Withering Ivy: Chapter Twenty-Five

Grace was holding onto me tighter than usual. I had to tap her arm twice to ask her to soften her grip. She only smiled at me and looked back to the dinner party worried. I wasn't sure why she looked that way or why Ms. Winslet sat beside us with a scowl that would have scared me if in my direction. I knew better than to ask. I only went back to my plate and ate quietly. I would have rather had our dinner like usual but the other chairs occupied the family of Amelia. They were quieter than usual as silverware clinked and wine was drunk. Every once in a while her mother would ask about something silly and Amelia would answer or Grace would joke but her father said nothing. He only cut his steak and ate. I copied him hoping it would stop him from noticing me. I didn't have to cut mine though, Grace made sure mine was ready when it was served.

I knew there was something I didn't know. It annoyed me in some way to never be sure but my trust had been in their palms for so long I let those worries roll off my shoulder hoping that since we had company, Nina would serve dessert. Something other than fruit or an electrolyte drink.

"She needs to leave." Amelia's father whispered. His napkin wiping his mouth.

I had shown my feelings on my face and felt Grace's arms squeeze before she began rocking us slowly like it was to comfort me or maybe herself.

"Funny I was about to say that about you." Ms. Winslet was leaning back in her own chair. but her eyes were on her brother who sat straight and cocky. When no one laughed at her joke she nodded to Grace and looked down at her hands, She waited for me to come to her before she smiled sweetly. "Sleep well." I kissed her cheek and went to the doorway with my hand in Grace's "Ivy." I looked back at her. "I love you."

Before I could respond I felt a tug and was made to follow the blonde who sped us up in the hall. I barely fought but I didn't mind giving resistance when I remembered I had failed to get dessert. "Why is everyone being so weird?" She never responded as she closed the door behind us leaving me to go to my bed and wait. I watched her search my drawers. "What's going on?" The hairs on the back of my neck stood as I watched her frantic nature grow, "Grace?" She never responded so I stood hoping she would see.

"We were hoping it wouldn't be like this." Grace grabbed something and turned to me finally. Her eyes were sad and mine worried.

"Is Ms. Winslet okay?" I looked towards the door but there were soft hands that met my face as the blonde embraced me. Her touch so comforting as I searched her face for the truth. She gave no signs only a smile and a kiss.

"Do you know how much joy you bring us? how much we love you?"

I pursed my lips and felt her kiss my cheeks again, "Everything was fine earlier."

"And everything is still fine." She pulled something out of her pocket and my heart dropped seeing a needle with that dreaded liquid that made me sleep, I hated it. I gasped and tried moving back but she had my wrist. "Don't fight Ivy. You know I am doing what is best for you."

"no no." I tried pulling back but she sighed and used all her force to throw me into her before she jabbed the needle into my thigh. She threw the now empty shot onto the floor and fell to the floor with me as she held my body went limp. My eyes searched her as I gave a soft "why?" before going to sleep." She cried for a moment but pulled herself together, I had no memory or feeling as I laid on her like I was in a peaceful state. She picked me up and waited by the window where someone was there waiting. I had one last kiss with her before I was given to the man. The window closed behind us as Grace only watched.