Poison Ivy | Jordan Poole

fifty one.

I'm just tryna gеt closure
But you pulling me closer and closеr
Phone ringing, like, over and over
'Cause you keep calling me back

Gabriella paced her living room, her phone pressed to her ear as she glanced toward the playroom where Blyss and Journee were happily occupied. She frowned, her worry growing with every passing second. Ivy hadn't called to check in or to pick up Blyss, which was unlike her. She also hadn't picked up any of the four calls Gabby had placed to her. Perturbed, Gabby knew there was only one other thing to do.

The phone rang a few times before Jordan picked up, his voice slightly distracted but warm. "Hey, Gabby. Everything okay?"

"No, it's not," she replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "Ivy hasn't come back yet. I haven't heard from her, and this is... it's not like her. She was supposed to pick up Blyss hours ago."

Jordan's tone immediately shifted, alarm creeping in. "What? She hasn't called you? Texted?"

"Not a word," Gabby said, glancing again at the playroom, Blyss and Journee were giggling over blocks. "I didn't think too much of it at first, figured she might've gotten caught up running errands. But now... I called four times Jordan, something is off."

"I'm coming to get Blyss," Jordan interrupted, his voice tight. "I'll be there soon."

Gabby nodded, though he couldn't see her. "Okay. Hurry."

As the call ended, she set her phone down and tried to shake the unsettling feeling creeping up her spine. Ivy was always dependable, especially when it came to her children. Something wasn't right.

Jordan arrived at Gabby's house less than thirty minutes later, still clad in his workout wear. His face set with a grim determination. The moment he stepped inside, Blyss's voice rang out.

"Daddy!" she squealed, running toward him with her arms outstretched.

Jordan crouched to catch her, scooping her up and holding her close. "Hey, sweetheart," he said, his voice soft but strained. "Did you have fun with Auntie Gabby and Journee?"

"Uh-huh," Blyss said with a bright smile, but then her little brow furrowed. "Where's Mama?"

Jordan's throat tightened. "She's... busy right now, baby girl. But we're going to see her soon, okay?"

Blyss nodded, seemingly satisfied with his answer, but Gabby could see the worry flickering in Jordan's eyes.

"I don't know what's going on," Gabby said quietly as Jordan set Blyss down, "but this doesn't feel right. Ivy's never this late and I haven't heard a peep since our lunch. What should we do?"

Jordan ran a hand over his face, his thoughts racing. "She wouldn't just disappear. Something must've happened. Where did you two have lunch?"

Gabby's eyes lit up with understanding. "That Italian spot she loves. It's not far from here."

"Let's check it out," Jordan said, already heading for the door with his daughter's hand in his.

Gabby could sense that he was on edge but she also knew that Blyss was none-the-wiser that something was amiss. Children picked up on their parent's energy and although Jordan was composed now, she knew he was tearing apart at the seams inside. They had no idea what they'd find in their game of retracing steps.

"Yeah but until then Blyss can stay here with Journee and my mother."

Jordan nodded gratefully before he glanced at Blyss who had ran back off to play with her new best friend.

-

When they arrived at the restaurant, Jordan's heart sank. Ivy's car was still parked in the lot, the afternoon sun gleaming off the windshield. He pulled at the door and found it locked. A chill immediately ran up his spine.