unsolved disappearances » otis and ruby

Part 25

With the confirmation of Ruby being back in Moordale, it didn't take long for both Eric and Anwar to spread the news. It meant that there were a lot of rumours, although I was hopeful when I had been invited to Ruby's parent's house.

It was just a simple invitation where I thought we would discuss if the child was mine, to begin with, and what plans she had once the child was born. My mother was invited along so the parents could also help with the final decision. 

So my mother and I arrive at the Matthews' house after school on Monday. We were welcomed at the door by her mother Dona. "Thank you." My mother says entering the house where Ruby was sat at with her father, she looked anxious. Noah was nowhere to be seen in the living room.

"Please, take a seat," Dona suggests as I take a seat next to Ruby. "Now, we thought we could discuss what the children would like do to, as far as parenting would go." She turns to Ruby.

"Well, this is awkward. I didn't even get the chance to congratulate Otis on being a father." Ruby admits. "But I'm happy to announce that I am twenty weeks pregnant, I find out the gender next week and I have decided that I want to keep the baby."

I nod, taking in the information. "Of course, this decision is my own. Otis, you do have the choice to back away." Ruby adds to her explanation. "I know it's not every guy's dream to have a child at eighteen."

"It's a shock," I admit. "As I have said in the past if this situation were to occur, of course, I would've been there to support you no matter the circumstances. I would just request that anything going forward would be at the discretion of both of us."

"Of course, you are the father," Ruby confirms.

"Are you sure?" My mother barges into the conversation, earning a ride stare from me.

"Yes, I was not with another partner at the time, nor since," Ruby explains, her cheeks turning red as she discusses her sex life. The mention did make my own cheeks flare as I had the lasting memory enter my mind.

"It's going better than expected. Shall we leave the kids to discuss?" Roland suggests as the adults decide to talk in the living room, leaving Ruby and me to sit next to each other at the table.

We awkwardly smile at each other. "So where's Noah?" I ask.

"Probably on a hike or stalking some girls," Ruby explains. "Maybe even hunting down a McDonalds."

If that were the case, Noah wouldn't be in luck. "So...are you guys...?" I trail off, although Ruby could understand what I was asking.

"Just friends." She states. "I wouldn't date a man-child like him!" She pauses. "How's Maeve? I hear she's back in town."

"Same story as you, just friends." He explains. "Just didn't think it would work out romantically."

Ruby nods, not sure how to respond. "Sorry to hear that, it seemed like you guys had an on, off relationship." She states.

"I suppose that was the problem, we both never stated our feelings at the right time so we fall for other people. Get jealous of those partners and end up hurting each other in some way." I explain. "We'd forgive each other again and the pattern would just repeat itself."

"That's a fair judgement, being screwed around isn't worth it," Ruby adds. "From my perspective, Maeve just isn't sure what she wants, she had such a tough upbringing and that made her push people away, so when someone annoying comes along and doesn't leave it's hard not to fall for the Otis charm."

"The Otis charm?" I ask, feeling cocky.

Ruby rolls her eyes. "You're annoying Otis, you insert yourself into someone's life and make them open up about tough subjects. Yet you do give good advice and the sex wasn't too bad I suppose." She explains.

I still felt a bit cocky.

"I just should've remembered protection," I comment looking down at her stomach.

"It takes two people to create a child dimwit. We're both at fault." She sighs. "I don't regret it though, being away from home gave me the clarity I needed. To this day I still don't hate you for not loving me or even when I saw you kissing Maeve."

The mention of that, made my smile fall. "Am I allowed to do the constant apology thing now?" 

"No," Ruby says quickly. "All you can do is take responsibility and be a father. With a start attending my scan next week to find out the gender." 

That felt like an important moment I thought I would just get told about in text communication. "Are you sure you wouldn't want your mum there?" I ask.

"She has work and Noah flies back to New Zealand, due to just a short holiday period." She explains. "You have to put on your dad pants now."

"Yes, I'll start researching lame dad jokes and figure out how ridiculous I look in cargo shorts," I comment, making Ruby burst out with laughter. "I am terrible cooking on a BBQ though."

Ruby shakes her head still laughing. "I don't want any drama from now on Otis." Ruby requests. "So you need to make up your mind about Maeve because as annoying as you are I do want you to be a part of my child's life. I don't need jealous girlfriends involved."

"Things are clear between Maeve and me, she actually has been avoiding me lately," I explain.

"Because you guys made out at a party?" Ruby asks, the colour drains from my face. "You know my friends may be assholes but they are honest. I also know how Maeve feels about me."

"I'll talk to her," I suggest.

"Let me know whether my child is having a stepmother or not," Ruby says a smirk on her face. "that would be much appreciated."