71. Back to being a bitch

''Lyle-" Ivy had tears in her eyes as they looked confused and distraught. Deciding between accepting the challenge and getting back to her dream or accepting and seeing her mom's disappointed face was making her brain shutdown. She really couldn't do it. She can not let go of either of the choices. She was stuck between a rock and a hard place.

''Shh...'' Lyle shushed Ivy as soon as she said her first word. ''Calm down. It's just a challenge. And it only depends on whether you want to take it on or not. So tell me Ivy, do you want to?''

''I want to but-"

''Then that's it. If you want to take it on, you should go for it. No 'but's allowed. Just do what you want. I think godmom and the others will also like it this way.''

''You know the only purpose of calling me to the basketball court is to challenge me to a match. You also know that once I pick it up, I won't be able to leave it again.''

''Then don't.''

''Lyle. You don't understand. You don't know how hard it was for me to leave that one thing I'm good at. How much I wanted to let go of everything and hold onto it. But-"

''But the thought of your mom stopped you right? You think I don't know what it feels like? Ivy, do you know what I love to do most in this world?'' Lyle stopped to look at Ivy's face. She looked lost just like a kitten. ''I love to just go around, making fun and creating problems while living the life I like. With freedom, like a carefree bird. But I can't. Because that's not what's cut out for me. I don't have the mentality which wi0ll allow me to be carefree. But you. You are different. I see the person I want to be in you. That's why I want to protect you. I want you t be able to live well, without any regrets. And you know that if you don't pick it up right now, you'll regret it your whole life. Ivy. Do you want to taste regret?''

''I... I...'' Ivy hemmed and hawed for a while before her eyes turned resolute.

''You are right. I don't want to taste regret. I don't like bitter things. Lyle, thank you.''

With that, Ivy turned her direction towards the path leading to the basketball court.

This person is back to being a bitch.