Chapter 51: Chapter 51
One of Ru’s favorite songs, “Revelations” by Audioslave, was playing, and she hadn’t even noticed.
“Yeah, I’m fine,” she replied, forcing a smile.
“You know, listening to the lyrics of this song, it’s kinda fitting,” Lyric half laughed. “Especially the part about knowing what he’s dreaming and holding the keys and the rules. I guess I never thought about that before.”
Ru happened to know all the words by heart, but she’d never listened to them with the intention of relating them to her current situation. “That’s true. And here I was thinking Blue Oyster Cult was the official rock band of the National Keeper’s League.”
Lyric laughed so hard, she actually snorted, which made Ru laugh as well. “Now, that’s funny. Seriously, you and Rider with the pop culture references. You two are going to be fast friends in no time, I just know it.”
Ru got her laughter under control and wondered how that could be possible. Ever since she’d met Kyle, she’d been thinking less and less about actually going through with this Keeper gig. She didn’t want it, had never asked for it, and didn’t really see Nat as a threat at this point. The last time she’d spoken to him, he’d been sitting in the middle of a flower garden crying, so really, how much of a menace could he be? But she kept her thoughts to herself.
“Cutter mentioned you had a date last night?” Lyric said. Ru could tell she was trying to keep it nonchalant, but the slight lilt in her voice gave her away. She was asking for a reason beyond being polite or mere curiosity.
“Uh, yeah,” Ru replied, not sure what else to say.
“That’s nice,” Lyric said, turning her head slightly to smile at Ru. “What’s he do?”
“Graphic design.”
“Cool. Live in Reaper’s Hollow?”
“Just moved here from NYC.”
Lyric nodded. “Did you have a nice time?”
“Yep.” Ru could tell she wasn’t going to stop asking questions any time soon, so she thought volunteering a bit of information might pacify her. “We’re going out again tomorrow. Just for a walk. But it should be fun. I could use the fresh air.”
“Yeah, and tomorrow’s supposed to be nice. Just like… a hike in the woods or something?”
“I think so,” Ru replied. “Not exactly sure. He mentioned wanting to explore Rockefeller a little bit, so I guess that’s where we’ll go.” Ru absently wondered where her hiking boots even were. She’d need to find them.
“Well, I’m glad you had a good time. Seems like a nice guy.” Once again, Lyric smiled at her, but Ru could tell it was fake. Why Lyric would pretend to be happy for her was beyond Ru.
The sun was beginning to set as she made the turn off of the country road into the narrow path between the trees. As the truck bounced over ruts, Ru was glad Cutter had sent Lyric to get her. Not only was she certain she would’ve missed the turn off if she’d tried to drive out there herself, it was better than riding in a vehicle with Cutter. Right now, she couldn’t really stand to be near him without feeling the intensity of how badly he wanted her to join their team. Even at school the last few days, it seemed every time they were in the same vicinity, he was boring holes through her with his eyes. As much as she liked him and thought he was a great guy, she sort of hoped they’d all move on soon. If they were going to try to find Seraphina, they should get to looking for her and leave Ru alone. Maybe then she could settle back into her ordinary life.
The house was lit up well against the backdrop of dark trees. Ru wondered how far away they were from the forest she’d be hiking in tomorrow. It couldn’t be too far. While this land was privately owned, Rockefeller trees blended in with lots of other properties. Maybe this one was attached as well.
As Lyric brought the truck to a stop, Ru unfastened her seatbelt and popped the door, jumping down to the ground a good two feet below her. She was ready to get this over with. Before the night was over, she’d have to tell these people she was out. Hopefully, it wouldn’t take too long, and maybe at least one of them would be nice enough to give her a ride home. She knew she could call Kyle to come and get her if need be; something told her he’d be able to find her if she were a sugar cube in a hailstorm.
The welcoming committee met them on the porch. Rider and Cutter were both out the door before they even reached the steps. “Hey, there!” Rider called. “Long time no see.” He spread his arms, and Ru dutifully stepped into a hug, not exactly sure why they would normally be so friendly. They’d only met each other once. Of course, in his mind, she was the Holy Grail.
“Nice to see you,” she said as he released her.
Cutter was not quite as enthusiastic, timidly hanging back a bit. “Hi, Ru,” he said, a cautious smile on his face. He didn’t hug her, but he did pat her on the shoulder. “Doin’ all right?”
“Just great,” she said, trying to be as friendly as possible.
“That’s good to hear.” He walked alongside her until they reached the door and then he pushed it open for her to go through before allowing Lyric in and following, Rider in the rear. “Ivy is cooking dinner. It should be just about done.”
Whatever she was making, it smelled delicious, and Ru felt her stomach rumble. She hadn’t eaten too much that day; she’d been so preoccupied with thoughts of Kyle. “Great. I’m starving,” she said, smiling politely. She began to twist her hands, not sure what to do or what to say.
“You’re here!” Ivy entered the room half running, half sliding. “Hi, Ru!” She stretched her arms open as she collided with Ru, who had little choice but to hug her back. Since she couldn’t remember anyone ever seeming so happy to see her, she couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm.