you.

chapter 44

IVY'S POV
*i watch as joey rushes over to his mom with his sisters and helps her sit down. i sit down on a chair next to the couch they were all on and jen looks around at all of us.*

bella- mom, who was it?

jen- you guys can't freak out and joey, sit next to ivy.

*he walks over to me and sits down next to me. i intertwine our fingers and he lays his head on my shoulder. i rub my thumb across his hand and he stares at his mom.*

jen- okay.. it was your uncle.

sophia- why is that bad? he's family

jen- he is your dad's brother.

bella- why are they all coming here?

jen- i don't know bella. joey, are you okay?

*i look over at joey and he has his head in his hand that i wasn't holding. i lower my head to his level and hear him breathing heavy.*

jen- can you take him upstairs ivy? i think he's having a panic attack because of stuff that used to happen to him

ivy- yeah yeah of course.

*i stand up and bring joey with him. i help him walk downstairs and i bring him into my room. i shut the door and sit down on the bed next to him. he holds me tight and breathes heavy while crying quietly.*

ivy- baby, you need to take deep breaths. like you do with me

joey- n-no..

ivy- come on joey. do it for me, please

*he nods and i take deep breaths with him. i lay down, holding him in my arms and i play with hair. he calms down 10 minutes later and keeps his head on my shoulder.*

joey- i'm sorry..

ivy- you don't need to apologize for anything baby

joey- i scared you

ivy- no you didn't love, i just wanted you to be okay and calm down. i'm okay

joey- promise..?

ivy- i promise

*i kiss his cheek and wipe his cheeks with my thumb. he sighs and turns on his back. i lay on my side and look at him. he grabs my hand and holds it on his chest. i intertwine our fingers and keep looking at him.*

joey- i want to tell you

ivy- tell me what?

joey- why i was freaking out

ivy- you don't have to tell me j. only if you're comfortable

joey- of course i'm comfortable around you

ivy- okay, what is it baby?

joey- so when i was little, my dad would abuse me and if his brother was over, he would help.