~~~~~~~~~Third Person POV~~~~~~~~~

It wasn't a long way home, maybe around ten minutes walking through the forest, but it sure as heck felt longer than that.

Ashley kept making lighthearted conversations, mostly asking about what had happened after high school and about Noah, since they didn't know each other yet.

Iv, however, was quieter than usual, for someone who was quite sociable. She mainly just heard them talk, and added a few comments here and there, but not as much as she normally did.

Noah could see it as clear as day.

Something was off, way off, it made him anxious to think about it.

Once they reached the house, Alyse was the first to greet them, as usual. Though as her eyes landed on Ashley, she tilted her head in confusion. "Who is you?"

"This is a friend of mine from high school, she'll be staying with us for a bit." Iv tried to sound as casual as she could, trying to relax herself.

But it was much easier said than done.

Ashley let out a gasp. "This is Alyssa?!?" She walked over, now in front of the young girl. "How much you've grown!!! You're the most adorable child I've ever seen!!!"

"I mean, can't argue there." Alyse replied with an innocent smile.

Iv swallowed back the urge to pull her away, afraid she would do something to Alyse in any way. She couldn't let her guard down, not completely, but not enough to let others be suspicious.

Ash then turned to Iv with a bright smile. "What about Aiden, is he around? I haven't seen him in so long!"

"Not right now, he's on a date with his girlfriend." Alyse explained as she looked back at the TV.

Iv didn't know if it was good or bad her brother wasn't here. She couldn't think as well as before, not with all of the nervousness that kept clouding her mind.

She took a deep breath, putting on a smile. "You can make yourself at home, we have an extra bedroom just down that hallway. I'll be back soon."

Of course she hated the idea of leaving her on her own, but Noah was there, too, he could easily take care of himself and Alyse, she trusted him.

Besides, she really needed some time to herself.

She went upstairs and into the bathroom. She might've already showered, but having a nice relaxing bubble bath to calm herself didn't seem like a bad idea.

Although she couldn't stay for too long, God knows what Ashley's planning.

Once filling up the bathtub enough, she stepped inside, letting herself sink into the warm water. Letting out a sigh, she allowed a small smile to grow in her face. This is exactly what she needed.

Around ten to twenty minutes later, she got out, drying herself and putting on a simple outfit before going outside. As she started to walk downstairs, she could hear Alyse and Ashley's laughter in the wide room. As much as she wanted to lock herself in her bedroom, to stay inside until this nightmare was over, she couldn't leave her family alone.

Granted, Ashley was technically family as well, but after those incidents six years ago, it was hard to feel sympathy for this girl.

"Iv!" She came back to reality as her little sister called her name, making her look over as Alyse waved. "Come over, join the conversation!"

Taking a deep breath before walking over, she sat beside her sister who had a bright smile on her face. Ashley did too, but she didn't want to look at her.

It made her angry just being in the same room together.

'Hopefully she'll leave soon enough, right?' She thought, forcing on a smile.

Thanks for reading!!! 'Till next time!!!

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