Unbreakable (Book 2 of Unexpected)

Don't Worry Be Happy

Ivy's POV

*One year later*

I was dreading this moment. I was practically forced to be on Steve Harvey, but I wasn't ready to talk about what had happened. At least I didn't think I was.

"I'm glad you could be here," he said with a genuine smile.

"That makes one of us." Oops.

"You're still not comfortable with talking about what happened?"

"Not really, but it's also something I can't avoid for the rest of my life."

"Do you regret going out on the water that day?" The question was the same one I had been asking myself for the past year.

I shook my head and forced a slight smile. "I don't regret going out on the water, but I do wish my kids didn't have to see it. But they're still young, not even three yet, so they'll probably forget what happened. As for me, I'll gladly get back in the water when I get enough strength built up in my left arm."

The look on his face was priceless to say the least. "I can't think of anyone that would be crazy enough to get back in the water after a shark attack."

"Call me crazy. Most people probably would be terrified, you have a better chance of dying by vending machine than getting attacked by a shark. I can't say I'd be scared, but more cautious. I have more of a respect for sharks than I did before."

"Why is that?"

"When you go swimming in the ocean, you're entering their territory, their home. You're practically vulnerable. Think about it this way. If you're at home, minding your own business, and some strange creature invades your home, you're going to either get curious or defensive, especially if you have kids. I believe 100% that the shark that attacked me was defending itself. Sharks don't attack people for fun. They protect themselves, and it's been scientifically proven that there's rarely a case of mistaken identity when they're hungry. But they attack when they're curious as well, they just can't reach out and test things with their fins like we can with our hands. They only way they can determine what something is is with their mouths," I said as I sat back.

"So let me get this straight, you don't blame the shark at all?"

I shook my head. "Nope. It was doing what it had to do."

"Is there anything you're thankful for that you didn't realize before the attack?"

"Obviously, my life, but as stuck-up as it sounds, I'm glad it was my right arm and not my left. All three rings I wear on my ring finger have their own story to tell. I wouldn't be complete without them."

"If the stories are true, I believe that," he laughed. "So, your children. What about when they get old enough to start swimming, after they know for good what happened?"

"I don't want them to be scared of the ocean, or sharks. If they are, they get it from their dad." I laughed a bit and glanced over at the audience, my eyes locking with Avi's.

"How do you think they'll react when they realize why you might get strange looks on the street?"

"Just like any other kid. They'll probably wish their mother was normal, but they'll learn to live with it. Losing my arm did make my life a living hell, but a lot of good has come out of it as well. Because of it, I have a much better relationship with my sister, I have more confidence knowing that my friends and family love me for me and not for my looks. But the most important thing is that my kids will grow up knowing that you don't have to be perfect to be happy. That there's nothing wrong with being imperfect. It teaches them that there's always going to be someone standing in your way, trying to bring you down, but it shows who they are as a person instead of you. You just have to brush it off and keep going."

He nodded in understanding and continued. "So, Pentatonix had to put off a whole tour because of the attack. How did that make you feel?"

"At first, I felt useless. Like I was just getting in the way, but as time went on, I felt thankful. They didn't have to, but they cancelled the tour for me, to help with Greyson and Athena and with my recovery. It was mainly because I clearly couldn't do it by myself, but we were also planning on taking them with us, but a lot changes when you lose a limb."

"Rumor has it, you're getting a prosthetic. When is that coming along? And what are you going to do about your career?"

"It's not. I had the opportunity to get one, but I didn't want it. It all goes back to teaching my kids an important lesson. I want them to grow up being the best they can be. How am I gonna do that if I'm willing to get a fake arm just to feel semi normal. That does nothing but say you have to be normal for society to accept you. I don't want them growing up with that mindset. As for my job,  the thing about losing an arm is it doesn't affect my ability to sing. I'm lucky enough to be married to an amazing guitar player which helps, but I don't plan to stop singing anytime soon."

"Good," he laughed. "Thanks for being here and sharing this with us," he said.

"It feels good to talk about it. I'm gl-"

"Mommy!"

I jumped slightly as Athena appeared in front of me, causing me to laugh a bit. "I'm glad I did," I continued as I picked her up and kissed her cheek.

"That's probably the cutest thing I've seen in my life," Steve said as he shook his head.

"One arm or two, it makes me happy that they both still see me as the same person. It means I'm doing my job right." I looked down at Athena and set her down. "Go to daddy. Mommy's almost done," I told her with a smile.

"Ice cream?"

I glanced over at Avi as he looked between the rest of the group, including Catherine. "Sure sweetie," I said, smiling as she ran back over and climbed into his lap.

"Well I wish all of you the best of luck, and good luck on the upcoming tour."

"Thank you," I said with a smile, glancing over and winking at my friends. I wasn't sure why, but got the feeling this tour was going to be as much of a roller coaster as the first time we went on the road together, but for different reasons. I'd have to deal with fans seeing me for the first time with only one arm, and could only hope they'd still accept me, but from the looks Scott and Mitch were giving me, I felt like it would all be worth it in the end.

THE END

A/N: Finished! I hope you guys enjoyed this little series! On a side note, my heart is completely broken by Avi's decision to leave PTX, but I still respect the choice and support him in his future decisions. There's just a point when you can't keep up and he's reached his point. I just wish the best for all of them.