My Sister Ivy Part 5

My Sister Ivy Part 5

Standing in front of me, just staring with his eyes wide open, my father says nothing. Not even Ivy says a word. It’s like we’re all frozen in time or something.

Unable to look his shocked expression in the face, I feel my chest tightening and my skin crawling. My breathing quickens and my head feels like it’s going to explode from my rising blood pressure.

I’d had panic attacks before…. and this sure did feel like the start of one!

“It's n-n-n-not what you think,” I say desperately, trying to control my hand from noticeably shaking.

His silence was deafening. He was making me feel moments away from a meltdown!

“It's not what I think……?” He ponders, placing his bags down on his side. “….and what do you think I think this is…..exactly?”

“He’s doing it for me!” Ivy blurts out, rushing to stand by my side.

Still looking down at the floor too terrified to look up at his judgemental eyes, Ivy reaches down to my trembling hand and grabs it tightly.

As I felt her soft hand comfort mine, I no longer felt like I was facing the music alone.

“Ivy……,” Dad replies impatiently. “Is your name Jordan now…?.”

Ivy grips my hand tighter.

“I’ve forced him to wear it, Dad!” Ivy continues, now frantically talking in haste. “He broke my makeup doll and I’ve forced him into being my model as punishment.”

Cautiously looking up in my father's direction, I hoped that he’d buy her story. I know she’s not telling the whole truth, but it had to be somewhat believable. His expression wasn’t giving anything away. He continued to stare down at me.

“Is that right……?” he says slowly, sounding like he doesn’t believe her.

“It’s the truth!” Ivy pleas.

Dad then grumbles and sighs. The sounds coming from his mouth didn’t fill me with any confidence. It was like he was judging me and putting two and two together. I have no idea how he’s going to react if I tell him the actual truth!

I’m not even sure I have to strength to tell him. I mean, I couldn’t even admit it to mom earlier either.

“Ivy….hush!” dad groans. “Let your brother explain please.”

I glance up at him again, as he stares down at me with expectations in his eyes. A lump forms in my throat and I feel sweat rolling down my back.

“L-like Ivy Said,” I anxiously answer, talking straight down at my feet. “She forced me.”

“Oh…..??” he huffs in response. “Is that the whole honest truth?”

“Yes!” Ivy yells, now getting quite animated.

Dad rolls his eyes and then scratches the back of his head. A small smile appears on his face as he takes his eyes off me for the first time since he got home.

“O…kay…..,” he says, holding his hands up in surrender to calm Ivy down.

A huge wave of relief washes over me! Am I in the clear!? Did I get away with it!?

“Just like your mother,” he scoffs, giving Ivy a quick glance. “Real fire cracker…eh?”

Then, almost causing me to audibly gasp, he turns back to look me directly in the eyes once more.

“Are you sure…?” He asks me, leaning in. “Are you sure there is not something else you want to tell us?”

I feel the heat of embarrassment wash over my face once more. Does he not believe Ivy? Why does he keep asking!?

Staring back, unable to look away out of fear, I watch him stupidly grin at me.

Ivy squeezes my hand once more.

“Well….?” he asks impatiently. “Is there something you want to tell me Jordan….or has a cat got your tongue?”

I try and answer again, but I can’t. Ivy’s tight grip on my hand is the only thing stopping me from falling off a cliff right now. I’m so glad she’s standing beside me!

“Hey Hunny!” mom cheers, greeting our father as she barges in from the living room just in time to save me.

Dad instantly looks away and greets her. He smiles and pecks her gently on the cheek.

“Doesn’t Jordan look cute…?” mom asks, kissing him back on the lips.

Dad quickly glances at me, then turns back to mom. “He does. Oddly…..reminds me of you sweetheart.”

Mom chuckles and gives me a big beaming smile.

“I wish I still had a figure like him,” she continues to giggle. “Such a skinny mini.”

“That’s what I thought too!” Ivy laughs, still gripping my hand tight. “He makes such a good model. I think he actually fits that costume better than I would.”

“Did they tell you Leon?” mom asks. “That Jordan broke Ivy’s makeup head?”

“Yeah….just now,” he responds.

“Funny how he’s ended up being Alice In Wonderland…isn’t it?” mom giggles. “I bet he didn’t see that coming!”

“Yeah…I’m sure Ivy’s been very persuasive,” he replies, rubbing the back of his head once more”

“I guess he does look adorable. Thought he was Ivy when I came in.” he continues with a wry smile.

I turn to look at Ivy and she turns to smile at me. I think we both had the same thought at that moment. We are totally getting away with it! My secret passion is safe for now.

“Ok then gang,” mom chirps, clapping her hands together. “Time for us to think about some dinner. What do we all fancy…?”

Dad chuckles to himself, before landing his hand roughly on my shoulder. He pulls me next to him and I stumble a little in my heels.

“Afternoon tea?” he laughs. “Or are we too late for that?”

Ivy lets go of my hand and then rubs her forehead in exhaustion

“Argh dad,” she whines. “Such a rubbish joke. You’re not funny y’know.”

Dad then points at her in a joking manner.

“Is it off with my head…?” he mocks in reply. “I think we’ve found our Queen of Hearts over here!”

“That must make you the Mad Hatter then,” Ivy quips, rolling her eyes.

“HA” Dad laughs. “You kids……..”

“Yeah…….,” Ivy replies, grabbing my hand to pull me away from dad. “Come on Jordan. Time for us to remove your make-up.”

Dad then throws his arm around my shoulders and gently stops me from being tugged away by Ivy. I look up at him worried, but oddly--he’s giving me a comforting smile.

“Ivy, I want to have a quick private word with Jordan,” he says. “It won’t take a minute….is that ok?”

Looking a little worried, Ivy’s eyes grow wide as she looks at me. I give her a worried look in return. What does he want now!?

“S-sure……,” Ivy slowly answers, letting go of my hand and backing away. “Don’t be too long.”

I felt my heart racing once more as Ivy moves past us. As she disappears into the living room, dad moves in front of me. I look up at him with concern as he puts both his hands on my shoulders.

“A-am….I in trouble?” I ask, terrified at his answer.

“No……?” he questions, raising an eyebrow. “Have you done something that would get you in trouble?”

I rub my arm and look away.

“Don’t look so worried Jordan,” Dad chuckles, squeezing my shoulders softly. “You’re making me feel like I’m some sort of monster or something…”

“Sorry,” I respond meekly, trying to shake his hands from my shoulders

“Sorry….for what?”

“I-I’m not sure…”

Dad sighs and lets go of my shoulders. He takes a step back and looks me up and down.

“With you dressed like that,” he chuckles. “I feel like I’m talking to your sister.”

My face grows bright red as I give him a quick glance.

“Listen….,” dad continues, placing his hands on my shoulders once more. “I just wanted to tell you not to let your sister boss you around Jordan. Remember, if you side with the ladies in this house…it leaves me outnumbered!”

“Huh…!?”

“Yeah…..right…..could you imagine?” he mumbles. “Think I’d have to go live in the shed if that happens.”

“What….!?”

Dad then takes his hands off me and steps back. Scratching the back of his head nervously…he gives me a mischievous smile.

“Don’t tell your mom I said that….will you..?” he says.

“Is that all you want dad?” I ask, desperate to get away.

“Oh….right,” he replies, focusing again on my outfit. “No.. that wasn’t what I wanted to say.”

I give him an impatient look. Honestly, he’s never usually like this. Maybe he’s just as nervous as I am?”

“I just want to tell you….,” he says then pauses to give me a serious look. “If you ever want to talk to me about anything….anything at all! Please don’t hesitate. You’re my son and I’m always here for you!”

“Thank …..you…..,” I awkwardly reply, rubbing my arm nervously again.

“Good,” he says with a beaming smile. “Now….go let Ivy take that makeup off you. It’s messing with my mind. Honestly, you look the spitting image of your mother when she was your age.”

Shaking his head from side to side in a joking manner, he stands.

“O….Queen of hearts!” he shouts, trying to wind up Ivy. “Alice is ready to leave Wonderland now!”