Ixora (UNEDITED)

10|Dinner

The ride to Staten island was a bliss. Trust Jo to make me feel like royalty with every chance she got.

She sent a Land Rover as our ride to the mansion and two SUV as escorts. I sat in the front seat of the Rover while Gwen sat in back with a hyper- Nathan.

He kept bouncing on the seats, I remember not giving him sugar. We were able to find a cute little tuxedo for him. My boy was looking dashing even though he refused to get a haircut.

His brown hair was long and full I had to style it into a ponytail- with a plan to force a haircut on him.

He hated barbers, doctors and any body that works with sharpies according to him.

Gwen wore a purple lacy top jumpsuit and also had her hair in a ponytail and a black stiletto heels we got at the mall with a simple make up and red lipstick she looked like a vogue cover girl.

I was able to find a red dinner dress with long sleeves. My hair had really been destroyed by the constant hair dyes but thank the heavens for extensions.

The mansion came into view in it's glory. I choked back the sad feeling and smiled at Gwen who had leaned forward to squeeze my shoulder as a sign of comfort.

The automatic gate parted for the cars to go in. The dolphin fountain in the middle of the compound had been removed and the flower arrangements had been changed.

Even the house had a few touch of change. The memories that came flooding as we stood in from of the mansion where chucked back by a familiar bark.

"Savannah," I called in glee as the canines dashed out of the house. It's been so long and they still welcomed me like the used too.

Kayak and Savannah made circles around me as Nathan clang onto Gwen as the watched.

Jo had two Doberman in the house and great Dane who just sat and watched her sisters show of affection to me.

By the whistle from inside the house by an unfamiliar face they bolted back into the house.

"I'm sorry about that." She smiled as three of us walked up to her. "I'm Isla." She said and it dawned on me that I never really met Isla Lockwood.

Isla was Jo's only daughter and she was in a boarding school when I joined the family. We were age mates so people mistook me for when Jo takes me to a function.

"Ixora." I smiled "And this is Gwen and my son, Nathan." I introduced the two people were smiling awkwardly and keeping a look out for the dogs.

"Welcome." She said reaching out to Nathan who gave a open invite g

"Izzie!" A voice I so much dreaded came from inside the house. Bethany, Ian's best friend. In as much as I disliked her presence, her choice of fragrance was top notch that I admit as she pulled me into a bone crushing hug.

Isla's face scrunched in disgust before she moved away into the house with Nathan in her arms.

Even though she looked happy to see me, her agitated eyes reminded of that night when I lost my pregnancy.

She was the last person I remember before waking up in an hospital bed. I couldn't really recollect anything but our argument was taped to the back of mind.

Bethany had a thing for Ian for as long as their friendship goes. My presence was alarming so to say, I was quite bold and stupid, now that I think of it.

My infatuation for Ian, even though he clearly was not recompensating my feelings, was a bit wild that I jumped into bed with him.

The realization that I made the move and was pregnant with his child got her mad and she thought it wise to harm me and my unborn child.