Love Bites

M is for misdirection

10.

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'Hey where are we going?' Ruby glanced up from the textbook she was reading and peered out the window.

She, Rose and Gideon were on their way home from school that afternoon when the car took a distinct wrong turn. She didn't know the area one hundred per cent just yet but she knew this wasn't the way to the Vanderbilt's home.

'We need to stop by the headquarters briefly,' Gideon explained as they turned off onto a dirt path through the woods.

Ruby placed her book down in her lap and took in the new surroundings. The forest became more dense the further they drove, thick trunks and leafy green trees high up into the sky, it was beautiful.

'The headquarters as in the council?' She asked curiously.

'She's a fast learner,' Rose smirked.

'Rose,' Gideon warned. 'Yes it's the council headquarters Ruby, hopefully if Fox isn't too busy he can give you a tour.'

'Oh wonderful,' she muttered under her breath forgetting she was in a car with two people who have super sonic hearing.

Rose giggled.

'Or not,' Gideon let a small smile slip.

Ruby gasped as they rounded the bend coming up to a solid ten-meter brick wall going both directions for as far as she could see. The car pulled up right in front of the wall and Gideon leant across Ruby pressing a small silver button just underneath her glove compartment. A few seconds passed as Gideon tapped his fingers on the steering wheel smiling good-naturedly.

'I feel like these walls should open a lot faster than they do,' he said. 'Imagine if we were in a hurry.'

Ruby knew her mouth was wide open, and she really didn't care. She was actually watching solid brick walls break apart like some silly electric gate. Once the walls had opened they drove right through entering a large car park and saw an even larger grey and white building looming over the car park.  It looked clinical in appearance, tall and solid.

'I can't believe Fox gets to come to work here everyday.'

'It's cool isn't it?' Rose sat up in her seat actually looking genuinely interested in something for a change.

After parking and heading through to the entrance Ruby was even more awestruck. Beautiful high ceilings with pristine white tiles throughout the lobby. One lonesome desk sat at the very end of the hall with a stunning blonde girl perched on her chair, her clothing was business chic, her hair and makeup immaculate. Ruby frowned annoyed, wishing she could get her hair to look remotely like that once in her life.

'Ah Mr. Vanderbilt,' the girl rose from her chair, her smile reaching her eyes and above. 'Young Ms Vanderbilt,' she nodded at Rose. 'Whom else have you brought to see me?'

'Hi Rachael,' Gideon beamed at her. 'This is Ruby, Ruby this is Rachael. Ruby is staying with our family for a while.'

'Oh well pleased to meet you Ruby,' her southern accent peaking out as she spoke.

'I'm just here to pick up some packages,' Gideon explained as he signed in for all three of them. 'We'll head up and see Fox too.'

'No problem, let me know if you need anything,' she winked at Gideon and Ruby saw the slightest of colour in his cheeks.

'She is way too flirty for a receptionist,' Rose rolled her eyes as they headed up the elevator in the lobby.

'I like her,' Gideon replied gruffly. 'It's nice to have a friendly face at the door.'