The Path to Hue

Part XXIV

I grab my backpack and head to the Quad, that's where Sunny texted for us to meet and I'm beyond excited. I settle onto a bench and browse for costume ideas. If I am gonna ask someone to the dance, I think I should have some costumes in mind. Maybe Disney? Maybe that's too cliché, would Sky be into that? Heh, assuming she'd even want to go with me. Maybe she's moved onto some cute artsy person. Of course I see her in runway class, but we don't talk whatsoever. Especially since Violet left our group. There's no way she still wants me back.

"Hello sunshine!" Sunny exclaims from the other side of the quad. Most people would be embarrassed, but I'm so happy to be her friend again. I smile and shuffle to meet her.

"Hey Sunny, still up for boba? I'm honestly a little hungry,"

"Omg me too! How about we go get some In-N-Out instead? Better for our wallets too," she says with a pout. I nod in agreement. She grabs my arm and we head to my car in front of the school.

"Hey, can I ask you something?" I say as my car merges onto the street.

"Sure, anything!"

"So, you know how Emerald is holding that Halloween party next Saturday?"

"Yes? Haha, what about it? Are you thinking of asking someone?"

I shyly avert my eyes and she gasps in delight,

"RUBY OH MY GOODNESS TELL ME EVERYTHING! IS IT SKY?"

"Agh! I'm driving! But,, yeah. I mean- most likely. I'm also thinking of asking Georgia-"

"Georgia Bloom? Omg Ruby I had no idea," she holds her jewelry covered hand in front of her face, "Did something happen with Skyler? Besides... Colin I mean-"

"Uh, just her asking for space. But considering it's been a month, maybe that period is over? I don't know, you know I overthink everything,"

"Yeah, I was the same when I asked Poppy to the party-"

I choke and nearly cause a crash.

"You asked Poppy to the Halloween Party???"

"Oh, should I not have? Or was this just unexpected?"

"Completely unexpected!! When did you two become a thing?"

"Well, we all know Poppy's been... distracted. And with Bella finding out, along with her and Jade's 2 year anniversary, it hasn't been too comfy. I helped her get her mind off it this past month. Anything I could: boba dates, thrifting and movie nights. Then it turns out... we're actually really good together. We don't have a label on our relationship, but we're taking it slow," she smiles, "I really want her to be my girlfriend,"

"Sunny, that's great news!! I'm so happy for you two!! There's no way she'd say no- WAIT, what are you guys dressing up for the party?"

"Oh we're just gonna be Velma and Daphne from Scooby-Doo. Pretty low-key but she suggested it and I fell in love with it!"

"That's so awesome, I can't wait to see. I still have no idea who I'm going with, it all depends on who I take,"

"I think you should decide soon Rubes, it's this Saturday. It's kinda selfish to wait until the last minute, don't you think?"

I sigh, she's not wrong.

"Ooh, I see it in the distance! I'm beyond hungry Ruby! I think I could go for a combo number two. I love lemonade with my food..." I breathe out in relief. I'm glad she immediately got distracted, I know I should be making my decision soon. I didn't need to hear it again.

-

"Mm this smells so good! Oh shoot! I should've grabbed a burger for Poppy! Can you pull over! I'm gonna head in real quick Ruby! Can I ask you to stay here and wait?" Sunny exclaims with her puppy-eyes.

"I don't mind, I'll wait right here,"

"Thank youuu! I'll be right back!" She runs off, her candy-jewelry jingling around her wrists. I don't mind waiting, I can start eating a few fries in the meantime.

*knock knock*

"Huh?"

"Ruby, hey! So funny to see you here! Me and Gabriella were just picking up some burgers for the gang. Wanna join?"

"Oh, hey Georgia. Um, I'm actually hanging out with Sunny, I thought I mentioned that in class today," I awkwardly laugh.

"That's cool! Sunny's welcome too if you change your mind! It's just be at Stella's place again. We do need to work on our project too,"

"I'll think about it..."

"For sure hun! No pressure. I hope to see you there, I do wanna talk to you about something-"

"Why don't we just talk about it now? You keep mentioning it and my anxious mind cannot take it. You understand, right?"

She leans against my window and motions a hand towards Gabriella telling her to wait up. I can only wonder what she wants to talk about.

"So, it's about Emerald's Halloween party. I was... thinking. And I'd really love to ask you out, officially. To the party I mean, we can figure out if we wanna become an item later-"

"Ha, that party? I had no idea Emerald was throwing one! I think I might have plans on Saturday. My... parents- Yeah! They wanna see me, crazy. I haven't seen them since the beginning of the semester. I'm so sorry, but I.... I can see what I can do. Yeah, yeah. I'll keep you posted! For sure!"

"Uh, okay. Just lemme know Ruby. I'd really love to be your date, text me yeah?"

"Totally," I say, forcing a smile. She waves and walks back to Gabriella's giant truck. I realized I don't want to be with Georgia. Like at all. She was a great distraction, but not someone I connect to. Not as much as Skyler. I can see that now. I should ask her. Right now. But what would I tell Georgia? She's gonna be at the party. Shit.

"I got the burgers!" Sunny says bursting into the car, "Ruby what's wrong? You look paler than usual,"

"Georgia came by right now, she asked me to the dance-"

"Isn't that good news? Now you don't have to choose, right?"

"When she asked me, all I could think about was Syler. I know I want her. It's always been her."

"Then let's go to her! She should be at the dorms, I got something for her too,"

"Really?" I say, starting to tear up.

"Yes! We'll get your princess, now let's go Ruby! Also, I bet our food is getting cold too,"

-

"Poppyyyyy, Skylerrrrrr! I'm back! And I have brought the best burgers you will ever have!"

"Rockin! I'm so hungry, I didn't get to have breakfast this morning,"

"Poppyyyyy," Sunny groans, "I set muffins out for a reason, sad face emoji."

"I know! I just forgot, it won't happen again." Poppy says, pecking her cheek, "Oh and Skyler's just finishing up in the shower. She had practice today-"

"Practice?" I interject.

"Oh hey Ruby! Yeah, I don't know if she told you, but she's on the tennis team now. She's great!"

"That's really cool," Yeah. Really cool how she hadn't even updated me on her life.

"Hey Sunny, thank you for the- Ruby.... Hey...."