unsolved disappearances » otis and ruby

Part 20

I knew the day I left Moordale, the return would be a shitstorm. 

After much negotiating with an egotistical man-child, who didn't take no for an answer. I was forced back on a flight to Europe. Since the contract with my employer was stationed in France I would be returning there to thank them for the opportunity. 

However, I wasn't alone. I dragged Noah along for the long trip. 

The truth was I was terrified to return to Moordale. I didn't want to go alone.

The flights were more enjoyed than my flights there as I was able to enjoy the meals, rather than throwing up the contents of my stomach. Yet looking down at my stomach I was shown a small developed bump, thankfully the size I was able to hide with baggy shirts and jumpers. "Okay, so if we run into Eric, can I confess my undying love for him?" Noah asks, lightening the mood when we were travelling through security after our last flight from Singapore. 

"You can do whatever the hell you want to." I calm. "Just be prepared that Eric will become attached."

My facial expressions don't amuse Noah as we finally retrieve our luggage before setting off for the accommodation, where we would be staying the night. "Wow, Paris," Noah comments looking out the taxi window. "The city of lights."

I roll my eyes at his amusing commentary before we arrive at the hotel. It was a big upgrade from the budget motel I previously stayed at. 

I set my bag on the bed, we had chosen a double room with two twin beds. So there would be no awkwardness about the accommodation. Noah was all about saving every cent. "So did you organize to pick up your rat?" Noah asks looking out the window at the view of the city.

Scoffing at the boy, I throw a pillow in his direction. "Baby is not a rat." 

"See, Beast isn't such a different name for your human baby." Noah jokes.

Again, I roll my eyes at his suggestion. "We are picking Baby up before we catch the train to London. Just be prepared to travel under the ocean." I explain.

Noah and I ventured out into the city for the afternoon, he wanted to see the tourist attractions he had only seen in movies. I was amused as he wanted to order many friend pastries before we arrived at the office building of my employer. 

I instruct Noah to wait inside as I go in with a small gift for Sally. It was only a quick meeting as she had a rather busy day. I thanked her for the opportunity to work abroad. 

It changed my life, in many ways. Made me ready to face the next scary challenge of motherhood. All while still deciding what my future held.

Walking back out, I see Noah had eaten all his sweets and he was rather relaxed when I found him. "You're such a child!" I exclaim walking out of the office building which freaks Noah out.

He comes out running after me. "My mother warned you." He says shrugging as I speed walk back to the train station that would take us back to the hotel. "I got a little carried away, I'm sorry."

He has a pout on his face, expecting me to forgive him. "I can't stay mad at that horrible face, you're letting me get good practice in for my own child," I say joking.

"I'm multi-talented." He says dramatically bowing as we wait for the next train to arrive. 

My smile fades from my face, thinking of what tomorrow was going to bring. It wouldn't be until around sunset that I would arrive back in my childhood town. Many people there believed I was dead, I feared their reactions. "Tomorrow will be okay Ruby," Noah assures me putting a supportive arm around my shoulder. "If anyone has a problem, I'll kick their ass."

I turn back to look at him seriously. "Or let Eric fuck you up the ass," I say, making his face drain of colour. "You might like it, don't knock it until you try it, Noah."

"Yep, not happening," Noah says suddenly, pushing me on the train when it arrives.