The Ruels of My Heart

chapter twelve - ruel's perspective

I started going for morning strolls most days about a month ago. It just helps me clear my head, and I love the feeling of forgetting I'm famous. Today I'm strolling up a hill, and it's pretty steep. Most people drive up here. But the view of the city makes it all worth it. I keep walking for another fifteen minutes until I get to the top. I stare down at the city below, smiling.
"Ruel?" I hear a voice say, and immediately I know who it is - my best friend Zac.
I spin around, "Hey man-" But I stop speaking when I see who's snuggled up against his shoulder, wearing his hoodie. Her eyes are wide, and staring up into mine.
"This is my girlfriend, Leo," Zac says, and he and Leo look at each other lovingly. Leo plants a kiss on his cheek. Zac looks so much happier then usual.
"Shouldn't you be out lifesaving?" I ask him.
"Nah, I'm taking three weeks off so I can spend more time with this one," he replies, wrapping his arm around Leo. If it was anyone else, I would be thrilled for Zac. But Leo? She gets to me so bad.
"I have to go," I say, because it's all getting too much. I stare down at the ground.
Zac looks confused, but Leo gives him another kiss on the cheek and rests her head on his shoulder. All he says is, "Okay man. We still on for dinner tomorrow? Would you mind if Leo joined us?"
I've already turned around and started walking back down the hill, because I can feel my eyes prickling with tears, so I call out behind me, my voice breaking, "Okay."
I hear Leo ask Zac if I'm alright. Zac says he'll call me later.
My heart, which has been broken before, shatters. Again.

I get home, tears slowly falling down my cheeks. I try to wipe them away with my sleeve, but it's no use. My family can tell when I'm really really upset. I need my family now. I open the door, and I can see my sisters Coco and Sylvie chatting on the couch. I flop down in between them, fresh tears escaping my eyes.
"Ruel!" Sylvie says, enveloping my in a tight hug.
"What's wrong? Was it that girl again?" Coco asks gently, hugging me from the other side.
I nod, and bury my head in their affection.

"So what happened?" Sylvie asks. I've stopped crying now, but I still feel miserable.
"Zac is dating someone I-I," I sniff, stuttering, "Someone I really really like."
"Oh Ruel," Coco says, stroking my hair.
"What am I going to do?" I ask, because I have no fucking idea.
"It will all work out Ruel," Sylvie replies. I'm not convinced.

My phone buzzes from the coffee table beside me. I pick it up. Oh crap. It's from Rachel.
don't ignore me ruel. do u really want me to tell everyone? i'm on my way over to ur house.
xx,
ur girlfriend
I am so annoyed at her. She knows that I will do anything to keep my secret a secret. Calling herself my girlfriend? I know what she wants. Money. She has a gambling problem. But dating me? Why does she want that? But before I can come up with a plan, there's a knock at my door and a high pitch voice I recognise way too easily.
"Ruel!"