Chapter 37.1: I knew my instinct was right

Knowing Ivy was still under trauma, Jason didn't want her to be alone so he accompanied her the whole Sunday while she studied. He took the chance to catch up on work as he had been away for a week. Ivy secretly enjoyed their quiet day together as she felt safe and was able to study well knowing he was by his side.

Although Jason was busy with work, he caught Ivy taking multiple glances at him a few times. He knew his actions the night before had gone overboard and needed to give her an explanation. However, he knew with her state at the moment, it was best to postpone his explanation first.

Ivy on the other hand, had forgotten about the close call of her first kiss being stolen but instead could sense Jason was still worried about her trauma although he didn't show it. She could only watch him being concerned helplessly when he kept his accounts tutoring session and review of his company's monthly accounts with her short.

He even slept by her side that night which made her realise she had to keep her feelings under control. Although she knew she desperately needed his companion, she was also thinking about the consequences when the time came for her to leave him. However, his persistence had made her lose the will to retaliate as she quietly enjoyed his dominating side for once while she slowly drifted into a peaceful dream.

"Princess… Be careful…" Ivy heard a familiar voice as she opened her eyes to find herself once again standing under the aurora lit skies. She twirled around to find the tall teenager she once met and realised she was back to being her younger self again.

The teenager was holding on to her tiny palm as he looked up at the beautiful scenery in the sky. Little Ivy gripped on to his hand tighter as the teenager smiled, noticing her tiny gesture. She couldn't help but to giggle as she said to him. "I'll make sure you will be my prince one day…" Her words sent the teenager flattered as little Ivy continued to giggle at her thoughts while she twirled in front of him.

At the break of Monday's dawn, Ivy's alarm broke her sweet dream as she sat up in bed still holding tightly onto Jason's left hand. She used her left hand to switch off the alarm as Jason was stirring. She stared at him momentarily and smiled happily recalling her dream. It eventually made her recall her close first kiss two nights ago with Jason. She blushed at the thought but she knew it was only momentarily. She decided to keep her feelings to herself and enjoyed the present instead of worrying about the future although it was close by.

She couldn't help but to squeeze into his hug. "Get ready first... You will be late." Jason mumbled with his eyes closed when he felt Ivy was burrowing into his arms.

"You're tired. You should sleep. I can accompany you and skip the exam today." She teased with her eyes closed and smiled. He opened his eyes and saw a wide grin written over her face which was facing him. He knew she was up to her mischief again.

"Ivy." He shook her but she didn't respond.

"Ivyyyy..." He called out with a voice indicating he would do something funny to her if she didn't barge. She still refused to move as she enjoyed absorbing the warmness of his hug which was as though ushering away the coldness of her loneliness all along.

He had no choice but to tickle her awake. Ivy yelped in laughter at the surprise attack as she begged him to stop.

"Alright, alright. I will head to shower. Stop it, Jason! Stop it!" She begged as they both giggled together. He stopped and pointed to the washroom direction as he waited for her to head to the washroom. Before she headed on, she made a bold move recalling their unfinished business two nights ago by stealing a quick peck on his cheek.

It caught him by surprise as he smiled to himself while recalling his attempt two nights ago as well. He found himself stuck in a crossroad; frustrated with the fact that he really wanted to start something new with Ivy but again he knew it wasn't the right time as he groaned in mind and headed to shower in his room.

He dropped off Ivy at the college's main gate as Andrew and Sandra walked up to her. They waved at Jason who drove off before gratefully greeted Ivy who looked well.

"Sandra!" Ivy chirped happily which surprised them both that she was in a good mood.

"Morning!" Sandra smiled as Ivy hugged her. The three of them continued walking to their exam hall with Sandra and Andrew holding hands.

"We are so glad you came today, Ivy! Thanks to Jason man… Have you been well?" Andrew asked as Ivy nodded with a smile at the sound of his name.

"I'm fine… Don't worry about me… I was studying the whole day yesterday with Jason and he was tutoring me. That's why I didn't reply to your messages on time…" Ivy explained as they both nodded.

They remained silent momentarily as Andrew sent eye signals to Sandra if they wanted to ask her about her relationship with Jason which seemed to be progressing. Ivy actually has noticed their secret eye signals and decided to give a little clarification.

"He is still not my boyfriend…" Ivy said as she stopped walking. Andrew and Sandra knew it was their chance but Andrew couldn't help to tease her.

"We didn't ask, but since you mentioned… It seems you're both progressing a little aren't you?" Andrew said as Ivy rolled her eyes and looked away with a smile knowing she couldn't hide anything from the both of them.

"Ivy!" Sandra cheered excitedly.

"If I were you, I would forget about the promise made to Nancy and give it a try. After all, Nancy wouldnt know if he doesn't tell and you both can have a little long distance relationship…" Sandra teased as they started walking again. Ivy was blushing while contemplating on their idea but the weekend incident with Kyle helplessly kept bothering her mind.She recalled Andrew and Sandra both only updated her about them being all well at home but didn't mention anything about their escape.

"About that night… how did you both escape?" Ivy was already too blushed to blush any further that she decided to change their topic.

"Well, I was about to take Kyle down when Jason came to your rescue. I knew the gang wouldn't leave you both alone so I had to blast out a fake police siren from my mobile and quickly rush with her to the car before speeding off. You should really thank Jason for being the hero… If he wasn't there, I guess we would all be in grave danger." Andrew explained.

"Don't you ever do that again Ivy!" Sandra took the chance to scold Ivy as she nodded solemnly.

"But Ivy, you should avoid Melissa for the week. I heard the police crash the party and Kyle got out of trouble. In case they come up with something stupid you know…" Andrew warned and that was exactly what she had been worrying two nights ago only to be suddenly forgotten over a peaceful day with Jason yesterday. Ivy nodded as they stepped into the exam hall.

Lance and Belinda saw Ivy and immediately dispersed their chatters to greet her with concern.

"Ivy! We are so glad you came!" Lance said as Belinda went to hug her. Andrew and Sandra watched in disgust while Ivy tried to gain her composure and wondered if Belinda was just putting on a show.

"Hey... Chill am alright... Really. Don't worry alright. I'm still the same old chirpy Ivy." She joked as everyone forced a laugh.

"Just remember don't get near Melissa. She must be pissed." Belinda warned which made Ivy think Belinda must have been genuine.

"Words do travel like fire. That's my second warning." Ivy winked coolly. "Alright don't worry everyone. Come let's prepare for class."

"What class? You have officially finished the syllabus alright." Laura walked into the exam hall where they gathered just in time to catch Ivy's mistake.

"Was just about to tell her the same." Lance raised an eyebrow.

Ivy blinked and realised her mind was beginning to worry about Melissa and trouble stirring with Kyle which could harm Jason as she quickly pretended to laugh to hide her worries. "Just kidding."

"Who was that guy who rescued you, we heard?" Laura asked while half teasing.

"Just a friend..." Ivy replied solemnly as she recalled her close first kiss again and blushed.

"Your boyfriend is cool, Ivy..." Belinda praised enviably which made Ivy a little uncomfortable but still gave a fake smile before trying to walk away.

"Ivy, look outside." Lance alerted as everyone turned their attention to Melissa who had been standing there for a while. She gave Ivy a signal to come out and speak to her.

Ivy thought she should do so to see what else Melissa was up to as she turned around and walked towards Meliss, sending everyone's spine into chills.

"No Ivy! You crazy bitch! Have you forgotten our warnings." Belinda stopped and hissed at her.

"Then watch my back while I talk with her outside..." Ivy said calmly as she walked towards the door.

"Hi Melissa..." Ivy greeted her.

"Stop acting like everything's alright when it is not! Thanks for crashing my party you bitch!" Melissa started to act up as she walked forward to Ivy a little.

Andrew and Lance instantly rushed forward and stood by Ivy's side.

"Well I am sorry I crashed it but I pity you... Melissa, you deserve better. I'm sure you're aware of what he did to me? Sorry, or should I say it's attempted." Ivy fought back sarcastically.

Melissa got furious as she lifted her right hand in an attempt to slap Ivy but was blocked by Andrew and Lance instead.

"That must be because you lured him to do it! What a slut!" Melissa hissed as Ivy took a deep breath and made her way to stand in between the boys. The whole hall of students stopped and watched them.

"Look, if I did so, I guess I wouldn't be standing here trying to defend myself. I'm sorry I crashed your party again. But, I am not sorry that you have such a boyfriend. I'm not sorry at all for what he had done. You should stay away from him too as a word of advice." Ivy retorted as Melissa got even more furious.

She nearly slapped Ivy again when Ms. Jane, one of the lecturers, made her way up to the hall since their exam was about to start.

"Hey! Hey! What is going on? Get back into the hall now!" Ms. Jane scolded.

"Watch out! You and your boyfriend of yours!" Melissa said in an audible tone for Ms. Jane heard as she stormed off while Ivy, Lance and Andrew obediently turned around and walked to the lockers to prepare for their exams.

"Andrew?" Ivy whispered as he stood beside her. Andrew lifted his head and nodded, asking what she was calling him for while zipping his bag. "What do you think she meant with the last sentence?" Ivy whispered.

Andrew noticed she sounded worried although she didn't show it on her face while he recalled Melissa's threat. "It would be fine. But maybe you wanna warn Jason about it. In case you know Kyle might do something stupid."

Ivy blinked in confirmation as she knew her thoughts were aligned with Andrew's. She quickly typed a message to Jason and Marcel alerting them to be careful as she explained briefly her encounter with Melissa.

She sighed as she hit the send button.

"Hey, keep that… Hurry... Exam's going to start." Andrew urged as she quickly took her necessary belongings and walked over to her designated desk hoping nothing bad would happen to Jason or Marcel while she was having her exams. The thought of seeing Jason at noon after her exam made her mood a little better as she directed her focus to her first paper of the semester; English literature.

Jason drove straight to his office after dropping off Ivy. He didn't realise time flew real fast as his next appointment was in an hour. He took the lift down to take his car by the parking lot when he was then ambushed and assaulted.