Ruby had a bachelor's degree. It took four years to earn a degree in biology with a minor in kinesiology. She had applied in over what felt like a hundred places of physical therapy practices. The mid-city life was what she wanted. There laid her next steps, and it was up to her to make her dreams happen, but she felt like the universe was plotting against her. "Why does the universe hate me?"

Henry only rolled his eyes and dismissed her dramatics, "It's been two months since we graduated, calm down, sweetheart."

"I swear to god I will start my own damn practice if I need to." She stated right before she smashed her fist down on the wooden dining table.

He chuckled as he brought both their breakfast plates onto the circular table."You're so impatient."

"Yes, yes I am" she agreed in the sweetest tone of voice.

At work on an early Monday morning, things had been a bit hectic. Easter was fast approaching, and the egg hunt around the resort was being set up day by day. It seemed that there were multiple Easter egg hunts to be set up. It had been decided by the higher-ups to be more inclusive. There were three types this year, the one for the younger children near the daycare on the ground floor, an adult themed hunt that included alcohol for some reason, and lastly a family egg hunt that was spread all over the resort poolside included. Which meant they were supposed to be extra vigilant with the safety of the guests around them and the aquatic facilities.

It was only her second month working at the resort, and she already had a schedule glued to her mind. It felt like she was in autopilot mode when doing paperwork and then doing her daily watch over the other lifeguards as the guests enjoyed themselves. Every employee had gotten their email about the resort's events for Easter in addition to their weekly schedules. Still, everyone was called into groups to have a meeting about the festivities throughout the week.

Ruby's phone started to ring. She felt the vibrations in her back pocket of her shorts. She had to step out of her group meeting dedicated to what she already knew, so she backed out slyly out of the room. When she answered, it was an automated voice from the state prison. It was her brother. She already knew it before hearing him speak, but he sounded out of breath this time.

"Hey sis, how's it goin'?"

After work, she told Henry she wouldn't be home tonight so as to not worry him. He would stay up all night if she didn't come home on a weekday. Henry was such a worry wart, but she loved him for it.

"Cut the crap Fernando, what do you need now?" She walked towards the restrooms, specifically the westside restrooms, which were always much cleaner.

"Aigh't listen, I need you to talk to my damn lawyer. He ain't been here in a minute. I got word that I could be out by this year 'cause of good behavior." He sounded very annoyed, and she rolled her eyes at knowing it was his own damn fault. Now it was up to her to sweet talk his lawyer tonight. She told him to be patient and that she would handle it. Fernando had been told he was on good behavior for two weeks now, and as soon as he did, he kept calling his lawyer that wouldn't answer. He advised her to do whatever she wanted to help him get his lawyer down to visit at the state prison as soon as possible. She warned him about the target on his back because of this news. Anyone at the prison could ruin it out of spite or whatever reason they deemed was good enough.

"Take care, loca." She sighed as she watched the call end. Ruby loved her brother to death, but he was the most reckless person she'd ever met and hated him for being in prison.

✨️

The wind was chilly that night as she made her way to the northern side of the city. It was much more busy and full of traffic the farther she drove. All the way there, she could only think about if it was even worth the hassle. Either way, she was getting something out of it. The parking alone made her lose her temper. She honked the horn of her car harshly three times to get her point across. "Move up asshole!"

As soon as she found a spot, she did not falter in pressing the gas pedal and parking her car, little regard to whoever was behind or next to her. She slammed on the brake pedal and turned the car off before stepping out of it. Her phone in her back pocket and purse in hand she locked the car in distrust of the dimly lit lot. She made her way up the stairs of the coded entrance of the building.
Ruby greeted the lobby's attendees and smiled at her, knowing exactly who she had come to see. "B12 is going to be happy to see you again, sweetie."

"Yeah, Travis is like a puppy, always happy to see me and sad every time I leave." She joked with her, but knowing it was also true.

When she heard the noise of a buzz, she waved goodbye and took the elevator to the second floor. Inside, while by herself, she pulled her shirt down a bit and flipped her hair back once with her hand and checked her braids were spread onto both sides of her shoulders. After the elevator dinged and opened its doors, she made her way to the left and to the door with 'B12' written on it. With one big breath, she knocked on the door maybe once before it was opened by a familiar face. "I missed you, beautiful."

"I know," she walked into his home without a trace of concern. There were three candles lit up, and the actual lights of the place were dimmed. "C'mon let's go...play."

Travis locked his front door and sprinted after her as he simultaneously undressed himself from top to bottom. Excitement coursed through his body, knowing what the night held for them. It was evident from the bulge she saw as she undressed herself slowly in his room. He caught her lips in a swift kiss, but she knew better. She pushed him onto his bed and held a hand to his chest. She shook her head from left to right. She always took control, otherwise feelings would get involved too easily and she didn't want that. Not with him, at least. He could never understand what his role was. He wanted more every time. Ruby was not going to deal with the mess he wanted to create.