Page 49 of The Longshot

“He did what now?” Ruby stands up from my bed, voice frantic as she clenches her fist by her side after I’ve just spent the last hour rehashing Simon’s not-so-pleasant visit to the bakery. “Oh, I’m going to kill him!”

She grinds her teeth against one another, clenching her fists till her knuckles turn stark white. “I’m going to grab him by the neck, slam him down, and repeatedly smack some God damn sense into him. Does he know who he’s messing with here? Huh? Does he?” she asks, cocking her head to the side. “Does he know that I’m a certified black belt when it comes to anyone who lays a hand on my sister?!”

I wince at the sight of her face turning into a fluorescent shade of red, reminding me of the reason my parents called her Ruby. They said she came out of the womb redder than a tomato—I guess some things never change.

“Are you done now?” I question, hopeful that we’re approaching the tail end of what I’m calling “Ruby’s rage”.

She has every right to be angry. Christ, I’m fuming myself. I just can’t bring myself to show it.

“No, I'm not done!” she protests. “I’m only just getting started,” she speaks, voice full of newfound confidence. “I’m gonna find this guy, Chelsie, and when I do, I’m gonna give him a piece of my mind.” She looks towards the door. “You know what? I’m gonna go find him now.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now.” She strides her way over to the bedroom door, only coming to a halt when I scream out her name.

“Ruby!” I plead—my mind and body far too exhausted to go after her. “Just come and sit back down with me. I just… I just need you to be here with me right now. Please.”

With her hand still clutched onto the doorknob, she slowly softens her shoulders, peering at me with a solemn look.

“Please,” I beg once more, voice breaking.

“Oh, Chels.” She quickly paces her way back over to my side and wraps me up in her warm embrace. “I’m so sorry,” she speaks into my hair. “Really, I’m so sorry.”

I peel myself back, voice weak as I speak. “For what?” I question, sniffing back my emotion. “What do you have to be sorry for?”

Ruby places the backside of her hands onto her cheeks in an attempt to cool herself down. “For so many things...” She slumps her shoulder. “Like for not being there when you needed me today. I should’ve just waited until after we closed shop to pick up those eggs.”

I shake my head. “How would you have known he was going to show up?” I ask. “Nobody could have predicted that. It’s not your fault, Ruby.”

She sighs. “Well, what’s the excuse for completely missing the signs that you were suffering? For not being a good big sister to you, huh? I feel terrible. It’s always been my job to protect you, and I dropped the ball. I messed up.”

“Stop.” Now I’m the one soothing her, reaching for her hands and demanding her attention. “You didn’t know, Ruby. No one knew what was going on between Simon and me. I made sure of it. And besides, you’ve always been the best big sister in the world to me. I mean, look at what you’re doing for me right now. You’re keeping me safe. You’re allowing me to start over. You’ve given me a place in your home.”

She joins me in wiping away a few tears, not only from her own face but from mine as well.

“Look at us.” She shakes her head, scoffing in laughter. “We’re a bunch of marde arses, crying like this. We’re strong.” She pinches onto the apple of my cheek. “You’re strong.”

I lean into her palm, receptive to her words as she carries on. “It just kills me that you were dealing with this all alone, Chelsie. How come you didn’t tell me? You know I would’ve done something to help. You know I would’ve sorted this out.”

I sigh, shaking my head as she pulls back. This isn’t the first time we’ve had this conversation, and still, even after much reflection, my answer hasn’t changed.

“I don’t know,” I admit, although I do. “I wanted to tell you, Ruby. I did. But I…” I fall back into my pillow. “I was just scared. You know what Simon’s family is like. You know what he’s like, and I thought that if I said anything, he would just make our lives miserable. I’m still afraid of that.”

She lies down beside me, planting a kiss on my forehead. “I don’t give a toss about Simon or his family. Let them make my life miserable. I don’t care. I’d rather have that than have your life be miserable instead. Have you stuck with that abusive dickhead.”

I turn to face her, watching as she flashes me a pained smile. “Everything will be okay,” she reassures me, brushing some hair away from my face. “I promise you, Chelsie. It will.”

I release a breath. Lying down beside Ruby reminds me of our childhood. We’ve always been close like this. She’s always been the person who’s been there for me, and truthfully, regardless of time, distance, or any tribulations, nothing has come in between the two of us.

Nothing.

“You don’t think he’ll tell Mum and Dad that I’m here with you, do you?” I can’t help but wonder what’s next on Simon’s list of irrational things to do. He’s already called my parents once. I wouldn’t be surprised if he does it again.

Ruby tightens her brows. “I don’t know, Chels, but if he does, I’ll just tell them that you were here visiting. I’ve got your back, little sis. I always will.”

I smile. Ruby’s always had a way of calming me down, and God, I love her for it.

“I love you, Ruby.” I lean my head against her shoulder, nestling in close.

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