Ruby
I knocked on Vanera's door. "Did you call me?" I asked as she opened it and smiled.
"Come inside, Ruby."
I entered her peach-colored room. Her straight dark brown hair was hanging down, flowing down her back.
"So?" I sat on the couch with her beside me.
"I am so sorry. I couldn't give you time. I have been really busy," she said with a curt smile on her face.
"It's okay, Vanera. I��" she interrupted me.
"Mom."
"Sorry?"
"You can call me mom, Ruby."
"Okay... Mom." It felt kind of weird, to be honest. All of a sudden, I remembered my mom. The way she deceived me. I still didn't contact her after the marriage.
Was she okay? God, please keep her safe.
"Ruby. I know, dear, the way you both got married wasn't... quite good. But trust me, I know my son. He is not the way you think he is. He is very soft-hearted. He is very caring and loves his family to death. And you're a part of his family now. You're his life partner."
She further spoke, "Just give him a chance. He will prove himself capable of you. And about this Mafia world. Let me explain some basic things since you will be the next queen." She paused for a while, waiting for a response.
"Okay," I said, which made her continue.
"The Mafia king and queen, we follow this tradition in our gang. We are one of the most dangerous gangs in the world. The name of our gang is Gladiolus. It means strength, and��" I interrupted her.
"Nice name."
She smiled. "Vexon's great grandfather first created this gang. The reason for Mafia king and queen implies that it's not just a male-dominated gang. The females also have rights. Right now, I'm the queen. But soon, you and Vexon will be crowned as the king and queen whereas I will resign."
Now, that cleared up a few things. But if I was crowned as the queen, it meant I had to kill, right?
Oh my God! I should escape as soon as possible.
"We also have many enemies. Other gang leaders want to murder my sons, to usurp our wealth and our position. They don't want to harm me, as they know that one of my sons will inherit the position. However, a few gang leaders already know that Vexon is going to be the next Gladiolus king. It means they are going to target him and you. So beware," she warned me.
Oh God! Can't I escape peacefully then? What if I get kidnapped? Or worse, raped?
"However, don't worry. We all are here for you, alright? If any problem arises, don't hesitate to inform me," she said as I got up from the couch. I started walking towards the door in full silence. "Good night," she wished me with a smile. I wished her back.
I was walking through the long hallway. My mind shifted to the words of Vanera.
Everything was so messed up.
What would happen if I didn't run away? I would be the queen. Mafia Gladiolus Queen.
God! How do I run away? All the ways of escaping were quickly getting closed for me. I didn't want to be a criminal by living with one.
"Yeah, everyone is in their room. Yeah, it's midnight. No one will come to my room now," I heard Orson's voice. I turned right, only to find his room's door slightly ajar. I decided to walk away until one sentence caught me off-guard. "Yeah, wait for me at the emergency exit of my room."
Emergency exit?
"No one will know. I am doing this ever since Vexon showed me the emergency exit in my room. It leads towards the woods. Mhmm. Yeah, it is closer. Wait for me near the road, I'll be there within five minutes," with that, Orson cut the call. He turned towards the door and closed it.
He was sneaking out.
I wanted to tell Vexon about it, but I was selfish. All I was thinking about was the emergency exit.
If his room had an emergency exit, it meant that every Bevine had an emergency exit in their room. As a Mafia leader, of course, Vexon had an emergency exit, hiding spot, etc.
Why didn't I think of it before?
Grinning, I made my way towards Vexon's room.
As soon as I went inside Vexon's room, Vexon asked impatiently, "What did mom talk to you about?"
"Stuff," I replied curtly as I closed the door. He put his laptop on the table.
"Not that. What stuff?" he asked.
I took the hairbrush and started brushing my hair. "About how to control myself from killing you."
He groaned. "Come on, Gem. You are being mean right now."
I narrowed my eyes at him. "I'm mean? Look who's talking."
"Why are you twisting my words?" he asked, being annoyed which I avoided. "Did she inform you anything about our gang?"
"Oh, you mean Gladiolus?"
"Looks like she told you many things. So, tell me," he said, sounding interested which just made me roll my eyes.
"Why would I tell you?" I retorted.
He shook his head and sighed. "Whatever suits you. I was just trying to be friendly."
I felt bad for a few seconds before I faked a smile. "No need, I'm happy with the distance."
"Ruby, you're��" he was interrupted by a phone call. He picked it up, before glaring at me.
I went to the dressing room, to change into my shorts and a comfy t-shirt. I got out and he glanced at me before he continued talking over the phone.
I didn't have the time for his nonsense. I had to maintain my distance with him and find the emergency exit.
I was damn sure it was somewhere in this room, but I couldn't look for it in Vexon's presence. So I laid on the bed, feeling a little bit sleepy. I took the blanket and pulled my emoticon pillow to my chest.
Vexon noticed this and he started talking slowly to the other person on the phone. He knew if he went outside to talk, I would drag him back because I was scared of sleeping alone.
I tried to close my eyes, but my heart felt heavy. I missed my mom so much.
Mom.
I didn't realize I had started crying. It happened to me every time. I never realized when I cried.
"Fuck! Mane, I'll talk to you tomorrow," spoke Vexon and cut the call.
"What happened? Why are you crying, Gem?" He approached me and placed his hands on my cheeks. It sure felt weird.
I wanted to remove his hands from my face. But... it was just his blue orbs, which held too much concern.
"Nothing," I replied stoically and was about to pull the blanket over my face, but he stopped me.
"Don't do this. First, tell me what happened. Why are you crying?" I remained silent and sat up on the bed. He sat beside me. "You know, expressing yourself for once won't kill your cheeseburger," he told me, making me smile slightly, still with my crying face.
"Will you say something?" Vexon questioned. He was on the edge of losing his patience.
Then I did the worst thing I could ever do at that time. I hugged him, still crying, and mumbled, "I miss my mom."
