Page 88 of Poison Aches
We all glance towards the hallway of Astraea and King’s mansion. There’s nothing but silence, so we burst out laughing.
CHAPTER 11
Ivy
“Okay, but seriously, Ivy, are you sure about this?” Astraea asks. I turn around to look at her fully.
“This is the first time you’ve asked,” I muse.
“This is the first time it feels like you’re running.”
And there it is.
“I’m not.”
“What about you and Em?—”
“There has never been anything between Emmett and me,” I immediately say, cutting her off before my courage can dwindle. “And besides, you were there that Christmas when he politely made things clear with me.”
I’m proud of how my voice stays at the same soft and calm level, not shaky at all.
My expression is still the same.
My heart still beats the same.
I’m at the point now where saying his name doesn’t matter to me, but my two best friends just stare blankly.
The thing is, they think there should be some kind of sweet love story between Emmett and me, but there’s nothing.
No fate meansno fate.
“That Christmas he said hedoesn’tand he willneverfeel that way for me,” I say quietly, holding Knight in my arms as firmly as I can without squeezing him. “And didn’t you just read that poem?”
“Hmm, you’re different these days,” Astraea presses.
“You’re doing that shrinking thing again!” I accuse.
“I’m not! That was just an observation but you, my dear, are protesting quite a bit there.”
I glare at her, then I look down at the baby on my lap who’s still watching me. “Knight, when you’re sick and tired of your parents, my doors will always be open and I’m no snitch, so you’ll be safe with me.”
“You told Laura the same thing!” Kim points out. “And I’m pretty sure you meant it.”
“Of course I did! I know y’all. All of you are a trip for sane people, I can’t imagine being raised by any of you!”
“Hmmm, she’s kinda right.” Kim nods after a while. “It’s good to have a fail-safe. With the way we were all raised, who knows what we might become.”
“Of all of us, Ivy, you’re the only one who was raised in a loving and supportive environment. You weren’t raised around conspiracy, vengeance, hatred or greed,” Astraea murmurs silently while looking at Knight.
I fall silent, not daring to look at either of them.
“Well… you can debunk whatever ridiculous memories that just flashed in both of your minds because I know neither of you will be, or are, a bad mother!” I say softly but firmly. “Kim, you’ve literally raised your sisters well, right from the start, even!”
“But—”
“Yes, we’re all still grieving right now, and it’ll take time, but you never once tapped out on both your sisters. Especially when things were the hardest, and those fucking bastards tried takingthem away from you. You held on strong and you fought hard, so chuck that thought from that pretty head of yours.”
I hold her gaze for a minute then turn to Astraea.
