Chapter 84: Becoming A Scott

“What happened?” Ivy asked. “I don’t know,” Geoffrey replied. “Where are you now?” Ivy asked, about to cry. “He just collapsed. I found him in his office.” “Eagleheart Hospital,” Geo replied in a low voice. “Okay. I’m on my way. Hold on for me,” she said, quickly ending the call. “Hey, what’s wrong?” Silas asked, already on his feet. His face etched with concern.

She pursed her lips. “My father just collapsed.” “Oh my goodness!” Thomas exclaimed, standing up too. “Is he okay?” “I don’t know. I have to go find out,” she said, already heading for the door. “I’m coming with you,” Silas offered. “No, don’t worry,” she said, shaking her head. “I’ll be fine. I’ll text you.” “Alright. Let Victor drive you there,” Silas said. “I’ll have Bud come meet you.” She hummed and found the exit and the car. “Victor, take me to Eagleheart Medical Center,” she instructed as she slid into the seat. She gave him the address, already feeling traumatized by the last incident.

By the time they reached the hospital, Bud was already waiting by the entrance. With Victor in the car, Ivy and Bud made their way inside. As Ivy approached the nurses’ station, her heart pounded. “Good day, nurse,” she said, addressing the blonde-haired woman behind the computer. “I’m here to see Patrick Scott. He was rushed in…” “Room 309,” the nurse interrupted. “Oh, thank you,” Ivy nodded, heading down the hall until she found the room.

Outside, Geoffrey was seated on a metal chair. When he saw her, he shot up and ran to her. “Ivy,” Geoffrey said, hugging her tight. He had to crouch slightly to rest his head on her shoulder. “Oh, Geo,” Ivy whispered, rubbing his back in comfort. Geoffrey rested in her arms for a long time, and when he finally pulled away, tears glistened in his eyes. “How are you?” Ivy asked, pulling him gently to sit beside her. “Sad. Scared,” Geo admitted, placing his hands on his knees. “I don’t know how long he was out for. I wanted to talk to him about something, and I found him unresponsive on his desk. Some employees helped to bring him here.” Ivy could hear the shock in his voice and squeezed his hand softly. “What are the doctors saying?” “Nothing,” Geo sniffled. “None of them have come out since they went in.” He gestured towards the room. Ivy pulled Geoffrey closer, wrapping her arm around his shoulder. Despite everything with her father, the thought of losing him made her stomach churn with fear. Her grip on Geo tightened as she felt him shiver. He was trying to stay strong, but she could see how uneasy he was. “How have you been?” she asked, hoping to take his mind—and hers—off the situation. “Good,” Geo replied uninterestedly. “How’s your gaming world?” she teased. If there was one thing Geo never stopped talking about, it was his games. “Any new editions?” “There are new editions almost every month,” Geo replied, his voice slightly brightening. Ivy chuckled. “And I bet you’re killing them.” “Well, yeah. I finished all the levels on Warpath Zero, but I started a new one entirely. It’s called Reaper Protocol, and it’s awesome. I even started live-streaming as I play,” he explained, shaking his hands as he spoke. Ivy had no idea what any of the games were, but smiled. “Successfully unlocked! Geo, you’ve always been a genius.” A proud smile colored his face. “I got into Bristol University.” “What?” Ivy exclaimed, making him laugh. “No way, Geo! That’s amazing!” She hugged him tightly. “When did you find out?” Geoffrey’s smile suddenly faded, and he averted his eyes. “This afternoon. I was going to tell your Dad when he…”

“Where’s Cole, by the way?” Ivy asked. “He’s on a business trip,” Geoffrey answered, and the boy’s heart fluttered briefly as he realized how distant she had become with Cole. She barely knew things about him, and it… “Congratulations,” she emitted, trying to hide her emotions. “I’m sure you’ll make some friends.” Geoffrey’s voice dropped. “Yeah.” Ivy squeezed his hand again. “Dad will be fine.” “I know,” he said softly. “It’s just that…” His eyes darted to Bud standing beside them. Bud immediately got the message. “I’ll be right outside.” Ivy turned back to Geoffrey, encouraging him with a smile. “What is it?” Geoffrey sighed before he spoke. “Your father added me to the family and gave me his name before I applied for school.” “Oh!” Ivy cheered. “That’s great news, Geo! You’re officially my little brother.” She nudged him playfully.

But Geoffrey wasn’t having it. He stood up and began pacing. “I’m grateful he did that, but I still feel so empty,” he said softly. “Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate your family for everything, but knowing that my parents are dead and I don’t have any fond memories of them feels strange.” Ivy stood and reached for him. “I perfectly understand. There’s nothing like your real family.” Her chest tightened at her own statement. Even if her family wasn’t perfect, she still missed them. “I get it.”

Geo sat back down, his eyes glinting with sadness. “Becoming a Scott felt great. I just didn’t expect it to make me miss what I never had.” Ivy nodded, then a thought crossed her mind. “How about you find them?” Geoffrey blinked. “What?” “Your family. You can find them. There are professionals for that. They could help,” Ivy said, her voice raising with excitement. Geoffrey’s eyes widened. “That would be great, Ivy! I could know who my parents were and connect with my existing family! Thank you!” He hugged her. Ivy laughed as she hugged him. But their conversation was cut short when the door opened, and two doctors and a nurse walked out. They sprang to their feet, walking towards them. “Doctor, how is he?” Geoffrey asked anxiously. The older doctor with a bald head stepped forward while the others left. “He’s stable now. It’s good you brought him in when you did.” “What happened?” Ivy asked, hearing the fright in her voice. “He had pneumonia, it’s a bacterial lung infection, but it wasn’t life-threatening,” the doctor explained. “He was unconscious because of the high fever, but we’ve regulated his temperature. He’s awake now, but weak.”

Geoffrey let out a relieved sigh. “Thank you, doctor. Can we see him?” “Absolutely.” The doctor was about to leave when he suddenly paused. “Ivy?” Ivy turned to him just as Geo dashed inside the room. “Hey,” she replied. How did he know her name? “You don’t remember me,” he chuckled. “Last time I saw you, you were younger, always tagging along with your mom…” Ivy’s heart sank as she searched his face, then her eyes fell to his name tag. Dr. Collins. “You… you were my mother’s doctor?” “Oh, so she remembers,” he teased. Relief washed over her. She has found him! “Oh,” Ivy gasped, her heart pounding. “Is it okay if I come see you sometime?” “Sure.” He nodded. As Dr. Collins walked down the hall, Ivy’s heart fluttered with excitement.

Ivy pushed the door to her father’s room, walking over to his bed. Geoffrey was seated beside him, holding his hand. “Hey, Dad,” Ivy smiled, stepping closer. Patrick turned his head, his eyes struggling to stay open. “Ivy,” he coughed. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

Chapter 85: Mason, The Instrument. “Oh, Dad,” Ivy gasped, moving closer to his bed. She reached for his hand, but he flinched away.