Twenty Nine

***Ruby***

Funny, his scent led me right into the principal's office.
The one place only rumoured but never seen.
Why?
Because our *wonderful* principal makes sure to never show us her face not does she care to see ours.

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

Tearing my eyes off the painting that looked like it was dragged from the medieval world, I landed them on the broad back of Mr. Klaus who was staring at nothing but the mauve coloured curtain that shielded the room from source of light.

"Why are we in here? 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 some favour because I helped her in the past."

That statement brought up more questions in my mind. "Are those favours 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 approach me slowly. "We need to talk."

"That is not disputable," I replied and he began to walk towards me.

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

" My birth mother being dead? " I squared my shoulders, my own attempt at refusing to be affected by his aura so I can let him know all that is in my mind concerning the recent dramas.
"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.
As I looked up at the ceiling to think about the question, he moved closer and soon, his fingers were running through the length of my hair and as he did that, I weirdly didn't stop him.

It felt so soothing.

"Tell me Ruby," he pushed.

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

" Why?" As I looked up at him, I realized he was watching me intently and the look on his face? It was doing things to me.
I suddenly felt mushy inside, almost like I had fluttering objects in my belly.

"I..." My eyes narrowed as something reminded me that I was supposed to be asking him questions not the other way round.
"Enough about me. 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 towards the edge of the desk whose top was covered with leather.
"The topic is something I wish you never get to know about but the way things are now, I can't keep anything from you."
He settled his buttocks onto 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 my mother brought me into 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 as 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 suddenly 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 you being in a gang affect me?"

He sighed and his head ducked slightly. "About that, you sort of caused it."

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."

" That day, Maximus, the leader of the gang sent a few men to deal with me and they were led by his younger brother. "

" So, that other guy..." My fingers danced in the air as I replayed that particular situation. I could still see Mr. Klaus's rough yet intriguing look.

Mr. Klaus left his position and began to pace the room with his poise more evident as his hands went into his pockets. "The look you had on your face made him and the men with him think you knew me."

" Wait, I didn't see any men."

"They were hiding in the bushes." His shoe stopped making knocking sounds as his pacing abruptly stopped and he looked my way.
"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 a bait?"

"Not to me."

My eyes stopped their wandering and they locked with Mr. Klaus's 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 meant to be used to ensure you come back to the gang."

" Ruby-"

" I can tell you don't want to go back. I mean, you must have left for a reason. 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 I am able to protect you."
He reached out and held my cheeks like 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 cost."

His words were assuring as well as the look in his eyes but it seemed the fear that I thought was at bay was actually around and it was beginning to take over me.

"How will you protect me? You definitely can't keep 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 sighed.
"Give me your phone," he said as his palms left the skin of my cheeks.

" What for?"

His hand stretched forward, 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 titled 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 the reason anyone goes to jail."

" You don't have to feel so pressured. If telling your parents would 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 makes you free of this coming burden. I wish for you to not experience it at all."

"Will you be fine?" I blurted without thinking and for once, I didn't regret doing it. I was actually concerned. For me and for him.
I was even willing to push away the other questions I still had to a side till another day.

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

"Yeah?" I watched as his long fingers twitched and as my hand tried to see if our fingers could get tangled.

"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 up and his hazel like eyes was the first thing I saw.
"I am truly sorry."

He looked so 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 were actually intertwined and with a very close look, I was actually 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. I had no reason for wanting to do that but it just felt like something right to do.

"Ruby?"
He must have deduced the thoughts in my head.

"Yeah?" I turned instantly.

His hand which I was holding onto like it was a life support waved right in front of his face and as he rubbed his index finger and thumb together, he said, while studying his palm, "I think I like holding hands with you."

My hands suddenly felt itchy. "Uh?"
It was like it was missing the contact.

"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 realized 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 like the universe is strongly against the boundary thing.

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

My head replaying the time I saw a familiar scene, my legs began to move faster towards the two who seemed to be arguing. But I was quite late, Bryan was already gone by the time I reached there.

"Celery..." I was met by a face bare of make up and what not. I was met by a girl who looked very ordinary, I had to agree in my mind that make up does a really good job.

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

Grabbing her arms gently, the tears already building in her eyes getting to me. "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 really 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 really innocent? He didn't kill Maddison, right?"

" I-"

" Please..." I begged as I saw hesitation in her eyes. " The truth Caitlin."

She swallowed hard, looked behind her briefly with fear all over her. As our eyes met again, her breath shook slightly before she gave me an answer. A simple, very clear answer.

"No, he is not innocent."