I'm New York City

twenty

"Hey babe, you ready?" I asked, peaking into Ivy's bedroom. 

She nodded her head, putting some socks on. I wrapped my arm around her as we walked downstairs where we were met with Joe and Sage, watching a movie in the living room.

"We'll be back before dinner," I said, smiling at Joe who returned it back. I walked over, giving Sage a tight hug, but the movie had her full attention. 

Ivy still hasn't been as talkative as much, so I hoped this day would break that. I missed having my sassy, hyper, girl. 

"So, I was thinking, let's get something at a cafe and then head to a couple stores?" I suggested as I pulled out of our garage. I never risk going out alone with my children, so I always have security following us from behind. 

"Yeah," she replied, looking the window. 

When we arrived at this small cafe, Ivy began to take pictures because of how aesthetic it looked in here. I smiled at her, gently guiding her towards the front to place an order. Both Sage and Ivy have been loosing her sweet tooth, making me a bit proud. But it meant that I needed more healthy foods in the house since the girls didn't want to eat chips and candy anymore. For snacks, they'd prefer a small salad or yogurt with fruit. 

"What do you wanna get, hun?" I asked, looking at the menu. 

I watched as her eyes carefully scanned the menu, looking back and forth. "I'll get a sweet green tea with lemonade," she said.

I nodded my head, getting an iced chai tea latte for myself. We also settled on sharing a blueberry muffin.

We sat down in the corner of the cafe, my security sitting tables in front of us. I watched as she looking around the cafe once again, taking everything in. I took this time to really look at her, take in her style and facial expressions. It was like looking at a mini Sage, but only with dirty blonde hair instead of platinum blonde like her older sister. 

"You look so cute today, baby," I smiled, tilting my head as I stared at her. She let out a soft smile and nodded her head. 

"Is there anything specific you want to buy today? Any specific store you have in mind?" I asked. Ivy shrugged her shoulders, quickly grabbing her phone and scrolling. 

"I saw this online, do you think we can find it, Mom?" she asked, showing me a new small business store that just opened up that sells crocheted plushies.

I nodded my head, "Of course, we'll go there right after. It looks like they're open today," I said looking at the hours on her phone. 

I carefully cut the muffin in half, giving myself the bigger half since I know she wouldn't eat too much of it. I was surprised on how much she loved her drink, I ended up ordering her a second one. 

"Shall we go?" I asked, gently wiping her lips with a napkin. She nodded her head, taking a hold of my hand as we headed out. 

I was grateful that no one came up to us or made it a big deal that I was in the cafe. I could tell from the stares that they knew who I was, but no one made it a big deal. I didn't want Ivy getting upset if I started focusing on anyone else, but her today.

Once we arrived at the store, I watched as Ivy's eyes lit up, looking at the store full of crocheted things. She tried crocheting, but gave up soon after. She instantly ran over to the little animals, holding them up and showing me. 

"That one's so cute!" I smiled, looking at the small crocheted green dinosaur. She smiled, holding it close to her chest as she looked over at the keychains. 

"Oh my god! Pigs!" she exclaimed, holding them up. I chuckled at her excitement, combing her hair with my fingers. 

I saw the employees smiling from the counter, surprised to see one of my kids since I don't post them a lot. 

"Can I get one for me and Sage?" she asked, holding up two mini pink and white pig keychains.

I nodded my head, "Go crazy, go look around more, there is still so much," I said, pointing to the other side of the store which she ran to. 

I didn't realize how expensive these little plushies were, but they were all handmade, so understandable. Ivy happily walked out with a big bag full of crocheted animals. Our next stop was one of my favorite shops to buy clothes for the girls, especially for Ivy so she could get more clothes for this school year since she complains that she can't find any of her clothes. 

"I need you to pick out more pants this time. Your closet is basically all shorts and rompers," I said watching her groan.

"Pants are so ew," she mumbled, following me to the bottoms. 

I ended up being the one to pick out pants for her, holding them up to see if they fit and she just nodded every time. Ivy also ended up picking a few more hoodies and long sleeves so she would be ready for the fall and winter. I just hope she doesn't lose these ones too. 

"Is Sage going to end up coming with you?" she asked as we got into the car. I turned, looking at her confused.

"Sage doesn't do well when you're not around and last time she would come along with you. I know she's mad at Daddy though, but I was just wondering," Ivy said, looking straight ahead. 

I was surprised that she knew all of this. She takes notes of all of our actions and knows us better than anyone else. I had a feeling that I might end up taking Sage with me or have her join along a while after, but only because she's an online student. I would try to bring Ivy along, but I know she loves going to school and her other activities are important to her, while Sage could honestly care less. 

"Um, I'm not sure. How do you know she's mad at your Dad?" curiously asking if she knows more of it. 

Ivy shrugged her shoulders, "I can just tell by how she talks to him and barely gives him any attention. Like this morning, they were watching a movie, but she sat on the other side of the couch," she chuckled.

I laughed, that was such a Sage thing to do if she was mad at someone. 

"I don't know babe. I know those two will sort it out," I told her, rubbing over her cheek as I started to drive off. 

When we pulled into the garage, I forgot how many things we bought today. Ivy insisted on carrying all of the bags herself, so I followed behind her as we headed up the penthouse. 

Once I opened the door, I was shocked to see a plate of food flying across the hallway, smashing against the wall. I gasped, holding my arm out so Ivy didn't come any closer, afraid she'd get hurt with glass. I slammed the door shut, confused and upset. I then came face to face with Joe who stood at the table, rubbing his forehead as Sage stood by the island, tears streaming down her face.