You Are Family

Rose looked at Ivy as if something was wrong with her as she said.

''Yes, it does.... it matters whose friend he is, for he is that a-holes friend! That....that man who destroyed your life!.... he is Damon's friend.''

Rose finally shattered as she started crying again.

''How...just how can I be with him...while fully knowing how much his friend hurt you? How much you had to suffer because of him...because you married him?

How much his mother and girlfriend bothered you to divorce him....how you were the joke of the entire circle each time an article was printed of him enjoying himself with a new partner.''

Ivy sat silent as she digested the information Rose had just given her.

After about a minute, she let out a sigh as she told her.

''Rose....it doesn't matter. What happened between him and me is in the past now, and it should stay there... In the past and between the two of us, you shouldn't have to suffer because of it. It should not affect your life, Rose.''

Hearing her say this, Rose felt aggrieved as she told Ivy.

''See, I knew you would say this, that is why I didn't want to tell you about Jack and me. ''

Taking a break, she became silent as her eyes gained a bit of clarity before continuing.

''Do you think I am an idiot, huh? I am a commanding officer in the army, and I have known you since the day you were born. I know the reason you are back must have to do something with him and James. I also know that a storm is coming to shake up everyone, thanks to you.''

Hearing her say this, Ivy let out a small and wry smile as she told her.

''Even if it is something, you do not have to support me...you do not have to take my side....''

On hearing this sentence, Rose exploded as she slammed her glass on the table and started shouting at Ivy.

"What the hell are you talking about Ivy? How can you tell me not to take your side? Huh, tell me? I am not just your friend...I am your sister....your sibling though not by blood but still your sister!

I was the first one to hold you in my arms after you were born. I was the one who taught you how to speak, I was the one who used to braid your hair when aunt Ava brought you with her to the army camp, I am the one who spent her childhood babysitting you. To me, you are my sister, you idiot!

Just...just how can you ask me not to take your side? And do you even for a second believe that if I did sit out, mom and grandpa would do the same, huh? You are my family, for Christ's sake...dammit.''