Orange Roses - REVAMPED

Chapter Nine: The First Rule in Faerie

Ruth came and found us an hour later. She helped me carry Eloy to her car which was a solid mile. She mostly talked about Keeva. 

"She's been a little busy." Ruth said like I didn't notice it. 

"I get that," I said. 

Aine huffed, but didn't say anything as we walked. Her small heart-shaped face gave the appearance of innocence, but even I could see the the wheels turning in her head. It was a little unnerving. 

"Why is he so heavy?" Ruth said. "I thought superstars are supposed to be on a strict diet." 

"Don't ask me," I said, "he's a faerie, maybe they're naturally-"

"You humans have no right to talk about weight." Aine said. "You humans let yourselves blow up to five hundred pounds." 

"I told you to stop watching reality TV shows," I said. 

"But it's so interesting. It's like watching someone make a fool of themselves!" Aine said. 

Ruth and I gave each other a look that made us both question Aine's taste in entertainment. Ruth changed the subject as we walked. Eloy felt heavier and heavier with each step and I was dripping with sweat by the time we reached the car. 

"Sorry about Keeva," she said as she opened the door for me. "She's been a bit cranky since everything. She hasn't gotten much sleep. She just needs some sleep and she'll be back to normal."

"I'm sure she is, but no reason to be rude to me," Aine said.

We put Eloy in the back and I heard him snore a little which made me feel better.

"Never mind that," I said as I got into the front and slammed the door shut. Ruth got into the driver's seat. "I need a favor."

Ruth grinned like a teenager about to do something bad. 

"Shoot," Ruth said.

"I'm need you to drop me off at Oracle's place before taking Eloy back to Keeva."

"Okay..." Ruth said, "you want me to take you to the same guy that Antonio said was dangerous? You remember how overdramatic he was about it, right? All scary and avoiding giving any useful information? You want to go to that guy?"

"Well, he hasn't given us a reason as to why he's dangerous," I said.

"True, but it's Antonio," Ruth said. "He's a jerk, but he cares about us. I don't think he'd try to pull some shit on us."

"Please." I said. "It's important."

Ruth looked at me. "Okay. I'm waiting for the and or but."

"Don't tell Keeva. Just tell her you dropped me home."

The smile she wore dropped off her face. 

"You want me to LIE to my partner." She said.  She pulled into the street and started driving. As she drove she tapped her thumb on whatever she could get her hands on. She didn't like this. I didn't like it, but I knew I had to stick to my gut on this one. If Oracle could help Drake, I had to take that chance. Who knew how much time he left? 

"That's not a good idea," Aine agreed.

"Not lie," I said, "just don't mention me."

Ruth looked at me through the rear view mirror.

"I wouldn't ask if it wasn't important." I said.