Reading This Time, Really Closed

~ * ~

She nodded in acknowledgement of the girl's name—Opeila Seilun. It was unusual but pretty. There was something about the way that it rolled off the tongue that just seemed right. It was an interesting name, that much was true.

Thomas was pressing for more information. That was perfectly understandable, as she had been very vague. However, she was weighing up how much she was willing to say in front of Opeila. She knew that talking like this, even without giving much away, was quite rude to do in front of someone else. Opeila wasn't involved and was probably staying that way due to politeness, but Ruby knew that it might eventually make her feel uncomfortable or awkward. “Would you prefer if we left?” she asked the younger girl.

She would then provide a bit more detail to Thomas without being too descriptive until they figured out how to do this without being disrespectful to Opeila. “Yeah. I discovered that I have an older brother. I don't like him… at all. I forget the extent of what I told you when we first met, but my parents and I don't get along well either. This summer was… not great because of that.” She paused, trying to figure out how to say the next part. She rubbed the back of her neck unconsciously as she said, “I've found myself becoming a bit more hostile than I was before.” It was rare to recognise something like this in oneself, but she had. Yet somehow she couldn't find the willpower to change it. It was like she had simply accepted it and planned to ignore it and continue.

~ * ~

While present, there was a detectable change in attitude from their new acquaintance. Possibly out of respect, as the conversation trended to personal. Ruby and Thomas had a lot to unpack after a long time apart. But he did not care what Opeila heard, as he did not view her as a threat—it’s not like she had an underground cushion mafia to send after him. Thomas was transparent these days, having overcome fear of judgement that once accompanied the boy.

“Would you prefer if we left?”

It was a kind offer to move away from Opeila, who was there first after all. Thomas still did not agree, biting his tongue to avoid being a complete *** in front of his only friend. Instead of another snarky comment, he nodded in silent agreement with Ruby. Though if Opeila found his eyes, it was likely she detected his reluctance to move for her.

Ruby went on to share she has a sibling, and the ongoing tension with her family. No wonder the pair got on as well as they have. Thomas could relate all too well, the resentment for his father was a well-known sore spot for the boy. “A brother? Is he here, in the school?” Brows ascended above his blue eyes that were now fixated on Ruby. “At least your summer was likely better than mine.” He shook his head gently with a chuckle, referencing the mysterious disappearance.

“I've found myself becoming a bit more hostile than I was before.”

Any signs of amusement faded with her next statement. Thomas always viewed Ruby as a pillar of strength. She played that role for him anyway, the day she helped recover an item of value. Only moments ago, she vocalized thoughtful consideration of Opeila’s privacy. “I don’t buy that, Ruby.” He opposed, leaning forward with concern. “That’s not you.” He insisted, challenging the view she had for herself. If it were true, perhaps now was her chance to display it.

Towards the entrance, an older student entered the library with a stack of owls. A courier? After making his way around a few different tables he stopped near Thomas. “Thomas Lestrange, is it?” After a nod, he dropped several owls atop his lake creatures’ text and marched along. The notes were weathered, remnants of dust joined by a stench could only imply they have been sitting around for a while. Thomas swiftly deduced these owls arrived during his absence. His stomach churned, breath shortening, eyes hesitantly connecting with Ruby. He tucked the owls under his books, now was not the time. “I—I’ll look at those..later.” The now pale boy stirred in his chair, visibly concerned about what these letters contained.

Opeila could almost feel see the discomfort in the room, like a cloud surrounding the three of them. The two others didn't want Opeila to be a part of this, what was perfectly understandable since they were practically strangers. Ruby at least was polite enough to ask if Opeila wanted them to leave, but one look to Thomas told her, that he did not particularly want to move for Opeila.
Normally the first year would stay only because of that, but since Ruby seemed to have a serious topic to discuss with Thomas, Opeila decided to leave.
"It's alright.", she said and closed her book. "I have some things to do in the common room anyway." Opeila got her bag and put the book back into a shelf.

So the girl, Ruby, found out she had a brother and didn't like him. That was already more than she wanted to know, Opeila was no person to eavesdrop.
"See you around.", she said to her housemates before leaving the library.
There were some books she had to get out of her dormitory for the next lesson.

The older brother of Ruby made her think about her own older sibling, who she had not seen in seven years. She had no idea what kind of person Maybell had become...

Opeila leaves the thread.

@Ruby Cazares @Thomas Lestrange