Ruby

Throughout the rest of the day and the days that followed, all I could think about was that boy. CJ. He was stunning. I have never seen a Silver with looks like that or anyone who has looked at me the way he did. It was like he saw into my soul and deemed me worthy. I knew I would not get permission to see him again, but who needs permission.

Sapphire, my best friend, and I are walking through town when we pass by a group of Silvers, CJ is one of them, but he does not notice we are there.

"Sapphire, look," I say as I grab her wrist, "that is the boy I told you about."

Sapphire looks over to him with disgust in her eyes.

"He is a Silver!" She hisses, "you know you can not see him! Ever!"

I look at her with sadness in my eyes.

"Says who?" I question.

"Oh, I do not know," she pauses and places her finger on her chin as she pretends to think, "how about your parents, your overprotective brother and, oh, how about society. Chaos would break out because of your magical child!"

"That is just a legend, Sapphire, and I never said anything about having a child with him."

"You did not have too. And if it is 'just a legend' then how come there are not any descendants of a Gem and a Silver?"

"I...uh...I do not know. For all we know, there are but they are in hiding because they are scared to see what society will do to them if they show themselves."

"That was deep, Ruby. Why would you even want to see him anyway? You're so much better than him."

"I do not know that," I sigh, "I have not even talked to him."

"Whatever," she groans, "come one. Spinel is waiting for us."

She then grabs my wrists and pulls me in the opposite direction of CJ. I look back one last time to see his smiling face. He is perfect.

***

"You know I do not like waiting, girls," Spinel sasses.

"Sorry, Spinel," I apologize.

"What kept you?" he asked, "better not have been a Silver."

I do not speak. I am trying to think of a good excuse. That is when Sapphire speaks up.

"We saw a dress in the boutique that Pearl likes and went in but they didn't have our size," she lies.

"Okay," Spinel accepts, "let us go. I am meeting with Pearl at five and I cannot be late. She hates when I am late."

We get into Spinel's car and see sadness on Sapphire's face. Pearl is Spinel's girlfriend and Sapphire has a huge crush on him so hearing about Pearl kills her.

***

I could not sleep last night. All I could think about was CJ and the legend. It is just a legend, that could not really happen. It is just not possible, is it? Could the offspring of a Gem and a Silver have magic? Could the offspring look like a Gem and a Silver? Is it possible the offspring can become evil if the parents are not?

It is just a legend...right?

***

I have been trying to avoid CJ as much as I can; however, he works right across the street from my favorite boutique. I have learned that the girl who works there is CJ's little sister. She is extremely talented when it comes to sewing and I'm really impressed. Right now she is sizing me for my dress for the upcoming ball.

"Have you ever taught sewing lessons?" I ask as she measures my arm.

"No one seems interested," she tells me, "so no."

"I would be interested."

"You would?"

"Yeah. It would be fun to sew some of my own clothing and teach others how to do it."

"Wow."

"What?" I question.

"I've never met a Gem that's nice to a Silver," AJ confesses.

A small smile forms in my face as I look to her.

"And I have never met a Silver who is so open to a Gem," I tell her.

We begin to talk more about sewing lessons and when we are going to do them. After we make plans and she finishes measuring me, I head to a little café to meet up with Sapphire.

When I get there, I see her sitting at a table with two other boys. They both have green hair and eyes. She sees me and quickly waves him over. I sit down between her and one of the boys.

"Ruby, I would like you to meet my date, Emerald," she says as she points to the boy next to her, "and your date, Peridot. They are twins."

"Please, call me Peri," Peridot says as she grabs my hand and gently kisses it.

The only difference between the two is that Peridot has freckles. Then, a fake smile appears on my face as he begins to talk about himself.

"My family owns the movie studio in town," he tells me, "I have starred in a few movies they have done. You have probably seen me in them."

I slowly nod as he continues to talk about his accomplishments. He talks about himself the whole night and refuses to let me get a word in otherwise.

When the night is finally over, Sapphire and I walk home.

"So, what did you think of Peri?" she asks.

"In all honesty, I did not like him," I answer.

"What is not to like? He was handsome."

"And conceded. He did not let me talk once."

"And that is a problem?"

"Yes. I want to be with someone who wants to hear my stories as well as tell their own."

"You are not going to find that."

I sigh as we continue to walk into the Gem neighborhood filled with mansions. All I could think about was what Sapphire about not being able to find a boy who would like me for me. I wonder if CJ would.