The Things I Love About You

We Are Partners

"Sorry", Ruby apologize to the younger girl she bumped into and scurry away. She was holding her books in the hand and running to the geography class. The class would be starting soon and she couldn't afford to be late.

As Ruby reached the class, she gasped in relieve. She felt lucky, the heavens has smiled on her, Mr Harrison hasn't arrived yet. Ruby swept her eyes around the heads in the class. Her eyes searching for a vacant seat and saw only one, still panting. She went to the seat, drop into it tiredly and lay her head on the desk, on top her books.

When her panting subsided, Ruby raised her head and locked eyes with Jay only to get drowned in his blue orbs. He was occupying the seat directly next to her, she could even smell the lingering scent of his heady perfume. It seems aromatic, something like a mixture of citrus and peppermint that made her think of the fresh leaves in the garden. If she reach out her hand, she could touch him on his thigh. Ruby shudder St the thought, that has been intimate.

"Hi", He broke the awkward silence between them with his melodious voice and Ruby tears her eyes away from his mesmerizing orbs. This was pure distraction. She tried not to stammer as she replied.

"Hi, you take geography class". She asked in a low tone, almost a whisper.

"Yes". Jay nodded and turned to face his front but she still kept her eyes on him.

He seems so impeccable in his azure rolled up sleeved button up shirt and jeans with a pair of sneakers. His hair glittering black-blue fell to his face in a shattered mess as if he has ran his fingers through them earlier. The boy was handsome with those melting sapphire blue eyes.

Mr Harrison voice broke her thought as he entered the class and apologize for late coming. After an introduction into the weeks work, he began the day lesson. At the end of the class, he assigned them a project.

"Everyone is going to work on this project and it's a pair. The closet person to you will be your partner, and you two will be doing the project together. Did you get what I just said?" Mr Harrison asked, he's a tall lanky man wearing a white long-sleeved shirt and gray slacks.

"Yeah". The class respond in unison. Ruby only narrowed her eyes at the realization dawned on her that Jay would be her partner for the project.

"Excuse me, Mr Harrison?" A tiny girl from the front row of the class stood up. Her name was Smile and she has golden blonde hair.

"Yes, Miss Mackenzie". Mr Harrison let her speak.

"Is there an award for the winner of this project?" Smile asked.

"Yes, Smile, there's a prize". Mr Harrison said in answer to the girl question and the bell sounded. School was finally over and Ruby got up and began packing up her books. She hurried out of the class to caught up with Jay and meant him just before the lockers room.

"Hope you are not angry we are partners for the project?" Ruby asked without thinking.

Jay regard the girl before him and took off his glasses. "No, why should I?"

"Dunno. When are we doing our project, it'll be better if we make a schedule". Ruby told him.

"A day during the weekend and for me Saturday isn't bad". Jay said. His eyes trail down the gamine, beautiful girl before him.

"Saturday..." Ruby seem to consider it. She was supposed to go study with Drake but that could certainly wait for another convenient time. For the moment the project was her, no, their priority.

"Is there a problem?"

"No, Saturday is fine. Where do we meet?" Ruby avoided the boy eyes as she lowered her face.

"At the bus stop by 10am". Jay told her mechanically as if thinking of something else.

"So long, I'll see you on Saturday, by 10". Ruby waved at him even when he didn't return it. Butterflies were fluttering in her stomach, happiness radiated from her heart and she felt like she has been enveloped in a bubble of peace. All these were a wonderful, special feeling.

Ruby glanced at him once again and a smiled lurk by her lips, it burst open and showed in her face, her eyes and her lips as she turned and skipped away into the lockers room joyfully.

"Why do you seem so excited, anything new?" Erika asked as she noticed the big smile on Ruby face.

Ruby turned to face Erika while Ava lean forward to hear the news. "We are partners!" She shriek and Ava jumped back into the back seat while Erika started the car engine.

"What do you mean?" Ava asked, looking bemused at her redhead friend.

"Listen, we have geography project and everyone was paired. So Jay becomes my partner and we go for the project together on Saturday by 10am". Ruby gushed.

"Lucky you, you have always fancy that boy. He's handsome with those male virility, vigorous and robust". Erika said and got a mean look from Ruby.

"I really don't blame you". Ruby snapped and began chewing on her lower lip while Ava chortle.

"Tell me, what kind of project is this?" Ava asked as her laughter died down and curiosity replaced it.

"We have to gather rocks that has been listed at class and make sure everything is correct". Ruby enlighten her friend.

"Sounds like fun". Ava grinned and rest her back at the seat relaxing while Ruby was trying hard not to squirm in her passenger seat as her excitement increased.

••••••••••••••••••••••

It was Saturday, the sun has risen early that morning and gave out it beautiful rays to brighten the day. Clouds scuttle arcross the sky to bring out the beautiful azure horizon.

Ruby has a breakfast of hot oatmeal, sausage and egg sandwich with hash browns. She cleaned the house as it was her chores, did her laundry and went into the bathroom to refreshed up.

She chose a collar neck sleeveless cyan top and low waist black ripped jeans and cyan open toe sandals. Her auburn hair styled in a side braid and pinned but the curls fell to her shoulders.

"What's the outing today?" Jamie asked entering Ruby room. Ruby flashed her a look but said nothing, she stood in front of her vanity table ND apply mascara and eyeliner with a little sweet smelling talcum powder and dad perfume on herself. She has to look good and nice.

"Oh! is it an outing with the boyfriend or a date?" Jamie persisted, she was as stubborn as a mule.

"That's none of your business". Ruby snapped, she was in a good mood and won't let Jamie ruin it up or screwed up everything for her. Jamie could act like a devil at times.

"Oh please, I'm just curious about this sister of mine".

"Keep dreaming". Ruby replied as she zipped open her backpack and began to keep the snacks inside. She has package some freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, Oreos cookies, twinkies and milk in a thermos flask. It was necessary just in case they went hungry in the country side. Their destination could be a far way place.

"When will you be back?" Jamie continued.

"Dunno", Ruby slugged her backpack, push Jamie out of her room and got it locked. She hurried downstairs and outside to the gate and meant Jay waiting. Ruby was astound to have found him in front of her home.

"Hi, have you been waiting long?" She enquired.

"Naw, about four minutes". Jay took her in, his eyes working on her dressing and Ruby blushed. "Let's get going, we are taking the bus?"

He said and began walking, Ruby hasten to follow him. He looked handsome in a red tee shirt, black joggers and red baseball cap on his head with trainers clad on his feet and backpack slung on his shoulder.

"You said you would wait for me by the bus-stop". Ruby remind him lightly.

"It didn't matter, Farrah drop me off". Jay said.

"Farrah, your sister?" Ruby was curious and a lump settle on Jay throat. He refuse to think but look straight forward.

"Farrah, she is my...my mum". He gritted out and Ruby nodded. Jay realised this was the first time he has called a woman mum.

"She has a nice name". Ruby commented.

"We are heading out of the city into the shrubs and hills, there we can find the rocks. Those are stony areas, I have a map with me". Jay said and Ruby noticed the long roll up paper by the side pocket of his backpack.

"It's alright". Ruby told him. They walked the rest distance to the bus stop in silence. When the bus came to a stop, he told the driver their destination, outside the city and Jay paid their fare and they embark. This kind gesture of his gladden Ruby and she look forward to spending time with him as they work on the project and get to know him better.

The sun was shining bright in the sky that morning and Ruby has enjoyed the silent ride with Jay. They got off at the last bus stop and trekked the remaining distance. Once they has arrived at their destination, Jay and Ruby began their search.

"Have you come to this place before?" Ruby inquired of Jay as they pick some limestones.

"Yes". That was Jay response.

"It's a isolated area and secluded. What about your family?" Ruby asked as she followed his lead in search of sandstone.

Jay didn't say anything, or he pretended not to hear.

"Which school did you attended before coming to Kim Lance?"

"Henderson High Boys". He answered her, his tone giving nothing away.

"I think i've heard about that school, what about your siblings?"

Jay stop on his track and look up at the girl behind him. She gave him a cheerful smile, her hair was a halo of red-orange in the bright sunlight and the green of her eyes sparkle as bead of perspiration glisten on her forehead.

Jay didn't say anything as he turned away and continue walking along the narrow pathway between big rocks. What was there to say, he wonder if he even has siblings. He has only seen her a few times so how was he to know?

"Won't you say anything? You have been keeping mute". Ruby told him, Jay could detest a hint of exasperation on her voice and smirked briefly.

"What is there to say?" He asked giving her the few granite he has been able to gather.

"A lot, I mean you can tell me about yourself. Things you love doing, what are your future plans, if you are an only child, who are your friends, what you like best and—"

"Ouch!" Ruby yelped as she stumbled and fell, luckily not on the rock.

"What? Are you OK?" Jay called as he ran back to her. She has fallen down and tried to rise up. He gave her his hand for support.

"It hurts". Ruby whispered, her voice laden with pain.

"Where are you injured?" Jay peer down her sandaled feet.

"My ankle is swollen". Ruby told him, clutching his hand tightly as she leap on one foot.

"Lemme see". Jay said and snooped down. He took her right foot and grimace when he saw her bruise steeping with blood.

"You have sprained your ankle".

"That's bad, how will I walk back home". Ruby mused.

"Let's take a break". Jay suggested. He found them a cool sport and they sat down to eat the cookies and milk Ruby has brought along and arranged all the rocks they have been able to gather.

"We have to get back home". Jay told her and saw her frown.

"How do you expect me to make that walk?" Ruby asked miserably.

Jay bite back a laugh and got his backpack. He stood up straight and Ruby struggle to do the same. Then Jay gave her his backpack to carry.

"Why are you giving me this?" Her long eyelashes flutter as she looked up at him, quizzically.

"Carry it and lemme piggy back you, it would be easier that way".

"What!" Ruby yelled whisper and gulp nervously. Her eyes suddenly became bigger as she stared at him. What a joke!

"Stop gawking at me and come on". He said to her and saw her blush as red as a beet.

He bent down and Ruby took a deep breath and rubbed her clammy hands on her jeans. She shift closer and lean onto his back, his firm hands grip her thighs and he rose up and she blushed crimson letting her hair cascade to her face.

"Are you confortable?" Jay asked her calmly.

"Yes...yes". Ruby answered in a sotto voice, he heard and smile. A quick smile that fade easily as he began the walk.

"I didn't know you were quite heavy, what are you eating". Jay teased and Ruby gasped. Did Jason Peyton just teased her?

"Are you insinuating that I'm fat?" Ruby pout and tuck her hair away from her face, resting her head on his back.

She heard Jay gave a small laugh. It was the most melodious sound she has ever heard and Ruby smiled as she inhaled his sharp and sweet fragrance. This was a memory she will cherish forever, the first day a boy gave her a piggy back ride home.

•••••••••••••••••••••

It was four-thirty when Jay finally returned home. His back muscles were aching as he has piggy back Ruby through a long distance. His backpack was slung on one shoulder and he push open the door and went inside the house. A havoc of noise greeted him.

Cushions were on the floor, Brian sprawled on the sofa swigging beer, a music playing a touch too loud from the stereo system while Avery and Kent were rough playing.

Jay shook his head, pulled out his trainers and held them on his hand when Kent turned and saw him.

"The four eyes boys is back from his date". Kent said sardonically.

"Oh Boy! did you have a good time". Brian turned to him over his shoulder, his brown eyes were full of ridiculing laughter.

"Who would even date a four eyes guy". Avery chipped in, his thin voice full of sarcasm. His hazel eyes burning with spite.

Jay only looked at them and ignored them as he walked outside to his room and their mocking laughter echoing through the wall of the house.