A Shattered Glass, My Life Without Her

-Iev In My Life-

Iev and I finally made it to Carson. I sidle up next to a few other folks and tug Iev to step in front of me. Given the difference in our height, I have almost eleven centimeters on her, I have the habit of standing behind her any time we find ourselves in a group, my hands habitually resting on her shoulders to reassure her of my presence.

Carson is proudly explaining something to the crowd, everyone listening intently. I laugh, realizing he has taken Melanie's ploy further, telling a story from Iev's perspective. I smile when Iev brings her hand up to mine. She knows, far more than I, Carson can tell a tale better than anyone, captivating listerners clinging onto his every word. Everyone is getting fooled, including Melanie.

Over some laughter, we hear, '...I found myself fighting a tempest. Then, a few hours later, landed here in the balmy heat of San Diego, with a down coat on!' Laughs bubbled through the group, but all were muffled by Car's thunderous roar.

Carson's eyes grinned as caught sight of Iev and I. 'But, as luck would have it,' he winked at Melanie, 'my favorite Katherine always has my back.' At that people followed Carson's eyes to our direction. Their faces bemused by his statement as they looked at my sister and I.

'Surprise, babygirl.' I whisper into Iev's ear. Iev was beaming, making eye contact with Carson. Her nerves were gone, finally. Carson raised his hand above everyone, reaching out to us, cheering in a deep and giddy rumble.

'Here I am, Iev!' He slides past Mel and Emily, and gives me a nod. 'Always a pleasure, Miss Katherine,' he takes my hand, kissing the back of it. I curtsy in return as we exchange smiles. Then, Carson lowers his head, bends his knees and wraps his long arms around Iev, lifting her off her feet. 'Iev! My dearest! I've very much missed you, little one!'

Iev smiles ear to ear and closes her eyes, reaching her arms around Carson's neck. Carson's familiar, warm and gentle touch brings so much joy to her. He did that the first day they met and it seems to multiply every time since. Suffice it to say, everyone watching us is completely perplexed. Melanie and I stood laughing.

In the background, I hear someone say, 'Did Katherine ever mention Iev being so tall and handsome?' I knew they meant that for Carson while Iev laughed along into their embrace.

***

'Kat! Where is my biggest fan?' Melanie stomps, her head darting every way to find Carson. She chuckles to herself, 'Total pun intended... but seriously, you'd think it would be easier to find him with that height...I did it so easily before.' She continues perplexed.

'He went back to the hotel with Iev.' I responded.

'Yeah, I saw him and Iev holding hands and leaving before the Shorty's panel.' Tamara added smiling coyly at me.

'Oh...he left without me? But he was so much fun and I promised him a photo op.' Melanie pouted to herself.

'We can meet them later for dinner. He and Iev haven't seen each other in a while, so it's good they are getting some time together.'

'Oh...are they like,' Melanie gestures her fingers around, her face lighting up, 'or they used to...?'

'Ooh, those are gonna be some beautiful babies.' Tamara chimed in turning to me with curiosity.

'Ugh, you guys...No!' I scrunch my nose in disgust, unable to imagine the two together in that way, but also personally knowing Iev can't bear children. 'Carson is Iev's best friend, and yeah, maybe they seem a little close if you don't know them, but it's because he's...like her savior.' pausing to choose my words carefully. 'He was there for her when she had hit rock bottom.'

'Kinda like Nicole and Waverly?' Melanie considers, pressing further.

'Well, angelic maybe, but not in that Nicole and Waverly kinda way.' I hesitantly agree.