Not So Bad After All

# 7

The school day continued on as normal. Class after class until finally it was time for everyone to go home. Ruby was walking to the bus when Anastasia ran up to her, slinging an arm around her shoulder. "Hey Ruby-chan," Ruby rolled her eyes at the nickname Anastasia had picked up from her countless hours of watching anime. "I was wondering if I can come over and hang out at your house? It's boring over at mine, and we can have a sleepover! It's been a while since we had one..." Anastasia trailed off, arm still around Ruby's shoulder. Ruby thought for a moment before nodding. "I don't see why not. So is it going to be just us?" Ruby replied, glancing at Anastasia as they walked. Anastasia nodded before pausing and adding, "Unless you want to invite someone else like Peyton or your boyfriend." She said. Anastasia was never a fan of Leo, she just never liked him and Ruby couldn't figure out why. Ruby nodded before saying "I think we should just have it as just the two of us. Like old times." Anastasia grinned before removing her arm from Ruby's shoulders and grabbing her hand, running in the direction of Ruby's house and dragging Ruby behind her. "Well, let's go then!"

Once the two arrived home, they were greeted with an empty house. "That's weird..." Ruby mumbled, glancing around. "What is?" Anastasia asked, cocking her head to the side. "My mom is usually home by now..." Ruby replied, checking the phone for any new messages only to see there are none. "She's probably just caught up in work or traffic." Anastasia replied before grinning. "Come on, I have some new series to show you." She said, dragging Ruby up the stairs. Ruby nodded before following.

The duo were giggling as they watched episode after episode of Anastasia's favorite anime. "Why did you not make me watch this before?" Ruby asked between giggles. "Cause you would never agree to watch it, stuff about being 'too busy'." Anastasia said, sticking out her tongue. Ruby smiled at her friend, going downstairs to get some more snacks and refreshments. "Don't start without me!" She yelled to Anastasia as she descended the stairs. "No promises!" Anastasia called from upstairs, causing Ruby to roll her eyes. As she was getting the snacks and whatnot, the phone began to ring. She glanced at the clock on the microwave. 9:47 PM. 'Maybe it's mom calling to explain what's happened...' Ruby thought, walking over to the phone and answering it.

"Hello?" Ruby asked, pressing the phone against her ear.

"Yes ma'am, is this Ruby Jones?" A female's voice asked from the other end, sounding slightly distressed.

"Yes it is, how can I help you?" Ruby asked, and what the unknown woman said on the other line of the phone caused Ruby to drop the phone in shock, her heart skipping multiple beats.

"I'm sorry to tell you this, but your mother has been in a wreck. You need to get to the hospital right away."