A week had passed since Ruby's initial visit to the community center, where she quickly discovered that her human friends felt safe enough to hang out with. After the harsh truth of how far humans had fallen, Ruby wanted to remain secure.
Ruby, her companions, and their older sisters were currently in the small band room of the community center, listening to Arsenio's band, the Jinx Boys, rehearse. He was a huge fan of the Hex Girls, who were his idols and inspiration. He also had a major crush on the band leader, Thorn.
Ruby didn't feel it was quite her place to divulge that her sister's boyfriend knew them personally to her human companion. Still, she watched Arsenio, his fourteen-year-old twin cousins Averill and Avent Flores, and their best friends, who were also twins Arron and Aron Cruz, practice.
Arsenio was the lead guitarist and vocalist. His cousins played rhythmic guitar and keytar respectfully. Arron played drums, while his twin Aron was the songwriter and costume designer for the group.
They'd just finished playing their latest song, "The Demon in Me." Everyone praised them well for their hard work.
"Thank you so much! So, has anyone got some constructive feedback for us?" Arsenio asked as they began to put their stuff away.
Hagit, who had an ear for music, spoke up. "I believe the rhythm was a bit off. Plus, you seemed out of sync for the second and fourth verses. Therefore, you should work harder to be more in sync.
"My older sister is correct. She plays in the high school band, so she knows her stuff," Cornelia added as she twisted her midnight blue braid.
"How about the look of the band? Whether we like it or not, image is essential," Aron questioned.
The boys were all of Hispanic background except Arsenio, whose mother was Greek. Their image was unique as they tried integrating their cultural heritage with current trends.
"Felecia can answer that better then I can. What's your opinion, big sis?" Chrissy asked her older sister's opinion.
"First off, don't think of me as a judge on Project Runway or some fashion diva. I like sewing and making clothes. However, I'm not sure it's what I want to do for a living.
I agree with the others that incorporating your cultural roots does give you a distinctive look. Each of you has an individual quirk to each of your outfits. My exclusive suggestion? Make sure they fit a set pattern so you don't come off looking mismatched."
"Thanks for the recommendations, girls," the Jinx Boys said unison.
"So, what do you guys want to do now?" Arnette asked, as his best bud frowned. C'mon, Arsenio! We've been watching you rehearse since we left school nearly two hours ago! It's only fair we choose a different activity."
"My little brother has a point. Especially since we'll be here longer then usual, given it's Parent Teacher Night! Since most of us have only one parent present, they'll be pulling double shifts to do both schools."
The younger girls were so caught up in enjoying the new outfits Chrissy's sister had made them that they almost didn't catch what Iola said.
"Parent-teacher night? Is that what that note we got in homeroom was about? Because my parents are virtually on another planet!" Ruby's copper eyes widened.
"You didn't read it or give it to your sister? Since she's your guardian," Haley questioned, confused.
"I didn't think it was significant! I didn't even read it! So what are we going to do?! If she doesn't show up, I'll get into trouble!" Ruby started hyperventilating.
"It's not a problem, Ruby. So calm down! I'll call my dad since he's your school principal, and he can call your sister. Just give me five minutes to do that," Haley said as she whipped out her smartphone and told her dad what was happening.
He told her not to stress and that he'd ensure Crystal got the message. He thought this might occur, so he'd already intended to call her anyway. Haley told her father she loved him and would see him later.
"See, no biggie, Ruby. Now that is taken care of, should we vote on what we want to do next?"
Ruby held up her hand. Haley nodded, "Well, I've never had an opportunity yet to talk or show you my crystal collection. It's a big thing back home. So can we do that for an activity?"
Everyone agreed they still needed to do something Ruby wanted, so they headed to a different room so she could educate them about crystals and gems. The group quickly found this fascinating.
Meanwhile, Crystal and Shaggy showed up at Ruby's middle school. Shaggy had come for moral support, and someone had to ensure the dogs behaved like dogs.
"Oh, Shaggy, I'm so anxious! I've never done this before! Oh! Why am I having trouble breathing?!" to which Shaggy embraced her.
"Crystal, it will be okay. I'll be out front with Scoob and Amber. Your conference should take half an hour. So, chill. I mean, isn't photographing weddings way more stressful for you then this?" he asked gently.
Crystal took a deep breath and nodded. "With all the outlandish individuals I've already dealt with at my job, you have a good point," she said as she kissed Shaggy before entering Principal Vandom's office.
"I'd like to apologize for being a tad late," she quickly informed Tobias. He waved it aside, showing it wasn't a big deal.
He straightened his tie before answering, "Don't worry about it. Again, I suspected your sister wouldn't understand the note, so I had a backup plan," he poured two cups of coffee and handed her one.
Crystal took a small sip before asking, "So please tell me. What are your concerns regarding my sister? Is she fitting in well? She hasn't gotten into trouble, has she?"
"Well, she hasn't exhibited the behavior problems her previous school records forewarned us about. I was apprehensive it would go the opposite way. Like most new pupils, adjusting to her new environment took a few days.
According to most of the staff, they have only a few concerns I desired to discuss, Ms. Starstone," Tobias revealed as he sipped his coffee.
"Okay, what are you? Is she still stealing things? Because I thought she kicked that bad habit!" Crystal expressed worry, clutching the mug tightly.
The ginger-haired man shook his head. "No, she hasn't stolen anything. My main concern is how my daughter treats your sister," he revealed sadly.
"Come again?" Crystal asked in a surprised tone.
Tobias sighed before explaining, "My youngest daughter, Venus, has been verbally and emotionally abusing your sister since day one. Also, I know what happened at the neighborhood community center last week."
Both of them looked at their feet for a moment. Crystal spoke up first. "Yes, I didn't want to explain it to my sister. Back home, we're very peaceful and only fight for self-defense."
Tobias sighed, then took a large sip before resuming, "I see. Well, I'm anxious that your sister might eventually have enough, or my daughter might even physically harm her."
"Pardon me if I'm stomping on a boundary. But if your daughter is a bully, why haven't you removed her from this school? I was under the impression you didn't tolerate bullying." Crystal pointed out respectfully.
Tobias looked uncomfortable as he explained why they hadn't done that yet. "It's a bit more problematic when you're the principal and negotiating with the school board. My wife and I are already seeking alternatives. But again, I'm having all the staff on high alert to ensure Ruby isn't harmed further.
Of course, I can only do so much on school grounds. I assume you understand?"
The disguised alien girl nodded, "Yes, your hands are tied. But please keep me updated, and know that I will seek legal action if Venus's conduct gets out of hand."
"I already have funds to compensate you and your parents for all this trouble. We hope to find an alternative option for Venus by the end of this month or the beginning of next."
"I suppose that will have to do for now. So, anything else I should know?" Crystal asked as she finished the coffee.
"We wanted to know if it'd be alright with you as your sister's guardian if we placed her in our gifted program. I don't feel she's challenged enough. I don't want to skip a grade since you said she should only stay a year.
So, I was hoping you'd agree to put her in the gifted program. The students have three classes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday after lunch, where they learn a more advanced curriculum," the handsome principal explained to the stunned young lady before him.
"Are any of her friends in this gifted program? I'd feel better about it if her friends were with her," Crystal said.
"You need not fear that. They're all enrolled in it already, so she won't be alone," Tobias assured her.
"They, yes, you've my permission. Is that all for now?" Crystal asked as she looked increasingly nervous.
The principal nodded, "For now, yes. However, I should inform you that every student must seek counseling. So, she'll be seeing a counselor next week."
"Is this necessary?" the secret agent asked confused.
"We wanted to ensure our students are having proper mental health treatment. Even without mental illness, everyone needs someone to talk to and listen to," the handsome man explained kindly.
Crystal nodded in agreement. "I have to agree. I'm afraid I've to go now. I shouldn't leave my boyfriend in the cold with the dogs. Also, I need to pick my sister up from the community center."
"Understood. Thanks for attending tonight's meeting, Ms. Starstone."
"Thank you, too," Crystal said. Crystal, Shaggy, and the dogs swung by the community center before going home for a nice dinner.
