Ruby (Landry 1)

"Maybe not," she said, still looking at me with

some suspicion. "Drink," she commanded, and I did

what she said even though it didn't taste great, I felt it

bubble in my stomach for a moment and then I did

feel a soothing sensation.

"Thank you," I said. I turned with Beau to look

at the doorway when we heard the footsteps coming

down the hall. A moment later, Gisselle Dumas

appeared, dressed in a beautiful red, bare shoulder

satin gown with her long red hair brushed until it shone. It was about as long as mine. She wore dangling diamond earrings and a matching diamond

necklace set in gold.

"Beau," she began, "why are you late and

what's this about a surprise guest?" she demanded.

She whirled to confront me, putting her fists on her

hips before she turned in my direction. Even though I

knew what to expect, the reality of seeing my face on

someone else took my breath away. Gisselle Dumas

gasped and brought her hand to her throat.

Fifteen years and some months after the day we

were born, we met again.

Just Like Cinderella

Who is she?" Gisselle demanded, her eyes

quickly moving from wide orbs of amazement to

narrow slits of suspicion.

"Anyone can see she's your twin sister," Beau

replied. "Her name is Ruby."

Gisselle grimaced a

nd shook her head. "What sort of a practical joke are you playing