The Clash, Book One

Chapter 17: Greenbacks, Part B

Alena had just walked back into her office after dropping off the last of her reports for the day. She started straightening up her desk when there was an insistent knock at her door.

She furrowed her brows as she went to open the door. She was met with an agitated Ivy, who had both hands planted firmly on her hips.

"Did you have anything to do with Roni showing up here instead of Henry?" the brunette demanded.

Alena blinked several times as she absorbed the information. Roni was nothing if not determined.

The blonde then answered, "No, I didn't - in case you didn't notice, Roni clearly has a mind of her own."

Ivy rolled her eyes before she pointed out, "It's not like you can blame me for being suspicious. You made your feelings perfectly clear with the overprotective sister act."

"And I'm sure you got a second dose with Roni's motherly instincts," Alena quipped, and she couldn't quite keep the satisfaction from her tone.

"Well, if either of you actually had a life outside of running what barely passes for a suitable bar or herding children, you'd realize that Henry doesn't need protection," Ivy pointed out, a smirk making its way across her features.

It was Alena who rolled her eyes that time before she spoke, "And your life consists of making everyone around you miserable."

With narrowed eyes, the brunette cryptically responded, "You have no idea." And with that, she sauntered back to her desk.

"What in the bloody hell is that supposed to mean?" Alena thought. She then shook her head - there was no point in trying to figure out how Ivy's mind worked.

She finished in her office and grabbed her bag off the floor. She looked straight ahead as she made her way to the elevator, missing Ivy's eye roll at the obvious attempt.

Right before Alena got into the bug, she heard the distinct sound of an ice cream truck.

A smile made its way across her features as she thought about how the sweet treats would make for a perfect and relaxing snack after a long day, and she always enjoyed the time she got to spend with her girls.

She craned her neck in order to see where the truck was heading before she cranked her car and headed toward the daycare.

When she arrived, she got out and headed inside. She saw Natalie talking with who she assumed to be new parents to the daycare. Not wanting to interrupt, Alena simply waved before motioning to the main play area. Natalie gave her a quick look of acknowledgment before resuming her conversation.

Alena then filed into the room to find Emma and Lily playing with the dolls, along with some of the other children.

The blonde smiled at the sight before she went to sit down beside them. The girls looked up and exclaimed, "Mommy!" before wrapping Alena in a hug.

When they pulled away, Alena asked, "Are you two having fun?"

Both girls nodded excitedly before Emma added, "So much fun," before she went back to playing.

Alena smiled at the sight as she continued watching the twins play with their friends for a few minutes.

She then ran her fingers through their blonde hair as she told them, "Mommy has a surprise for you - we're going to go get ice cream."

"Ice cream!" both girls exclaimed before Lily added, "Want berry, Mommy."

"Alright, sweetie, let's go," Alena spoke before grabbing both of her girls' hands. They put the dolls down and waved to their friends and Kimberly before they headed outside.