Chapter Eight

Caleb

“Ew, Mom, I’m too old for Disney Princesses,” Ruby complained.

She held the birthday card up that had every princess bunched together in a cheesy group pose. Ruby scrunched her nose, eyeing it with distaste. It wasn't like her to act bratty. Her sudden change in attitude made me sit up straight.

Jen set down the basket of laundry that she was carrying, then put a hand on her hip.

“Jeez, did you go to bed a cute twelve-year-old, only to wake up a stroppy teenager?” Jen retorted.

I couldn't have said it better, Jen.

Ruby rolled her eyes. “Ugh! I swear Grandma still thinks I’m like, five-years-old or something. I mean, who sends a thirteen-year-old a princess birthday card, anyway? Not only that, why the heck do they even make princess cards for girls my age? That’s just lame,” Ruby argued.

When did she stop liking princesses?

Jen walked over towards Ruby and placed her palm against her forehead. “It’s just as I thought,” she spoke, narrowing her eyes and pretending to sound serious.

“Huh? Mom, what are you doing?” Ruby flinched away, looking at her mom as if she was crazy.

“It’s teenage-itus,” Jen replied with sarcasm.

“That isn’t even an actual condition,” Ruby countered with an eye-roll, slapping Jen’s hand away with a smirk.

“No, but they’ll start putting syndrome after your name if you’re not careful,” Jen retorted.

I tried to laugh, but I sounded as if I was out of breath. Ruby stuck her tongue out, prompting Jen to retaliate by tossing a scatter cushion back at her. This caused a twenty-second pillow fight that ended with them panting for air in a fit of giggles. Sometimes, they behaved more like sisters than mother and daughter. Jen leaped onto the seat cushions to gain the advantage of height. Their laughter filled the room as they ransacked the sofa. 

The phone rang in the hall, putting an end to all the mayhem. Jen darted off to answer it, leaving Ruby to tidy the room. She picked up her grandmother's card and admired it. I saw the slight smile curve her lips and knew she was still the same sweet little girl deep inside. She placed the card on the mantle above the fireplace and crouched to stroke my head. Jen came back moments later. 

"That was your coach," Jen informed her. "The tickets have arrived. I said I'll collect them on my way to work, tomorrow morning."

“Where’s Storm going to stay when we go to Washington?” Ruby asked, looking at me with concern.

Ruby’s gymnastics club was competing in a regional championship. She thought she was leaving me behind, but little did she know that I would be flying out to watch her. My company sponsored her team and their outfits displayed our company logo across the back of their leotards. They invited me to the competition, now that I’ve taken over from my dad as the CEO.

This also meant that Jen now works for me. It’s a little weird, seeing her around the office now and then, hearing her call me Mr. Grant, opposed to her calling me Storm.

Jen held out a hand, gesturing at me. “He should be alright in the barn; he is a wolf, Ruby. He’ll survive.”

“Yeah, but he’s more of a ‘house wolf’ now,” Ruby mumbled, scratching my ear.

I would’ve laughed at that comment. She couldn’t possibly know that I patrolled most nights, fighting off intruders, and ran a wolf pack. I loved my home comforts, but I could survive off the land, all the same.

“I’ve decided,” she announced. “I’m taking him to college with me. It’ll be so cool.”

“Yeah, well, little miss attitude ... you need to get your assignments done if you’re thinking about college. Homework fairies don’t exist, you know?” Jen rolled her eyes, then pointed to the table where Ruby’s school books were all scattered around in a state of disarray.

“Ugh! Spoken like a true Muggle,” Ruby mumbled with sarcasm.

“Mom, if I do my homework, can I go to Sarah’s house? You said you needed me out of the way, right?” She looked at Jen with pleading eyes.

Jen shrugged. “Sure, I don’t see why not.” She pointed her finger towards the table and cocked an eyebrow. “I want it all done, birthday or not. I’ve got to get the place organized for your party. So, I’ll call you when it’s time to come home, alright?”

“Yes!” Ruby clapped her hands gleefully. “We’re all getting ready together. Sarah’s doing my hair, and we’re wearing coordinating colors.” Ruby beamed with excitement.

I missed how sweet Ruby was when she was just a cute little girl who sang Disney songs at the top of her lungs, and made up dance routines in her bedroom.

Now she is obsessed with Justin Bieber, and there is only so much of that guy I can stand. Let’s just say, I’m not a Belieber and that’s not changing anytime soon.

I watched how her habits altered over the years. How her childhood room erupted with boy band posters. She replaced the toys and dolls with books, CDs, and nail polishes. I remembered how heart-breaking it was for her when she outgrew her little red jacket. She never threw it away. She placed it in a box at the bottom of her closet. I’ll miss that. I’ll even miss the diva tantrums when she couldn’t get her Barbie doll’s hair to go right, and how she made a blanket fort for us both to hide inside. But what I’ll miss the most, is how she spent most of her time with me; even if it was putting my fur into ribbons and making me sit at her dollies tea parties.

I know it sounds pathetic, coming from a twenty-five-year-old grown man, missing the company of a child, but Ruby and I shared an unbreakable bond. I can’t explain it. Ruby was like a sister to me. She was my super cute, kind-hearted, funny little Ruby Red. Only now, she wants to spend more time with friends her age. And that’s fine. It’s all part of growing up. I just can’t help feeling like she’s outgrowing me. So, I’ll just have to cherish the time I have with her because, as I’m well aware, it may be all that I’ll ever get.