Chapter 7: No more grieving

“I um… I was actually searching for you, Ivy, and then… here you are,” he said, taking a step closer, causing Ivy’s heart to race with a mix of surprise and unease.

“Okay, is there something specific you’d like to discuss?” Ivy asked, taking a cautious step back.

“It’s about dinner earlier. I know your children have a pretty bad impression of me, and I can’t shake the feeling that it’s been weighing on you,” Alvin said, slowly circling her like a predator stalking its prey. Ivy felt a chill creep up her spine. Just moments ago, her son had warned her about him, and now here he was, trying to damage that concern.

“They don’t think you’re terrible, Vin. They’re just… worried. They’re grieving, you know,” Ivy explained, trying to lessen the tension.

Alvin let out a dry chuckle as he halted in front of her, his eyes searching her face.

“Grieving? The whole house is in mourning, Ivy. Nate was my brother, and those kids—they’re mine—”

“Your niece and nephew, that's what they are to you,” Ivy interjected firmly. His words hung in the air like the last notes of a haunting melody.

“Call it what you will. Just know that I have pure intentions toward them,” Alvin replied, his tone half-hearted. Ivy sighed, feeling the weight of the conversation pressing down on her.

“I understand, Vin. Once this is over, you’ll see they don’t hate you,” she reassured him, attempting to soften the moment. “I was about to come find you before… well, before we ran into each other.” She moved towards the couch, feeling the need for some distance. Ivy sank down and poured herself a glass of water.

With a gentle sip, she glanced up at Alvin, who loomed over her, his expression blank yet suspicious.

“What about?” he asked, crossing his arms.

“The funeral arrangements—what’s left to sort out?” Ivy set her glass down with a soft clink. “You could have talked to me, but I admit, I was… unavailable. I still need to discuss this with the priest—”

“That’s already been settled, Ivy. Don’t you trust me?” Alvin interrupted, his calmness creeping her out. “You don’t need to worry. I’m not plotting anything. I’m a grown man with feelings,” he added, but Ivy could only stare blankly at him, a string of thoughts swirling in her mind.

“I appreciate everything you’ve done. I truly do, and I’m so grateful you filled in when I couldn’t. Thank you,” she admitted, her voice sincere as he sat next to her, taking her hands into his.

“This has shocked us all, but we need to be strong. The truth won’t stay hidden forever, and Detective Calvin and his team are doing everything they can to uncover it. Just give it time; we’ll get everything sorted,” he said, and she nodded slightly, still feeling the weight of the moment.

“Why are you going to such lengths for me?” Her eyes brimmed with tears as she searched his face for answers.

“Because I’m doing this for my brother and for you and the twins. You’re all I have left,” he said, gently releasing her hands when he sensed her discomfort. “Do you… think I have a hidden agenda?” His voice was steady, but she could hear the hint of sadness beneath it.

“God, no, Alvin, not at all…” she replied quickly.

“Then what’s with the suspicion? I’m just trying to care for you all. My intentions are clear. I’ve been here for you even before Nate passed away. So why this distrust?” His disappointment hung between them like a thick fog as he stood up, frustration painting his features.

“I didn’t mean to,” she whispered, shame flooding her voice as he let out a deep breath.

“I can’t stay if you see me differently. Please just take care of yourself and the twins,” he said firmly, and with that, he turned and headed for the door.

“Alvin, I didn’t mean it that way…” her voice cracked, barely a whisper as he paused behind the door, listening.

He turned on his heel, the faint creaking of a door echoing in his ears. Before Alvin could ascend the stairway, Justin and Kendra emerged from Justin's room, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief at seeing him.

“Uncle Vin, are you looking for something?” Kendra asked with an innocence that faked the tension in the air.

“He was with Mom, obviously,” Justin snapped, his tone sharp as Alvin quickly intervened.

“Justin, what’s your problem? Are you honestly worried that I’m checking on your mother?” Alvin retorted, irritation flaring.

“Of course! I can tell when a man is trying to seduce a woman,” Justin shot back, his demeanor unyielding as Alvin rubbed his nose, trying to temper his frustration.

“You have it all wrong—”

“Then leave until the funeral, okay? Stop meddling in our family business…” Justin yelled, his voice rising. Kendra grasped her brother's arm, attempting to calm the storm brewing between them, but Justin remained stubborn.

“Justin, we can talk calmly if you want,” Alvin urged.

“No, Vin, there’s nothing to discuss. I don't trust you. Ever since you pulled that stunt, and with everything that’s happened... I can sense it. You’re infatuated with my mother, and I know you were before Dad even passed away. Don’t think I don’t see through your charade. For everyone’s sake—yours, hers, and ours—just leave. We’ll see you at the funeral that you quickly planned,” Justin declared, anger lacing his words as he took Kendra's hand and walked away. Despite Kendra's quiet scolding, Justin's resolve was unwavering.

“You clearly have no idea who you're dealing with,” Alvin muttered under his breath as he turned to leave.

…

The following day, Ivy awoke determined. Instead of drowning in grief, she was ready to seek justice for Nate; she wouldn’t find peace otherwise. It was nearing 10 AM when she called for a family meeting. When everyone except Alvin had gathered, she inquired, “Where is Alvin?”

“He left last night,” Lana replied, a longtime family friend and nearly a member of the family herself.

“Gone? Why?” Ivy’s brow furrowed in concern.

“I sent him away,” Justin confessed boldly. Ivy’s questioning gaze encouraged him to continue. “We had a conversation, and I told him to leave. Don’t worry, he’ll be at the funeral,” Justin explained, suppressing a wave of disappointment as Ivy absorbed his words.

“I’ll deal with that later. Well, I’ve decided that there will be no mourning in this house,” Ivy announced, her voice steady.

“What do you expect us to do? Laugh and throw a party while we should be honoring the dead? Doesn’t his death mean anything to you, Ivy?” Prisca, her mother-in-law, snapped, frustration radiating from her.

“Mother, not now. Yes, I care about Nate, everyone knows that. But we’re not going to grieve until justice is served. Grieving feels like giving up. Why wallow when our focus should be on finding justice for Nate?” Ivy countered, her voice resolute.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying; we must pursue justice for Dad before grieving even begins,” Justin added firmly.

“What is wrong with you, Ivy? Have you lost your mind? You’ve turned my grandson against everything that's ethical!” Prisca shot back, incredulity in her eyes.

“Mother, my family and I are united in this. We’ve spent a week in tears, blaming the innocent while doing nothing for Nate. I’m not forcing this idea on anyone, but seeking justice is far better than being locked into sorrow.” Ivy’s voice held a firm confidence, tinged with underlying pain.

As she surveyed the room, Kendra spoke up, “I stand with my mother; we shouldn’t keep crying when Dad needs us to fight for him. Let’s pursue justice.”

“I agree, this isn’t over until it’s truly over,” Lana chimed in, brazenly.

Prisca let out a mocking laugh, “You, you,—You’re all delusional, obviously,” she said, gathering her things before storming out with her walking stick.

Once Prisca was gone, Lana broke the silence. “So… do we have any plans in motion?” asked Lana.

“Not yet, but I’ve invited Detective Calvin to hear the updates,” Ivy explained.

“Do you think that’s enough? I mean, the police wouldn't truly solve this as we want,” Lana said uncertainly, feeling the weight of suspicion from the group’s collective gaze.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, cutting through the tension.

“That should be Calvin. Erm, Justin, could you please open the door?” Ivy instructed, her heart racing. Would this be their breakthrough? She couldn’t help but wonder.