unsolved disappearances » otis and ruby

Part 5

Otis POV

The weeks seemed to blur together, a lot had happened in such a short time. My classmates managed to pull together a scheme to get our new Principal Hope fired from her job at Moordale Secondary. I now had a sibling that would keep my mother up for hours at a time in the evening.

Then there was Maeve who had left Moordale for schooling in America. Not without a parting kiss before she left on the bus, where I saw her off into the darkness. I would miss her, just at the point where I thought there would be a chance for romance between us.

Also included in the chaos was the absence of Ruby in the school corridors, without her followers by her side. Her perfect appearance had been missed by the other students who looked up to her with envy, they either hated Ruby or wanted to be her. According to Olivia, who Eric overhead in their science classroom, Ruby had gone AWOL.

When the weekend finally rolled around, I was able to relax on the back deck. I had invited Eric over to enjoy the rare sunshine that was above. Eric was flipping through a beauty magazine and I was reading the local newspaper when there was a knock at the door.

My mother walks over, with Joy in her arms with the sight of two police officers asking permission to step inside. I was able to overhear their conversation, with Eric intrigued at the mystery of their visit. "Hello Ma'am." They greet my mother. "We need to just ask your son Otis Milburn a few questions regarding a fellow student who has been reported missing."

My mother Jean invites the pair of officers into our home, they both venture over to the deck where Eric and I look at each other in confusion. "Afternoon boys, I'm officer Bryce and this is my colleague Officer Troy, we just need to ask you both a few questions regarding a student at your school." Officer Bryce informs both of us. "We were given your contact information from the parents of the student."

"Who's gone missing?" Eric asks.

"Ruby Matthews, we understand there was a romantic relationship between yourself and Miss Matthew's correct?" Officer Bryce asks me.

I confirm the question, confused on why Ruby would go missing. Had she been kidnapped? "When was the last time you were in contact with Miss Matthews?"

I think for a brief moment. "The last time I spoke to her was a week and a half ago on a school trip," I answer honestly. "I tried texting her a couple of times but I've got no responses."

Officer Troy is the next to speak. "Miss Matthew's phone was located just on the boundary of Moordale." He informs us both. "Have either of you got any information why Miss Matthew's would suddenly disappear?"

"No idea," Eric speaks up. "That's really unlike her." 

I agree with Eric's statement. "The only people I know that would have more information are her friends Olivia and Anwar," I answer.

I see them writing down in their notebooks. "Has Ruby been kidnapped?" Eric asks.

"There is not much information we can give out right away, we are theorizing that Miss Matthew has decided to flee town. She left in her vehicle and many important documents were taken with her, including her dog." Officer Troy explains. 

I take in the information. "I know she took the break up between us hard." I offer to the police officers. 

They thank us for our time. "We will be back if we need any more information. If you do hear from Miss Matthews' please contact us." Officer Bryce hands me a card before farewelling us and leaving my home.

Eric turns to me. "Well isn't that odd." He comments.

"I hope Ruby is okay," I reply.