The Return Of Ruby

TWELVE

Okay so there are three things you need to know before you read this. One: I screwed up. I screwed up big and fat. Second: Mr Smith is a psychopath. He's a sick retarded psychopath. And three,well, I screwed up.

"Are you really singing along to one direction right now?" I ask as I walk into the kitchen. He sings better than me;I can't sing to save my life. "Mind if I drop this in there?" I smile swetly,dropping the small bowl and spoon into the sink. I know I'd kill someone with only one look if they did that.

" Of course I am singing along to one direction. Hey Jas?"

" Yeah?"

"Come with me to my parents' for dinner," he turns to me,cleaning his hands with a towel.

"You mean Mr Grumpy's ? No thank you," I search the cabinets for something to eat.

"Hey hey hey,don't eat anything now! You need space for the food at my place." He snatches the packet of chimichangas from me.

"I'm not putting myself in a situation where I'll be at the same table with your arrogant father,no offence. Plus,I could eat that," I nod at the packet in his hand," and a whole banquet by myself. Mama's got space," I pat my tummy.

"Please, Jasmine?"

"No."

"Nobody cares about me!"

"Nathan Jeremy Smith, did you just whine at me? Like a five year old?" I laugh my way into his living room. Adjusting the pillow behind Evie's head,I sit beside her and take her hand in mine. "You good?" She nods with a smile.

"Eve,tell mummy to join dad for dinner at grandma's?"

"Nathan!!"

"It's okay mum. You need that sort of break." Oh being anywhere within a ten metre radius  near Smith is anything but a break. And when did my little girl become a wise lil' adviser?

"You see? Don't let me go alone," he pouts. "I'm even risking my tough,ruthless demeanor here. If my employees were to see me grovelling at your feet like this,I'd lose a whole reputation."

"I'll take care of Eve," Curly offers. "We can all watch a movie when Rick gets here." I groan defeatedly. What if something happens to Evie while I'm away?

"I think her boyfriend is already guilty enough about Evie's current health, so he'll do all he can to make it up to you," Nate adds. And he's right. Rick will ensure her safety.

"One condition," I smirk at Nathan. And that's how he ended up clutching at me as he sat on the back of my black Yamaha.

Taking off my helmet,I straighten my dress and look back at Nate. The mansion is as big as I remember it to be and even in the dark of night,it's magnificence stands out beautifully.

Nate gets off and mumbles something along the lines of taking the car on our way back. My legs are practically freezing from all the cold breeze that hit them on our way here.

"Jasmine,when things get crazy,don't run away from me?" he  says,more like a question, and I nod with smile. A butler opens the door before we're up the steps.

"Good evening Mr Smith, miss Hathaway," he greets dutifully. "Shall I take your coats?"

"No it's okay, thanks," Nate's arm goes around my shoulders.

"Mrs Smith waits in the living room," he leads through the lounge. The walls are purely white,and the scent of lavender hits me as soon as we step into the living room. It's awfully silent.

Nicole is curled up on the couch,her hands in the pockets if her jacket and her head resting on her mother's shoulder. The latter's hands are around Cole's shoulders warmly. I smile at their small display of affection. Mr Grumpy is reading a newspaper on a one-seater,his face hidden behind the bunch of papers.