Keep A Promise or Die

Chapter 15

“Finally, I found you two...” cried Jet. Ivy and Jet jumped at the suddenness.

“We’ve practically looked all over the house – what are you doing?” said Olivier. Ivy and Chirp were still crouched on the ground, and they swiftly stood up. Ivy smoothed out her skirt, “I’m going to change out of this” she said before running out of the balcony. Venice narrowed her eyes accusingly at Chirp. “What happened? She doesn’t look so happy”.

Chirp stuck his hands deep into his pockets. “Nothing to be concerned about, don’t worry, ok?”

Ivy had struggled out of the dress, and she dropped down on the coach in her underwear. She lay there for a while, not really thinking about anything. She was broken out of the daze when there was a knock at the door. She squeaked, sitting up instantly, but was relieved at the fact she was bothered enough to lock the door. “Who’s there?” Ivy asked.

“Sweetie, its Olivier”

Ivy quickly pulled on the closest things she had, and unlocked the door. As soon as she did, however, she wished she hadn’t. Everyone stood at the opening. “God, NO! I didn’t get to take pictures of you in that dress!” moaned Olivier.

“Don’t despair Olivier, look” Jet flicked through his phone. He held it out so everyone could see. Venice covered her mouth so Ivy wouldn’t notice her smiling. There was a picture of Ivy, bending over the table, and she wasn’t aware of the camera. There was another, were Olivier was pulling Venice’s cheeks, and another of Chirp staring off into space. One of Olivier positioned wrong way up on the sofa. No one had noticed when these pictures were taken. “You sly creep!” cried Ivy.

Jet shrugged. “I only wanted to compare how you look today with this” he said, showing them another snapshot.

The room roared with laughter, and Ivy coloured bright red, which made the moment more hilarious. Chirp fell backwards off the chair, as he wiped his eyes. The cells screen hosted a picture of Ivy sleeping against the mattress in the hospital. Her mouth was slightly open, her head a mess, hands dangling down on her sides. “I swear Jet, I don’t get how your brain works” Ivy said.

“Priceless” gasped Jet.

Ivy’s mum had told the guests that she’d drop them off at home when she got back. So Olivier had opened Ivy’s cupboard, completely in Utopia as she walked around the seldom worn outfits. Soon the girls were playing around, “So this is what girls do when they’re with their girl friends?” Ivy asked as she put shocking black lipstick on Venice. Olivier giggled herself crazy as then; Venice crept up behind Jet, who was bound to be stunned.

Ivy was enjoying herself, but not fully. Every time Chirp looked at her, she’d quickly turn away. She didn’t have anything to say to his comments. What flustered her even more was the way she had completely lost it, in the balcony. She saw that Chirp was standing by her bookshelf, examining the books. “Wow, you have some great literature – the best classics are here” he said. He was waiting for a reply from Ivy, who pretended she hadn’t heard. But she had. Only, she didn’t know what to say.

Chirp slammed the novel he was holding down on the table, making a peeved sound. Ivy winced, startled.

“Excuse me” he said, pulling Ivy out of the room. Once in the hallway, he held Ivy by the shoulders, and gave her a shake. “Can you explain what I’ve done wrong?” he asked. Ivy fidgeted, but didn’t look at him, nor did she say anything. Chirp felt nostalgic – hadn’t she acted like this in the cafe? If that’s how she’s going to be... Chirp made a very sick noise, and Ivy looked at him straightaway, her eyes troubled. Chirp burst out laughing. When Ivy saw that it was a joke, she wrenched herself out of his hold. “Aww, come on, at least smile or tell me off” he said, when she glared at him. Her reached out, and pulled her mouth upwards so it looked like she had a demented grin plastered on her face. But Ivy slapped his hand away. “I’m not in the mood for jokes, okay?”

She looks like she was holding herself together. Ivy was standing tense. Chirp started to turn to leave.

“Wait Chirp, I’m sorry. It’s not your fault; I shouldn’t have treated you like that. I’m just feeling a horrible ache deep inside” she said.

“Well, I’m sure that has nothing to do with me” Chirp grumbled.

“I know, but...” Chirp cut off Ivy, “Don’t make excuses – I believe that you won’t lose, you’ll last longer than your father, right Ivy?”

Even though Chirp was trying to convince Ivy, it was more as if he was assuring himself.

“Right?” Chirp asked again, quietly. Ivy could feel tears stinging in her eyes, but she pushed them down.

“I give you my word” she whispered, and was disappointed at the quiver and uncertainty in her voice. Ivy heard Chirp sigh in relief, “Thank you” he said. Ivy sniffled, rubbing her eyes on her sleeve. “Ivy, this is your lifetime mission”. Ivy nodded, gulping down the wail that was rising in her throat. This was the most awful thing ever. Worst mission. Most awkward moment. She didn’t have any clue to how long she stood there.

“Please keep your word” she heard Chirp say, so softly, it could have passed for a breath. Then he turned the knob and went back into the room. Ivy stood alone in the corridor, a cold draft coming from down the hall, making her shiver.