Ruby Redfort: try not to scream

Chapter 34-Birthday Hatred

One week later:

Hitch was in the kitchen, making cocktails for Ruby parents. Ruby had clearly tuned out of their conversation a while ago. Sabina Redfort was droning on and on about a party that was happening at the Stellar Ballroom the next week.
"Anyone who's anyone will be there," exclaimed Sabina, clapping her hands in excitement. Hitch entered the living room with the martinis and passed Ruby a glass of banana milk. She smiled and gestured for him to sit. He perched next to her on the couch.
"Oh and Hitch, you must come," squealed Sabina.
"Ruby barely ever goes anywhere without you and it will be so much fun. Do come Hitch,"
He raised an eyebrow at Ruby.
"Yes, fancy suits, cocktails and dancing. Nothing could say Art..." ruby paused. "...Hitch more."
He grinned at her. Ruby's parents were unaware of his real name and he liked it that way.
"If my presence is requested, I shall be there," he said.
Sabina clapped her hands again. Ruby looked at her mother and then back at Hitch. She shook her head and rolled her eyes. Hitch's watch buzzed.
She's going loopy - R
Hitch smirked and Ruby giggled slightly. Brant and Sabina looked at them, confused.
"What's so funny?" Asked Sabina. To her confusion, her question only made the two of them laugh louder. Sabina and Brant were not the most observant people so it was quite laughable that after three years they hadn't noticed their daughter and their butler were secret agents.

When the laughter had died down and Sabina and Brant were in the other room, Ruby smiled.
"Do you remember when you first came here and you were only supposed to hang around for a month or so while your arm healed?" She asked. He nodded.
"That was a very long healing process," she said.
"What do you mean,"
"Well, you're still here," she grinned. "It was either a really long healing process or LB still thinks I need babysitting,"
Hitch smiled.
"That or I just enjoy your company, kid,"
Ruby grinned at him. She knew being a butler for her parents wasn't exactly what he wanted to do with his life. She appreciated him more than he knew. He ruffled her hair and then, as if he had realised something, he raised an eyebrow.
"What's up?" asked Ruby.
"Nothing. It's just that I realised that I don't know when your birthday is," he looked confused.
"Yeah well," she shrugged. "I don't really like my birthday. I don't know when yours is so..." Hitch shook his head.
"That's different kid. Everytime my birthday comes around it reminds me that I'm getting old. When it's your birthday it means that you're closer to adulthood. I missed your sweet sixteen, kid," Ruby gave Hitch one of her famous sideways looks.
"Look man, as much as I appreciate it, I hate my birthday," Ruby shrugged.
"Why would you hate your birthday?" asked Hitch.
"Because it's another reminder of how perfect I need to be for my parents. It's just an excuse for my mom to throw some lame party and make me wear a dress. The only good part is when I meet with Clance and the others for lunch,"
"If your mom throws a party every year, why haven't I realised?" asked Hitch.
"It's that stupid tea party at the end of June," sighed Ruby, pulling a face.
"Right," nodded Hitch in realisation. "Wait. June? That's this month. What day is it?"
Ruby shook her head.
"It's not important," she muttered.
"Look, you tell me when your birthday is and I'll tell you when mine is,"
"Fine, it's June 22nd," she sighed. "What's yours?"
"November 4th,"

Then, the two went into a long conversation about the flaws of birthdays.
"My mom's the worst," said Ruby.
"No my mom is," argued Hitch. "For my ninth birthday my mom sent me to boarding school," Ruby laughed and Hitch nodded.
"Woah that sucks,"
"Yep, she said she was taking me to a theme park and then dumped me off at Edgewater,"
"Edgewater? That place is so fancy pants," laughed Ruby. Hitch smirked. "So that's here you learned all of your butlering skills. And that'll be why you always dress like this," Ruby pointed at Hitch's jacket. He always looked very smart. That day, he wore something a lot more casual but he still managed to make it look posh. He looked down at his outfit and nodded.
"So, you're excited for that new party next week, kid?" Hitch smiled.
Ruby rolled her eyes heavenwards and made a face.
"I'll take that as a no," laughed Hitch.
"Well, our friend Victor always seems to crash these events," said Ruby.
"Of course, we'll have to put in maximum security," Hitch looked at Ruby and saw the look on her face. "You know LB didn't mean what she said kid,"
"Yep, I know. It's still not great though. I'll always be a kid in her eyes,"
"Well, Ruby, you are a kid," smiled Hitch.
"I know I'm young and all but at least when you treat me like a kid you still think I'm smart. She just kinda looks at me like I'm 'half-witted'," Ruby sighed. Hitch put his arm around her shoulder and gave her a hug.
"You know the reason she pushes you right?"
Ruby shook her head.
"She knows how great you are, kid. She only challenges you because she knows how you thrive under pressure. If you weren't trying to prove a point you probably wouldn't bother,"
Ruby grinned. Hitch ruffled her hair.
"Look, Mr Zachary, you're messing with my look,"