Author's Note

Hey guys! I'm back with another chapter. This time a lot faster than the last. As promised, this chapter is longer than the other. I'm also working on the next chapter so it should be up sometime this month. Also, nine more chapters left until this Act ends.

Thanks for all the views, comments, favorites, and follows. Keep it up you guys are the best. I really appreciate it. Also thanks for those who voted in the poll. To those who haven't voted yet, you guys still have time.

This chapter, Ruby and Cinder have make small talk and other things go on. After this chapter, please review and let me know what you think about it.

Enjoy!

No song for this chapter.

Amnesiac

Chapter 36: Something in the Nothing

"If you want to talk to me about this," she began, "why don't we do it over coffee?"

You have got to be kidding me, I thought.

I didn't trust this woman at all, but if it was the only way to get her to talk, I guess it best to agree to it.

I let go of her and dropped my hands as she just smiled down at me now. I grunted, still trying to think it over.

"Fine," I gave in.

We were now in a damn café talking over a cup of coffee. It was a surprise that I'd find Coco and her friends here minus Sage and Milt. They greeted me and Yatsuhashi was the only who questioned about Ms. Fall. She came up with a good lie before I could say some bullshit. Then, she pulled me to one of the tables in the back, away from them after we got our coffee.

"So what is it that you want to talk about?" she asked, folding her hands on the table, after a sip of her coffee.

"Who are you?" I hissed. I was so damn angry.

Her eyes flickered down to my coffee as if she was going to say something about how I never touched, but then shook her head and smirked.

"You always ask that," she said softly, eyes looking back up at me. "But I guess I have to tell you sooner or later."

I waited impatiently as she took another sip of her coffee.

"Well, I'm Cinder Fall," she started, putting her cup down, "Teaching wasn't my first job. I've worked with the Vale Police Department before this, like Hei."

"Wait Junior was a police officer?!" I asked in disbelief.

She laughed.

"That's what they call him now?" Her laugh died down to a soft chortle. "And no. He wasn't. We worked with them on a case that isn't any of your business and isn't part of this subject. You're mother worked as the chief of the police. Hei and I were close to her. Like her best friends."

My eyebrows furrowed.

"Did Junior know who I was?"

She nodded.

"Of course. That's probably why he cares about you so much." She chortled again. "That's why I…do too."

"You-"

She cut me off before I could tell her that was bullshit.

"During the case, though, your mother had gotten shot. We arrested the culprit but we couldn't save her. It was sad. There was nothing we could do to take you in since your father didn't want you."

Wait what? Didn't want me? My own father didn't want me? That has to be a lie. I couldn't trust this woman. I mean, still though, if he wanted me, then why would I be in those terrible foster homes. Maybe she is right…

"He only stayed with your mother because he had to," she told me before she chuckled again. "He's dead too. Drug and alcohol overdose."

Clenching my fists, I cried, "Then how come I don't remember them? I only remember waking up in the hospital and getting told that I was going to live in this foster home. What happened?"

She shrugged.

"I honestly don't know," she answered, spinning the cup slowly on the table. "I admit that I have seen you when you were younger, but that was only once. You're going to have to ask someone else. I don't think Hei knows either."

"That's just about everything you wanted to know," she continued. "There aren't anymore secrets hidden. Well, for me that is."

"So that's it?"

I stared down at my coffee. I still haven't touched it. There was a burning sensation in my eyes as I started to feel tears fall down my cheeks.

"They're really dead? I never got to experience being in an actual family." I covered my face in my hand. "It isn't fair that I don't remember anything. Everyone else, my friends, have someone. I'm so alone…"

I can't believe that I'm crying in front of her. Someone I hate. She's probably smirking right now like she always does. I took the chance, even though I didn't want to, to peek up from my hand. She was just staring at me with a blank look on her face. I frowned as tears continued to run down my face.

"What?!" I snapped. "Why are you looking at me like that?! Why haven't you said anything yet?"

"I'm sorry," was all she said, with a now worried look on her face.

It was genuine. She really meant it. I hated that. I wanted to really think she was evil but it was hard since she was acting like this. I still can't trust her. I can't trust any of them.

She tried to reach out for me but I quickly rose from my seat and ran out. Coco and the others called after but I didn't stop.

Why did this have to happen to me? Why couldn't I just be happy with a loving family? Why did I have to be some homeless person?

I didn't know how long I was running. I felt like I was being chased. I don't know who I thought was chasing me. Cinder, Coco and the others…the police. I'm such a goddamn mess.

I ended up crying my eyes out at the park. It felt so familiar crying here. I made sure no one saw me.

I don't know if I'll ever be truly happy, I thought.

There was still Blake and the others but…

But what?

It's not enough…

I'm so selfish. I'm just a selfish brat. Always have been. Always will be. I don't deserve any of them. I don't deserve Blake.

"Hey."

I peeked my head up. No one was there. Was I going crazy?

I turned around and saw a tall figure. Looking up, my eyebrows rose.

"Wha…"

Standing above me was Adam. What was he doing here?

"What are you doing here?" he asked.

Frowning, I replied, "I could ask you the same thing."

I wiped my face so I wouldn't embarrass myself, crying in front of him. He walked around the bench so that he was now in front of me.

"There's a short cut here to get back home instead of walking all those blocks," he said. "I saw you just sitting there…looking like a mess."

I end up embarrassing myself anyway. Now that he answered me, I might as well answer him. I don't even care that he hates me anymore.

"Stuff happened so I'm just here," I told him. "Did Blake send you after me or something?"

He shook his head.

"Had to run a few errands." He stuffed his hands in his pockets and went silent for a while, studying me. With a sigh, he said, "I know we aren't on good terms but I'm sorry. I'm not used to people like yo-not used to you being here with us. I don't…hate you. I know I said what I've said but you're not a bad person."

He scratched his head. "I'm not good with this stuff."

I shrugged, replying, "Same here."

"Um, I forgive you though, I guess. I was never really mad at you. Just scared." I told him.

To my surprise, he sat down on the bench next to me.

"Just to let you know, Blake didn't set me up to do this," he said. "I know she hated that I was so rude to you but she never really made me do something like this."

"I see."

"Are you okay?"

I looked up at him again, noticing that I didn't look at him when he sat down. He was staring right back at me, seriously. It was one of his normal expressions he'd make at me but this one had a hint of concern.

"Not really, but it's a long story that I don't feel like telling," I told him.

"I understand."

It got a bit awkward after that so I said, "We should probably get home now. Blake's probably wondering where we are."

He nodded and stood up with me following after. Before I could walk off, he asked, "You know she cares a lot about you, right?"

I looked back at him.

"I mean, the first day I actually saw you was when she carried you all the way at our place with your hand all messed up," he continued. "She was freaking out a lot. It made me wonder how you could affect her like that even though you guys just met. She told me a lot about you even though it made me angry. But, now I can see it. I can see why she likes you so much. Hell, she might even love you. You're different."

My lips curled up into a smile even though he just gave me that regular, blank stare.

"Thank you," I replied.

He just shrugged before saying, "Just don't break her heart…or I'll break you."

And now he's back to being scary.

I just laughed a little and told him that I wouldn't and that I have nothing to be mad about her anyway. His lips pursed as his eyebrows furrowed before he shook his head and went back to his regular look. I wonder what that was about.

"Come on, let's go," he grunted.

I followed him along the shortcut. I felt a little better but it wasn't enough. I still need answers and if Ms. Fall can't give them, I'll have to go to someone else.

Minutes later, we came back home to find Blake finishing up dinner. She turned around with a slight glare on her face, only for it to be replaced with a surprised look.

"Sorry we're late," I said nervously, rubbing the back of my neck.

Adam just nodded, apologizing as well. She was still just standing there, staring at us. I don't blame her though. I'd be surprised too. Maybe even Adam.

"So you both came home together," she finally said.

Adam shrugged and walked into the kitchen. Still stoic as ever. I mentally sighed.

"Yea, pretty much," I replied, walking over to her. "How was your day?"

She cocked an eyebrow but brushed it off.

"Alright. Kind of lonely though with you two."

"Yea, I…ran into a friend that's all." I quickly made my way over to the table where Adam was sitting at.

There was a slight sting in my chest, remembering what happened earlier.

"So, what's for dinner?" I asked.

I was trying my best to act normal, but slowly it was failing. Adam made a quick glance at me to see if I was okay. I hope Blake won't notice something's up.

She didn't, or I at least think she didn't.

"Soup," she answered, before bringing the bowls around.

I stood up, "Let me help you with th-"

"It's fine," she interrupted, now at the table.

She placed the down in front of us, along with the silverware.

Is she mad at us? I thought.

"How was you're day though?" she asked, a small smile appearing on her face.

"G-Good," I stuttered.

She is mad…

Adam nodded in agreement.

"So you two have gotten friendly I see."

We both nodded, too scared to talk now. Now I see why Adam doesn't like it when Blake is mad.

Well, we haven't exactly gotten friendly just had small talk. I'm pretty sure he still doesn't like me even though he told me that he doesn't hate me.

"Is there something that you guys aren't telling me?"

Adam started eating my soup so her eyes went to me. Damn him!

"No, we aren't keeping anything from you," I told her honestly, then started eating my soup.

I never realized Blake was this scary when she was mad.

After we finished dinner, Adam quickly went to his room before Blake could stop him. I, on the other hand, stayed even though I was a little scared. I washed the dishes for her.

She was in the living room, watching TV. After I was finished, I decided to say something.

" Um, Blake?" I called.

She turned.

"Yes Ruby?" she answered. Her voice sounded a bit calm now.

"Are you mad?" I asked, approaching her now.

It took a moment before she answered, "I'm…I'm not mad. I'm just frustrated. You guys didn't do anything wrong. Well, I just need to have a talk with Adam."

Oh, she thinks he did something to me.

"Oh no, Adam didn't do anything wrong," I told her.

"I know."

Oh…

"Oh…well, uh…"

She cut me off.

"Ruby, I need to tell you something. Can you come here?" She patted the spot next to her on the couch.

I gulped.

"Yea sure."

I walked over to the couch and sat down next to her. She turned the TV off. It's scaring me that I don't know what she's thinking.

"Ruby," she started, taking a deep breath. "I, uh…I'm a…um"

My eyebrows rose. She was looking nervous now. I wasn't scared anymore now, but interest instead. What did she want to tell me?

"Blake?" I called.

"I really need to tell you something," she said. "I'm scared that you'll get mad though."

I smiled at her.

"I won't get mad," I replied. "I promise."

"Well I…I…" She took another deep breath. "I love you."

She looked just as surprised as me now. Hold on…she thought I was going to be mad at her for saying that? I basically told her the same thing a couple of days ago.

I could feel my face heating up now. She…really felt that way?

"Really?" I asked.

She opened her mouth then closed it. She shook her head and her surprise look was replaced with a more serious one.

"Yea…really," she answered.

Something flashed across her face but I couldn't tell what it was. Doubt? Regret? Guilt? Was she scared? What would she be scared of? Maybe that she might mess up this relationship or something?

Before I could mention it, she pulled me into a hug and said something along the lines of "I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" I asked, my nervousness suddenly coming back.

She chuckled but it sounded a little dead.

"I said it too soon," she answered. "Feels like we're rushing this."

She squeezed me.

"Oh."

We stayed like that for a little longer until she pulled back and pressed her lips gently on my forehead. Everything that happened earlier went to the back of my mind.

"Well," I started, "I think it's time to head off to bed."

I got up to leave, but a hand grasping my arm stopped me.

"W-Wait!" Blake cried, a look desperation on her face.

"What's wrong?" I asked.

"Do you mind sleeping in my room for the night?"

My eyebrows rose. Something bad must've happened to her as well.

"I don't mind," I told her with a smile as I pulled her up from the couch. "Let's go."

This would probably be better for the both of us since we both had a terrible day. I just wonder what's been bothering her.

When we got into the room, she pulled me into the bed before I could say anything about her room. Her arm was wrapped about my waist as she pulled my back into my front. Her breath was hot against my neck, making in burn. Her head was buried in the back of my neck.

"Goodnight," she whispered.

"Night."

During the night while I was trying to sleep, there was movement going on. It felt like trembling but also a bit of tossing and turning. I didn't look back because I was stuck.

The next couple of days everything went back to normal even though I was a bit out of it. It was the last week of winter vacation and the last week to stay over Blake's. Adam and I have made small talk here and there but it wasn't anything special. At least he acknowledges me now.

Sitting in the guest room, I was also able to get on my email from my Kindle. I had a few emails. They were mostly from school and one was from Ms. Fall. I instantly read that one.

To: Ruby Rose

From: Cinder Fall

Subject: Sorry

Dear Ruby,

I am truly sorry for upsetting you like that. I never meant to hurt you at all. I've told you everything I could, everything you wanted to know. If you want to know more, that's not from my side, you can talk to Hei or the Schnee family or anyone else that knew your parents. Just be careful.

Sincerely,

Ms. Fall

The email seemed so honest, so innocent. Maybe I can trust her. I don't know. She is still kind of scary, but I thank her for telling me all that information, even though it hurt. Now, I have to go talk to other people. This isn't everything.

What really surprised me though was when she said that the Schnees knew about my parents too. No wonder why Mr. Schnee and his wife both exchanged a look when I told them my name. They knew who I was. First, I'll talk to Junior, when I go back to work, then I'll try to find a way to get Weiss to let me talk to her parents, and lastly there's still Yang's dad. I'm tired of them keeping secrets from me. I know it's a bit hypocritical of me, but I'm over that.

I sent Ms. Fall back a thank you note and started hearing arguing. It was Adam and Blake. I couldn't really hear what they were saying since my door was closed and they were downstairs. They were pretty loud though. I was starting to become nosey.

I wonder what happened, I thought.

I didn't get up though because that wouldn't be right to listen in on their business.

The argument went on for like five more minutes before I heard Adam roar,

"WELL IF YOU DON'T DO ANYTHING NOW YOU'RE GOING TO FUCKING REGRET IT!"

And then the front door slammed shut. That was my cue to run out the room. When I came out I just saw Blake standing there, staring at the door.

"What happened?" I asked, coming down the steps now.

She just looked at me with an annoyed expression before shaking her head.

"He's just being so fucking annoying," she answered before walking into the other room.

My eyes widened. I never heard her curse like that before. She must be really mad. I was kind of scared to talk to her. Well, the both of them actually since they both sounded super angry. I followed her anyway.

"Sorry you had to hear that Ruby," she said, a little less irritated now. "Did you hear anything we said?"

She turned and had this serious look as if she didn't want me listening in.

I quickly shook my head.

"N-No!" I cried. "I'd never…um…"

"Okay, that's all I wanted to hear."

I really wanted to ask her what they were arguing about, but I didn't want her to give me that look from a few nights ago. Instead, I just kept her company, despite her annoyance from moments ago.

We watched TV and then went out to eat for the rest of the day. Adam only came back when we were about to go to bed. He was drunk. Blake didn't speak to him and just went to her room. He stayed downstairs and just crashed on the couch. Shaking my head, I gave him a look of pity before going upstairs as well.

Author's Note

Well, that was a thing. Just to let you guys know, Cinder is not off the hook. That's all I'm gonna say. There are still things that are kept secret. Also, Ruby and Adam finally managed to get along…somewhat, along with Blake confessing to Ruby. Though, that's not actually what she wanted to confess. I'll be putting that off a little later on. The more serious problem right now is about Ruby and her parents.

Anyway, how was this chapter? Good? Bad? How's the story so far? Please review and let me know what you think. Any questions please review or PM me and I'll kindly answer them. Don't forget to vote on the poll!

Koda out!