Rue's Answer

"No, I don't think so," Rue said,

Standing up from her spot on the bed.

Jacob scrambled up from the floor.

To try and reach Rue before

She could possibly get away

Not sure what more he could say.

But she was well on her way.

He followed her down the hall.

"I just want to know why is all?"

Rue stopped abruptly and soon

Jacob realized they were standing

Outside of her room.

"You just going to abandon me here?"

"No, I thought my intentions were clear."

She gave him a deceptive grin.

Looked at him and asked,

"Aren't you coming in?"

Jacob wondered if this was some sort of test.

Stayed put afraid to take another step.

Rue shrugged, "Okay suit yourself."

She went inside and pulled a box off the shelf.

The gift-wrapped box she handed him.

"Merry Christmas, Mr. Craven."

"This is for me?"

"Since I just gave it to you, I'd say it must be."

He opened the package in a hurry

The wrapping fell in a flurry.

He opened the box to find

A hand-carved flute of some kind.

His hand gingerly ran over the wood

Near him, Ruechari stood.

"It is a native instrument.

Hand-carved, you see.

Already tuned to the note of C."

Jacob blew into it.

It took very little breath

To get a rich tone.

He looked at it again,

"What's this symbol here?"

"It is a Hogan,

the symbol for a permanent home."

"And is this an eagle?"

"Yes, the golden eagle is sacred to my people."

"It's beautiful, Rue. Well, not as beautiful as you."

"Don't do that," Rue said.

"Do what?"

"Cheapen it. Just say thank you instead."

"You know it is a fact, that you are beautiful.

Am I never allowed to say what I know is true,

Without you thinking it's some cheap trick Rue?

You say how much honesty means to you,

but how can I give you honesty, if you won't let me."

"The honesty I am looking for is what you did before.

We ended up standing here at my door.

You sober, letting me in,

Knowing by doing so

Some healing can begin.

You have no idea how attractive that can be."

Jacob stared a moment at Ruechari

"Come to the Gala with me."

"No."

"Why?"

"I love those people with all my heart

but when around them I feel like I'm playing a part.

I can't share who I am or who I'm meant to be

So, there I stand... just Ruechari.

I'm grateful for the gifts I have.

But such parties are not for me."

"I don't think you should ever have to play a part, Rue.

I think you should let them get to know the real you.

I know that's what I hope you'll do."

"I don't think they

Would be okay

With what I would have to say.

Something I can't undo

If I try and it fails,

Who cares if it's me being true?

I've lost too much already.

I'm not sure I can take much more."

Rue, stepped away and shut her door.

"So your plan is to stay here alone?"

Ruechari let out a groan.

"I don't expect you to understand

They'll all be fine without me.

They always are, you'll see.

And I'm okay,

That, that's the way.

Christmas for me Jacob.

Is just another day.

You should be with Josie,

Family, enjoying your night.

I'll be fine, I'll be alright."

"I'm sorry but that is unacceptable, Rue.

If you won't come to the Gala then

I'm staying here with you.

No one should be alone, on Christmas

No matter who or what they be."

He held out his hand,

"Come on, Ruechari. Come with me."

She sighed. He knew she would resist,

When she didn't give him her hand,

he took her by the wrist.

"I'm sorry but this for your own good."

He led her down the stairs

They had the place to themselves

There wasn't anyone anywhere.

Jacob grabbed the phonograph and records

He had seen backstage.

He put one on, a favorite song

And then took a chance

Asking Rue to dance.

"Won't Josie miss you?"

"Possibly, but I won't be away all night.

Just leaving you at this very moment

Just doesn't seem right.

Besides she has Bella and Gyn by her side

I'm certain she won't care

And with AJ and Loren there

Making trouble they wouldn't dare.

So let me have this time, Rue?

Let me have this dance with you?"

https://youtu.be/icb2baV9MgA

Rue smiled slightly and gave over her hand

He pulled her in close, they swayed to the music

As the rhythm had demand.

He knew he was in trouble deep

This charade of his hard to upkeep

He was fooling himself if he believed

Rue hadn't captured his heart and soul.

But at the same time, he knew she didn't know.

He wasn't sure he could take that leap

The fear of what future holds did creep.

Rue danced with him a song or two

He wonders what would happen if she knew.

The song had ended

She started to pull away.

"Rue, wait... I

I have something I need to say."

Rue looked wary but said,

"Okay?"

Jacob opened his mouth to speak

His head felt light, his knees felt weak.

"Rue...I...

Something or someone had drawn her eye.

Jacob turned to see Billy, standing nearby.

"I'm sorry to interrupt, Rue.

I didn't expect to ...

I have something for you..."

Billy stood there as awkward as could be

With a wrapped box for Ruechari.

Jacob looked at Rue and she looked sorry

When she said, "One moment if you can.

Please, excuse me."

Jacob watched Rue walk away

Billy handed her the gift

Jacob watched her face change

As the lid, she did lift.

"How did you...?"

She looked so surprised.

Billy smiled and looked in her eyes

"Who knows you better than me,

Ruechari."

Tears filled her eyes

To Jacob's surprise.

"You have no idea

how much I needed this."

She leaned up and gave Billy

A quick kiss.

"I told you I'm here for you.

If you need to discuss why

I'll be nearby."

"I...  can't..."

Rue looked back at Jacob

Jacob's conflict was easy to see

She turned back to Billy.

"I understand, Ruechari."

Billy tipped his hat,

"Merry Christmas, Rue."

"Yes... you too."

Billy left the room

But Jacob felt his doom

Rue stood before him

She gave him only a glance

Then a kiss on the cheek,

"Thank you, for the dance."

"Rue?"

She clutched the box

Like it was a lifeline.

"I'm sorry Jacob but I

think it's time.

You got back to Josie,

who's waiting for you."

"But I never got to say..."

She put her finger to her lips

"Don't, it will only become

a regret someday."

"Do you know how hard this is for me?"

"I do Jacob, but I'm not ready.

And neither are you."

"Just so you know

I can be trusted too,

And I've never betrayed you, Rue."

"I know.

But now I think it's best

If you go."

"You're going to meet him

aren't you?"

Rue shook her head no.

"Then why not come to the Gala

with me. I hate thinking of you

All alone here, Ruechari."

"Not for me."

Rue surprised him then

When she leaned in

And suddenly gave Jacob

A real kiss, that blew him away.

"Merry Christmas,"

Was all she would say

Before she left without delay.