Page 103 of Ivy's Venom

“Ivy.” She sounds like she’s singing and speaking at the same time, a slight echo in her words. “Ivy, I love you.”

“I’m sorry.” I manage to force the words out, “Charlotte, I’m so sorry.”

“No,” she shakes her head and her ponytail of tight curls sways behind her. “Don’t be, Ivy. You were a great friend to me and I was not in the right state of mind. I’m sorry for what I did to us.”

“Take me with you,” I beg her. “It’s too hard to be here.”

“I can’t,” her smile grows wide again. “My brother will help you. Let him help you, Ivy.”

“I want to be with you.”

“Tell my brother the truth, okay? Tell him it was me, I was driving, and tell him I’m sorry. I think you two were always meant to be.”

Her voice begins to fade and her face is becoming foggy, “no, wait!” I exclaim.

“Don’t worry,” she giggles, “I’ll take care of this little one. She’s safe with me until we see you again.”

The first time I regained consciousness was to see Mom’s face hovering over mine, her eyes filled with worry. Then she began to laugh and smothered her face into my neck. Dad and Saxon were clapping in the background and my Little Flower climbed up on the bed.

“Ivy!” She squealed and even though the sound literally pierced through my skull, I was so happy to hear it. “You have been sleeping for so long!”

“Really?” My voice sounds groggy and hoarse.

“And you sound a little scary.” She whispers and everyone laughs.

“You’ve been out for a week.” Dad says as he steps up into view. “Had us worried about you.”

Every one of my family’s faces gathers around me and I look into each of their eyes. I see so much love and it makes me feel stupid for how badly I’ve treated them over the years.

“The doctors let us all in here because you were waking up but it really should only be two at a time.” Mom says. “Did you want to see everyone or do you want to rest?”

“I want to see Neil.” I clear my throat and wince at the pain.

“Okay,” Dad smiles. “You have a few broken ribs, so taking deep breaths will be painful, and you took a heavy hit to the noggin. Other than that, you are fine.”

Fine?

My hands move and cover my stomach, am I still fine?

“Can you guys give us a minute?” Mom asks and everyone begins to leave the room. “Ivy,” her voice cracks, “why didn’t you tell me?”

“It’s gone, isn’t it?” I wasn’t far along but I could sense the life inside of me, now it’s just… empty.

“Yes, baby.” She begins to cry.

“It’s okay, Mom.” I will myself not to cry, “Charlotte has her.”

“I’m sure she will love her.” Mom says through her tears.

“Charlotte was driving the car.” I look my mom in the eye, “I lied and said it was me because I made her angry.”

“I know, baby. I always knew that but there was no budging you to tell me the truth. I’m sorry you had to be sent away.”

I nod because what else can I do? It wasn’t her fault that I lied and I was a juvenile who was under the influence. Not to mention, neither of us had licenses to drive. I may have looked like I got off easy but those two years were complete torture.

“Does Neil know?” I ask her. “About the…” I look to my stomach.

“No.” She shakes her head. “Do you want to talk to him?”

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