Kidnap My Heart - Chapter Thirteen

As the day drew on Avery had gotten to know the interesting, perky blonde over that short time. He could see why Ivy had become her friend. This woman was interesting and dreadfully honest. Honesty was the best policy and yet Avery couldn't think why Crystal couldn't just lie to him. She barely knew him and yet she was already talking about her past loves and her life in general. This girl had her shares of bumps in the road which made Avery more aware of a woman's mentality. 'I'm turning into a softie', he thought to himself. "So Crystal. Since Ivy doesn't plan on talking to me about her life how are things going with her?" he said. Crystal eyed him curiously and took a sip of her coffee. "Well her fiance and she broke it off about 3 weeks before the wedding. She was a bit heartbroken but she already knew it would have turned out that way because she couldn't stand the thought of commitment. I remember her telling me one night that Ryan said he loved her.

She told me she was scared for that moment and it was because he was exactly everything she wanted. Too bad she couldn't keep up with him. They were a really happy couple. She smiled a lot around him but after they broke up it was weird since she made it seem like he never existed. I guess love works like that. The poor girl just wanted to drop it just to get away from all the crap she was taking. Besides from that she's been great and successful. " Crystal sighed as she thought back to the certain time. She knew it wasn't the whole story but Avery was catching on. Avery smile faintly and he couldn't help but think back to what she had just said. "So how long were they together?" Avery asked. Crystal bit her tongue. Her somewhat true speech was the perfect bait and he got on. Hook, line and sinker. It showed he still cared. "Well they were together for about a year before they got engaged. I barely saw her when he was in town. They were inseparable." Crystal smirked.

Avery frowned a bit annoyed and yet he held his serenity. He couldn't let it be obvious. He had to lie low for a while since he still had to build his relationship with her up. She was such a hard shell to crack. He knew in the end, if luck was on his side, he'd be able to have his sweetheart with him. He groaned inwardly and braced his head on hands. "Well at least things were good for her in LA. I was worried that she'd do something reckless." He said, clearly impulsive on his words. Crystal stared at him until she was confident on her next reply. "She's not that kind of person. You should know that. You've know her longer than I have." Crystal with an annoying twist. "Yeah I know. I guess I was thinking about how she left here without mentioning anything and within a couple weeks her parents divorced. I never heard from her until 3 days ago." Avery said whole heartedly. Crystal remembered that time. Ivy had been a mess. She hadn't eaten or attend school that week. She was adamant towards everyone if she did step out of her room. "Well if I were you, I'd pray she sticks around." Crystal said before sipping her coffee again. Their conversation died out and they sat in a comforting silence for minutes more.

The fun night ended and Ivy headed to her car forgetting she had Crystal with her. Crystal had followed after her and they entered the car with smiles. Ivy opened her mouth to talk but Crystal cut in. "You should have told me all of them looked amazing. I felt so out of place and they all looked like they were in a TV show. I have to admit you have good taste in men. Avery is a real great guy. Too bad he was the one who screwed up." Crystal said while whispering the last part as quiet as she could with Ivy still hearing her. Ivy gripped the wheel strongly as she backed out of the parking spot. "Yeah I know but let's talk about him later. Right now I'm going to show you one of the best places in the world." Ivy said dismissively. Crystal shrugged instinctively and turned on the radio. They drove along the road and Ivy pointed to different places where special memories were made.

The whole time Ivy wouldn't say the person's name and Crystal knew it was about Avery. Crystal knew they were close. Ivy had those memories of him and it looked as if she didn't plan to let them go no matter how much they hurt her. They drove over a bridge and to the beach. The sun was barely setting over the horizon and the water was a piercing blue. "Wow. Ivy this place is amazing. I thought all sunsets and beaches were the same. This place is nothing near typical beaches." Crystal said as she stepped out of the car. Ivy looked out at the blazing sun and smiled. "I usually came here after school and worked on my homework here. My parents never cared anyway so I stayed here, till sunset and the stars took their turn at show. I loved being here. Sometimes Mason would get worried since I wouldn't be home when he went to look for me for school projects and he'd come here since he knew this was where I'd be. It was nice that someone cared about where I was." Ivy said hugging herself.

Crystal turned away from Ivy and cringed slightly. It was always hard for Crystal to listen about Ivy's past. It was so sad to hear how a little girl could act so grown up and push all things in her life that hurt her away. She was forced to be an advanced girl from her young age and not have a childhood like her friends had. She was never learned how to ride a bike from her dad or learn how to cook with her mom. She learned all those things on her own or with other people. She learned how to be independent since it was how she had to be. Through it all, she still managed to smile that big smile full of radiance. Nothing could stop that smile that already hadn't tried to. "A lot of people care about you Ivy. You inspire them to keep going strong in their lives. Don't let the mistakes of your parents change you.

Everyone who knows you hasn't once said they didn't need you. Even Ryan! You guys were set to get married and it didn't turn out the way it did but the guy knew he couldn't let you out of his life. That's why he settled for friends. It shows people care tons about you." Crystal said sharply. Ivy tried to let those words sink in but she couldn't. Even if she looked at it from Crystal's view, she knew it wasn't entirely true. Her mom had said she cared about her only a few days ago and yet she had nothing to do with her for countless years before. She had decided to forgive and forget on her mother's part. "Thanks Crystal. You're a great friend." Ivy said while the breeze swished around her. Crystal smiled and charged toward the widespread ocean. Ivy smiled as her close friend splashed by the waters.

They spent about an hour walking along the shore talking about recent things in their lives. Avery was not a major part of their conversation but Crystal managed to put some words about him. "What's up with you talking about Avery so much?" Ivy said with a curious smile. "He's a good guy. Plus you never talk about him that much so I might as well start the conversation." Crystal said smiling. Ivy sighed and didn't bother to reply since she knew what it would turn into. The sunset slowly and the stars glittered above. The sky showed no clouds or fog. It was only the big bright moon and millions of stars that sparkled together. They headed to Ivy's car happily and sat inside for a while to admire the view. She didn't know why but Avery was fresh in her mind. She remembered the week before their anniversary.

He became more withdrawn to her and barely listened when she talked. She didn't know why he had to say he loved her and then left her. She was too wrapped up in her job and sports. Everything seemed to be right between them and then he disappeared from every bit of happiness she had. When it was their awaited day she didn't realize he already forgot her. She wasn't the most important thing on his mind anymore. She remembered what he had said the next day when he had arrived at school and she chased him down to talk to him. "Give it a rest Ivy. It's always been about you in this relationship. I'm done with you and all of it. Just forget about everything we went through." He had said sharply. For the rest of the year, they hadn't talked.