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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Silver Moon" data-source="post: 3849004" data-attributes="member: 8530">Chapter Two-hundred-seventeen, “Wizard Magic“, Saturday, June 17th, 4:00 P.M. After hearing George’s comment about wizard magic, Ruby states, “"George, do you remember when I was a child, when we were children, and sometimes strange things would just... happen around me?” George gives her an odd look and says, "What are you saying?" Ruby clears her throat again. She was willing to be truthful, then she had to be truthful. She states, "Did you ever wonder why I have this gorgeous red hair," she swings her hair back and forth, "When my parents and most other people in my family don't? Or you remember when I used to talk about my grandmother, who also had red hair, and why they made her leave?" George just continues to look at her funny. "George, I can do things. I mean, it's not like I try to do them or wanted to be able to do them... well, I just... can... do things. And I've learned how make them work for me." Ruby meets George's eyes, her own pleading without words that he'll be able to accept her. He replies, "I don't understand? What can you do? How?" "I don't know how, I just can," she sighs. "I didn't ask for this, please understand that." She looks around the room for a moment and sees some unlit candles across the room on the side table. She looks at George, then looks at the candles before softly speaking the very commonly spoken incantation to light them. They ignite. He is silent for a while then says, "So, you can light candles just by thinking about them? Ruby nods her head up and down. "Yes, I can." She steps towards George. "I can detect when magic is present. I can make people go to sleep. I can even make people and items invisible. It doesn't always work though." She pauses. "I can do some other things too." She puts her hand gently on his arm. "You don't hate me, do you? I couldn't bare it George, if you hated me. My parents always hated me because of this, they couldn't bring themselves to love their own daughter because my hair is red. Because I'm... different. I've hidden it for a long time but I just can't hide it from you. Nor do I want to. I want you to lo... like me for who I am and I just don't know what I would do if you hated me." He replies, "I don't hate you....it's just...this will have to be something I will need to think about?" "Think about?" Ruby repeats numbly. Then her face turns cold, although anyone who knows her well sees disappointment and hurt more than anything else. "I understand. I'll... let you think." Ruby doesn't look at George, she just grabs her jacket and hurries up the stairs without looking back. She heads to the guest room where she throws herself face down on the bed like a child. I should have known! Why am I surprised, I did know there would be something he would hate out of all the things you had to tell him, more than one something if it got that far. And there is so much you didn't tell him... She rolls over onto her back and looks out the window, fighting off the tears that are trying to come. Who cares if he doesn't like you anyway, nothing changed, you came here to return the ring and you did, right? If he can't like you for who you are, well, screw him, who needs him anyway. Not you, that's for sure. Really, Ruby West, why do you even care? You can have any man you want. A few tears escape out her eyes and fall down her cheeks. She stubbornly wipes them away but it doesn't stop them from continuing. Except maybe him. But he's too good for you anyway and deserves someone who wants to be his wife and make him happy. And you certainly don't want those things. She again wipes the growing tears from her face. Right? With that thought the very confused and upset Ruby West buries her face in her pillow and lets herself cry as much as she wants. She sobs until she can't sob anymore and eventually she drifts into a restless slumber. Ruby is later awakened by a knocking at the door. She sits up and notices the room is dark and no light is coming in from behind the window shades and curtains. She rubs her eyes and pushes her wild hair off her face before stretching and rising from the bed. Her face has pillow marks on it from sleeping but her eyes twinkle with hope at who's at the door. She opens it wide to see who is there. George is standing there. He says, "Ruby, I'm sorry if I woke you but I thought you might want a bit more to eat before you turned in for good for the night." "Thank you, that's kind of you," she says politely and starts closing the door. "No wait," she stops, catching him before he walks away. It wasn't the time for polite. "I, uh, I don't want to go back to bed now, but I am hungry." She pauses, and bites her lip. "Did you, uh, have a chance to think about what I said?" She clings to the door and tries to smile at him, albeit nervous. He says, "Yes, I did. Let's go down to the kitchen and fix ourselves something. We can chat there. William and Richard have both retired for the night so we will be alone." Okay." She smoothes her hair and clothes the best she can and follows George downstairs. Once in the kitchen Ruby starts rummaging though the ice box, pulling and bits and pieces of food for them. She then searches the cabinets for bread. As she looks for the food she talks. She begins, "I realize that may have been a shock for you, what I said earlier. It's not really something people in polite society talk about. That and it's illegal and all. But George," she stops rummaging and looks him in the eye, "You're not just polite society to me and I feel like there is a lot you need to know. Perhaps you won't feel the way you do about me once you really get to know me. That's what I was trying to tell you back in Promise City." She continues quickly, "I really meant it when I said I couldn't bare it if you hated me. I'm not really sure why I care so much but I do." She shrugs and smiles, "There's just something about you Mr. Eastman. So, what are you thinking?" Ruby starts tugging on her hair while she waits for George's answer. He replies, "That I need to research all aspects of wizard magics before I make any sort of final conclusion." "Oh." The disappointment is evident in her voice. "It's not like I really study like a wizard. Although you were right, I do have a friend who is a Mexican Wizard who is helping me learn the right way to use what's inside of me. It's just something that runs in my family. And I would assume that if, and I mean IF, I ever had babies there would be a chance it could happen to the baby too." She stands uncomfortably for a moment. "I understand George, if you want us to leave, just say so and we'll find somewhere else to stay. Or just go home. We've already put you out so much and put you in danger. I didn't mean for you to be involved in any of that craziness." He steps forward and takes Ruby's hands. "I do not want you to leave...ever. I just meant to say that I am unfamiliar with the subject wizard magics so rather than depending upon comments made by priests and government officials I want to do an impartial study of it on my own to be able to draw my own conclusions about it. I may very well reach the same conclusions that you have by the time I am done." "Even after everything I've told you, you still want to be with me?" She keeps her eyes locked on his while she waits for his answer. He replies, "Of course I do. I love you." Ruby's cheeks flush at his answer. "I... I'm not even sure what to say. I don't deserve you as a friend." She smiles at him then stands on her toes, and kisses his lips lightly without breaking eye contact. Her smile grows wider. "So, do you have any wine to go with our dinner?" He replies, "We can. Your friend Richard Broughton chose the wines to go with lunch, he seems to know something about them. Do you have any preferences for dinner and which of the leftovers from lunch would you like heated up?" She says, "How about the beef with the peas, that sounds good. And wine to go with that, so we can drink too much and just relax and be silly! Although to be honest, I'm saving a lot of room for that yummy dessert." Plus her belly was starting to fill with butterflies and not leaving a lot of room for hunger. "And I'm not too picky." Ruby starts gathering together the dinner for them. She picks on some cornbread while she gets the stuff unwrapped. She says, "Richard's really smart. He knows a lot about a lot of things. He's more than a little like you actually, I think you two could be good friends. Do you have a lot of friends around here?" George replies, "I have a lot of acquaintances. My job keeps me far too busy to make friendships. Richard does appear to be a man of good character. As for drinking and silliness, tomorrow is Sunday and I've never been one for church, so we could both sleep in if you would like." She says, "So, uh, how do we heat this stuff up?" she says waving her hand over the food, not having a clue. "I don't really go to church either but even if I did, I love sleeping in, it's one of my favorite things. I guess it's partially because I've always had a late night job. I think I was just never meant to get up early anyway and the job helps me with that goal," she laughs. "So yes, let's plan on sleeping in. And being silly. Perhaps when we awake we'll even find someone has taken care of breakfast for us!" George begins to show Ruby how to heat up the food, and she actually pays attention while he shows her. "You know, I don't have a lot of friends myself. Well, I didn't used to. More because I didn't trust anyone. But moving to Promise City changed that, I have some really great friends there now. It's why living there is important to me. I want to prove to myself that I can make it on my own without resorting to the uh, other stuff. You know, make it for real, like you. I also don't want to be deserting the friends I have finally made. I like to think they count on me, you know what I mean? Even if they don't need me, they are very important to me and I miss them. Plus, I have my saloon there now, and did I tell you it's a hotel now too? Anyway, it's very popular, maybe the most popular and successful saloon in the whole city! Course there is the Palace run by that idiot Adair but his saloon is just a whorehouse anyway. Of course, I, with my singing, have many adoring fans at the Lucky Lady," she teases, "And what would they do without me if I didn't return?" Ruby was finally relaxing, the thought of a fun night, casual dinner and some drinks very appealing to her. Especially that it was going to be with George. Her eyes twinkle and the smile naturally stays on her face as they continue to talk. George says, "Well, given my own experiences in Promise City I won't object if I never see that place again." "How are you going to woo me properly if you won't even come to where I live darling?" Ruby teases. She notices the look on George's face and she stops teasing. "I can totally understand that you had a bad experience George. A lot of that was my fault, and I'm so sorry. But there were a lot of people there who liked you. Especially Dorita and Pedro, and Mr. Gonzales at the El Parador. They loved you and think you're just fabulous. They never really liked me being with Jake. I mean, look at the party they were giving for you, for us..." In a more dour voice she continues, "And of course, your cousin is there." She puts the smile back on her face. "I hope you'll consider giving Promise City another try. I would be devastated to know you'll never visit. Please say you'll at least think about it." He replies, "I am considering visiting Tucson again based upon what Richard has suggested. You have property there as well. I'm afraid that's as close as I hope to ever get again to Promise City." She says, "I do own a very small part of the meeting house there, but I don't think I'll be there all that much..." Ruby seems very disappointed in George's answer as many thoughts runs through her head before she perks up again. "Well, perhaps I can persuade you differently over the course of this weekend. Don't think of it as visiting Promise City as visiting me." Ruby quickly changes the subject. "So, while we're making this fabulous meal," she pours them some generous glasses of wine that George has taken out to go with their meals, "Why don't you tell me what you think is going to happen between us?" George replies, "I have no idea, I'm willing to take this one step at a time." Ruby takes a few big gulps from her glass. "Alright then. Why don't you tell me what you look for in a woman? That might be a good start." She takes another gulp. "Just trying to figure out who you are and what you like George." He replies, "I am the same person I always was. An adventurer, although many of my adventures take place within my own imagination. I imagine a time where the magic of photography will be in the hands of the common man. I imagine a world where workers share in the wealth of the owners for the betterment of all. I imagine a world where music will be available for everybody to hear. And I have imagined a time where our lives are intertwined Ruby. None of those may happen, but I have to follow my dreams." She says, "And you should, you really should. For a long time I gave up even imagining I had dreams and it's like I was dead inside. I don't want to be like that anymore, it's horrible." Ruby steps closer to him, so their shoulders are touching. "I'm not saying your dreams will come true either, but it's better to try than to be dead like I was. Besides, you're doing pretty well making them come true so far. I think so anyway." Ruby blushes a little, then pushes herself off the counter, glass in hand. She exaggerates as she spins around the kitchen. "You know what I need? I need someone to take care of me, make me feel safe, and most importantly to know that I'm really loved, for who I am and not what I look like. I really need that. And what I want? Someone adventurous, smart, strong, honest and true." She bounces over to George and ends up right next to him where she began. "Someone sexy, someone who knows I want a kiss, and takes it instead of asking. Someone who likes to have fun like I do." She lowers her voice, "Wouldn't it be amazing to find someone who was all the things you needed and wanted?" George grabs Ruby, pulls her to him, and plants a kiss on her lips. Ruby throws her arms around George and passionately returns his kiss. Her heart pounds, her belly flutters and for a moment, she feels like a schoolgirl with her first crush. She finally pulls herself away from the kiss, although not too far. "George," she says breathlessly, "That was... nice." Nice? Nice?? What's wrong with you Ruby West?? she yells at herself. You're acting like an idiot! No, she argues with herself, You're acting like you actually have feelings for him. She clears her thoughts away by clearing her throat. "Nice may not be the best word. I don't know what the right word is at the moment." Instead of finding the right word she takes his hand and places it on her chest, so he can feel her heart pounding himself. George breaks the kiss and pulls away. He stammers, "I...I'm truly sorry Ruby. I am acting inappropriately. Please forgive me." "Who says you're acting inappropriately? Isn't that for us to decide?" She takes a step closer for the step he took away. "Didn't you like my kiss George?" "Yes...of course....but Ruby, this isn't right. We're here alone, we shouldn't allow our emotions to carry us away," he states. "Didn't you hear anything about the kind of man I want?" She steps away from him and takes another drink of wine. She tries to busy herself with the food preparation but really she's just avoiding looking at him. She wonders why she keeps letting herself get disappointed... and where her wits have gone. She says quietly still without looking at him, "I don't know what you want from me George. Either you want me or you don't." He replies, "Oh, I want you Ruby, so very much. But I don't want to take unfair advantage of you. You have had an emotional day and you've been drinking. I wouldn't want to do anything that would make you think less of me tomorrow." Ruby finally smiles at George, her hair spilling over one shoulder as she gazes at him. "I don't think there's any way I could think less of you Mr. Eastman. You are one of the finest people I know. Maybe THE finest." She makes eye contact with him for a few long moments. "Why don't we eat now? I still have lots to tell you about. We can talk more about kissing... later... if you'd like." He says that sounds like a good idea. He checks the food and finds it is warmed up enough, placing it on their plates. He refills their wine glasses. As they begin to eat he asks, "So, what else did you want to tell me?" She states, "Well, I certainly have some stories to tell you. Good thing we have all night." Over the course of their meal Ruby recounts the story to George of the Cowboy Gang and her involvement with them. How the fear took over their lives for so long and how she almost died. About the books, about her friends actions, about the Festival. And how she believes the danger, at least most of it, is over now. She finishes up the story, "Of course, we did manage to find SOME fun through all of that, so it's not like it was all bad. But the day Ringo died, when Jake killed him, a great weight was lifted off of all of us." "Crazy story, huh?" Ruby laughs. They both had consumed a few glasses of wine and Ruby was finally feeling the warm, relaxed state that she enjoyed so much. He says, "My, you certainly have had your share of adventure. I can see why you are anxious to hurry back to Arizona, aside from being mistaken for bank robbers this community must pale by comparison." "You know George, I like adventure, I long for it even, but not that kind of adventure. I like the exotic kind, you know exploring ancient cities, wandering through the Pyramids or the rain forest, like you did, seeing new and exciting lands and people, that kind of stuff. Not being hunted day and night by murderers." She swirls the thick red wine in her glass as she speaks. "As for Rochester, my parents are here, which makes the place much less appealing to me. Honestly, I can't believe you're still friends with them. I'll admit, Promise City isn't the most glamorous town but truth be told, and I've mentioned it before, my friends are there. I'm sure you can understand that." He states emphatically, "I am not their friend, I am their acquaintance. My recent dealings with them have to do with a sale and transfer of some property. They knew of you now being in Arizona but did not hear it from me, apparently my cousin sent them a letter. I told them that we had seen one another and showed them a photograph that I had taken of you there. I'm now sorry that I did, I doubt they would have recognized you from the photograph in today's newspaper otherwise." Ruby smiles, and put her hand on George's. "It's alright, it's not your fault." She laughs, "I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when they saw that picture. I'm sure I am nothing they hoped I would be." The smile fades off Ruby's face. "You don't think they will try anything to do with me, do you?" He replies, "I do not know. I am sure that your mother would still like to see you married to me." Ruby says, "Yes, I'm sure she would like to take advantage of your success. But I'm quite certain that is not a good enough reason to marry someone. Shouldn't love be a part of the decision? The only part actually? People should only marry if the two of them truly love each other. Otherwise, how will it work?" She leans her elbow on the table and rest her head in her palm. Leaning towards him she says, "Don't you agree?" He says, "Absolutely, I have always felt that love is critical for the success of any marriage. Arranged marriages have their place in the world among royalty and the well-to-do, but without the feelings of the heart what do you really have there? Just a business arrangement? That is no way to go about things, you have to truly believe." "Well, I'm glad we agree on that. I never thought there would come a day that I even considered getting married myself. Love is a crazy thing," she shrugs. Ruby is quiet... there is more she wants to stay on the topic but she hasn't had quite enough wine yet.</blockquote>

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