Ivy swallowed hard and quickly retraced her steps to the exit, her cheeks burning with embarrassment people seated in the reception
She stepped outside and hurried toward the car
“Are you alright?” Bud asked as she slid in
“Yes” by sad, swallowing as she tried to catch her breath.
looks on the
She couldn’t believe it—Rita had denied knowing her which was unheard of Yet, she couldn’t shake off the feeling that Rita might be in danger. The thought that Rita had been in San Francisco for five years without visiting Aunt May was. appalling
A thought crossed her mind, and she turned to Victor. “Would you mind waiting a moment?”
Bud raised his brow from the passenger seat is everything alright, ma’arri?”
“Yes, yes” she nodded quickly just need you to follow someone”
“Alright, Bud said. He turned to Victor “Move the car somewhere hidden”
Victor maneuvered the car to a spot in the garage. From where they were, they could see the entrance of the hospital without being spotted immediately.
Ivy texted Silas, letting him know she was going to be a little late, just in case Theresa mentioned seeing her
Silas replied immediately: Where are you going?
She had no answer, so she didn’t respond. Immediately she set her phone down, Rita walked out of the hospital
It was then Ivy really looked at her. Rita wore a black hoodie and trousers, her hair tied in a messy bun Ivy’s heart broke as the pain of Rita’s denial sank in..
Rita was seven years older, but that had never stopped them from being close. Ivy had spent her childhood holidays at Aunt May’s house before her uncle’s death.
Walter’s death had drawn a wedge between May and her children, and when Vera, Rita’s younger sister had died, it possibly had ruined what was left between May and Rita.
“Follow her,” Ivy said, pointing to Rita who was walking really fast.
“Alright, ma’am” Victor replied, starting the car.
They waited until Rita left the hospital premises before beginning to follow. She was on foot, which meant she likely lived nearby. But that knowledge came with the pain of realizing that Rita had intentionally avoided her mother and their family for five years.
They followed her, watching as Rita continued on foot heading over Sanibel Street. She kept her hands tucked in her hoodie, and continuously glanced behind her.
Ivy leaned forward, her eyes darting round Rita. Nobody seemed to be following her, but Rita’s body movements screamed discomfort.
What was she hiding? Who was she hiding from?
It was when Rita took a narrow pathway leading to a bridge did ivy actually begin to freak out. Her chest clenched as she realized Rita had parked her car miles away from the hospital and gone there on foot.
Was she not staying close? Ivy wondered.
“Let’s follow her please” she said, her voice slightly shaking.
“Drive down Mela Road and go left, Bud told Victor. “We should see her.”
Victor nodded as he drove. Thankfully, they saw Rita as she was about to enter a small black Honda.
Victor slowed the car and they waited. Ivy watched Rita throw a piece of paper from her windscreen, before getting into her
cor.
As soon as Rita started driving, they immediately followed her. Ivy’s mind swirled as different thoughts swirled in her head
Was Rita in trouble? Was she running from something? Hiding from someone?
None of her questions made sense.
Successfully unlocked!
Ivy bit her lip, settling into the chair as Victor come to unum. A mat felt like a long time, Rita finally turned towards Mill Valley
Mill Valley was a cozy town with serene vibes and cute shops. Ivy knew Mount Tamalpais was nearby—her mother had taken her and Cole sightseeing there when they were kids.
124) Vatery washt D
ngernails as she tried to settle he
so how cor
notted with anxiety. She couldn’t help but feel like
pped in front of a beautiful pink house Victor slowed the car parking
ota got out of the car and walked into the house. A few moments later, a young lady exited the house
with bbws Shu hopped on a bicycle and rode off
by wated exporting lote was going to come back out, but she didn’t, solvy got out of the car
told Bud
well. Ten coming in with you”
not wanting to scare Sota. But doubt crept
ngerous? What if someone
going to get fota, and she got in the way?
What i
if she was being
ace in her head said
years, another voice added.
by signed as indecision took over it was either she took a chance on her safety, or she frightened Rita. She turned to Bud, her wore chucking slightly. “Stay outside Just in case she said, and he nodded.
She turned toward the pink house, noticing the hedges decorated nicely along the stony pathway. The front doors were
doors, luxurious and elegant. The gardens were beautiful and it added to the elegance of the house’s exteriors.
But if she had money, why was she diving such a rickety Honda?
Trang the small bell with flowers designed around it and waited.
She heard a click. Then another
Finally, the large door swung open
Foda came out smiling “Alex, did you forget the trailed off, the smile on her lips immediately faded, her eyes widened with shock “What are you doing here, ly?
Oh, you remember me now” Ivy said, relieved that Pita hadn’t greeted her with a gun or something worse.
Rita quickly stepped outside, shutting the door behind her. “You have to go.”
Ivy buffed “I have to go? i haven’t seen you in what? Five years? and that’s the next thing you say to me?”
Jota’s checks turned pink as she averted her eyes, moving away from the door. “I’m serious, lvy”
Ivy’s heart plummeted, and she made no effort to hide the pain in her voice. “What’s really going on, Rita? You live here in Mill Valley, and you never came to visit any of us?” Her voice rose in an accusing tone. “Not even your mother? Aunt May is going crazy thinking you-”
“You know nothing. Ivy Rita said, cutting in sharply. Her forehead creased and her mouth twisted. “So shut your-
The sound of the door interrupted Rita, and almost instantly, Ivy watched as the anger in her eyes melted as she quickly composed herself
She turned to the door, her voice also devoid of anger. “Hey baby”
by gasped as a small child came out the door.
“You have a child?” by whispered.
fota ignored her, crouching to pick up the little boy “Mommy’s coming in soon, okay?”
“The phone is nnging.” the boy said. “Daddy is calling”
eyes widened in panic, and she quickly set the boy down Both of them rushed inside
“We need to talk, Rita Ivy called after her
away from me. And if you tell anyone you saw me, I will make your life a living hell!” Rita threatened, starming the door
Try stood still too stunned to speak
