𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟

Chapter 9 : Michael

Days go by, and Alex feels a distance growing between him and Ivy again.

This time is different; there’s no anger, no tension.

Alex knows he isn’t the problem. Ivy’s been acting cold toward everyone, and it’s surprisingly worse around Tyler.

What he learns from this is that Ivy deals with uncomfortable situations by shutting down completely.

She doesn’t eat. She doesn’t talk. She sleeps all day sometimes.

Tyler is worried, but he doesn’t try to fix it, and Alex isn’t sure there’s anything he can do to help if her own brother stays away.

Today is day eight.

It’s also the day Michael—Ivy’s father—is expected to visit, and Ivy is a no-show for breakfast.

Apparently, Tyler has reached his breaking point. He’s been sitting with a plate full of food that he hasn’t touched. He lasts thirty-six seconds—Alex has been counting—before standing up and pushing his plate away.

“Fuck it, I’m dragging her out.”

“Oh no, no, nope. You shouldn’t. Actually, if I were you, I’d lock her in there until she becomes human again,” Alex laughs.

“Al. This is not funny,” Tyler growls.

Of course it isn’t. Alex knows it’s his frustration trying to cover itself with humor, but it’s not helping anyone.

“I know, m’sorry. But I’m usually the one suggesting we help her, and you’re the one who insists we stay as far away as possible…” Alex shrugs.

“I’m aware. Trust me, I still think we should. But this isn’t healthy. I’m supposed to keep her safe and healthy, and I’m doing a shit job with the latter.”

Alex feels a bit sorry for his best friend. Tyler is trying to make Ivy his priority, so much so that he often forgets about himself. Not once has he complained about the weight that comes with caring for Ivy when he’s only twenty-five.

“Oh, please, Ty. You’re doing amazing, considering your situation. But I think you need to remember that you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others.”

“I used to think like that, and she got hurt,” Tyler murmurs.

Alex knows better than to ask questions he won’t get answers to.

“Alright, how about I go in and drag her out while you eat breakfast and calm down?” he offers, and Tyler scoffs.

“She’s never going to let you in.”

Alex hopes she eventually does, in more ways than one.

“I can try.”

Tyler shrugs but sits back down, so Alex walks out of the kitchen and heads upstairs.

Once he’s facing Ivy’s door, his bravery starts to dissipate, and he feels a little ridiculous for being so nervous.

At first, he just brushes his palm against the door to calm his nerves. When he gets no reaction, he knocks gently—once, twice. Still nothing.

He clears his throat before turning the handle.

Alex doesn’t know if the lack of reaction is good or bad at this point, so he opens the door slowly, making sure not to startle Ivy.

Once the door is wide enough for him to spot her, Alex understands why he hasn’t been thrown out yet.

Ivy is in bed, asleep.