𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟

Chapter 13 : Old Ivy

"How can you say that movies are better than the books ?!"

Ivy is appalled by every word leaving Alex's lips since they started the game.

Five minutes after leaving the pitch, Ivy's dizziness vanished, which is the only reason they've been roaming the streets for over an hour.

The more Ivy rambles, the more Alex is entranced.

She has the ability to make the most ordinary things sound captivating.

Her fascination with nature, which she describes as 'the only work of art you can contemplate and never feel sad', the way she notices every little thing around them, her obsession with reviewing the most random - but meaningful - actions from other people around.

Ivy is a contradiction all by herself.

She is a neat freak, but only when it comes to her own space. She adores food, but never has more than one serving. She's a perfectionist, but she won't even attempt to do something if she knows it won't look exactly like what she envisioned. She's an amazing friend, but she can be selfish when it comes to her peace.

All in all, Ivy doesn't know about middle grounds.

Alex thinks he likes Ivy more than he should. He likes the way she gets lost in the melodies of the songs she saves on her phone, how she stops to pet every stray cat they cross on the street - all five of them - and her impromptu dance moves when they reach stop signs.

A snap of Ivy's fingers in front of his face brings him back.

"Yeah, uh, sorry. Movies ! They are so much better because it's much more captivating ! The music stirs emotions, the characters get under your skin when they are well portrayed, and the-"

"Oh my God !" Ivy groans, "Alex ! You are giving me all the reasons movies are shitty ! When you read the books you get to decide what everything and everyone looks like. It makes the story way more believable and relatable,"

"Damn, you have a thing for books, don't you," he teases.

Ivy shrugs, "that's kind of the one thing you need to become a publisher."

Alex walks slower, kicking at a few pebbles on the way and looks at the ground with a smile. Ivy catches it and starts walking backwards so she can face him.

"What ? What's so funny ?"

His smile widens and turns to a full blown grin when he looks at her.

"Nothing, it's just..." he drags out.

"Just ?" Ivy urges and he shakes his head.

"I'm used to people wanting to work in business or become lawyers or doctors, artists even. Don't get me wrong, it's refreshing, but I'm just curious to know why you'd pick this career," Alex explains.

"Well, a lot of books I read helped shape the person I am today, some even thought me extremely useful life lessons that not even Ty or Rosa taught me. I want to be able to share that, and hopefully, give a chance to young writers that big publishers tend to overlook, because sometimes they talk about things adults or older people are scared to bring up. Reading expanded my view of the world, and you can't have the right values without it."

Ivy explains her choice like it's the most obvious thing in the world but there is nothing plain about her motivations. It's incredibly inspiring.

"You're going to do great things, Ivy Bellow," Alex promises quietly.

Ivy gasps when her foot hits a rock, so she turns to walk straight.

Alex doesn't see her smiling shyly.