"Are you crazy, Elliott? I'm not jumping off that cliff!" I scream.
He sighs and holds my arm gently before I can leave, his eyes staring into mine. "When are you going to learn to live?"
"I know that if I jump off that cliff there's a good chance I'll never learn!" I snap, crossing my arms over my chest. "There's no way I'm jumping."
"Hey, I promise you won't get hurt," he says softly with a sweet smile, as if that'll get me to go through with it.
"You can't promise me that. I've seen the injuries you've gotten," I remind. "A huge gash in my side isn't something I particular yearn for!"
"My mind was in a different place those nights," he explains. "I was completely off my game."
I shake my head. "I can't do it. It-it's illegal and dangerous and I happen to like my face the way it is now."
"Hey, I like your face the way it is now too." He stares into my eyes, throwing me off guard. "If you jump tonight, you'll feel something you've never felt before. Your heart races when you look over the edge, at the giant waves and pointy rocks. There's a thrill unlike anything else when you take that leap and fear everything going wrong, but then you crash into the water and know you'll be okay," he says passionately.
"Why do you want me to jump with you?"
"I don't know," he speaks, his voice quiet. "I just know I want it to be you." He steps forward and takes my hand in his. "You're special."
I let out a small laugh and pull my hand back. "I can't imagine how many girls you've used that one on, Elliott Kennedy." I turn around to head back in the forest.
Elliott chases after me, throwing his shirt over his head. "Where are you going?"
"I'll find a ride home," I mutter. "You don't need to follow me."
"What did I do?"
I stop in the middle of the forest, ignoring the bugs flying around me. "I don't know what you were expecting, Elliott, but I'm not going to drop my panties at the sight of you talking sweet and taking me to sacred places and staring deeply into my eyes! I'm not some floozy!"
"That's not what I was doing," he argues, looking overwhelmed and a little sheepish, as if I caught him in a trap.
"Oh, is it not? Why did you bring me here then?"
He can't find the right words, his eyes all over the place. "I'm sorry." He wears a crooked grin on his face. "I guess Jake Acker made me think you would be easy or something."
I bite the side of my cheek and try my best to keep it together. "Yeah. I bet he did."
"Look, you're not that innocent either, you know? You've been flirting with me all week."
"I have not!" I argue. "Just because I've been speaking to you does not mean I'm flirting with you. I'm a professional and I wouldn't bring my love life into work."
"Oh, please," he mutters. "I can tell you like me."
"Well, you're wrong," I say and cross my arms over my chest. "I'm not into conceited jerks who think that girls will easily fall for the bad boy with a sensitive side and a passion act."
Elliott laughs. "Bad boy?"
"Would you prefer asshole?" I ask and cock my head to the side.
"You think you have me all figured out," he says assumably.
"And you think no guy has ever used that line before," I shoot back. "You know what, this argument is stupid. I apologize for not wanting to be another one of your Carters, Elliott. You carry on with the cliff diving. I'll be at your house taking care of your family."
Elliott nods. "Yeah. See you at home."
I stomp off in the forest, not realizing I had absolutely no idea where to go.
I wasn't wrong in saying this argument was stupid. Elliott just made me so... angry. I don't know what made him think I thought of him romantically. He was way out of line to hit on me, to assume I had fallen for his good looks. A simple, "you're special," and I'm supposed to go goggly-eyed and dumb for him. I don't work that way, Elliott Kennedy. No girl works that way, actually.
When a guy flirts with a girl, she should feel giggly and happy. Elliott flirting with me made me feel stupid and useless and a little dirty honestly. How does that even happen? Why does it happen? Whatever the reason, it made me realize Elliott isn't someone I could be with.
I lied to him in the slightest by saying I didn't like him. I had been sort of kind of crushing on him from the weeks of us actually talking. It's the blue eyes and the contrast of his pale skin with the dark hair and those stupid lips.
I have to admit, as mad as I was with Elliott for thinking I would be quick to jump in his pants, I'm mad at myself. For a split second on that cliff, I wanted to jump with him. I wanted to hold his hand and feel the rush as I crashed into the water. I wanted to feel like everything was okay when I was with him.
But it only lasted a split second.
Somehow, I made my way out of the forest and to the street. Having phone connection, I try calling Flynn. He picks up, but I can tell from his voice that he has been drinking. I tell him I called the wrong person before hanging up. Addison can't drive yet. I don't feel comfortable calling any friends from school, especially since I'd have to explain what I was doing and that would lead to judgement. My mind sparks when I think of whom to call.
My neighbors, the West family. As I have already mentioned, I've been babysitting for them since I was only eight. I'm very close with their son Michael. He's more of a family member to me than my own mother. His parents are the sweetest people I've ever met. I wouldn't feel out of place to have them come pick me up.
"Hello?" Mrs. West answers the phone.
"Hi! It's me, Ivy," I say and walk towards the grocery store from before. "Uh, were you sleeping?"
"No, no. I'm staying up until Mikey gets home," she says. "You know teenagers. You still are one, something I always forget."
I laugh. "I..I actually was wondering if you could do me a favor."
"What is it, honey?"
"I went to this party with a boy and-"
"Say no more!" she says abruptly. "Where are you? I'll be there in ten minutes more or less. Please tell me you're in this state."
"I am," I assure. "I'm by the grocery store on Lagoon street."
"I'll be there." She hangs up the phone.
Placing my phone back in my purse, I sit down on the bench in front of the store and wait for Mrs. West. Part of me was expecting Elliott to show up and to apologize. I know that it's unlikely. He probably doesn't even see what he should apologize for.
Ten minutes later, Mrs. West pulls into the grocery store parking lot in her minivan. She leans forward inside the car to open the passenger's door for me. I get in the car, thanking her for coming.
"Did he hurt you?" she asks immediately, her face dead serious.
"No," I assure. "We just argued over something dumb."
She nods and lets out a sigh of relief. "Okay. I'm glad you're alright."
"Thank you."
"Don't thank me, honey," she says and drives down the road. "I'd do anything to protect you. Now, where am I taking you?"
I sigh. "To the Kennedy's."
"The Kennedy's?" she repeats and raises an eyebrow. "Is that the big family with all the adopted kids?"
"Yeah."
"Hm." She looks at me questioningly. "The family with the older son your age?"
"Yeah," I answer.
"And is it possible that this is the boy you had a fight with?"
"Yeah," I say again, this time more embarrassed.
She nods, a small smile on her face. "Ivy, Ivy, Ivy."
"Don't three Ivy me, Mrs. West!" I laugh. "It's not like that. Well, it was almost like that tonight, but not like that!"
"Oh, girl, you better be careful."
"I will," I say. "So, where's Mikey tonight?"
"Babysitting apparently," she says. "I don't really know. He's being all distant. I'm not going to push it though. That'll be his father's job."
I smile. "I'll talk some sense into him the next time I see him."
"He misses you."
"I miss him," I admit. "I've missed the whole West family actually."
"Mr. West is nothing to miss. He's gotten so into the Bachelorette this summer. It's all he can talk about!" she exclaims. "I'll be like, 'honey, please pass the salt.' And he'll respond, 'salt. Reminds me of the salty boys this season.' And then a two hour rant on all of the contestants. It drives me mad."
I laugh at her story, able to picture Mr. West doing just that. I direct her through the neighborhood until we finally get to the Kennedy mansion.
"Thank you again," I say. "I really mean it."
"It's my job."
I wave goodbye as I get out of the car and walk to the garage, assuming the kids are all asleep already. The house is silent just as I expected. I walk around to check if anything is broken or on fire. Luckily, the house is completely intact. Looks like Addison and her puppy love aren't too bad at keeping a house together.
Instead of staying up any longer, I decide to get in my pajamas and go to bed. It has been a long day. I went on a hike with Nora and Jett. Jett got sprayed by a skunk. Flynn tricked me into going to a party. Addison spent hours on giving me a makeover. Jonas broke a lamp playing soccer in the house. Jake Acker sloppily kissed my cheek. Flynn skinny dipped. Elliott hit on me. I got like fifteen mosquito bites. It's all so tiring.
In the morning, I wake up extra early to make the kids a full-on pancake breakfast. It's a Saturday morning, one of the two mornings of the week we all get to eat together. The younger ones wake up earlier for camp during the week, so I thought it would be nice for everyone to finally be together. I make blueberry, chocolate, banana, and plain pancakes. Ethan loves oatmeal- and I'm starting to think it's just for the brown sugar topping- but, nonetheless, I made it for him this morning.
The cooking helps me get my mind off of Elliott. It's too nerve-wracking to focus on right now. Things will be awkward between us after last night, more awkward than before. I sort of blame myself, even though Elliott started it. How childish did that just sound?
I shake my head at the thoughts and begin to pour drinks for everyone, setting the table nicely.
"Pancakes!" Ethan cheers as he rushes into the kitchen.
"You have to wait to eat, buddy," I say. "We're having a family breakfast. Now, I'm going to wake up Bethany and I except there to be just as many pancakes as I last counted. Got it?"
"Got it," he mumbles.
Going into a crying Beth's room, I pick up the baby and rock her back and forth. It usually calms her down pretty quickly. I can smell that she needs her diaper changed and move to do so. Her cries turn into sniffles once I finish the job. Back downstairs, the twins wait at the table with Ethan.
I count the pancakes, eyeing Ethan every once in awhile. "Interesting."
"What?" Ethan asks, a small smile on his face.
"I was positive I made thirty pancakes."
"I didn't! I like oatmeal! Not pancakes!" he screams in horror. "It was Rosie!"
I gasp, "Rosie!"
"You tattletale!" Rosie muffles with a mouthful of pancake.
"Pancake eater!"
"Whoa, whoa. Cool it with the name calling, kiddos," I say. "Now, Rose, it wasn't right for you to eat that pancake. We're having a nice family breakfast and that involves waiting for everyone before eating. As for you, Ethan, don't be a tattletale. It won't get you far in life."
"Really? Have you told that to Jonas?" Addison asks when she steps into the kitchen.
Jonas kicks his sister's leg as he trails behind her. "I'm not a tattletale! I had to tell mom about the rooster and you know it!"
"Rooney was my friend!" Addison exclaims. "Do you know what mom did with Rooney after you told her? That's right, Jo. He wasn't taken to a farm. He was-"
"Stop it!" Crystal says with her ears covered.
"Okay, okay," I say and take a seat at the table next to Addison. "We can start eating now."
"What about Elliott?" Rose asks. "Should I go wake him?"
I hesitate answering, not sure of what to do in this situation. Things between Elliott and me are bound to be uncomfortable. I'm not quite sure I want to apologize, and I'm not quite sure he'll apologize. It wouldn't be fair for me to exclude him from a family breakfast, especially when he's the brother and I'm just the nanny.
"Oh!" I sigh. "I forgot. I'll go get him."
As I make my way towards his room, my heart begins to beat faster. There are so many different ways this could go. I'm hoping it's the simple way. When I knock on his door, there's no answer.
"Elliott," I say and knock again. "I made pancakes." Still no response.
"Elliott!" I repeat a little louder than before.
After two more minutes of silence, I open his door. Not much to my surprise, Elliott is not in his room. I don't even know whether he came home or not last night. I fell asleep right away. He could've left early in the morning, but I was awake at an indecent hour to make the breakfast. My bet is that he didn't come home at all.
In the kitchen, the kids have their plates stacked high with pancakes, but no one is eating. I find it sweet they decided to wait for Elliott, but sad that I have to tell them he won't be joining us.
"Elliott wasn't in his room," I say and take my seat. "Feel free to eat!"
I can tell the younger kids' spirits are deflated because of Elliott's absence. Addison tries to lighten to mood by telling me a story from last night. Apparently, Mike knew all the words to every song in all the movies they watched. He also had some of the choreographed dances memorized. Sounds familiar.
"I wish I could've met him," I sigh. Turning to Rosie and Crystal, I ask, "is he cute?"
"Oh, yes!" Crystal laughs and tilts her head back, letting out a dreamy sigh. "He should come over more often, Ad."
"Stay away from my man!" Addison jokes and squeezes her sister's arm. "Although, he's technically not my man yet."
"He hasn't popped the question?" I ask dramatically.
Addison smiles. "I think he might the next time we hang out."
"Is Mikey going to be your hubby?" Ethan asks, oatmeal in his mouth.
Mikey. I quirk an eyebrow. He knows all the words to High School Musical 1, 2, and 3. And some choreography. I happen to know a thirteen-year-old boy named Mikey who knows all that. My Mikey. Could my Mikey be Addison's Mike?
And it was at this moment I have never felt like a bigger dork.
"Oh my gosh!"
"What? Ivy, he's not going to be my husband," Addison says as if I was reacting to Ethan's question.
I shake my head. "No, no. I know your Mikey. Your Mike is my Mikey!"
Addison looks at me like I just tried to eat the last fruit roll up. "Um, excuse me?"
"He's my neighbor," I explain. "I've been babysitting him since I was eight. He's like a little brother to me!"
"He never said he knew you," Addison says slowly. "Are you sure it's the same Mike?"
"Listen, I shoved High School Musical down that boy's throat like it was a dang turkey leg." I smile at the thought of Addison dating Mikey. "Mike West?"
"That's my Mike," she confirms, her eyebrows furrowed together. "But he's your Mike too?"
"Yes!"
"Can I be your Jonas?" Jonas asks me with a suggestive wink.
I shove a pancake in his face and turn to Addison. "This is nothing for you to feel jealous about. You know that, right?"
"Yeah, of course," she says, although a look of confusion remains on your face. "Can I be excused?"
"Sure." I frown, worried that Addison isn't comfortable with the news. Maybe I shouldn't have gone on about how well I knew him. It should've been a gentle ease into the idea I know her Mike better than he knows himself.
"I'm actually feeling a little jealous," Jonas comments when Addison leaves the room. "Did you give him baths?"
"Eat your pancakes."
As I'm wiping Ethan's oatmeal covered face, Elliott walks through the backdoor. He is in the same clothes as last night, just his hat missing.
"Liott, look at all the pancakes Ivy made for us!" Rose says excitedly.
Elliott glances at the kitchen table and then at me. He stares for what seems like too long before looking back to Rose. "I'm not very hungry."
"You could at least be remotely respectful and take a pancake and throw it out your window when you lock yourself in your room all day," Crystal says directly to her older brother.
He raises his eyebrows in shock before taking a chocolate chip pancake. Instead of going upstairs and locking himself in his room, he lifts Rose, sits in her seat, and then places her back on his lap. Crystal nods her head, as if to say, "yeah, that's what I thought, bitch." But that was just my interpretation.
"Wh-where w-were you, Li?" Ethan asks, struggling on the 'w' sound.
He swallows a bite of his pancake before responding, "at a friend's."
"A lady friend's?" Jonas questions and raises his eyebrows.
Elliott gives his brother a look, which makes Jonas frown. His eyes move quickly to me for just a moment. "Doesn't matter."
"See, now I know it was a lady friend because of the way you responded. You could've said no and I never would've known, but now I do know. Are you dating her?"
"Who?"
"The lady friend," Jonas says as if it were obvious.
"Last time I checked, Flynn was a guy."
"So, you've checked if Flynn was a guy before? I mean, I'm not judging how you spend your time together but-"
"Do you ever shut up?" Elliott asks loudly.
Jonas stops talking, looking down at his clean plate. There always seems to be tension between the two, whether it's Jonas saying something mean about Elliott or Elliott is being aggressive towards his younger brother. It makes everything feel uneasy.
Rose slides off Elliott's lap, grabbing Crystal and Ethan's hands and taking them into the family room. I stand up to clean off the table. Jonas gets up from the table, his chair scraping against the floor. He leaves the kitchen in a hurry.
"You shouldn't yell at him like that," I say, putting the orange juice back in the refrigerator. "You're his older brother. I think he looks up to you."
"You don't know half of it," he mutters.
I shut the fridge and turn around to look at him. He stares back at me, his gaze hard and piercing. I swallow, trying to rack my brain for the right words to say.
"Last night was weird."
Elliott nods. "Yeah."
"So," I pause, "are we mad at each other?"
"I think so," he says with a shrug.
"Okay."
The smallest of smiles falls on Elliott's face as he says, "well, I hate you."
"I hate you more," I respond.
Without another word, he walks out of the kitchen, leaving me more confused than I was taking the PSAT last year.
I go upstairs and grab my phone off the nightstand. There is one person I've been meaning to talk to in a long time. After dialing the number, he picks up on the first ring.
"To think, I spend years of my life teaching you all the choreography to High School Musical and you can only remember some of it? You have a lot of explaining to do, Michael West."
~~
AN:
Ivy and Elliott are in an interesting (if that is the right word to use) position.. thoughts?
and the grand identity of mystery Mike has been revealed! Ivy mentions him in the first chapter for those who forgot but no hard feelings he was a simple child who got dropped on his head
also I posted a cast if you haven't gotten around to seeing it! I'll add it to the story in the official wattpad way once I can remember because I need to use a computer and that requires me moving from my bed which seems unlikely. but it'll come soon.
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