Chapter 4

Nathan's pov

I think the heavens are against my happiness because why the hell did that happen?

A few days after the incident with dad, dad walked into the living room while we were watching anime and turned off the TV.

“Hey, I was watching that!” I yelled.

Dad set down the remote on the glass centre table. “I know. I've got good news.”

My ears perked up when I heard good news. “Did you get a new car for us?”

Stephen and I were buzzing with excitement. A new car was what we desperately needed. The upper echelons at school drove classics now and we wanted one.

“No. I did not get a car,” he replied. What a buzz kill.

“If you didn't get them a car, then what's the good news?” Monica asked.

“Tada!” Dad whipped a white envelope from blazer pocket.

I noticed the emblem on the paper. No. Oh hell no. It couldn't be.

“Ruby, this is for you.” He said, handing the envelope to her.

Shit. I thought I'd gotten rid of that paper before. Why'd the school send another mail!

Ruby's brows furrowed as she turned the back of the envelope. Maybe, I should just grab it and run but that'll be nuts. I sat quickly, trying to calm my shaking leg.

“Open it, hon.” Dad said with a smile.

“Okay.” Ruby took the penknife he passed to her and cut open the envelope. Then she revealed a letter and began to read through it.

As she read it, her eyes went round and she screamed.

I rolled my eyes. “Oh brother. Here we go.”

“What happened?” Stephen leaned closer and whispered to me.

“She got in.” I replied dryly

“Got in where?” He asked

“Just watch.” I give up.

“Mom, I got in! I got into CSU!” Ruby drew her mother into a hug.

“Oh my gosh! Darling, congratulations!” Mother and daughter hugged each other while we watched silently.

I can't wait for dad to break the news to Ruby. She'd want to terminate her admission.

“Um.. Ruby,” Dad began and I couldn't stop laughing.

“What is it?” She asked, looking at me like I was crazy.

“You and Nathan will be going to school together. How's that?” he asked

Ruby looked at me again. “Why would Nathan and I go to school together?”

Dad smiled. “Oh he attends CSU too. He's in sophomore year.”

“What?”

I laughed out loud and rose to my feet. “Comedy gold.”

“Nathan is smart enough to attend Chicago State University?” Ruby asked

“Hey! What's that supposed to mean?” I retorted.

“Honey,” Monica took Ruby's hand. “Having your brother drive you to school won't be that bad, would it?”

I grinned. “Oh no, mom. I'll make sure to take care of my sister very much.”

Ruby shook her head. She knew I would make her life a living hell.

Buckle up, princess.

The next day when Stephen drove to class for an early lecture, dad insisted I drive Ruby to school in the afternoon for her clearance.

I put my arms around her. “Don't worry, dad. Ruby's in good hands, aren't you, Ruby?”

She tried to protest but her mom blew her an air kiss and off they went.

When the car drove out of the compound, I turned to Ruby. “Well, well, well…”

“You said you'd drive me to school.” She said, clenching her fists.

“You think I'd do that?” I laughed. “Honey, you're walking.”

I got to school that afternoon and saw no sign of her. Ah, she must be a million miles away. Too bad.

After my afternoon lecture, I went to the cafe to hang out with my pals. That was when I caught sight of a familiar redhead.

She clutched her books to her chest like they were some kind of shield. Ah. I'd recognize that chick anywhere.

I leaned back in my seat before glancing at my friends. “Hey. Watch this!”

“Hey, Ruby!” I called out and she met my gaze. “Fancy seeing you here! Tell me, do they give out scholarships for charity cases or did your mommy sell something for you to get in?”

Laughter erupted around me as Ruby froze mid-step.

Ruby started moving faster. Trying to ignore me? Oh no, you don't!

“Oh, and Ruby?” I called out sweetly.

She stopped again.

“Try not to stare too much next time. It's embarrassing.”

She shot me glare and thrill ran through me. I loved it.

She hated me and I hated her too. And oh, I was far from done.

We ran into Ruby again in the courtyard while we were having a smoke. She kept looking at the brochure in her hand. The poor thing was lost.

I inhaled the metallic smoke and threw the cigarette butt to the ground. “Well, well, look who it is. You lost Ruby? Or did you finally realize you don't belong here?”

My friends chuckled, turning their attention to her.

Nina gave Ruby a glance-over and laughed. “Maybe, she's looking for a sugar daddy. Isn't that how her mother got into your house, Nathan?”

Laughter erupted again and I pretended to think about it. “Dang. You're right, Nina. Maybe I should check my dad's credit card bills. Who knows what's whoring around in there?”

They laughed again.

Ruby turns to face us this time. She didn't utter a single word but I could tell she was angry. Her hands were clenched, her freckled face pinched. She was a beautiful, angry, creature.

When she turned on her heels to leave, I leaned away from the car and ran to meet her.

“Get away from me!” she yelled.

“Oh, come on. How can I get away when you're enjoying this view?” I laughed.

I was a head taller than her so she looked up at me.

I leaned my face near hers but she didn't move. “I see you look at me, Ruby. You hate me and it kills you, doesn't it?”

“Damn right.” She retorted.

“Does it also kill you that i'll.never belong to someone like you?” I took a step forward and she stepped back.

“What?” She flinched.

“I see the way you look at me.  You like me, don't you?”

“Don't be ridiculous.” She brushed past me.

I laughed at how cute she was when she ran. “Run along, Ruby.” Then to the hearing of my friends, I yelled. “And next time? Try not to drool!”

Nina and the others howled with laughter.

I didn't stop laughing till Ruby disappeared from view.

She claimed she hated me. Well, I'd just have to prove to her what happens to people who do.