Ivy
Two MonthsLater
The mountains are quiet, yet so full of life.
I could have been happy here, if I were born someone else.
“You need to eat,” Lance tells me.
“Why? I’m only going to puke it all out.”
“Stop back talking and eat.”
Lance talks a big game, but he’s just a big teddy bear with a heart of gold. He worries over me constantly, asking if I need anything and making me whatever I want to eat.
Not that I have a taste for much.
Because I don’t want him worrying, I finish my eggs and bring my plate to the sink, but as I’m about to go back to my room, Lance stops me.
“You need to get dressed.”
“Why?”
“You’re going into town.”
I blink at him, wondering what this could mean. Ever since I came here, I’ve been kept at his cabin without any contact from the outside world.
“Be ready in a half an hour.”
“Are we going to a doctor?” I ask, wondering if he’s arranged prenatal care.
When he doesn’t answer, I go into my room, hoping my life doesn’t get any worse.
From inside my room, I hear the front door open. I press my ear to the door and hear someone gruff speaking, but I can’t make out his words. All I know is it’s not Mateo.
Tears threaten to escape down my cheeks, but I hold them back, knowing they’ll do me no good. Mateo thinks I’d wanted to kill him, which I had. If only he knew how he’d changed my heart.
I get dressed, as instructed, and go back to the main part of the house.
Lance gestures to a man who looks as mountainous as himself. “Ivy, this is Brock.”
I force a smile. “Hello.”
“He’s going to be taking you into town.”
Anxiety needles my turbulent mind. “Why?”
“Because he’s in a better position to protect you.”
“Protect me? From whom?”
“From your own people.”
My heart races in my chest. “I don’t understand.”
“Go with Brock,” Lance says. He exits the cabin before I can reply.
“Go get your things,” Brock says.
