Chapter 19.1: Tangled with your past
After an eventful weekend, Ivy had a bittersweet week ahead of her. Lucky had been a frequent visitor to her house lately and she didn't mind taking care of him who had kept her accompanied most of the time.
Her exam results had improved tremendously and she was so excited that her first ever attempt on accounts papers was a high distinction. She reminded herself to treat Jason when she heads down for her internship later.
"Ivy… What are you daydreaming about again?" Andrew nudged her as they stood by the stairs in front of Sandra's house holding out to Lucky's leash as Sandra fed Lucky treats.
"Ah.. nothing… What were you both saying?" Ivy knocked some senses into herself as she shook her thoughts away.
"Since when is your boss's dog also your responsibility? Are you his maid now?" Andrew teased as Sandra giggled. "Oh…" Ivy couldn't find a good excuse in time to hide the truth as she smiled and squatted to pat Lucky who was enjoying his treats.
"Oh, Sandra, the package arrived. You can leave mine in my house. Will check them when I'm free." Ivy informed Sandra about the arrival of their online shopping they made lately with Ivy's formal wear and Sandra's gift. Sandra nodded before she pouted and forced herself to explain the news Andrew and her had been trying to tell Sandra.
"We both are taking an additional four papers this semester onwards and ditching Science…" Sandra explained abruptly while watching Ivy's face tensed up.
"Oh, is it for the psychology faculty entrance requirement?" Ivy asked while she got up from her squat, burrowing her forehead. She could feel a little disappointment kicked in as she forced herself to suppress and hide it.
"Yep… and classes start today..." Andrew nodded as he felt guilty knowing Sandra and him won't be spending much time with Ivy like before.
"That's great news! Congratulations! Which meant you both would be taking on tough papers… I mean it's Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Algebra and I don't have to…" Ivy cheered with her hands up in the air trying to hide her disappointment to not make them feel any guiltier while Lucky barked once as though he knew it was a celebration. Andrew patted him briefly.
"But Ivy…" Sandra lamented as she held on to Ivy. "It's alright… we all know this was meant to happen in college. But at least we still meet for other classes. Just that I won't be seeing both of you all that much. Besides, if I have issues with Science, you both would be the expert to solve for me…" Ivy comforted them as they gave her a sad smile.
Ivy looked at her phone's time and alerted them. "Oh no, let's go! It's getting late for your new classes. Come, I will drop you both off college on the way to work." They all got into her car and let Lucky sit in front next to her while she drove.
"You're sending him home?" Sandra asked while Andrew gave Lucky a head rub which Lucky enjoyed a lot.
"Yes, before heading for work…" Ivy said as she nodded. "Was it really necessary to have a part time job especially when your grandma left you a fortune?" Andrew mumbled while staring at Ivy who was driving. Ivy realised Andrew's question meant they wanted to spend more time together like they did before but it seemed everyone has their own hectic schedules to move on with.
"Well, at first I asked the same question. Then, this semester's result had proven it was a right decision. I am so happy with my high distinction. I got to thank my boss later…" Ivy smiled thinking to herself was it a lie or was it really the truth. She knew it wasn't the answer Andrew was expecting but she didn't want to make them feel any guiltier.
"If you miss her, you know when to call and when to bug her." Sandra teased Andrew but he didn't reply as he was zoning out at the thought of could it possibly be due to the expensive parties Belinda requested for Ivy to pay which she did not want to ask Mrs. Soh for extra. Sandra nudged Andrew who was staring without blinking at Ivy who was getting uncomfortable about it.
"What? No, I just thought… Never mind. I hope I'm wrong, else we will be guilty… but don't tire yourself alright?" Andrew waved a finger at Ivy as they stopped at the bus stop outside of college.
"You're worried she works for money to pay for the parties isn't it Andrew? I think you are Ivy but considering your results are improving, I guess I believe you now… But seriously, we should minimise mingling with that group. That way it makes it less guilty for Andrew and myself." Sandra said as Andrew sighed.
"Alright, I promise we will minimise interaction and expensive parties. There is only one last one for Belinda. It wouldn't be fair…" Ivy halted from continuing the topic as they both gave her death stares which were really eerie. "Alright, fine fine! Leave for your classes now… I gotta get myself to work! Leave… go go!" Ivy tickled both of them to leave as they giggled and alighted while waving goodbye to Ivy and Lucky, who was excitedly wiggling his tail.
On the way to Jason's house, Ivy let her held back disappointment earlier to drown her for a moment as her mind drifted to the limited time she has left with Andrew and Sandra unless she chose to pursue business faculty, then she would have more time to spend with them in Landsfield as the university there provides the best psychology and business courses.
Her mind was arguing with her about pursuing her law career dream which meant she would be apart from Sandra and Andrew by staying behind in town but could take care of Mrs. Soh and tend to grandma's businesses. She was also hoping she could fulfill one last birthday party for Belinda to mark the end of their friendship quietly. It was the least she could do for old time sake. She wiped away a tear which slipped off the side of her eyes. She missed the good old times with her friends but she knew everyone was working towards a brighter future and it's part of growing up.
She sighed in frustration while Lucky whined as though knowing Ivy was unhappy. "It's alright buddy… Sit… We're almost home…" She comforted as Lucky sat but stood back up the moment she reached the front gate of the condominium block.
After sending Lucky home and ensuring he was comfortable, she drove to Jason's office and pondered on the journey of her internship. With the current circumstances, she was half certain that she could end up attending business administration instead. She had a fortune left behind from her grandma and she had been learning the necessary experiences and skills to run a business which includes accounts. Pursuing law would just make all these a waste to be too specialised. She sighed at the thought of letting justice die down in her dreams for now as she couldn't afford it.
On the way to the thirtieth floor, she was stopped by a familiar figure in the lobby but she could not recall her name.
"You. I need to talk to you." The tall lean lady ordered Ivy in a grouchy voice before dragging her out of the building to a corner.
Ivy was trying hard to recall her name although she remembered her as the lead singer whom she fell in love with her nostalgic voice and is the drummer's girlfriend.
When she let go of Ivy, Ivy quickly thought of things to say to break the awkward situation.
"The drummer's girlfriend! Hey! What's your name again?"
"Nancy..." She snarled at her with her arms crossed.
"Nancy! That's right! What's up?" Ivy asked coolly, trying desperately to break the cold situation.
"What's up? You tell me what's up with you and Jason." Nancy was furious as she pointed at Ivy's chest which pushed Ivy slowly towards a pillar.
Ivy blinked in confusion as she furrowed her brows trying to figure out the source of Nancy's anger. She had a feeling she was getting into trouble as she recalled Nancy was also Jason's ex girlfriend who could have misunderstood their situation but Ivy couldn't find a reasonable explanation for Nancy's current drastic actions if Nick was her boyfriend. Ivy decided to play dumb first while finding ways to get herself out of the mess and the reason behind Nancy's actions.
"I was... I… wait, why does it bother you? I thought you were with the drummer, erm what's his name?" Ivy pondered for a few seconds and snapped her fingers. "Nick!" Ivy knew she needed to count her blessings as Nancy was giving her death glares.
Jason knew Ivy would usually turn up around two right after his lunch. He purposely waited with her favourite fruit tea packed with a sandwich to thank her for her great help over the weekend. While he strolled a little to the building entrance, he caught the sight of Nancy approaching Ivy by the far end hidden pillar. He had a feeling Nancy was up to no good as he hastily walked closer to the pillar's direction where they were at.
On the way there, he texted Nick to inform him of the situation and managed to get an instant reply from Nick that he was looking for her as well and would arrive as quickly as he could. Nick also updated on Nancy's refusal on her medication lately which worried Jason even more about Ivy's safety.
"I'm giving you a warning here. I reckon you, stay away from my boyfriend from now onwards. Quit your job. Get a life." Nancy hissed while pointing at Ivy's chest direction.