Ruby
"Today I am going to teach you how to use a gun," Newana let out.
"Why?" My eyes were wide. The thought of using a gun again made me feel sick to my stomach.
"This is a mandatory work. You have to learn how to use a gun, in case of an emergency," she explained and added, "Unless you have a death wish."
"But..." The last time I used the gun was when we killed Carter Cowell, in which I had no contribution actually, Vexon helped me pull the trigger. I thought that was probably the last time, but who knew I now had to take training on it?
"I don't have all the time in the world for you," with that, she handed me a 22 LR pistol. I knew it because in my leisure time I used to research on revolvers. Never did I ever imagine to be using one in real life.
When the cold metal touched my palm, it gave me goosebumps. Now I knew why she made me lift weights��it was heavier than one would think it to be.
"This is a 22 LR pistol. It is semi-automatic, which means it��" I completed her sentence.
"Doesn't need to be loaded. It is fully loaded and with a trigger pressed, there is a gunshot."
Newana looked at me in amusement. "Who would have guessed that researching guns was your hobby?" she mocked, and I rolled my eyes.
After that, Newana thoroughly explained all the rules about using a firearm. Then I practiced shooting with Cason and Orson, who was already nonchalant about the whole thing.
Even though I wouldn't like to admit, it was fun learning something new.
Later on, at night, after being exhausted from that day's lesson, I was putting my books in the luggage when Vexon entered the room.
"Why are you packing your bags, Ruby?" I placed the book inside the luggage, hearing Vexon's furious voice.
I turned around to face him and announced, "I am going to Manitoba tomorrow."
"I told you that you are not going there," he huffed.
I crossed my arms and responded, "I am going there, whether you like it or not."
"Ruby, just don't argue with me about this. You're not going anywhere, and that's the end of the conversation."
"Oh, I'm so obedient," I jeered, earning a glare from him.
"Don't make this hard for me," he mumbled and ran a hand through his hair.
"You convinced me to give exams. Now you don't want me to stay there. What's your problem? Like seriously!" I placed my hands on my hips, looking at him in frustration. I have had enough of his decisions being forced upon me. I had no intention to give in this time.
"You can give exams and all, you don't have to stay there. Attend the exams and come back. That's it. You're even getting the jet and��" I interrupted him.
"You do realize it's not just half an hour distance, don't you? So just stop it."
He asked me, "Why can't you just sacrifice this one time?"
I chuckled bitterly at his question and let out, "Sacrifice? That's all I am doing since day one of our marriage, Vexon. Why don't you sacrifice? And why are we even having this argument? It's just for a week, dammit!"
Vexon's eyes squinted in anger as he yelled, "Fine! Do whatever you want. I don't care!"
He strolled towards the door and closed it with a huge bang before leaving.
"Why is he acting like that? And what's wrong with me?" I muttered to myself.
That was when I felt something.
Oh, my freaking periods!
___
My vision was getting darker every five minutes, which usually happened to me whenever I had periods.
I was studying for my first exam, which happened to be Discrete Mathematics. But I was looking at the door, hoping Vexon would enter the room any moment. It was already past midnight.
I didn't understand why he was behaving like a child. He could visit me anytime, and we would converse over the phone. Why was he making it dramatic? That was absurd.
I decided to text Vexon.
Ruby:
Where are you?
My heart clenched when he didn't reply. I put my phone away and continued studying until I fell asleep. Unfortunately, Vexon never returned that night.
___
"Boss lady, it's time for you to go," Maya told me. I glanced at the room one more time.
"Where's Vexon?" I inquired, and she lowered her head.
"Boss didn't come home last night. He just called Richard and told him that he is your personal bodyguard hereon," Maya informed me. "He also sent a letter to you."
I furrowed my eyebrows. Who writes a letter in this era when we have texting options?
Though I personally loved the concept of exchanging letters.
May handed me a folded white paper. I slowly opened it after she went away, taking my luggage.
'Ruby,
I had to go to the USA for some important work last night. Don't tell anyone about where I am cause it's all about the Gladiolus. Take care and best of luck for your exams.
- Vexon.'
I wanted to smack Vexon. Did he go to the USA without even informing me?
Like wow.
He did inform me but it was after he left. I inhaled a sharp breath to calm myself.
And how could he call me Ruby? I hated it when he called me Ruby. It felt like he was spitting all the venom with the name.
Before I knew it, I felt hot tears streaming down my cheeks. I folded the letter and put it inside my handbag. I roughly wiped my tears with the back of my palm.
Be strong, Ruby, I told myself.
I had exams to attend. I decided to let Vexon be forgotten for a week. Otherwise, I was going to write about him in the examination.
"I'm sorry to interrupt, but I just wanted to inform you that I kept the chocolates inside your luggage," Maya's voice was heard inside my bedroom.
I looked at her in confusion. "What chocolates?"
"Yes, the chocolates, the boss sent for you along with the letter. He told Richard to tell me to put those inside your luggage," she notified me.
I sighed. What was I going to do with Vexon?
He did cute things for me, yet he managed to get on my nerves. I mean, couldn't he give them himself and meet me one last time before going to the USA?
I controlled myself and went downstairs, following Maya. I bade adieu to the other Bevines and got in the car.
"Are you ready, boss lady?" I hummed in response.
Here goes nothing.
