Manage My Heart

Chapter 13

"Sweetie, I'm sure it's not what it looks like. Kylie and Mel have known each other for years." Ruby nods. "I know, i know that. They've known each other longer." Kylie and Mel both stand and make their way inside. Ruby turns her attention back to her food.

"Hey Ruby." "Hey baby." Mel kisses her cheek. "Hey, what was that about?" She casually asks. "Oh just some stuff going on right now. I'll tell you later." Mel shrugs. Ruby nods. "Ok. Kylie, you want me to fix you a plate?" She asks her. "I'm ok, actually. I think I'm just gonna head home. I'm kinda tired." "But you just got here?" Ruby frowns. "Yeah, I'm just not really in the mood. Sorry. But I'll see you later, yeah? Text me!" She walks back to her car. "Ok." Ruby nods. Mel wraps her arm around her waist. "Come on, let's go say hi to your family."

As the barbeque continues, Ruby finds herself staring at Mel at times. She watches as Mel plays videos games with her little brothers, chat with her aunts and uncles, play with her cousins and gossips with her older sister. It was like she was too perfect. How did she get this lucky to be fortunate enough to end up with her manager of all people? The sun starts to go down as family members give their goodbyes. She has yet to have a moment alone with Mel, having her family steal her away for whatever reason any given chance. She just has that aura around her, always warm and welcoming, fitting in perfectly to wherever she is. Of course, she did too. But it was different with Mel. It's always different with Mel.

She's snapped out of her thoughts when she feels someone kiss her cheek. "Hey baby, you ok? You look like you're deep in thought or something." Mel jokes. "Uh, yeah, I'm ok. Just kinda tired. It's been a long day." Ruby smiles tightly. Mel nods. "Yeah, i know. We can leave if you want?" She touches her knee. "Um...." She moves her hand. "Yeah, let me just say bye to my family." Mel nods. "Ok." Ruby stands and says her goodbyes to her family. What was she doing? Mel isn't a cheater, but something about the way her and Kylie looked. The way they looked at each other. It bugged her and she didn't know why. She knows Mel would never do that to her, let alone with Kylie of all people. But she couldn't help it. This was her first real relationship. She didn't want to mess it up, she didn't want to come off as the jealous girlfriend. But she was. And she didn't know why. She had no reason to be.

The car ride was silent apart from the music coming from the radio. "You ok over there?" Mel asks her. Ruby just stares out the window. "Ruby?....Ruby?" "What were you talking to Kylie about?" She turns to her. "Um, well like i said she's just going through some stuff. I really think you should talk to her about it." "But she told you, not me." Mel glances at her. "Is that what this is about? Are you upset cause she told me and not you?" Ruby sighs. "No, I'm not upset about that. I'm upset that you kissed her." "Oh the cheek! You do the same thing all the time! We're all best friends!" Ruby scoffs. "Oh is that all we are now? Best friends?" "You know what i meant! Why are you even upset right now?!" She parks the car. "I don't know, are you cheating on me?!" Mel looks at her utterly shocked. "I would never cheat on you. You know that." "I don't know, you've known her longer than me-" "By three years!" "She's your type!" "I don't believe this." "You're not denying it."

"Of course she is! You are! Malia is! All of you are fucking gorgeous! So yes, she's my type! The difference is I'm with you! I want to be with you! Not her! I can't believe you would even think this right now!" "What was that kiss about?!" "Oh my god...." "Why were you holding her close like that?!" "Because they broke up, ok?! Kylie and Malia broke up and Ky is devastated! So yes, i hugged her! Yes, i gave her a kiss on the cheek! And don't you fucking sit there and lie to me and say that you wouldn't have done the same fucking thing!" Ruby blinks. "Mel, I'm sorry. I didn't- i didn't know." "Yeah, well now you do! And you're home now, so just go!" Mel waves her arm towards her apartment building. "No, wait, Mel-" "Just go, Ruby! Before i do something drastic!" Ruby shakes her head. "No, baby, please-" "GET THE FUCK OUT OF MY CAR, RUBY!" Ruby flinches but quickly opens the door. She knows Mel would never hit her but she does have a temper and it's best not to push her further. She closes the door and stands there. "Aren't you coming?" Ruby asks softly. "No, Ruby. I'm tired, I'm gonna go home." Mel sighs. "You can stay with me." She tries. Mel shakes her head. "I don't think that's a good idea right now. Just please go inside and lock the door so i can go home." Mel stares straight ahead. Ruby sighs before she turns and goes inside. She closes the door and locks it before looking out the window. She watches as Mel pulls away from the curb and drives off. She sighs and bangs her head on the door. "Stupid! Fucking stupid!"

They've never fought before. Even if they do, it's the little stuff. She feels tears welling up inside her as she pulls out her phone. "I gotta text her before she makes it home."

Rube 🩷 - please come back 🥺

Mel 💚 - Ruby, i think we both really need to cool off right now

Rube 🩷 - please?

She waits for a few seconds, nervously tapping her leg.

Mel 💚 - on my way

Mel turns around and drives back to Ruby's apartment. She barely has time to knock when the door flies open. "Yes Ruby?" She sighs. "Please come in?" Ruby begs. Mel almost said no until she saw the younger girl's expression, more like desperation. She sighs and walks inside. "We need to talk. I need to tell you something." Ruby feels her heart beat faster. "Ruby, i told you, we should talk tomorrow." "This can't wait till tomorrow." "Ruby-" "I LOVE YOU!" Ruby confesses.

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Oops 🙊