by Skyla Madi
The room fell quiet.
“Miss Cloud Banks fell and hit her head on a rather large stone. Her death was accidental.”
I glanced around the room as students cried and some just looked on in horror. My eyes rested on Raina's face. She was looking at me and shaking her head, of course she’d think I killed Cloud.
“A memorial service will be held on Monday, on the oval at nine in the morning. Thank you.”
Once again the hall filled with talk and sobs. I didn't think it was possible, but being here made me even more depressed. I strolled out of the hall, walking as fast as I could to get away from the cries and pleads to god.
Finally I made it back to my dorm room; I shut the door and leant up against it, sighing with relief.
The day turned out completely different than I imagined. It started of good, it was a normal day. That was the story of my life, I guess. When I had something good going for myself it was always ruined. I changed into black silk boxer shorts and a white singlet; I approached my bed and paused when I found a letter perched upon my pillow. Slowly I reached down and picked it up. I don't know why, but I glanced around my room, expecting to see someone lurking in the shadows. My eyes fell back on the letter. I opened it and pulled out a little red piece of paper and sprawled across the paper in black ink read:
You are mine, Ruby.
Coffee and Punching
Sleep didn’t come easy, in fact, sleep hardly came at all. I was relieved when the sun came up and I heard students buzzing around the dorm. Last night was horrible. After reading the letter, I couldn't sleep. Sure, I dozed off every now and then, but I awoke at every bat squeal and cricket chirp. My main fear was not that someone wanted to kill me; I was used to that. I’m on the top of a few people’s list. My main fear was that there was someone who wanted me dead who lived at this school and had been inside my room. I shivered at the thought of being watched by someone wanting to kill me.
Even though it was in my best interest to tell Eli about the note, I didn't want him to have to deal with anymore 'Ruby Drama.' After the whole capture me, turn me back into a goddess, fight Hank, help me through a panic attack and everything in between, I just didn't want to bother him anymore. I put all my fears and paranoia to the back of my mind. Today, I wanted to see Mila and help her with whatever she needed; I had to forget about me. I think it was about time I forgot about my own issues and helped someone else with theirs, be selfless for a change.
I quickly jumped out of bed and rummaged through my wardrobe. I decided on a pair of jeans and a black hoodie, then I pulled my hair into a ponytail and left my dorm room. A soon as I felt it, I saw him. Just my luck — Eli was walking towards me. Actually, this was perfect. Students aren't allowed in the teachers’ residential area without an actual reason. I needed Eli to take me to Mr Aleksandrov's house.
“Good morning,” I said, trying to sound cheerful.
“Sure, if that’s how you see it.”
“What do you mean?” I asked.
“C'mon, we both know you didn't sleep last night.”
Shit. I forgot about the tattoo. A few days ago Eli and I each got a tattoo; the tattoos are infused with each other’s blood. Eli can feel my emotions and I can sense when he’s near.
“I slept fine, actually,” I lied.
I looked closer at Eli; he looked tired. Still unbelievably good looking, but nonetheless tired. I felt bad; I wasn't able to keep my emotions in check at all yesterday.
“I must have had a nightmare…” I lied again.
“Must have,” he replied. His expression told me he didn't believe me.
“Hey, do you have a moment? I need to see Mila but can't get into the teacher residential area without clearance.”
“Sure. And we can talk on the way.”
I cringed; I knew he wanted to talk about my feelings and all that jazz.
We didn't say a word until we left the student campus.
“You can talk to me, Ruby,” Eli said.
“I know.”
“Then why don't you? I'm not stupid; I know something is happening within you. Being able to feel what you feel has only confirmed my thoughts.”
Seeing Eli's expression fill with pain made my heart pound.
“I'm still getting over things; you don't need to worry about me.”
Eli opened his mouth to say something but bit his tongue. I wondered what he would have said, that he wants to worry about me? Maybe or maybe not, now I'll never know.
We walked into the teachers’ campus and Eli and I had to sign a few papers before we could enter. As we walked along a path hidden by trees, Eli grabbed my wrist and pulled me to face him. His warm hands made my skin tingle and set butterflies loose in my stomach.
“You might think that no one cares about you or how you’re feeling, you’re wrong. If you don't think I can see through this 'tough girl' facade you’re putting on, I can. It hurts me to see such a beautiful girl go through so much pain, but hurts me more when she doesn't want to share it.”
His voice was hard and fierce. I looked back into his eyes, trying not cry and pour all my thoughts out or tell him about the letter. I responded like I always do when I'm put on the spot, with attitude.
“Do you share your pain? How many people know that your dad was murdered by vampires when you were still a boy?”
“Don’t make this about me.” he growled defensively.
“See, you and I are no different; you shield your emotions better than anyone, even me. We both have issues, we both have felt the pain of losing a loved one and we both keep to ourselves,” I protested.
I marched off down the path, hoping that somehow I could pick out Mila's house on the other side. Luckily for me there was only one house. Mila’s house was huge, at least two stories. Her front yard was beautiful; there was a huge fountain in the middle of a driveway that wound around from the back of the house. I didn't know what was more tiring, the walk from the school to the front yard or from the front yard to the front door. There was too much land for two people and no animals. Eli fell into step with me as I reached the front steps. He pressed the intercom button and Mr Aleksandrov’s voice projected through.
“Eli, I wasn't expecting you today.”
I glanced around looking for cameras, there were at least seven.
“I have a visitor for Mila. Ruby insisted that she keep her company today.”
A horrible buzzing noise sounded as the doors opened. We stepped inside, my mouth dropped open. I felt like I was inside a palace. A large staircase was sprawled out in front of us.
“Do we go up?” I asked.
Eli shook his head.
“Ruby, how nice to see you,” said Mr Aleksandrov as he entered the main foyer.
I flashed him a fake smile.
“Mila is showering at the moment; please, come to the tea room and wait.”
Eli and I followed Aleksandrov into a side room. I assumed it would be a small to average sized room; after all it was only a tea room, but I was wrong. I could fit my dorm room into this room at least nine times.
The three of us sat around a beautiful antique gold edged table.
“Ruby,” Mr Aleksandrov said, making himself comfortable in his chair. “I hear you’re unhappy with Tay and I.”
“Yes, sir,” I said sharply. There is no point beating around the bush.
“And why is that?”
“Have you even stopped by to see how I was when Hank attacked me? You went through so much trouble to get me here.”
“Were you injured?”
“No.”
“Then there’s no reason for your anger towards anyone.”
“I could have been killed.”
“But you weren't.”
I leapt out of my chair.
“Ruby,” warned Eli, standing up from his chair.
“Don’t you care that a psychotic vampire was so close to your school? To your niece?” I asked.
“I have enough guardian
angels, both certified and in training, to take care of a few pesky vampires.”
My blood boiled.
I was confused why Mr Aleksandrov was being so indifferent about the whole situation.
“Ruby?” I heard Mila calling from the staircase. I turned and stormed off towards the door of the tea room.
“Oh and Ruby, don't be selfish. It’s a bad look for you,” stated Ivan Aleksandrov.
I turned and glowered at him, he returned a blank stare. I was really starting to dislike him. When we first met he was so kind and understanding, now he was a total asshole. I stomped up the stairs one by one and met Mila at the top; she led me to her bedroom. Again, I could fit my dorm room twelve times over in here, minimum.
“Wow, maybe I should sleep here instead of having you over in my dorm,” I gasped.
“At least your dorm is cosy. Being in here can be quite lonely,” she admitted.
“So, how are you feeling? I didn't see you at dinner last night.”
“I’ve come to terms with it, I suppose. Last night I was with Sam, she’s a real mess. I thought I was upset; her grief blew mine straight out of the water.”
“Is she going to continue with classes tomorrow?” I asked.
“She went home to her parents,” Mila informed me. “Uncle gave her clearance to return whenever she wanted.”
I had to leave a lot earlier than I planned; Mila and Ivan Aleksandrov were going to visit Mila's great aunt. I hugged Mila goodbye and walked out the front door, to my surprise Eli was leaning on a concrete column.
I walked past him but he caught up quickly. We walked through the hidden path again. I thought back to when Eli grabbed me and had spoken to me with such emotion. He did care about me, no matter how hard he tried to hide it.
When we emerged from the opposite end of the path, Eli pulled me by the wrist in a different direction.
“Where are we going?”
“For coffee.”
“I thought we couldn’t be alone together?”
“It’s just coffee and it’s in public. I’m not an animal.”
“You said it, not me.”
I followed Eli until we reached a cute brick house; it reminded me of my grandmother’s house.
“Is this your house?”
“Yes, awesome, isn't it?" He laughed. He ran inside and grabbed a set of keys for his Audi Q5 that sat in the driveway.
We drove down to the Sage shops and ordered coffee at the bakery Eli took me to on my first day at Sage Sanctum.
“I know I came on a little strong before, I just wanted you to know there are people here for you,” he confessed.
“I know, thank you.”
He exhaled in defeat. I knew it wasn't what he wanted to hear. Eli wanted me to confide in him and put all my feelings on the table, but I couldn't do it. Even though he could feel the highs and lows of my emotions, I didn't want him to know the cause of them. I did, however, want him to know he was my high and that I felt instantly happy as soon as I saw him. He probably already knew that.
“I’m petrified of being alone,” I mumbled. “When I’m alone, I spiral into depression. I feel like I’ve lost all hope, all strength, and all my emotions rain down on me. I feel like I’ve fallen down a hole and I don't have the strength or will power to climb back out. So I give up all hope and let the darkness take over me. I let it consume me and I feel hopeless and worthless. I feel angry and sad at the same time. I just… I don't know.”
Eli placed his hand on top of mine and we locked eyes. His reflected the same despair mine did, he felt what I felt. He had experienced some of my pain first hand. I felt guilty opening up to him and bringing him into my world; I wouldn't wish that on anyone.
He let go and sat back as a woman brought us our coffee. She smiled and flirted with Eli. I also noticed she had pulled her shirt up a little, revealing her stomach. I didn't know you could ask someone if they wanted any sugar in such a suggestive manner. Eli smiled and declined politely. When she left, she threw a bitchy glance at me over her shoulder.
“Jealousy?” questioned Eli.
“Hmm?” I looked at him with a puzzled expression.
“I have never felt jealousy come through our bond before,” he stated, with a rather amused expression.
I felt my cheeks light up in embarrassment. “Jealous? Yes, because she didn't offer me any sugar.”
“Well, for what it’s worth, you’re way better than her,” he said casually whilst sipping on his coffee.
“How so?” I asked, trying to sound indifferent, but straining my ears to hear what he had to say.
“She clearly tries too hard; wears way to much make-up and went as low as showing flesh to get my attention. You and I both know her shirt wasn't that high when we arrived.”
“You were perving?”
“I was being observant, two completely different things. A guardian angel has to be observant, no matter where they are.”
“Fair enough,” I replied.
We finished our coffee pretty quickly and talked about classes. An hour had passed before we jumped back in the car and head back to the school. After a quiet car ride, we arrived at his house. I unbuckled my seat belt.
“Ruby, wait,” Eli blurted, he looked like he regretted it as soon as he said it. “Thanks for opening up to me at the bakery.”
I smiled.
“Well, it is Sunday, and we don't have classes, so tell me something about you.”
“I love coffee,” he proclaimed.
I nudged his shoulder. “C'mon, you know what I mean, something personal.”
Eli stared out the windscreen, thinking. “I am glad you came to Sage Sanctum.”
“I didn't really have a choice. You abducted me, remember?”
“It was more like a rescue.”
I listened as he laughed. It was so melodious and perfect.
“And if you need anything, anything at all, let me know. I don't care if it’s the middle of the night or midday. I’m your guardian angel, that's what I’m here for.”
“…Then kiss me.”
“That’s not what I meant, Ruby.”
“You said if I need anything. Don't you want to?”
“That isn’t a necessity, and whether I want to or not is irrelevant. It’s wrong.” I leant over to him and he didn't lean away from me.
“Why should we have to conform to what the higher power wants? I know you feel it, too.”
“Ruby, stop.”
Our faces were only inches apart. I could feel his hot breath on my face, he still hadn't moved away from me.
I opened the door and slid out of the car. It took Eli a few seconds to compose himself before he followed.
“Where are you going?” he called after me.
“It’s eleven thirty, so I’m going to the dining hall, sir,” I said mockingly, with my back to him. “See you there.”
I walked quickly back to the student campus. Mila said she would be back in time for lunch and to meet her at the dining hall. Sure enough, outside the dining hall stood Mila and Gabriel. Noticing my arrival, Gabriel said farewell to Mila and acknowledged me with a wave.
“Guess, what?” she squealed. She didn't even give me a second to try and guess.
“Gabriel asked me on a date.”
“Mila…”
“I know, I know, uncle blah blah blah, but Gabriel has already asked for my uncle’s permission and he said yes!” she interrupted.
“He said yes?” I spat.
That definitely wasn’t what I was expecting.
“We’re going to dinner at La Hope this Tuesday night,” she informed me.
“He’s a senior and is twenty years old,” I debated.
I know, I was being a bit of a hypocrite considering I made out with a teacher at this school who was also my guardian angel and seven years my senior. Not to mention I'll be meeting up with Hunter secretly to learn my magic, but still, this was Mila, and I felt protective of her.
“It’s
only two years. Ruby, don't worry,” Mila said. “It’s just one date.”
Even though I protested a little more, she ignored it. There was nothing I could say to change her mind, she was going and that was that.
We sat down for lunch; on the menu today was ham sandwiches and fruit salad. My stomach grumbled at the healthy choice, I was really hoping for cheeseburgers.
“I see you’re pimping Mila out now to make extra money,” sneered Raina.
I don't know what went on in her silly little head, but for some insane reason she had chosen to sit next to Mila and I. Even though she sat next to us, she was thinking when she decided not to sit within arm’s length of me and on the other side of the table.
“What are you talking about, now?” asked Mila.
“The word is that you are going to ‘dinner’ with Gabriel.”
Her emphasis on ‘dinner’ annoyed me.
“…and he’s a guardian angel.” Her friend snickered.
“What are you getting at? It’s just dinner,” Mila mumbled.
“Oh honey, when Ruby is involved, it’s never just dinner.”
Bam! Something within me clicked, a fire burned in my chest and my skin became increasingly warmer. I lunged across the table, punching Raina in the eye and knocking her off her chair. There was a loud slap as we came into contact with the hard floor. Her friends screamed but didn't help her. I had Raina pinned to the floor; she held such fear in her eyes a few tears rolled out. Strangely enough, I didn't feel sorry for her. I wanted to hurt her more.
“What gives you the right to talk as if you know me? If you ever talk to me or even look at me again, I will kill you.”
We were circled by people chanting “fight, fight, fight,” and I even heard some people ask their friends if I was going to bite and drain her blood. Whatever vampire stories were circling around about me now, I would have just confirmed them. I moved with such precision, control, and speed, I would have thought I was a vampire, too.
“The guardians are coming,” someone called out.
“Ruby!” the inevitable deep voice boomed. Of course it was Eli.
The crowd moved out of his way in fear he might throw them across the room. Strong hands reached around my waist and pulled me off her. Eli slung me over his shoulder; I kept contact with Raina’s face the whole time Eli was carrying me outside.