Part 1 (2/2)
”Ruby, it's okay. Who's going to know?”
I grasped the cup and I thought about the consequences. If this all went wrong, I would no doubt be expelled from Sage, and yet that threat doesn't scare me anymore; there was nothing for me here. A lot of students still hated me for what I did a few months ago, and guardian angels went out of their way to ignore me or glare. I did get their colleagues and friends killed, after all. If I did do this, then for one night I could forget about everything and have fun.
The smell burnt my nose as I brought the cup to my lips. Surely it doesn't taste as bad as it smells? As it began pouring down my throat I realized it did taste as bad as it smelled. My throat began burning, it was like I was drinking some kind of cleaning chemical straight from the bottle.
”That's too much,” I coughed.
Hunter smiled. ”That's the way I like it.”
It didn't take long for my body to feel the effects of the alcohol and I was having a good time. The best time I've had in a while.
”Dance with me.” Hunter gestured to the dance floor.
A slow song played through the speakers and Hunter flicked his eyebrows towards the dance floor.
”It's just one dance. We can't stand and chat all night, let's have fun.”
”I know, I'm just scared that ...” I paused. ”If I walk, I'm going to fall.”
”I'll support you.”
He wrapped an arm around my waist. It was a relief when we made it to the dance floor without any embarra.s.sing falls or stumbles.
He pulled me closer, putting both arms around my waist. His body pressed slightly against mine as he started moving with me to the slow beat of the music.. It was nice, comforting even, but it didn't feel 'electric' like it did when Eli touched me. I stared awkwardly around the room as Hunter kept his eyes solely on me. Eventually, I gained enough confidence to look him directly in the eyes.
”You miss him?” he mumbled.
”Hmm?”
”Eli.”
”Yeah, I guess,” I said, trying hard to sound indifferent.
If only anyone knew how much I missed Eli ... maybe then Eli's departure would have been easier on me if I had someone to talk to about it.
”I noticed your wrist, the tattoo is gone ...”
I swallowed hard. It was extremely difficult talking about it. I also think the alcohol magnified all my bad feelings by a thousand.
”It washed off in the shower - do we really have to talk about this?”
”Not if you don't want to.”
”I don't.”
He didn't bring it up again and we danced silently through another slow song. It wasn't an awkward silence, it was peaceful.
”I thought you weren't going with anyone.” A voice snapped behind me.
I turned to face the voice; it was Rylan, just my luck. His face creased, reminding me I'd told him that I wasn't going with anyone.
”I didn't.”
Does it count as going together if Hunter showed up at my door?
”You're even wearing matching colors.”
As I stepped forward, preparing my mind-your-own-business speech, I lost my footing and stumbled backwards a little. Hunter grabbed my arm, steadying me again.
”Have you given her alcohol?” Rylan barked at Hunter. ”Ruby, what were you thinking?”
”Hey!” growled Hunter, stepping closer to Rylan. ”You don't own her; she can do whatever she wants.”
A few students dancing near us stopped to see what was happening. It was my fault, I should have known better than to come to the dance tonight. Drama always reared its ugly face when I'm out and about trying to have a good time. I turned quickly on my heel and headed for the exit. I felt claustrophobic as I pushed my way through people standing only centimeters apart. Mrs Ploit would have to let me into my dorm if I wasn't feeling well, wouldn't she?
When I got outside, I took a moment to lean against the brick wall, hoping it would stop my head from spinning. The cool air worked wonders and sobered me slightly. I glanced up at the stars. I loved the way the small diamonds glistened against the black sky. There wasn't much natural light out tonight, the moon failed to shed enough light on the dark grounds.
”Ruby?” Rylan called, exiting the building and leaning against the wall next to me.
”Haven't you ruined my night enough?”
”You said you weren't coming with anybody.”
”I didn't initially, and even if I did, it's none of your business.”
”Rylan, are you coming?” a female voice called.
It wasn't hard to match the annoying, high-pitched voice to a face. I turned my head towards the entrance of the dining hall and there stood Raina in a pink, poufy dress that looked like it belonged to an eighteenth century princess.
What an idiot.
”You came with Raina? You are unbelievable. You don't approve of me coming with Hunter, yet you show up with her?” I spat.
I'm not jealous, just confused. When I had first arrived at Sage Sanctum, Rylan and his friend Zavion had expressed their distaste in Raina, but it looks like Rylan has changed his mind. Perhaps it was all a joke to impress me.
”Ignore her. Ruby, I like you, you're beautiful, funny, and charming. I just want to know if you have ever felt anything for me ... do I have a chance with you?”
I felt horrible. I didn't want to break his heart but I had no choice. I didn't have any romantic feelings towards Rylan. Sure, he was cute and nice and everything other girls look for, but my heart was someone else's.
”No, I'm sorry.”
I saw his broken heart reflect in his eyes and Rylan lingered for a moment before turning and joining Raina at the top of the stairs, but not before sparing a saddened glance my way.
”That would have hurt.”
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