𝔼𝕧𝕖𝕣𝕘𝕣𝕖𝕖𝕟

Chapter 19 : Mason

The grey SUV is parked at the edge of the driveway, just in front of the house. Inside, Tyler and Mason watch in silence as Ivy dances just out of Alex’s reach. Her laughter fills the air, sharp and unrestrained, as Alex seems determined to catch her, his every move calculated to tackle her to the ground.

Tyler’s eyes narrow, his gaze never leaving his sister as she ducks and weaves, dodging him with playful agility. "She hasn’t laughed like this in two years," he observes, his voice thick with something unspoken. 

Mason shifts beside him, his eyes also fixed on the scene. "She’s brighter with him around," he agrees with a nod.

Tyler doesn’t respond right away, his mind turning. The words he’s been trying to avoid bubble up despite his best efforts. "That’s what I’m worried about."

Mason glances at his best friend, concern creasing his brow. "Why? Because she’s happy?" His tone softens. "Ty, you’ve got to see it. The way they are with each other—there’s something there."

Tyler exhales sharply, his fingers tapping nervously on the steering wheel. "I know my sister. I know the mess she’s still sorting through, the things she hasn’t told anyone about. What happens when Alex sees that? What happens when he realizes she can’t give him what he wants?"

The question lingers between them, heavy and unresolved. Tyler knows that at some point—maybe sooner than he’s prepared for—he’ll have to choose between his sister and his best friend.

Mason sighs, placing a hand on Tyler’s shoulder, a rare gesture of calm. "You don’t know what’s going to happen. I don’t know Alex as well as you do, but I can tell he cares about her. He might be exactly what she needs right now. You’ve got to let it play out. If it goes sideways, we’ll deal with it like we always do. As a family."

Tyler doesn’t look at him, his eyes still glued to the scene unfolding outside the car. But Mason’s words settle inside him, stirring a mix of hope and fear. Ivy’s shriek cuts through the air as Alex finally catches her, and Tyler feels a flash of something in his chest—relief, maybe. Or maybe it’s just the weight of watching his sister take a chance.

"She’s gonna be sick if we leave her out there much longer. Alex is too much of a child to get her inside," Tyler mutters, shaking his head fondly.

He pushes the door open and steps out of the SUV, rain instantly soaking his clothes. "You’re back!" Ivy beams at him, her face lighting up with the familiar mischief. She stretches her arms, a look of mock desperation crossing her features. "Save me, Ty!"

Tyler smirks, already walking toward them. Alex’s arms are still wrapped around Ivy’s waist, her body twisting in an attempt to break free. Without a word, Tyler grabs Ivy by the shoulders, pulling her from Alex’s grasp with ease.

"Release my sister, you oaf!" Tyler orders with mock seriousness, his voice carrying a mixture of affection and authority.

Alex laughs and releases her, only to watch as Tyler hoists Ivy over his shoulder like a ragdoll. Ivy squeals, kicking her legs in protest.

"Unhand me!" she yells, her voice strained with laughter as she thrashes in his hold.

Tyler doesn’t even break a sweat, grinning widely as he carries her with the same ease as if she were a volleyball. But when he finally sets her down, it's into Mason's waiting arms. Ivy laughs again, a bright, contagious sound that fills the space between them.

Mason holds her for a second, then lets go, only for Tyler to scoop her up once more, his hands gentle as he places her back on her feet.

"I missed you, pup," Tyler says quietly, brushing a strand of damp hair from Ivy’s face with a careful hand. "How was your day?"