Chapter 14: Chapter 14

I'm sat outside the gym on the brick wall, my leg bouncing up and down. I'm conscious of the fact time is running out, we don't have many days left to find Mum and Dad. An overwhelming wave of sadness and loneliness hit me and I inhale deeply, scratching at the bricks to distract me.

"Ruby."

I whirl around, coming face to face with a sheepish Woody. He's dressed in a denim shirt and dark jeans, his hands stuffed inside his pockets.

"We've got to stop meeting here cowboy," I say casually, turning back around. The road in front of me is completely deserted and a single car hasn't passed in the entire hour I've been sat here.

"Can I talk to you?"

He walks around, jumping up and taking a seat beside me. I give him a small smile, even though I should be angry, I'm not.

"Sure thing."

"I'm sorry that I kissed you." He murmurs, running a hand into his dark hair. I let out a low chuckle, swinging my legs back and forth.

"It's fine Woody, you shouldn't apologise for it. You should have told me you were gay, I'm completely okay with it."

Beside me, Woody begins to cough, choking on thin air. My eyes widen in surprise as he continues to splutter next to me, his cheeks covered with a pink tint. I awkwardly reach out and tap him on the back a few times, not that it helps.

"I'm gay?!" He says surprisingly.

"My best friend is gay. You don't have to hide it from me." I explain, slightly confused as to why he's acting so oblivious. We live in the modern ages, sexuality shouldn't be a problem anymore. Woody's mouth drops open and he appears to be in complete disbelief before shaking his head —

"Ruby, I'm not gay. Like not even remotely."

I frown at him and raise one brow, feeling completely skeptic to his words.

"Seriously, I'm okay with it. It's just a little shit how you kissed me and tried to play me but whatever." I shrugged — "I'm over it."

Woody jumps down from the wall and stands directly in front of me, his face serious.

"Listen to me, I-am-not-gay."

My frown deepens as I search his eyes. They hold complete truth behind them. . . either that or he's a pretty awesome liar.

"But Uncle Tobias said — "

"Oh no, he fucking didn't." Woody snaps, cutting me off. I watch in surprise as he strides towards the entrance of the gym, his face a picture of thunder.

"Well, shit is about to go down." I mumble under my breath, jumping off the wall and following him.

"Tobias!" Woody yells, his voice bouncing off the walls. I speed up so that I'm a few feet behind him. Woody pushes through the doors at the back, coming face to face with my Uncle who's chowing down on a banana. Health freak.

"Since when am I gay?" Woody yells, confronting him. He inhales sharply, his shoulders tense. Uncle Tobias' eyes darken as they flicker across to me and I visibly wince from the thunder in his eyes.

"It slipped out, sorry?" I shrug sheepishly.

"Look! I know you told me not to get involved with her and for that, I am sorry. I get that you're angry but you don't need to lie to her and tell her I'm gay Tobias!" Woody says angrily, his tone low and dangerous. Looking between the two, the anger was almost difficult to spot apart. They both radiate frustration and I turn towards my uncle, a confused frown on my face.

"So you told me he was gay just so I would stay away from him?" I question. He turned his head towards me, remaining silent.

"I don't need to deal with this right now." He mutters, stepping around us to try and leave. Woody and I both take a step back, blocking the doorway.

"Oh no you don't." We both say in unison before turning to look at each other in surprise. Tobias lets out a low sigh, looking defeated.

"I told you to stay away from her Woody. You should have listened to me! I told you he was gay so that you stay away from him, okay Ruby?"

And with that, he pushes us both out of the way and storms off, stomping as he goes. I turn to face Woody, one eyebrow raised.

"I know he wasn't in my life for the past few years but is he acting totally out of character to you?" I question and Woody nods, a slight worried expression on his face.

"Huh, must be with my parents missing and Ivory coming to visit." I mumble under my breath, thinking out loud.

"Who's Ivory?" Woody questions. I turn around and let out a dry laugh, motioning for him to take a seat.

"It's a long story, you should probably sit."

*****

A jet black jeep pulls up outside and I visibly grimace as I notice the doors swing open.

"Uncle Tobias! Your sister is here," I smirk smugly, knowing he's about to have some form of mental breakdown. I hear multiple curses from behind me and the gym door flings open. He gingerly walks up to me until he's standing right beside me, his jaw clenched. Auntie Ivory steps out of her car, dressed head to toe in white. Her auburn hair is scraped back into a high bun and she's wearing six inch heels.

She smiles dazzlingly at us, holding out a perfectly manicured hand. I resist the urge to roll my eyes until they fall out of their sockets. I love the woman but she's definitely an acquired taste.

"I'm not just his sister, I'm your auntie too." She scolds me, her eyes lighting up. She motions for me to come towards her and I jump off the wall, walking into her embrace. She hugs me tightly and I notice she smells like blossoms. I don't like it.

"How have you been Ruby? Honey, I've missed you." She murmurs, stroking her palm down my hair. I pull back slightly, wanting her tight grip to loosen. If it doesn't, I'm afraid she might squeeze the life out of me.

"I've missed you too Ivory." I respond, taking a step back. She's always insisted I call her Ivory, just like all her friends. She gives me a tight smile before turning towards Tobias. Her eyes flash with sadness, anger and disappointment all rolled into one.

"Tobias," she says softly, her voice a hushed whisper. Beside me, Uncle Tobias inhales sharply, taking a step forward. He embraces her loosely, his hands barely hovering over her body. It's like he can't stand to touch her and it saddens me at how their relationship is.

"Ivory, you look good." He says politely. He clears his throat before taking a step back, his eyes slightly narrowed.

"The drug trade is obviously treating you well."

"Oh god, here we go." I mumble under my breath, waiting for world war three to start right in front of me. Ivory rolls her eyes, letting out a heavy breath of annoyance.

"Tobias, cut the shit. I'll do what I want, Ben and I are happy, okay?"

"You and Ben are the entire town's drug suppliers, that's what I have a problem with." Tobias shoots back, the thunder returning to his eyes.

"So why did you call me here? I should go." Ivory snaps, glancing down at a diamond watch that looks more expensive than my entire life's pocket money. I jump forward, grabbing hold of her wrist.

"No! Wait!" I plead, my eyes wide. She turns towards me and her eyes soften —

"Don't go. My parents are missing, please. We need your help." I say, watching as her eyes fill with fear. She glances between me and Uncle Tobias, dread written across her features.

"Jake and Emily are missing?" She questions. I look at my uncle and he nods firmly, confirming my words. Her hand flies up to her mouth as it finally dawns on her —

"Oh my god.”