unsolved disappearances » otis and ruby

Part 32

Ruby's POV

I had always left it a secret where I resided. In the past, I had been embarrassed about the horrible situation my father had to face, so if no one knew about it. It wasn't something that should bother me in my social life.

Now my address had been uncovered to Eric, for the stupid party that had been planned in my honour. It was just to glaze over the fact that my former best friend Olivia had betrayed my trust and turned on me. Although that was a fact I would have to butter up to appear respectable since my friends had invited my parents.

I had chosen a floral green dress to wear that had long sleeves that covered my arms from being exposed to the wind outside. Although I had accustomed myself for many years to wear heels, I had decided to wear some sandals my mother had gifted me many Christmas' ago and never wore. My hair was curled with half of it braided away from my face and I wore a usual makeup look many of my former classmates were used to.

I didn't want to let my followers down, I was still the same person. Pregnancy isn't something that drastically changes everything about the woman.

"So no pink or blue to give us any clues on the gender?" The sudden voice of Eric scares me as he enters my bedroom, the shock causing my hands to fall off my stomach. "Sorry, Otis couldn't be here to celebrate."

I offer a fake smile, there was a twinge of hurt since I knew Otis couldn't attend. "Is everything set up yet?" I ask the boy, who stands there wearing a gold dress shirt and black dress trousers with sneakers on his feet. "I am starving!"

"Of course, follow me. We don't want the little one to starve." Eric explains offering his hand for me to take. I just look at him confused as he drops it, instructing me to follow his instructions. "You are going to love what Anwar has planned for this afternoon!"

The drive with my parents and Eric is short. I had to inform Eric that the moment my father starts being uncomfortable we would be returning home. I didn't want him to suffer at the expense of a lame baby shower. He agreed with my request as we arrive at a large grass field, where I see a big group of people standing in the middle where a tent had been set up and decorated with balloons in both blue and pink colours. "Isn't it beautiful?" Eric asks.

"Yes," I say exiting the car, keeping my eyesight on the food that was displayed on the table in the background. "Where to first?" I ask the nervousness returning to me.

"I promised Otis that I would be there to support you, not just gaining brownie points on becoming the favourite uncle," Eric explains, offering his arm as we follow my mother pushing my father in a wheelchair to where the party is. "Otis is really sorry he can't be here."

I turn to Eric with a smile. "I understand, he has work commitments," I reply. "Thank you for supporting me, it will be tough to face everyone after so long. Everything has changed."

"Anything you need, just let me know," Eric says patting my arm as we reach the group of people. I am met with the faces of Anwar and Olivia, standing proudly at their creation.

"Ruby it's so good to see you!" Olivia says with a smile and pulls me in for a hug. "You look so stunning!"

"Thanks," I mutter, pulling away from her with a smile. "Thank you for this party, Anwar."

"Anything for my girl." He says with a wink, pulling me in for a hug. "Shall we get started on the party games?"

From there I am led through the festivities of the party, they had created various games for all the guests to enjoy. Many of whom were enjoying the wine that was on offer. I had to settle for the fruit juice. "So Ruby, is it strange getting knocked up before finishing high school?" A former classmate asks, it was clear the wine had already gone to their small brains. "Especially with Otis Milburn!" That causes her friend to laugh.

"At least I got action, unlike you two," I say smirking and walking off to the dessert table. I had a terrible craving for something sweet. There at the table was Otis' mother Jean Milburn. I wonder what mood she had chosen today. "Afternoon Mrs Milburn."

"Hi, Ruby, such a wonderful party." She muses. "Lots of goodies for you to open later." She turns to the table that had many gifts for my daughter displayed. "I'm so sorry Otis couldn't be here."

"It's alright, he's offered to take me for ice cream when he's finished work," I mention, which causes Jean to sigh.

"I think he forgot he was on duty to babysit Joy tonight. I have plans with a friend." She says.

I let out a defeated sigh. "I suppose it can happen another day," I whisper, before grabbing a piece of cake. 

"You are awfully young to be having a child, didn't you have plans for a career?" Jean asks, making me put down my slice of chocolate cake.

I nod m head. "It can just happen later," I reply, confused. She was a hard woman to understand. "Sometimes life just gives you challenges you have to overcome."

"Yes." there is a bitter laugh added. "You just happen to be pregnant with my grandchild when my own son is wanting to throw away his future education for you. I never wanted this for Otis."

It seemed like a warning was going to be added. "Ruby, one small slip up and I'll make sure you never have any form of contact with your child. It might be beneficial in the end so you would be able to focus on a career than a child."

"What the fuck?" I ask in disbelief. "Are you threatening to take my child away?"

"Just think of it as a compromise, I would take custody until the time is right. That meant that both you and Otis can go be successful in your own fields." She explains.

"And want makes you think you can succeed in taking my baby away? I've not forced this on Otis, he's the one that chose to step up to be a father in the first place!"

Jean lets out a sigh. "It wasn't the right choice."