The kitchen itself was a charming blend of rustic farmhouse vibes, and Ivy’s eclectic tastes. The walls of the kitchen were painted a soft, creamy white, and open wooden shelves displayed an array of mismatched dishes, jars filled with spices, and potted herbs that added pops of green. The polished wood of the countertops hinted at years of use, showcasing their worn but well-loved appearance, and a large farmhouse sink sat beneath a window, its apron front catching the sunlight. Above it hung a curtain with a delicate lace trim, fluttering in the morning breeze from the open window.
Ivy was at the stove, flipping pancakes in a cast-iron skillet with a flick of her wrist. The smell of butter and syrup filled the air, mingling with the rich aroma of coffee that brewed in an old-fashioned percolator on the counter. A small chalkboard hung on the wall nearby, with a handwritten note that read TODAY’S SPECIAL: CHOCOLATE CHIP PANCAKES.
Ivy turned and caught sight of me, and a bright smile spread across her face, lighting up her already glowing features. “Good morning, sleepyhead!” she called out, her voice warm and cheerful. “I hope you’re hungry. I made enough pancakes to feed an army!”
“Morning,” I replied, stepping into the kitchen. “You’re really spoiling me with this. I usually just grab a bowl of granola for breakfast, if I’m lucky.”
Ivy grinned as she flipped another pancake. “Well, that’s going to change whenever you stay here. I’m all about starting the day with a sugar rush. Consider it my personal mission to get you hooked on the good stuff beforelunchtime.”
I laughed, the thought of Ivy’s pancake breakfasts becoming a regular thing warming my chest. “I think I could get used to that.”
“Go ahead, grab some coffee and have a seat. Breakfast will be ready in just a minute.” She pointed to a steaming mug waiting on the counter.
I took the cup gratefully, wrapping my hands around it as I inhaled the rich scent. The coffee was strong and smooth; the perfect way to start the day. Ivy brought a plate piled high with chocolate chip pancakes to the table, setting it down with a satisfied grin.
As soon as the sweet aroma filled the air, Salem came trotting into the room, his sleek black fur catching the morning light. With a quick leap, he hopped onto the chair next to me, his big, green eyes fixed on the pancakes with undeniable interest.
“Looks like someone else wants breakfast, too,” I joked, nodding toward Salem, who was now staring at the stack like it was his own personal feast.
Ivy glanced over and laughed. “Salem, you know you can’t have pancakes! You’re already spoiled enough with your fancy cat food!”
He let out a small, indignant meow, as if protesting his unfair treatment, making both of us burst into laughter.
As I poured syrup over the pancakes, Ivy slid into the seat across from me, giving me a playful but earnest look. “So, are you really staying in Hallow’s End like you said last night? Or was that just the wine talking?”
I picked up my fork, hesitating for a moment before nodding. “No, I’m really staying. I think it’s time I rip the band-aid off and talk to my parents today. It’s embarrassing that it’s taken me this long to stand on my own, but I need to live my own life.”
Ivy reached over, squeezing my hand. “Hey, it’s not embarrassing at all. Everyone has their own timeline. What matters is that you’re making the choicenow. It’s brave, Vinnie, and it’s never too late to start living the life you want.”
I gave her a grateful smile and took a bite of the pancake. It was deliciously sweet and comforting, just what I needed. “Thanks, Ivy. At least I’ll have my date to look forward to after all that stress. And with me staying here, I can actually think about giving Ethan a real chance.”
Ivy’s eyes lit up with excitement as she took another bite of her pancake. “Well, now I’m even more excited! We have to plan something with Amelia. I’m determined to have our own girl group—or witches’ coven, if you will.”
I laughed at the idea, imagining the three of us as a quirky, magical trio. “That would be cool! And Amelia seemed so open and welcoming the other day, like she was ready to be my best friend from the moment we met.”
Ivy grinned, nodding enthusiastically. “That’s Amelia for you. She dives in headfirst, no hesitation. It’s like she pulls everyone into her orbit without even trying. She has this incredible ability to make you feel like you belong in her world from the moment you meet. It’s one of her best traits. But when it comes to her heart and committing? That’s a whole different story.”
She grimaced, then quickly shook it off with a bright smile. “Oh, and heads-up, she’s super grouchy in the mornings, and her humor? Definitely on the sarcastic side. But, you’ve got to love her.”
I chuckled. “It sounds like she’s exactly the kind of person I need in my life right now. Someone who’s not afraid to go all in and embrace whatever comes her way.”
Ivy nodded, her smile softening into something more sincere. “Exactly. We all need friends like that—people who remind us to be brave and take chances, even if we don’t always know where we’ll land.”
“Well, I’m in. Let’s build that coven.”
Just as Ivy was about to say something, a sudden rustle caught our attention, and we turned just in time to see Salem, quick as lightning, leap onto the table and snatch a pancake between his teeth.
“Salem!” Ivy exclaimed, jumping up from her chair. “You petty thief!”
Salem darted off the table, the pancake flapping absurdly from his mouth as he bolted across the room. Ivy, her loose pajama pants trailing behind her, took off in pursuit. “Get back here, you rascal! That’s not for you!”
I doubled over with laughter, until finally, Ivy halted, hands on her hips, her face full of exasperation. “Well, it looks like Salem’s decided he’s joining us for breakfast,” she said with a sigh, her lips twitching into a smile as she made her way back to the table. “You’ll have to forgive my furry little menace.”
Still laughing, I wiped a tear from my eye. “I think he just wanted to be part of the fun. And it’s nice to know someone appreciates your cooking as much as I do.”
Ivy shook her head, still grinning as she sat back down. “Well, he’s certainly got great taste, I’ll give him that.”
Later that day, I sat at my kitchen table, my laptop open in front of me, its screen casting a pale glow in the otherwise silent room. The weight of what I was about to do felt like a stone lodged in my chest, but I knew I had to tell my parents about my decision to stay in Hallow’s End and open my art gallery. The very thought filled me with dread. This wasn’t just aphone call—it was a declaration of independence. A step towards the life I wanted, and one I knew they wouldn’t approve of.
