unsolved disappearances » otis and ruby

Part 30

"Look at this cute outfit Noah brought," Ruby says holding up a black baby onesie, that featured long sleeves and a white-collar. It was a piece of merchandise for the local national rugby team for New Zealand. "He reckons they're the best rugby team in the world and give the best luck to any child that wears it."

"Interesting theory," I comment, lazily hanging my body on the edge of Ruby's bed as she sorts through the small amount of clothing she had been gifted for our daughter from her friends and family. "Although still a lot better than the shirt that is covered in Eric's face."

There is a shudder in Ruby, as she picks up the shirt Eric had ordered online. "She's only wearing it once, that is to his house." She says throwing the shirt towards me. "Then it's being thrown out."

I roll my eyes, folding the shirt, laughing at the grin Eric had plastered on the shirt in a collage. "It could've been nudes," I mention, making a shocked expression on her face. 

"Eric would be banned!" Ruby says, rubbing a hand on the belly in front of her that stuck out as she crossed her legs under her body. "I know he is just trying to behave to try and get into Noah's DM's again."

There is a short laugh that escapes my mouth. "Just like Noah is begging for the number of my bitchy friend's, friend," I add which causes Ruby to roll her eyes. 

"I am doing Aimee a huge favour and not giving her that information, Noah is a strange man. Although mentally he remained a twelve year old." She explains as she feels a jolt in her stomach area. "That's weird." She comments placing a hand over the area where she felt a jolt.

She looks up at me, as I look concerned. Was there something wrong with the baby?

"I think she's kicking." Ruby ushers me to join her side, as she grabs my hand and directs it in the area she felt the kick. As soon as my hand makes contact I feel pressure against my hand, a small kick. "Isn't that cute?"

I look at Ruby which a huge grin, as both my hands feel the area as the baby's movements are felt by both Ruby and me. "She's a strong one." Ruby comments, which I agree with. 

There is a moment where both Ruby and I realise we were just inches away from each other. It was the closest we had been since the day we conceived our daughter. My body urged to be closer to Ruby's lips, wanting to show her the happiness I felt about the situation, as I felt the gap slowly closing between us.

Then the door is slammed open.

There stood my mother, her hands crossed against her chest. "Darling are you ready to go home?" She asks as I pull away from Ruby. My confidence turns to awkwardness as I rise to my feet. "See you next time Ruby, I also left some newborn clothing in the lounge for you to sort through." 

"Thank you," Ruby says, a smile present on her face but I could see the faintly flushed cheeks as I awkwardly wave in her direction as I follow my mother out. "Bye Otis," Ruby calls with a giggle on the end.

We both farewell Ruby's parents, before we exit towards the car. My mother pauses unlocking the car to look at me. There was a look of concern on her face. "Otis, darling you're not falling into a relationship with Ruby?" She asks.

"Mum!" I defend myself, it wasn't her business what I did in my life. I was recently an adult, I could make my own mistakes. "You just interrupted a moment, we're not suddenly falling into a relationship."

"Good." She unlocks the door. "Co-parting is a good choice but confusing the situation with a relationship is a different game." She gets into the car. I follow her actions.

"Is that why you're so happy with Jakob?" I ask, which earns a stern glare from my mother. "You haven't even told him."

"It is a different situation." My mother retorts. "You need to focus on getting into university and working out the balance to become a father, it was the deal for me providing your financial assistance for the duration of your studies."

We already had this argument. "Well my dad thinks I should take some time to earn more money and bond with my child," I explain the recent phone call where I had informed him she was going to be a grandfather.

There is a pause from my mother, there had been a lot of conflict between both my parents since they separated. "Because your father surely has all the answers, since he was always there for you growing up!"

I let out a sigh. "Hee's made mistakes but maybe my child will be able to bring the family to have some sort of peace. He's excited to travel back home to meet my child." I explain.

"Don't get your hopes up too much, you know how many times your father has abandoned you. Just because you knocked up your ex-girlfriend doesn't mean he's suddenly going to change his ways and become the grandfather of the year!" My mother explains as we drive off into the direction of our home.