The Path to Hue

Part XX

Back at the dorms, I'm all alone. Who knows where Skyler is. She's probably processing everything I dumped onto her, Jade and Bella are probably hanging out (again), and Amaya's off on her internship in Sweden. I didn't realize I wouldn't miss her this much, she was always hanging out with River and Gabriella anyway. I wonder how she and River are doing long-distance, but then again they're probably doing better than my short-distance shit.

The iced drink sweats onto the coffee table as I stare at the back of the punchcard. Georgia. Such a pretty name too. I think I should just go for it, maybe call her tonight? Thank her for the cookie? See her cute blushing smile again? Just thinking of her has me blushing, but I shouldn't. I should at least make up with Skyler. Explain why I blew up like I did, I'm sure she'd understand. Better than anyone would. It would be totally understandable that I'm trying to move on, right?

I head to my bedroom and collapse. Why does the plot always have to thicken? It's like the romance overlords are torturing me for no good reason, to test me? Show the absolute worst scenarios? Who fucking knows.

I register Georgia's number on my phone. I wanna make sure I can contact her even if I do lose this card. I'm sure I won't. It still smells like coffee beans. I hold it close to my face and smile. Haha. Another pretty girl likes me. And this one's a fresh start, surely nothing bad will happen this time.

-

"Stella, I know you've been having a really tough week. So of course..... Ta-daaaa!"

"Oh my goodness, where the bloody hell did you get all this?"

"Does it matter? Let's just get into it,"

"Yes, of course! Wait- Actually... do you mind if I invite a few friends?"

"Oh, go ahead. As long as it's not-"

"Anyone you are or were involved with, I know the rules by now Ruby! I'm not a twat," Stella bursts.

She runs into the kitchen and immediately I recognize the incoherent babbling between her and Sheryl, soon after that they call Daria, Daphne, and Emi. She hesitates after ending the call with Gabriella. Her smile quickly fades, she grabs a pepsi from the fridge and gulps down the entire can. Before she reaches for another I call out.

"Hey! Everything good?"

"Yeah, I'm just... Karma. I don't know if I should invite her."

"That's tough. I say just do it. Maybe if you act like everything's fine, they will turn out... fine, you know?"

"Yep. Just gotta,, dial her up. That's the hardest part."

"Do you need me to do it?"

"NOO I GOT IT!"

My eyes widen, I've never seen her so red. Her eyes are wide.

"Alrighty, go for it tiger. I believe in you,"

She smiles and looks to her phone. With a deep breath, she dials Karma. I give her an eager thumbs up as she rushes to the next room.

-

The doorbell chimes, Daria and Sheryl pour in, their hands attached.

"Hey, heard you got a massive stash of Mary Jane, do not tell my dad you guys."

"Sheryl! No one's gonna tell him, plus why would he get mad? You're with me, and he loves me."

Sheryl giggles uncontrollably as Daria kisses her cheek. I love how in love those two are.

"So where's Daphne? She's coming, right?" Daria asks.

"No, sadly not. She's got tennis practice-" Stella says with a yawn.

"Booooo, that's lame," Daria blurts, her girlfriend laughs and puts her bag down next to the stash. They collapse onto the couch and nestle into each other's arms. Sheryl smiles even wider being in her girlfriend's arms.

"And what about Gabbie?"

"Yeah she's coming. And Emi says she's bringing a friend," Stella responds.

"Cool, cool. Damn!", Daria says slamming down her keys, "I should've bought snacks before coming here! We're gonna be hungry sooner or later,"

"Oh, uh- I'll go if we need em, it's no problem-"

"Ruby. As your best friend, I am not letting you go to the grocery store. Especially alone. I'll just phone Gabbie, alright love? She'll totally understand,"

"Ha, I'm not a kid, Stell. I can handle it. Plus, I don't wanna annoy her about it-"

"Gabbie will understand! Don't think about it too hard, you deserve a break from grocery stores anyway. I love you too much to let you risk your mental health for us. You understand, right?"

"Yeah, okay. Thanks," I smile unenthusiastically. Does everyone here know about my episode? Maybe I should make up an excuse so I don't make things awkward later. I am pretty loose when I'm high, what if I overshare and they don't want to hang out with me anymore? I can't have that happen.

"Hey Stell, I think I'm gonna-"

The doorbell rings again, it's Emi with a freshly plum-dyed hairdo. Looking literally like a purple emo goddess. I recognize the friend behind her, a little taller than Emi, peachy complexion and a blushing smile. It's... Georgia? What? No. How? It's been like a day, how is this a thing? How is she here? Shit, what do I say? I need to hide my face.

"Yoooo, y'all ready to fucking blaze?" Daria exclaims towards the door. Emi blinks and takes a second to respond,

"Yes, I am,"

"Haha same here, thanks for having me guys uh- RUBY HEY!"

Georgia hurdles herself towards me and tackles me to the couch. My face is hot and a grin sprouts onto my face. Do I hug her back?

"Uh, thanks for the cookie the other day..."

"Of course hun, I was serious about wanting to get to know you! And uh- I'm really glad you're here," she grins. Her smile is so pretty. Do I invite her to sit next to me?

"Hey, can we talk?" I blurt.

"Yeah, anything!"

"Did you.... Ask me out, because you liked me?" I don't make eye contact.

"Duhh, I wouldn't have given you my number if I didn't," she grabs my hand, I flinch. "I know I don't know you yet, but don't doubt yourself, okay? Whoever hurt you, they're gone now. I'd love to help you heal, whether you're ready for a relationship or not. I'm here for you Ruby,"

I'm at a loss for words, I want to kiss her. But that's ruined so many things in the past. I should wait for the girl of my dreams, I hold her hand in return. I can recover, I just need to forget about girls. Really pretty girls.

"O-okay," I stammer. Georgia smiles and squeezes my hand.

"Ready to get high as hell then?"

I wipe my watery eyes and respond,

"Fuck yeah,"