How Strong Is Copper - Part 2

Ruby

I have to learn how to become a girl. Jesus, this is gonna be harder than I thought. The boy across the room looked at me, a weird look in his eyes. I'm not sure that I like that look, I have never seen it before in Kuma eyes, so what's this kid's problem. I watch him in a hopefully casual way. My new found friend, Hila, said that his name was Benjamin Thomas. He was the most popular student in school, and not to mention the most loved. I suck in a sharp breath. If he was so popular, and surrounded by girls, why even notice me? Why me, the girl who's more of a soldier than an actually girl. Sitting down next to Hila, I forgot about the strange looks I had received from Benjamin. Though I did tell her about them. "Lol, calling him by his full first name is not the right way to start a conversation. Did you have very little human interaction lately?" Hila jokes. "Hehe, I actually haven't had to talk to a human, let alone a male, for a long time. I have been quite isolated." I say, with complete seriousness. "Wow. Guess that means you have kinda forgotten how to be a girl. Don't stress honey. I will teach you."

After about three weeks of girl training (done in one five minute conversation, I know, wow), and I know that seems weird but I needed to learn it all, and quickly, I was finally ready. Or ready-ish. "Ok honey, next class is science, and pray that we're partners. Just to save you from yourself." Hila says with a giggle. I laugh with her, I could very easily settle down here. We pick up our books and walk to the class. It felt nice that Hila was looking out for me. Class was sure to be good.

Ben

Walking into the science class, I knew that an experiment was happening. This was bound to be fun. Taking my usual sit with Ren, my best friend, I wait for the teacher to start the class. As soon as I sit down, Hila and the new girl walk in... what was her name again? Ruby or something... Anywho, they walking in, the latter giggling and relaxed. Seeing Ruby smile, I got a warm feeling. She and Hila sat down at the back of the classroom, and then class started.

"Today kids, we are doing a experiment on chemicals, and how they react with flames. I will sort you into pairs, then we will start the experiment." The teacher announced.

Slowly, the pairs were chosen. "Hila and Ren, you will be the next pair. Feel free to start the experiment." The teacher said, then turned to me. "Benjamin and Ruby, you will be the next pair. Ruby, don't worry, Benjamin will take good care of you. Feel free to start the experiment, and good luck!" The teacher said with a smile.

Ruby

Shit. Shit shit shit shit. I'm not with Hila. I have never talked to a guy. I'm doomed. Benjamin gives me a smile, then grabs my arm to lead me to a desk. Soon as we reach it, he drops my arm and looks away, but I see that he has gone red. Hila didn't teach me about when people go red. "I'll set up the experiment." I say, needing to make myself busy. "I'll go grab the chemicals." Benjamin says, then disappears. Hila looks at me and mouths, 'Jesus, you two are so awkward.' I laugh. It was true though. Why was he awkward when I was the one who should be? I set up the experiment, following the instruction on the board. Benjamin came back with the chemicals. He passes me a icy pole stick, and I look at him confused. "Put that in the fire, and watch what happens." I take the icy pole stick and place it in the fire. Suddenly, green fires appear. "What the...." I trail off, watching the flames. Looking at the flames, I hear Benjamin chuckle. "I'm going to guess you haven't seen that before." He says. I nod. I lean in towards the flames, but an arm appears in front of me, like a barrer. "You'll burn yourself." I glare at him, can't I just go near it? "Don't give me that look. You will burn yourself. But if I do this, you can touch it." He turned the flap at the bottom skyward as he says this. Then he moves his arm, and says "Try now. And I'll put a different chemical in." Benjamin places another icy pole stick in the fire, and it turns blue and green. I poke the flames, and feel no burning sensation. He laughs and says, "It's a safety flame, it won't hurt you." I don't believe it. I can touch the fire. Maybe I misjudged Benjamin. Maybe he is ok. MAYBE...

Ben

Ruby looked at me with utter disbelief. I can't help but laugh as she paws the fire like a kitten. It's adorable. She is nice, funny and generally sweet. She seems like a nice person. "Hey...umm, Ruby?" I ask. She looks up at me, and says "Yeah?" I take a deep breath. "I don't think I ever properly introduced myself. My name is Benjamin Thomas, happy to make your acquaintance." Ruby smiles at me. "Nice to meet you Benjamin, my name is Ruby Lace. I'm also happy to make your acquaintance." I laugh, then say, "Just call me Ben. Now, shall we finish this experiment, Miss Ruby?" I'd never called someone miss before, and I got a strange warm feeling just saying it. "Yeah. Lets make more coloured fire."

I honestly enjoyed Science. It was amazing, and I'm glad I got to spend that time with Ruby. Walking out of school, I'm actually a lot happier than I usually am. I silently pray to whatever deity would listen to me, that soon I'll find someone I love. I don't want to be stuck with Endria forever.

Ruby

I walk down the back alleyway, fastest way back home.Or at least, my real home. Checking if anyone can see me, I fasten my pace. I reach the abandoned building and began to change. Taking off my school uniform, I fold the welcome mat at the door and look for the key. You see, underneath my school uniform, I have my suit. Skin-tight and black, that's seriously all it is. It's kinda like a ninja suit I guess. Then again, it's my work outfit. I found the key, grab it, place my discarded clothes into my bag, and unlock the door.