Bond... Without a Title

Two

May 2007

Ruby walked across the stage with her head held high. The past four years of her life had been a rollercoaster, but this moment made it all worth it. All the sleepless nights, out of town trips, restless days, they were all for this moment.

Ruby and Dee had done such a good job with the mission Don sent them on, he added them to payroll. Instead of bringing back what he owed, Dee brought Don a hundred thousand dollars, along with the tongue of the young hustler who was talking reckless.

Don said the guy was low-level, but he was obviously misinformed. Dee and Ruby got all dressed up to hit a party the hustler known as Cash was throwing. After one look at Ruby, he was summoning her to his home. That was the one mistake that cost Cash his life.

After a little torture, Cash led Dee and Ruby to a safe that held a quarter million dollars in hopes of keeping his life. After bagging up the money, Dee sent Ruby to the car, cut Cash's tongue out, and they were on their way.

Dee and Ruby split one fifty and gave the rest to Don. Needless to say, he was thoroughly impressed. He even took Dee under his wing and their relationship was now solid as ever.

Ruby was saving up for college.

She spent all her off time catching up on school work and would even take trips with her books in tow. It all worked out because here she was graduating at the top of her class with a 4.0 GPA, and a full ride to the college of her choice. All of the money she saved up working would go towards an apartment for herself, and the rest towards keeping her mom in a good place.

Ruby was beyond blessed. Even though the way she got her money wasn't ideal, she had a plan. Now it was time for her to put that life behind her and carry out her goals.

"Dr. Young," Ruby heard from behind. She smiled at the sound of his voice. The two of them hadn't crossed any intimate lines yet, but they formed a great friendship.

Ruby turned around and smiled at the sight of Dee holding a bouquet of roses. "I'm going to be a physical therapist, not a doctor genius." Ruby laughed as Dee grabbed her up in a hug.

"It's all the same," Dee laughed handing Ruby the flowers he had gotten for her. "Congratulations, I'm proud of you dork."

Dee would always clown Ruby for studying when they were on a job. He thought that was the funniest shit ever, but her determination was definitely motivating.

"Whatever," Ruby laughed sniffing the flowers. "When your old ass starts having knee problems, don't blow me up asking for help!" She cracked.

Dee would always throw jabs at Ruby about her age, she had even tried to kiss him before, but he shut her down saying that she was just too young.

What really pissed her off was when he hit her with the "like a sister to me" line. That was the day Ruby gave up hope on them ever becoming more than friends.

"Yeah, yeah, yeah!" Dee laughed. "Come on, everyone is waiting for you outside. You know I had to be the first to congratulate you."

Ruby blushed before following behind Dee. They walked outside and met up with Don, April, and a few of Don's workers. Everyone treated Ruby like a baby, but it worked in her favor when she needed something.

"Congratulations baby! I'm so proud of you," April gushed pulling Ruby into a hug. April was holding balloons and a card. She had semi gotten herself together, and Ruby was thankful for that. Landon was officially a thing of the past, and April was even working more than she partied.

"Thanks, ma," Ruby smiled. She had been doing so much smiling that her cheeks were sore.

"Alright April, let everyone else show baby girl some love!" Don joked pushing April out of the way. April slapped his shoulder playfully.