Fire And Ice

Chapter 24 - What do we do now?

CARTER'S POV

I can't believe Elly and Bill aren't my real parents. I don't want to believe that. They are such amazing parents and I love them but how could they lie to me for so long? I was pacing back and forth in the spare bedroom Mason let me stay in for the night. I was trying so hard to process everything that has been going on these past few days. At least I'm not alone though I am taking this a lot better than Ivory is. I can't believe I have a sister either but at least that is some good news, I'm no longer an only child. I finally really have someone that I can play pranks on!! I would love to introduce her to my friends, they would love her. I was lost deep in thought about the challenge Ivory initiated when there was a knock on my door. When I opened it, Ivory's friend Eric was on the other side.

"Hey, I know this is awkward but do you think you could get Ivory for me? I don't think the guy that's with her would take to kindly to me knocking on their door." He quietly asked.

"Sure thing." I chuckled at his request. "It's actually very smart that you came to me instead of Mason cause he isn't to thrilled that his girl ran away from him to another guy."

"I thought he was gonna end me right then and there when I grabbed Ivy's wrist to get her out of the shop." Eric grumbled. "Who is he anyways? I've known her for years and she's never mentioned being someone's girl."

"This is a fairly new development. They've only been together just a couple of days." I stopped at the top of the stairs and turned around to face him. "But you must understand how much she means to him. He would lay down his life if that meant saving her. So until he gets to know you try and watch what you do and say around him, ok?"

"That sounds intense for them just being together a couple days." Eric stated as he followed behind me.

"Well...there situation is unique. I can't explain further so you'll just have to take my word for it." I didn't know how to explain it or if I even could. I didn't think Ivory wanted someone else that she cares for dragged into this mess. "Just out of curiosity, how much time did you spend with Ivory?"

"More than I want to admit. We were only able to see each other when she was able to get away from her parents. She is sweet and amazing. I love being around her I just wish the only reason why I saw her wasn't because her parents were hurting her. I got really good at first aid because of her. I even self taught myself how to do stitches because no matter how much or how many times I bugged her I could never get her to go to a hospital or even an urgent care to have a professional take care of her." I turned around and saw Eric shake his head.

"Well I'm glad she isn't just stubborn with me." I gave him a smile.

"No it is not just you." He gave a light chuckle. "I even remember trying push her through the door at the hotel to get her to a clinic because her parents had managed to break a couple of bones. She may be small but damn she is strong." I nodded in agreement. 

"One last quick question. Are your and Ivory more than just friends?" I nervously asked.

"No we are not. We have never been more than friends. She's cute and sweet but I haven't been interested in her that way." I released a breath I didn't know I was holding after I heard his response. Mason would really like to hear that news. Eric and I were silent the rest of the walk to the room. 

"Wait here while I get her in case Mason answers the door. I don't think it'll be a good idea for him to see you." Eric nodded as I walked the next couple feet to their room and knocked.

"Coming!" I heard Ivory say with a little giggle. Soon she opened the door with a big smile on her face. "Hi Carter!"

"Well it looks like someone is in a better mood." I smiled as I raised my eyebrows.

"Ya, Mason is trying to be cheesily charming." She answered as her smile got bigger.

"What do you mean trying?" I heard Mason respond from inside the room. "If I recall correctly you are happy and smiling so I would say it was working."

"Oh hush, you're just being more of a dork and goofball than a charming prince." Ivory brushed Mason's comment off. "Is there something you need Carter?"

"Oh, right, could I talk to you alone outside for a quick second?" I gestured to the hallway while backing up a couple of steps.

"Sure" She said as she quickly stepped out and shut the door behind her. "Is everything ok?" She asked with concern in her eyes.

"Don't give me that look, I like your smile a lot better." I just got an eye roll in return but the concern still didn't leave her eyes. "Eric wanted to talk to you but didn't want Mason to know." I pointed towards Eric down the hall.

"Very smart, thank you" She said with a sly smirk as she walked over to him and gave him a hug. "Are you ok?" She asked him as she backed up but still held onto his hands. I wasn't able to hear the rest of their conversation since I walked past them to give them some privacy.

On my way back to my room I ran into my "mom". I gave her a weak smile and tried to walk past her but she stuck out her arm to block my path.

"Please don't go." She closed her eyes like it was painful to talk. "You don't have to talk to me, but please listen to what I have to say."

I didn't look at her face but I nodded for her to continue.

"Tomorrow Bill and I will be taking the two of you to see your birth parents. I want you to know that they have always loved you and giving you to us was the hardest thing they have ever done. They just couldn't stand to see something bad happen to you just like it did to Ivory." She took a shuttering breath before continuing, "But I also want you to know that Bill and I have and always will love you like our own son. Because even though I didn't give birth to you, we were the ones that raised you. We were there to help you when you were down, cheer you on as you reached your goals and teach you right from wrong. Just because we do not share the same blood, doesn't mean you aren't a part of me. You are as much my son as you are theirs." She stated sternly as she placed a hand on my cheek.

When I still refused to meet her eyes she sighed in defeat and dropped her hand. She turned to leave but this time I grabbed her wrist before she could make it to far. She slowly looked back at me and I lifted my eyes to meet hers. "I'm sorry, I just don't know what to do, I am so confused right now. So much information was kept from me and then was dropped on me all at once. I'm still trying to process it and see how I feel about all of it. Knowing we have different parents is a lot harder for me than you saw it was for Ivory. Her parents were horrendous, she has always wanted different parents and now her dreams have come true." Elly nodded her head but stayed quite. "I never wanted different parents. I loved you and dad, still love. I just don't know what to think about having another set of parents."

Mom gave me a big smile and engulfed me in a hug that I gladly returned. "I'm glad we feel the same way. I don't know how I'm going to be able to hand you over to them. I don't want to let you go."

"I don't even know what to call you in front of them. You said they are very important people, will they let me call you mom?" I asked as we stepped out of the hug.

Mom sighed as she rubbed her face. "No, it's probably better if you don't call me mom or Bill dad in front of them. They will not take kindly to that. In front of them call us Bill and Elly. Alone it is up to you what you would like to call us."

"Ok, mom." I smiled at her. 

"Go get some rest sweetheart. Tomorrow is going to be a long day." She gave me one last hug before walking down the hallway to her and dad's room. I walked the rest of the way to my room and flopped on the bed. Mom was right, tomorrow is going to be a long day. One I was not sure if I was looking forward to or not.