Chapter 2
IVY
A slow steady beep breaks through my unconsciousness, but it takes a few seconds before I’m able to open my heavy eyelids.
Glancing around, I take in the wall of curtains and the hospital bed I’m in before I notice my best friend at my bedside. Everett’s head is leaning back against the chair, and he appears to be sound asleep.
What’s going on? I’ve no sooner thought it than a flash of light zaps through my mind, and I remember hearing my mom scream.
My eyes snap shut as flashes of panic and pain engulf me.
We were in a car crash. When I open my eyes and move to sit up, I feel a sharp pain in my side and realize my right arm is in a sling.
“Ivy. Thank God.” Everett is on his feet and hovering over me. His hand gently squeezes my left bicep. “Do you want some water or something?”
“Where’s my mom?” My mind is loopy, and I feel unsteady, but it’s the sharp pain that keeps me from attempting to move again for a few seconds.
“Don’t try to get up. I’ll get a nurse. They gave you some meds and said you might be a little groggy at first.” He moves his hand to my face. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”
I don’t feel okay. I feel disoriented and rattled. “I need to see my mom. I said some horrible things to her.”
“Ivy, wait.” He places a hand on my shoulder. “You shouldn’t get out of bed.”
“Then get her to come in here.” I lean back and close my eyes as a wave of nausea rolls through my gut.
“Just give me a minute to get a nurse.”
“I don’t want a nurse. I want my mom,” I plead. And that’s when I see the pain on his face. We’ve been friends since we were kids. He doesn’t even have to say it, I already know. “Where is she?”
“Ivy,” Everett whispers my name, nothing but pity and pain in his voice.
“Don’t say it,” I franticly beg him. “Tell her I’m sorry for what I said. I was just mad at my dad. Is he here? Does he even know what happened?”
Everett shakes his head. “No one has been able to reach him yet.”
“Figures,” I yell. “I need to see my mom.”
He keeps a firm hand on my shoulder and presses the button on side of the bed with his other. “Just wait a few minutes before you try to get out of the bed.”
“Please let me see her,” I beg, already crying.
Because I know why he won’t let me get up.
And it has nothing to do with my injuries or medication.
“I want my mom!” My throat burns as I shriek over and over.
And when the nurse comes in, I notice her expression before anything else.
She has the same remorseful look on her face pointed at me before she glances to Everett. He just shakes his head.
“Sweetie, just take a deep breath,” the nurse says in a calm, soothing voice that makes me want to scream even more.
“No, I need my mom. Where is she?” She ignores my question, keeping her mouth in a tight line. “We’re trying to get your father here, but it’s better for you to stay in bed.”
When I look to Everett, he still has the same horrible expression as he watches the nurse inject something into the IV that is connected to my arm. Everett’s gaze returns to mine as I slowly feel a wave of calmness while he repeats over and over, “I’m sorry, Ivy. I’m so sorry.”
“No,” I say, my eyelids too heavy to keep open. Everett shouldn’t be telling me he’s sorry. It’s my mom who needs to hear an apology. And if she’s gone, I’ll never have the chance. I try to will my eyes open, but it’s no use. Everything goes black as I mutter, “She’s not dead.”