Precious Jewelry

Chapter One

"Hello?" Ruby called out to what was lan empty classroom.

"In here," A familiar voice called. Ruby stopped. She was looking at the face of Grim Lincoln.

"Mr. Lincoln?"

Grim grinned. "Please call me Grim. Years later and I still hate Grimshaw," he chuckled.

Ruby stared at him in awe. "I've heard so much about you and Jeanie. "

"Ah, yes, well, we learned a lot from Melody and Kent, too," Grim's voice was sad.

From what Ruby had heard, his brother and his sister-in-law had distanced themselves from Jeanie and Grim. It seemed hard to believe.

"You're the first one here. Um, your sister is late."

"Yes, sorry about that. She's always late."

Grim shook his head. "I won't be the one doling out those punishments for being tardy that will be my nephew," Collin and his wife Flower."

Collin and Flower were just as famous. They had triplet girls Diamond, Pearl, and Julia. They were almost sixteen now.

A knock on the door rang out. "Ah, son come in. This is your first student, Ruby. Ruby, Collin, and I'll leave you two alone. I believe my grandnieces would love to spend time with me, as I would them," Grim smiled and left the room.

Awkward silence. "Hello, Ruby. It's a pleasure to meet you and I hope you're going to love it here. This school has been passed down through generations in my family. You see, my dad was Headmaster then my aunt Belinda then me and if you play your cards right, you may be next in line."

"How? I'm not related to you," Ruby was confused.

"Just trust me," Collin winked and a girl with blonde hair walked in. "Sorry, I'm late. I'm Gemma. Ruby's younger sister."

Collin held out his hand for Gemma to take. "It's nice to meet you, but let me forewarn you; I do not take kindly to tardiness."

"Sorry. It won't happen again."

"Make sure that it doesn't."

Two more people who introduced themselves as Amethyst and Jasper walked in.

"We need one more member and that will happen soon but now I'm guessing you're all wondering why you're here. You've all been recruited to The Powerful Five."

Murmurs began but Collin put a finger to his lip. "I know this is exciting because it's been years but, I hope you'll make us proud. My brother Tiger will be one of your teachers/tutors and Benson will be your trainer. You're all dismissed."

Ruby caught up with her sister. "Do you have to follow me everywhere?" Gemma snapped.

"You never want to hang out with me anymore. Why?" Ruby complained.

"Quit your whining and leave me alone," Gemma said and walked off.

A tear slipped from Ruby's eye. She and Gemma used to be so close.

Someone tapped her on the shoulder and she jumped. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to startle you, but I saw that interaction with you and your sister. Are you okay?"

Ruby shrugged.

"I'm Jasper by the way and I know this may be a weird thing to do, but would you like to get a cup of coffee with me?"

"I'd love to," Ruby sniffled.

At the coffee shop, they talked like they'd known each other for years.

"I've been a fan of Melody and Kent's for a long time," Jasper said.

   "Me, too. Jeanie and Grim for me," Ruby replied with a smile.