unsolved disappearances » otis and ruby

Part 31

"So is uncle Eric getting a nephew or a niece?" Eric asks as we sit down to eat at a lunch table. I notice Maeve sitting on the opposite side of the cafeteria, sitting by herself. 

Turning back to Eric I fire a warning look in his direction. "Ruby decided to keep the gender a secret," I comment, eating the sandwich I had purchased from the canteen. 

There is a pout present on Eric's face. "No matter, I'll be the best uncle the child could ever ask for!" He announces, just as we're interrupted by the tall figure of Adam standing over us. There are mixed emotions displayed on Eric's face, Adam was his ex-boyfriend after all.

"Hi," Adam says out of the awkward silence between us. "I heard Ruby was back, can you give this to her?" He holds up a brown paper bag.

"Sure," I say unsure as Adam shoves the bag onto the table, it crumbles at the top before Adam gives one final look and walks off out of the cafeteria. 

"That was weird," Eric notes, grabbing the bag out of curiosity. He pulls out a stuffed dog toy the represented the small dog that came attached to Ruby, Baby. "How fitting, along with a baby onesie with pictures of the lovely dog."

"It was a kind gesture," I say shrugging, perhaps there was more in the friendship between Adam and Ruby than the once we had hung out on a double date. "I'm sure Ruby would appreciate it."

"She appreciates my gift the most, your child will have to have a favourite uncle." He announces before Anwar walks over with Olivia and takes the seats on either side of Eric.

"What did Adam want?" Anar asks, unpacking his own lunch, Olivia doing the same motion.

"Brought a present for Ruby's baby." Eric answers, I remain silent on their conversation. It was clear Anwar was slightly jealous that Adam would still casually talk to Eric. "I guess he didn't want to go to the baby shower."

I look confused. "Baby shower?" I ask.

Anwar gives a glare towards Eric. "You didn't tell the baby's father about the baby shower?" Eric shakes his head, claiming it slipped his mind. "We're hosting a surprise baby shower for Ruby, to make up for a few mistakes."

I could see the guilty look on Olivia's face, she was the one that had caused Ruby to run off in the first place. "We just wanted to do something nice, maybe Ruby would even reveal the gender."

I nod, taking in the information. "It's this Saturday," Eric explains.

"Crap, I have a double shift on Saturday." I converse, almost forgetting about my upcoming work schedule. I had taken on a few more hours to help boost my savings account, my mother keeps informing me that children are expensive investments. Work also gives me a break from the constant lectures I receive. 

"Well I'm sure Ruby will understand, it's not like you two are in a relationship after all," Anwar says, giving me a judging look. "I can send her your best wishes if you want."

"I'll tell her." I offer.

"Otis, it's a surprise!" Olivia reflects on the fact it was a surprise party for her. This is why I tried to remain silent when the Untouchables approached Eric and me. I always said stupid things, especially in moments of panic. "It will be fine without you there."

I nod in understanding as the trio discuss the party plans. This meant I was able to zone out, this was how they were able to plan the party without me taking notice of it. 

Once I was finally able to venture home, I see my mother playing with my sister Joy in the living room. "Did you have a good day at school darling?" She calls out to me as I throw my bag on the ground and open the fridge to find a snack to eat.

"It was fine," I mumble finding some yoghurt to have before I would have to attend my shift at the grocery store. "Did you know about the baby shower they were hosting for Ruby?"

"Yes, Eric invited me and I said I would think about it. Why?" She asks.

"Just curious why you would be suggesting picking up more hours with work so suddenly. Is there something you were planning to ruin?" I ask, there was bitterness in my words.

My mother shakes her head. "Don't be silly darling, I know I have come off as col to the fact my son will be having his own child very soon. But I am beginning to accept it and I feel if I have a civil relationship with the mother then I will be able to have a good relationship with my grandchild." She explains. "This suggestion of you working more is to afford the costs that come with raising a child."

"I guess I will have to believe you this time." I mutter.