Chapter 32

GAbrIEL

I finishat the gym and walk across campus by myself.

Just me and some of my crazy thoughts.

Gabriel, what are you thinking about today?!

Well, it’s nothing I haven’t thought about before.

It involves just bolting from here with Ruby. Just me and her. We get on a plane and fly somewhere across the world. She sets up a fashion business. I play hockey. We’re just not around this place anymore. That’s the biggest selling point.

Now the ironic part to that is that we need some serious money to make it happen.

Ruby has herself set up quite well and that’s her money to chase her dream.

I grew up believing I can do anything I want… which I can… but my father really messed that up.

So, how’s that going?

It’s honestly the same.

The legal system doesn’t move like they show on TV.

Especially a case like this one where there is a lot happening at once.

So many people. Tons of paperwork.

The stories are pretty awful too.

Leaves me torn up inside on a daily basis.

When things go too far in my head, it’s easy to go after Knox.

He knows that too.

It’s not right. But whatever.

Also.

Speaking of Knox.

He knocked up Mila’s ex-boyfriend’s sister…

It’s very intense to think about.

I walk right to Ruby’s dorm.

A place where I feel safe. Where I can be happy. Where I choose my own reality, which is her.

As soon as I walk into the dorm, I see her pacing, chewing on a pen.

There are papers all over the floor.

She points to where I’m about to step and she spits the pen to the floor.

“Careful, Gabriel,” she says. “Don’t step on a thing.”

“Should I just go?” I ask.

“No,” she says. “I need you here. I want you here. I’m thinking.”

“I can see that. New designs?”

“Something like that,” she says. “I had an idea. You know, I’ve been working on a lot of stuff. Getting offers here and there. Just enjoying this ride I’m on.”

“Well aware,” I say. “I’m happy to see you busy and happy. And messy.”

“This whole thing going on around us though. It’s crazy. Right?”

“Knox and Willow? Yeah. It definitely fits in the box of crazy for sure.”

“Maybe I should participate a little.”

“What?” I ask, dropping my gym bag. “You want to participate in… pregnancy? You want to…”

“No!” Ruby cries out. “Me? Get pregnant? No. I’m talking about what I do on my end. This stuff.”

She points down.

I’m still not seeing…

Then I see it.

I drop my gym bag and crouch down.

I pick up a sketch.

“It’s crazy,” she says. “But it’s kind of… I think I like it… right?”

“You’re designing baby clothes,” I whisper.

I look up at Ruby.

She shrugs her shoulders.

Seems like none of us can stop obsessing over the fact that Knox and Willow are going to have a baby together.