high school

It was late at night, around 1130 when I had snuck out of the house. I could not sleep, and the cold night air usually relaxed me. I was sitting in the branches of a tree in a park down the road when my cell phone rang, the tune of a piano playing Sparrow matching the dark night rather perfectly. Desperately hoping it was not my parents wondering why I was not in my room sleeping. I pulled it from my pocket, instantly relaxing when I saw Blaine's name in the screen. "'Ey, man. What's goin' on?" I ask quietly, not wanting to chance anyone hearing my voice.

"Archer, sorry to call you so late, but did you hear about Kurt?"

"Nope. Can't say I did. Mind telling me?"

"Well I know it wasn't you, so don't get mad, but some of the other guys on the team have been beating on him, and now he is in the hospital. They think it was a heart attack or something."

I sat in silence for a few moments, not quite sure as to how to react. I was never really friends with curt, and disagreed with homosexuality, however I also disagreed with judging people based upon the fact that they were a homosexual, and abhorred bullying with a deep passion, no matter the reason behind it. I never had a problem with Kurt, and had even enjoyed the few conversations I had with him, but I still had a hard time sympathizing with someone I barely knew.

"Dude, you there?" Blaine's voice interrupted my train of thought.

"Yeah, sorry. so is he going to be O.K.? What did the Doctors say?" I answered, deciding not to sound like a heartless sociopath.

"They are not sure yet." I heard his voice break slightly. I forgot that they had a thing with each other, even though it was never clear.

"How about you? are you going to be O.K.?" I ask slowly and uncertainly. I always felt like Blaine was a brother, but it was weird talking about something like this. I am such a horrible person.

"Yeah, for now." he answered, relieving a bit of tension from myself.

"Ok. good. I hope everything works out well." I hesitate before continuing, "Do you want me to do anything?" I ask meaningfully, not quite saying what I am truly asking, but knowing that he understands me completely.

"NO!" I get the immediate, expected response. "Don't do it!" he continues, "First of all, you know how I feel about that sort of stuff! Second, there are too many of them! Look at what they did to Kurt!"

"It was only an offer." I say reassuringly. "Besides, there is a huge difference between a group of them against Kurt, and a group of them against me. But I won't do anything unless you ask."

"I won't." He was still upset about the offer for some reason, I don't know why, It was not like I had done it already and was in the hospital next to Kurt. Now THAT would be something to be upset over.

"O.K. Whatever you say, buddy."

"By the way, Ruby said, 'Hi.'" He was rather eager to change the subject, I noticed.

"Did she?" I try to sound board, hiding my pleasure in this bit of news. I am not sure if it worked or not, though.

"Yeah, and she sounded really happy when she said it. she must like you a lot for the thought of you to shift her mood like that."

"Like what?" I asked, silently begging for more details.

"Well we were at the hospital with Kurt, so you try to picture what she was feeling at the time."

"Oh. Like that."

"Yeah, it might be a good move to go visit Kurt tomorrow. I know you two aren't friends or anything, but it would score some points with Ruby."

"Because I am a heartless, sociopathic, manipulator?"

"Just a suggestion."

"I might come by to see him, but it won't be for Ruby."

"Whatever you say."

"Shut up." instead of a reply, I hear a dial tone. "Well I did tell him to shut up." I mutter with a half smile as I shove my phone in my pocket. I hear something rustle the leaves to my right. Looking over, I see a squirrel staring at me, his eyes gleaming in the darkness. "What do you think, buddy?" he makes a weird chattering noise before scampering off. "Yeah. Me too." I sat in the tree for a few more minutes, thinking about the conversation that just took place, before deciding to sleep on it, and figure it all out in the morning.

I wake up, I rub my eyes, get out of bed and walk down the hall, that night I had slept at the hospital. I slip into Kurt's room and see he is sleeping, I close the door quietly and continue down the hall. I look at the clock 8:30. I look at my phone and think about calling Archer but I put it away, "hello Miss, any breakfast?" I turn to see a Nurse, long black hair pale skin "no thanks" I smile trying to be polite and she walks away. I walk back to my room and change silently into jeans and a plain black top, I sit in my room for a while and see I have spent half an hour deep in concentration, my ringtone Radioactive by Imagine Dragons plays and I look down to see a text from Blaine *Hey Ruby, how is Kurt, Archer an I will be coming over to see Kurt* I read out loud and try to hide a smile at Archers name. I text back *hey, Kurt is fine and can't wait* I put my phone away and go to Kurt's room, I see he is awake and I smile kindly "hey, good sleep?" He gets up a little so he is sitting up "hey, good, pretty noisy- did you sleep here?" Kurt looks me in the eye "kind of, yeah" Kurt opens his mouth but I cut him off "Blaine and Archer are coming over, I don't know what time" Kurt smiles "that's kind..of Archer" I roll my eyes "Archer is very kind, thank you" Before he can say anything I say "are you hungry? The cafeteria has pancakes" I smile and laugh and he nods "thanks" I walk out, close the door and walk to the cafeteria. I get two plates and get three pancakes each and but strawberries on one and bananas on the other "Kurt can pick" I mumble to myself. "Hello, I am Jacob" I turn to see a guy, black hair lightly tanned skin, a brown beanie, I reply kindly with "Hey, I am Ruby" I smile but am confused, Jacob turns to my plates of pancakes and says "your hungry" he smiles and I smile back "ones for my friend Kurt" I fade of at Kurt's name, "who's Kurt?" I start to think kick him and run Ruby, but I shake my head "My friend, he has a stroke, why are you here?" I ask as I cut up some bananas " my mum has cancer" I instantly felt bad " I am sorry" I give Jacob a kind smile "I am sorry too" he looks down and I end it with a kind "bye" I start to walk when I hear a "bye, cath you later maybe?" I smile "maybe" and walk back to Kurt's room. "Banana or strawberry?" I ask and he instantly says "banana, please" I hand him the plate and I sit down and eat slilently.

I wake up a bit late the next morning to the sound of someone pounding on my door. I roll out of bed, landing on the ground with my hands, and toes and push myself up. Quickly throwing on a pair of pants, I answer the door. "Dude, let's get going already!" Blaine said impatiently as soon as I see his face.

"I said that I might go see Kurt."

"Well you are now. I already told your mom about him."

"I hate you." I shut my door, and start getting ready. I had just woken up, and was rather unprepared for the day. At the very least I needed to take a shower. about a half hour later, I am finished and go into the dining room to eat breakfast. "Morning, mom." I mutter as I walk into the kitchen. I see a plate of green pancakes and eggs already set out for me. "Oh, thanks." I sit down and dig in, hungrily.

"I don't know how you eat those." Blaine says disgusted. "They look moldy." I could hardly blame him. Green pancakes did look gross, but it was one of my mom's weird habits. I have never had any type of home made pancakes that did not have spinach in them. I did not know why she made them that way, and I didn't care. They were good this way.

Ignoring his comment, my mom kissed me on the top of the head, "Your dad's at work, and I will be down at the library until late tonight so behave and don't stay at the hospital with your friend for too long."

"Yes, Ma'am." I finish off the last bite, and wash my plate. "Anything else?"

"I love you." She said, hugging me. I wrap my arms around her feeling how small she is, and how big I am. I always felt weird when I hugged her. She was a very short woman, around 4'10", and while I am only 5'11, I have my father's extremely broad shoulders, and and thick arms. My dad was a football player too, and always joked that we would form a clan who would breed boys biologically designed to play football.

"You too, mom. Later." I quickly get out of the house before she remembers something I need to do for her. Blaine and I jump into my old 80's VW van, and head down to the hospital. "So mind telling me what exactly happened?"

"Well, Kurt was at Ruby's house yesterday, and I guess he collapsed. When they took him to the hospital, the nurses and doctors noticed that he was covered in bruises, and had a couple fractures. Ruby said that the football team was bullying him. I told her that I didn't know about it, and I don't think she thinks that you were involved either."

"I certainly hope not. And the bullying is going to stop tomorrow. That is a promise."

"You said that you wouldn't do anything unless I asked!"

"I won't get in any fights, don't worry. But name one person on the team who would be brave enough to cross me if I told them to stop." he did not say anything for several seconds, so I continued, "You would be just as good fighter as I am, if not better, if you weren't such a wimp." I say punching him in the shoulder. "I can't believe you like playing football."

"It's different." he said, but I saw him smile out of the corner of my eye.

"Sure it is." The conversation was cut short by our arrival at the hospital. "So what room is he?" I ask as I park the car near the front.

"Just follow me."

When we reach his room, I walk in, and lifted my hand to Kurt in greeting, "'Ey there, buddy, What's goin' on?" Then seeing Ruby, I smile, "Hey, Ruby. You're here early."


Archer's Hippymobile. (Rightclick and View Image for full picture)

I see Archer and Blaine "hey Archer, Blaine" I smile sweetly "yeah I sleept here, in a room a few doors down" I smile "thanks for coming" Kurt and I say at the same time, We smile at each other and I get up "I will be back" I smile again and open and close the door, I walk down to my room and open the door closing it, I walk to my cupboard and get changed into jeans and a black top, I put on a necklace. "Hello?" I hear a knock at my door followed by another "who is it?" I ask and walk to the door opening it a bit, I smile as I see Jacob, "hey, Jacob.. What are you doing here?" He smiles and looks cute "I was wondering if you wanted to go to dinner?" I try to speak, but nothing comes out "uh- I-" I finally manage to spit the words out "I will see" I smile and he speaks in a voice so full of cheekiness "ok, here" Jacob writes down his number "call me" Before I could speak he leaves and I stand there for away and than remember I better get back. I rush around and open my door and return to Kurt's room, I open the door and smile and take a seat silently. "Ruby why did you take so long?" Kurt asks, I look at the clock and blush " oh," I didn't want to answer in front of Archer so I make it up a bit "just a friend I meet here" I smile trying to hide my lies, I relax as I listin to all off you talk about football. I watch Archer but looks away when he looks at me. Kurt looks at me and smiles "was your friend a boy? Perhaps?" I wanted to walk over and nudge him but I remained in my seat trying to think of an excuse
"Does anyone want anything?" I ask hoping no one would notice my diversion.

"Of course." I respond to their simultaneous thanks, Ruby left rather quickly so I was not able to say anything else to her. But when she was gone, I walked over to Kurt's bed and leaned on the edge. "Hey man, I know that you and I don't really know each other or anything, but I want you to know that Blaine here told me about what was going on with you and the rest of the football team. I just want to say that it won't happen anymore. And if it does, just tell me about it." I don't really feel anything for this guy, but Blaine and Ruby are both close friends with him, and they are two of perhaps five people i know whom I do care about, so I need to look out for him just like I do for them. "But I would appreciate it if you don't say anything about this to Ruby. You don't have to lie or anything, just don't talk about it." he nodded silently looking rather uncomfortable, but I had gotten my point across. we talked for a few more minutes, before Ruby returned.

"ruby, Why did you take so long?" Kurt asked. I noticed a blush as she looked at the clock, checking to see how long she was gone. That means that she was distracted and lost track of time.

"Just a friend I met here." An indirect truth followed by a forced smile. She is hiding something. Probably out of embarrassment. Another boy maybe? a twinge of jealousy ran through me, but only for an instant, I barely even noticed it. every time we look directly at each other, she looks away. This indicates guilt, but specifically expressed towards me. She and I are not together, so why would she feel guilty about spending time with another boy? So it may not be a boy. but then what was it? I know it is not any of my business, but since when have I ever cared about that?

Kurt continued, "Was your friend a boy, perhaps?"

She was silent for a moment before saying, "Does anyone want anything?" Definitely a boy. She is probably attracted to him, and judging from what Blaine told me about how she acted last night, she probably met him some time after he left. but the distinct guilt she expressed, made it clear that they had met more than once. If she had just met him while she was gone just now, then she would have no residual emotion over the subject. but if they met before I got here, then the foundation was already laid. a second meeting would provoke emotions. There is something really wrong with me.

"Yup. definitely a boy." I sit next to her and smile looking at her from the corner of my eye. "A shame too."

I look at Archer such a shame Archers words echoed in my mind, my ringtone snatched my thoughts I looked down to see a text from Jacob, it read: hey Ruby, meet me at the cafeteria in 5. I put my phone down and mumbled "stalker much" and I put my phone away Jacob could wait, I sat down out if the corner of my eye I watched Archer, I wondered what it was like to be held in his arms. I shook my head and got up "anyone want a drink?" I look around and see no hands up so I walk out and make my way to the cafeteria, I grab two bottles of water, one for me and one for Kurt. "So 7 tonight?" I jumped and didn't need to turn to see who it was "Jacob" I pay for the drinks and turn around "are you watching me all day?" I say a little snappy and instantly apologize "sorry, just-" "it's fine" Jacob smiles "I want leave you alone until you say yes" I open my mouth, the only way I could be alone was if I said yes, I was, to be honest a little worried, but I can take care of my self I thought and I finally spoke "ok, seven" Jacob glows and smiles "ok, here" I started walking "yep"
I was back in Kurt's room, I handed Kurt a bottle of water, I look at Archer, than I look away "Kurt, when are you going to get out?" Blaine asks, Kurt looks up "i don't know, to be honest" Kurt looks at me " with mother Ruby, over there, probably soon" Kurt smiles at me and I roll my eyes "I just want you to get better" I hear Kurt's phone, I walk over and see a text from one of the Football players saying: hey lady, can't wait till you come back, so we can.... Talk. I could feel anger screaming to be let out, I tried to stop myself from walking over to the school and punching them, but instead I swallowed as I heard Kurt say "who is it?" I quickly deleted it and snapped a little, I had nothing I tried to make an excuse but nothing came "Rubies phone isn't working, probably her mum." I turned to Blaine, I gave him a thankful look and mouthed to him thank you, Kurt nods and I put his phone down, I sit down and thought about the text,mI run my fingers through my hair and watch Archer a little more.

Hearing her mutter under her breath, I knew what was coming, she was about to leave again. I was proven right a moment later when she left to get water for Kurt. When she was gone I spoke, "So that makes three."

"Three what?" Blaine asked.

"Three times she went to go see the mystery guy."

"You don't even know there is a guy." Kurt interjected.

"Of course I do. We all do. And this will be at least the third time she went to go see him."

"And how do you know that?" Kurt asked, one eyebrow arched.

"Don't ask." Blaine interrupted. "He does this thing that makes you feel really stupid."

"Like a Sherock Holmes thing?"

"No, I am not quite that good. I just pay attention to how people act when they speak."

"And he uses it to manipulate them and get what he wants."

"Only when what I want is to destroy their life. Other than that, I tent to leave them alone." Seeing Kurt's look of horror, I smiled and winked to show I was joking. "Don't worry, they are always bad guys." I said lightheartedly.

"So how do you know she is seeing the guy?"

"She got a text a few seconds before she left, muttered someting about a stalker, stared at me for a moment, then asked if anyone wanted something a drink and leaving before Blaine or I could answer. the stalker comment means that the text was from someone whom she just saw, and seeing as how the only person she recently saw who is not in this room, is the mystery boy, it was from him. the look she gave me, was the same look of guilt she was giving me earlier right after she came back from seeing the same person. Also, she was in a hurry to leave which means that she was either eager to see him, or too embarrassed and/or guilty to stay here, while planning to go see him."

"So what are they meeting about?"

"How should I know? like I said, I'm not Sherlock Holmes. I only know what I can see and hear. I can neither see or hear her right now."

"But if you were to guess?" Kurt insisted excitedly.

I let out a long sigh, "I don't know. If it were another girl,I would say they were making out, but I don't think Ruby is like that. also, judging from the 'stalker' comment, I would say that ultimately she is not interested in him, but at the same time, does not feel threatened. I would like to think that she likes me, -hence the guilty looks- but I honestly don't know. I am here for you anyway, why are we talking about Ruby?"

"Because I want to talk about her." he smiled.

"You are worse than I am. At least I can't help it." I smile again to let him know I am joking.

A moment later, Ruby returned with the water, and handed a bottle to Kurt. I noticed another guilty look shot at me, then ignored the conversation until a phone rang. I looked over and saw Ruby holding Kurt's phone. a look of anger passed across her face. How odd. She swallowed when Kurt asked who it was. She was feeling strong emotion, and she pushed a couple buttons, probably deleting it. She was protecting him. I looked at Blaine, but did not need to signal him, he was already covering for Ruby. It was a flimsy lie, seeing as how she was just using her phone a few minutes ago, but Kurt seemed to buy it. I had not realized that the bullying was quite this bad.

"So when is the fourth meeting going to take place?" I gave my best fake smile, and nudged Ruby playfully.

I nudged Archer back "I have no idea what you are talking about" I act cute and like I have nothing to hide, I look over at Blaine as he is starring at me "When did Blaine become a-" I look at the clock 5:30 I had to act natural, I hated the thought of leaving, I wanted to be with Kurt, laughing with Blaine, Near Archer..
I had to do it maybe Jacob would leave me alone than, I didn't want to go, I couldn't think of any excuses. Blaine grabs out his phone and text to you: man, make a move already! Blaine pops away his phone and I hear yours go off, I had hour, I needed at least half and hour to get ready. I had it! I would get Kurt some take out bring it to him and put on my dress and say I have to go to my mums and return later, yes!! I was a genius. I sat back down naturally and ram my fingers through my hair, it was smooth surprisingly.
Kurt's phone rang again, I rushed to it and opened it, I read who it was from, It was from Shay another football player, All I know was Archer and Shay hate each other, Shay all ways try's to steal the spotlight, I deleted it straight away and tole Kurt it was my mum. Maybe Kurt knew what I was doing and was trying to cover for me, Maybe I thought, I looked across at Archer, I stared at him for about half an hour, I hop up "ok, anyone want take out?" Kurt looks at me and says "thank god! I thought you would never ask" I smile, I prayed that this was going to work. "Ok write what you want on the price of paper and I will be back, I need to grab my coat" I give the paper to Kurt and he writes down what he wants and passes it to Blaine. I close the door behind me and walk to my room, I quickly grab my coat, look at the clock and almost run out.
I open the door and see everyone has written what they want, I quickly read the list and ask cutely "is this all?" I stand there and put my boots on and wait for a reply.

She oversold the lie, looking far too innocent. Although to be fair to her, I like how she looks when she does it. when she cut herself off, and looked at the clock, that told me everything I needed to know. he was meeting him again soon. I notice that Blain closed his phone just as mine began ringing, so I let the piano music play for a moment, enjoying the depressing tune. When I finally read it, I roll my eyes . I text him back, "I told you that I would come for Kurt, not Ruby. And don't text me when I am in the same room. It screams, 'We have a secret!' Also, I am slowly working on it. It is harder to get someone to do what you want when you actually care about their well being."

Time passed, another text Ruby deleted from Kurt's phone. More staring from Ruby. I hated to admit it, but in truth, I enjoyed the attention. Eventually, Ruby stood up, "Ok, anyone want take out?"

"I'm surprised." I said. "This is the longest you stayed in the room." I smiled, planning as Kurt and Blain wrote what they wanted on the paper. when Blaine passed the sheet to me, I silently declined, motioning with one hand. when Ruby returned, and took the paper, and asked if anyone wanted anything else, I stood up, "actually, I can never decide on what I want without seeing the options. If you do not mind, I would like to go with you." This way Ruby and I would be alone together, and we would give Blaine and Kurt some time as well.

I smiled, I looked at the clock, I had time "ok" I said kindly "lets go" Blaine looked over at you and winked. I smiled at Blaine and Kurt as we left, "how did you get into football?" I asked interested, I was surprised Archer came here today, he was a star at our school, all the spotlight all the girls he could want, he could be with a cheerleader right now, but he was here with me, that was all I cared about.
I hoped in the car, thinking about the comments Archer had made during the day shame too, this is the longest you have ever been in the room Maybe he cared about me,maybe he wasn't like the other football players.
I did my seatbelt up, I looked over at Archer, his sweet face, I looked back to the window and started driving, "how did you and Blaine meet?" I ask trying to break any awkward silence that might come.

We finally arrived, I undid my seatbelt and hoped out the car, I wrapped my jacket around me more, I walked into the warm shop, "take as long as you want" I smiled and watched you look at the menu, I turned to see it was drizzling, I loved it when it happend, I watched the rain tip toe on the earth making a pleasant smell, I fighter the feeling to go out and dance in the rain, I remained in the shop.

"Football? Well it was mainly my dad that wanted me to join. he was a college player, and wanted me to follow in his footsteps. Don't get me wrong though, I do enjoy playing." It is one of the few things I enjoy doing at all, but I don't want to start up that conversation, so I keep the thought to myself. "As for Blaine and I, we have known each other for quite a long time. He used to live in the same trailer park as me, but moved to the suburbs when we were still in grade school. Then we ended up in the same school and re-connected in middleschool. I convinced him to do football with me." I paused, thinking for a moment. I hated talking about myself. I hated people knowing about me. Blaine was the only person who knows who I really am, and I think Ruby might become another, but I have to be sure it is safe to tell her first. "What about you? how did you meet Kurt?"

By now, we were getting food, and I was pretending to look up at the menu. i already knew what I wanted, but I could watch her in the reflection of the window to the side.

"How I meet Kurt, easy one," I smile thinking to myself I always smile, I return to my conversation "when I was little my mum wanted me to be a, this is embarrassing but she wanted me to be a singer" I laugh a little and blush "Kurt was there, he is probaly going to kill me for telling you this, but Kurt was there and he was jealous I got a solo, and I gave it to him and he became friends and I have knew him ever since" I think about when I first meet him.
I look down at my phone and read my text in a mumble "you ready? Can't wait, Jacob" I look at the clock on my phone and see it flashing 6:30. I keep calm and text back: might be a little late, sorry what about 7:30? I wait a while for a reply reading ok. I smile cheerfully at myself and move closer to you "finished, no rush" "I wonder what Kurt and Blaine are doing now?" I say out loud.
I look back outside and see it is now raining, I watch it for a while, I nearly forget about you until a guy at the bar says "ready to order" I turn around and see a guy blonde hair, I walk towards him, "Archer, your ready?" I ask you politely.
The bar tender looks at me and nods his head, a few minutes pass and he winks at me I ignore him and walk to your left side.

I listen contentedly, filing the information away in the back of my head. when she moved over to me after replying to a text, I say, "I may sound like a horrible person, but I really don't want to know what they might be doing right now. Or perhaps, I really am a horrible person, and assuming something that disgusts me because of my prejudiced bias."

She is distracted by the rain outside, and I can hardly blame her. there is something about rain that has always mesmerized me. when the bartender comes up and asks for our order I nod. Pointing at a picture, I say, "Whatever that is, please." I notice that Ruby moves to the other side of me , and see how the Bartender looks at her. "How about you, Jewel? What do you want?" I say to Ruby, flashing a fake smile first at her, then towards the man.

I smile back, "I am not hungry, late lunch" I smile at you Jewel, I like it The bartender nods and walks off, "Archer, your not horrible, everyone has a different personality" I smile and say in a reassure voice. Archer was kind, to help me like that I thought, I returned to the rain it was worse Thant it was when I last checked I loved the rain the smell and watching it, I had been doing it lately at the hospital .

I look over at the clock 6:50 I had a while and I was sure I would make it in time, My ringtone played, I let it for a while and than looked at you "I will be back" I walk outside "hello, Ruby speaking" to be honest I didn't recognise the voice, "hey, how is Kurt?" Who was this? "Sorry, who was this?" I ask with a reply quickly "Kurt's dad" I felt bad, I had never seen Kurt's dad, all I know was Kurt's mum died a few years back, "sorry Burt, I didn't-" He cut me off "it's fine, are you at the hospital?" I had to think, "no, I am getting Kurt some take out, Blaine and Archer are here too, Archer is with me" Burt's voice harsh and made me jump a little "did the do this!?!" His breath was hard and sharp "no!! Kurt had a crush in Blaine and Archer is a friend" I say darkly the thought of Blaine and Archer with blood in their harms shock me.

"Ok, I trust you Ruby, I will be there soon" I nod and hang up, I walk back in and text Kurt about his dad, he doesn't reply and I walk next to you and wait for the food, looking back at the rain sometimes and the clock.

"Everyone is horrible. It only depends on how well we hide it that matters." when she left, I nodded, and sat in silence, picking out pictures in the grain of the wooden table. When the waiter came with my food, I ordered the closest thing they had to what Kurt and Blaine wanted. When Ruby came back, I pushed my plate a few inches toward her. "Who was that, if you do not mind telling me?"

I sit down, I was tired and was thinking of not going, I nearly missed Archers comment, I opened my eyes "Kurt's dad" I sit up and continue "he is dropping into the hospital," I look at you and think about why you came, I only saw you and Kurt talking a few times, he only talked about you a little, mostly when he was teasing me, The waiter came and gave us the food, I thanked him and payed him, I watched the rain "do you want to make a run for it or wait it out?" I ask and watch the rain.

"I was wondering where he was." I stated, "It is not like a father to leave their kid in a hospital." I quickly finished my food, and was about to pay, but Ruby covered it first. standing up, I said, "I do not mind if we wait or go back to the hospital, but I would rather be in my van in any case. I like sitting in it when it rains.

I smiled "race you there" I open the shop door and quickly run down the stairs, I laugh as the rain hits my head and I touch the car door, I smile and laugh and hop in, I let my hair down and watch the rain, "Kurt's family.. Is very complicated" I sit and lean my head on my shoulder, I smile and watch it rain, my eyes follow over to the clock 7:00, I would have to leave if I wanted to go, but I didn't I stayed where I was watching the rain with Archer.

When she bolted outside, I followed, but walked instead of ran. Getting inside the van, I listened to her. "That is understandable. every family has their problems." I saw her eyes wander to the clock again. "You keep checking the time. Are you waiting from something?" I felt a slight combination of disappointment and jealously run through me for a moment, "Or are you late for something. Meeting a friend perhaps?"

I nudge Archer playfully "just curious" I smile and watch the rain, "Tell me about your family" I ask curiously and turn to you, I tilt my head to my side and smile. I watch your eyes in wonder, I nearly lean forward, but I stop myself i am pathetic I think to myself and I get a text from Kurt saying: hurry the fudge up!! I slowly say "we better get back" I show you my phone and smile "your ready?"

"Nothing much to say about my family." I answer, trying to hide my disdain for my parents. "My dad is a locksmith, and my mom does 'paid volunteered' work at the library. Neither are at home much." I didn't tell her that my dad had past severe medical problems that ended up in him getting addicted to prescription drugs, or that my mom was gone far too long to stay working at the library all day and was most likely cheating on my dad. "My mom likes cooking weird things that most people would not eat, but it tastes good. And my dad likes metalwork, he sells his projects on the side for extra money." Which he uses to buy drugs.

When she showed me the text, I let out a shallow sigh and nodded. "O.K. If we must." I started the van, and pulled out of the parking lot and drove down the road. "Oh my but the rain is coming down rather hard." I commented, slightly concerned at the deep water in the road. "What about your family?"

I push my hair out my fae "My-" Archer had be honest with me, it was my turn now, "To be honest, I-" I finally spit it out "I don't know them.." I bite my lip and continue "They left me at a house and left me, I know nothing about my real parents... But Tudie my mum that took me in, is kind and sweet, it's just us in the house, and Trudies son" I look out the window "wow it is, we don't have to go," I look at you and turn to the window. I realized this is the first time I haven't smiled for a while. I wrap my coat around me, I rest my head on my shoulder and look out the window and see a squirrel, it runs up a tree and I watch it in amazement.

I run my fingers through my hair and I look down as I get a text, It was Trudie hey Ruby, when are you coming home, starting to get worried, text me as soon as you get this I reply saying I am ok, be home hopefully soon, with Kurt, Blaine and Archer. I smile and pop my phone away.

I push my hair out my fae "My-" Archer had be honest with me, it was my turn now, "To be honest, I-" I finally spit it out "I don't know them.." I bite my lip and continue "They left me at a house and left me, I know nothing about my real parents... But Tudie my mum that took me in, is kind and sweet, it's just us in the house, and Trudies son" I look out the window "wow it is, we don't have to go," I look at you and turn to the window. I realized this is the first time I haven't smiled for a while. I wrap my coat around me, I rest my head on my shoulder and look out the window and see a squirrel, it runs up a tree and I watch it in amazement.

I run my fingers through my hair and I look down as I get a text, It was Trudie hey Ruby, when are you coming home, starting to get worried, text me as soon as you get this I reply saying I am ok, be home hopefully soon, with Kurt, Blaine and Archer. I smile and pop my phone away.

When she finished speaking, I asked, "Do you know what the saying, 'Blood is thicker than water' means? Many people say it, almost always misusing it. The full phrase, which barely anyone knows is, 'The blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.' It means that the bonds of friendships, and the connections you make throughout your life are more important than your own biological family. It does not matter who gave birth to you. Only Ms. Trudie and her son matter."

Driving carefully through the wet streets, I answer her, "Yes, the water is too deep. My van is about to stall out. I like the rain, but this is a bit too much." I continued as best I could until we passed an empty parking lot to a gas station. "I apologize, but this is a bit too dangerous. We should wait here until the water drains down out of the streets a bit. if anyone offers to pick us up, tell them no. No one should be driving in this weather."

I nod and smile at you "thank you Archer-" I pause and turn to you "for understanding" I smile and and turn back to the window, Archer wasn't like the other guys, other guys would leave me and laugh that I was adopted, Archer understood,he was kind and caring wiether he believe it or not. I watch the rain pour down on the screen, I see a gas station and we park in an empty parking lot. I listin to you talk "ok" I nod and smile kindly as I always do.

My ringtone goes Hazel, when are you coming back? I look down and reply slowly hey Kurt, sorry you should see the rain, the roads are flooding, we will try to get back as soon as we can. I look up again, and look up to your face, I look at the window, and see a car driving towards us "Archer!-" I screamed in terror, Before I could do anything the car has crashed into your car, my face slams into the dashboard, I lie there for a while and get up, I put my hand to my head, I was bleeding, my hand was died reds from my head.