“Are you sure? I know this one would fit in better at Belgrave. It’s brand-new and has all the bells and whistles you could ask for, plus a few more.”
“I’m sure,” I respond as the disappointment spreads on his face.
Running his hand along his mouth, he tells me, “Well, hold on to the keys in case you change your mind. I think it’ll grow on you eventually. That old car of yours will only run so much longer before it needs work again.”
Tucking the key fob in my pocket, I head up to my room. It’s only minutes before I hear yelling downstairs. First, I guess it’s Zachary and Dad, although they haven’t fought since Mom has been gone.
Once I’m in the foyer, I spot Uncle Shawn at the door, Dad blocking him as Anthony stands nearby.
“Ivy”—my uncle pushes past Dad and steps inside—“I’ve been calling you forever.”
“And she’s fine. All in one piece,” Dad states.
Uncle Shawn glances over me. “Are you okay? I couldn’t get through and started worrying. Especially since you didn’t show for kickoff breakfast this morning.”
Every year, I’d have pancakes and ice cream with Uncle Shawn and Aunt Kathleen to kick off the celebration of mybirthday. “My phone got messed up, and I just replaced it. But I wasn’t in the mood to celebrate this year.”
“Now that you can see everything is fine, you can go now,” Dad says.
But Uncle Shawn remains in place. “I want to speak with my niece.”
“And I want to speak with my daughter. You don’t have any business here—now more than ever. So, unless you want to be escorted off my property, you’ll do as I say and leave.”
“Dad, please,” I utter. I’m not surprised by the hostility between them, but I figured they could put their differences aside for a little while. But it seems my mom being out of the picture has made their resentment toward one another worse.
Dad finally simmers down a little but has to add, “Remember your place, Unc.”
Shawn watches Dad leave before he asks, “Ivy, you’d tell me if something bad was going on, right? If you weren’t safe or something felt off? And Zachary? He barely answers my texts, but he swears he’s good.”
“Yeah, we’re okay. Nothing out of the ordinary except the swanky neighborhood.”
“And that isn’t a bad thing.”
Not sure I agree. “We’re both attending Belgrave and Zachary has made some friends and seems to really like it.”
“And you?”
“I’m fine.” I know he doesn’t believe me, so I just ask, “Is something going on? I know I’ve been flaky lately and haven’t checked in, but will you tell me if something is going on?”
He pulls me into a tight hug. “I just worry about you. And with your mom gone, I don’t want to lose touch with my favorite niece.”
“Your only niece is good. It’s just been different.”
“Well, just let me know if you need anything. And don’t be a stranger. You are welcome to stop by any time.” Uncle Shawn hesitates before continuing, “We can still get them pancakes whenever you’re ready to celebrate.”
“I will soon.” I should. I haven’t spent any time with my grandma in months.
“Happy eighteen birthday, Ivy.” His voice shakes a little before he releases me and walks out the door.
Dad must’ve waited nearby because he appears less than a second later. “Everything squared away?”
“Yes. He was just checking in.” Which isn’t out of the ordinary, but their heightened animosity is.
“Alrighty. I’m gonna head out. Are you going to Everett’s game or are you rooting on Belgrave tonight?”
“Neither,” I retort.
“You should go out. You’re too young to waste your life stuck inside. Live it up and relish in the moment,” he singsongs as he floats across the room, his stride light and jubilant.
