Poison Ivy | Jordan Poole

thirty nine.

Doctor, would you give me something
Would you, would you?
Doc, I'm only 20 something
Would you, would you?
I'm way too young to feel this numb, yea
Would you, would you?

Ivy sat in the plush chair across from Ebony, her therapist, feeling a mix of anticipation and apprehension swirl within her. The soft cushions enveloped her as she shifted slightly, glancing at Jordan beside her, his fingers laced with hers in a silent promise of support. The warm, inviting office was filled with the familiar scents of lavender and sandalwood, wrapping around her like a comforting hug, easing the frayed edges of her nerves. It was a stark contrast to the chaos of the past few weeks; Isla and AJ had returned home with their little ones, bringing a semblance of familiar solitude back into Ivy's life. However, her mother had opted to stay a bit longer to help out, which added a layer of complexity to Ivy's thoughts. Elizabeth rarely stayed so long unless she was running from something but Ivy appreciated the help.

"It's so good to see you both again," Ebony said, her voice smooth and encouraging as she leaned back in her chair, her warm brown eyes sparkling with genuine interest. "I've noticed a significant change in your dynamics since our last session. Congratulations on completing your assignments!"

"Thanks, Dr. Durant," Ivy replied, a smile breaking across her face, the corners of her mouth lifting as a weight seemed to lift from her shoulders. "It feels good to make progress."

Jordan nodded in agreement, his gaze steady on Ivy, reflecting his unwavering belief in her. "Yeah, it's been refreshing to communicate better, but we still have some work to do." He squeezed Ivy's hand, a reassuring gesture that grounded her in the moment.

Ebony leaned forward, her interest piqued. "So, what's next for you as a couple?"

Ivy glanced at Jordan, her heart racing at the weight of the question. The prospect of discussing their future felt daunting, but she found strength in Jordan's presence. "Honestly, I don't care where we go as long as we're together," she replied, her voice unwavering, a soft yet firm declaration of her commitment.

Jordan turned slightly toward her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, his eyes shining with affection. "My goals haven't changed, Ivy. I want to marry you."

The words hung in the air, heavy with significance and the promise of a future. Ivy's stomach twisted into knots, excitement mingling with anxiety. She had anticipated this conversation, yet felt unprepared to dive into the depths of her fears.

Ebony observed their interaction closely, her perceptive nature keenly attuned to the undercurrents of emotion. "Ivy, can you share what comes to mind when Jordan expresses that desire?"

Ivy swallowed hard, her chest tightening. "A lot, I mean who wouldn't want to hear that? I'm thrilled...it's just... I really want to, but... I don't know if I can. Growing up, I never really saw a happy marriage. My mom left my dad when we were just a year old. There were too many fights, too many harsh words, violence. I'm scared that I'll mess it up, that I'm not wife material."

Jordan's brow furrowed, concern etching his features as he absorbed her words. "Ivy, that was your parents, not us. We can create our own path besides you've been an amazing mother and girlfriend since I've known you." His voice was steady, firm yet gentle, like a rock in a turbulent sea.

"I know, but..." Ivy's voice quivered, the vulnerability spilling over as she shared her innermost fears. "What if marriage changes things? What if I can't do it? What if I end up hurting you or the girls like my father hurt us? You're getting busier now that your team is actually performing very well and I'm getting more events" Her heart raced with the weight of her admission.