"Oh my!" Bea exclaimed, covering up her mouth with brightened eyes.
"Another guy did too,I think she was the reason they fought.. I mean the reason Ian beat the guy up, unlike other people Ivy acted a little bit different, "
"What did she do? "Bea asked with an excited face.
" She simply laughed, she found every single funny usually folks ran off for their lives but she was as brave as Ivy.. I'm comparing her to herself but do you know the most fascinating part? "
"I-I'm all ears,sis"
"He stopped the second he stared right in her eyes and noticed she wasn't scared or didn't run off, he stopped and he didn't move over to hurt her, he just kept looking at her that's what I'm trying to explain.... everyone sees him as a monster. Bea.. he needs someone to help show him that he isn't horrible and it starts with you, "Anita said, she stopped to lookat Bea who looked like she suddenly remembered something.
"Anika, you're a genius!" Bea announced, smiling.
" Of course, I am but the reply I was expecting was -"
"It starts with you,it's a book I found in Ivy's room about a guy almost like Ian but love like erotic love changed him for good!"
" What point are you trying to -"
" He saw Ivy and maybe he had this sort of cosmic connection with her, that was why he didn't hurt her, Anika! Maybe he's in love with her and she probably likes him too, "
"Pttft.. Ian can't be in love with a random girl he just met at the pool and Ivy -"
"Has heard stories of him and she finds him interesting, "
"Are you suggesting we set both of them up? Something like a blind date, "
"Yeah, "
"No...Bea, no"
"Why? " Bea asked, pouting her lips.
" I would have suggested an arranged marriage but I'm sorry to point out that Ian's is too dangerous for Ivy, "
"I know but -"
"Ivy has one more shot with a couple coming tomorrow, they're from the UK and England seems to accommodate artists like her, based on her doctor's report Ivy's chances of speaking are 30% and you think Ivy would be that supportive? "
"I-I...well it's my fault for having a jerk like him, I'll come tomorrow to tell her goodbye, " Bea said, looking disappointed almost to the point of tears.
" It's alright dear, I'm sure we'll find another way, okay? "
"Okay, " she muttered and Anika started the car again.
Bea was at the edge of breaking down, not because of the fact that she couldn't merge Ian and Ivy together but because Ivy was going to leave the states for the UK. She was going to be a thousand miles away from her reach and the thought of telling her goodbye made her heartache. The pain of losing her talk buddy and human therapy was almost like a nightmare.
That punk she gave birth to could never ever replace her not even a little bit. She thought about what Anika said Ian was indeed too dangerous for Ivy and even for her too.
××××××
The next morning, Bea woke up and got ready for one of the most toughest days of her life, she drove straight to the orphanage without her driver.
She had a little ray of hope when she saw Anika waiting at the entrance, she walked up to her after taking a couple of deep breaths.
The two ladies walked into the orphanage with their hands interlocked and headed to watch Ivy's meeting with her soon to be parents at the garden.
....
"Hi my name is Harrison Thompson and this is my wife Tina Thompson,"Harrison introduced, pointing at the lady with him.
"You're really beautiful, Ivy" Tina complimented and Ivy responded with a smile, she made a gesture which meant she wanted to give them something and Tina smiled at her.
"Oh, it's a letter" Harrison said, taking it from her hand. He read it aloud to Tina's hearing and Ivy kept smiling.
"Dear Mr and Mrs Thompson,
Thank you so much for thinking adopting me, I'll forever be grateful. It isn't easy to raise an eighteen year old kid with mutism and I can't promise both of you that I'll be the perfect version of the daughter you've always wanted, there are millions of kids who would kill to live in an amazing home like yours and they're right here. If you wish to make me happy please adopt a ten year old here. Her name is Martha, she's a singer and has a really superb soprano voice. Since you guys are musicphiles please adopt her and help her develop her talent. I found out yesterday that a friend of mine is in desperate need of my help and even if I can't offer the best way of helping, I'm willing to sacrifice a perfect home for her happiness, please understand and please, please,please adopt Martha. Love, Ivy," Harrison finished reading and stared at the letter and the girl who was still smiling at both of them.
"It's alright Ivy,we understand..good luck with your friend." Tina said and wrapped Ivy in a warm embrace before standing up to leave.
Bea who was watching from behind was a little bit puzzled about the turn of events. When she saw them embrace each other she felt like the world was crumbling right before her but watching them leave was totally confusing. Harrison and Tina approached them and Anita who didn't look confused or surprised smiled at them.
"Come with me," she said and the couple followed her. Bea hurriedly went to meet Ivy who sent her a text as soon as she sat close to her.
"I'll help you, Mrs. Kim, Ma'am Nika told me all about your plight, I do not love your son but you've helped me in so many ways and I couldn't think of a better pay to repay your kindness... I'll get married to your son as you requested but if he doesn't change in two months then I'll divorce him, "