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Now that I have come to the realization that Cat and I could make a go of this, I want to get back there as soon as possible.
My cell rings, and I pick it up, and like I have conjured her, Cat’s name flashes on the screen.
“Cat!” I say in a rush as I pick up the call, surprised but also elated that I’ll get to hear her voice. It’s been too long.
“Carter, did you know that dolphins sleep with one eye open?” Ivy voice greets me.
“No, Ivy, I didn’t know that” I say to her with a laugh, as I continue to pack, slightly disappointed that it isn’t Cat on the other end of the call, but still finding myself smiling from Ivy’s never-ending facts. I pause for a minute, and then I decide to use what I’ve got.
“Ivy, did you know that a cockroach’s brain is in their body?”
“Eww! That is gross, Carter. I hate cockroaches.” She makes a fake gagging noise, acting exactly as I’d expected, like the little girl she is.
“Does your mom know that you are calling me?” I ask her, becoming more curious as I don’t hear Cat in the background. I would put money on the fact that she doesn’t.
“No, Mom is in the kitchen...” Ivy replies, and I pause because her voice changes, like it did in the grocery store. Her vibrancy from when she first called has all disappeared.
“Ivy, are you okay?” I’m immediately ready for action as I await her answer, my packing forgotten.
“I’m hiding in the bedroom with Abby. We are okay...” she says, her voice small, scared even. And I don’t like the pause she takes.
“Why are you hiding, Ivy?”
“He’s yelling at her,” she replies quietly.
“Who is yelling at her?” I press, my skin prickling.
“Grandpa.” Her voice is now a mere whisper.
“Where are you?” My thoughts go right back to the earlier conversation with the boys about Cat’s father being an asshole.
She doesn’t respond, and my stomach drops.
“Ivy, is your mom there? Can you put her on the phone?” My heart is galloping at this point, desperate to hear her voice, wanting to make sure she is okay.
“No… Abby and I are hiding under her bed. We always hide when Grandpa comes. He isn’t very nice. Just like my dad,” Ivy says, and the air promptly leaves my lungs.
“What do you mean, just like your dad? Is anyone else with your mom right now?” I pull out my drawer as I rush around my room, looking for one of my burner phones.
“Aunt Maggie is with her. But they are yelling…” Ivy’s voice trails off.
“Ivy, where are you? I need to call 911...” I start to ask her for her address as I grab my burner, about to call the police, but then I hear Cat’s voice in the background.
“Ivy? You can come out now. He is gone, honey.”
I breathe a sigh of relief at hearing her voice.
“Bye, Carter,” Ivy says quietly before the line goes dead, and I am left staring at the phone, wondering what the hell is going on.
And hating myself for not being there to keep them safe.
24
Catherine
Even though my heart pounds and my stomach churns, I keep my head high as Maggie and I walk into the gym. I’m more committed to these classes now after my run-in with my dad. Knowing how to save myself and protect Ivy is my number one priority.
I tentatively look around, searching the faces. I know that Carter isn’t here, but that doesn’t lessen my nerves. Just being in his space is enough to give me unwarranted butterflies. It has been weeks since I saw him, but every time I enter the front door of his gym, it brings me right back to that night.
