Page 125 of Give My Everything
She shrugs, both of her hands occupied as she begins pulling the paper wrapper off the bottom.
Most people love the muffin top. Ivy likes the muffin butt.
She cracks up when I say that.
I take a seat in the chair next to her bed, pulling out my own muffin, both of us eating and watching a cartoon with subtitles on the TV.
I’m surprised my mom and Wyatt aren’t here. I thought we’d talked about a rotation so Ivy doesn’t have to be alone.
Did they say anything about being here or going somewhere?
Ivy watches my hands but then returns her attention to her muffin, and I instantly realize something’s wrong.
Shifting in my seat, I rest my arms on her bed next to her legs, taking one of her hands into mine to block her from continuing to use her muffin as an excuse not to talk to me.
Talk to me.
A moment passes before she finally realizes I’m not playing around, and her hands rise even if her expression stays neutral.
I told them I don’t want them here anymore.
My brow furrows.
Why would you do that? If I were in the hospital, I wouldn’t want to be here alone and bored out of my mind. You’re watching cartoons, for god’s sake.
She giggles, but it’s small and fades away quickly.
I just feel bad that I’m sickagain,and that they had to reschedule everythingagain. Wyatt and Hannah were supposed to go on some trip and they had to change the whole thing.
But they want to be here for you because they love you.
I see her hands clench momentarily before she continues.
I know, but it sucks being the reason they can’t just live normal lives. I get sick all the time, and it’s such a burden to…
I put my hands on hers, stopping her midsentence.
“No.” I say it as she watches me, her eyes dropping to my lips to read what I’m saying. “You arenevera burden.Ever.”
Letting go of her hands, I continue signing.
All of us want to be here with you because you are one of the most important people in the world to us. Wouldn’t you want to climb into this bed and snuggle with me if I were sick and you were scared for me?
A beat passes before she nods.
Alright. Eat your muffin, no more bullshit, and I’m gonna find us something better to watch than this.
She giggles at my language then pulls her muffin closer and starts picking at it again.
I grab the remote and flip through, feeling thankful when I find a channel with one of those home renovation shows. Ivy loves those, and it’s great for her because she doesn’t usually have to read the subtitles to see what’s going on.
Once that’s done, I settle back in my chair, grab my phone, and tap out a message to my brother.
Me: Where are you guys?
Only a few moments pass before I see the little bubbles pop up.
My brother might not be in the room right now, but I know wherever he is, his focus is still on Ivy.
