Entangled With The Substitute Teacher

Ruby

The warm air that enveloped the day snuck into the room as another customer came in, a small girl in his arms. A little smile came to my lips as I noticed the excitement on the girl's face as he asked which kind of cake she would like.

"Argh, I can't believe school starts next week. I have not made enough money," a shrill voice complained behind me and I twirled my seat to face my friend, Abby whose companion I have enjoyed for about eight years and not once have I regretted having her around.

"It's our last year though," I pointed out. "When we graduate, you can always take a break to earn more money." The tall brunette wore a pout as she leaned onto the marbles counter. Her job at the confectionery store slash café was one of the many she got during summer break because she hates the idea of having to ask her parents for money especially when she finally gets into college.

"Can't we switch lives, Ruby?" Her huge eyes pleaded like I was some magical godmother who would make her wish come true. As I chuckled at the comical look on her face, she said, "I am being serious. You are so lucky, your father wouldn't even have you raise a muscle talk less get a job."

That reminded me of the fight my father and I had before school went on break and my teeth almost gritted in anger. "I don't understand why I can't get a job."

"Because you are Ruby Powers, his daughter." Instinctively, she grabbed a plate of chocolate cake from the glass warmer below and tossed it towards me. As I thanked her, I dug into the plate. "Have you seen Jake today?"

"That gorgeous boy?" I shrugged, my tongue licking off the smear of chocolate on the spoon. "He is probably out there enjoying the attention girls give him."

"He should just date one of them already. I don't want to start a new year sharing seats with obnoxious and weird girls."

"I know you don't mean that." I gave her a suggestive smile and she sneered at me. Even though she had not told me, I could sense she sort of liked Jake who is like our brother and bodyguard likewise. His tough build attracted girls to him and repelled boys from Abby and I, something we love because almost all the boys in our schools do nothing but think with their dicks.

Abby stood straight and grabbed her phone. She certainly was a tall girl contrary to my five foot three inches height which makes me quite insecure at times. But after spending months beside Abby who grew rapidly, it didn't matter anymore that I was not so tall.

"Uh... Ruby?"

"Yeah?" I responded as I munched on my lunch. "Could you pass me a bottle of soda?" I certainly did not miss the look of confusion on her face as she reached for what I requested. "What's that?"

"Did you go to the mall yesterday?"

"Yes."

"Then you have to see this." She put her phone to my face and my eyes bulged as I saw the headline revealing me to be Dominic Power's daughter who has been kept from the limelight for a long period of time. The article didn't stop at providing numerous pictures of me, it revealed every other thing about me. Where I school, where I live... even the God damn place I go to learn how to play violin.

"I can't believe this..." The cake in front of me became forgotten, the issue in front of me was greater. "This ruins everything."

"What are you going to do?" Abby put her phone in her patterned apron pocket and locked her worried eyes with mine.

"I don't know. How am I going to survive this? I don't even know how things might turn out from now on."

"You should tell your parents."

"Then I'll be giving my dad a chance to drag me to a boarding school. Besides, he will find out anyway."

Abby sighed. "What are you going to do now?"

"I certainly can't run away," I subtly joked. Then I gave a little shrug. "I guess I'll have to live with being known."

"It won't be a friendly journey."

It was my time to let out a sigh, this time it was louder. "I know. But I am more worried about one thing..." I gazed at the plain wall behind her for a while.

"What?"

"High school." I simply said.

~

"Hey rich kid."

Just when I thought the day was finally over. Just at the moment I pushed aside the different kinds of looks I have been receiving all day to fantasize about the bowl of ice cream I tucked safely in the refrigerator, Roger Stevens just had to ruin it all.

I did not bother to look back at him, truthfully, I didn't have the strength to deal with loud people like him, so I resumed my walk.

"You know I am talking to you," his annoying voice boomed, bringing everyone's attention to fully be on me. "Are you going to ignore me now?" I could hear him approach but I still didn't look back. "Ruby..." his voice seemed to mock me. "Why didn't you tell us you are Dominic Powers kid? Did you think we are gold-diggers or something?" He chuckled. I sighed.

And resumed my walk to my locker.

"You are still a nobody!" he bellowed. "Just like you have always been all these years.It doesn't matter if you are the smartest among us."

"Is there a problem Roger?" I heard Jake's firm voice cut through the silence that came with Roger's drama. "Do you want me to hang you up your locker with the help of your adult sized underwear?"

"Just piss off man."

"Go away... prick." Abby joined in.

"Yeah, yeah. You guys are just tag alongs anyway. I am sure you are with her because of the money her father has." As I reached my locker, I took a minute to close my eyes and keep my rising anger intact. As much as I would love to be the one hanging him up wherever, I dread my Dad's boarding school option.

"Ruby, you shouldn't let people like him talk to you anyhow," Abby said as she finally came to my side.

"Hey, you okay? I noticed how uncomfortable you were in Chemistry class." After I got my things, I closed my locker and turned to my friends, wearing a small, yet tired smile.

"I am fine. Jake? Can you drive me home today?"

"Definitely." His styled hair danced as he came to my side and hugged me. "I'll be your guard today as well."

"Look at you. You have always been our guard," Abby teased before he excused himself for some minutes. "Anyway Ruby, you should give people like Roger a response to shut them up. It is not your fault you are your father's daughter."

"That is just a waste of time and mental energy."

"And putting up with the shouting and staring is healthy?" She held my eyes with her serious, quite motherly look. "I don't think this is a situation where you should stay quiet. You could get hurt."

"Come on..." I rolled my eyes. "It is not as though one of them could go as far as kidnapping me or something." Abby hurriedly placed her hands over my mouth, her eyes watching everywhere with extra attention. Startled, I frowned and tried speaking, nothing but a muffle came out. "Abby?" It sounded like I was humming.

And she was still not releasing the temporary lock she placed on my mouth.

"Eww." Her hands snapped away and she hurriedly reached for some wipes inside her bag. "Why would you lick my palm? That's just disgusting."

The strap of my bagpack slacked and I adjusted it, saying, "Next time, don't cover my mouth like that."

"Well next time don't say things like kidnapping," she retorted.

"Why?"

"You ask me why?" Gosh, Abby is so dramatic. "What if someone overhears you and decides to adopt the idea? If your dad pays your ransom, that person hits a jackpot. Now that I think of it..." She struck a thinking pose. "Maybe your dad should hire a bodyguard. Yesterday, I could swear I saw someone trailing us. He looked bald and-"

"Okay Abby, we get it. I am not as safe as before. I am still going to be fine." I assured her. "But please, do not discuss the bodyguard topic with my dad, he will jump at the idea."

"Your dad? No. Your dad scares me." She gave a faint shudder as though she just caught a glimpse of his dramatic stone look he usually has outside the house. "I will discuss it with your mom and I will make sure I present the idea with enough points backing it."

"I don't need a bodyguard following me like I am some kind of child." I turned and I caught a group of girls looking directly our way and sharing words among themselves. I sighed again.

"Are you guys ready?" Jake gave a short smile as he walked to us.

"Yes we are." We resumed walking to his car. "Where did you go to though?" Abby asked.

"Well..." His childish grin came on and he slung his arms over our shoulders, dragging us into his warmth. "It's a secret." Abby rolled her eyes and gave his knee a kick. "Ouch," he cried, laughing after.

~

"When is our next movie night?" Abby asked just as I was about to get down of the car. Just staring at my house was making me yearn but her question was quite important.

"Uh... this Friday?"

"Your place or Jake's?" We never use her house because her father was a strong believer of a human being not needing nobody else but himself. So... he almost forbade her from having friends if not for some amazing intervention.

"Mine. My mom is making popcorn for us."

"Yes!" Jake celebrated as his eyes met mine. "I love it when your mom makes food."

My grin was large. "I know it is a compliment. But..." My smile dropped and I wore a dark look. "My dad mustn't hear you say that or else he will use you as our house rug."

His green eyes danced away uncomfortably causing Abby and I to share an evil laughter. "Bye guys," I finally said and I walked towards our house.

We used to stay in a hotel before- actually I grew up in an penthouse there. But shortly after we had a change of location to the Philippines, things happened and we all had to come back to New York. And contrary to when we left for the Philippines, we came back with my little brother... Zion Powers.

And I could already hear his loud greeting without entering the house. The boy who is almost hitting the big age of ten is my little happiness as I have always wanted a sibling. You should have seen how huge my smile was when I first saw his beautiful face and his alluring oceanic blue eyes.

So, as I had the entrance door to the sophisticated bungalow open, the first name that came out of my lips was, "Zion." Tossing my bag on the nearest couch, I raced to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. "Zion!" My eyes widened. "Where are you and where is my ice cream?"

"Will you keep it down young lady?"

"Hi Mom," I said without looking at her. "Zion!"

"He is sleeping." The door of the refrigerator closed and my mother's gentle yet somewhat commanding eyes stared into mine. "I took your ice cream."

"What? Why?"

She shrugged and walked away, towards the isolated island in the middle of the room. "Come have a seat, your father and I need to speak to you."

"But mom..." My shoulders slugged. "My ice cream."

"Sit down."

"Is she here already?" My dad's voice introduced his entry and I instantly forgot about my lost delicacy. He and I are friends no doubt, but sometimes, I can't help but feel I should always be coordinated in front of him. "Hey Ruby."

"Hey Dad." I took a seat opposite mom.

"Hey sweetness." He gave my mom a small kiss on the forehead.

"School was fine. Thanks for asking."

Mom spat out laughter at my words and my dad sat beside her. "So... Ruby, we have something to tell you."

"What is that?" Something within me could not help but think Abby's bodyguard idea somehow got communicated weirdly to my dad. I quickly wore a frown.

"Ruby..." Her smile was so wide. "I am pregnant."