unsolved disappearances » otis and ruby

Part 17

Otis POV

Things in Moordale rapidly changed. The same day that Maeve arrived back in town was the same day that the local police announced that they were closing the case on Ruby's disappearance. Due to the family's decision to not disclose any information to the public, no one was able to get the answers.

Ruby had become the talk of the town, a gossip that became addicting. Because where does the most popular girl in her high school decide to run off to? Why would she not return after the abortion of the child? 

Most importantly, did they find the body?

That was the conclusion I drew as I caught up at a local cafe with both Maeve and Eric as she discusses her school experience. Yet she was glad she was back the day that they made the announcement about Ruby's case. "So Eric, Otis told me you're convinced Ruby is still alive under another alias." Maeve turns her attention to Eric.

"I found a profile online and it happens to feature a few photos with a girl that looks like Ruby," Eric says pulling out his phone and opening the profile that belonged to Noah Baker. 

"Wow, it's scary that someone else in the world looks like Ruby," Maeve comments looking at the photo. "But the smile is way too genuine to be her."

"The girl has a nice looking arm candy doesn't she?" Eric asks which Maeve agrees with. "He's rude though, doesn't answer my questions."

"Guys are rude. They always leave you on read." Maeve adds turning to look at me. "Want to explain Milburn?"

I clear my throat. "I've been busy, I got a small job as there has been a lot of homework assigned by my classes," I explain. "Plus my mum's been asking me to do a lot more babysitting with Joy."

"Well, I'll take your word for it. I'm just glad to be home and everything back to normal." Maeve says as we continue to finish our chosen drinks.

Eric makes the excuse he needed to be home early. That left Maeve wanting to join me for a walk towards my own home. "You seemed a bit tense talking about Ruby before." She starts the conversation. "She'll be at peace wherever she has ended up."

"It's sad I suppose, it was my first girlfriend and she's probably dead along with my unborn child," I say, genuinely feeling upset about the subject.

"Otis, Ruby slept around a lot. It could've been someone else's baby for all we know." She reminds me. "Her record was like seven guys in two weeks."

"So all she will be known for is the many guys she slept with and how much she liked to torment people?" I ask, raising my voice. "Not to mention being a teenage mother in her final moments."

"Chill Otis, I'm just joking." Maeve tries to lighten the mood. "Do you still have feelings for Ruby?"

I look at her in disbelief. "I...I...don't know," I say in a quiet voice.

"Judging by that look on your face, you do." She says shaking her head. "And here I was thinking we could pick up where we left off, yet here Otis is still thinking about a dead girl!"

"Wait," I say pausing. "You expected me to wait for you? Would you come running towards another girl if I had started dating her?"

My anger gets the better of me, as I glare towards Maeve making her feel slightly uncomfortable. "No, I get it. Friends always have their moments to be intimate and say things at the time. I just expected too much coming home. A lot of things have changed." She explains looking at the ground below her.

"I just feel like I'm grieving over the possible thought that my unborn child is dead. My mind is fucked with all these outcomes." I explain. "There are so many unanswered questions I want to ask."

"Life isn't going to be kind a lot of the time, but you've had like four months to grieve. You need to accept that Ruby isn't coming back. So all those questions are going to remain answered unless you summon her soul." She explains.

I had to accept the words that Maeve was speaking were true. "I'm sorry for getting mad at you Maeve." I apologise to her. "Just felt like today was just more bad news."

"I understand, and I'd be happy to listen to any rants you have." She says grabbing my hand for support. "Friends listen to all those demons that run through our minds, otherwise we'd go batshit crazy."

I thank her before farewelling her.

I decide to have some space from people so I was able to calm down. I went on another route home, finding myself walking towards the former home that belonged to Ruby.

When I'm standing outside I let out a deep breath as I muster the courage to knock on the door. I thought I would offer any help to her father Roland, who I knew was a good man who just had a terrible disease ruin his life. "It's open!" I hear the familiar deep voice as I let myself inside.

Closing the door behind me Rolan is slouched on the couch, shocked that I was standing there. "Well if it isn't the famous Otis." He states. "What can I do for you?"

"I just wanted to come and give my colendences for Ruby, I heard they had finished their investigation." I explain as Roland orders me to sit on the couch opposite to him.

He pauses for a minute to think of his next words. "Oh right, yes. I'ts been a terrible situation." He states. "I miss my little pumpkin everyday, I just hope she is resting in peace."

"So do I." I agree with his statement.

"And the baby." He states nodding his head. "You would've made a great dad!"