Chapter 12: The Brown Eyes

Ivy strutted into her room, a sea of thoughts swamping her mind. What Alvin had said and given to her rattled in her mind, spilling over her emotions.

Ivy sat on the edge of the king-sized bed, staring at the black drive in her hand. A swirl of thoughts welling up.

Was it worth trying? Could she try it out? Was it necessary? Was there a need to believe Alvin? Would Alvin lie to her?

Ivy was caught on the web, but was there deception inside it? She wondered.

Ivy lay on her back with the drive on her chest as she crawled into sleep. It had been a long day after all.

…

It was a chilly Sunday, just like every other sunny day. Ivy rose as late as noon. She had been very exhausted last night, coupled with the revelation that Alvin had told her.

Ivy stretched as her bones crackled.

“Oh boy!” she let out under her breath. A gentle knock interrupted as Ivy’s sleepy gaze darted to the door.

“Come in,” said Ivy as Tika walked in with a cup of coffee.

A smile spread across Tika’s face, causing Ivy to beam a little.

“You are never tired of spoiling me, Tika…” Ivy let out, grateful for Tika’s thoughtfulness. Tika had been in the household since the birth of her twins. Tika was more like a family than a housekeeper.

“Look at you, Ma’am, well rested, right?” Tika said as she handed the cup of coffee.

“Yes, Tika…” Ivy took an instant sip, feeling refreshed. “This is definitely pushing me to start my day. God, I'm so exhausted,” Ivy went on.

“Well, you would be. You returned home late last night. I thought that something had happened until I saw Mr. Alvin’s,”  she explained, spreading the curtains as the warm beams permeated the room.

“Yeah, he fetched me out of work. By the way, what’s for lunch?” I asked to take another gulp.

“Whatever you say. Well, I have a list of things from the grocery store. I'm so sorry I didn't get them yesterday,” she said, standing before Ivy.

“It's okay! I get that you're busy, but we have a couple of extra hands around here, Tika. Send someone if you can’t make it,” Ivy clarified and Tika nodded. “You stress too much,” Ivy offhandedly added.

Tika smiled, “I just like to handle things myself, but I hear you,” said Tika as she made her way out of the room.

Ivy emptied her cup of coffee as she grabbed her cellphone from the nightstand.

A text jammed Ivy’s eyes. It was from her assistant. Ruby. When she entered it, she saw that it was text from Ruby.

It was then that it dawned on her that Ruby had invited her to her cousin’s graduation party. Ivy was not cut out for such or any gathering, but then, she couldn't dishonor her words.

Since the party would begin by 2PM, Ivy thought it was best to get out of bed.

Time passed so fast, Ivy had gotten ready for the family party. Ivy was simply dressed in a floral open-back dress and beige platforms. Ivy’s hair was neatly decorated with a yellow bow behind her. Ivy thought about a souvenir and a gift for the celebrant, and she got two very expensive bottles of wine, some pastries, and an LV jacket for the celebrant.

When Ivy was set to leave the house, the driver opted to drive her, but she declined, feeling the need to get distracted.

It hit her again. Nate could've insisted that she take a driver for her safety. But then, those moments had been taken away from her. Nate was now a part of history that she didn't want to accept.

Along the way, Alvin called Ivy to check in. They talked for almost a minute, and Ivy told him where she was headed. Although Alvin had no issues with it, he still wished that he had gone with her.

Double-checking the address, Ivy pulled over by the house. It was a simple duplex that had a backyard.  As soon as Ivy stepped out of the car, grabbing the items too, she snaked her way to the door and, before she could press the doorbell bell, which was going tough, given that her hands were occupied, the door swiftly opened as a tall, masculine figure almost bumped into her.

Thankfully, the souvenirs were inside a brown paper bag.

“Shoot! Thank goodness,” Ivy let out as her eyes rolled.

The man stood, mesmerized by her beauty and composure. Something about him reminded her of something. He was very familiar with her.

“Um, Hello! I'm here to see Ruby Pattison,” Ivy said, snapping out of his thoughts.

“Su- Sure, yeah. Yeah, she's right inside,” he said, his rough tone seeping into her head like an instant drug.

They remained silent, staring at each other for roughly three seconds as Ivy interrupted again.

“Could you—”

“Let me help with that,” he offered as she smiled appreciatively. He took the bag from her, and it was then she realized that he was wearing a cobalt blue sweater that looked like one that Nate loved when he was alive.

She took an instant liking to the man even if his face was very familiar. She was certain that they had met in the past.

“I'm sorry about everything, I had no idea someone was there,” he let out nicely.

“It's fine. You actually saved me back there,” she said as he led her through the decorated living room. “I didn't know how to press the bell until you showed up,” she added, her eyes scrutinizing the cozy decorated room.

There were a lot of pictures, a pile of new books, and flowers.

“I'm glad I came through. I was about to… smoke a cigar. I was fed up with everyone prying into my matters. You know how family gets when you’ve been single almost all your life,” he said as Ivy nodded. Somehow, she could understand. He led her into the backyard, where the bustle was happening.

Just like she had pictured it, there was a long table filled with different delicacies and drinks. The carpet grass lay majestically as the leaves on the trees swayed, making the sunny atmosphere breezy.

Little kids between the ages of 5 and 11 circled the large backyard while a few adults tried to put things in order and that was when she saw Ruby, holding a tray of pancakes.

“Mom, my boss is here…”  Ruby announced when her eyes landed on Ivy.

“So… it's you? Ruby couldn't stop talking about you. So nice to finally meet you,” the man beside her said as Ivy smiled, almost embarrassed.

“You’re something else,” Ivy teased as the man placed the brown bag on the table. Ruby placed the pancakes on the table and scurried towards Ivy as they shared a hug.

“Oh, such a nice boss!” The man teased, making the woman chuckle.

“Thank you so much for coming! I thought that you wouldn't make it. You know, you need lots of rest,” said Ruby, adjusting her purple summer short dress.

“It's actually nice. A breath of fresh air,”  said Ivy as they smiled.

As time went on, Ruby introduced Ivy to the rest of the family. As well as Ruby’s cousin, who had just graduated from middle school. I had no idea that it was a little boy.

“I thought that he was an adult, actually. I got him a big jacket,” Ivy’s lips folded with a bit of embarrassment as Ruby dismissively slapped the air.

“I would take it,” Ruby excitedly grabbed it.

“No way, I’ll get him something. I'll just order something real quick,” Ivy said as she moved aside to make a call. She thought that the kid deserved something better and age-appropriate.

Soon, they were all having lunch. Everyone was chattering from time to time, and there was a lot of laughter in the air.

Ivy missed times when she organized family lunches and dinners, celebrating every little and large victory.

But now, it was as though nothing had ever happened. The silence and quietness in her heart were palpable. Nothing made sense.

The family was torn apart. Ivy had no one.

“So, Ivy, tell us about yourself. You know, Ruby always tells us how awesome you are,” Ruby’s mother chimed in when she noticed that Ivy had been all to herself.

Ivy forced a small smile.  “I'm just Ivy Hart. Ruby is. Like a friend to me, and I'm happy to be here,” she simply said, her voice low and reflective.

“Lovely. Kids?” the woman asked again.

“Really, Aunt Rissa, is there a need?” the man she bumped into earlier spoke up.

“Well, if you were in a relationship, I wouldn't bother asking someone, right?” Rissa’s words were sharp as her husband prodded her to remain silent.

“Really?” the man said, his demeanor changed as he left the table.

Ivy was uncomfortable, but then it was relatable to her.

“Sorry, that was uncalled-for,” Rissa said to Ivy while the others muttered.

“So, any kids?” Rissa politely asked.

“Um, I have two kids. Twins. They are in college,” Ivy said as they smiled, as if interested in whatever she had to say again.

“Wow, and you look this young?” one of the ladies blurted out. “Your genes are magical. You look so pretty,” she complimented as Ivy smiled.

“Thank you so much, you're not bad yourself,” Ivy said.

“Ivy, we are happy to have you join us. Ruby says lots of good things about you. Please feel at home… and… our deepest condolences to your husband,” Rissa’s husband said as Ivy nodded thankfully.

Ivy loved the feeling of being among loving people who lived their normal lives, savoring the moment.

Soon, someone announced that there was a package for Ivy.

“Oh, let them in. It's for my little one,” said Ivy, leaving everyone stunned. When the package was brought in, it began.

“This is for Timmy! I hope he loves it,” Ivy said as a lady who seemed to be Timmy’s mother called the little boy.

He had been playing with the rest of the kids his age.

When he came, he was already covered in dirt, which made Ivy remember the time her kids were little.

“Look what Aunt Ivy got you, Timmy,” his mother said, with excitement washing over everyone.

The little boy searched with a grin as his innocent, bright gaze met Ivy’s.

“You got me Legos?” he asked with shock engulfing his features as he ran towards her, throwing himself around her. He hugged her tightly, and she felt the surge of emotion while she held him.

When the boy had sprinted off with the other kids so that they could play with his new gifts. The rest of the family appreciated Ivy’s nice gestures.

Timmy's Mom, who was heavily pregnant, hugged Ivy over and over again.

The excitement was lovely to watch, a sight to see, but Ivy was getting emotional. Something about the family reminded her of how they used to be back at home.

…

It was getting late. Ruby’s family was rooted in a conversation, and Ivy bade goodbye.

Ruby attempted to see Ivy off, but Ivy politely declined. Timmy gave one last hug.

“Will you come again?” he asked.

“Yes, when I have the time. I sure would,” Ivy said as she placed a kiss on his head before he sprinted off.

Ivy left.

She walked to her car as the smell of cigarettes lingered in her nostrils. As she looked to her left, she saw the man again.

Carried away his thoughts while he smoked. He was standing on the lawn, with one hand tucked in his pocket.

Ivy attempted to leave but then walked over to meet him. At least, he had been nice to her.

“Hey!” she let out.

His calm gaze turned towards her as he smashed the cigar.

“Leaving already?” he asked casually as she nodded, holding firmly to her purse.

“Yeah. You've been all out, why? You don't have to always take their words to heart, you know that, right?” she kindly said as he fully turned to her.

“I guess.” he sighed.

“I know what it is like. Trust me. I'm barely healing from a family drama myself...” she teased as he lightly chuckled.

Their eyes locked. Ivy recognised those sharp brown eyes, the tall figure, and even his voice. She was paddled to ask to feed her curiosity.

“Have we… met before?” she let out as his lips formed a smile that could mean one thing.