Talisman

Chapter 5

"Ouch" I scream holding my knee. Madam lois, my housekeeper, is applying first aid to my bruised knee and Kane is seated right across from me watching some show about pageant puppies. Yup, he's in my house. And he's pretty comfortable too. You'd think he owned the place.

I look down at my knee it looks pretty bad
"You are going to die I promise you."
"What?" "It's not my fault your leg is all bruised up"

Now just in case you missed something.

.....I ran as far as my legs could run which wasn't so far seeing that I only manage to pass two blocks before tripping and falling face flat.
"Ouch!!!!"
As if that wasn't embarrassing enough I was carried all bridal style into Kane's car. Yes. The same car I was running away from.

"I've informed your brother he'll be home in a few minutes." Madam Lois says as she packs up the first aid kit.

"You need to leave." I say trying to stand up "if my brother gets home and finds you here you are going to be dead meat"

"I'm not leaving till I'm sure you're okay."

"I'm serious, you really need to leave. My brother doesn't like visitors." I glare at him making it known that I too totally feel the exact same way.

"Till I'm sure you're a bit better I'm not going."

Oh well, I did try to warn him.

  I glance at my leg again it looks a lot better now that it's all cleaned up. Trying to stand up right now would be pointless cause it still hurts just as bad. Plus I don't need Kane all over me the second I fall. I think I've had enough for one day.

  I sit in silence. Just thinking about how I thought this day was going to be just another boring Monday but oh here I am. I steal a glance at Kane. He seems pretty relaxed. He's supposed to be the enemy, the enemy's not supposed to be comfortable, right?. He's looks happy though, too happy. It's just TV chill. I think and roll my eyes. I look at him once more I can't help but smile a little. He's sorta amusing with his Two legs on the couch just...  Wait! With his two legs on my couch??!!!

"Hey!!! would you get those... those LEGS off my couch.. unless God help me..."

"Chill...." he laughs "....superrrr aggressive much."
"By the way don't think I didn't notice you staring, smiling and drooling..." he says with a smile. Eyes still on the television. This guy...

"I don't know what you're talking about." I roll my eyes

"Its fine princess. I don't charge." His eyes finally off the TV he winks

"Yunno what I really don't care. I really think you need to leave. I'm very fine now see.." I attempt jumping

"Woah..." he walks over "...you don't need to I can see each you're alright."

"Good now leave. I promise you, you don't want to meet my brother. Not like this atleast." I sigh

He places his palm In front of him

"What?" I ask confused

"Your phone" he rolls his eyes. Well now he's forgotten how to use words. I sigh

"Here you go" I hand it to him. I watch him enter his digits and save his name as knight in shining armor. This guy..

I look at the door. Any moment now Toby would be back. Explaining to my brother how a strange kid made me bruise my knee and somehow made himself king of our house isn't the ideal situation to be in right now. I knew for sure

"Don't worry I'm out." He says as if reading my thoughts. I release the breath I didn't even know I was holding. He just laughs and shakes his head.

"Well... bye." I say waiting for him to yunno pick up the pace.

He stares at me for what seems longer than a second.

"I don't think I like you, but take care of yourself." And with that he turns and walks off.

Well, what?

"Uhm...The feelings VERY MUTUAL!!!" I call after him. This guy!!!!

At least he's gone. I don't have to worry about Toby blowing someone's head off. Thanks big guy in heaven! I think.

  Just then the door swings open. I'm just about to groan and scream at Kane then I notice that it is indeed not Kane but Toby. I leave the expression on my face for you all to imagine.

"Hey Ruby, is it just me or did I just see someone pull out our drive way?" Toby asks half puzzled.

"Uhm it's probably just you.." I mutter awkwardly

"Rubyyyy." Oh boy

"Okay fine. I got upset and had to leave school early couldn't reach you so I had to walk home got a little bruise on my knee and someone... drove me back home." I explain. The last part a bit inaudible

"Did someone touch you? Did something happen? Are you okay?" He's frantically searching me at this point

"Awww... someone's all worked up cause of the wittle sister." I laugh

"Not now Ruby. So who's she? The person who drove you home?" Uh oh

"Well it's not actually a she.. but it doesn't matter. I don't want to talk about the events of today. Please Toby." I beg

He looks at me for about five seconds.
"Fine." He dropped it "I was going to call mum anyway."

"Oh." I haven't spoken to my mum in weeks. She's been busy. Atleast that's what she says.

"Heyyy"
I cringe at the high pitch voice from my brother's phone. He'd already called. I hadn't even noticed.

"Hey mom!" We both chorus.

"How're you all doing?"

"Good." This time I let Toby have it.

"Ruby, baby How's school and music been?"

I go silent for almost a minute. I don't even remember what's on my mind. I know though, that I know the voice but don't recognize the person. It's been long.

"Mmm, well.." I say faking a smile. "Schools been awesome. Same classes with Alyssa. And music's been amazing yunno just doing what I-"

"Oh that's lovely honey" she cuts me off
"Well guys got work to do. I've loaded the cards, anything you need..."

"Mom..." That was Toby. His eyes on me. I'm all teared up to say a word.

"I'm sorry honey I've really got to go. Byeeeeeeee." And the beep

"Ruby.."

"No its fine.." I fake a smile. "I'm going to my room." I pick my stuff and move. He doesn't argue.

I basically sprint up the stairs. I wonder why I even bother. It's the same everytime. She has no time to even have a conversation with her family. With her it's all about the money. Doesn't she miss us?

The thoughts roam freely in my head. I dash in my room and lock the door behind me. Sinking to the floor, I let the tears flow down my cheek.

How did my mom become a stranger?