False Reality | Book Three

Chapter VI

I'm not the best at showing my emotions. Ruby has always been the one for that. So when I walk in the schools front doors to see Ruby leaning against the school wall with her arms crossed and eyes narrowed, I can tell she is pissed. I wonder for a moment what she's angry at, but then her eyes meet mine across the hall and I go cold.

It's me. She's pissed at me.

I already know it's about not telling her about my date with Turner. It's a good thing I didn't tell her though because if I had she would've been at my house when I got home and interrogate me. All I wanted was to go to sleep. Besides, I had to hide the five new bruises on my elbow.

Even though I slept most of the day yesterday, the black-eyed boy never came back. And it soured my mood. So I walk up to her, preparing to get bombarded with questions and not retaliate.

"Cassie," Ruby hisses shortly. I almost start running away from her, but when I back up, I hit a chest. I swivel around to see Beans staring down at me, his brown eyes wide. I almost choke on my breath as he pushes me forward.

"Sorry, Cass. She's making me her slave right now," he murmurs. I just roll my eyes and nod.

I come to stand in front of Ruby, who is practically boiling in rage. "Look, nothing came out of it, okay?" I say. She just stares at me with her arms crossed. "Besides, how do you even know?"

"I have connections," she responds. I roll my eyes and she quickly mirrors my movements. "Cassie, I'm your best friend. You're supposed to tell me things like this."

I just sigh before looking down. I want to tell her I have a right to keep some stuff away from her--I actually am right now with the black-eyed boy and all. If I tell anyone I can talk to someone in my dreams, I'll be locked in a ward so fast the world would tip over. "I didn't think you would like it," I state. Ruby's eyes don't even show an ounce of surprise.

"Of course I don't like it. Turner Roark is not the guy for you," she shakes her head. I bristle against Beans' chest. "I could have told you that cursed date would've gone wrong. Now let me see your arm."

My world flips. What kind of request is that? Nonetheless, I offer her the arm empty of any bruises. Besides the one I got when I tripped over my own feet a couple of days ago. Ruby instantly pulls up the sleeve of my sweater, her eyes narrowing. "Other one," she commands. I swallow down my nerves before holding my arm out. I twist it around so my underarm is showing, sort of hiding the black and blue marks from her. Ruby, of course, notices this because she's a smart booty. She quickly grabs my wrist and gently shifts my arm over. Her gasp makes my blood run cold. I notice how Beans' chest tightens beside me in obvious worry. "He did this?" Ruby glances up at me. I pull my arm back so no one else can see and shrug.

"More or less." Seconds later, we hear a boisterous laugh. I know exactly who it is. My eyes shift over to look at Turner at the end of the hall.

A moment of silence passes between my two best friends before they turn. Their eyes meet and before I can stop them, they turn and powerfully walk down the hallway. My eyes almost fall out when I realize they are chasing after Turner who is laughing at the end of the hall. Caleb, my ex, stands beside him as he laughs as well. My heart whines when I see Caleb. Although I cannot remember what happened between us, I know I really hurt Caleb. I couldn't feel guiltier about it. But I know I had to be protecting him in some way. I wouldn't just break someone's heart. I'm not that cold...I think.

Beans' shoulders are stiff as he walks up to Turner. As soon as Turner notices Beans his whole demeanor changes. He looks prepped for a fight. I bet Turner would win if the two were to get in a fistfight. Turner has size and muscle over Beans who is the quiet loner kid in class. "It would be a stupid move," Beans seems to hiss at Turner. My eyebrows raise in confusion.