Page 148 of Promise Me Nothing
Everything is moving so fast.
Too fast.
I just want it to slow down so I can think. I can barely think.
I take a deep breath, then let it out.
After doing that a few more times, I head upstairs. In this moment, right now, I need to focus on Ivy. On my younger sister who is still just a girl, feeling alone and scared.
Taking the stairs two at a time, I get up to her room and open the door just a smidge, expecting to find my sister crying on her bed.
But it’s still made, her bedroom lights off.
Pushing the door all the way open, I flick the lights and glance around.
She’s not here.
I blow through her room to her bathroom. Then I check all of the other bedrooms. I’ve never resented my sister being deaf until this moment, when I can’t call out to her when I need to find her.
And after checking every room of the house like a crazy person, my worst fears are confirmed.
Ivy is gone.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
Hannah
A small part of me hopes Wyatt will come to say goodbye. A little voice that wants me to forgive him and move on so I can spend every night in his arms.
But I’ve been telling that bitch to keep quiet, because I’m busy brooding.
So when there’s a knock at the front door, I can’t help but be a little happy about it.
Though I’m surprised to see Ivy when I answer the front door.
She rushes me, wrapping her arms around my middle and giving me a tight squeeze.
Hey sweet stuff,I say, once she’s finally let go of me so I can speak to her.What are you doing here?
I glance behind her, out to the courtyard, wondering if I’ll be seeing Wyatt round the corner. But there isn’t anyone there, so I look back to Ivy.
No, I’m here by myself.
I furrow my brow.Are you allowed to be here by yourself?
I know she’s just turned thirteen, and I try to remember my own freedom at that age. My situation might not have been common, but I can only imagine that my parents wouldn’t have let me wander off on my own at so young.
Tack on Ivy’s red eyes, and the fact she came on foot? I’m gonna guess this is some sort of runaway situation.
NowthatI am incredibly familiar with.
Ivy rolls her eyes at my question, walking past me and into the house. Then she spins around to look at me.I’m definitely old enough to be here. Now, I want to try some alcohol. Where does Lucas keep that?
I laugh, but sober myself when I realize she’s serious.Well, as much as I’d love to help you, I don’t think your family would be happy about me giving alcohol to a minor.
She glares at me, and I can see the look of determination in her eyes.
I’m going to die, so they’ll get over it,she says, matter-of-factly.
