Ready For A Fall By Jill Updated 7-8-01 Part One Ivy smoothed her knee-length satin dress, a pale blue that brought out the color of her eyes. She smiled at her appearance. Her hair was half-up, in a style she could remember Julian once telling her he’d liked. Her makeup was flawlessly done; she was dressed to the nines, and finally ready. It had been a lot of trouble, but it was worth it. This was her last chance to retain the Crane money and power. Julian and Rebecca’s wedding day. Ivy almost laughed in spite of herself. Never thought I’d live to see it. And though she refused to admit it, there was a desperation in her heart, a hopeful streak in her that was profusely wishing she would be able to break up Julian and Rebecca for good. “Pilar!” Ivy called quietly, and a moment later, Pilar came scurrying into the room. “Oh, Ivy.” Pilar sighed, smiling. “You look beautiful.” Ivy smiled again. “Thank you, Pilar.” Pilar’s face turned grave. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Ivy?” Ivy brushed her off. “Could you please call my chauffeur?” “Yes, of course, Ivy.” Pilar nodded vehemently and scurried out again. Ivy shook her head. After a month of being called “Miss Ivy” or “Ms. Winthrop” by Pilar, Ivy had requested that she be called by her first name, and her first name only. Pilar still insisted upon waiting on Ivy hand and foot, but Ivy suspected that was only because she’d become so used to it, and that it gave them a good reason to spend time together, as good friends did. Ivy stepped out of her room, and began down the stairs. Since Julian had forced her out of the Crane Mansion, she’d been staying in a little house a few miles outside Harmony that her father had left to her. “Ivy!” Pilar called from down the stairs. “Your limousine is waiting!” Ivy walked past her friend. “Thank you, Pilar.” “Ivy--“ Pilar said. Ivy turned around. “I hope you are making the right decision.” “Oh, Pilar.” Ivy sighed. “You are worrying for nothing. By the time I get back here tonight, I’ll be Mrs. Crane again.” Pilar exhaled deeply as Ivy gaited away. “I do hope so, Ivy.” ----------------------- Julian tugged at his bowtie, wishing silently that he could just strangle himself with it. Marrying Rebecca had never been his intent. She’d just been a little dessert he could enjoy after dinner. Or before dinner, he thought, or with dinner… At any rate, he hadn’t wanted a relationship at all after Ivy’s betrayal. Her actions had hurt him more than he’d dare admit. But then again, Rebecca would make for a wonderful distraction. He looked himself over. He was still a rather handsome man, he decided, and with or without Rebecca, he could be happy. Then why was it that he felt so obliged to marry her? Maybe it was because she had been there when he’d felt that he’d lost Ethan. Or maybe it was in hopes of inciting jealousy in a certain golden-haired ex. Julian looked down at his watch and groaned. “Twenty minutes. I’m getting married in twenty minutes.” ------------------------ Ivy thanked the driver for holding her door, and stepped in. Per her request, the radio was already on. A deep-voiced man was narrating the goings-on at the Crane-Osburn wedding. Everyone here is in frenzy. This is the biggest wedding of the year and everyone who’s anyone in Harmony, in the world for that matter, is here. In fact, I think…yes, yes that is the President! Ivy rolled her eyes. Leave it to laymen to find such joy in the appearance of such people. We haven’t seen Julian Crane, or his bride-to-be, Rebecca Osburn-- Ivy cringed involuntarily at the mention of Rebecca’s name. Or maybe it was because of the simple phrase used before it. --in quite a while. Getting ready for the ceremony, no doubt. Also missing are Julian’s ex, Ivy Winthrop and Rebecca’s ex, Jonathon Hotchkiss, though we aren’t expecting them to attend. Ivy chuckled. “Think again, darling. Think again.” “Ms. Winthrop? Are you ready to go?” the driver asked. “Yes, thank you,” Ivy answered with anticipation. In a few short minutes, she’d be seeing Julian again for the first time in weeks. Was she ready? To hell with it, she decided, if she wasn’t ready, she could wing it. ------------------------ Rebecca examined herself in the mirror with a grin. “Today, I’ll finally get everything I want,” she told herself, giggling. “After I’m married to Julian, and I convince him to adopt Ethan, Gwen can have everything she wants, too. Too bad Julian has to end up a casualty.” She sighed. “Oh well. All’s well that ends well, for me at least.” “Rebecca?” someone cried, knocking on the door. “We need you to get in line for the procession.” Rebecca shot one last smile at her reflection. “I’ll be right there.” ------------------------ Julian stood in front of the already large congregation of people, some he knew, some he knew of, and also some he had no idea as to who they were. He tried to smile and speak animatedly, but he found himself rather down. Especially for his wedding day. No one seemed to notice, however, a fact for which he was very grateful. As the rest of the guests began to fill into the church, Julian’s dread of what was coming next increased, and then increased further when the march started to play, and the wedding party began to file in. Finally, the moment he was most anxious about came: Rebecca stood at the back of the church, in full bridal garb. He forced a smile, something he’d learned to do quite believably over the years. Rebecca, after all, did look quite stunning, but as she walked down the aisle, Julian noticed she was missing something. There was a certain air about Ivy that Rebecca just didn’t share. Where did that come from? Julian wondered. Ivy’s in the past. Forget about her. His fiancée approached him, still grinning madly. He could see the gears turning already, and for a moment speculated as to what she was thinking. But his pattern of thought was abruptly ended when Father Lonigan thrust Rebecca’s hands into his. “Dearly Beloved…” ------------------------ Ivy stepped out of the limo and stood outside it for a moment. She pulled out a compact and checked her make-up once more. She sighed anxiously, and started off toward the church. As she approached the large wooden doors, her nervousness increased. But what was she afraid of? Seeing Julian again? Ha! she scoffed, but she knew that was the reason. What if she couldn’t pull it off? What if he wanted to marry Rebecca anyway? Where would that leave her? “Well, Ivy, this is your last chance,” she assured herself. “What does Rebecca have that I don’t?” One thing immediately came to mind. Julian. She pulled open the door, not feeling up to her task, but knowing she had to do it. She put out a determined front, and held her head up. As she strolled into the chapel, the whispers and murmurs began to roll across the room. She didn’t mind, of course, after being married to Julian for over twenty years, it wasn’t the first time all eyes in a room had been on her. She looked up at the altar. Rebecca looked livid, and Julian’s jaw had gone slack. She smiled a slight smile, and took a seat toward the back of the church. “Are you ready to continue?” Father Lonigan asked. “Yes!” Rebecca fervently answered, shooting Ivy a dirty look. “Julian?” But he wasn’t paying attention. His eyes were locked on Ivy, her dress clinging to her slim body, the smile lighting her face, her blue eyes burning into his. “Julian?” Father Lonigan tried again. Finally, Rebecca jerked his arm. He turned to face her, an unabashed expression crossing his face. “May we continue?” asked Father Lonigan. Julian nodded vapidly, his eyes wishing to wander to Ivy again. That’s one for me, Ivy thought, watching Julian being pulled back to his fiancée. “Please repeat after me,” the Father requested. “I, Rebecca, take you Julian…” Rebecca steadfastly reiterated what Father Lonigan recited. “Julian, please repeat after me.” Julian nodded, Ivy’s image still burned in his mind. “I, Julian, take you Rebecca…” Julian licked his lips and attempted. “I, Julian, take you Ivy…” ------------------------- Part Two Whispers spread through the crowd quickly and they made no attempt to stifle them. Ivy’s jaw dropped. That’s two for me, she thought, pulling herself together. She looked around, hoping no one noticed the smile that had come to her lips, or the blush that had risen to her cheeks. She hoped they’d overseen the little jump she’d given when he’d said her name instead of Rebecca’s. Now, if he would only say something… “I mean Rebecca!” Julian cried, flustered. “I, Julian, take you, Rebecca!” Ivy’s heart sank. Did you expect him to run over, take you in his arms and demand that you marry him instead of her? she asked herself. “Ah, in light of what’s happened--“ Father Lonigan tried. “The ceremony will continue.” Rebecca insisted, glaring at Ivy. That bitch isn’t going to steal the Crane name away from me. Across Julian’s eyes seemed to flicker a slight trepidation. He prayed no one had noticed. “Well…” the priest sighed, then continued. “Please, repeat after me. I, Julian, take you, Rebecca…” Ivy’s stomach knotted a little more, and her hopes grew dimmer with every word Julian said. “With the power vested in me by the state of Maine, I pronounce you husband and wife.” Father Lonigan proclaimed. Ivy winced as Julian leaned in to kiss Rebecca. She thought she saw him do the same, but it must have been her eyes playing tricks on her because he was now giving everything he had to that kiss. The jealousy she felt was the last thing Ivy had expected. Only one thought was flying through her mind…he never kissed me like that… Julian could see the pained face of his ex-wife in the back of the church through Rebecca’s auburn hair. As much as he tried to ignore it, there was a gnawing feeling of loss in his stomach as he watched her. She was just as beautiful as she’d ever been. But now she’s your past. Rebecca is your future. And with that, he added a little vigor to the task at hand…kissing his new wife. Ivy slipped out of the church quietly, desperately needing to get away. The last thing she wanted was a confrontation, with Julian, with Rebecca, with any guest. She ran up to the limo and tapped on the window. The driver sped around to open the door for her. She thanked him, her voice trembling, then collapsed on to the leather seat, promising herself she wouldn’t cry over Julian. -------------------------------- Julian escorted Rebecca back down the aisle and out to their awaiting car. There would be no party afterward, as there had been at his and Ivy’s wedding. That party had been Alistair’s idea, of course, and Alistair had not been keen on the idea of Julian divorcing Ivy and marrying Rebecca. Julian held open the door for Rebecca, who coldly thanked him. He groaned, and took a seat next to her, pulling the door shut as he sat down. “Rebecca…” he attempted. She turned away and looked immensely interested in something out the window. Julian sighed and looked out his own window. Somewhere in the back of his mind echoed something from his past. …save me a dance… Ivy. She’d said it with a genuine smile, one that lit up her entire face. Why am I even thinking about Ivy? She betrayed me. She’s in my past, he tried to convince herself. Then why can’t I forget her? Memories from their wedding came flooding back to him. How she’d looked in that dress…the way she’d smiled nervously at him from the back of the church…how she’d shyly asked him to dance…all the faces smiling…Ivy’s above them all… Rebecca watched as the asphalt flew by. Why did he have to say her name? Had it been any other woman in the world…but Rebecca knew Ivy would always have a place in Julian’s heart. She just hoped it wouldn’t ruin everything. The fact that he cared for Ivy meant nothing to Rebecca, and neither did Julian, really, when it came down to it. But sometimes people get caught in the crossfire. It really can’t be avoided if I want to have everything. Rebecca rationalized. Pity his heart may have to go through the wringer. Again. --------------------------- Ivy walked briskly into her home, only to be met by several worry-stricken maids. The money she had was a combination of what her father had left her, the three-million Alistair had given her when she’d married Julian, and the divorce settlement. It didn’t buy what the Crane money had, but her life wasn’t a bad one. All the maids began to talk at once. “Oh, Miss Winthrop, can I get you something to drink?” “Something to eat?” “A hot bath?” “Shall I turn down your bed?” Ivy held a hand up. “Is Pilar here?” “No, Miss Winthrop. She’s left for the evening. Would you like me to call her?” Ivy glanced down at her watch, unaware it had gotten so late. “I see. No, no thank you. Leave Pilar alone.” Ivy started up the stairs, but turned back to face the crowd of matching maids. “Would one of you bring me some brandy?” They all nodded. Ivy shook her head and began up the stairs again. Once she finally reached her room, she crumpled in to her overstuffed chair. A few moments later, she heard a little jingle that signified only one thing--the arrival of Lady. A little white ball of fuzz hopped up on her lap and looked up at her curiously. Ivy stroked the dog. Lady whimpered. “I know how you feel,” Ivy sighed. She poured out her heart to the little poodle. “It wouldn’t seem that I’d miss him much, hmm? But my life has grown to be quite boring without him.” The dog yipped in response, then curled up in Ivy’s lap. “Never know what you might have had until it’s gone, I suppose.” Lady growled. “Well, he really wasn’t that bad!” Ivy insisted. “I may have exaggerated. What am I doing, defending my ex-husband to my dog…” she groaned. “This is the same Julian that slept with every woman at the Crane Mansion, that irritated me beyond what I thought I could stand, that fought with me endlessly…that made me smile once in a while, well, a lot actually. Oh, I am a poor pathetic soul, hmm?” Lady barked affirmatively. Ivy narrowed her eyes. “Great lot of help you are,” she snipped. Her voice softened. “I never thought I’d miss having Julian around.” A moment later, one of the maids walked in. “Your brandy, Miss Winthrop.” Ivy nodded solemnly and took the glass. The maid hurried out as quickly as she’d hurried in. “You know, he loved this stuff.” Ivy said, tipping the glass up to her mouth and taking a drink. Lady performed a dog’s equivalent of eye rolling. “He wasn’t that bad, he really wasn’t,” Ivy said again, gulping another mouthful of brandy. “I mean, he screamed from the top of his lungs that he loved me to all of Harmony.” Lady yipped disgustedly and gaited out of the room. Ivy shrugged, sighed, and padded over to her bookshelf. She searched through her collection until she found what she was looking for: her diaries. A pair of black leather-bound books. She pulled them off the shelf and sat down to read them. She chuckled every once in a while as she paged through. Memories began flooding back…her and Julian’s first meeting, the gifts and letters he sent her nearly every day, the Fourth of July party, the Regatta…she smiled solemnly. Maybe he had loved her once. She backtracked and started reading pieces she’d written about Rebecca… ------------------------- Rebecca grinned deviously, though unseen over the phone lines. “There’s no stopping us now, Gwen. Soon, Ethan will be yours, and we’ll have everything.” “I just hope you can convince Julian to adopt Ethan, Mother. And I hope you can stay married to him. From what I’ve seen, he’s not over Ivy.” “What was there to get over?” Rebecca scoffed. “They never liked each other anyway.” “Ethan seemed to think differently. Maybe they were in love once.” “Well, she’s not married to him any more. Now, I’m Mrs. Crane. And Ivy will never take that away from me.” Gwen sighed. “I hope you’re not setting Julian up to get hurt, Mother.” “Oh, please, it’s not like he’s emotionally bruised from his relationship with Ivy or anything. He’ll live.” “I hope you’re right, Mother.” Gwen sighed again. “I hope you’re right.” “Of course I’m right!” Rebecca insisted, “Now, I’ve got to play on the insecurities of my dear husband. Goodnight, Dear.” “Goodnight, Mother,” Gwen replied begrudgingly. Rebecca hung the phone up and began to study the room. It had been Ivy’s at one time, not long ago. Rebecca started going through drawers, closets. She pulled out every one of Ivy’s belongings and threw them on the bed in disgust. “How dare that hussy leave her things in my home?” Rebecca snorted. “These will be taken to her in the morning, along with a nice message from her ex’s new wife. We never want to see, or hear from you…ever.” Rebecca chuckled. “There’s no way I’m letting her take from me what I’ve worked for. Should she try…well…she’d have another thing coming.” -------------------------- Rebecca had been in the bedroom, on the phone, for an hour, talking to Gwen. Julian sighed for the umpteenth time and made his way out to the balcony. It was almost dark now and the stars were slowly becoming visible as the daylight faded. “I’m zero for two,” he groaned. “Two weddings, and two wedding nights spent alone. I suppose I deserve it. Perhaps I’m just not the marrying type of man.” He looked out at the sky, wondering where Ivy was right then. He never could understand what it was about her that he missed so much. He’d almost become lonely since Ivy had left the mansion. Sure, Rebecca had been around, but she lacked a certain something…something he just couldn’t pinpoint. Something in Julian regretted his decision to marry Rebecca so soon after his and Ivy’s divorce. No matter how good a distraction Rebecca was, she couldn’t erase the 25 years he’d spent with Ivy, no matter how good or bad those years had been. “I loved her once,” he whispered, leaning against the stone rail of the terrace. He touched the gold band on his finger. “Once,” he repeated, trying to make himself believe it. “In the past. There’s no way I’ll let her hurt me again.” ------------------------ Part Three Ivy paged through her old diaries, memories of her life that seemed so long ago flooding back again. Things about Sam…Sam…Ivy had hardly thought about him since her divorce. He’d made it clear he’d wanted nothing to do with her, and it bothered her a lot less than she thought it would have. She began to read what she’d written about Rebecca in the summer of 1976: how Rebecca had been Clarissa’s tagalong, her proclamations of women’s rights, how she’d stolen Jonathon from right under Clarissa’s nose… Something about that irked Ivy. She reread the passages over and over. The reason Jonathon all-of-a-sudden-out-of-the-blue fell in love with Rebecca is quite obvious to me, after hearing her story. She was throwing herself at him! And, of course, after Clarissa learned this, she was throwing punches. I feel bad for Jonathon, though I think Rebecca is much better suited for him. I’ve told Clarissa to her surgically-enhanced face that money can’t buy class. It’s not as if Rebecca’s shown much class lately either, for that matter. What a horrible thing to do, to steal someone’s fiancé. I’ve lost any respect I ever had for her. Ivy’s eyes narrowed, her hate for Rebecca intensifying. “She’s done it again,” she whispered, her stomach knotted and her throat tight. “She stole my husband right out from under my nose.” She couldn’t explain it, but something inside her erupted with anger. She pulled a picture out of the diary of the freshman Alphas. Clarissa, Rebecca, Ivy, and three other girls Ivy didn’t remember. It took every ounce of self-control not to force a knife through both Rebecca and Clarissa’s pictures. But it wasn’t because she was jealous, she attempted to rationalize. “I hurt him. He doesn’t deserve for it to happen again. But what the hell am I supposed to do? Call him up and explain that his w…wife is a greedy slut who’s only using him?” Her eyes rested on the phone momentarily, but she thought better of it. “Maybe I’m just assuming.” A voice added in her mind, and maybe you’re grasping at straws because you’re not ready to give him up. ---------------------------------- Julian sighed for what seemed the hundredth time that night as Rebecca turned away from him when he tried to speak to her. She just shook her head and pulled the blankets up to her chin, in complete silence. “If you’re not going to listen, I won’t waste my breath.” Julian told her. “But know this: I’m sorry I hurt you.” How he wished he could have said that to Ivy. He was sorry for hurting Rebecca, but the regret couldn’t hold a candle to what he felt for hurting Ivy. And for betraying her. And for refusing to forgive her for betraying him. He rolled off the bed and walked silently down to his office. He reclined in his chair and took the phone off the hook, a little trick he’d begun to use after sickening of talking to Alistair. He soon found himself bored, much as he’d been for the last few weeks with no Ivy around to pester, and no Ivy to pester him. They’d had fun, he decided. “But enough about her,” he insisted halfheartedly, “What am I going to do about Rebecca?” With that, he fell back into his big leather chair and closed his eyes. ---------------------------------- After a few hours of rereading her diaries, Ivy had finally fallen asleep in her overstuffed chair. Her maids had done as she requested and left her alone, a fact for which she was grateful as she’d spent a great deal of the time in tears. What had caused the tears in the first place was a passage from the seventeenth of December 1976… I’d feel bad for Julian if he loved me, I really would. I do treat him horribly, but it’s not as if he doesn’t have a pretty side dish waiting in the wings. What I don’t understand is why he’s treating me so wonderfully; why he still buys me beautiful, expensive gifts; why he still smiles at me; why he looks so proud to introduce me to his friends. But, no matter what, I refuse to fall in love with him again. I absolutely won’t make any effort to be happy here. I will never give Julian a chance. My heart will always belong to Sam. It is too bad Julian will never win it. Ivy blinked awake from a restless night. …I will never give Julian a chance… The words rang in her ears and guilt rang in her heart. She had always blamed him for their marriage not working out. But now, in retrospect and with help from her diaries, she realized she should be held accountable. And Julian had been her victim. Now, she was sorry. What could they have had? Would they have been happy together? “Yes,” she whispered, and sank back into her chair. She sighed and thought back upon the 25 years she’d spent as Julian’s wife, and realized that, despite her vow, there had been good times. Good moments, good years, good memories. But she wasn’t content for only memories. She longed for the comfort she’d always felt in his arms, even toward the bitter end of their marriage; and for his scent, the one she’d always associated with safety; his smile; an image of him drinking up a storm… ---------------------------------- Julian had awoken early that morning as he always did. He’d remained in his office for fear of running into Rebecca. He still couldn’t face his blunder in marrying Rebecca. There was only one thing she was good for and it sure as hell wasn’t laughs. That was Ivy’s specialty; she could almost always make him laugh, if only in spite of himself. There was something missing now, in the mansion and in his life. Perhaps it was the smell of jasmine he’d become so accustomed to. And maybe it was a certain giggling laugh, or a bright smile, or a robe-clad figure squaring him up for battle. A drinking partner, a sparring partner, what have you. The last thing he’d ever imagined doing was falling in love with her. And it most certainly wasn’t at his will. He’d tried to keep his distance, and do as Alistair said: just pull her along for the ride. Alistair had always thought of Ivy as a beautiful ornament. Beautiful, Julian agreed with. But after years of being with Ivy, he’d grown to respect her a great deal. And, he’d always enjoyed her company. Julian walked out into the entryway to a man carrying a pair boxes. “What are you doing?” Julian demanded. The man moved toward him and bowed his hat, carefully setting down the boxes. “Mr. Crane, I’m on orders from your wife--“ Julian shuddered involuntarily “--to take these boxes over to Ivy Winthrop. I guess it’s her stuff.” Julian narrowed his eyes. “Well, I have something I need to speak to Ivy about anyway. I’d be glad to take these things off your hands.” “Mr. Crane, I’m on orders--“ “Now you’re on orders from me.” Julian told him. “Here you are,” he said, pulling a few bills out of his pocket. The man hesitated for a moment, and then took the money. “Thank you, Mr. Crane.” Julian waited until the man had pulled away and was out of sight before he picked up the boxes himself. He grabbed one of the maids quickly and requested, “would you please tell Rebecca I’ve gone out for the morning? I have some…business…to take care of.” She nodded and took off. Ivy’s new home wasn’t far from the mansion, only a few minutes’ car ride, and Julian was there before he’d even thought about what he’d say. He knocked. A petite young woman answered. “Mr. Crane? What are you doing here?” she asked in shock. She quickly covered her mouth and muttered, “I’m sorry, sir, please come in! Can I get you something to drink? Oh, let me take those!” She grabbed the boxes from his hands. “Oh, no, nothing to drink, thank you.” Julian sputtered. “Is my…is Ivy here?” The poor maid’s eyes widened to the point of nearly falling out of their sockets. “Oh, yes, sir! I’ll get her!” She ran off. “What is it about me that has that effect on the help?” Julian wondered out loud. “Perhaps it’s the fear that they’ll end up in your bed,” came a voice from the stairwell. Ivy. “Hello to you too, dear.” He looked her over in amazement. Beautiful as ever. He smiled. Ivy smiled, too. Lady came bounding down the stairs and began sniffing the “intruder”. She quickly warmed up to him and lay down at his feet. Ivy forced a groan. “Traitor,” she teased. “Your guard dog?” Julian asked, stepping over the ball of fluff. “Obviously not too good a guard dog,” Ivy joked. Her face sobered. “What are you doing here, Julian?” she asked softly. “You left some things at the mansion,” he told her, gesturing to the boxes on the floor. “I brought them over for you.” Ivy nodded. “I see. And Rebecca allowed this?” “Rebecca doesn’t know,” Julian grinned deviously. Ivy chuckled. “She hasn’t changed you much. Same old games.” Julian nodded. “Rebecca doesn’t have much of an effect on me.” “Really?” Ivy questioned. She invited him to sit with her in the living room. “Mmm,” he sighed. “Not the effect you had on me, my dear.” Ivy collapsed into a chair, looking suddenly paler. “Julian--“ Why did you say my name? “Shh, I’m sorry,” he told her. “Here we are, both trying to get on with our lives…” Unsuccessfully, they both thought. They sat in an uncomfortable silence for a moment before Julian broke it. “Look at you, you’re doing wonderfully on your own. Dog and all.” Ivy laughed. “Yes, I suppose. But what about you? Remarried already?” Why did you say my name? Julian groaned, hoping Ivy didn’t hear it. “I’m still not sure marriage suits me.” “I agree, you were a much better boyfriend.” Why did you say my name? “Thank you, darling,” he satirically replied. Silence again. “Are you beating around the bush, Ivy?” Julian asked her. “I can see it in your eyes, there’s something you want to say.” She looked to the doorway, where a bunch of her housekeepers and help had gathered. They dispersed when they caught her watchful eye. “Terribly gossipy, aren’t they?” Ivy said, forcing a nervous chuckle. Why did you say my name? “Ivy…” he sighed. “What do you want to ask?” Her eyes turned downcast, and she softly whispered her question. “Why did you say my name?” ------------------------- Part Four Ivy’s question seemed to hang in the air. She caught Julian’s eye, and thought she saw a fleeting smile cross his face. He watched her, surprised to see hope in her eyes. “That was rude of me to ask,” she sighed. The fear of the answer got the better of her. “Would you like the grand tour?” she smiled. “I don’t think it was rude,” he told her, however he sighed with relief that he didn’t have to answer. Not yet, anyway. “But, I’d love to see your home.” She nodded and stood. “Would you like something to drink?” “Ever the hostess, hmm?” “Old habits die hard,” Ivy quoted. He looked her over once she stood. “Indeed.” Ivy blushed. “Come on.” She showed him around the ground floor first, the dining room and the sitting room and the library. Then, she apprehensively led him up the stairs. “My bedroom,” she said softly, showing him in. Julian looked around the many shades of blue that decorated the room. “Much more colorful than I’d expected from you, Ivy.” She slapped his arm, playfully giggling. “Really, Julian. After 25 years, you’d think the jokes would get old.” He gently took her hand. “Have they?” Ivy looked up into his deep hazel eyes for the first time in weeks. Really, for years. She smiled and shook her head, “No.” ----------------------------- Rebecca padded through the hallways, dressed in an expensive silk nightgown. “Julian?” she called quietly. “Mrs. Crane,” a young maid said gently. “Mr. Crane went out this morning.” Rebecca raised an eyebrow. “Out?” “He took those boxes you had sent downstairs, Mrs. Crane.” Rebecca’s jaw went slack. What was going on here? “Thank you, very much.” The maid nodded politely and hurried off. Rebecca made her way back into the bedroom and picked up the phone. She punched in a familiar number. A man picked up on the other end. “Hello?” “Hello, this is Rebecca Crane,” she told him, “I believe we’ve been introduced?” “Yes, of course,” he said, a smile in his voice. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Crane?” Rebecca laughed. “Oh, I need you to give a friend of mine a call. Let Ivy Winthrop know that she’d better not be anywhere near my husband…ever again. Can you handle that?” “You bet,” he replied in a malicious tone. “I’d be happy to talk to Miss Winthrop.” “Wonderful,” Rebecca sighed, “There will be something coming your way as soon as I know you’ve done your job.” “Thanks, Mrs. Crane,” he said, “and you don’t have to worry, I’ll do my job.” Rebecca hung up the phone and surveyed Ivy’s old bedroom. You’d better do your job. There’s no way Ivy Winthrop is getting her hands on anything of mine…including Julian… ----------------------------- Ivy’s maids, housekeepers and cooks had congregated in the kitchen, and were gossiping over coffee and pastries. “They’re up in her room…alone!” “I wonder what they’re doing.” “Did you see the way they were looking at each other?” “They looked so…flustered!” “You’d look flustered, too, if you’d just said your ex-wife’s name at your wedding to your new wife!” The phone rang once…twice…three times. One of the young maids leaned over to pick it up. “Winthrop residence,” she politely said. “Is Ms. Winthrop there?” asked the deep voice on the other end. “Miss Winthrop is…busy…right now,” she told him. “This is important, dear,” he said. “Will you please get her for me?” The maid looked around at all her contemporaries and mouthed, they’re looking for Ivy. They shrugged. “Who shall I say is calling, sir?” “An old friend.” “Please hold on,” she replied shakily. --------------------------- Ivy found the brandy decanter in which she’d drowned her sorrows the previous night. She poured two glasses and handed one to Julian. “I hope it’s not too early, Julian,” she laughed. “Ha!” he scoffed, taking the glass from her hand. Their fingers brushed and she jumped back, ever so slightly. “It may be too early for you, dear.” Ivy flushed, forced a smile, and gulped down some brandy. Julian chuckled. The maid came speeding into the room. “Miss Winthrop!” Ivy’s head jerked around. “Yes?” The poor maid’s eyes widened when she saw them together, drinking, a smile on Julian’s lips. “Miss Winthrop, you have a phone call.” “Would you please tell them I’m busy?” Ivy sighed. Julian smiled further. “I did, Miss Winthrop. He says he’s an old friend of yours.” Julian’s smile faded. She couldn’t already…well, I’m married already, he thought. Ivy turned to him. “Would you mind being left alone for a few minutes?” “You think you can trust me alone for a few minutes?” Ivy laughed. “Be good,” she smiled, touching his arm. He sighed deeply as she walked away. “Being good was never my strong point, Ivy. You know that better than anyone.” He strolled around the room, looking at various things, until he came to her bedside table. He found a trio of black, leather-bound books, each marked in a few places. His curiosity peaked and he opened the top book and began to read the marked pages. “Insight into the mind of the enigma…” he trailed, turning a page. He read through the writings from Ivy and Rebecca’s Rutland days, including Rebecca’s infamous courtship of Jonathon Hotchkiss. She couldn’t…she wouldn’t be doing that to me, Julian thought. He saw Ivy’s flowery writing next to the paragraph. Tell Julian. He stored the thought in the back of his mind and read on. “No doubt, Julian’s incredibly handsome, and sweet, and caring, and strong, and comforting, and loving…even so, I can’t fall in love with him.” Julian read. “But now that it seems Sam wants nothing to do with me, maybe Julian is what I need. Maybe even what I want. It’s quite confusing, being in love.” “In love?” Julian murmured to himself, pulling a newspaper clipping from when they’d won the Regatta out of the book. “With me? I never would’ve thought. But I loved her. Hell, I still do.” He looked down at the photo of them on his old boat together grinning madly, his arm tightly around her waist. “What happened to us, Ivy?” ------------------------ Ivy picked up the telephone in the next room, a spare sitting room. “Hello?” she said calmly, though everything in her was itching for this to be resolved quickly so she could get back to her room. “Ivy Winthrop?” “Yes,” she affirmed. “I read about you. I saw you on the news,” he said cryptically. “Who is this?” Ivy asked, the slight fear in her voice growing. He ignored her question. “Why were you at that wedding?” “Who is this?” Ivy cried. “Is Julian with you now?” “How did you get this number?” she rasped, looking out the small window in the room. “You better stay away from other women’s husbands, Ivy. Some of those women have quite a jealous streak in them. You never know what they might be capable of.” Ivy slammed down the phone and broke down. Next door, Julian’s ears perked up to the sound. He ran in. “Ivy? Ivy, what’s wrong.” She could only sob in fear. “What’s happened? What’s wrong?” Julian reached out to her, and she hesitantly walked into his embrace. Ivy sniffled. “I’m so scared,” she barely whispered. “Everything will be all right, Ivy. Everything will be okay,” he held her tightly. “The man…” Ivy stammered frantically. “Wanted to know…he wanted to know…I don’t know him…I don’t know…” “Shh, shh,” he stroked her back. “Julian,” she whimpered, fighting out of his arms, frightened of the familiarity she felt, and how much she wanted to stay right there. She stepped back and clutched her stomach. “Ivy, let’s go sit down, hmm?” She nodded, and he put his arm around her waist for support. They sat down together on the loveseat. “Now, what happened?” Ivy forced a small smile. “It’s nothing really,” she insisted, “it’s silly.” “I hardly think it could be nothing. I can see it, Ivy, in your eyes.” She turned away. In a subdued voice, she recounted the call. “I guess it shouldn’t bother me, after all the bomb threats and assassination situations I’ve been through.” “As my wife,” Julian said, taking her hand. “Yes,” Ivy whispered, brushing a tear off her cheek. “If Rebecca ever wants advice abo--” “Ivy,” he silenced her, putting his finger to her lips. “I want to answer your question.” “Which one?” Ivy asked softly, followed by a small sniffle. She knew, of course, which question he was referring to. “You wanted to know why I said your name,” he said, smiling a bit. “I want you to know.” ------------------------- Part Five Ivy stood abruptly, her whole body bristling. Do I really want to hear the reason? “What?” “You heard me,” Julian told her gently. “I want you to know.” “Not here,” she murmured. She motioned for him to follow her back to her bedroom. He gestured to her bed. “May I sit down?” She gave a slight nod and pulled the chair over. She sat facing him. “You know of my affinity for things just out of my reach,” he began. Ivy nodded. “Well, that was you. You were always there, but just out of arm’s length. At first, it was like a game. How could I get her to open up? How could I win her trust? But it quickly became something more, something bigger. How could I win her heart? How could I get her to love me? I devoted hours to brainstorming what I could buy you, where I could take you.” “You did?” Ivy whispered, an unexplainable joy filling her. “Oh yes,” Julian sighed. “I had a few good ideas.” She nodded. “From the beginning, I’d never intended to love you, I really hadn’t. And you obviously hadn’t planned on enjoying my company.” “I hadn’t. I never expected to lo…to love you.” Julian blinked hard. There, she’d admitted it. She loved him…she loved him… “I saw you,” he quietly revealed, “at the wedding. My God, you were beautiful. I couldn’t keep my eyes off you. I didn’t want to.” Ivy gasped, her eyes wide. “All I could think about was our wedding, and what it meant to me. That day meant more to me than I ever let on.” “But…” Ivy whispered, confused. “I thought…” “That it was all a business deal? Yes, it was. But that didn’t mean I didn’t care for you. All the time we spent together that summer and fall...those were some of the happiest times of my life.” A dam in Ivy broke. She wanted to kiss him, badly. But how do I know he won’t hurt me again? “Is this supposed to fix everything? Is this supposed to take back all those years that I spent all alone?” He grabbed her hand. “I can’t take that back. All I can say is I’m sorry.” Ivy itched to ask one certain question. But it may have another answer she was afraid of hearing. “Do--do you still love me?” Julian looked away. “Of course.” She nodded. They sat in silence for a moment. “What happened between you and me?” she asked meekly. “I don’t know. I suppose we just fell apart.” “But we were happy once, weren’t we, Julian? We were happy once,” she desperately cried. He nodded, smiling. “Yes.” Ivy blurted, “Why did you marry her?” “I never wanted to marry Rebecca.” “But you did.” “She found a way to get me to that church,” Julian nodded, heaving a sigh. “Though I suspect it was a lot easier for her to find a way, since I couldn’t have you.” Ivy recoiled, gasping for air again as the panic in her chest grew. “I think you should leave now. Rebecca is probably wondering where you are.” “Have I frightened you?” he asked sincerely. “Yes,” she nodded. “Let me show you out.” In silence, they walked down to the entryway. “Thank you, for bringing my things by,” Ivy forced a smile. “Of course,” Julian grinned. He leaned over and gently kissed her cheek. “Have a wonderful afternoon, Ivy.” She silently nodded as he walked through the front door frame. Once she was sure he was safely locked in his car, she fell against the door. Reflexively, she brought her cool hand to her burning cheek. What am I going to do? -------------------------- Julian collapsed into the driver’s seat of his car with a deep sigh. He gave one last forlorn look at the beautiful estate that had become Ivy’s home. But her home should be with me. “I’ve made my choice,” he told himself resignedly. “It’s Rebecca. She’s my wife now, no matter how much I wish Ivy were.” He pressed the gas pedal and sped off, one memory lingering in his mind: Ivy’s panicked eyes when he’d told her he loved her. Why is she so afraid? he thought, Did I do this to her? “My God, did I really hurt her this badly? I never meant to. I never wanted to see her hurt,” he whispered. He drove the rest of the way back to the mansion in silence. ---------------------------- Gingerly fingering the old photograph of Ivy and the other Alphas, Rebecca sneered. She picked up an ivory letter-opener from Julian’s desk and touched the blade. “You’ll never have what’s rightfully mine, Ivy,” Rebecca said indignantly. “He might love you,” she uttered menacingly, and forced the blade through Ivy’s youthful face, “but you won’t live long enough to know.” She jumped as a door downstairs slammed shut against its frame and quickly shoved the defiled photo under her pillow. Poisedly, she sauntered down the stairwell. “Julian!” she cried. “Where have you been?” Julian looked up at her. “Business,” he said numbly. Since when is Ivy your business? she thought. “Would you like some brunch, Julian?” He nodded absently with a blank stare. She threaded her arm through his and pulled him along. “I’m sorry for shutting you out last night, but you can imagine I was angry.” “Yes,” he simply said. He missed Ivy already. --------------------------------- The second Pilar had entered Ivy’s home; the housekeepers and maids, informing her as to what had happened that morning, had swarmed her. “They were drinking in her bedroom--“ “And talking.“ “Miss Winthrop was crying, her eyes are red.” “When he left, he kissed her!” Pilar’s head swiveled and jerked among all the voices. She put her hand up to silence them. “Where is Ivy?” “Her bedroom,” they all responded at once. “Thank you,” Pilar sighed, and made her way up the winding staircase to Ivy’s room. She knocked gently on the door. “I don’t want anything to eat!” Ivy cried, her voice shaking slightly. “Ivy?” Pilar called. Ivy appeared at the door a moment later. “I’m so sorry, Pilar. It’s those girls, they’ve been holding a vigil outside the door.” Pilar laughed. “They only want to help.” “They only want to gossip.” With a worried smile, Pilar studied Ivy’s disheveled appearance. “Shall we sit down?” Ivy nodded. “Now, what happened with Mr. Crane this morning?” Ivy carefully retold the events of that morning: her surprise at seeing Julian standing in the entryway, the phone call, their conversation. She looked away as she finished, tears burning in her eyes again. “Do you still love him, Ivy?” Pilar asked kindly. “Still?” Ivy scoffed. “Ivy, it was obvious to everyone but you how much he cared for you. When you would walk into a room together, people would talk about the light in his eyes. I think you were the only one who never saw it.” Ivy turned away, trying not to hear. Was it possible? Had she really refused to see Julian’s love for her? “And we all saw the way you looked at him. You had such fondness for him. Almost love, from what you have told me.” Ivy looked back at her friend. “Did I?” Pilar nodded, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. “Now, answer my question. Do you still love Julian?” ------------------------- Part Six Julian pulled out Rebecca’s chair, and forced his hand to rest gently on her shoulder for a moment before he sat down himself. He picked up a glass of water and began to sip it. “What business was so important that it couldn’t wait until this afternoon?” Rebecca asked nonchalantly. Julian nearly choked. Lying wasn’t the way to start a marriage; that he’d learned from experience. But, in this case, the truth was far more dangerous. “Just something Alistair asked me to do for him. Nothing for you to worry about, dear.” Rebecca nodded. “I see.” Julian forced a smile. “What have you been up to this morning, dear?” Grinning devilishly, she thought back to the phone call she’d made that morning. It was about time Ivy got some of her own back, Rebecca thought. “Oh, nothing. Just exploring my new home.” “Do you like it?” he questioned. “Oh, yes,” she exclaimed. “Some of the rooms need a bit more color. Ivy never was very…colorful.” Julian chuckled at the irony of her statement, but his heart was aching. “Well, I’m sure you’ll remedy it.” Rebecca nodded strangely. He’s acting so doting. And his reaction to my remarks about Ivy…I wonder what they were doing this morning. Keep it up, he told himself, keep up the act. I can’t go through another loveless marriage. But there was another prevailing thought racing through his mind…How is it that I never saw what I could’ve had with Ivy? ------------------------------- Pilar waited for an answer. “Well, Ivy? Do you still have feelings for Julian?” Ivy stood and began to pace. “I don’t know. Damn it, I’m so confused! A week ago, I would’ve said no, never in a million years could I love him. But today…the way I felt when he put his arms around me…every time we touched,” she closed her eyes reminiscently, “his kiss…every memory of him. I can’t forget them. I can’t forget him.” “Ivy, I think your feelings go deeper than you’re willing to admit.” Ivy stopped abruptly and faced Pilar. “I know. I’ve finally admitted it, and it’s two days too late.” Crumpling onto her bed, Ivy sighed. “The second I saw him…” she blinked back unwanted tears. “What are you going to do, Ivy?” Pilar asked her friend, sitting down on the bed. “I don’t know,” Ivy whispered. “I really don’t know.” “You know, normally I would not advocate such a thing, Ivy, but I think you should go to him.” “I can’t do that!” Ivy cried. “He’s married to Rebecca now.” “Well, marriage did not keep you from going after Sam. Why should it stop you now?” Suddenly, Ivy’s eyes seemed to glaze over. “Sam…” she sighed. “Snap out of it, Ivy,” Pilar commanded. “But Sam loved me. Julian never--“ “He just told you he loved you this morning, Ivy!” Pilar said insistently. “Why do you not believe him?” Ivy fell back onto the bed, breathing deeply. “Why do you not believe Julian, Ivy? How can you settle to be second in Sam’s heart when you could be first in Julian’s? Give up on Sam, Ivy. He gave up on you long ago.” Pilar gently put her arms around her friend. Sobbing freely, Ivy began to explain, “I was scared, so scared. After I heard what Julian said on our wedding night…and then he became the doting husband,” Ivy smiled, “He was wonderful. You saw him, Pilar. He was too good to be true. And far too good to me for what I’d done to him.” Pilar nodded. “I understand.” “Now, I’ve hurt him, haven’t I? I pushed him out of my life.” “You did,” Pilar confirmed. “I wonder, though, Ivy. Did you ever see that light in his eyes when he looked at you? Did you ever see it?” Ivy nodded slowly. “And did you love him?” Ivy nodded again. “Do you still?” Ivy looked up, her large eyes fearful. “Yes,” she whispered. Pilar smiled. “Now, what must we do to get him back to you?” ------------------------ Picking up her teacup, Rebecca stole a glance over at Julian. I wonder if he’s thinking about her, she thought, sipping quietly. I wonder what he thinks about her. What might I have missed with Ivy? Would we have been good together? he wondered. Of course, we would have been. Rebecca studied her husband, gears obviously turning. “Julian?” He looked up from his haze, a forced smile on his lips. “Yes?” “I was thinking, we should have a wedding party of some sort. Friends, family,” Rebecca explained farcically. “Why weren’t your children at the wedding?” “Well, they’re still a bit irked that I divorced Ivy--“ Rebecca stiffened. Julian frowned. “Oh, Ivy, sore subject. Sorry--“ “No!” Rebecca cried, smiling sincerely for the first time since they’d sat down together. “I want Ivy to be there, too!” Narrowing his eyes, Julian looked her over. “Rebecca…” “I want her to know there are no hard feelings. She is the mother of your children, after all,” she justified. “Besides, there’s something I want to give her.” And, surprise surprise, it’s a bullet! Speeding toward your ex’s chest. “Whatever you want, Rebecca.” Julian shrugged. “You’ll take care of it, I’m sure.” I just hope you aren’t planning on hurting Ivy. I’ve hurt her enough already. “Would tonight be too soon of notice?” Rebecca asked hopefully. The sooner Ivy’s taken out, the better for all of us. “I should think so. It is still early though,” Julian replied, shrugging. “Why don’t you call around?” Rebecca nodded. “Wonderful idea. I’ll talk to you soon,” she cried, flitting out of the room. Julian sank back. “What are you planning for Ivy, Rebecca? I know you’re a vengeful woman. What are you going to do to her?” -------------------------- Moving to stand, Ivy grabbed the diaries off her bedside table. She turned to Pilar, holding open one of the books. “Read this,” Ivy whispered, pointing to a short paragraph--the one with Tell Julian scrawled next to it. Pilar took the diary from Ivy’s hands into her own and began to do as she was instructed. “Do you remember, Pilar? Do you remember when Rebecca stole Jonathon from Clarissa?” Ivy whispered frantically. “Do you think she did the same thing to me?” Pilar looked up. “Ivy, I do remember. I had my suspicions about Rebecca, especially once I saw her throwing herself at Julian, much the same way she threw herself at Jonathon.” “We have to stop her Pilar. I don’t want to see Julian hurt again. Not after I’ve hurt him so much already.” “You finally admit it,” Pilar observed. “Now, do you understand why I always pushed you into Julian’s arms?” Ivy nodded. “You were right. All I ever did was complain. And right there was a wonderful man that loved me, and I was too blind, or perhaps too frightened, to see it. Just now, I’m realizing what I’ve lost.” “Better late than never,” Pilar quoted, raising her eyebrows. “I need to see Julian,” Ivy softly cried. “I need to tell him about Rebecca.” “And you must tell him what you have just told me. Explain everything to him. You may be surprised.” Ivy glared suddenly. “I want revenge on Rebecca. I want her dead for what she’s done to me. And to Julian.” “Ivy!” Pilar gasped, “You must not speak such words. You will not kill Rebecca.” Ivy’s face softened. “Of course not, Pilar. But I will get revenge. You know what they say about a woman scorned.” -------------------------- Rebecca sat back after a series of phone calls to the New England elite. There would be a party that night. She knew of the need for gossip among her social class, and she knew this would be the perfect place for them to get their fix. She glanced down at her watch. “Eleven-thirty,” Rebecca grinned devilishly. “That leaves me less than eight hours to plan the perfect murder. Poor Ivy won’t even see it coming.” --------------------------- Part Seven After Pilar had gone to fix them both something to drink, Ivy looked back through the diaries at the good times in the early parts of her and Julian’s relationship. Long conversations over tea in the mornings; sailing in the afternoons, the wind at their backs; long walks at night with nothing but the moon watching them…how she missed it all! And then there was the twenty-five years after those days, not all of which were as pleasant as the earlier times, but she wouldn’t trade that time in for anything. Not even for Sam. Sam, Ivy thought. “I know now that I haven’t loved him for years. It was the longing for a love-filled life that kept me hanging on to him; and ironically, what ended up ruining my marriage.” Pilar walked in a moment later, smiling. She handed Ivy a tall glass of iced tea. “Thank you, Pilar,” Ivy smiled in return. Pilar nodded. “Have you decided what to do about Julian?” Shrugging, Ivy replied, “I don’t know what I can do but talk to him.” “Then that is what you must do.” The phone rang in the other room. Ivy looked up to Pilar, pleading for her to get it. Pilar acquiesced, standing. Ivy gratefully watched her leave, then fell back onto the bed. ------------------------ Telephone clutched in her hand, Rebecca bubbled with excitement over the impending death of her husband’s ex. “I just hope you’re up for a party, Ivy dear,” she giggled, “It will be to die for.” “Winthrop residence,” Pilar cordially greeted. “Pilar!” Rebecca cried, “how nice to talk to you.” Panic-stricken, Pilar took a deep breath. “What can I do for you, Mrs. Crane?” “I’d like to talk to Ivy, please.” “Ms. Winthrop isn’t taking any calls today.” Pilar said hastily. “May I take a message?” “Oh,” Rebecca’s voice fell, “I’m hosting a party tonight, and I’d like Ivy to attend. At the mansion, around seven.” “You are hosting a party, and you want Ivy to attend?” Pilar repeated questioningly. “Of course! Please let her know, I just want to let bygones be bygones. No hard feelings.” “I will tell her,” Pilar promised, trying to keep the skepticism out of her voice. “Thank you for calling.” “Thank you, Pilar,” Rebecca said slowly, and then laid the phone back on its cradle. “Everything is working out perfectly. It seems Theresa’s fate is on my side today.” “Things are going well, I assume,” Julian bellowed, walking through the doorframe. Rebecca nodded. “I’ve already invited the Jameses and the Harpers and the…” she spouted names of society elite. Julian looked down at the floor as he nervously asked, “And Ivy?” Studying him, Rebecca replied, “I just talked to Pilar. I hope Ivy can make it.” “I can see the gears turning in that pretty little head of yours, Rebecca. What are you planning for Ivy?” “Planning? Me?” Rebecca feigned innocence. “Whatever do you mean?” “You’re a horrible liar,” Julian told her, forcing a smile. “You better not have anything up your sleeve, dear. I will not have the Cranes publicly scrutinized for throwing a farce of a party, and you know you’re low on Alistair’s ‘People I Don’t Hate A Lot’ list. Nearing the ‘People I Loathe’ list.” “I won’t do anything to hurt the Crane name. It means too much to me,” she said honestly. The money and the power are what really matter. It is too bad Ivy has to die, though. I never did find out what her real hair color is. Unconvinced, Julian offered a nod and a smile and walked from the room. As soon as he was far enough away, he whipped out his cell phone. “Crane Security,” came the answer on the other end. “Julian Crane,” he stated formally, “I want you to watch out for Ivy Winthrop tonight at the party. Don’t follow her, just make sure you always know where she is, and that she’s okay.” “Yes, Mr. Crane,” replied the head of security. “How often would you like a report?” “Often,” Julian explained, “I’ll try to stay near her, but you never know where my wife will drag me off to,” he added begrudgingly. The guard chuckled, “Yes, sir. Please, call if there are any security problems. Good afternoon.” “Yes,” Julian said with finality and snapped the phone shut. “I hope you’re not planning anything, Rebecca. There are still many things Ivy needs to hear.” ------------------------------ Pilar carefully explained what Rebecca had said on the phone. “I do not think it is in your best interest to attend, Ivy.” “But, it’s the perfect opportunity to talk to him. And to alleviate any suspicions that there’s anything going on,” Ivy argued. “Ivy--“ Pilar tried. “Pilar, I’ve made up my mind,” Ivy told her. “I need to talk to Julian!” And with that, she stalked off into her closet to choose a dress for the party. Pilar shook her head. “I hope this is not a trick. I can’t help but feel that Rebecca is out to hurt you, and that she was behind the phone call this morning.” -------------------------------- Rebecca began to wonder if the telephone would end up permanently stuck to her hand. After at least fifty calls that morning, most of the party was planned, with only the ballroom left to prepare. “Hello again, Mrs. Crane,” the man on the other end greeted. “Two calls in one day, you must have some agenda.” Rebecca laughed joyfully. “You don’t know the half of it.” “Well, what can I do for you?” “I hope you’re a Renaissance man,” Rebecca giggled, “I want you to take out Ivy Winthrop.” “Hey, Mrs. C., I don’t to hits--” he attempted. “Well, I know of others that do,” she threatened, “and Ivy won’t be the only one they destroy.” He said nothing. “Your silence is your answer,” she smirked. “Tonight, there’s a party at the Crane Mansion. Ivy will be there. Seven o’clock. Don’t be late.” “Yes, Mrs. Crane,” he answered vapidly. A moment later, Rebecca heard the dial tone. “Ivy dear, you should’ve known by now that I always win. It’s about time you got what’s coming to you.” -------------------------------- Pulling out another dress, Ivy looked around at the many beautiful gowns around her; dresses of every color and material. She held one in each hand: a shimmery gold one in her right, a fitted sapphire one in her left. Holding each up to her slim body, she carefully weighed the pros and cons of each. “Blue is more my color, but it might be too tight…I don’t want to suggest anything to the guests,” she muttered. “Gold it is, then.” She laid the gown on her dressing table and began going through her jewelry. She dug out a beautiful diamond necklace and held it next to the dress. “This should match wonderfully,” she said absently. Suddenly, she remembered where she’d gotten the necklace. It had been a few weeks after her and Julian’s tenth anniversary, and their presence was required at a huge benefit dinner, being thrown by Alistair. Ivy pouted, showing Julian outfit after outfit for the benefit. He didn’t seem to like any of them. “What do you want me to wear?” she cried after what felt like the hundredth ‘no, not this one’. Julian stood and looked her over, then walked over to the shop owner, whispering to her. The young woman nodded vehemently and hurried off, only to return a moment later with an ankle-length, sleeveless, navy blue dress. “Here you are, darling,” Julian said softly, smiling. “Go on.” Ivy took the dress and quickly put it on. She looked at her reflection and sighed. He was right. It looked fabulous. She walked out to face him and smiled. “It’s perfect,” he assured, motioning for her to turn around. “You look absolutely beautiful.” “Thank you,” Ivy sighed, flushing at his attention. She turned to change back into her clothes. He gently grabbed her arm. “There’s still something.” “What?” Ivy asked, surprised. Julian dug through his coat. “Here you are,” he said, handing her a rectangle velvet box. She cautiously took it and opened it. Inside was a diamond necklace, the stones arranged in an elegant pattern at the bottom. Her heart skipped a beat. He went out and bought her a necklace, especially for the party. The look in his eyes when he saw her…the gift…it all seemed so comfortable, so wonderful. “I hope you like it,” Julian sighed, clasping the necklace around her neck, “I think it goes wonderfully with the dress.” Ivy took one last look at the navy gown lying on her table. “Maybe I will wear the blue.” ---------------------------- Part Eight Julian tugged at the bowtie around his neck, cursing the damn thing. “Twice in one week, twice!” he scowled. “And I can’t even tie it properly!” That’s because Ivy always did it for you, he told himself. “What am I going to do without her?” he whispered, looking at his reflection. He looked much the same as he had twenty-five years ago, except for his slightly graying hair. Of course, he wasn’t as muscular either. His eyes were a little older, he noticed, and there were laugh lines appearing on his face. You could hardly tell he’d gone through a messy divorce and lost his son. Ivy smiled up tiredly at him, holding out a little bundle to him. “Here,” she whispered. Julian reached out and scooped up the baby. “My God, he’s beautiful,” he said, completely amazed at his perfect little baby. He thought he saw sorrow in Ivy’s eyes for a moment, but attributed it to weariness. How could he know, after all, of his wife’s guilt? “I thought about what to name him,” Ivy disclosed slowly. “Do you like Ethan?” “I like it very much,” he sighed, focused on the baby…his son Ethan. “Very much.” Ethan… Julian sighed. It wasn’t Ivy’s fault she’d loved Sam. And it certainly wasn’t her fault that she heard what she did on her wedding night. “If I’d heard what she did, I would’ve reacted the same way. But it didn’t give her the right to lie to me.” But without that lie, they never would’ve been together, even though the good times hadn’t lasted exceptionally long. Without that lie, his three children never would’ve been born. Without that lie, his life would’ve been completely different. I sure as hell wouldn’t be married to Rebecca. Julian straightened his tuxedo one last time and turned resignedly toward the door. ------------------------------ Smoothing her dress, Ivy examined her reflection. Where have the years gone? she wondered. So much had happened in the last two days, it made her head spin. And thinking back on the past five months, even more had happened. Julian had found out about Ethan, her marriage had been dissolved; she was on her own, after over twenty years of being looked after and taken care of. She was all alone, except for her moody poodle and a half-dozen maids. The security of being Julian’s wife was gone. She didn’t even have the Crane money to fall back on this time. And how she missed it all! Even the daunting citadel that was the Crane Mansion. Julian especially. Despite the seemingly obvious anger in the insults they slung at each other, it was all in fun. And even though for the last several years, things between them hadn’t been great, she never felt alone, the way she did now. The boxes he had brought over were stacked in the corner. She wandered over, and began to rummage through them. Jewelry, trinkets, framed photographs. She picked one up, a yellowing wedding photo. Noting the smile on her own twenty-five-years-younger face, she felt her present self smile too. “How could I have never seen how good Julian was?” “Ivy?” Pilar addressed from behind her. “Your car is ready.” Ivy stood and faced Pilar. “I don’t know if I can do this,” she divulged quietly. “You must,” Pilar told her friend. “I wish you luck.” Pilar spread her arms and hugged Ivy gently. I pray you will not need it. “Thank you, Pilar.” Ivy sighed. “Go home,” she instructed, nodding. “I know it’s early, but you should take the night off.” “Yes, Ivy. Thank you,” Pilar replied, turning to leave. Ivy nodded. “Oh, Pilar? Could you have one of the maids turn down my bed before I return? I have a feeling I’ll just want to fall asleep after this party.” Pilar nodded, forcing a smile, as Ivy ambled out of the room. From the window, Pilar watched Ivy’s limousine until it was beyond her sight. “I hope you will be able to fall asleep after this party.” -------------------------- “Everything will come together for us tonight, Gwen,” Rebecca told her daughter while putting the finishing touches on her appearance. “Once Ivy is out of the picture, I will be able to convince Julian to adopt Ethan, and then he’ll be yours.” “What do you mean, ‘once Ivy is out of the picture’?” Gwen asked, terror in her voice. “I know what you’re capable of, Mother, and I don’t want to think about what you’re planning for Ivy.” “Oh, don’t worry about it, Gwen. Just think about it as securing our future.” Rebecca explained. “This is a war, and in every war, there are casualties. Ivy is just one of those casualties.” Gwen studied her mother for a moment more before giving up. “Whatever happens, I had nothing to do with it. If you go down for this, Mother, you go down alone.” “My, my Gwen, you certainly look nervous,” Rebecca observed amusedly. Gwen rolled her eyes. “I hardly think you’re planning something legal, Mother.” “Don’t worry, darling. Everything will work out for us.” Rebecca promised. “Everything.” “Rebecca?” Julian called, coming into the room. “Are you two ready?” “Of course!” Rebecca cried, “aren’t we, Gwen?” Gwen nodded. “Yes.” “Well then,” he said, extending an arm to each Gwen and Rebecca, “shall we go?” -------------------------- Ivy extended one long, shapely leg out of the limo and took the driver’s hand as she pulled herself out. She heaved a sigh and gave her chauffeur a grateful smile. Upon standing, she realized she could hardly stay upright her legs were shaking so badly. “Miss Winthrop, I’ll be nearby, in case you need to make a quick getaway.” Ivy laughed breathlessly. “Thank you.” As he sped away, she took one last cleansing breath and walked through the familiar door of the Crane Mansion. The second she stepped in, her legs almost gave way, but she held up. I will NOT appear vulnerable, to Rebecca or to Julian, she resolved. People bustled around her, saying quick forced hellos and making small talk. She responded as though she were just fine, although she felt incredibly weak. Finally, she joined a line to greet the new couple. Her nerves only intensified as the distance between her and Julian decreased. She stepped up to them a few moments later. “Ivy!” Rebecca cried, putting her arms around her “friend”. “I’m so glad you could make it!” Ivy forced a smile, not oblivious to the curious whispers of the surrounding people. “Thank you for inviting me, Rebecca.” Julian gingerly kissed her cheek, causing further murmurs in the crowd. “I’m glad you’re here,” he whispered. Their eyes locked for a moment before he looked her over. Much to her surprise, he couldn’t seem to take his eyes off her. She smiled slightly and touched his arm. “Julian!” Rebecca hissed as Ivy walked away, “your ex-wife isn’t the only guest here tonight.” Her fervency, and her anger frightened him a little. Unexpectedly, the memory of Ivy’s diary entry came back to him. Could she just want the Crane money and power? I must get to the bottom of this. “Don’t worry, dear,” he assured half-heartedly. “Just remember, I was married to Ivy for over twenty years.” She shot him one last glare before turning back to the guests. ------------------------- Ivy exhaled deeply upon walking into the ballroom the party was being held in. Suddenly, women she’d associated with when she was still high in the society pecking order surrounded her, all muttering questions. “What is going on between you and Julian?” one asked her. Behind Ivy, Julian and Rebecca walked in. Ivy forced a laugh, praying the guests wouldn’t notice the sadness in her eyes. “Whatever there was between Julian and I ended before he married Rebecca.” Julian walked up behind her. “She’s right,” he said, hoping to sound convincing. Rebecca joined him next to Ivy and nodded. Julian added, “We’ve remained great friends.” Ivy nodded, staring up at Julian. All this acting, the pretending that everything between them was long-gone, had taken its toll on both of them. Thankfully, no one seemed to have noticed. “Then what in the world happened at the wedding?” asked another woman. A rather large crowd had now formed around them, anxious to hear the answer. At his flustered expression, Ivy lied, “Oh, you know Julian. They had to force a few glasses of brandy down his throat to even get him to the church.” Rebecca’s high-pitched laugh rang in Julian’s ears as he smiled numbly. Disappointed, the crowd dispersed, all walking off with their own choice comments, which they didn’t bother to keep quiet. Julian leaned down, his lips so close to her flushing cheek she could feel his breath. He whispered, “Thank you.” When he turned to look at her, to really look at her for the first time that night, a rush of memories attacked him. ”Ivy!” Julian whispered hoarsely. “Come in here!” Looking around cautiously, she slipping into the hall closet. “What?” She giggled as he pulled her in for a kiss. “I’m tired of the damned party,” he told her, grinning. “Let’s have a party of our own, hmm?” “Julian, your father is out there--” “Screw Alistair!” Julian exclaimed, cupping her face in his hands and kissing her gently. “You look ravishing tonight--“ “Thanks to you,” Ivy interjected, fingering the diamond necklace. She flirtaceously smiled, batting her eyelashes. “As wonderful as that dress looks on you, darling, I am of the opinion that it would look much better on the floor over there in the corner,” he pointed. “Tell me this, Julian,” Ivy said, pacing in front of him, amused as she watched his mouth water. “Have you been good tonight?” “On my best behavior,” he groaned, panting. “Oh really?” Ivy raised an eyebrow. She began peeling off her long white gloves. “Well, maybe that warrants the fun you’re suggesting.” Julian nodded excitedly. “I should think so,” he whispered, and unzipped the back of her dress. “You’re so beautiful.” She kissed him hungrily. “I don’t mind you much either.” Julian turned to Ivy, who seemed to smile. “We need to talk, Ivy,” he whispered. “Meet me in the closet.” ---------------------------- Part Nine Ivy looked up at Julian. The closet? she wondered. Is he remembering the same things I am? Does he feel the same way I do standing next to him tonight? Does he miss me the way I do him? She nodded, letting him know she understood. Julian’s cell rang a moment later, forcing him away from Rebecca and Ivy. “Excuse me,” he sighed apologetically. As he walked off, Rebecca grasped Ivy’s arm. “Ivy, I have something I want to give you!” Ivy’s eyes widened. “You--you do?” Rebecca nodded. “Please, come with me.” She made eye contact with a tall, dark-haired man on the other side of the room, and as she dragged Ivy away, he followed discreetly. Julian held the phone up to his ear. “Yes?” “Mr. Crane, we’re watching Ivy Winthrop. Everything appears to be in order.” “Rebecca just led her off somewhere. Have someone follow them!” he hissed. “If anything happens to Ivy, it’s on your hands!” “Yes, sir,” the guard replied, his genial manner from earlier that day absent. Within moments, Julian saw another guard peeking around the corner where Ivy and Rebecca had gone. Julian clicked the phone shut and shoved it down into his pocket. He made his way down the hallway his wife had taken, wanting to make sure Ivy was all right. As he approached a door, he could hear footsteps behind him. He turned to find a raven-haired man, one Julian certainly didn’t know. “What are you doing?” Julian whispered harshly. “Oh!” the man cried, “I guess I got lost. Sorry, Mr. Crane.” Damn it! That bitch Rebecca will kill me if I don’t make this hit. Julian’s eyes narrowed, but he relented. “Fine. Do you need assistance in your attempt to return the party?” “No, sir. I’m sorry,” he said hastily and walked off, cursing under his breath. Rebecca and Ivy appeared behind him as the man turned from them. “What’s going on, Julian?” Rebecca asked innocently. He better not have chickened out. I can’t risk Julian and Ivy getting close again. “Oh, just…ahem…a lost guest, Rebecca, nothing to worry about,” Julian forced a politician’s smile. “Julian, that was…Mr.--” Rebecca searched for a name suitable for a guest of theirs. “Mr. Corville! Oh, I’ve got to go apologize!” So what if my husband and his Ice Princess spend a few minutes together? Rebecca thought, it’s not as though she won’t die tragically soon after, anyway. “He won’t get an apology from me,” Julian told her. “But go ahead, if you’ll feel better.” Rebecca nodded and sped off. Julian watched her until she was out of his vision. “Come on, Ivy. I need to talk to you,” he grabbed her arm and pulled her to a nearby linen closet, cleverly concealed by a flashy, throne-like chair and a large regal-looking portrait. As Ivy walked in, she heard Julian’s deep sigh, and matched it with one of her own. “Ah, memories,” she laughed breathlessly. He chuckled. “We had some good times in this closet, didn’t we, dear?” They both sat in an uncomfortable silence for a moment before Ivy asked, “What do you need to talk about?” Julian averted his eyes. “Rebecca.” --------------------------- Rebecca charged after her hired gun. “Hey!” she called, grabbing his arm and forcing him to look at her. “You are not going to back out of killing Ivy this easily.” “I’ll do it, Mrs. Crane,” he said dutifully, running a hand through his dark hair. “Well, of course you will! And you’ll do it now,” Rebecca informed him with a twisted smile. “As soon as we find them, you kill Ivy.” “Yes, Mrs. Crane,” he muttered. “You certainly don’t sound excited. Come on, it’ll be fun!” Rebecca nudged him playfully. “Just think of your handsome reward.” He nodded, acquiescing. “I told you, I’ll do it.” --------------------------- Ivy frowned. Rebecca, she thought hatefully. “Ivy, she’s after you. I don’t know why, and I don’t know what she’s planning, but I do know she’s planning something. I think that man I just shooed away may have something to do with her scheme.” “Do you think she was behind that phone call this morning?” Julian nodded, “I wouldn’t put it past her.” “I’m not the only one she’s out to hurt, Julian,” Ivy said cautiously. “You know she’s using you, Julian. The same way she used Jonathon. She has some great plot to use her position as your wife to her advantage.” “I suspected as much.” “So tell me,” she started slowly. “If Rebecca were to do something that would get her out of your life, would there be a chance for us again?” “That all depends.” “On what?” “On you,” he told her, cupping her face in his hands. “Let’s take advantage of this time alone, hmm? In your eyes, would there be a chance for us?” Ivy pulled away from him. “Have you changed, at all, Julian? Would you still be chasing the maids like there’s no tomorrow? Would you still be hitting the bottle long before I’m even awake? Because I can’t go through that again.” “Do you remember, Ivy, what our marriage was like in the beginning? We weren’t half bad together, and I rather liked having you around,” he smiled sheepishly. “But I pushed you away,” she whispered. “We would’ve been good together if I could’ve just moved past Sam and let myself love you!” “Ivy,” he sighed, trying to silence her. “No! I hurt you!” she cried, tears forming in her eyes. “I let you believe Ethan was your son. I know how much you love him, Julian. I coddled him; I tried to shield him from you, and I shouldn’t have because there is nothing you could’ve done that wouldn’t have been to Ethan’s benefit. I was so selfish to take that away from you. You love those children…well, better than any other man I’ve ever met loves their children. I could’ve given you a chance; I could’ve let us be happy.” She looked away, a wet trail on her cheek. “Ivy, I got to explain myself this morning. You have the time, if you want to,” he brushed a tear from her face, “I’m listening.” She nodded somberly. “I wanted to kill you on our wedding night. I felt I had given up something great for the betterment of your family, and when I heard you say you didn’t love me…I thought I’d done it all for nothing,” she told him. “But as time went on, you were so good to me. I didn’t know what to think. I knew I didn’t deserve it. I found myself slowly falling in love with you all over again, but I kept reminding myself of that night, and pushed you further and further away. I just didn’t want to get hurt again, you see. I was scared of loving you. And after a while, I became so calloused and frozen toward you, I had myself convinced that I really did hate you. I never did, and I never meant to hurt you.” “Ivy,” he whispered, grasping her hand. “Yes, you hurt me, but I hurt you too. We both ruined this marriage, but if we had another chance, maybe we could make it right.” “What about Rebecca?” “Maybe she’s planning something illegal we can have her sent to prison for, hmm?” “Julian!” Ivy cried, “she could be putting our lives in danger!” “Don’t worry, I have security guards incognito all over the mansion. They’re watching your every step.” “Me?” Ivy asked. “Well, I was worried about you,” he admitted with a smile. “I never wanted to hurt you, either, Ivy.” “Julian…” she murmured, stepping closer to him. “I can hardly remember what it feels like to kiss you.” “Oh, I remember everything about you, Ivy. You’re the kind of woman that’s hard to forget.” “Is Rebecca?” Julian looked thoughtful for a moment. “Rebecca who?” Ivy, laughing, shook her head. “I suppose that is a compliment of some sort, is it?” He nodded and moved closer to her yet. Their bodies brushed, leaving both shivering with electricity. “I’d like to remind you, if you’d like, of what it feels like to kiss me.” “I’d like that very much,” she concurred. “Very much.” He took her chin delicately in his hands and leaned down, gently pressing his lips to hers. Ivy forced herself out of his arms, tears freely flowing. “Is it the prospect of adultery that entices you, Julian?” she snapped. “There you go with the Ice Queen façade again. Can’t you just believe that I want a new start with you?” he asked, pulling her close to him. “I don’t love Rebecca, I never loved Rebecca. I was only with her because she did what you didn’t, stuck by me. Now I know why…but it doesn’t change anything.” Ivy breathed deeply, closing her eyes and burying her head in his chest. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I’m sorry for hurting you, I’m sorry for letting us fall apart.” “I know,” Julian sighed, holding her slim body. “I’m sorry, too.” He brushed her cheek tenderly, and kissed her again. ----------------------------- Rebecca yanked on her hit man’s sleeve, pulling him along. “We have to find them. Ivy has to die before the night is over.” “Mrs. Crane, I hope you’ve thought about this. If I get caught, I’m naming you as an accomplice.” “Well, then,” Rebecca said boldly, “You’d better not get caught.” She moved slowly through the hall, thinking hard about where Ivy and Julian would hide out. “The closet!” she cried. “Julian probably doesn’t know I know about it! Come on!” She tiptoed up to the painting. “Can you hear them?” He pressed his ear against the wall. “Either this wall is soundproof, or they’re not talking,” he smirked. “What?” Rebecca scowled. “Mrs. C., I don’t think I can do this,” he admitted, running a hand through his dark hair. “I can’t pull a gun on an innocent woman.” “You better do it! Ivy will die, whether you pull the trigger, or someone else does!” Rebecca snarled, silently opening the passageway into the spacious closet. -------------------------- Julian and Ivy were completely oblivious to Rebecca pushing open the creaking door to the closet, and rightfully so as they were rather preoccupied with the task as hand. As Rebecca and her hit man entered their little cove, she frowned. Talking, she could understand. But making out after ten minutes? she thought. She gave the man a sidelong gaze, silently telling him that this was the time, it was now or never. The glare became warning a moment later advising him not to miss. Damn, he thought, the lady doesn’t deserve to die, but it’s all a part of the job. He pulled the gun from a pocket inside his jacket. Here goes nothing. He held the gun out in front of him, his hand quivering, and cocked it. Julian’s ears perked to the sound and he turned. “What the hell?” Julian called, “Rebecca, what’s going on?” “This is Ivy’s surprise,” Rebecca answered joyfully, motioning to the paling man next to her. Julian’s arms still around her, Ivy whimpered. She had no doubt Rebecca would kill her; or have her killed, as the situation seemed. He held her closer and gently squeezed her arm. The little gesture was reassuring, at least slightly. “Well,” Rebecca turned to her hired gun, “go ahead.” “Don’t!” Julian pleaded, feeling Ivy’s body shaking in his embrace. “I’ll pay you millions more than she could!” “Kill her!” Rebecca answered, “and remember, I can ruin you. You weren’t referred to me for no reason.” Head turning between the quarrelling spouses, the man began to hyperventilate. “I don’t care! I can’t take an innocent life. I’ve done some messed up things, Mrs. Crane…but not this bad.” Ivy sighed, filling with relief. She felt Julian’s grip on her tighten, and heard his own sigh. “You’ve made a horrible mistake,” Rebecca said, the anger not leaving her eyes. She took one step closer to him, and gripped her hand on his wrist, pinching a nerve. He involuntarily dropped the gun right into her hands. “I’m sorry!” he called to Ivy, who was now crying into Julian’s shoulder. “Not as sorry as you’re about to become,” Rebecca sneered, holding the gun out with ease. She took a straight shot into his torso. He fell to the ground with a wheezing cough. Ivy cried out, and Julian turned her face away gently, and stroked her back though he himself was terrified. The man on the floor tried to think rationally, despite the searing pain in his abdomen. He forced himself to fall limp and hold his breath as Rebecca leaned over him. “Dead,” she whispered, “Pity.” The man pressed the speed dial button on his cell phone. Police. “And now, for our guest of honor. Kindly step away, Julian,” Rebecca directed. “What are you doing, Rebecca?” Julian’s voice faltered. “She,” Rebecca said disgustedly, pointing the gun at Ivy, “is trying to steal what’s rightfully mine. That would be you, dear,” she added. Julian shook his head. “I won’t let you hurt her.” He stuck his hand in his pocket, careful not to let Rebecca see, and forced down a little switch for Crane Security. “You can’t stop me,” Rebecca grinned devilishly, holding the gun out in front of her again. She pulled the trigger. Ivy went down. --------------------------- Part Ten A spot of blood already appearing on her sapphire-colored dress, Ivy gasped. “Julian,” she cried, unable to catch her breath. “Shh…” he whispered, kneeling down beside her and taking her freezing hand. “Just lay still, all right? Someone will be here soon,” he choked, “this will all be over soon.” “Julian! You’re my husband, leave your ex-wife alone!” Rebecca spat. “Not a chance!” Julian called back, his voice finally steady. “You will pay for this dearly, Rebecca. I’ll see to that.” “Not if I kill you first, Julian.” Just then, five Crane Security guards ran in. “Drop the gun, Mrs. Crane. It’s five against one, and we know how to take a shot.” Rebecca held steadfastly to the shotgun. “Drop the gun,” the guard tried again, “we’re trained to take a shot.” Five guns cocked and pointed at her, Rebecca finally caved. She kicked the gun over to the officers. Two rushed over and handcuffed her, and for the first time that night, Julian let his guard down. He looked back to Ivy, whose eyes were closed. Panicked again, he placed his hand above her mouth. “Is she all right?” another officer asked, speeding over. “Still breathing,” Julian whispered. He backed off a little, still grasping her hand, and let them work on Ivy. He was slightly reassured when she faintly squeezed his hand. “Is the man over there okay?” The officer nodded. “He’s pretty weak, but mostly responsive.” A moment later, two police officers and a crew of paramedics charged in. They forced Ivy away from Julian, calling out her stats and other things Julian didn’t understand. Once they were all out of the tiny closet, Julian came face to face with Rebecca. “How could you do this?” he raged at her. “How could you be so cold? And how could I have not seen what a horrible, wicked person you are? I told you, you would pay for this, and dearly, Rebecca. You would’ve been better off as the target of that bullet.” Rebecca glared. “If you would’ve just forgotten all about Ivy in the first place, this never would’ve happened.” “The same should be said about you, Rebecca,” he hissed, darting away to follow Ivy’s ambulance. -------------------------- Stuck in a waiting room of sorts, Julian paced. Ivy has to be okay…she has to be…I don’t know what I’d do without her. His cell phone rang a moment later. “Julian Crane,” he addressed halfheartedly. “Julian!” Alistair’s domineering voice overpowered him. “Get out of that hospital and work out some damage control!” Julian sighed. “Go to Hell, Father,” he said, flipping the phone shut. Soon after, a doctor approached him. “Mr. Crane?” Julian nodded. “Is Ivy okay?” he asked anxiously, standing. “Ms. Winthrop was very lucky, the bullet didn’t hit any major organs. She’s still unconscious, she lost a lot of blood; however, if you’d like to go in and sit with her, you’re welcome.” He nodded. “Thank you.” With trepidation, he followed the kind doctor into the room where Ivy was sleeping. As the doctor left, he reminded Julian that talking would stimulate Ivy to wake up, and offered a sympathetic smile. Julian looked over Ivy’s unconscious body. Her already-fair skin seemed even paler. He noticed the diamond necklace still around her neck and smiled. Gently, he took her hand. It was warmer than it had been, and that reassured him. “Oh, Ivy,” he sighed. “I’m sorry I let this happen to you. I’m sorry I ever got involved with Rebecca.” He brushed her soft cheek. “I never treated you as well as I should have,” he whispered. “I was never there, and I know that. I can’t help but wonder where we’d be today if we’d been together from the start, hmm?” Ivy’s semi-conscious mind reeled. What had happened? Where was she? Julian was talking…what was he saying? Already exhausted, the little consciousness faded away to sleep, and she dreamed of the past. ”I wish you’d at least *act* happy to be here, Ivy,” Julian whispered harshly, turning his attention away from the many guests at the Crane Mansion. “This is the most sought-after position for women like you--Mrs. Julian Crane.” “Women like me?” she hissed back. “No wonder we can’t even stand to be in the same room together, you clump me in with all those other society women. Tell me this, Julian: am I at least better in bed?” Julian smiled sheepishly. “I’d say so, darling.” Ivy eyed him curiously. “So you admit it! You’ve slept with all of them!” She tossed her hands up. Julian grabbed for one and held it. He only gripped harder when she tried to pull away. “Let go!” she cried quietly. “Not until you listen to me,” Julian said deliberately. “Now, why in the world can’t you just be happy here? Why won’t you let me make you happy?” Ivy’s shoulders fell, and he let go of her hand. He pulled her close to his body, and kissed her gently. Her body shivered as he pulled away. “Now, tell me you didn’t feel anything when I kissed you just now.” Ivy turned away. “N-nothing,” she choked. Julian groaned, and began to walk away. Nothing…nothing…nothing… “Julian?” she called demurely. He turned back to face her, his eyes full of hurt and skepticism. “It wasn’t…it wasn’t nothing.” He grinned timidly. “I knew I’d get to you one day, Ivy.” ---------------------------- Julian mindlessly rubbed Ivy’s hand, still held tightly in his own. “Keep fighting, darling.” “Mr. Crane?” a young doctor asked, coming into the room. “Is there anyone I can call for you?” Julian looked up distantly and nodded. Reluctantly, he stood from his perch at Ivy’s bedside and wrote down two numbers for him to call. “Call this number, ask for Pilar. Tell her to bring the dog.” “Um, Mr. Crane, no animals are allowed in this hospital.” Julian rolled his eyes. “I’m Julian Crane for crying out loud. I’ll build you a new hospital if you want, just tell Pilar to bring the damn dog.” “Y-yes, sir.” “I’m not sure whether or not this is still Ethan’s number,” Julian said painfully, ”Give it a try. If not, ask Pilar.” The doctor nodded. “Yes, sir.” He quietly left with a polite smile, which Julian halfheartedly returned. Only a moment later, though, a police officer was in the room. He asked about Ivy, and explained the situation with Rebecca. “Mr. Crane, you’re still listed as Ms. Winthrop’s next of kin. We had to come to you for this. I know it will be awkward, but seeing as Ms. Winthrop isn’t in any condition make this decision, you have to. We need to know if you want to press charges on Rebecca Crane.” “Osburn, thank you,” Julian said hatefully. “She’s not my wife. I want to see her in the dirtiest, worst kept prison you can find, being represented by the most substandard, inferior law student on Earth.” “I take it that’s a yes?” Julian glared. “Of course.” “Thank you, Mr. Crane,” he acknowledged, leaving. Julian returned to Ivy, unable to look away from her serene face. “Nothing like a gunshot to put your life in perspective, hmm?” he chuckled uneasily. “You know, after we separated, I always wondered what would happen if we started spending time together again. This wasn’t exactly what I had in mind. In fact, I’d rather hoped we’d see each other again and something would just click; we’d realize we couldn’t live apart and start making mad love right there. “We’ll have to talk about it, when you wake up,” he said softly, smiling. “The doctors say you’ll be fine. I’m sure you will be. Just think of what you have to wake up for, Ivy. Another twenty-five years with me!” He took her hand again. Voice shaking, he choked, “what were we thinking, hmm? All those years…” Ivy heard the soothingly familiar hum of Julian’s deep voice. Not sure of her surroundings, Ivy tried to focus on what he was saying. Suddenly, there was another voice. Ivy’s unconscious mind strained to identify the new sound. Ethan! Julian picked up baby Ethan, not seeing Ivy’s shadow in the doorway. “Good morning, son.” Julian cooed. Ethan began to whimper. “I know, I know, I’m not too good at this.” Ivy cocked her head. “Quite to the contrary, Julian,” she whispered almost inaudibly. Julian held Ethan close to him, and sat down in the oak rocking chair. “Well, as long as we’re alone, we might as well have a little talk. I could use some advice.” Julian almost laughed in spite of himself. “It’s about your mother.” Ethan made a noise, then began to giggle. “Yes, pretty thing, isn’t she?” Ivy smiled. “Well, I don’t know what it is, but it seems she doesn’t like me much,” Julian sighed. Ethan giggled. “Well, you’re not much help. You see, all I really want is for her to like me. And maybe even love me one day. Does that sound too far-fetched to you?” He rocked Ethan gently back to sleep. “Not to me, Julian,” Ivy whispered, grinning. “Not at all.” -------------------------- “Julian,” Ethan said cordially. “Hello, Ethan,” Julian replied exhaustedly. “How are you?” Ethan was taken aback by Julian’s sincerity. “Quite well, thank you. You?” Julian just smiled. “She’s doing better.” Ethan nodded and looked his mother over. An officer had already explained what had happened at the party, and the injuries Ivy had sustained. A moment later, Pilar walked into the room, holding a yappy poodle. Julian approached her. “How’s Ivy?” Pilar asked, in a whisper. “Still unconscious,” Julian said tensely. “The doctors are optimistic that she’ll recover fully.” Pilar nodded. “I brought Ivy’s dog,” Pilar held up Lady. Julian cracked a smile. “That will make Ivy’s day.” He looked over at Ethan. “Do you think it would be awkward…?” Pilar shook her head. “I think he wants to talk to you, Mr. Crane.” Julian stepped away and walked over to Ethan. He touched Ethan’s shoulder gently. “May I have just a moment to speak to you, Ethan?” “Sure, Julian.” “I’m sorry, Ethan.” “For what?” “For turning away from you, for leaving you out in the cold, so to speak.” “Look, I understand.” Julian sighed. “I don’t think you do.” Ethan looked perplexed. “That’s a story for another time. Maybe we could get together some time, to talk about it.” Ethan looked away. “You want to be a part of my life?” Julian nodded, “I’d like that very much, Ethan.” Ethan smiled, “But Sam is my father. I need to know him too.” Painfully, Julian smiled back. “I only want you to be happy.” “Thank you, Julian.” Ethan graciously responded. Julian clapped a hand on the younger man’s shoulder. They went in opposite directions from there, Ethan to a doctor who had entered the room a moment earlier, and Julian to Pilar at Ivy’s bedside. Julian grasped Ivy’s hand again. “Did Ivy get a chance to talk to you?” Pilar asked cautiously. Julian nodded. “Yes.” “Forgive me for being so nosy, but what happened?” Julian smiled, and relayed the story: how they’d met up in the closet, and how she’d explained her feelings toward him, how they’d kissed. His smile faded as he remembered Rebecca’s angry glare, her barging arrival yielding a gun. Finally, his voice nearly caught in his throat as he explained how Ivy had ended up in that very bed. “Mr. Crane, Ivy is a strong woman. She is far to stubborn to be killed by a simple bullet,” Pilar smiled. “I know that better than anyone,” Julian said quietly, squeezing Ivy’s hand. Ivy’s mind reeled. Julian’s voice, Pilar’s voice, Ethan’s voice far away, Lady’s whimpering. The sounds became slowly clearer as her haze lifted. “Julian,” she whispered, trying to blink herself awake. “Julian…” She heard his relieved sigh. “Ivy, just lie back. Let me get the doctor--“ “No,” Ivy replied quickly. “Stay.” She licked her dry lips and swallowed. At last, her eyes were fully open. Julian smiled. He leaned down and kissed her gently. “Remember me?” he chuckled. Ivy smiled in return when the he broke the kiss. “Of course I remember you, Julian. You’re the kind of man that’s hard to forget.” Back to Fanfiction Back to JUVY is Groovy