Manage My Heart

Chapter 8

The car ride back to the hotel was silent. Mel was sat in the front, texting away on her phone. Ruby took this opportunity to text her.

Rube🧸 - can we please talk?

Mel gets the notification. She pauses for a second before swiping the notification away. Ruby sighs and texts her again.

Rube🧸 - please? 🥺

Music 🎤 - yes?

Rube🧸 - I'm really sorry about how things went down, i shouldn't have told Kylie, that was between u and me, i didn't think she would react that way. Can we please talk when we get to the studio?

She watches as Mel opens the message and sighs.

Music 🎤 - u sure u don't want to talk now from across the way? I'm sure they'd love another show

Ruby cringes.

Rube🧸 - ok i deserve that, but i really mean it, please?

She sees Mel sigh.

Music 🎤 - fine

The car ride finally came to an end as everyone exits the car. "Alright guys, get some rest, we have rehearsal at 7 tomorrow for D23 tour." Mel waves at everyone. "Ky?" She stops Kylie. "Yes?" Kylie turns towards her. "We gotta work on your slap, no offense but that was pathetic." Kylie tries not to laugh. "I could always slap you again right now?" "No!" "No!" Ruby and Malia both shout. Kylie laughs. "Did you mean what you said about a new manager?" She asks Mel. "Do you want a new manager? If you do, i can always make it happen, but whoever you get, i promise you won't get anyone as good as me. No one will care about you the way that i do." Mel states. Kylie sighs and nods. "I know, and I'm sorry about earlier. It was none of my business." Mel shrugs. "She's your best friend." Mel glances at Ruby. "I understand completely. I would have done the same thing. Actually i would have done worse than you did." They laugh. "Oh i know you would have." Kylie smiles. "I'll um, leave you two to talk." Kylie gives them both a hug before she walks to her car.

They both stand in silence as Kylie drives off. Mel looks over at Ruby before she nods for her to follow her. They walk over to her car and she opens the door for her. Even while they're arguing, always a gentleman, woman, whatever. Ruby smiles before she gets in. Mel circles round and gets in and warms up her car. "You wanted to talk?" Ruby sighs. "I'm so sorry Mel. I should have known better. I shouldn't have just thought that you would do that. I mean, I've known you for most of my life. I just.... I've never had sex before." Mel nods. "I know, that's why i wanted to focus on you." She pulls out of the parking lot. Ruby nods. "And i know that. When i woke up and i didn't see you, i just panicked. I don't know why. You know those movies or stories about someone sleeping with someone and the next morning they're gone. Or they just pretend nothing happened." Mel nods. "And i get that. What i don't get is why would you think that i would do that to you?"

Ruby stays silent. "I honestly don't know. I just get insecure sometimes." Mel shakes her head. "You have nothing to be insecure about. Ruby, you are one of the most beautiful women i have ever met. Inside and out." She glances at her. Ruby smiles and blushes. "Thank you. I just, i worry I'm too skinny, or I'm too light skinned or-" "Excuse me?! You're mixed! You and Malia are fucking gorgeous!" Mel laughs. Ruby smiles. "I know, i know. I just....I've never felt this way before. And it scared me." Mel sighs. "Ruby, i would never hurt you." Ruby grabs her hand. "I know, that's what scares me." Mel looks at her. "Ok, now I'm confused." "I know you would never hurt me, I'm not scared that you'll hurt me. I'm scared that you won't." Ruby looks out the window. "I'm still confused here." "I'm scared I'll hurt you! You know who you are! You're 28! You're pansexual. You're Mel. International actress, retired performer, CEO. I barely turned 19. I've had one big break movie. I thought i was straight until you came along. I've never found any girl attractive until you. And you are....god Mel, you-" she sighs. "You were my first time. I've never had sex with anyone, guy nor girl. I just felt like everything was happening so fast and i just- i didn't know how to handle it! And I'm sorry. I'm so sorry that i hurt you, that was the last thing i wanted to do." Ruby starts crying. Mel pulls over and turns to her. "Hey, hey. Don't cry. Stop. You're too beautiful to cry." She wipes her tears. Ruby laughs despite her tears. "And you're a huge flirt. How is a girl supposed to resist that?" She jokes. Mel smirks. "Well, you're not." Ruby blushes.

"Please Mel, I'm so sorry about before. But if you could, please, i just want one more chance." Ruby whispered. Mel stares at her. "Please?" Ruby begs. Mel sighs and leans her forehead against hers. "I'll give you one chance. One." Ruby smiles and hugs her tight. "Thank you! Thank you!" "But...." Mel pulls away. "We're gonna do this right. Ok? No more sex. We start fresh, from scratch. And we take it slow. Not for my sake, but for yours. This is all still new to you and i know you think you're ready for it all but you aren't." Ruby shakes her head. "I am, i promise." "Really? Have you pleased a woman before?" She asks. Ruby blushes. "Never mind." "Mhm. Slow. Ok?" Ruby nods. "Ok, slow. So where do we start then?" Mel smiles. "Would you like to go out on a date with me?" Ruby smiles back. "I'd love to."