Startled, Andrew simply nodded and accelerated without asking any questions.
Heat coursed through my body, turning my face and skin a fiery red, and I struggled for breath.
While driving, Andrew glanced over at me occasionally, concern etching his features.
Suddenly, he asked, âDebra, your face is so red! Are you running a fever? We should get you to a hospital!â
He was ready to turn the car around, but I shook my head firmly and insisted, âNo, please donât take me to the hospital.
I need to see Caleb!â
As I spoke, my consciousness began to fade.
Ivyâs presence within me grew increasingly agitated, my nails digging painfully into my own flesh, the sharp pain barely keeping me conscious.
I felt my control over Ivy slipping away.
In my mind, I desperately called out to Caleb, and with the last shred of my awareness, I managed to pull out my phone and called him.
Caleb answered the call promptly, his tone revealing his irritation.
âWhere are you? Why havenât you come back yet?â
Peering through the window at the building outside, I informed Caleb of my location.
âAndrewâs driving me back now.
Iâll be downstairs shortly.
Wait for me there.
â
There was a brief pause before Caleb replied, âOkay, Iâll head downstairs now.
â
Just as I was about to end the call, Calebâs voice came through urgently.
âDonât hang up!â
Confused, I lingered on the line, barely responding as Caleb continued to speak.
Suddenly, Ivyâs behavior escalated into violence, draining my strength rapidly.
I attempted to retrieve my fallen phone, but my body refused to cooperate, sapped of all energy.
Something felt off.
Glancing out the window, I realized the scenery hadnât changed.
The car hadnât moved an inch.
Panic surged as I understood Andrew had stopped the car.
My mind raced.
I had urged him to drive faster earlier.
I wanted to ask him why he stopped the car, but darkness enveloped me before I could utter a word.
Andrewâs POV:
As I inquired about Debraâs carsickness, I sensed that something was amiss with her; it seemed she might have been drugged.
My initial instinct was to rush her to the hospital.
I suggested as much, but she declined, insisting that she needed to see Caleb.
Caleb? Always Caleb!