Chapter 9
1091 Words
IVORY'S POV
Soaked. Pathetic. Miserable.
Those were the three words that summed up my life as I stood up from the bench, my clothes clinging to me like a second skin and rain dripping from my hair like a leaking faucet. The world felt like it was mocking me—gray skies, gray heart, gray everything. Even the taxi driver had the audacity to raise a brow when I slid into his car like a drowned rat.
“Rough day?” he asked.
I didn’t answer. Just stared out the window, watching my reflection frown back at me like it was disappointed too.
By the time I got home, I was half-frozen and entirely over it. Thankfully, the house was quiet. No Mom. No questions. No lectures wrapped in concern. Just the sound of my own wet footsteps echoing through the hallway.
I peeled off my damp clothes, dumped them in the laundry, then dragged myself to my room. Backpack dropped. Sanity hanging by a thread.
The suits were still in the bag, staring at me like silent reminders of how easily I’d let myself believe he was different. Perhaps he was able to fool me easily because he checked my bruises. I took them out one by one, my fingers working robotically as I scrubbed, rinsed, ironed, and folded.
When I reached the last one—jet black and annoyingly perfect—I paused.
The scent hit me like a memory I didn’t want. His cologne. Expensive. Calm. Warm. Too familiar. I brought the suit closer to my face before I could stop myself, inhaling the stupid fragrance like it could fix me. Wait a minute, how could I even identify his suit out of the many rest. There must be something wrong with me and my damn nose.
It couldn’t.
I shoved it into the bag with more force than necessary and went to the kitchen. Chopping onions felt good. Therapeutic, even. Especially when I imagined the onions had Daniel’s smug face.
By the time I set the table, the door burst open.
Mom.
She came in like a whirlwind, her voice already three sentences deep into her workday drama. I gave her nods, hums, and strategic smiles—anything to keep her from looking too closely.
But moms know. They always do.
“Are you alright, Ivory?” she asked suddenly, her voice dipping into that mother-tone that made me want to curl into a ball.
“I’m fine,” I said too quickly.
Her brows knitted. “Your eyes say a different thing.”
“It’s just school stress,” I replied with a tired smile. “Nothing to worry about.”
She sighed. “You can take a day off. I’ll call the principal.”
Wait, what? Was she actually serious?
I nodded slowly. “Okay,” I said meekly. But inside? Fireworks. No bullies. No Daniel. No pretending to be fine. Just me, home, and sweet, sweet avoidance.
After dinner, I practically flew to my room and face-planted on the bed. I let sleep take me, dragging me into its quiet arms without a fight.
---
The Next Morning
When I woke up, it was to sunshine bleeding through my curtains and an eerie silence. I padded downstairs in my oversized hoodie and sweatpants, only to find Mom gone and a note on the counter.
"Eat, rest, and take care of yourself."
Short, sweet, and full of love.
After a hot shower and some toast, I grabbed my bike and pedaled to the little restaurant I worked at. My version of peace. Or at least distraction.
Mr. Clover looked mildly shocked to see me walk in. “I see you came.”
“Lucky you,” I muttered, slipping into my uniform.
At the counter, the familiar trio awaited me like characters from a teen sitcom. Trinity, Gav, and Luke—my chaotic, slightly unhinged found family.
“Hey, buddy,” Gav grinned, winking.
I gave him a light punch to the shoulder as I passed. “Careful, you might bruise.”
Trinity air-kissed me with a smirk. “Skipping school now? Bad girl.”
Luke waved, his arm around her like he was glued there. “How are you, Ivory?”
“Surviving,” I said with a shrug and a small smile.
“I have so much to tell you!” Gav practically shouted, bouncing in place. Without doubt, he is my ultimate gist partner and a social butterfly. He always has the special way of conversing with people and this action earns him great tips from customers.
“Let me guess. Another boyfriend?” I teased.
“Bingo! His name is Finn.” Gav batted his lashes. “Smoky eyes. Great kisser. Absolute dream.”
“Did Tori finally explode from your drama or…?”
“He cheated,” Gav deadpanned. “Caught him with some random dude.”
“Oof.”
“But Finn,” he continued, dreamy-eyed, “is a masterpiece. We met at this exclusive club. He looked at me and boom—love. It was definitely love at first sight. I have found my prince charming Ivory."
I chuckled. “You are hopeless.” I said shaking my head.
“Wait, wait—I got something to show you,” Gav said, eyes glittering. “Close your eyes.”
I did, knowing whatever he was about to unveil would either be ridiculous or mildly illegal.
“You can open them now,” he said proudly.
My jaw dropped. “You got a tongue piercing?!”
He stuck his tongue out proudly. “Hot, right? Finn thinks it’s sexy.”
“Finn needs his eyes checked.”
“Rude.”
Trinity and Luke, meanwhile, had moved on to phase four of their public make-out session. Trinity moaned so loud I almost chucked a napkin dispenser at her.
“No shame,” I muttered.
Thankfully, Mr. Clover walked in and cleared his throat so loudly even Trinity detached herself like she’d been burned.
“Go. Serve those tables,” he barked, pointing.
They scrambled away.
“I’ll be right back,” Gav said, flipping his hair and disappearing into the back.
And that’s when the door opened.
I turned, casually wiping a table, and froze.
My stomach dropped. My jaw followed.
Daniel.
“What the hell is he doing here? Isn't he supposed to be in school? When I can truly feel peace or have peace from my bullies!” I mumbled to myself biting deep down on my lips.
- Writer
