Ivy knows it's time to return to her childhood seaside town to battle the demons of her past. Two years away from her friends, family and the beloved sandy beach that holds such a special place in her heart.
She knows the visit will be painful but...
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I V Y T H O M P S O N
I HAVEN'T REALLY BEEN OKAY for the last couple of days. What Tom said has stuck in my brain and I can't get it out no matter how hard I try. I'm exhausted, not even exhausted. I'm sick of feeling like this–of feeling like it was my fault.
Friday rolls around quicker than I expected considering I haven't done much but wallow in my bed and leave for snacks and water. I also try to forget the way JJ comforted me when I couldn't get into the house.
A wave of nausea washes over my body when I think back to that moment. God, I've never been more embarrassed in my life. The way I sobbed and I sobbed until I couldn't breathe. And he was there. He hugged me, he calmed me down.
Fuck. I need to stop thinking.
It's safe to say I've been avoiding him since. Absolutely mortified.
But tonight is the party on the beach and Daisy said I have to go, get myself out of the house and distract me for a little bit. I know she's trying to help but I'd rather curl up in a ball and watch movies alone. It's safe to say I'm feeling a little fragile.
Despite my protests, we're here. On the beach.
I don't feel like drinking because of my current state. Bad emotions and alcohol don't mix. Not in my head anyway, I'll end up a bawling mess if I'm not careful and that's the last thing I need right now.
Isaac greets me with a hug and I sit with him and Daisy and a few of our old school friends for a little while. Sipping on my lemonade and keeping silent.
"Hey," Isaac nudges my knee with his when Daisy takes over the conversation. I turn towards him and look into his warm friendly eyes. "Everything okay? You seem a little quiet."
I hum in response and flash another fake smile I'm good at showcasing. "Yeah. Just tired."
He doesn't take his eyes off me for a moment, analysing my expression. "Sure?"
"Sure." I nod.
"Okay."
I glance down at my almost empty cup and stand from my seat. "I'm gonna grab a drink." To get myself out of this conversation before it escalates and I don't want to talk about my feelings at a party.
The sand rocks against my trainers and I wrap my cardigan close to my chest, the wind stronger than it has been at the beginning of the summer. I lean forward for a can of Sprite and pour it into my plastic cup to pretend that I'm drinking at least.
A familiar presence approaches at my side and I don't have to look to know it's JJ. I can tell from the way the hairs on my arms begin to stand and my breathing changes. Whatever he possesses in his aura, it's fucking dangerous.
