"It is all about finding the calm in the chaos."-Donna Karan.
My heart dropped as I heard Joshua's explanation. I comforted him and asked, "Joshua, it is not your fault. Don't worry too much. What were you doing when Ivy sent you the text?" He sniffled, "I was just heading outside to throw out the trash. After that, I replied to her asking her what her favour is and if she is alright."
"However, she quickly denied it and said to just forget about it. It was as if she was hiding something from me and we never did that before."
My heart felt heavy once again. Ivy was not the kind of person to hide something from others. She might be quiet at times but she was not secretive.
I sighed heavily, thinking deeply on how to solve this mystery. I zoned out for a few seconds and exclaimed, "Joshua, I think we need to go and meet Ivy's parents! Talk to them and asked about Ivy. That's the only way! What do you think, Joshua? Jeremy?"
Joshua and Jeremy nodded, signaling that they agreed with my suggestion.
"I went to visit her house a few months ago but their neighbor said that Ivy and her family were on a trip. I hope they are at home by now." Joshua said.
"Finger crossed. Hope she is at home tomorrow. I really need to see her." I said, crossing my fingers tightly.
The next day, I woke up and text both Jeremy and Joshua.
"I'll see you at the bus station and we will head to Ivy's house."
I took a quick shower, and get dressed. I tied my hair in a high ponytail and looked at the mirror.
"Let's go. I hope Ivy is fine." I said to myself.
I walked to the bus station and saw Joshua and Jeremy. Both of them chatted among themselves. Looks like they got close with each other. Ivy would've like it so much if she saw them getting along really well.
"If only Ivy is here to see this, she will be happy and excited for the double date. I really miss her right now." I mumbled to myself.
Jeremy waved at me and exclaimed, "Alannah, why are you standing there? Come here. The bus will come in a few minutes."
I waved back at him, running towards him. The three of us chatted while waiting for the bus to arrive.
5 minutes later, the bus arrived and the three of us went inside. Throughout the journey, I looked at the window, thinking about Ivy and how am I supposed to talk to her family. I sighed heavily. Jeremy heard me sighed. He held my hand firmly and whispered, "Everything is going to be fine. Joshua and I will be helping you to sort this matter together.
I nodded and gave him a weak smile. My heart was trembling as I remembered how strict Ivy parents is. I took a deep breath and exhale.
30 minutes later, the three of us finally arrived at Ivy's neighborhood area. We walked towards the shop and bought some fruits for Ivy parents. It place is a common courtesy to bring some gifts when visiting other people's house. We head to Ivy house and arrived there a few minutes later.
"Okay, so we are finally here. Let's go, guys." I said. Both Jeremy and Joshua nodded. The three of us went towards their house. I rang the doorbell.
The three of us waited for a few seconds. The door opened and I saw ivy's mom, Mrs. Flora. I smiled at her, greeted her warmly. She was shocked when her eyes made an eye contact with me. Her eyes widened and she said, "Al-Alannah! What are you doing here?" I looked at her, replied to her inquiry, "Good morning auntie Flora. We are here to see Ivy. I have not been able to contact Ivy for about 2 months. Is she alright?"
I could see that auntie Flora felt a bit tense and hesitated to answer my question. Auntie Flora cleared her throat and answered, "Alannah, to be honest, we don't know what exactly happen to Ivy. She seemed a bit distant to everyone for the past few months. It is good that you and your friends come to see her."
She held my hands and said, "Please give support and ask her what's wrong. You have known her for a long time, right?" I nodded, replied, "Don't worry, auntie. I will try my best to make her feel better and at ease."
We entered the house and made our way to Ivy's room. According to Auntie Flora, Ivy had been staying inside her room for quite a long time. She would only come downstairs to eat or throw some trash from her room.
I took a deep breath and exhale slowly. I glanced at Jeremy and Joshua. They gave a weak smile, urging me to knock on Ivy's room. I nodded and knocked the door a few times. I heard Ivy's voice, "Wait a second, mom. I'm coming."
The door opened, Ivy was mumbling to herself, feeling annoyed,
"Mom- what is it- I-" she said.
She stopped mumbling as her eyes landed at me. Ivy gasped loudly then looked at Joshua and Jeremy. Her eyes filled with tears and she stuttered,
"Al-al- Alannah wh- wh-"she stuttered.
I gave her a big hug and ushered to her room. Both of us sat on the chair and I patted her back. She was crying uncontrollably. I have not seen her crying like this for a while.
20 minutes later, Ivy calmed down and she apologized, "Alannah, I am sorry. I just needed time to sort my mind and I have been feeling like a mess for the past few months. I don't know what am I supposed to do. I really don't know how to communicate and tell my parents. I never been this lost and helpless in my life. But this time I feel extremely lost and in despair. It is..."
I nodded, patted her back softly, "Let it all out. Tell me everything. I'm here, remember?"
Ivy vented every worries, sorrows and problems she encountered for the past few months. I listened to her intently. It was just the two of us in her room. Jeremy and Joshua went downstairs to give us some privacy. I knew Ivy really needed that privacy.
"I am sorry I ignored your messages and calls. I don't want to burden you anymore. I don't want to be a burden to anyone. I felt useless if I kept on burden other people and not able to solve my own problems." She sobbed loudly.
I wiped my tears and said, "No! No! Please don't say that! You got it wrong. No one is treating you like a burden. Not me. Not Joshua. And not your parents."
Both of us hugged each other. I patted her back softly and said, "I think it is time to go downstairs and let it all out to your parents. Let out all those feelings that you have been suppressed for a long time. It's not good to keep it all by yourself."
I stopped for a second, taking a deep breath, "Now, it is time to be honest and communicate. We need to find a solution to make this work for both sides. You and your parents."
I got up, handing out my hand to Ivy and said, "Let's go and sort this out."
