Your Dad's Perfect (Ruby)

"Okay, blue it is." Bex laughs and gets changed. We leave together and get in the car. "Are your parents coming?" she asks, looking towards me. "No, even after I said things with Jake were over, they haven't contacted me. Apparently, I am not worthy of their time." I shouldn't care, but I do. "Well, at least you can enjoy tonight without worrying they will be watching."

I know she is right. Still, I'm not sure I'm looking forward to this. It's meant to be a family ball, only my family won't be coming.

The car stops, and we get out. Standing, I look at the people entering. Fastening on the mask, we walk in, and my eyes look around.

"I'm going to go see my parents. Are you coming?"

"No! I'm good, thanks. I will see you later." Walking to the bar, I order a drink. This is just awkward. Everyone's family is here, or they have brought a plus one. I'm alone.

We get called through, and I find my seat. I purposely booked a seat next to Bex. I watch her walk over with her family, sitting we eat and talk.

The empty seat next to me reminds me of how much has changed; it was meant to be Jake sitting there.

Turning I talk to Bex, before we go out into the hall, everyone stands around talking or dancing.

"This dress." Bex stares at me. "Even I can't keep my eyes off you." She laughs, and I join in.

"Yeah, he suggested it, then said no because of how bad it is."

"Bad in a good way, right?" She grins at me.

"Very much so." I freeze hearing Alaric. Is he here? I watch Bex turn and walk away, and then, turning, I look at him.

"You're here?" Why is he here?Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

"Well, I do remember months ago, I got a call asking if I would be willing to attend this so I could welcome a few families. I have given scholarships to some people. I refused, but I changed my mind last minute." My heart beats quickly. He's in a suit with a mask, which is unusual. He didn't have one on at the business that time I was there.

"So you have a lot of people to welcome then." He's busy, no doubt.

"I already welcomed them all." His eyes fall to my body. "I wasn't comfortable letting someone else remove that dress from you, so I decided we would not see each other from tomorrow on."

My eyes roll. He leans forward, his mouth against mine as we kiss. Our tongues move against each other as my body pushes against his more.

"Jake is coming for you." I jump back, and Alaric turns and disappears into the crowd as Jake shows up.

"Who was that?" He points towards where Alaric went.

"Someone, a friend." Argh.

"A friend who talks with tongues?" He looks at me, annoyed.

"Jake, what do you want now?"

"To apologise." I laugh. "I mean it this time."

"Jake, you apologise, do it again, and do worse. So you can shove your apology up your ass!" Turning I go to leave, his hand stopping me. "Did you know?"

"Know what, Jake?"

"About my dad?" I stand still.

I don't want to make it seem like I did. "What about him? Or do you mean the fact he had to drive me home because you fucked off?"

"He deserved it! He stopped my money."

I laugh slightly. "I doubt he has Jake." I need to play dumb.

"What did you two talk about that night? Why did he suddenly cut me off?"

"Jake, I didn't say anything. Maybe you should ask your dad why he felt the need to stop giving you money." I can't give him any answers. "I'm asking you, something changed that night."

"Maybe it's because you spent the day on the computer and ignored me. Your dad asked for your help,

and you refused. Then you just left, going out and leaving me at his

place? Have you considered it's your

actions?"

He laughs. "That isn't a good enough reason for him to stop my money. Everything Ruby, I don't even get what he gave me when I was a fucking child!" His words are shouted, and people turn to look at us.

"You're still a child. Look at now.

Rather than ringing him or talking to

him, you want me to give you

answers when I don't have them? Leave me alone, Jake. This is over."

Turning, I go to walk, and he stops

me.

"Enough Jake! No more."

"I don't know what to do, Ruby." He looks at me. "I've got nothing. I can't do what I used to. People will find out, and then what will they think?"

He's such a fool. "You're bothered

about what people will think if you don't have money? That's the least of your worries. You no longer have the money that keeps those women quiet. Now, they will speak up about you in bed." Turning, I pull away from him and walk away.