unsolved disappearances » otis and ruby

Part 38

The incident at school meant I had been suspended for a period of a week. With a celebration, I had finished my end of year examinations I thought I would be able to relax in the rare sunshine covering Moordale. This was predicted to be wrong.

My mother had demanded me to engage in many reservations around the house, to give her partner Jakob a hand. I was clearly not skilled at such demanding labour, however, it was more pleasant than the constant disappointment drawn on my mother's face. 

While I was helping Jakob to put a fresh coat of paint on the outside of the house, he had decided to start small chat. "So how long until your child is here?" He asks me, focusing his attention on the work at hand.

I am left speechless. "A...a couple of months left," I say, my words stumbling.

"The mother seems...to be a nice girl," Jakob comments awkwardly. "Very headstrong reminds me of your mother at times."

Did Jakob seriously just try to relate Ruby to my mother? That is disgusting in its own right. He must've noticed the disgust in my face. "I mean personality-wise." He deflects his words. "It means your child will have a positive influence." 

I just nod my head to his words. "Are you planning to work full time at the grocery store to support your child?" Jakob asks. He had always been a man that had provided for his own daughter.

"My mum is still pressuring me to consider university first, with a part-time job on the side. Although I feel like I am young enough that I could take time off and provide for my child before going off to study." I suggest.

The suggestion impresses Jakob. "You're a smart boy Otis, you will make the right decision. Just remember the people surrounding you will only suggest what they think is the best action to take." He explains. "I also convinced your mother to have an afternoon shopping with Joy, the house is free for you to enjoy an afternoon with your peers."

Jakob begins to pack up his belongings. "I only ask there are no parties." His tone is strict.

"Wait, you're leaving me home alone and I could hold a gathering?" I ask, wanting him to be clear.

"I think you need to take the time to plan the upcoming future for your child. Maybe you need the perspective of the mother and your friends with their guidance." He explains. "I'll be back with your mother just after seven."

With that understanding, I had invited Ruby over to my house, although there was a lingering space between us. I had been forced not to communicate with anyone as my mother had taken my phone as punishment. That meant when Jakob had returned my cellphone, I had many unread texts from Ruby.

Many with snarky texts wondered why I hadn't been replying to her. I decide to give her a call. She picks up after three rings. "Well if it isn't the cocky man that feels it's best to ignore the girl he's knocked up." She greets sarcastically. Making me laugh.

"Hello to you too, Baby Mumma. Do tell me you haven't sent our child away yet." I say, using her tone.

I could imagine her rolling her eyes at my suggestion. "Only Otis Milburn would suspect such a harsh thing. Did mummy take your cellphone?" She asks from the other end of the line.

"You would be correct dear, I also happen to have the house to myself if someone would like to join me for movies," I suggest.

"That's a tough offer, I would've thought Eric would've been the first person to call." She mentions, making me puff air frustrated. "Although I do think I deserve a conversation on your recent actions, daddy."

The mention of the word daddy sent my hormones flying. I had to tell my brain it was because of our daughter who was developing in her womb, not some dirty sex nickname she wanted to use. "I'll get my parents to drop me off shortly." She mentions this before we end our call.

I had to make the house more presentable for her.