Beyond The Fury

Chapter Twenty-Four

(Song- Maybe by Lewis Capaldi)
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Ivory's POV

The sun sets quicker than it finds its rightful place in the sky and I am alone again. I can still feel the loose hug of Hardin's arms around my waist, pulling me into his shadow. He isn't here and it hurts. It really fucking hurts.

A sadistic part of myself wishes that he would have come running- that he would have at least tried to prove to me that I mattered to him. I know I would have screamed in his face and shoved him away.. but I wanted him to try. I guess I'll always be waiting for him.

Darkness swirls in the clouds above me as I slug my way down the pavement. I bring my fingertips up to brush against my busted cheek. The wound is healing well but the skin is still tender. I flinch away as a sharp sting jabs my face. As much as my body aches nothing compares to the mental scars I now have.

I don't know what has gotten into me but I find myself heading in the direction of Hardin and Ken's house. I remember seeing the address on one of Bruce's tabs back at the bar and I've not forgotten it since.

I'm hoping that maybe Hardin can help me with my.. situation. Maybe I can borrow some money from him and pay it back to him once I get back to work. It's the least he can do right..

My boney knuckles come thumping down onto the wooden door of the very large house and I stare at it momentarily in awe. Wow.. how can they afford such a massive house? Whilst my hand is in the air my subconscious mind takes the time to look at the bruising burns around my wrists and it doesn't take long for my brain to recollect the memories of just how they got there.

My heart falters in my chest as the door swings open in front of me. I expected Ken Scott to answer but I am met by someone completely different. A beautiful woman answers the door wearing a flour covered apron which has little lemons scattered on the fabric. Her hair is pinned perfectly in a bun and the fresh scent of goods baking fills my nose.

"Hello. May I help you?" Her mouth tweaks up into a warm smile and I return the gesture nervously. Her eyes focus on the bruises on my face and my cheeks heat with embarrassment.

"Hi there, I don't think we have met.. My name is Ivory. I'm so sorry for showing up unexpectedly but I was wondering if Hardin is home?" A man roughly around my age appears behind this lovely woman and I flash him a small smile. His eyes are sweet and welcoming just like the woman in front of him. I assume she is his mother.

"Well, I am Lucy! Please come inside, it's cold tonight." She steps aside and I slowly enter inside of the home. I thought the outside of the house looked nice but it's nothing compared to the inside. Everything is modern but it has its own personal twist on some things. Beautiful bouquets of colourful flowers decorate almost every corner of every room and everything is just so tidy and clean. Hardin lives here? That's unexpected..

Lucy hurries back to the kitchen but flashes the boy a look of warning to possibly not say anything rude. The unnamed man is still hovering around me before he holds a strong hand out towards me.

"Hi, I'm Liam.. it's nice to meet you." I clasp my hand around his and shake our hands softly.

"Ivory. It's nice to meet you, Liam. I'm so sorry for intruding.. I'm just looking for Hardin.. is he here?" My body finds solace in the mention of his name. I miss him.. I timidly ask the question as I gently snatch my hand back from his. His eyebrows scrunch with confusion but unlike Hardin he doesn't look angry when he does it, he still looks gentle and kind.. but very confused.

"No.. he left for America this morning. He didn't mention when he was coming back.. I don't think he is." He tries to lay it delicately but it's no use and I find it hard to breathe. Hardin has gone to America?