Hand to Hold

Chapter 13

All sorts of people are necessary especially the crazy ones. They painted the lives with unimaginable shades, not always good, not always bad... Just like life.

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Ruby fidgeted smiling sheepishly, “He said that I can bring all of you there with me. Suggesting that spending some time together will help break the ice between two of our groups.”

Nat scowled, not happy with the information, “And let me guess you agreed to it?”

“Um... Yes.” The brunette added avoiding Nat’s gaze from her place at the edge of the bed

“HOW COULD YOU?” Nat groaned.

Ignoring Nat’s scream, the placid girl with reddish-brown curls focused on Ruby, “I don’t mind. So, what is the plan?”

When I got off the bus following the tiring journey from school to home Ruby called and invited me to her place for group study adding that others would be joining as well... Group study was as suspicious as anything since we didn’t share subjects.

Different departments didn’t share teachers not even language teachers, except the sports coach for it, was the subject most of the students took as second optional unless they were a student of Physical Education.

So hopping on the bus to her street as I confirmed Ruby's address with Aunt May while texting her to inform about ‘group study’, I couldn’t help but ponder what subjects were to be discussed in the group study as Ruby put it.

Entering her room, the atmosphere of her room was downright eccentric as Lara and Nat were busy trying to read her and she was avoiding their gazes.

It was once I sat down on the chair, moving it near Ruby's bed that she opened her mouth, informing Will asked if she and her group would like to join him and his group at his place when on the last day of examination. Oh, let me add, to which she agreed on behalf of us, without even asking.

Nat beat Ruby in responding, “The plan is that I am not going anywhere with her. Ruby, you are free to take Lara and Belle anywhere. Do not involve me in these things.”

Her eyes turned red from fury as she answered Lara.

Though, it wasn’t fair, why did she drag me?

I was still trying to come up with a convincing excuse because ‘I don’t want to go’ lost its charm, it was a such a necessity because Ruby wouldn’t mind dragging me there, literally.

The brunette’s eyes dimmed and her face fell, “But, but Will and his friends will be there. I won’t be able to act normal if you guys aren’t there.”

Lara jumped in here, “Ruby, first, Will and his friends are quite nice that is their rep. you shouldn’t be this anxious. Secondly, Nat is whining because of the thing that Will’s friends are going to be there, the list is short since there aren’t many who are close to the fine specimen.”

The accused scoffed, “I just don’t want to start another fight with Nim and if we are in a room, we are going to fight. If anything, I am trying to do Ruby favour here.”

Lara crooked her neck just slightly and narrowed her eyes at her, “Nim is an important part of your life and the fight won’t start on its own if you don’t start it. Two of us know it well, who starts the fight.”

Nat clenched her hands in fists, “You know I loathe him.”

The placid epitome of grace shrugged, “Hypothetically.”

I turned to Ruby at their exchange of words and met with equally curious eyes.

Lara’s eyes softened and they empathized with her, “Come on Nat... Let’s not blame the poor guy for things he don't have control over.”

Nat looked away and Lara turned to Ruby, “Nat will accompany us. Though...”

She trailed off.

Her behaviour was confusing me... Not. It couldn’t when her sceptical eyes were resting over me.

No.

I couldn’t be there, not following what happened under the star-filled sky. Not like I should be there in any circumstance. I couldn’t. I shouldn’t.

I was going to do exactly that but Ruby spoke with a giggle, “About Belle, I already called Aunt May before I called all of you. It is better that way. She is better at convincing her than us.”

Like that, I didn’t even get a chance to turn in any excuse... I could have dealt with the teenagers but Aunt May... She was an enthusiast who would take my excuses as lies.

But I couldn’t state the truth, could I?

Sighing internally, I returned back to the mortal realm where Nat was collecting her bag from the bed and Ruby and Lara were engrossed in an old dress they saw in some party.

I stood up, calling out Nat, “Wait for a second Nat, we can walk out together.”

The girl, in turn, shrugged with a forced smile, struggling to hold onto the calm demeanour.