One and Only

Chapter Twelve - Thursday

It took three days to work up enough guts to get back to school. After all those nights of encouraging texts from Shaun (to whom I said must have forgotten how horrible high school was since he graduated last year), I woke up on Thursday morning determined to not let bullying get the better of me. I was Ruby Graham. No one could ruin my life.

Or so I told myself repeatedly just to get my feet out the door.

Mum gave me two kisses on the cheek, told me she was very proud of me, and dropped me off in the back carpark where less people milled about. I sat in the passenger seat for a while after she pulled over and tried to get a grip.

"Go on, darling," mum said. "You'll be fine."

Perhaps she didn't notice how I was trembling.

But I got out of the car, shut the door and watched her drive away, instantly changing my mind. I didn't have the guts anymore.

But I did.

Slowly, I whirled around and stared up at my school. I hate you, I thought. I really hate you. Thank goodness I am graduating this year.

The first person I saw in my grade was Serena. I stopped and looked at her with an apology written all over my face. She gently approached me and loomed over me with her tall Italian-ness. Her eyes were disappointed but forgiving and gentle.

I opened my mouth. "I'm sorry," was all I could say. I felt worthless.

She shook her head. "Why did you do it, Ruby?"

Before I spoke I took a deep breath. She needed to know my story - the true story.

"You should know that I didn't dare him to kiss me. We were sitting on Lottie's bed and he just... leaned over."

Her expression changed. "Really?"

And when I nodded, I saw the anger kindle in her eyes, and then it engulfed her in flames. She turned abruptly and stomped away. Lottie and Kate were standing not far off. She marched up to them, waving her arms about and telling them what I had just said.

The truth hurt.

They had known Blake for years. I knew they wanted to believe him. I knew they wanted him to be innocent and faithful.

But he wasn't.

Lottie started to cry and Kate hugged her, trying to console her. Serena marched off in the other direction, going to find Blake and force him to explain himself.

And I couldn't resist. I had to see it.

I dumped my bag and ran after her, but I didn't call out. When she got outside I saw Blake standing with some other guys talking. Serena could not be stopped.

"Blake!" She yelled and everyone within sight was quiet.

His eyes were wide and afraid.

"Have you been lying to us?" She asked. Even though I could not see her face, I could see Blake's, and I knew what look she was giving him.

The one that everyone crumbled under.

"W-what are you talking ab-bout?" He stuttered pathetically.

"You know what I'm talking about!" She screamed. "You lied about that kiss. You kissed Ruby! She didn't dare you. You told us a complete lie! It was your fault!"

His friends stared at him in disgust. Now everyone knew the truth. Blake had lied and there was no cover up story he could use.

He couldn't say a word. He hung his head in shame and clenched his teeth angrily.