Chapter 15 OUT OF MY MIND.
Chapter 15 OUT OF MY MIND.
“So far, I know you don’t have any other friends except Emily,” Zahra pressed, folding her arms with that detective glare she always wore when she smelled drama. “And Emily spent the night at home.”
Ruby groaned, dragging a hand down her face and pinching the bridge of her nose. “Then ask Nash if Nick was home.”
Every head turned to Nash. He blinked, wide-eyed and then shook his head slowly.
All gazes whipped back to Ruby.
“I don’t know, okay? I’m not seeing anyone.” Her voice pitched higher in defence with her shoulders rising. “We—” she exhaled, “we just went out a few times. But he’s not my type. And I ended it.”
“What?!” Emily shrieked from behind them, her voice so sharp Ruby could swear the neighbours heard her.
Ruby turned to her, glaring. “Why would I keep going when he’s not my type?”
Emily stormed out of the living room and into the dining area with her hair bouncing. “Because sometimes not your type is exactly what you need!”
Ruby shot to her feet before Emily could get closer. “Nash, you can’t spend the night here either. Go home. It’s getting late.”
“Huh? But Zahra—”
Ruby narrowed her eyes. “Are you guys seeing each other? Mmm?”
Nash sputtered like his throat betrayed him. “Goodnight, Zahra!” he blurted and bolted out the door, not even sparing a backward glance.
Ruby’s smirk followed him until the door shut.
Zahra sighed dramatically, rolling her eyes. “I didn’t even see the car parked outside. What happened to it?”
“She broke down. At the mechanic,” Ruby muttered, plopping back into her chair like the weight of the world was sitting on her.
“I think you should sell it before it gets worse,” Zahra suggested, perched halfway on the bannister. “You don’t have much to take care of.”
Ruby waved her hand. “No. I can’t. I’m still paying for it. Selling it now would be like tossing my money in the trash. They’ll fix it. We’re fine.”
Zahra studied her for a moment before nodding and heading upstairs, muttering under her breath. “I think it's the same.”
“Hey, Z,” Ruby called. Zahra stopped at the top step and turned. Ruby smiled faintly, walking toward her. “I checked your grades today. You’re doing well. I’m proud of you. Keep it up.”
Zahra’s lips broke into a grin. “Does this mean I can go on the Switzerland trip too? Everyone... and Anna is going.”
Ruby froze. “Everyone?”
“Yeah.” Zahra’s eyes glimmered with excitement. “And I’ve never been to Switzerland before. I want to.”
Ruby’s mind whirled, her chest tightening at the thought of Leslie possibly being part of “everyone.” Still, she managed a smile. “Sure. Sure, you can.”
“Thank you!” Zahra squealed, hugging her so tightly Ruby almost lost her balance before the girl darted into her room and shut the door.
Ruby sighed, sagging against the wall.
“You don’t look too good,” Emily said, suddenly at her side with a hawk stare. “What’s going on?”
Ruby turned, dragging her feet toward her and dropped onto the couch, exhaling like her lungs gave up.
“I think I’m losing my mind. Everything feels like it’s crashing at once. I just want Zahra to do well.”
Emily softened. “Yeah, I can see that. But you don’t look like you’re doing well yourself. What about that boy—the one you said Zahra was going to sleep with? Did you end up talking to him?”
Ruby’s heart skipped, a cold ripple running through her veins as Emily squinted, trying to recall the name.
“Oh, what was it again? Something Meyer…” Emily tapped her temple.
Ruby stiffened. “Leslie Meyer. He did,” she lied quickly, tucking her hair behind her ear. “He promised to stay off her radar.” If Emily knew the truth, Ruby was sure her head would roll.
Emily nodded with relief. “Well, that’s good. He’s staying away, her grades are good. Win-win. A win-win isn't it?”
“Yeah,” Ruby muttered. “But my finances aren’t. I can’t pay for her Switzerland trip, fix the car, and keep this house. And I can’t let go of this house. It’s the only piece of my parents I have left.”
Emily reached over, squeezing her hand. “I know. I’m sorry.”
Ruby smiled weakly, eyes stinging. “It’s fine. I’ll figure it out. But it feels like I have to pick one. The car, her trip, or the house.”
Emily sighed as they both rested on the couch, staring at the blank ceiling.
The next morning, Ruby found herself in the Chancellor’s office. The blinds were tilted just enough to let in thin rays of sunlight and dust specks floating in the air.
“Ms Allaire,” Chancellor Winslow began, her glasses perched on the edge of her nose as she scanned Ruby’s request letter. “I’m afraid we can’t allow deductions from next month’s salary to cover the trip expenses. All fees must be settled beforehand.”
Ruby leaned forward, her hands clasped together on the desk as if it might soften the woman. “Please, Chancellor Winslow. Zahra’s been working so hard, her grades are the best they’ve ever been. It’s an educational opportunity. I don’t want her to miss out.”
The Chancellor pursed her lips. “I understand, Ms Allaire, but rules are rules. We can't make an exception for one.”
Ruby swallowed back the rising lump of frustration in her throat. She forced a smile that felt tighter than her bank account. “I promise I’ll make the full payment. But please, just this once—”
The sharp click of the office door interrupted her plea. Ruby turned her head. Leslie walked in so casually.
His gaze flicked from the Chancellor to Ruby and lingered a moment too long. Ruby’s pulse betrayed her by skipping.
Ruby quickly turned back toward the Chancellor, hoping her flushed cheeks weren’t obvious. Her insides, however, were anything but composed. Why here? Why now?
“Well,” Chancellor Winslow said, straightening, “Ms Allaire, I hope we've settled. If you want Zahra to make it for the trip, her fees must be settled and I can't help you.”
"I understand, thank you," Ruby said, not paying any attention to Leslie as she headed towards the door.
"Mr Meyer, I wasn't expecting you until later."
Ruby heard just as the door shut behind her. Her face dropped, and her heart thudded with embarrassment. She sighed heavily, rolling her eyes as she walked away, heading for her next class.