Seven

***Ruby***

As I made my way to my second class for the day, my friends words about Bryan still plagued my mind. The person I met back then, even if just for a few minutes seemed okay to me. He didn’t even know we went to the same school at first but he engaged me in a very interesting conversation.

So it made no sense.

And a psycho? I scoffed. Abby needs to end her subscription with her gossip suppliers and Jake…

My thoughts falling apart, my head shifted to the side as it occurred to me again that Jake wasn’t exactly fond of stupid talks.
But still, it made no sense.

Just when I was about to give up the delibrations, my eyes fell on the man in question who was leaning against a locker, staring at… nothing. Approaching him already, I wondered if he was thinking and wondered even more if I would be disturbing. But then, I was already so close to him and I would finally have a chance to prove my friends wrong.

With my small body finally in front of his which had evidence of work outs, I said as less protruding as possible, “Hey there.” His heavy gaze left the nothingness ahead and fell on me, already questioning my presence and maybe judging me a bit. “Do you remember me? We met the day you were released.”

Nothing. He said nothing. And it did not seem like he planned to even say ‘hi’.

“Uh…” I scratched the back of my hair. “It is good to see you decided to-” Bryan left his position and weaved his way past me. “Hey! I am talking to you,” I called after him as I turned trying so much to not show how disgusted a part of me was at his rudeness.

Without stopping or even glancing my way, his thick voice boomed with a fierce, “Get lost.”
And there I stood. Startled. A bit annoyed too. But I was no doubt surprised at the coldness the dude just gave off. He waved me off like I was some clingy fool he was trying to get rid off.

I know it would be too early to deal with him, but that guy… he… he…

Man! I don’t know!

It’s not like I can exactly run after him, grab his hair and curse at him for ignoring me. I don’t even need more eyes on me. But honestly, besides the anger and surprise I felt, a part of me is intrigued. I want to know what his deal is.

And I am going to find out. As I stamped the idea in my head, the bell rang and I made my way to English class.

~

“Anything?” I mouthed to Jake who shook his head. It had been thirty minutes already and the substitute teacher hadn’t found his way to our class yet. And what more could be wonderful news if not a free period?

“Haha! I am first again," I happily said as he rushed to his seat beside me to focus more on the racing game we were playing in multiplayer mode. "You have gotten weak Jake, I can easily outrun you now."

"That what you think? I will show you Ruby." He faced the phone in his hand and I got extra serious. Since our new teacher refused to show, everyone decided to do something that catches their fancy. "Better watch out Powers, I am coming for you."

"No you are *nooot*." I sang and used my special feature to speed past his green car.

"What kind of sorcery is this? How are you winning?" I would have loved to see the look on his face, but I had a game to win. Besides the look on his face when I finally get the first position would be one to make my day. I might even take a picture.

"Yes!" I danced on my seat as I finally raced past the finish line. "I win! Haha!"

"Yeah, yeah." He playfully dismissed my small victory moves, a small smile on his lips. "I am sure you cheated or something." My tongue replied him and he gave me another dismissing motion. "I don't think we will be having a class today."

"I hope we don't. I'll like to beat your ass again."

"You plan to rub that in my face, don't you?"

"You always did the same. So... Yes." I grinned at him and he shook his head, a small chuckle coming from him. "Jake?" I instantly recalled the question that has been on my mind.

"Yes Ruby?" He tossed his phone to a side. That's one thing I like about him, he is always attentive.

"Uh..." Dramatically, I scanned the noisy class as though someone might be watching. Then I motioned to him to move closer. After he did, I repeated the scanning thing again before asking, "Is there a girl you like?"

"Hmm..." His voice rang into my ears and he made his eyes stay fixed on mine. "Yes."

"Really?" Oh my! I hope it is Abby. "Do I know her?" I asked further with super interest in my voice.

"Maybe." That was all he said before he sat back, his arms crossed, a small smile on his face. Or better put, a somewhat dreamy smile on his lips.

Oh my! A maybe means yes. I am screaming! He does like Abby!
But I needed to be sure. Shifting closer to him, my eyes probably looking like that of a child who is about to get the ice cream promised to her.
"Jake, who is she?" His eyes which bore a resemblance to the colour of honey fell on mine again and he left my question hanging. "Tell me..." I made my puppy face.

A small shift in his seat, followed by a small exhale, he said, "Hmm... Should I?" I nodded my head crazily. "Hmm." His hand went under his chin and rubbed slowly. "The girl I like..." God help me I don't scream when he finally says her name. "Her name... Is a secret. Ouch!" He rubbed the spot I just smacked. "Why?"

"You know why," I returned harshly. "I-"

"Rich kid." An annoying voice interrupted me. "I have a question for you."

It happened that the entire class became silent and my head could imagine everyone's eyes watching, eager for what was about to follow. So, I faced Roger who stood in front of me, a mischievous on his face. "What do you want Roger?"

"Oh come on, you don't have to sound so unpleasant." I shot him a blank look. "So... My question... Why do you look so poor?"

"Excuse me?"

"I mean..." His eyes roamed my body and he wore the kind of look one would wear when one sees something disgusting. "Look at you. You are so-"

I put a hand to his face. "Stop right there dude. I have a question for you. Why are you so concerned about how poor I look?"

"I-"

"Roger, I don't know why my father's wealth affects you, but if you don't stop bothering me about it, I think I will have to ring my father and have him bring over his police friends. Surely my father wouldn't like to hear that a certain Roger Stevens is making life hell for his daughter."

"Making life hell?" His earlier attack mode got disabled and he took the victim road. "When did I ever do that? I just used to ask you questions."

"Really?" I shot him a short smile which I would say felt deadly. "You didn't start rumours? Which was it?" I made a pretend thinking face. "Oh I know... Ruby Powers paid the tabloids to pass her as Dominic Powers daughter when in fact she isn't. Am I wrong Roger?"

"I..."

"Listen, you don't want my father to hear that you are disturbing me not to talk of spreading rumours. I really don't know what he could do. So... Please refrain from your uncultured acts. Thank you."

"Are-" I shot him a look. "Are you threatening me?"

"What if she is?" Jake asked sternly. "You heard what she said right? Now, do us a favour and sit your attention seeking ass down." Man, I love my friend.

Roger who was already looking lost took a quick look at the class and made for his seat without a word more.

"Is this English A?" a male voice asked almost sultrly from the entrance.

"Oh great. Our teacher finally found his way."
After shooting a grin at Jake, I looked towards the entrance and my face instantly wore a small frown. The tall man whose scent just overrode the room looked really familiar. A quick scan of his outfit- a plain blue shirt which had two buttons open was tucked into his black skinny jeans making his legs look so long and it was completed with a nice looking long jacket which flowed well as he walked to the desk- was all it took and I recalled where I saw him.

He was the intriguing dude I saw at the spot the day Diane came. Man, did he look good. I am certain the female staff were having a blast sneaking glances at the young, good looking new teacher.
As he dropped somethings, murmurs filled the air and with a look towards the back, I saw he had an effect on the students too.

Well, that's something.

"Hi guys." Everyone went quiet and in return, he raced his eyes through the class and when his eyes fell on mine, I almost smiled. Like I noticed the other day, his eyes held something interesting. "I-" The bell rang. "Well... Bye. See you in the next class."

And like that, he was gone. Leaving us nothing but his scent as an evidence that he was in the room.

"That was the weirdest class ever," Jake said as he got up. "Are you going to the library now?" I nodded, pushing away the thoughts in my head about our new English teacher. "See you at lunch then?"

"Yes. Bye."

Soon, I was on my way to my next destination. But that was when I caught a glimpse of Bryan Lockwood who glided through the corridor as quietly as possible. But I did not miss the fact that he was pulling a girl after him and it was not a gentle pull at all. Without thinking about it much, I decided to follow him.

Fortunately, they were both headed for the library and when they entered, they went to the science section and soon, a heated conversation began. But I could barely hear a thing. So I decided to move closer but a voice stopped me.

"What are you doing?" The masculine voice was probably questioning my position at that moment. Hands on the edge of the large shelf beside me, I was skillfully peeping from that corner, my butt teasing the atmosphere in front of it.

"I- ouch!" Hands instantly went around my waist before I could jump away from what my head just hit. Then I realized I was perceiving the scent that just plagued English class. Instantly, my eyes snapped open and I couldn't believe the way he was so close.
"Uh... Could you let me go?" I fought his hold but it was too firm and that was... disturbing.

"Hmm..." His eyes roamed my face and I couldn't really ignore how his breath fanned onto my head. "I have this thing-"

"You should really let me go. People would misunderstand if they see you holding me this way," I said as I tried to fight his hold again. It was just hard to get out of it.

“There is this one thing that I can't stop wondering about." He totally ignored my complain and filled my ears with his softened voice.

"Let me go sir." Maybe he would realize he is a teacher and I am his student and he really shouldn't be holding me in such a... intimate way.

Still ignoring me, his hand went on to cup my face and he tilted it a bit and he observed it seriously. "Do you want to know what I have been wondering?" he asked amidst his silent drama.

"Yes. But let me go before-"

"I wonder what it'll be like to kiss you."