Ruby

8

I had always felt so happy in her presence. I looked forward to seeing her. I got a tingly feeling in my stomach every time I thought about her. I felt like I needed her because when she was gone, I felt incomplete. Overtime she had become a part of me. She became the way I thought. Maybe, or most likely, I was obsessed with the girl. I liked the way I felt when I was around her. I felt hopeful. I didn’t think anyone like her existed. She was the closest thing to an angel. I came alive when I heard her voice, it was a beautiful sound, beautiful noise. But now I had to get to know her, not observe her and assume I know all about her. I wanted to know Ruby.

At lunch she went to the same spot and sat alone, always isolating herself from everyone in the school. She was invisible to everyone, but me. No one took a second look when it came to Ruby. She was just a loner to everyone. But once I laid eyes on her I was captured. I couldn’t help but always watch her. I loved the way she did everything. She was so gentle.

One day, a cool, breezy day after school, I waited by her normal spot besides the bleachers where she always stood to take the cool air for a while. I had planned to finally have a real conversation. I sat there for a while. It was a good spot to think. Everyone was in sight, but no where near the small area. I closed my eyes, taking in the sun’s warmth on my skin.

“Hi.” A small voice says.. I opened my eyes, it was Ruby.

“Hi.” I give her my best smile. My heartbeat quickens and my palms sweaty. I can’t remember anything I was going to say. I should’ve wrote it down because of how easy it was to talk to her when I was reading off of paper.

Her hair was pulled into a high ponytail and I could actually see her full face. No sweater, that day she wore a ruby red jacket, black jeans, and her usual scruffy sneakers. Her cheeks were flushed in a peachy red shade and her eyes glowing. She sat down beside me folding her legs into the criss cross applesauce position and pulled out a book. Her eyes shimmered as they stared down at the pages in front of her.

“Hey.” I accidentally repeat the same word I had just exchanged with her a few seconds prior.

She looked up, her smile growing wider than before, she was glowing.

“Hey,” she practically sang, nodding her heads towards me.

She stared straight ahead, staring at nothing in particular. Nothing was happening. We stayed like that for a while. Just sitting in comfortable silence. I was somewhat peaceful, no awkwardness seemed to hang around

Ruby, she made everything comfortable.

She shifted her body to be facing me .

“We have English together.” She stated in a strong voice.

“Yea.” I look down, fiddling with my fingers.

“No one usually sits here. I mean, while I am here. I mean it isn’t a bad thing, I just...” She began to stutter letting out a low chuckle.
   
“I am sitting here, aren’t I?” I look towards her.
  
“Oh yeah?”
  
“Yeah, I am here.”
  
It was silent for a few more moments.
  
“Ruby.”
 
  She looked up, meeting my eyes.
  
“What's your favorite color?”
  
She paused, confused by my random question, “Grey.”
   
“Why do you always have an orange flower?”
   
“My grandpa gives me one everyday.”
   
It’s silent for a little while.
   
“What’s your favorite color?” She looks at me, waiting for my answer.
   
“I don’t know. I like them all. They are all great. Some days I like one better than the others.”
   
“Which one do you like best today?”
 
  “Right now I am thinking about grey. Grey.” I give a for sure answer
   
She looks straight. Silent for a while before saying, “I have to go home, see you tomorrow?”
   
I nod my head, eager for more growing conversations with her.
   
She walks off. Clutching her book close to her chest. She looks back at me and gives me a half smile and I return.