STRAY CAT BLUES ♂ FP Jones♡

VIII. Could You Be Loved?

Ruby's P.O.V.

Five months later...

It was the last day of classes before Christmas break for two weeks. I couldn't wait to leave college and be able to see Dani, dad and mom for the holidays. I knew that meant me going back to Riverdale, but I promised myself that it wouldn't ruin my holidays. Besides, mom and her new boyfriend were going to be staying in Riverdale for Christmas so that we could all be together.

Since I've left the small town, lots of terrible things happened. Jason Blossom, boy wonder and popular quarterback from the Riverdale Bulldogs, went missing and then was proclaimed dead. It's still somewhat of a mystery finding out who his killer is, but I could tell my sister must already be wrapped up in the mystery.

Before I left, she had confided in me that she had a crush on Jughead, but was worried about asking him out. I don't remember what I told her, but I figured she would have already asked him out by now.

Soon, the professor lets us know that class was over, and he wished us all a happy holiday. It was December 21st, and I was going to be making the long drive home to my father's house tomorrow morning. Tonight, I had plans to go to my friend Annie's dorm room for a little secret Santa we've been planning for a month now.

In my new group of friends, there were five of us. Annie, a young Hispanic woman from Mexico, was my best friend. The rest of them, Trevor, Jake and Olivia were from Manhattan. Most of us were studying to become artists of sorts, but Olivia was studying in another university to become a doctor. We've all become super close over the last few months, but Annie really has been my best friend so far.

As I started getting ready for the Christmas party in Annie's dorm, I start to think about going back to Riverdale for almost two weeks. Would FP even want to see me? Would I even want to see him?

Besides, I had started to develop feelings for Jake, who was so funny and respectful. Jake and I had tons in common, and it was the first time in a long time that I felt a connection with someone my age. Jake made me feel like I actually belonged to the rest of them, even though I was a year older than everyone except for Trevor, who was twenty-two.

My phone buzzed, and it was a text from Dani.

Dani(6:01 p.m.): Hey! Can't wait to see you tomorrow! Jughead and I are going to be baking cookies, and you can most definitely join in! ;)

As I predicted, her and Jughead were definitely more than friends now. I couldn't wait to see my sister either, and I knew that we would have lots of time together to do the things we've always loved to do during Christmas break. I continued doing my makeup when my phone buzzed again. I thought it was just Dani again when it buzzed again.

I sighed as I put my applicator down, and I picked up my phone.

Jake(6:05 p.m.): Do you think we could meet up before going to Annie's? I want to give you my gift personally...

Ruby(6:06 p.m.): Sure Jake! I'll be ready in 20 mins!

This was odd behaviour for Jake, but I guess his gift must be dirty or vulgar. Jake and I are kind of into those kinds of pranks, but our other friends are a little more prudish in that sense. Especially Olivia, but we love her just the same anyways. I didn't really think much more into it because I knew Jake was pinning after someone in his Psychology class.

I grabbed my faux-fur trimmed winter coat. It went past my knees, and it was a cream colour. It went very well with my wedge-heeled black winter boots. My mother had gotten these for me as a reward for passing all my exams.

Things at school were great, I had great friends, and for once I was into a guy my age. Everything felt normal. I didn't want anything to change.

I met Jake outside of the building that my dorm was in.

My cigarette was lit in a few moments, and I enjoyed the silence that emanates from this snowy December night. A few more people were leaving the building; either to go home for the holidays or to catch their own parties. I heard a voice yell my name, and I looked over towards the source. It was Jake, and he was parked near the curb.

'Get in! We'll drive together!' he shouted from the driver's seat. He was blasting 'Christmas In Hollis' by Run DMC.

I snickered at his choice of music, and I got into the passenger seat. The warmth was instant, and I was thankful for it. We drove the short distance to Annie's dorm building, and we could see more students heading inside there. I guessed that this was the building for parties this year.

'Hey, so...I wanted to give you my gift now,' Jake's voice pulled me from my thoughts, 'it's not much...' he pulled out a small black velvet box. Inside, was a silver cat pendant on a black velour choker.

'Oh, Jake! That's so sweet!' I kissed him instinctively. It's what I always did with my daddies...

He blushed, and I couldn't believe I acted on an instinct that was supposed to be so foreign to me now. I guess some habits die hard.

'Sorry, Jake. I just--' he cut me off by kissing me back, and with just as much passion as I had.

When we pulled away, I was breathless. He was such a sweet guy, and I felt like if we got serious, I might hurt him.

'Jake, I really like you, but I'm afraid this wouldn't work out,' I looked away, hoping I'd find an excuse to exit the car...and the awkward situation.

'I know, Ruby. I know what kind of girl you think you are, but I can see through that facade.' his touch was soft, and I yearned for his kiss again.

There was no way for me to convince him otherwise. He thought something else of me, but I knew the truth was that I would always be daddy's little girl...

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