The Path to Hue

Part XI

1 month later

I'm on Stella's couch, and I'm tired. I haven't spoken to Vi, Skyler or Colin in the past few weeks. I've been taking all of my classes digitally so I don't have to interact with any of the girls. Who knows what's happened since I left. I only talk to Sunny because of our project, she hasn't asked about what's wrong and I'm glad she knows when I need space. Our presentation is looking amazing so far. I should really talk to her about everything that's happened. Although I don't know if I should, I don't want to ruin Violet's image in her eyes.

Without thinking, I text her if she wants to get some boba, she replies instantly.

sounds good !! i'll see u at kawaii boba in 30 ??

see u there <3

Rubbing my eyes, I mentally prepare myself to leave the house for the first time in weeks. I'm glad Stella has an entire guest room with backup clothes and a laptop; I really didn't want to go back for my stuff, I couldn't face Vi after all this time. I head upstairs to change; the only thing that sucks about these back-up clothes is that I usually don't wear stuff like this. It's nothing but skirts and dresses.

"Stella!"

"Ruby... Please don't yell, I'm hungover again-"

"That sounds like a personal problem," I laugh, "Do you have anything besides skirts in the guest room? I've been in the pj's you gave me, and they're comfy as hell, but I gotta meet a friend soon-"

"Uh, you can raid my closet if you need to, those are all the clothes my family gave me before moving. I just shoved them in the first place that wasn't my room, sorry haha,"

"For sure, don't worry about it,"

I head to her room, and it's an absolute mess. A bra that isn't even hers is on the doorknob. I can't wait to see her family react to the person she's become. With the weeks I've been here, I've seen Stella bring countless girls over. It's no wonder she doesn't dorm at the school anymore, Ms Wright wouldn't stand Stella's dismissal of the rules. Heh, I'm so glad we're friends.

Her closet is full of jeans and funky tops, but I settle for the shorts and hoodie tucked in the back. There's no need to dress too special. I brush my teeth and fix my curls. There's nothing I can do about the bags under my eyes, so I head out.

-

"RUBY! I'm so happy to see you!!! Gimme a hug!"

"Hey Sunny," I embrace her, she holds me tight and I really try not to tear up.

"How is everything?" she asks, with probably no clue of what's been happening,

"Oh, it's been fine. Just wanted to take a break from socializing, I know junior year just started, but it's been really overwhelming,"

"I get it Ruby, things don't always happen like we want them to. Do you want me to update you on what's been happening with the girls?"

"Uh, why not? What's been going on?"

"Well, Sky and Colin are on a relationship break. That's the least surprising thing to happen though. Vi's been super on edge--she's taking a break from her channel too! The hive is super supportive though! And I think something happened with Poppy and Jade-"

"Wow, that's alot,"

"Yeah, like I said: things don't always happen like we want them to. I never thought our first year as juniors would be so chaotic, I really wish Vi would talk to me about what's been happening. She hasn't said a word about what she's been dealing with. I hope she doesn't go back to-"

"Yeah. Poor Vi. I really hope she doesn't fuck anyone else over in her funk-"

"Ruby don't curse, frowney face..."

"Agh sorry! I'm just- I don't want to invade Vi's boundaries, but- what's been bumming her out has to do with me and-"

"Skyler right?"

"How did you know?"

"Ruby, I see how they act in runway class. You can just tell something isn't right. I don't know what though, and I definitely didn't know you were involved,"

"Yeah, if you wanna know, I don't mind telling you all about it,"

"That would be nice, but I think I can wait for Vi to tell me. I am her best friend after all. She isn't telling me yet because she's probably still processing it all. I trust her to tell me, whenever that is..."

"You're a really great friend Sunny, thank you for being here for us. Truly,"

"It's really no big deal Rubes, I'm used to it," she smiles. I sip my peach tea and glance around,

"Wait, you said something happened between Jade and Poppy? Did I hear you right?"

"Oh... yeahhh it's really... I don't even know where to start... So basically she and Jade and I were hanging out. Gossiping as we usually do, then Jade asks if she could test a new palette on one of us, Poppy volunteers because I had just done a face mask! They go into the bathroom and Poppy puts on some tunes--you know as usual--and when Jade was finishing up, Poppy confessed her feelings to her, completely unprompted! Jade just... stormed out. Didn't even take her palette back! Poppy runs after her, apologizing and saying how stupid she was for confessing, and Jade kissed her!"

I choke on my tea, "Huh? I thought Jade and Bella were super happy together?!"

"They were, and still are! I think Bella knows, she's been super dismissive of Poppy when we hangout'"

"Wow, and how's Jade holding up?"

"Really... sweaty? She's probably guilty about that smooch,"

"Yeah, I would feel that way too..."

"So... Do you wanna go to the mall? Is it okay if I keep catching you up with all of this?"

"Sounds good Sunny, thank you."