Chapter 72
IVY
Micah takes a seat at the lunch table. “I don’t understand why they haven’t started the next round yet. I’m ready to get this over with.” He seems genuine, and I actually believe him. He’s been edgy since Remy died. We all have.
“Maybe they’re giving us time after what happened,” Brooke says, not wanting to specify exactly what she means but we all understand anyway.
“No,” Cain mutters. “They don’t allow mercy. Just pain.”
“His family didn’t even have a funeral service.” Brooke keeps her eyes on her food. “His parents didn’t want to do one.”
“It’s probably better.” I recall seeing my mom in a casket. “Why remember them that way?”
There’s an uneasy silence around the table. Luca places his hand on my thigh. I don’t want to talk about what happened at the rec anymore, I just wanted to be near him.
Brooke sighs, “You’re right. He would want us to remember him laughing at his own jokes.”
I zone out for the rest of the conversation as they share happy memories and stories about him.
“Ivy,” I hear my name over the chatter. Principal Guidry is standing nearby as she gestures for me to follow her. Once we’re in the corridor, she glances around before speaking. “I’ve been trying to reach your father, but he hasn’t returned my calls. Could you try contacting him for me?”
“Yes.” Good luck getting a call back though. “What’s wrong?”
“Oh, it’s nothing crucial,” she explains. “Your brother has missed a lot of days, and I’m worried about him falling too far behind to catch up.”
I know Zachary skips school but didn’t realize it was to that extent. “I’ll talk to him and let Dad know you’re trying to reach him.” Neither will probably make a difference.
“Thanks, Ivy.” She hurries off as I send a message to Dad relaying the message then ask Zachary where he’s at. There’s no response by the time I leave school but when I get home, I figure out why. He’s still sleeping.
“Wake up.” I push his arm to jar him awake.
“I’m up,” he grumbles, not opening his eyes.
“You missed school again.”
He mumbles something incoherent and rolls over.
“Zachary,” I yell as he shoots straight up in the bed and shouts, “What?”
“You’re going to flunk freshman year if you don’t show up for class.”
He grumbles, “I’ll manage. I was just tired this morning.”
“You really shouldn’t miss any more days unless you have a valid reason.”
My brother climbs out the bed as he yawns, “Yes, advice from the basket case. My life should be on track in no time.”
“You’re right. I’m not one to give advice but you’re the one who will be in high school for eight years. So, good luck.”
“Thanks, sis,” he replies.
Anthony appears at the door. “I attempted to get him up this morning. Your father should be home tonight, and I’ll speak with him.”
“Thank you,” I tell the poor guy who shouldn’t have to deal with this.
I spend a few hours in my room, staring at the walls before I go downstairs. When I get to the kitchen, I see the light on in Luca’s bedroom and decide that I’d rather be in there with him than here.
Showering and pulling on a T-shirt and cotton shorts, I walk over to his house. He’s told me a million times to walk in, but I still knock and wait for someone to open the door. The housekeeper does this time, smiling and waving me in before I head upstairs.
When I get to his room, the bedroom door is open and he’s watching a movie, his hands are behind his head, his back on the headboard. I climb into the bed as I rest my back against his chest, and he pulls me closer to him. After a few minutes, I turn to the side and nestle against him.
“You can pick something else,” he offers.
“No, this is good.” Because I’m not here to watch anything. I’m here for the supportive guy under me, the reassuring hand rubbing up my back, and the little serenity I get as I drift off to sleep.