IVY.

I receive a call immediately I step out of the super store. 

“Hello.” I know I sound groggy.

“Hey Ivy. ” Isabella screeches from the other side. “Girl's night?” I guess it couldn't hurt right?

“Sure.” I pull my phone from my ear as she squeals. “I'm heading home now, do you want me to pick you up or?”

“I'll meet you at your place, Ryan can drop me off...right honey?” 

I have to grit my teeth and bite hard on my lip as she calls him endearments. Ofcorse he's there for her, he's hers...

“It's okay. See you at home.” I mumble amid clenched teeth. As much as this hurts, I can't dare make it obvious. I'll have to bear with her presence for the better part of the night...that's if sleep won't rescue me from her.

“I can't wait!” She squeals then hangs up.

*Fuck!*

I shouldn't be allowed to make choices anymore. 

It isn't long before I pull into the driveway and walk into the house. 
I stop short at the fragrance of my favourite flowers flowing around me. On the small kitchen table sits some roses. Some are pink, others are white. A wide grin is displayed on my face as I walk over and inhale their beautiful scent. 

A small pink card is placed between two prongs on a plastic clear card holder. 
*One day I'll be there when you wake up.*

My palms go clammy and my stomach churns.
I begin to feel the build up of tears and I have to force it down. I can't cry now, not with Isabella coming over. She can give me an endless stream of questions which I do not have answer for. 

A pair of headlights flashes across the dark living room and i practically skip to the door, looking out the small glass window within the door. I want as  Ryan gets out from his car and opens Isabella's door. 

I'm not supposed to watch but I can't seem to tear myself away. 

She wraps her and around his neck and hugs him. He pulls her close and kisses her fully on the mother. I can tell the kiss is deep and meaningful.

He loves her.

But I know that. It just hurts seeing it up close.

I open the front door and smile at Isabella but I can't look at Ryan. 

“Hey girl?” She grabs her purse from the car and strides through the door. 

“Ivy can I talk to you for a minute?” I hate and love how much of an effect his voice is to me. 
Nodding softly, I look at Isabella who's making herself comfortable, turning on the lights, the tv and roaming around my various loads of movies.

“I'll be right back.”

“Ok.” 

I close the door behind me and walk across the front lawn and stand before him. He's tense and I almost take a step backwards at the lack of emotions in his eyes.

“Thankyou for the flowers.” I say, trying to lighten the mood. He nods in response making my throat begin to swell. I know what he's about to say and tears begin to build behind my eyes.

“We're done Ivy!”

My whole world falls apart. I can't breathe, tears cloud my vision and I feel sick. He didn't say that! He can't!
He loves me!

*But he loves he more!* A voice whispers.

“W-Why?” I choke out.

His eyes give away nothing. He doesn't reply at all. He strides to the driver's side of his car, gets in and without a single glance, he drives away.

I almost drop to my knees but the thought of Isabella watching stops me.

My mind is numb and blank.

The whole night she raves about Ryan and her new job and the big move that's four weeks away.

I sit there, still as a stone smiling weaking trying.y best to put up a happy facade. When she finally leaves, I crawl to bed and  cry my eyes out.

Tears run down my cheeks soaking my pillows and the area beside me that still smells beside me teases me and only makes me cry harder.

Why would he do this to me!

We can never go back to being good friends. This is it. 

My large comforter is wrapped around me encasing me like a taco and I fall asleep with a clogged nose and fresh tears still streaking from my face.

*****
I call in sick the next two days. I can't face anybody. I can't eat, I can't even close my eyes without seeing those emotionless eyes as they wall away. 
Isabella passes by every day to bring soup and a get well soon card. She's always so sweet.

She tells me Ryan is acting different, always around her more and he's more touchy. I tone her out after that. I can't listen to her anymore. Hearing that he's doing better with her chips off another peace of my broken heart. 

The third day, I'm surprised by the knock on my door. 

Dressed in my pyjamas, I wrap myself in a soft blanket and trudge my way to the front door.

Logan stands on the other side holding a stack of movies and more soup.

I'm not sure if I can eat any more soup but the gesture is sweet. 

Smiling softly for the first time in two days, I open the door wider and let him in. 
“You look like shit!” He comments his head roaming me from head to toe “And yet still you're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen!”

I blush and wish to God that I can feel something for him. 

My heart is stupid. It makes stupid decisions...it chooses who to beat for! 

“Thanks.” I says sarcastically.

“Auntie said you sounded terrible on phone. I thought you didn't want to come in because I asked you out and you felt awkward.” He chuckles nervously while palming the back of his neck. 

“Logan I'd have come in regardless of it being awkward but-”

“But...you don't feel that towards me.” He finishes the sentence, eyeing me sadly. 

I let out the breath I've been holding.
“Yeah, I'm so sorry. I wish I could...you're great and awesome.”

“So what prompted you to agree to go on a date with me?” Luckily, he seems curious but not mad.

“Well, I was somehow distracted because the guy i liked happened to pull up and upon seeing us together, he got mad. I didn't hear your proposal for a date but I just agreed because I felt bad for not listening to you.”

“Oh.” He says sinking on the couch and I hesitantly sit beside him. 

“I'm sorry Logan.”

“It's ok. I've kind of always had this impression that you've only seen me as a friend.”
His facial expression doesn't sell him off. He's taking this well. 

“Yeah. Sort of.” I blush, staring at my fingers like a teenager.

“So you're not sick then?” He seems relaxed. He's nolonger nervous.

“No, just heartbroken.” I laugh humourlessly casting my eyes to the flowers that still sit on my table. I can't bear to throw them out.”

His eyes follow mine and he frowns. 

“Are those from him?” He asks, nodding towards the roses. 

“Yeah.” I murmur. 

“It's not going to do you any good with them staring at you as a reminder.”
He says.

“I know. I can't just stand parting with them yet!”

He stands up suddenly and looks down at me before holding out his hand for me. 
“Let's get out of here. We'll go and get dinner then come back to watch a movie and by the end of the night maybe I can convince you to toss them in the dustbin.”

*That wouldn't be such a bad idea, would it?*

Agreeing, I take his hand and stand up. “Okay but-”

“This is not a date.” He says as if reading my mind. “Just two friends having dinner!” He makes a swear sign, making me laugh. I now feel a little better.

“Okay. Let me dress up.”

I opt for my red bodycon and flat shoes. I brush my hair, making it fall on my shoulders in waves.

I walk out to the living room and Logan's eyes almost pop out if they're sockets. “You look stunningly amazing!” He whistles softly.

“Thankyou,” I grin. So where are we going?”

“How about the Peter's grill?” He asks, opening the front door for me as I grab my purse.

“Perfect!” I'm ready for some grilled chicken. They always cook it to perfection.

I'm ready for a good treat after staying indoors for two good days, wallowing in self pity!