Ivy Grows

Campfire Songs

"So bye, bye Miss American Pie

Drove my Chevy to the levee but the levee was dry"

I wake up about an hour later to the sound of a chorus of voices singing along to American Pie by Don Mclean. Jake, Josh, Sam, Danny and even Kelly were gathered around the patio singing in harmony to the classic song. Jake strumming enthusiastically on his acoustic guitar.

"And them good ole' boys were drinking Whiskey and Rye

Singin' this'll be the day that I die

This'll be the day that I die"

They all met at a crescendo at the last line, bringing a small smile to my face. I watched in awe as they continued the song and was enamored at the happiness on all of their faces but especially Sammy. It was no secret Sam was so happy when they played music but I don't think it's just the music that made him that way. I think it's doing it with his big brothers and best friend. It may seem cheesy to notice those kinds of things but I can't help it.

"That's definitely a campfire song," Karen spoke from her place at the table as the the song came to a close.

"What's next?" Mackenzie asks from a small outdoor sofa sitting next to the door. Ronnie and her are snuggled under a blanket. Only then do I realize I'm also covered by a blanket. I wonder who covered me. I bet it was Ronnie or Mama K.

"Maybe John Denver," Josh suggested and there was a chorus of groans following, including myself. If Josh is given the option, it will always be Denver.

"Only if it's Annie's Song," I finally spoke, drawing the attention of everyone. I guess the assumed I was still sleeping.

"That's a good one," Sam nodded, agreeing. Jake immediately starts strumming the beginning of Annie's Song. It's so funny that when Sam and I are arguing everyone is annoyed but when we agree on something, it goes unnoticed.

"You fill up my senses

Like a night in the forest"

I watch again as they continue the song and I even join in on the chorus. Everyone is swaying back and forth and we're probably being way too loud but I don't care.

We sing a few more songs before the singing turns to chatter. Jake and Josh having their own conversation with Karen and Kelly. Danny has now sat beside Mackenzie and is talking to her and Ronnie. Which leaves Sam and I alone in silence. Well, almost silence. My stomach growls quite loudly causing a redness to warm my cheeks.

"There's food inside," Sam says through a laugh. I stifle a laugh and nod before getting up to go inside. I hadn't realized how hungry I was. I push the door open and close it behind me, heading over to the kitchen.

I'm only alone for a moment before the sliding door opens and Ronnie comes in. She tiptoes over to me like she's trying to sneak. I giggle at her silliness as she reaches me. I grab a cheeseburger from a plate and put it in the microwave.

"You missed the fight," she says quietly, making me furrow my brows.

"What fight?" I ask, getting the ketchup from the refrigerator. She laughs a little before speaking again.

"It was so weird. So, we all were eating and Mom was like 'we should wake Ivy up' and Sam was like 'no, just let her sleep' and she agreed but it was just weird that he was like, defending you in a way. Then, when we all went outside Sam went downstairs and got his blanket to cover you up," she says, making my eyes widen. I never would've thought Sam was the one to cover me up.

"And?" I asked, wondering why anyone would fight over that.

"And Jake and Josh started teasing him about it saying he had a crush or whatever. Sam got all mad, yelled and then went inside to pout.." she laughs.