Sacrifices of the Soul, Chapter 94
by SIPort

 Theresa was organizing the magazines she had brought for Simone when Gwen came into the room.

” Theresa.”

” The flowers are beautiful.”

” I thought that it would add to the room.”

“ I, um, brought some magazines.”

” Good idea. Well, you can tell the family who the flowers were from. I didn’t want to interfere with her recovery.”

” Thanks. …and Gwen?”

” Thank you, Theresa. Have a nice day.”

Gwen left, and Theresa sat next to Simone.

” Simone, can you believe that? I actually had a civil conversation with Gwen? Between you and me, the only thing stopping us from going at like cats was you being here. I guess that’s a good thing.

You know, for so long, the only thought I had for my life was to become Mrs. Ethan Crane. It was the be all, end all of my existence. But, seeing Gwen today, made me realize what a ridiculous dream that was. Mainly because I didn’t like who I was trying to become Mrs.  Ethan Crane.

In case you didn’t know, I’m involved with Chad. And, it’s terrific. I know that people whisper that I went from one Crane brother to the other, but it’s not like that. At all. Chad knows me. He gets me. And, guess what? He actually likes me anyway. I’m so lucky to have your brother in my life, Simone. He’s wonderful.

And, so are you. Simone, I can’t begin to say that I know what happened to you, because I don’t. I only know that you are loved. Coach loves you. Doctor Russell. Whitney- even if she never speaks to me again – she loves you. And, Chad too. He’s your big brother, and he’s so happy to be your brother. He’s wanted that for a long time. All you need to do is come back. Everyone here will help you take all your steps. Just reach out. They’re here to catch you. They’re here to love you. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you. It’s so bright. Just come to the love.”

“ Hi Ethan.”

” Chad. I’m glad to see you back.” Ethan went to shake Chad’s hand, and he reciprocated.

” How’s Simone?”

” She’s here. With family. I guess that’s an improvement. We’re waiting for the doctors to do their magic on her.”

” I disagree, and I’m sure Simone would too.”

” Ethan, um, I just wanted you to know that I believe you when you say you had nothing to do with that bigot at your dinner. I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion.”

” Don’t be sorry. With our history, I have to earn your trust. I want us to be friends, Chad. We’re already brothers. I want to be friends.”

” I…I want that too.”

” Really?”

” Yeah. I think it would be good for us to be friends. “

” Well, if that’s the case, then would you do me a favor?”

” What?”

” I have this new project proposal, and I’d like a pair of new eyes to look at it. “

“ You know. I don’t know if it’s going to work out.”, Chad said defensively.

” Chad, I know you better than that. You’re getting more comfortable with us as a family. And, with that, you’ll become more involved with Crane. Why not help me now?”

“ Ok. Let me see this project.”

Ethan handed Chad a folder, and the brothers began discussing the project.

There was a ringing of the doorbell at the Mansion.

” Good morning. May I help you?”, the maid asked.

” I’m looking for Mrs. Crane.”

” She’s in the living room. Shall I announce you?”

” Oh no. I can announce myself.”

Eve went into the living room, and pulled the doors closed behind her.  Ivy was at the breakfast bar selecting a croissant.

” Why Eve. Welcome back.”

To that greeting, Eve closed the distance between her and Ivy with lightening speed, and smacked Ivy so hard that she fell to the ground.

” What the….OWWW!”

Eve was down on the floor, pressing Ivy’s face to the carpet, holding her by her hair.

“ You bitch! You stupid bitch!”

” Eve, let me up!”

” Like hell I will. I think we need to talk.”

Ivy is trying to wiggle herself free, but Eve has her pinned to the floor.

” Ivy, I heard what you did to MY SON!”

” Oh, Chad.”

” Yes, you bitch. CHAD! How dare you. HOW DARE YOU!”

Eve flipped Ivy over and they were looking eye to eye.

“ You live in this mansion by MY mercy. MY forgiveness. MY largess. But, you’re trying my patience, Ivy. A few select words, and your carefully built world would come crashing down around you.”

Ivy got a chill looking into Eve’s eyes.

” Good. You believe me. You know the phrase, Ivy. Three strikes. You’ve just done strike number two. If I see you. If I smell you. If Chad gets an ingrown toenail, I’m going to blame YOU. And, you will rue the day you were born.”