Buzzkill

Chapter 4

The game was going horribly. This was a big game, and a lot of their standing in the playoffs depended on it. They were losing 12-6. Ruby lost all hope of winning when a player on the opposing team, Zelena somethingorother, tripped Dorothy Gale and caused her to twist her ankle. The referee had spoken and Zelena was let off the hook.

Frustrated, Ruby threw off her hat and put her hands over her face, groaning loudly. Dorothy looked up at her, clutching a baggie of ice over her ankle. The player had insisted on staying the entire game even though she was injured. Ruby cursed and glared at Dorothy though it wasn't her she was upset at. 

Emma Nolan hadn't gotten her grades up with her last English test, so she was still no longer on the team. The team's opponent that night was a tough one, and they had multiple third year seniors, and fuck were they ripped! Without their star player, as well as Merida Dunbroch who was visiting relatives in Scotland, the team was short a player. Now that Dorothy was down for the count, they didn't stand a chance. Fa Mulan was doing her best out there, but Ruby could see she was struggling. 

A loud beep went off, signifying the one minute mark. Ruby cursed loudly. She kicked her ball cap as Lilith Paige managed to make one last goal, but it wasn't enough. The buzzer sounded and the game was called to an end. The Storybrooke Wolves had lost. 

***

"Fuck you, French," Ruby hissed, walking into Belle French's classroom. 

The English teacher turned towards Ruby. A look of sympathy crossed her face as she stepped closer. "I heard about the game. I'm sorry." 

Ruby scowled at her. "You fucking should be. We lost because of you." She clenched her fists and her jaw, standing up straighter to look larger and more intimidating, much like an animal would. It took all Ruby could not to growl at Ms. French. After all, the teacher might have just ruined any chances of winning the playoffs.

"I apologize for that too, Coach Lucas," Ms. French said. Ruby blinked, noticing that Belle had gotten her title right. It was a pathetic thing, to be upset about someone not calling you a coach, but it was among the only validation Ruby had. Belle took in a deep breath, looking down at her feet. "It was not my intent to ruin your team's chances. I simply wish that Emma would place her academics higher on her list of priorities. And I apologize again for what I said to you last time we met." 

Ruby stood still. She was unsure of what to do. Should she be upset? No, Belle's apology seemed genuine, and there was something about the soft and sad-sounding tone to Belle's voice that made Ruby rather envelop the girl in a hug than throw punches. Should she leave? Yes, that seemed like the best thing to do. Ruby wasn't sure how to talk to Belle, and she was beginning to glance around for an opportunity to leave. She would do just that.

As Ruby headed towards the door, having nothing else to say to the teacher, Belle called out to her: "Ruby, wait." Ruby turned, something sparking inside her at hearing her first name, at Belle calling her back. The response was conditioned– just the thought of someone wanting Ruby to stay made her heart flutter.

"I hope your player gets better," Belle mumbled. Confusion crossed Ruby's features for a second before Belle clarified. "The one who hurt her ankle. I hope it heals well."

The coach slowly nodded. A strange feeling of sadness rushed over her, but she pushed it aside. "Yeah…" stuttered Ruby. "Thanks. I'll let her know you send your regards, or whatever." She added the last part when she realized that 'sent regards' sounded like Ruby was proper and well-to-do, neither of which was true.

She left the classroom moments before the first bell rang, summoning students inside. It took a few minutes for Ruby to snap out of her daze. Aimlessly walking the halls poking at her feet, Ruby attracted the attention of a few students, who gave her odd looks.