Chapter 17

Ben was leaving in two days. He knew he really shouldn't be going but what was he supposed to do? Hayden was pregnant with his child and she had asked for his help. He couldn't ignore that.

However he was scared, he could admit that. All he wanted was for his family to be united again and if Vivien got wind of the real reason as to why he was leaving he was fucked. It would ruin his family beyond repair.

So it was heartbreaking to his daughter Ruby smile this morning knowing he may be the reason that one day he won't ever get to see that smile again. He didn't think he could go through that.

He had contemplated just not going but... He couldn't. It would have been different if Hayden wasn't pregnant but the truth of the matter was that she is and nothing was going to change that. He had to go. And no matter how wrong it may be - he was going to convince her to get an abortion.

He wasn't going to let this ruin his last chance at finally getting his family back. Giving his daughter Ruby a smile he swept from the room with her watching him go.

Ruby didn't know what was up with her father this morning but it didn't seem good. He had been frowning at his food since the moment she entered the kitchen except to glance up at her once.

He seemed conflicted about something but she didn't know what. She wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt but it seemed too suspicious that he was heading back to Boston. There was no reason for him to go back there.

Pushing away from the table Ruby moved from the kitchen to make for the stairs. Violet hadn't come down for breakfast yet but they had to get to school. Bracing herself she knocked on her little sisters door, waiting for an answer.

The door was opened not long after to reveal her sister who looked exhausted. "Are you okay?" She asked.

"Just didn't sleep much last night." Was Violets reply. Grabbing her bag she followed her sister down the stairs before they both made their way towards school, both saying nothing. Letting out a sigh as Violet walked away the minute they reached the building Ruby set off for her own class.

Justin had spoke to her a bit more during class, something that made her happy. "Where do you want to go for lunch?" She asked him, exiting her class after the bell had rung. She watched as he frowned.

"Um, see the thing is... I'm already meeting up with someone." He confessed.

"Who is it?" Raising her brows as he blushed Ruby started to smile. "Oh my god! It's a girl isn't it? Tell me who!" Glancing at his friend he realised he had genuinely missed her and that instantly made him feel guilty at how little he had seen her. He hadn't put in any effort at all.

"Um, Violet." He breathed, carefully examining her features to see if she was going to suddenly freak out. Instead she did something that shocked him. She squealed with a slight giggle and had a huge smile upon her face.

"Are you two dating?" She asked excitedly. Is this why Violet was always out of the house? She was with Justin?

"Well not exactly. I like her and I know she likes me." He explained. Ruby could also see slight frustration in the boys eyes. "She hasn't come right out and told me she likes me but I can tell she does. Just need to work my magic some more."

"Well then I wish you good luck!"

"Thanks." He chuckled giving her a hug before taking his leave to go find the brown haired girl who had seemingly taken over his mind. Standing there watching him go, Ruby's smile dwindled. She was genuinely happy for them both and was hoping they got to together but standing there on her own she began to feel lonely.

There was only one thing she ever did when she got lonely and that was see Tate. And yet she couldn't because she was at school. Looking around the crowd of people she watched as they chatted animatedly with their friends. Smiles on their faces, eyes shining with mirth and happiness etched onto their faces.

Biting her lip she skipped down the steps of the school, walking through the crowds of students until she reached the gates. It wasn't uncommon for students to leave the ground for lunch but she knew she wasn't coming back.

Slipping past Ruby picked up her speed and rushed home. Shutting the front door as quietly as she could, trying to keep her footsteps light as she walked towards the stairs.

"What are you doing home?" Cringing, she looked to her left. Her mother was stood there with her hands on her hips giving her a pointed look. Sighing with resignation Ruby walked to her mother.

"I just wanted to come home for lunch. Violet is hanging with Justin today and well... I didn't have anybody else." She felt so pathetic as she spoke, not daring to look into her mother's eyes.

Her mother didn't respond straight away which caused Ruby to have a mental mini panic attack.

"Come on, I'll make you something to eat." Following her mother into the kitchen she pulled her bag further up her shoulder when she felt it slipping. Sitting down she finally dropped the bag as her mother set out to make her some food.

Placing a sandwich, a bag of crisps and some orange juice in front of her Vivien sat down next to her. She had noticed the slight withdrawal from her eldest and she didn't like it. It wasnt like her daughter to behave like this.

"Ruby, are you alright?" She asked her daughter cautiously. "Has something happened?" Glancing at her mother she held up her hand as she quickly finished the bite of her sandwich that was filling her mouth.

"Why would you ask that?"

"It's just... I don't know you've seemed quieter then usual. You're in your room more than you usually do, you haven't been eating properly this past week either and well, I'm worried about you." Listening to the genuine worry in her mother's voice made her feel guilty. She didn't want her mother worrying about her.

So telling her she was fine she finished up her meal and left for her safe haven in search for Tate as he had told her once he genuinely sneaks into her room when she is at school when he gets lonely - which is a lot.

OoooOoooO

It finally came for the day Ben was leaving. Violet had said a quick goodbye before rushing back to her room leaving Ruby and Vivien to say their goodbyes. Giving her dad a very loose hug she quickly let go and plastered a smile onto her face.

"Bye dad."

"See you in a few days." He replied, smiling at her. Throwing another quick smile his way she spun around and ran back upstairs, leaving her mother to give the final goodbye.

Shutting the door behind her she jumped happily onto her bed where her boyfriend was casually laid. It wasn't that she was happy that her dad was gone because she hoped she never saw him again it was just easier to see Tate when her dad wasn't around.

Recently Tate had been by her side a lot more than usual - not that she minded. He usually was in her room when she came back from school, stayed with her while she slept and left in the morning. She didn't understand how he was getting away with it from his parents but at the same time she didn't mind too much because she liked being with him.

It had been about three house since Ben left and the house seemed silent.

The only sound was coming from one room - Ruby's. The sound was laughter. She felt so much more free without her dad around. Her mother would probably be more lenient if she found Tate in her room.

Hovering above her Tate smiled as he watched the girl catch her breath back. "No more tickling." She panted causing him to smirk. "I mean it!"

"You sound so cute when you try to be angry and authoritive." Tate commented causing Ruby to narrow her eyes.

"I do not sound cute!"

"Yes, you do."

"No - this could go on forever. I hope you know that?"

"Bring it." Tate challenged. A few hours later and the sky outside was starting to darken, letting the stars take over. Ruby was currently sat on her floor sorting out the books Tate had knocked over (who was currently sat on the window seat doing nothing).

"You could help you know. You were the one that knocked them all on the floor!" She snapped. He simply gave her a dimpled smile. Frowning when she heard the door go she looked at the curly haired boy who sat opposite her. "Who could be calling at this time?"

"Don't know." He murmured. She couldn't hear much but she recognised her mother's voice. Getting up onto her knees, her heart increasing, when she realised her mother had started to raise her voice.

Standing up fully she headed for the door but found herself being pulled back. "Tate, what are you doing?"

"Let me check okay?"

"But-"

"Please! Just stay here is all I ask. Let me check it out." He begged, stroking her hair. Shakily she nodded her head, returning the kiss before she watched him walk out the door.

Slowly walking to the door she pressed her ear against the dark wood trying to pick up on any sounds that she could. It had gotten pretty silent. Maybe everything was fine now? Maybe her mother had calmed whoever was at the door and they had left?

She desperately wanted to leave the room but she had told Tate she would stay here. She was fighting her body and mind to stay in that room. About ten minutes later, honestly she didn't really know, she heard footsteps.

Frowning it sounded like more than one person. She could hear them speak lowly to each other but what scared her was Ruby didn't recognise the voices. Dropping to the floor she peeked underneath catching sight of feet. There were three people.

And she knew who one of them was.

It was Violet. She knew that simply because of the shoes she was wearing. She had seen her sister wear those shoes often enough. What was her sister doing with two strangers?

Getting back up, Ruby bit her lip as she paced about her room trying to think. Suddenly her door was swung open and shut. Jumping she tried to relax seeing as it was only Tate. He rushed over to her before bringing her into a bone crushing hug. Then he pulled back to look her in the eyes.

"What's going on?" She pleaded before he could say anything.

"Three crazy bastards have your mom and sister hostage." He explained, shushing her before she could panic. "They're recreating a murder that happened here in this house way back."

"What the fuck?" She breathed, eyes wide.

"You need to listen to me." Tate implored. He needed her to. He couldn't lose her. "I'm going to get a message to Violet and I'm going to make sure nothing happens to either your mom or sister okay?" Ruby shakily nodded her head as she tried to keep the tears back. She didn't want anything to happen to her family.

"But what about you?"

"Forget about me! Just stay in here and don't come out. Find a good hiding spot in case the plan doesn't go the way I want it and they end up coming in here okay? I will come back for you once I have made sure the other two are fine."

"Do you promise?" She asked, blinking back the tears she knew would fall any minute.

"I promise." Tate replied, giving her one last hug. "I love you."

"I love you too." And with that he was gone. Standing alone in her room knowing, or well not knowing, that her mother and sister could die any second was like torture. Sitting on the floor next to her bed she brought her knees up to her chest and finally let the tears flow.

There was no way she could have held them back and longer.

She couldn't hear what was being said but she could hear voices - one of them being her sister. Just hearing her sisters voice made her feel better. It let her know she was alive - for now.

Hearing footsteps once more made her rise up, especially as they past her room again. They were heading back downstairs. The next twenty minutes was like torture. Just sitting and waiting. When it all became too much she ran to her door and flung herself out of her room.

Stopping at the top of the stairs she strained her ears to see if she could hear anything but she couldn't. Without a second thought Ruby ran down the stairs, jumping the last couple of steps. Just as she turned around her mother came running towards her.

Hair was in her face and in her mouth but she didn't care. Her mother was alive and holding her and in that moment that was all she cared about. "Where's Violet?" Her mother asked frantically, pulling back from the hug.

"I thought she was with you!" Ruby cried. Both in a panic they didn't register the girl in question running over to them so when she grabbed them they both let out screams causing her to flinch. Letting out a strangled yelp Violet was pulled into a hug by the other two girls.

It felt like forever that they were all stood there but neither seemed to mind.

Soon enough the police arrived. The house was being searched, statements were being given. Ruby felt useless. She hadn't much to say as she was in her room the entire time and for some reason she didn't want to mention Tate. She wanted to keep him out of it. Apparently so did Violet.

Finally having enough of her sisters frantic worrying Violet snapped. "Ruby for the last time I'm fine!" She liked it because it showed her just how much her sister cared but she had been asked the same question 27 times and she couldn't take it anymore.

"Sorry."

"It's fine."

Ben had been called to be informed of what had happened and their mother was pretty adament that they would not be staying in the house that night but they really had nowhere else to go so she wasn't very happy about the situation.

"Noticed how dad goes out of town and we get attacked?" Violet mentioned as they made their way back upstairs. Ruby just gave her a look. "I'm not saying dad set it up or anything, despite one of them being his patient. Just weird is all."

"Hmm, I guess." Ruby replied softly, giving her sister a hug before entering her room.