The Skin I'm In

3

While Thomas and I were on the bus, I couldn't help but get nervous. Dave was a handsome man but white. What did he really want to do with me? Why am I even going? I decided that I should just run to the bus after I quickly drop off Thomas. We both got off of the bus and I quickly speed-walked to Thomas' school, dragging him while I go. "Can you slow down?" I could hear the irritation in Thomas's voice which caused me to roll my eyes. This boy didn't know what could happen to me if I slowed down.

We were finally there. We hugged each other goodbye and I speed walked back until I heard my name. "Ruby!" I turned to see Dave running up to me. "sorry I didn't come early." His hair was gelled up and slick back. He was wearing a short-sleeve shirt that showed more of his body figure than the last time I saw him. He looked so professional while I looked horrible.

I could tell he was excited about this, a little too excited "It's ok." was all I could say.

"Are you ready?" He asked

"umm.." I looked at the clothes that probably made me look like my grandma.

"Don't worry, you look amazing." after he said those words I looked straight to his eyes and saw he was being serious and genuine.

"Come with me." He leads me to his car. It felt so weird jumping in a white man's car, especially in public.

We stopped in front of his car. He opened his car door for me so I can sit next to the driver's seat. I almost felt like I couldn't breathe. Was this a bad idea?

I went in and sat down. Soon he was in the driver seat. He started the engine and he began driving. "Where are you taking me?" I asked.

My voice probably sounded like I was scared because he gave me a worried look. "I'm sorry I should have told you where we're going. I didn't mean to scare you."

He was so sweet and genuine, maybe he wasn't a bad guy but I would be a fool if I didn't feel that he was just a little bit if he was.

"We are going to my house."

"Is there a lot of people where you live?" I needed to ask.

"No." I looked at his face, and he looks like he was disappointed that I would ask that question. "I'm not going to do anything to you Ruby, I would never do anything bad to you."

There was silence until I finally spoke. "I just don't want us to get in trouble since we are both different races." That part was also true why I asked but I don't think Dave believed me.

The whole time we were in silence while minutes have been passing by. We finally stopped. I got out of the car and was shocked by my eyes. They place was so beautiful, I have never seen anything like it. There was a huge house that could have fit 100 elephants, and he had a big field. "Come," He said. He led me close to his house.

"Your house is very beautiful," I said.

"Thank you. My grandmother bought it and pass it down to my father then to me." he smiled while staring at me. It was amazing how they pass the houses down to the child to the next child.

He opens the door and we entered in. "So your dad doesn't live here no more?" I asked.

"No, He uh.. he's with my mom." By the sound of his voice, you can tell he didn't want to be reminded of his father.

"oh I am so sorry." I was so stupid that I just had to ask that question.

"it's ok. My mother is back home in New Jersey."

"Do you got any siblings?"

"Yes, I have an older brother. Would you like something to eat or drink?"