The Search for Me

Chapter 2: Something Old, Something New

We were nearly late for our flight back to New York. Too many fans were blocking the entrances to the airport. It took us a half an hour just to walk 20 feet. By the time we got to check-in, there were only 10 minutes left before the flight left. One more thing that I didn't like about being a big-time Hollywood actress. 

"Ruby, you have to get used to this," Claire said after she saw my annoyed expression. We were in our seats now, 10,000 feet above the ground. She opened her laptop. "And cheer up, you're going back to school for a week. That's the longest you been in school this year."

"School is not something I look forward to, Claire. At least not anymore." I replied.

"It's only a week, stop complaining." 

I changed the subject and peered at what's on her laptop. One thing caught my eyes: TFBOYS.

"Tfboys, what about Tfboys?" I asked, pointing at her laptop.

"Oh, a director in China wanted to collaborate you and Tfboys in a TV drama called "Class of 2022" Claire answered, "but, your schedule is full with other..."

"No, I want to go." I interrupted.

"Ruby, you don't have time..."

"I said I wanted to do this. It's a break into the Chinese industry. And I am Chinese. Shouldn't I learn about the Chinese culture? This would a great chance do that." 

Claire stared at me. I stare right back at her. I had to show her that I meant it.

After a few minutes, she gave up and started typing an email. "I'll ask the company. If they agree and cancel a few months of schedule for the film, we can do it. Also, it wouldn't be bad for you to film with some people your own age. You did miss out on a lot already."

I grinned from ear to ear. On the inside I was screaming, "I'm going to meet TFBOYS!!!!!"

...

"It's Ruby Chang!"

"She just came back to school today. I want her autograph!"

All I heard were that kind of whispers as I walk down the hallway. 

"RUBY!!!!!!"

Someone hugged me from behind. It was Laura, my BFF.

"You didn't tell me you were coming to school today. I would have told Oren to pick you up." She said, walking with me.

"If I told you, I wouldn't get out of my house. My locations are kept in private." I replied.

Laura nodded. "Are you having lunch in that separate room again?"

"Yep, I would get mobbed in the cafeteria." I joked.

She laughed, "Alright, I'll tell our table to come to the room. I can't wait to catch up with you." She ran off to her class. I smiled and stepped into English.

...

Lunchtime came fast. I zipped through the lunch line as fast as I could. Luckily, no one noticed me. Lunch today was hamburgers and fries. The aroma made me drool. 

As I approached the room with my tray of food, I heard a familiar laugh. I knew who it was from; Oren. I opened the door and found a dozen pairs of eyes staring at me. Some old, some new. 

"Ruby, I saved a seat for you." Laura broke the silence. I strolled over, every pair of eyes watching my every move. There were some new faces I didn't recognize. Laura introduced everyone to me. I wasn't paying much attention though. I was searching Oren's eyes. The eyes I fell in love with. 

"Everyone go back to eating. Ruby doesn't need to think us creeps." Laura said.

And so, lunch went on. I talked to Laura about what's happening while trying to find the ocean-blue eyes that I missed so much. Laura talked about what happened in school recently. I kept looking. I couldn't find it, but I knew he was in the room.

After a while, I had to step out of the room. It's too overwhelming. Too many people all at once. I stood in the empty hallway. It felt nice. The door suddenly swung open and someone came out.

"Ruby?"

I turned around and found the eyes I been searching for. Something is different though.

"Oren, how have you been doing?" I asked as he closed the door behind him.

He positioned himself against the wall opposite of me. "Good, how about you?"

"Fine." I murmured. 

A complete silence followed. We were staring at each other. Trying to make sense of what our relationship had become.

Out of the blue, he blurted out, "I have a girlfriend."

I opened my mouth but nothing came out. 

"I know, shocking right?"

"Yeah." I dropped my gaze. I couldn't let him see the tears forming in my eyes. This boy that I had loved with all my heart now belonged to someone else.

That's probably what changed when I looked into his eyes. They say the eyes are windows to one's soul. I didn't believe it but now the truth is in front of me. The way he looked at me was different now. I am no longer the girl he might have a crush on. I'm just a girl in his past.