"Of course not, Marc and I are just friends!" I replied shouting. "Well, if you say so. We successfully got all the passes needed after all

the begging we did to the Crom. I think your also ready and it's getting late so let's go now to visit Ivy." Noelle told me. This is it. The

moment of truth.

As I walked again at the hallway of Edward Billings Memorial Hospital, I felt the tingling sensation I felt the first time I was here. It seemed a

long time ago but it was only yesterday. When I was looking at the sterile walls of the hospital, I could almost imagine Ivy behind one of those

walls cursing and waiting for me to walk to her and hurt me in any way possible. In no way will I be able to accept that. But it's my faith. I'm

always destined to be the one who's blamed for everything, the one who is always the reason for all the wrong things that happen. I should

be used to that by now. I can't help but regret coming here at Easton in the first place. It seemed that my first step in Easton also means the

spread of bad luck there.

As we approached room 4007, I was resisting the feeling of turning back. In no way will I be able to stop my tears from falling at the sight of

Josh and Ivy together. The thought itself made me want to curl and cry all day. But this is it. We're in front of the door now, in front of the door

that will determine my faith.

"Reed, are you okay? You look so pale." Noelle asked me with concern. "I'm fine," I flashed her a weak smile. "Oh, okay." she told me then

faced the girls. "Girls let's go in now, but be sure to hide your excitement and I'll be the one to invite them to St. Bart's. Okay?" Noelle told them

firmly. "Okay." the girls said in unison. That's what these girls are excited about? As if I don't have other things to worry about.

Noelle twisted the knob and she stepped tentatively inside. She signaled for us to come in and the other girls did. As soon as their all inside the

room, I walked slowly inside. When Josh heard me step in, his head shot up. His eyes were full of happiness. This, of course, was not because

of seeing me but because of Ivy's recovery.

Ivy noticed Josh look up so she looked at the same direction he did. As soon as her eyes met mine, her eyes were suddenly filled with joy. "Hi

Reed! Thank God you're okay!" she sang cheerfully. She doesn't sound like she wants to strangle me or pull my hair to death. "Oh. Hi Ivy," I

replied cautiously. She noticed my shock and confusion so she asked, "What's wrong, Reed? Is everything okay?" I was surprised by her

response.

Before I knew it, the things I have in my mind started to spill. "You don't want to punch me now?" I told her looking like an idiot. "Um, no?" she

replied, confused. "You don't want to strangle me and pull my hair to death?" my mouth suddenly moved by itself. It is as if it is saying

everything I have in my mind without me willing it. "Of course not. Why are you asking those weird questions Reed?" Ivy said with a chuckle.

Even all the girls and Josh started to laugh. Okay. So all this time, I thought this will be the worst time of my life and now it became a funny

scene? It seems like my life is getting weirder each day. "Um, Ivy because you almost died because of me." the tension in the room suddenly

returned. "Reed, none of it was your fault. It was all because of that bitch, Sabine and her psycho sister Ariana." Ivy told me as a matter-of-

factly.

Even Josh came into her aid, "She's right, Reed. Nobody but that Sabine is supposed to be blamed for all of this. You're just a victim like Ivy."

Josh said cautiously as if thinking very hard for the right words to say. The thought of Josh talking with pure concern present in his voice made

my heart swell with pride. But maybe it's just my wild imagination that's making me think he's concerned with me. After all, his present

girlfriend, Ivy was in the hospital right now because he tried to save ME, his ex-girlfriend. I know it sounds ironic but it's nothing but the

truth.

Tears were filling my eyes but I thought better of it. I would not let Ivy and Josh see me weak. I promised to be strong for the three of

us. "So Ivy, the doctor told us yesterday that you will heal in days' time. Since were all heading to St. Bart's for winter break, why don't you join

us? And since were all inviting one friend each, you can even have Hollis come along with you." Noelle suddenly broke the tension but I can still

see Josh staring at me. "Oh, sure! I would be glad to! Josh, you would come along, right? Please?" Ivy said facing Josh with a smile. "But…Ivy…

but…What about our trip to Paris?" Josh stammered in response. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Even before the pre-party, my dad already canceled

the trip because he had an emergency appointment on the week of our trip. I asked him if he can reschedule it but he said he can't." Ivy told

him. Josh hesitated for a moment then replied, "Oh, okay. Sure! I'd be happy to join you!" He told that while looking at me straight in the

eye with fake enthusiasm present in his voice. "Great. Now we all have someone with us! Even Reed invited one." Noelle said, suddenly facing

me. "You did invite that Dreck Boy, right?" Noelle continued. "Marc?! You invited Marc?! Is that what you told him a while ago? That's great

Reed!" Constance said excitedly. "Um, yeah. I invited him. He's been a good friend to me ever since." I replied, uninterested with their sudden

excitement. Now THAT made Josh stare even more at me. I wonder why. His stare is making me melt inside. I can't wait for winter break now.

Going to St. Bart's with the Billing's girls and their friends? Including Ivy and most especially Josh? This is going to be fun.

What do you think? Did I make Ivy and Reed's conversation good? I didn't want them to look like best friends but I want them to be

comfortable with each other. I also want Josh's feelings for Reed to be hidden for excitement!!!! Please review!!! I want to know what

you think!Review!!