"I don't want the break to end," Ruby groaned. She was waiting by the door for Ivy. They were going to arrive at Lu's much later than usual. That was due to Mia. Getting her to relax and fall asleep had been difficult that night for Ivy.
"Of course not. Nobody does. But at least we get a break. This has probably been very helpful for the rebels. I'm sure even a little bit of extra time goes a long way. If nothing else, we've made some good progress in the tunnels," said Ivy.
"Yeah, that's true. I'm just going to really miss not having to fight for my life every single day. I'm also going to miss not having to play that awful game with the lists," added Ruby.
"Oh, Ruby! Don't remind me that's a thing. Of all of Mary's ideas, that might be the worst one yet!"
"Yeah, maybe we just shouldn't think about the games right now. Do you think we'll ever get to meet the other rebels? I mean the other groups that are scattered across the city," asked Ruby.
"Maybe. I certainly hope so. I wonder how many dolls were part of the rebels. I wouldn't be surprised if your escape inspired the other dolls and gave them new hope, Ruby."
"That's a nice thought. I hope that I was able to inspire them. It's a shame I lost my memories. Most of my life I spent living in safety, being taken care of by Robert. I wasn't really trying to do anything," said Ruby. Robert. That was what Ivy had wanted to ask her about. The more Ruby described Robert, the more confusing he seemed to be. How could he possibly know so much about the glass city? Did the overseers really share the city's history with everyone? Blossom didn't seem to think so. Perhaps this was a good question for Lu. Ruby might genuinely not know the answer. Besides, Ruby had clearly cared about Robert and missed him a lot. Asking about him might just bring more sadness into Ruby's life and that was the last thing that she needed right now.
So, Ruby had really befriended a human. How had she done it? Did she somehow convince them to not take her back to the city? Ruby was a kind soul. Kindness helped you make friends. But this city was a place where kindness was weakness, and any kind of softness was simply something to be taken advantage of. Maybe the rest of the world wasn't like that.
There was no telling what Ruby's life with the humans had been like. At the end of the day, it wasn't Ivy's life, and she had no real reason beyond curiosity to pry into Ruby's past. But Ruby's life with the humans had left an impact on her. Ruby definitely didn't act like any other doll that Ivy had met in the city. You'd think that being raised with creatures like humans would lead to cruelty and hatred. But Ruby wasn't like that at all. Even the dangers of the games and the horrors of the city didn't break Ruby's spirit.
Ivy could learn from that. It was a strange kind of strength that she wasn't used to seeing. It was the opposite of the fear that Blossom experienced. Ruby's strength laughed at despair and shone brightly even in the darkest times. Why couldn't Ivy be that strong? She would learn. Everyone in the world, good or bad, had something to teach you. A strong will and hopeful mind was something Ruby could teach her to have.
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Being more positive and hopeful would probably help reassure Mia as well. The more calm and relaxed Ivy acted, the safer Mia seemed to feel. Mia needed to know that Ivy could take care of her and that no matter what happened she would always be there to protect Mia. Mia had adored Ruby within a few minutes of meeting her. Maybe that was why. It was that cheerful, determined fearlessness that Ruby had. That was what Ivy wanted to become. If nothing else, it would keep her from slipping into despair and hopelessness.
The two dolls slipped out into the dark streets. Ivy followed closely behind Ruby. Ruby had gotten much better at keeping her footsteps soft and light. That was good. At first, Ivy had felt nervous sneaking out with her because of all the noise that she had made. Now it was easier. They were able to move very swiftly through the shadows. The moonlight shone down on them brightly. The very air around them seemed to be tinted with the deep silvers and blues of the night. A gentle breeze tickled Ivy's cheeks and tugged at her dress. How beautiful and still the streets seemed tonight. Ivy could almost relax and walk.
"Stop!" Ivy burst out suddenly. Ruby froze. What was that? She had heard something moving behind them. It had only been for a moment, but she had heard something break the stillness. The girls spun around to face the shadows that surrounded them. Ivy had always had sharp eyes, and it didn't take her long to adjust to the darkness. Instantly, her eyes landed on the small figure. Fear, confusion, relief, and a hint of anger filled Ivy. But relief finally won.
"Mia, what are you doing here? You should be asleep," Ivy called softly. A sleepy and sad looking Mia emerged out of the darkness.
"But I want to go with you," she whined. "I always get left behind. This isn't fair. Can't I come with you just this once? I just want to see where you go every night," the child said softly.
"No," said Ivy firmly. "We are going back now." She firmly took hold of Mia's hand and began dragging her back down the street. Ruby followed close behind them. Obviously, Ivy didn't say that out loud, but she was very impressed by Mia's sneaking abilities. It was amazing that she had been able to keep up with them.
"Let's just take her back and stay. I don't want to risk getting caught thanks to all of these trips," Ivy whispered to Ruby. Ruby nodded.
"Yeah, let's not risk it," she said.
"Why don't you want my help, Ivy?" Mia demanded.
"Because I want to keep you safe."
"I don't want to be left behind."
"Too bad. This is the way things have to be."
"You don't even play with me during the day anymore."
"That's not true. I played with you yesterday."
"But you're spending less and less time with me!" That was true. But it had to be that way. "You said we would get to play together more during the break. But you've been too busy!"
"Well, you have new friends to play with."
"But I just want you, Ivy!" Mia's grip on her hand tightened.
"Shh, we're trying to be quiet. I'm sorry you're upset, but we can't afford to get caught. So please, stay quiet," Ivy hissed. Mia obeyed. The three of them walked in silence till they reached the apartment. Hopefully Lu wouldn't be worried when they didn't show up. Ivy said good night to Ruby and carried Mia up the stairs to tuck her in for the second time that night. Well, at least Ivy's stamina hadn't been drained.