the mysterious Morris family

007. a lunch with ruby

“Brian’s waiting for us!” Stella shouted, tugging at the dreamy-eyed Ruby, who was lost in her thoughts. Brian had halted his steps, glancing back at them with a mixture of curiosity and impatience.

As they approached, he crossed his arms. “What do you guys want?” he asked, his tone casual but guarded.

“Can you join us for lunch?” Stella offered, a hopeful smile on her face.

“Sorry, I can’t. I have a lot to do today,” Brian replied without a moment’s hesitation, his focus shifting back to his phone.

Stella frowned, her determination flaring. “Brian, it’s not good to reject a pretty girl’s offer!”

Brian met her gaze, but it was Ruby’s expression that caught his attention. Her cheerful smile had dimmed, replaced by a shadow of disappointment. In that moment, he realized it wasn’t merely Stella inviting him—it was Ruby who genuinely wanted him there. Something shifted within him.

“Okay, I’ll come with you guys,” he said, attempting to lighten the mood. “Now smile, Ruby! You look more beautiful with a smile on your face.”

The words slipped out before he could think twice, and Ruby’s face brightened, her smile stretching wide enough to make her cheeks flush. Though her skin tone masked the pink hue, Brian noticed the light in her eyes.

Suddenly, she lunged forward, wrapping her arms around him in an unexpected embrace. Brian stiffened, caught off guard, while Stella’s head dipped in embarrassment.

*What is it with her and these weird displays?* Stella thought, shaking her head inwardly.

“Ruby, can you let go? I can’t breathe!” Brian gasped, struggling to break free from her enthusiastic hug.

“Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry, Brian! I got carried away,” Ruby said, stepping back, her voice laced with genuine remorse.

*Forget manners; rich kids like you never learn discipline,* Brian thought bitterly but kept his thoughts to himself.

“Did you say something?” Stella asked, her brow raised.

“Nope. Did you hear something?” Brian deflected, shooting her a quick smile.

“Let’s go!” Ruby said, her enthusiasm infectious as she led them toward the cafeteria.

Ruby was known as the badass of their school. Students parted ways for her, and whispers trailed behind her like a shadow. Some deemed her arrogant, a bully, but those close to her knew her heart was just as large as her personality. She had a knack for humor that drew people in, yet it was her unpredictability that kept them on their toes.

Once they settled at a cozy table in the cafeteria, the trio placed their orders.

“Bring two plates of… Brian, what do you want to eat?” Ruby asked with bright eyes.

“I’m not picky! Anything is fine,” Brian replied, still bemused by the amount of food Ruby was about to order.

“Bring two plates of rice and stew for me, please—no garlic!—with a can of Coke and Martina, and four beef meat each,” Ruby ordered confidently.

“Same for me, but add a plate of beans and three cooked eggs, plus a can of Martina,” Stella chimed in.

Brian stared at Stella, bewildered. *Where does all that food go?*

“I know you’re wondering why she eats so much for a girl,” Ruby said, pausing to glance at Stella. “She’s a boxer. The strength she expends makes her crave food more than most.”

“Okay! How did you meet Stella? It seems like you two have been inseparable since Year One,” Brian asked, genuinely curious.

“Stella’s my sister,” Ruby replied, a hint of pride in her voice.

“Yes, I’m her adopted sister,” Stella explained, her tone softening. “Ruby convinced her parents to adopt me after my own parents passed away. I was lonely, and Ruby was there for me, always. When I joined their family at eight, they made sure I never felt the absence of my parents. It was the best thing that ever happened to me.”

Brian nodded, absorbing her words. “I’m so sorry for your loss.”

“It’s nothing. I’ve moved on!” Stella replied, her voice steady.

“What about you, Brian? What are your hobbies?” Ruby inquired, shifting the focus back to him.

“I love swimming, reading, and drawing,” Brian answered, his passion evident.

“Me too! I love reading and drawing, and I also enjoy singing and dancing,” Ruby added with enthusiasm.

As Brian observed her, he couldn’t help but think of all the rumors that surrounded her. *This is the first person I met when I joined the Orwell’s, and she has not changed a bit,* he mused.

“Why don’t you like garlic?” Brian asked as Ruby savored her food, taking her time.

“I’m allergic to garlic,” she replied casually.

“Wait! What?” Brian exclaimed, processing her words. In his mind, he had already painted Ruby as a bit of a witch with her quirks.

“I know you’re picturing me as a witch, but I assure you, I’m not,” Ruby said, her laughter breaking the tension.

“She does eat garlic, but the doctor advised her to stop because it gave her bad breath,” Stella elaborated, grinning.

“Then ‘allergic’ isn’t quite the right word,” Brian chuckled.

“You don’t have to feel embarrassed; I have my own quirks. People laugh at me too,” he added, trying to ease Ruby’s discomfort.

“I wasn’t embarrassed; I was just shy,” Ruby corrected, her cheeks still tinged with pink.

“What’s the difference between being shy and feeling embarrassed?” Brian asked, smirking.

“There’s definitely a difference!” Ruby insisted.

“Okay, ma’am,” Brian said, pretending to bow.

As they finished their meals, Ruby discreetly took care of the bill, leaving Brian surprised yet grateful. They spent more than thirty minutes chatting, laughter bubbling between them like the soda they had just consumed. For Brian, it was a welcome distraction from the ache of his recent breakup.

“Ruby, thanks for the meal,” Brian said, rising from his seat.

“You don’t have to thank me. What are friends for?” Ruby replied, standing up, her eyes sparkling with sincerity.

As Brian walked toward the exit, Ruby and Stella continued their conversation behind him.

“Listen, I know you have feelings for Brian,” Stella said cautiously. “But you two come from different worlds. Why him?”

Ruby’s expression hardened. “It’s simple. Either help me win him over, or stop talking about his background as if it defines him.”

“Hey, no need to get angry with me,” Stella replied, raising her hands in mock surrender.

“I’m not angry! I just don’t want to waste time with anyone who doesn’t see Brian’s worth,” Ruby shot back, determination lighting her features.