Roses Are Red (book 1)

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Escapee

Ruby hadn't meant to say it—not now, not here, not ever.

She swore to herself to never bring Archie up to another person—especially not her future husband whom she only met twice. But once the words were out, she couldn't make herself stop.

Orion blinked, momentarily caught off guard. For a moment, he said nothing. "I'm sorry, Ruby. I didn't know." That all Orion managed to choke out.

She looked away, her heart heavy, The conversation stalled, but it didn't matter. Ruby wasn't sure she wanted to keep talking. Not about Archie. Not about anything.

The conversation stopped as Ruby opened the car door.

"Ruby Wait!" Orion called, quickly following her, his footsteps echoing behind her. She paused at the top of the steps。"I wanted to let you know," he said, catching his breath, "I'll be away for business with the Order for about a week." He searched her eyes for a reaction, his expression a blend of sincerity and regret. "I'm going to miss you."Ruby forced a smile, a flicker of warmth breaking through her earlier heaviness, but she didn't respond verbally. The words felt lodged in her throat, too heavy to lift."Goodnight, Ruby," Orion said, a hint of longing in his voice as he stepped back, giving her space."Goodnight," she finally replied, the white Aston Martin was already pulling away.Ruby pushed open the heavy front door of the Nightingale estate, stepping inside just as the noise from the ballroom hit her ears. Laughter, clinking glasses, and the hum of music spilled down the grand staircase, seeping into every corner of the mansion. Her parents were hosting yet another party.

Mrs. Alridge, the family's sharp-tongued governor, appeared at the bottom of the stairs, calling after her, "Miss Ruby, are you not joining the festivities?"

"I'm going to bed early," Ruby replied without turning around. Her voice was flat, emotionless.

Mrs. Alridge pursed her lips in disapproval, but Ruby didn't give her the chance to argue. She quickened her pace, heart pounding, and disappeared into the long hallway leading to her room. She didn't bother to turn on the lights or shower. Instead, she collapsed onto her bed, the familiar comfort of the blankets doing little to ease the turmoil swirling inside her.

The noise from downstairs— The loud laughter, the endless chatter—it was all too familiar.

When Ruby was young—when Archie was around, their parents always had loud parties, always forgetting their children.

"Let's play hide and seek," Ruby had whispered, she remembered his small face lit up with excitement, his fluffy, bright brown hair falling into his eyes as he grinned. "But don't hide in the cupboards this time, Archie. You always pick the same spot."

The mansion had been their playground, and she had taken care of him—always. When their parents vanished for whatever glorious reasons, it was Ruby who read bedtime stories to him, who held him when nightmares chased him out of bed and into hers. She was the one cheering him on at his soccer games when their parents didn't show up. When Mrs. Alridge yelled at him for tracking mud into the house, Ruby stood in front of him, chin high, telling the governor off even if she was scolded later.

When their parents eventually came home, tired and disinterested, they always had excuses—meetings with The Order, social obligations, nothing that left room for their children.

And then Archie was gone.

All because of her.

A tear slipped down her cheek, then another.

The door creaked open.

Ruby's body stiffened, her breath catching as Mary's soft silhouette appeared in the doorway.

Mary's gaze fell on her immediately, sharp as a blade despite her gentle voice. "Miss Ruby...Are you alright, what happened?"

Ruby's fingers twitched, instinctively swiping at her face. She pressed the back of her hand to her face, trying to wipe them away so Mary couldn't see anything.

"I'm fine," she lied.

Mary stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. "You're not fine, Miss," she said gently, taking a seat on the edge of Ruby's bed. "I can see it. Please talk to me."

Ruby didn't say anything for a long second, her gaze shifting to the window, there's no moon tonight. The words slipped out before she could stop them. "Is it too late for me to run away?"

"Miss Ruby, please," Mary replied softly, leaning in with quiet urgency. "It could make things worse, your public image... People will notice. "You know it's not safe now in the cities." She paused, her voice barely a whisper. "And your public image... People will notice."

Mary reached out, gently placing a hand on Ruby's shoulder. "You're stronger than this, miss. Don't let them take your spirit, too."

Ruby nodded, "You're right, Mary. I won't do anything rash."

'Mary? I feel tired, I think I'm going to turn in tonight."

Mary gave Ruby's shoulder one last squeeze. "Alright, miss. Sleep well." She rose, smoothing the bedspread before stepping back toward the door, casting one final concerned glance over her shoulder. "Alright, miss." She rose from the bed and moved toward the door. "If you need anything..."

"I know," Ruby interrupted softly.

Mary gave her one last look, flicked off the lights and slipped out. The room was instantly swallowed in darkness. Ruby stared up at the ceiling, listening to the slow ticking of the clock.

Minutes passed. Then, suddenly, she jumped up. She looked around. Grabbing the backpack hidden beneath her bed, she tore off her dress with the same urgency and shoved a handful of clothes inside. A sock, an old sweater, a shoe—wait, where was the other shoe?

Ruby approached the window, unlatched it, sliding it open slowly. The cool night air rushed in, and she paused, staring out at the dark expanse of their back garden.