he does not only own and run the biggest companies in the business industry, he 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 discretely." I scorned.
"They are just being human. But don't worry, in a number of weeks, they'll find something else interesting."
"I hope so." Jake's words gave me hope. It sure would be nice to walk 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.
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 still 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 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 after without a word more.
~
After a long day at school, my entire being was tired and I had to wonder how the rest of the term would be if the beginning was already tasking. But then, one thing was certain, I will always get to have my energy rejuvenated in my number one abode. Home.
Its structure didn't fit the New York style- in fact, we were surrounded by apartments buildings which become visible after a ten minute walk from my house. But its uniqueness wasn't a bother as its walls have witnessed so many memories. And it definitely provided comfort. Comfort enough for a small family like ours.
Starting from the small array of flowers just by the porch to the cool colours the building gave off in and out, it definitely was home. And I couldn't wait to go into the welcoming abode and straight into my bed without disturbances.
But as I opened the door, I was greeted by arguments