Confessions of a Queen Bee

21

On the phone with Lotta after school, the specific officer on my case, I tell her how it becoming increasingly difficult to keep the truth hidden.

"Ivy, it is your truth. You can tell whoever you like. Our focus is on catching Layton and that is why we advised you to stick with what was being said at school. But the plan that he might come back on his own seems unfeasible now."

"But I thought that I couldn't, because it would mess up the trial?"

"I'm almost certain that there is enough evidence to make a conviction even if the boy pleads not guilty. You need to focus on recovering, not worrying about the trial."

"Have you had any leads to where he might be?"

"Yeah, we are investigating into a few right now. We will get him." She assures me.

"I'm worried that nobody will believe what happened because of what everyone thinks at school."

"What people think at school has been noted down as a cover story so we can continue to find Layton to arrest him. It may be used by the defence but we can counter it so it is ok. Stop worrying about a trial when Layton may plead guilty anyway."

"What happens if he pleads guilty?"

"Then he gets convicted."

"Just like that?"

"It is more complicated than that but I need you to distract yourself. Obsessing over this won't help you."

"Ok, will you keep me up to date though?"

"Of course, Ivy, have a good evening."

Every time I speak with lotta I end the conversation feeling less stressed but then also guilty as she makes it seem like I'm stressing over nothing. There is a lot to stress about. A lot.

My mum always sits on the end of my bed as I talk on the phone with the police, it's like she wants me to know that she is here, but also giving me space so I can talk openly with them. Earlier I had checked with both my mum and my dad about whether Jackson could come over. They were apprehensive as they were supposed to be going out on a date together tonight but agreed in the end. I have no idea how I convinced them, but I think they had a good impression of Jackson anyway.

It's about quarter to five and Jackson had text me that he is on his way about five minutes ago. Apparently, he only lives a few streets away, I can't believe I never knew that.

Hearing the door go, I assume that the poor guy was being greeted/ interrogated by my parents. They agreed he could come if they were able to talk to him. I mean it sounded pretty fair at the time.

"So, you and my daughter are just friends?" I hear my dad question him, I don't know why he felt the need to ask him that though, I had already told them how I feel. They know nothing like that is going to happen.

"Yeah, I don't have any bad intentions." Jackson addresses both of them and they watch him carefully. My parents look at each other, Jackson had obviously remembered about the whole- as long as you don't mean me harm, then they will like you.

"I heard your mother is Mrs Granger?"

"Yes, she is my adopted mum." He openly shares.

That's that then, he is adopted. It makes sense, the different surnames, the fact that she's quite young to have an 18-year-old son.

"Mum, Dad, leave Jackson be." I smile at him and mouth sorry.

"I really like your mother, she has been wonderful with our Ivy." My mum turns off her cold protective stance and welcomes him into the house. I bet they would be surprised to know he's already been here.