Rhapsody High: The Tale of Super Zero

Chapter 25: Cinderella After Midnight

School Rules #25: There are always those days when you need to chill and impulsively drinking, and that does not make you a bad person.

Chapter 25

The night has been the most amazing night in Brenda's life. Nathaniel has been treating her like a princess. They walked down the staircase hand in hand, she could feel all eyes are eyeing her and whispers were heard. "Who is she?". "Is she with the Robinson?". "That's not Renata." "She looks so much better than Renata."

One of Jaclyn's bunny even came up to her to say how much she loves Brenda's dress. The twins have really outdone her makeover.

"You do look amazing tonight," Nathaniel whispered. He hasn't stopped complimenting her ever since they met outside the building.

"No, i don't." She cut him off as she could feel her face went hot.

"Trust me, i am very lucky tonight." Nathaniel added again. "Let me get us another drinks. No alcohol for you, right?" He winked, smiling. He has been really understanding. He didn't question why she didn't drink alcohol nor did he forced her to drink. He made her really comfortable.

Brenda waited at the edge of the dance floor as she saw Jerry Wellington with a girl in a brown satin dress. Jerry Wellington looks drunk, he seemed like he was pestering her. Brenda was about to come in and helped her when Ruben swiftly walked from the side and punched Jerry to the floor.

"Ruben?!" Brenda tried to run in, trying to stop him from doing Jerry even worse but the whole crowd started to form around them. Jerry was already bleeding but his drunken state seemingly made him braver than usual. It's not everyday anybody dare to fight Ruben back.

Ruben protectively put one of his arms around the girl as he threatened Jerry further. Ruben twisted Jerry's upcoming punch and dropped him to the floor before pulling the girl out of the dance floor and away from the crowds. Brenda sure as hell that Ruben is furious. That was when she realized that the girl was no other than Renata.

"Hey, are you okay?!" Nathaniel suddenly tap Brenda's shoulder. "What's with all the commotion? Did someone went into a fight?"

"Jerry Wellington is in pain!." Brenda panicly answered.

"Don't worry, one of the staffs already called 911 on him. Are you okay though? You weren't near them aren't you? I'm only worry about you." Nathaniel looked at Brenda from head to toe. "your brother and your parents would kill me if you weren't back at home intact."

As much as Brenda enjoyed all the attention Nathaniel is giving her, she feels the strong need to tell him what just happened.

"Nathaniel! We need to find Ruben and Renata!." Brenda said it quickly in one breath.

"Huh? What?" Nathaniel looked confused.

"Jerry was pestering this girl. She doesn't look sober at all. I'm pretty sure it's Renata. Ruben saved her but we need to make sure she's okay.."

"Ruben?! Wait, Ruben is in this party?!"

"You saw him earlier. I thought you knew." Nathaniel shook his head.

"Where did they go?" his voice grew worrying.

"i don't know." She answered hopelessly while looking around when Brook came to her.

"Brenda. We need to leave."

"No, Brook. We need to find Ruben and Renata."

"I've found them." Brook answered. "Renata passed out. We need to sent her home."

The three of them hurriedly went to the balcony where Renata laid unconsciously on Ruben's arms. "We need to take her out of this place." Ruben cut in as soon as they arrived in the balcony.

Nathaniel stepped in and stopped him. "No, i am taking her home. You are not taking her anywhere."

"Oh how nice, Robinson. Sure, can you take her now and i'll leave you two happily ever after." He answered with sinister.

" You both will take her." Brook cut them off. "You need to explain to her parents why she is unconscious." Brook turn to Nathaniel, "You were her best friend. And you..." he turned to Ruben with a sharp look. "you were her boyfriend."

"i don't know what happened between the three of you guys, but she is not fine and she needs both of you. Now calm your attitude." he added.

Brenda on the other hand, was left alone outside the circle and more confused than ever. Ruben was... Renata's Boyfriend?!

Brenda just silently followed all of them into Nathaniel's black limo trying to digest what just happened and feel so left-out.
Renata was lying down in one of the limo's sofa while both Nathaniel and Ruben looked down to the floor of the limo. The quietness really killed the atmosphere.

Suddenly Ruben's phone rang, breaking the pin drop silence. He hesitated before answering.

"Yeah?" He answered.

The voice on the other side sounded angry and threatening. Brenda couldn't hear it properly but she knew it was loud and it wasn't a good sign.

"i know. Yes. I know!" he answered. "i don't care, i have something else more important right now!" he shouted and hang up.

Brook glanced at him. "Everything's alright?"

He shrugged it off and avoided answering the question.

The seemingly long journey finally ended. The limo stopped by in front of a serviced apartment building. Ruben got down and easily carried Renata on his arms. Brook, Brenda and Nathaniel followed from the back carrying Renata's purse and heels.

They all walked to the lift. Only Nathaniel knows where Renata lives, Nathaniel lead them to the 21st floor and pressed the bell to one of the apartments' door. A latino young woman in her thirties walked out in her night gown, she seemed she just woke up from her sleep.

"I'm sorry to disturb your sleep, Mrs. Montez." Nathaniel apologized.

"Nathaniel? What's going on?" She looked puzzled.

"Mrs. Montez." Ruben stepped in, directing his eyes towards Renata on his arms.

"Renata?!" She sounded shocked. "Come in. Let's put her on the bed!"

Ruben hurriedly went in and followed the young woman into Renata's room.

Renata's room was very simplistic and fill with serenity. Her walls were filled with musical notes wallpaper and her self-paintings and portraits scattered on the wall and table. The picture next to her bed was the picture of her and Ruben. They looked so happy in it that Brenda feels really uncomfortable with the fact that she didn't know about it.

"Nathaniel, can you take everybody to the kitchen and get some drinks?" She smiled. "i'll change her clothes and tuck her in."

"I will, Mrs. Montez." Nathaniel lead everybody out while Ruben was the last to leave. There is a certain sadness in his eyes. He kissed her forehead before he left the room.

The four of them sat on the bar stools behind the kitchen counters as Nathaniel poured everybody few glasses of juice. When Mrs. Montez walked out, she looked apologetic.

"I'm sorry for disturbing you kids. Renata's drinking behavior tonight has bothered you all."

"It's not her fault." Nathaniel answered. "There are reasons why she has been acting impulsively." He gave a quick disgust glance at Ruben.

Feeling offended, Ruben got up and was about to walk out of the room when Brook tried to stop him.

"Ruben," Mrs. Montez quickly called him out. "She needs you. She may never show it, but she does."

Ruben stopped on the door, but not turning to face Mrs. Montez.

"She was left behind before, don't leave her without any explanation."

"I'm sorry." He said, abruptly leaving the room.

Brenda felt a huge a gap in her heart as she can see more of Ruben than she ever had before.