How To Save A Life

Chapter 9 ⚠️

There's only two places that Ruby could be. The bridge or the cemetery. Kylie prayed it was the latter. As she drives past the bridge, she breathes a sigh of relief. She heads to the cemetery and looks around for Ruby. She finds her at Mel's gravestone. "Ruby?" She walks up to her. "You ok?" She places her hand on her shoulder. "No. Never." "Oh Ruby.... it's gonna be ok."

"No it's not." "Yes it is, I'm here for you. Your family, your friends-" "What family? My mom cut me off when she found out i was with a woman. The only friends i have are you and Malia." Ruby mumbles. "Well then we can go out, make you some new friends. And what about Mel's friends? When was the last time you hung out with them?" "I don't know...." "Maybe we can all hang out together, maybe talk about some memories?" Ruby shrugs. "Sure i guess." Kylie grabs her hands and makes her stand up. "Come on, let's go home, get dressed. We're going out. All of us." Ruby nods and they head over to Kylie's car. They get home and find Malia sitting on the couch. "Hey Ruby, you ok?" She asks. Ruby slowly nods. "I'll be fine." "We're going out tonight." Kylie tells her. "Oh, uh, i would have to get some clothes." Malia looks at her outfit. "That's ok, you can borrow something of mine. Ruby, you wanna head out at around 7?" Ruby nods. "Ok "

They head to their separate rooms and get dressed. "Hey, you look good, Ruby." Malia smiles. "Thanks Malia." Ruby smiles back. "Everyone ready?" Kylie asks as she puts her earrings on. "Yeah, let me get something real quick." Ruby goes back to her room. "You really think she's gonna be ok? She seems....off...." Malia warns her. "Well, grief never goes away, she's probably feeling it again. I found her at the cemetery." "Oh...." Ruby comes back with her purse. "Ok, let's go." They call for an Uber and head out. The car stops and Ruby looks out the window. "Are we at a karaoke bar?" She looks at Kylie. "Come on, Rube. When was the last time you sang?" "With Mel." "Well, we're changing that tonight. You're singing with me." Kylie grabs her hand and drags her out of the Uber as Malia follows closely behind.

They find a table as Ruby goes to sit. "Ah-ah. No you're not. You're singing with me." Kylie grabs her hand and walks up to the stage. "Ky, i really don't feel like singing." "I know but you are and you're gonna feel better, i promise." Ruby sighs and nods. Kylie turns towards Malia. "Are you gonna be ok, keeping an eye on her while i go choose the song?" "What do you mean?" "She's in one of her depressive moods and I don't want anything to happen to either of you. I don't want her triggering you and I don't want you triggering her." Malia nods. "I'll be fine, i promise." "Ok. Please be careful." She kisses her quickly before going to request the song. "Ruby, you're singing with me." Ruby stands as Kylie tosses her a mic. As the chorus hits, Kylie starts tearing up. Ruby's expression was unreadable. Dull. Emotionless. As the song comes to an end, she throws her mic and runs away. "Ruby wait! Ruby!" Kylie runs after her as she leaves out the door. "Why Kylie?!" She turns around. "Why did you make me sing that song?" She cries. "Because sometimes letting the pain in, letting it consume you can actually help you heal." "Does it look like I'm healing?!" Ruby shouts at her. "Leave me alone, Ky." She walks away. "Leave me alone, Ky."

No. Not again. She runs after Ruby as she shouts after her. "Wait, Ruby, wait!" Malia exits out the door and runs into Kylie. "Whoa!" "Aye!" They both collide with each other before falling to the ground. Kylie quickly stands and helps her up. "Are you ok?" "Yeah, I'm fine. You?" Malia nods. Kylie doesn't answer her, she looks around for Ruby but seems to have lost sight of her. "Fucking shit!" She curses. "Kylie, Kylie. Calm down, she's your best friend. You know her better than anyone. Where would she go?" Kylie sighs. "Cemetery." They hurry back to the car and drive to the cemetery. "Ruby?!" Kylie shouts as she walks along the pathway. "Ruby?!" "Ruby?!" Malia looks around for the blonde. "Oh my god....Kylie...." Kylie quickly turns and sees a wave of blonde hair on the ground. "Oh god, no!" She runs towards Ruby and picks her up. "Rube, hey, hey! Ruby! Look at me!" She brushes her hair out of her face and cradles her head. "Look at me, Ruby. Come on baby." She lightly pats her cheek. "Kylie...." Malia stares at the ground. Kylie follows her gaze and sees an empty bottle of vodka with pills scattered everywhere. "No, no!" She lays her down and starts doing chest compressions. "Call 911! You're not dying on me too, you're not dying on me!" Kylie shouts as Malia dials 911.

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This book is coming to an end soon