The Things I Love About You

Disappeared

The sun was a fierce ball of heat on the sky that afternoon. It gave out it rays of light and made everyone uncomfortable. It radiance made skins glow and drained excess water from the body.

Ruby walked out of the basketball court looking sweaty and removed her sweatband. She ran her fingers through through her damp hair and meant Drake, her good friend.

Drake is holding a basketball between his arm and waist. He was wearing a red and white basketball vest.

"Hi, what's up Ruby?" Drake asked and she beamed a smile at him.

"Hi, just finished practising and you?"

"No practice, just a friendly game". Drake told her and she nodded.

"I heard there's a game coming up next week". Ruby began walking with him as they talk.

"Coach haven't said anything yet". Drake said.

"Jack told me, anyways, I'm tired". Ruby yawned and stretched her arms upwards above her head. Drake was only a shoulder taller than her.

"Are you friends with Jason Peyton?" Drake question as a shadow fell on his face.

"Jason Peyton, oh, you mean Jay". Ruby inquired with a hint of a smile on her rose bud mouth.

"Yes, that new boy. The one wearing glasses". Drake said.

"Uh-huh, what about him?"

"Are you his friend?" Drake continued, if Ruby has noticed, his jaws were now set in a determined manner.

"Who told you that?" Ruby enquired of Drake and chuckles. She tuck away a strand of her reddish-brown hair. "We are only classmates".

"Oh", Drake breath in relieve and his shoulder slumped. "I knew I was the only male friend you has in school".

"Of course", Ruby poked him on his rib cage playfully and caught sight of Paradise as she lean forward. Paradise is Drake girlfriend or was it ex-girlfriend? The girl was approaching. Ruby made a poker face to hide her scrowl,she has never got along with Paradise. The two girls never has a good start.

"I gotta go, see ya around".Ruby said in a rush and before Drake could hold her back, she skip away.

••••••••••••••••

Jay hands were dug into his pockets as he strolled around the sports hall. It was a free period and he didn't want to be in the library that afternoon, a walk was what he needed to college his brain after a brainstorming Calculus test.

They were not many students in the hall excerpt those in the gym. He walked at a slow pace thinking about his next art practical. As he passed the tennis court, a tennis ball was thrown at him and he caught it with his hand. It has been a reflex action and he glance into the court to see Cameron grinning.

"That was a good caught, Jason". Cameron said with a wicked glit in his dark eyes.

"Thanks, you really don't have to throw the ball at me to get my attention". Jay drew Cameron the ball.

"Really? Care for a challenge with me?" Cameron suggested, his eyes focused on the boy before him.

Ruby chose that moment to pass through the tennis court corridor and pause when she saw Cameron before Jay. She was actually returning from the coach office but the scene before her was captivating and she had to watch from where she stood. Her arms folded on her chest and her reddish-brown hair held in a high bun.

"Alright, I accept your challenge". Jay respond and Cameron beam a wide smile.

"Come on, that's brave, let's see who can beat the champion". Cameron usher him into the court and gave room for Jay to pass. Jay entered calmly and looked at the other guys from the g**g. Barry was wearing a tennis shoes and around his head was a black headband. He scrowl at Jay.

Darren throw Jay a tennis racket, he was also wearing the same black headband but with a white polo shirt.

"Let the game begin". Cameron said and Adolf brew the whistle.

In all this, Ruby was still watching. She was now more keen on knowing who was gonna win. But Ruby hope and pray for Jay.

The game took the next twenty-five minutes in which beat Cameron to a 5—0. He drew back the tennis racket at Barry with a smirk on his handsome face.

"Glad I beat your hands down, don't take things too hard". Jay said coolly, his tone however was dead and unemotional. He leaves the court with a proud gait in his steps.

Ruby held back her laughter as she saw Cameron expression. He was irate and furious. Jay has did a good job and he was this good in sports. Ruby wondered because she have never seen him doing sports.

She heard Cameron cursed "Dammit!" as she walked away and Ruby tittered.

••••••••••••••••••

Jason wonder why he took up a challenge with Cameron. He thought he wasn't that good in sports and has stayed away most times but not today, he has beaten the almighty champion. At least, this incident will teach Cameron and his g**g never to underestimate anyone. Jay shrugged and continued chopping the vegetables.

"Jay, how was school today?" Farrah inquired as she kept a cabbage in the vegetables rack and gave him the lettuce and marrow. The celery, asparagus and artichoke were also kept away. The kitchen was spick and span, both Farrah and Jay wore apron as they prepare dinner for the big family.

"Fine", He answered and ate a slice of carrot.

"What did you had for lunch?"

"Hmm...Roast beef and horseradish sandwich". Jay hand her the pudding bowl now filled with the vegetables he was done chopping. He clean the chopping board and kept it away.

"Didn't you do anything special today?" Farrah insisted. She has always urge him to associate himself with people and don't be a loner.

"Yes, they was a Calculus test but I romp through it". Jay told her.

"That's my boy, now, add the meat and let it cook for fifteen minutes". Farrah instructed.

"Yeah, I'm really hungry". Jay said as he took the bowl of defrost meat.

"Cool boy". Farrah laughed. "Dinner won't be long. It is already cooking".

••••••••••••••••••

"So, what do you think?" Drake asked the gamine redhead girl before him.

"I really don't know", Ruby paused as if she was putting on her thinking cap. "There's no problem".

"So you want me to come over and we could study together". There was the excitement in Drake voice and Ruby nod her head. She couldn't say no to her best male friend.

They were both standing outside the library and Drake has suggested they meet to read for their upcoming exams. Ruby wiped the beads of sweat from her forehead and sighed tiredly.

Jay walked past her and Drake that moment and Ruby eyes follow his figure. He wore a cargo pants and hoodie, his hands buried in the front pocket of his shirt.

Ruby blinked, where was he going over there? Leaving the library building lead next to the art room. She bite her lower lip and decide to go see for herself.

"Ruby?" Drake called fondly. "Are you OK?"

"Yes, i'll be seeing you later". She waved at him and follow the same road Jay has took minutes ago. When she reached the end of the Library building, there was no sign of Jay. To her left was the art room and to her right was the music room while the route straight forward lead to the school orchard. But where has Jay disappeared to?"

"Is he a spook? How can he disappear in minute?" Ruby voiced out her thoughts.

She stood and look around, only the hubbub of noise reach her ears. She shook her head at her foolishness and felt dim-wilted. As she turn, she came face to face with Anastasia.

"Ruby Hayden, so good to see you". Anastasia gave her an insincere smile.

"Excuse me, Anastasia". Ruby said.

"So cute. What brought you here, looking for a boyfriend?" Anastasia raised an eyebrow.

"I beg your pardon, don't say bullocks".

"Puffy!" Anastasia snarled. Her face a pale vicious mask. "I am telling the truth, isn't?"

"You are getting nutty, I reckon". Rudy retorted.

"Ouch! Says a love stuck bird with a guy who has no interest what so ever in her". Anastasia gave a humourless laugh and Ruby cringe.

"The truth is a always bitter, don't be delusional. Poor thing". Anastasia snorted as she taunt Ruby.

Ruby glared at her her green eyes filled with venom and her auburn hair blowing in the breeze.

"Your feelings are...how do I say it. Lemme call it delusive and cockamamie". Anastasia clink her tongue with a c**k a hoop smile etched on her face. "Don't take things too hard, it's okay not to be okay".

Ruby tuck in a scratchy breath as her heart fell. She stood tall nevertheless and look Anastasia in the eyes.

"Thanks, but I think you can save me the gospel and keep your peals of advice". Ruby snapped, her voice raw with emotions that hurt and her eyes burning with ire. She pushed past Anastasia and leaves.