Little Green Apples (Ivan×OC)

Chapter 25 🍋

A coupel months had gone by since Christoffer's passing. Jessica adjusted rather quickly, but she could tell Ivan still struggled most days. Their last conversation was still fresh in her mind.

~~~

"Ivan... Please tell me what I can do to make you feel better. I can't stand seeing you so depressed all the time."

He gave her an almost leering look.

"I just buried my child, Jessica. Give me some time."

"I'm sorry. It just saddens me that this all happened after our wedding. I understand that it's difficult."

"You couldn't possibly understand; so don't act like you do. You don't know what it's like to lose a child."

"You're right, but, at the same time, it was surely in the back of your mind that something like this would happen at some point?"

Ivan gave her a bewildered stare, which she assumed was a cue to explain.

"I mean, kids with that severe of a condition don't necessarily thrive... They usually live to be even younger than Christoffer was..."

She trailed off as Ivan suddenly got a cold, distant look on his face.

He slammed his hands down on the table, causing Jessica to jolt. Ivan shot up out of his seat and marched into the study, leaving Jessica in a state of confusion.

~~~

That was almost three days ago. Ivan barely even looked in her direction any of those days, and was giving her the cold shoulder.

'Maybe I shouldn't have started pushing him, but I don't see what I did wrong... I was only trying to reason with him.'

Ivan was in the study, once again, avoiding any contact with her.

She figured maybe a peace offering would help. She brewed two cups of tea and prepared a light lunch for them.

She quietly walked down the hall and stood in front of the door. She stared at it for a long time, debating on whether or not she should attempt to make contact with him.

'Choose your words carefully,' she reminded herself.

"I have tea and lunch for us. Maybe we could eat together?"

No answer.

"Ivan, I'm sorry about what I said. I realize now it was incredibly insensitive, but I love you so much. I just want us to be happy together. That's all I've ever wanted. I hated seeing you so distruaght."

She waited a moment. Still no answer.

"Please, dear, say something. At least let me know you're okay."

A few moments later she heard shuffling. Ivan opened the door, and she tried to not let a look of pity overtake her face. He had obviously not bathed, his eyes were red and puffy, and he looked strung out.

"May I come in?"

He nodded, watching her walk through the door. She set the tea and sandwiches on the small table, taking a seat. She noticed he was just standing there gawking down at her.

"... Are you okay?"

"Yes. Yes, I am."

In a couple quick long strides he stood in front of her. He grabbed her by her arms and stood her up. He cupped her face in his hands and smothered her lips with his own. After a few moments she slightly pulled away.