Quotes by Colleen Boyd

Get me in here. Get me in here now! I order. I have to get out of the swamp before it happens again.But it does.I feel it before I see it. Dozens of thick, razor-sharp needles pierce my right leg, sinking into my skin. It hurts like nothing Ive felt before, and a strangled scream of pain escapes me.Babette whips her head around, the motor forgotten. Rylan! What is it!Get me out! GET ME OUT! I scream. Fearfully, I look over my shoulder, but seconds later I wish I hadnt as the attacker comes to the surface. It has a scaly body, sharp claws, feral eyes, and a long, ugly, sneering snout thats clamped around my leg.Melanie identifies it with a shriek. GATOR!

This night is going well.Hello there.I speak too soon.Dunstan enters, his two cronies behind him. Everyone standing around goes quiet. I flinch, but not for me; hes gazing at Ivy like a lion at a piece of meat. Ivy just keeps grinning.And may I say you are the prettiest girl Ive seen all night, Dunstan says, not noticing the fact Ivys already taken.Ivy stares down at her feet, a pale blush the color of pink roses brushed across her cheeks. You dont mean that, she whispers, not knowing shes accidentally flirting.I really do, Dunstan continues in his oily, supposedly charming voice, and I roll my eyes. I want to pull Ivy away, but if I do, Dunstan will notice me. And without Melanie breathing down his neck, who knows what hell try to pull?So whats your name, beautiful?Ivy blush deepens and i feel my nails dig into my skin. Im the one whose supposed to tell her shes pretty, not this jerk.My name is Ivy, Ivy replies.Ivy. I like it. It suits you.I feel an arm on my shoulder and turning around, I see Aidan holding me back. Unconsciously, Ive stepped forward, ready to challenge him.So what is your name? Ivy asks, still shyly peering down at her shoeless feet.Acting all surprised he got asked this, Dunstan runs a hand through his hair. My name is Dunstan.Ivys flush instantly vanishes, the corners of her mouth turns down, and her eyebrows knit together.Dunstan? This is your name? Quiet as shes being, I know theres anger there. Id hate to be the recipient of this tone.But Dunstan the egotistical baboon butt isnt aware of the change. Yep, thats me.What is your last name? I feel someone shaking. Aidans still hanging on to me, and hes nervous, too.Dunstan still doesnt detect her malice. Why, my last names Lebelle. Dunstan Lebelle. He chuckles. Perhaps youve heard of me?Oh yes, Ivy hisses, suddenly radiating ferocious fury. Ive heard much about the boy who nearly got Rylan Forester killed.Even with blaring music in the next room, you can hear a pin drop throughout the kitchen as everyone goes quiet, having lost all ability to talk due to flapping jaws. Someone whistles.Excuse me? Dunstan sounds like he cant believe what hes hearing.You heard me. Ivy glares, knowing she has him caught. You pushed Rylan into the swamp where the alligator attacked him. Sure, you can blame the alligator, but when you really think about, if you had not pushed him in, Rylan wouldnt have nearly died. Who, by the way, Ivy steps back, clasping my free hand in hers, happens to be my friend and my date.Everyone bursts into titters—no one has ever spoken to Dustan Lebelle like that—as Dunstan stares at me wide-eyed, finally taking in my existence. But before he can do anything, Ivy pulls my hand.Were leaving, she declares, giving Dunstan one last stink eye. And with her nose in the air and me following, Ivy boldly walks right out the back door.

Rylan!Nadia and I turn our heads simultaneously towards the entrance to the living room as Tim Powers appears.Yeah? I yell across the room.Thats when I notice the expression on Power face. A mixture of awe, amazement, appreciation, and a bit of jealousy.Your girlfriends here, Tim informs me.He steps aside, and a goddess enters the room.Its been forever since I first had those dreams Ivy sent me with her in her disguise. But I still remember how she looks. Pale skin, long hair, bright-green eyes, and a models figure. A perfect dream girl, whos now reality.Ivy smiles shyly as she steps into the room. Her skin is porcelain, unflawed and shiny. White-blind hair, straight and flowing, falls down her back and ends a little bit past her waist. Shes not wearing her woven grass robe, but instead a dress mist likely altered from a piece of clothing from her clothes sack. It probably reached the floor at one point, with long sleeves, but the sleeves are gone and the skirts been snipped away, leaving behind a green dress that shows off mile-long legs.But her face...all that pales in comparison to her face. Heart-shaped, with high cheekbones, an elegant nose, a well-shaped chin, and her lips—shes not covering them anymore—two shimmering, bright green pools I would be happy to drown in or go through. People believe the eyes are the window to your soul, and Ivys soul is beautiful.

Ill never see Ivy alive again.But shes still everywhere. In every drop of bubbling swamp water. In every leaf hanging from every tree. In every speck of swamp mud. In every blade of grass. In every gift she left behind for me: two sacks of miscellaneous objects, a grass bracelet, her home, her love, and my life.A swamp angel named Ivy lived in my backyard. And now she doesnt.But wherever she is, I know shes watching me.Just like the angel shes always been.

Im seeing someone.It gets quiet enough to hear our breathing.Youre dating someone? Aidan asks, sitting back down in my chair. Nadia retakes her spot on my mattress.I glance down at my hands, feeling my cheeks redden. Not dating, really. Its more like I have feelings I havent told her about yet.Do we know her?I shake my head.Who is she? Nadia inquires. I glance up and instantly hate the look of rejection on her face,The lies flow out of me too easily. Her names Ivy. She lives over in Harraway with her parents.Is she our age?Yeah. Shes only a year o

To think I actually talked to the boy who nearly got you killed, Ivy mutters, shuddering with disgust. Im so sorry I did.Its okay. You didnt know, I reassure her as we take a seat on some pool chairs.But you told me before what his appearance was. I should have recognized him!Its fine, Ivy. Even if you did your best to avoid him, he wouldve found way to hit on you eventually.Ivy wrinkles her nose at the unfamiliar language. Hit on? What does that mean?Flirting. Or, for Dunstan, more like a procedure. Hes been hitting on any pretty girl he sees ever since he and Melanie broke up. I dont know if hes doing this to make her jealous or what, but its really annoying.I look back up to see Ivy go rigid. For some reason she looks classically surprised; her hand is over her mouth, and the rosy blush is back with a vengeance,Ivy? You okay?Ivy removes her hand, muttering something so quietly I cant hear it.Sorry?You called me pretty. The moment those words are said, Ivy stares down at her feet as her face gets brighter.Well, yeah, I murmur, my face hot. You really are beautiful tonight, Ivy.

RYLAN!The yell comes out of nowhere and nearly gives me a heart attack. Tearing my eyes away, I watch as Babette comes crashing through the undergrowth. With no regard that I might be severely injured, she bounds over and grabs me in a bear hug.Rylan! Oh my God, Rylan, Babette whimpers. She gently rocks me like Im five years old again. There are some more footsteps, and Aidan and Nadia soon appear. Relief fills both their faces, with Nadia crying happily on Aidans shoulder.Just as I think shes going to crush me, Babette finally pulls back, her face shiny with tears. Rylan, I thought Id lost you. I thought I was never going to see you again. I—I hold up a hand. Babette, its okay. Im alive. Not perfect, but Im alive. I gesture to my leg.Holy crap! the twins say together, staring at my leg in horror and disgust. It only takes one glance for Nadia to really start sobbing. Nadia! Nadia...dont cry, I murmur in an attempt to comfort her. Since shes such a happy person most of the time it hurts to see her like this. Itll heal up. Its fine.B-but it-its horrible! You near-nearly drowned an-and now youre hurt! Aidan pulls her into an awkward hug, trying to calm her down.

I feel something on my chest. Ivys resting her head on me. In fact, shes pulled herself so close that were touching everywhere. My heart picks up speed again, but Im surprisingly calm, seeing her beautiful face close to mine, her eyes closed in an expression of content bliss, and—the best part—feeling her own heart pound in time with mine. Shes feeling what Im feeling.That is when I know for sure.Ivy? I know what I have to do.Mm? Her songbird voice is a calm purr.I think...no. I really, really like you.Like moving through molasses, Ivy raises her head. Her eyes are enormous with bewilderment. But theres no fright, no dislike, no anything that discourages me, With that in mind, I dont hesitate as I move my face and my lips to her lips.Ivys lips are cool like water but delicate and velvety and smooth like round pebbles. She smells like wildflowers, wet earth, and freshly cut grass, which only makes me want her more. I press my lips harder against hers, and a shiver of delight snakes through me when I feel her press back. Daring myself, I open my mouth. So does she, and the kiss deepens. My hand slides upward to caress her satin cheek, and the back of my neck tingles as her fingers play with my hair.This is it. Ivys and my first kiss. I wouldnt have it any other way.Unhurriedly we pull our faces away, though we leave our foreheads touching.Ivy? I peer into her eyes. She doesnt look upset, but more calm and curious.She meets my eyes and asks, What was that?A kiss. You do it with people you like.To my amazement Ivy leans forward and kisses me again. Its incredible as the first time.That is my feeling towards you, she tells me as she leans back. She meets my eyes, her face flushed but determined. I...am...really liking you, too.I smile and pull her to me, and we grasp each other like we never want to let go.She likes me. I like her.This cant get any better.

RYLAN!I feel Ivys palm on my chest and, with a powerful shove, she pushes me back, away from fire, danger, and death. In that moment after the tree plunges, I see Ivy for a single second as I fall. In those emerald eyes is a look of complete calm, undying gratitude, and powerful, protective love.The tree crashes down, the sound echoing in my head.For an eternal moment, I sit there on my butt, staring at the spot where Ivy was standing. Im numb, only registering the slightest changes; the wind dying down, the rain lessening.What just happened?Desperately, I look side to side, praying that Ivy jumped to the side and what I saw was just an illusion made up by my panicked mind.But Ivys nowhere. And theres an arm sticking out from under the trunk.IVY!I sprint to the fallen tree. The smoldering wood stings my hand when I grab the trunk, but I grit my teeth and bear it. Pulling with all my might, I throw the remains of the tree aside.Ivys lying there, her eyes closed and her lower half on fire.No... I fall to my knees and yank off my sweatshirt to try and smother the flames, but they burn strong, and soon the fabrics on fire. I toss it away, not knowing where it lands as Im unable to tear my eyes off the most gut-wrenching sight of my life. My hands go to my head and my shouting grows even louder. No, no, no!This cant be happening. She cant be—

Im never going to not come because of you. Youre my friend.I finally turn around so I can reassure her some more, but I freeze. Guilt stabs me deeply.Shes crying.Its not full-out bawling, but in the little light available I see two wet trails slowly dripping from sorrowful eyes.Ivy?Her wet eyes close as she slumps forward, her shoulders shuddering.

Rylan! Melanie squeals, high-pitched enough to break glass. Im, like, so sorry I havent talked to you all night. Being a hostess is hard work. She dramatically wipes imaginary sweat off her forehead. Anyway, I finally have some free time. So why dont we go dance, hmm?Gripping my waist a little too tightly for my taste, she tries to pull me back to the house. I stand strong., jerking Melanie back when I dont

We turn around and there stands Aidan, looking like he just won a million dollars. He cant keep his eyes off Ivy.Hey, Aidan, I greet. Id like you to meet Ivy.I am quite pleased to meet your acquaintance. Ivy gently shakes his hand.Finally getting a grip, Aidan returns the shake, his goofy grin reappearing on his face. Yeah. Im Aidan. Good to meet you, too.Rylan has told me so much about you.Aidan rubs his chin, a comically sly glint in his eyes. Oh really? Did he say how dashing, brilliant, and incredibly handsome I am?No. I shakes, completely unaware its all a joke. Rylan said you were loud and that if it was not for him, youd still be stuck in the third grade.I snort into my water as Aidan scowls.But he also says youre a good brother, a trustworthy friend, and very funny. She breaks off giggling. And I see what he means. You should see the look on your face!Oh, ya mean this? Aidan puts his hands up and wiggles his fingers as his expression contorts into something even crazier. Ivy continues giggling; even I let out a chuckle feeling my nerves disappear. No more worrying with the whole meet my friends situation.

Nadia...first, Im flattered you like me. Youre a wonderful girl, and Im lucky that I met you. Youre one of my best friends, my only friends. And since that night with Ivy, youve been amazing. You and your brother have truly been there when I needed you to be.I sigh. Maybe if things had stayed normal—if I never got attacked, if I never met Ivy—I may have been able to return your feelings. But now...right now, I need a friend more than a girlfriend to help me get through this.Nadia didnt look very happy, but she nodded; she understood. You really liked her, didnt you?There was no doubt about my answer.Yeah. I did. I still do. And I will for the rest of my life.

If guilt can cause heartache, then Ive definitely experienced it. Seeing Ivy hunched over and crying for probably the first time in her really long life is making me feel like the worst person in the world. With her tears streaked face in her hands, she looks so fragile, vulnerable, and human. I come forwards and give her a hug.

As I came closer, it took shape: long, slender, and curling, with numerous heart-shaped leaves. I felt my soul leap inside me. For Ivys tree was now hung with her namesake. Jade-green ivy clutched the bark with such strength that, no matter how hard you pulled, it would never let go.I know I started crying

I dont hate you, I tell her. And I honestly dont. Because love cant be faked when magics involved. Ivy didnt push me out of the way just to gain a soul. She didnt force anything. It was all her choice to save and lo

We stand, gazing at each other, until Ivy moves again, pulling me into another super hug. But this time as my arms touch her waist, it somehow feels softer than before. I wish I could hold on forever.

Youre one to talk about talking crap, Forester. Dunstans voice interrupts the memory, and I cant help but feel a little grateful. Accusing my dad of poisoning the swamp? What a bunch of bull.Its not bull,I snarl. Your dads dumping trash into the swamp and you know it!Dunstan finally loses it and stands up. The boat tilts dangerously. Melanie and the twins shriek, grasping the sides like theyre glued to them.You two sit down this minute! Babette bellows. Shes holding onto the motor for dear life. Neither of us listens.You wanna run that by me again? Dunstan growls. His fingers curl into fists.Your. Dad. Is. Poisoning. The. Swamp. I let each word out slowly like Dunstans a dumb little kid who needs help understanding.

Hello, Rylan,Ivy greets me. Even with her transformation, her voice still has that magical quality about it. Her white arms wrap me in a hug, which I return. Throughout the room, I can hear disappointed sighs; the crazy-hot babe is taken.