CHAPTER ELEVEN - "Make Me."

That night, I lie wide awake in Uncle Tobias' apartment, ignoring the feeling of the springs digging into my back. I don't realise I'm crying until I move and feel my cheek stained with the tears wetting my pillow. I let out a small sniffle and continue to stare up at the ceiling. The room is incredibly small, a single bed wedged into it. A small wardrobe is squeezed in on the other side and the walls are completely bare. My belongings are still in my backpack, sat on the floor.

I spent the past hour talking to Tori on the phone, filling her in on Uncle Tobias and Woody. I could hear how suggestive her questions were whenever I spoke of Woody and had to refrain from rolling my eyes a thousand times at her. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep, leaving me listening to the sound of her heavy breathing as she slept. I give in, sighing before ending the call. I don't feel tired at all and every time I close my eyes, I see the blood staining the floors in my parents room.

I spring out of my bed, pulling on my jeans before fastening my biker boots. I grab my jacket and phone before heading out of my room, closing the door over quietly. Uncle Tobias' apartment is eerily quiet, the rooms engulfed in darkness. I used the wall to guide me through before pulling open the front door and stepping outside. I lean back against the wall and sigh deeply, pulling my hair up into a loose ponytail.

It's time I go for a walk.

*****

I've barely made it down the road when a voice from behind me causes me to almost jump out of my skin. I whirl around in surprise, my fists raised, ready to strike. Woody's amused face stares back at me.

"Where are you going Wentworth?" He murmurs quietly, leaning back against the brick wall. He's wearing an all black outfit with a ripped denim jacket over the top. His dirty blonde hair is sprawled messily on top of his head, the strands curling at the edges.

"It's none of your business," I respond, lowering my fists. I guess I don't have to defend myself after all, unless Woody decides to turn into a douche again.

"It is most definitely my business."

I narrow my eyes at him, shrugging my hood off my head. It was up to hide my identity but I don't see the point now that Woody knows it's me.

"Are you stalking me Woody? That's actually an illegal act." I say, folding my arms across my chest. Woody scoffs, pulling out a box of cigarettes from his jacket pockets.

"Something tells me you don't care much about the law Ruby." He says, staring intensely at me. I open my mouth to respond but snap it shut again because he's right.

"Please can you just go away? I need to be alone right now," I mutter, spinning around and heading down the road. I don't really know where I'm going but I need to distract myself before I go crazy thinking about my parents.

"Ruby, I'm supposed to be looking out for you."

"I told you, I don't need a babysitter. Stop following me." I yell at him over my shoulder, speeding up into a brisk walk. Behind me, Woody sighs before jogging to keep up. Within seconds, he's by my side.

"Pretend like I'm not here, okay? Tobias would kill me if I let you walk off by yourself."

"How do you know my uncle?" I snap at him, spinning around on my heel. My eyes narrow and I don't want to admit it but I'm jealous. It seems like Woody has been in Uncle Tobias' life for a lot longer than I have. Clearly he's made more of an impact too.

"He picked me up off the streets and made me work for him in return for shelter and food."

I stopped glaring at him, taken back by surprise. Woody's face is expressionless, dark eyes hooded over so I can't make out what he's feeling.

"How long ago was that?" I ask quietly, dropping my eyes to the floor.

"Five years ago, I was thirteen." Woody murmurs, lighting up his cigarette. He balances it between his lips before inhaling deeply.

"No way are you eighteen, you look like an old man." I smirk, nudging his shoulder lightly. He chuckles under his breath, pulling the cigarette away from his mouth.

"Shut up and yes, I'm eighteen. I'm surprised that you can figure out the maths," he teases me, dark eyes shining in the night. I scoff at him but my lips twitch up as we both take a slow walk down the street. The place is deserted around us, only the sounds of owls and crickets chirping away in the far distance.

"So why were you homeless?" I ask quietly, unsure on whether I'd pushed past his limit. He doesn't strike me as the type of person who opens up easily. Beside me, Woody clears his throat, running one hand through his hair.

"I had my reasons," he says bluntly and I immediately nod my head, knowing it won't be easy to get anything from this guy.

"If I get you drunk, will you tell me?" I ask light heartedly and Woody laughs, blowing smoke up into the dark sky. My eyes linger on his sharp jawline and the contours of his lips. Woody notices me looking and smirks, clearly knowing I'm checking him out.

"You're not even sixteen yet, there is no way you're touching alcohol Ruby."

"God, you sound just like my parents," I respond, rolling my eyes. I stick my hands inside my jacket pocket, keeping them shield from the cold air.

"It's actually my birthday today so yes, I am sixteen." I say quietly, swallowing the lump that's appeared in my throat. I look straight ahead, focusing on anything other than Woody. It will be the first birthday I've ever spent without my parents and the thought makes me not want to celebrate it at all.

What is there to celebrate?

Woody's hand suddenly wraps around my wrist, stopping me in my tracks. I turn to look at him and his eyes are sincere, studying me.

"I'm sorry . . . about your parents." He says quietly, never once blinking. I nod my head slowly, clearing my throat. "Thanks."

"Happy Birthday," he murmurs, his fingers brushing against the warm skin on my wrist. I can feel goosebumps travelling up my arm and I smile, giving him a grateful look in return.

"Thanks — again." I chuckle, noticing the bar at the end of the road. The lights are on but it's deserted from the outside and looks like something from a 90's movie. It'll have to do. I let out a small whoop, fist pumping the air as I skip towards it. Behind me, Woody groans loudly.

"No way Ruby! Get back here."

I glance at him from over my shoulder, a twinkle in my eye. "Make me."