Poisoned Ivy

Chapter 22

Henry and Wren help me carry the shopping bags to the grocery store where we meet Garret and Cameron parked out front. We loaded the bags into the black SUV before Cameron handed me a small box. It's white with a pink bow on it.

"What is it?" I look up at his devilish expression.

"Open it and find out." Cameron entices.

I lift the top of the box off and discover that inside it is a brand new rose gold iPhone in a clear plastic case.

"We figured that since it is 2016 and all, it's about time you get with the times." Cameron explains.

"Oh, that's so sweet, thank you!" I smile up at Cameron's shining amber eyes.

"It was Wren's idea." Cameron looks to his awfully quiet and ashamed brother.

Wren is quick to rub the sore spot of his arm, and averts his sad blue eyes from making direct contact with mine, "Well, Garret and Benji are paying for it."

"Well thanks to all of you I suppose." I conclude as I look around at Garret, Cameron, Wren, and Henry.

"C'mon, lets get the groceries so we can head home." Garret ushers us into the store.

Cameron and Henry help me learn my new phone while Garret and Wren do all of the shopping. Cameron explains, "I put the family contacts in already, and added some apps I thought you'd like. Basic things like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, but you can always add more."

By the time I had finally gotten a hand on how to use my phone, we were in the check out line. Garret turns to me briefly, "Come to think of it, do you have any allergies Ivy?"

I look up at Garret and shake my head, "Nope, but would it be alright if I grabbed something real quick?"

"Yeah sure." He nods. 

I turn and make my way down the snack isle and grab two boxes of Rice-A-Roni. I rejoin the group and set the boxes on the belt with the other products.

"Rice-A-Roni?" Garret raises a brow.

I nod to him, "It's one of my favorites."

Garret shrugs before paying and leading the way out. In the parking lot, we start unloading the grocery bags into the SUV. 

Garret closes the trunk and turns to Cameron, "Who's riding with you?"

"Wait what?" I interrupt.

"Oh right." Garret exhales, "We forgot to mention it, but we got Cameron a car today."

"Really?" I look around the lot, "Which one?"

Cameron points to a blue Toyota RAV-4 in the other row of parked cars, "The blue one."

"Cool!" Henry exclaims, "Can I ride with you?"

"Why don't you take Henry and Ivy?" Garret suggests to Cameron, "Wren and I can ride back with the cargo."

"Sounds good." Cameron nods, "See ya at the house."

"Don't rack up any speeding tickets." Garret warns as Cameron leads Henry and I to his car.

"No promises." Cameron winks. 

Garret sighs worridly as he and Wren get into the Subaru. 

Cameron lets me sit up front in the passenger seat with him, giving Henry all the leg room he wants in the back. As we get on the highway, Henry doses off in the back, leaving Cameron and I listening to the radio.

"Nice haircut by the way." Cameron complements.

"Oh thanks." I feel my new locks with his mention of it.

"Makes you look more feminine." He muses.

"Was I not already?" I ask with wide eyes.

Cameron laughs at my naiveté, "Lighten up Ivy, I'm only teasing."

"Um, ok." I awkwardly try to laugh.

"So do you know how to drive?" Cameron asks.

I shake my head, "No."

"Roman and I are the only two among the sibs who can drive, but Wren's close to getting his license. I suppose you're probably able too if you want to." Cameron considers, "I'm sure if you ask Benji he'll help you with it."

"I'll think about it." I respond before leaning against the window. My eyes start to flutter closed, and Cameron thankfully senses my exhaustion and lets me leave him to the company of the radio.