Broken Heart

Chapter 10, First Novel, Written in 2012 (Half way!)

Chapter 10

Ruby POV

Looking into the oval mirror in Adam’s small bathroom, my eyes scanned the double bruised cheek. How hadn’t I seen it before? In the corner of my eye I saw an odd movement in the mirror. My eyes moved to the second face in the mirror, wondering why his jaw was hanging like that. But when those words left his lips I looked down at my chest, the water had exposed older bruises my mother had given me...

I stammered on what to say, but when those words left my own mouth, I bolted out of that house, barely able to see what was in front of me because of all the tears running down my face. I knew I wasn’t headed home, but I had no idea otherwise where I was going. Now Adam will know more than I was willing to tell...

The streets were pretty busy, but it didn’t stop me from running out in front of cars. I was lucky to not get hit, with my luck, the only lucky thing that ever happened to me was meeting Chris and Adam. After everything I had been through. I finally stopped running because I was out of breath. I turned down an alleyway and leaned against the brick wall to take a breather.

“Ruby?” I turned towards the darkened part of the ally and froze. I couldn’t remember whose voice it was but it was definitely male. “Ruby.” He said my name again and moved closer.

“Stay away from me!” I shouted at the person, and took a couple of steps back. Somehow ending up on my butt, seeing a small rock at my feet, of course I would trip at a time like this.

Chris POV

For the first time in two weeks, I finally didn’t dream of Ruby. It was kind of refreshing but at the same time it made me wonder if I was starting to forget about her. That’s a good thing though...right? I had to work at two in the afternoon today, so I could help clean up lunch rush, though I never thought this restaurant would have a heavy flow ever.

So after rolling out of bed at noon I showered and grabbed something quickly from my mostly empty fridge. I arrived at the Greek restaurant, five minutes before I had to start my shift. The place was actually still busy with most of the light blue lace table clothes covered with plates, crystal glasses and sterling silver utensils.

It was actually a nice restaurant, but it was definitely not cheap. It was curious that so many people could afford this place. The sound of voices as well as clinking of glasses or plates being moved was the main focus for anyone who stopped and listened around them.

Around the kitchen, everyone was moving from one station to the next, trying to keep up with the pace of customers. From the outside you would think this place was small and old, a run down place, which was close to running out of business. The kitchen took up half the place, and the dining room took up thirty percent of the place, then there was a small office for the owner. The place where I worked was just bigger than a closet, most of the time you weren’t able to get out of the room if the rush crowd had just been there.

The rush crowd was still outside but most had already come and gone, so I squeezed into the area. Moving out of the way for my co-worker, who did the morning shift, passed me and left. Sighing I grabbed my apron and tied it behind my back. I put the yellow rubber gloves on my hands and got to work.

Taking one dish at a time and dipping it in water and soap then using a cloth or sponge to get the dirt off. I then sprayed it with clean water to rinse and put it on the rack to dry. It wasn’t rocket science but if you missed one spot, money will be deducted off your pay. If a customer is the one to report it, then you are fired immediately.

The only good thing about this job is that I get paid eight dollars and thirty two cents every hour. I work from two pm until six PM then again in the morning at seven AM until eleven AM. It was nice having shift work , you work around twice a day or once for a few hours. That way you got a nice couple of hours between shifts.

Since you just repeat the same thing with every plate, glass and utensils, I didn’t have to be completely focused. My brain wonders a lot, because I can relax, but it’s not like anything has been interesting. Since the night before was my first shift I actually focused for the first hour and then started thinking about my brother and family. I even thought of Ruby some, wondering if she was happy or back home.

Today I just thought of my future and where it might head now that I don’t have any education to get me anywhere. Like what kind of person can live off of eight dollars. Maybe everyone was right, if I hadn’t messed up at my first high school, I could have been able to get a job that I can take care of a family with.

“Chris!” I shake my head and look up to see the other guy in the doorway. “You want to take my next shift, because I don’t mind at all dude.” I looked up at the time and saw it was already five thirty in the evening

“Na, go for it.” I said, taking off the gloves and apron and tossing them at him.

“Cool, but here, take the trash out into the alley before you go? Thanks.” Nodding, I left the small area and opened the back door and grabbed three bags full of garbage and walked out to the large trash can at the end of the alley. The door had slammed closed behind me. Opening the trash and tossing all three bags in at once. Gently I closed the top, not wanting it to make a huge noise, once I turned around I saw a girl walk into the alley and lean against the brick wall.

She was breathing heavily and from what I could tell, she looked like... “Ruby?” I asked the figure but also myself. She moved and turned towards me, “Ruby.” I said more confidently now that I knew for sure, because I could see her face properly, taking a step closer, hoping she sees it is me.

“Stay away from me!” She yelled at me. Taking a couple of steps back and in the process falling down. I walked over to her, when she finally did look at me, her jaw dropped. Now I was on my knees beside her, but when I went to say something, I found her small soft arms around my neck, her practically clinging to me.

I wrapped my arms around her body and picked her up and stood back up. “What are you doing here?” I asked just as I set Ruby back on her feet. She looked up at me and let her hands slide down to my chest

“Long story...wait, why are you here?” She gave me a questioning look, with one eye brow raised.

“I work here, as of yesterday.”

“Oh, sorry. I guess I will let you get back to work then.” She took a step back then turned around to leave. Quickly, I reached out and grasped her wrist before she could take another step. It had only been three days, four days including today, since I last saw her and my heart hasn’t beat faster or harder since I had peeled Kevin off of Ruby.

“Don’t go, I just finished my shift. Plus I would love to know this long story,” She had turned her head towards me, after my first two words. The light from the street post and what was left of the sun, hit her left cheek. I could now see the bruise Kevin had left, it was still quite dark, since it happened Friday.

“Do you have any place where we can talk in private?” She asked in a low voice, as if she wasn’t sure if it was a good idea or not.

“Yeah, my apartment is across the street. Is that ok? You can clean yourself up while there and I can possibly make us something to eat.” I suggested and started walking out of the alley way after I let go of her.

“Possibly? You know how to cook.” She walked to my side and we continued across the street.

“I do, it depends on what food is in my kitchen, let alone my fridge.” I smiled at the sound of her giggle.

Kevin POV

“Kevin, have you heard from your brother?” Mom asked as I was sitting in the kitchen eating dinner as both dad and mom cleaned up.

“I don’t have a brother...” I snarled a little and glared at my plate.

“What do you mean? Did Chris and you have a fight?” She asked so innocently. Mom stood on the other side of the island with a plate in one hand and a hand towel in the other. Dad turned also to look at me, placing a hand on the counter.

“You could say that...” I rolled my eyes, then pushed my chair away from the island and stood up. “It doesn’t matter, I dealt with it and there is nothing to say.” I turned around and went to leave the room but mom stopped me.

“Kevin, tell me right now what happened between you two or you will be sent to military school!” She said in a firm tone. When I looked over my shoulder at my father, he just smirked with his arms crossed over his chest.

“Fine, you really want to know what happened or more what he did?” They just stood silently watching me. I turned around and clenched my fists until my knuckles turned white. “He’s the one that Ruby cheated on me with!” I yelled, a growl coming through with her name.

My parents stared at me, either shocked by the truth or my outburst. I just waited until they said something, “Honey, are you sure? Chris wouldn’t-“

“Don’t you dare defend that little...” I trailed off after interrupting my mother. I didn’t have a good enough word to call him that represented how much he had hurt me. Ruby cheating didn’t even hurt that much anymore, because the betrayal of my brother hurt more.

“Yes, I’m positive...” I said after taking a breath and closing my eyes to calm down.

“I have to go...I’ll be back in a couple of hours” I turned back around not waiting for an answer.

“Be safe! And not past ten thirty it is a school night.” I heard mom call after me in a weak voice. Closing the door, I shook my head lightly and walked past my car. I didn’t feel like driving right now, especially since my mind was full.

Ruby POV

“So this is where you disappeared too.” I said as I looked around the nice apartment. I meant it slightly since I wasn’t ready to get into that topic just yet.

“Yeah... I guess so. So what happened back there?” Chris asked, as he leaned against the now closed door. I sat on the bright orange couch and looked over at him.

“You want to know the entire thing? It might get a little boring.” I smiled my fake smile, trying to hide my feelings from Chris.

“Yes, from the time I left, up to the moment we met down there.” He slowly came over and sat on the opposite side of the couch, keeping distance between us. It’s not what I wanted but I understood why.

“Okay, so after you left...” And there the story went on about the past four days, how Adam came along and mom beat me. To how the kids at school were acting and when I told Adam about Kevin. When I was done I looked down at my hands, which were laced together in my lap.

“So now, where does that leave you?” Chris asked in a whisper, he had not said one word since I started. Not even a movement came from his composed body.

I shrugged unsure, “Well I don’t know what Adam thinks and I can’t tell him about mom.”

“You are right about that, you don’t even know him enough to trust him with that…Can I ask you something?” Chris was wondering what I had been afraid to tell him let alone myself. So I nodded very softly so he knew he could ask, I still did not want to look at Chris. “Do you like Adam more than a friend?” He wasn’t himself when he asked, there was shyness to his voice.

“I’m not sure... but I want to say yes...” I whispered and peeked up at Chris through my eye lashes. I hated the look on his face, he looked in pain and all tense. He wasn’t looking at me, more glaring at the wall in front of him.

“I see.” His voice was strained as well, did he really not like my answer. He wanted to know so I told him. “Can I have your cell?” He asked and held out his hand to me, finally looking down at me. I gave him a confused look as I reached into my jeans pocket and pulled out my square purple LG phone and placed it into his open hand.

Chris grabbed it and went through a couple of things then put the screen in front of my face. On my screen were five missed calls and two text messages, all from Adam. “I think he likes you too or your gay friend is worried sick.” He smirked slightly at his comment and gave my phone back.

“How did you know? I didn’t even feel or hear any of those come in.” I was confused.

“Your phone was off. Now why don’t you go to him and make sure his head doesn’t explode worrying about you.” He got up and walked to the door. I followed and smiled slightly up at him.

“Thank you Chris...” He opened the door for me, but as I went to take a step, he wrapped his arms around my waist. I put my arms around his neck, slightly on my tippy toes. I felt his lips moving against my hair as he mumbled something. As I started to let go he kissed the top of my head then let me go. I left without another word, slightly speechless.

Adam POV

“Ruby, why won’t you pick up your phone!” I yelled slightly and punched my wall a little harder than I wanted to. I wasn’t too worried about the small indent in the wall right now. I sat down on the floor to calm myself down, curled into a ball. It’s not an easy position for a full grown man to get into.

When I was calm enough, I called my boss, “Hello?”

“We might have a problem... I’m not sure.” I said into the phone, hoping he would let me explain before he went off.

“What do you mean Adam?” I could tell from his voice that he was doing something before I called.

“I found out that her ex boyfriend had beat her just before we met, like the night before.”

“Your point, is the ex going to care if we do what we do?” He asked, being a little snotty.

“No, but there was a much newer bruise on top of it and I don’t think it was from him.”

“Adam, why do you care? Your job is to follow the plan, not actually care about her.” He was right but it just seemed harder to follow through with it now that I know she is already hurting.

“Yes, sorry for bothering you James.” I hung up after that and lay on my back, with my eyes closed.

“Adam! Adam, you here?” I heard a small voice calling my name. I wasn’t sure if it was real or not, maybe it was all a dream. “Adam, what are you doing on the floor?” The tiny voice asked me. Opening my eyes slowly did I see Ruby’s angelic face above mine.

“Got tired... you came back?” I sat up and turned so I was facing her now.

“Yeah... I noticed you called so I came back, so you wouldn’t be worried.” She leaned back against the wall, having her hands clasped behind her back and looked at the floor between us.

“I’m sorry; I shouldn’t have asked or even pressed into the subject. You never have to tell me anything you don’t want to.” I was staring up at her beautiful face wanting to see her eyes meet mine.

“It’s okay, I might tell you one day but it will not be any day soon.” She looked up and met my eyes like I hoped. “It’s just I am not ready for a lot of people to know, I do trust you Adam.” I smiled and got up slowly. Her face never moved from where I had been on the floor, so now I was looking down at her. I moved closer to her and stood over her almost, leaving only a foot between us.

I wanted her to look up at me, but she wasn’t moving a muscle. My hands were at my sides, just relaxed, so I made what I wanted happen. I lifted my right hand and went to touch her face and she flinched very subtly, I almost didn’t see it. Brushing my fingers along her jaw and over her cheek, where the bruise was.

“I will never hit you... I promise.” I whispered very softly. Ruby looked so soft it warmed my heart to see relief flash over her eyes.

Then I started leaning forward, my hand cupping her cheek softly, my eyes didn’t leave hers and she never made a move to stop me. When we were only inches apart, I felt something I have not felt in a long time. Fear. I stopped moving, her eyes shut as the feeling went through me.

I couldn’t kiss Ruby, she might get the wrong idea, and what about the plan, I would be ruined completely. So instead I moved my head to the left a little so my cheek brushes against hers.

Chris POV

He didn’t sound like a good guy in my eyes, but he was helping her forget or at least move on a little from my brother and me. But when I asked those dreaded questions after her story, I didn’t want to know the answer and I wished the words had not slipped out of my mouth. “I’m not sure... but I want to say yes...” My fists clenched tightly and my jaw was strained. She almost killed me, just saying that simple sentence. I still wanted her to be mine; I was barely able to stay in my seat and not go kill Adam, so Ruby could be mine. But what I did instead surprised myself more than anything.

“Can I have your cell?” I waited for Ruby to place the phone in my outstretched hand. When she did, I turned it on, and then pretended to click some other buttons. When the screen came on, it showed multiple notifications from Adam. I mumbled something to her after handing it back, about him being worried.

Maybe Adam wasn’t a bad guy since that alone showed me, he cared about her. “How did you know? I didn’t even feel or hear any of those come in.” She asked, and I explained to her that it was off, and then said something I wish I could take back. I didn’t want her to go into his arms but I just told her to. Maybe deep down I knew it was better than me keeping her here and taking her back to my bedroom and to just hold her all night.

I shook my head but I made it look like I just turned my head instead. Standing up I walked to the door to hint that she needed to go. She followed without a question and thanked me.

At the last second I hugged Ruby and mouthed, I still want you, against her hair. Then kissed the top of her head and released her. Closing the door after her, for some odd reason, I did wish Adam was a good guy and wouldn’t hurt her like I had.