Part 4
"So what are we going to do today?" Ivy asked, wiping the kitchen counters
"You'll see…" Carmen smiled mysteriously. Just then the doorbell rang, and Ivy went to answer it, wondering who in the world had found this place.
"Hello, Ivy." Ivy's jaw dropped, it was Josha!
"How did you, why are you…" She sputtered, totally surprised to see him.
"Carmen invited me, " he replied pleasantly.
"Really?" Ivy asked. "Oh Carmen!" she called.
"Yes, I invited him Ivy. Now stop gaping and invite him in." Carmen's voice replied from the kitchen.
"Oh, sorry, come on in." Ivy opened the door wider and stepped aside.
"Thanks," he replied, stepping in.
Carmen came out of the kitchen and said "Good morning, Josha. How are you?"
"I'm great, thanks. You've got a beautiful house, " he replied. Carmen smiled, then turned to look at Ivy, whose face still showed astonishment.
She rolled her eyes "Come on, Ivy. Don't look so surprised, it's not like I haven't done this sort of thing before." Ivy blushed at the memory.
"Now, if you don't mind, Josha and I need to have a little chat, so why don't you take my car and get some groceries?"
"But we don't need any!" Ivy said playfully. She knew full well what Carmen was getting at, but decided to play dumb.
"Yes, we do." Carmen handed Ivy the keys.
Ivy pretended to start sniffling, "Fine, I can take a hint, I know when I'm not wanted.
"Yeah, yeah, now get going!" Carmen teased, swatting playfully at her. Ivy laughed and ran out the door.
"Carmen, what did you do?" Josha asked. "I haven't seen her that happy, and worry-free for a long time!"
"No, no, no! That is my secret." Carmen replied with a smile. "Now come on, I have some questions for you…"

* * *


Ivy returned and found Carmen and Josha discussing their favourite books and authors.
"Ivy, you're back, did you get everything we need?" Carmen asked.
"Yes ma'am." She replied, saluting.
"Good. Well, I've got some work to do, so I'll leave you two alone…" She smiled mischievously as she left the room. Ivy sat down on the couch beside Josha. There was silence for a few minutes, then Ivy finally spoke.
"Sooo" she started. "How have things been at Acme? Anybody miss me?"
"Of course we miss you!" Josha exclaimed. "I think I've had at least a dozen different agents ask me where you are. For some strange reason, they think I would know, I can't imagine why…"
Ivy giggled. "Very funny! How's Zack?"
"He's fine! He misses his sister though…" He replied.
"Yeah, I miss him too." Ivy looked down, then turned to face Josha. "Umm, I want to apologise, I've had to work through some personal problems, and I've been very rude lately…I'm sorry."
"Hey, it's okay." Josha said.
"Also Carmen told me what you did, thank you." Ivy said softly.
"I was worried about you. You mean a lot to me and I could tell something was going on." Josha replied gently.
"Yeah, I think I'm going to be okay however, and…thank you for caring." Ivy said. They gazed at each other for a long moment and then a strange silence fell over the room…

* * *


Carmen glanced up from her work and decided to go check on Ivy and Josha. Walking down the hallway she heard voices, and then, silence. She waited a few seconds, then silently crept inside; smiling at what she saw. Ivy and Josha were so cute together! And she was an excellent matchmaker. Carmen waited a few moments smiling more broadly each second, then crept back out of the room.
Taking a few steps back into the hall, she called "Ivy, Josha!" She changed her face into a neutral position and walked back into the room. Ivy's face was mysteriously crimson and Josha was studying the carpet with great interest.
"I do hope I'm not interrupting anything, I just wanted to make sure you two weren't bored, and had found something to do…" Carmen started innocently. Ivy could tell Carmen had seen them and took to glaring daggers at her.
"Oh, we were just…um…" Josha started to explain. Carmen winked knowingly.
"That's okay. Well, perhaps you two could come help me with dinner
Silence.
Josha nudged Ivy, and she stopped glaring long enough to say "Okay, sure." Josha got up and pulled Ivy to her feet; then they followed Carmen out to the kitchen.

* * *


Later that evening Josha reluctantly said he had to be going; he had to go to work early the next morning. Ivy walked him out to the car…
"Thanks for a lovely time, Ivy," Josha said.
"No, thank you, for everything." Ivy replied, giving him a hug.
"Well, I didn't do much, but you're welcome," he replied, smiling. "So, Monday at seven then?"

"Sounds great." Ivy replied, returning the smile.

* * *


Carmen glanced at the clock and then into the darkness outside, Ivy and Josha certainly were taking their time…
"I wonder if this is how a mother would act," Carmen said to herself. "Making sure her daughter is matched with someone up to her standards, then watching out for her. I do feel rather maternal towards Ivy. I know what life is like for young woman in law enforcement…" Carmen heard the door close and went to the front entrance. Ivy was smiling and her eyes danced.
"Did you have a good time?" Carmen asked.
"Yes, thank you so much! He is so sweet and kind and…" Ivy's voice trailed off.
"Yes, I think he's very nice. And you two make a great couple." Carmen said in a teasing voice.
"That reminds me…" Ivy started.
"Ivy, why are you looking at me like that? Wipe that smirk off your face!" Ivy grinned and moved closer as Carmen turned and fled. Ivy chased Carmen all over the house, until Carmen finally got behind her and backed her into a corner.
"Oh, Ivy, you wouldn't happen to be ticklish would you?" Carmen grinned.
"Don't you dare!" Ivy exclaimed. "Okay, fine, go ahead, see if I ca--" her voice was cut off by giggling.

* * *


Writing about the incident in her diary before she went to sleep she said, "…Carmen never listens! Oh, well, I had a blast! I wonder if she's ticklish? Heeheeheeh, I wonder….

Part 5

"Don't give me that, it's been over three weeks! So what? Look, I'm tired of this. I'm going to do it tonight whether I have your permission or not, so I suggest you cut through tape, do whatever you have to, and do it before this evening!" Carmen hung up the phone angrily and muttered "They always do this! They think they're so high-and-mighty..." Just then, Ivy strolled in.

"'Morning Carmen! Is something wrong? I could hear you as I was coming down and you sounded mad."
"Good morning, Ivy." Carmen replied in a gentler tone. "Sorry about that, I'm fine. I am just trying to deal with some very difficult people who think they know everything."
"Oh." Ivy nodded knowingly. "Hey, how about some breakfast? I can make a pretty mean omelette…"
"Really?" Carmen looked doubtful.
"Sure. Those burritos I made last night turned out okay, didn't they? But you do have house insurance, right?" Carmen's face registered a look of mock horror and with a laugh, Ivy led the way to the kitchen.

* * *


Later that evening

"So, what movies did you pick out, Ivy?" Carmen asked, setting down a large bowl of popcorn on the small table.

"I've got 'A Bug's Life' and 'Ever After'. Some friends who said I had to see 'A Bug's Life' 'cause it's really cute recommended them to me. As for 'Ever After', they said if I'm even a little bit of a romantic I'd love it. It's supposed to be a Cinderella-type story.
"Are you?" Carmen asked.
"Am I what?" Ivy said.
"A romantic."
"Well…"
Carmen smiled and whispered co-hortly "Don't worry, I am too. Promise me you won't tell anyone, though."
"Okay, but you can't tell on me either, it might ruin my reputation." Ivy replied, smiling. Carmen was so much fun to be with; she always made her laugh, and sometimes Ivy felt so close to her…they were so alike it scared her, but ironically enough, that was one of the things she liked best.

* * *


They watched 'A Bug's Life' first--even seeing the hilarious outtakes at the end-- and then Ivy got up to rewind it and set up 'Ever After'. Just then the phone rang and Carmen ran into her study to answer it. After saying hello, she waited, growing impatient as she was transferred through at least 8 people before talking to the person who had made the call in the first place.
"Have you ever thought of downsizing the number of operators to 2 or 3? Never mind, just tell me why you called; I hope for your sake that it's good news. Finally! See, if you would have just done that in the first place I wouldn't have had to hassle you so much. Yes, yes, I know what I'm doing, relax! Okay, thanks." Carmen hung up the phone and clasped her fingers together anxiously; it was all up to her now. She walked back to the Rec. room and she and Ivy watched 'Ever After'. They both enjoyed it immensely, and afterwards spent some time discussing it. There was a lull in the conversation and Carmen knew the time had come. She was really nervous and said to herself "Okay, I can do this… but I've hurt Ivy so many times, I hope she'll understand." Carmen swallowed and turned to face the detective.
Ivy sensed Carmen's nervousness and felt a quick pang of fear. Every time Carmen looked at her like that, something big happened…
"Ivy I…I have something I want to tell you." She started.
"Go ahead." Ivy replied a bit hesitantly.
"You and Zack have been chasing me around the globe for a long time, right? And you know all about my past…but did you ever wonder if I had really turned thief?"
"More times than I can count." Ivy replied softly.
"Well, actually, I'm not really a thief, and I never quit Acme."
"WHAT?" Ivy couldn't believe her ears.
"I'm not really a thief." Carmen replied a little quieter. Ivy's jaw dropped nearly to the floor, she couldn't believe it; Carmen wasn't really a thief? She was overjoyed--her wildest dream had just come true--but she was also deeply hurt and angry that Carmen had been lying to her this entire time.
That hurt, and frustration spilled out as she turned on Carmen "You've been lying to us this whole time? How could you? I mean, all these years? And to think I actually considered you…" Ivy couldn't finish the sentence.
"Ivy, please, let me explain." Carmen pleaded, feeling a mysterious stinging in her eyes.
"I don't want to hear it." Ivy snapped. She jumped up and ran out of the room and Carmen tried to gather her thoughts. She had hoped that Ivy wouldn't react like this; she really felt that the detective needed to hear everything

* * *


She went up to her room and changed into her trademark red ensemble. Perhaps the sight of this familiar outfit would help Ivy feel more comfortable and willing to listen… Carmen made her way up to the attic, planning to start her search up there. She and Ivy were very similar, and that's where she always went to get away…

* * *


Ivy was there, curled up in a black leather chair. Carmen paused in the doorway and a slow smile crept along Ivy's face as she took in the Carmen she was most familiar with.
"You planning on stealing a world treasure?" She asked.
"No, I want to talk to you." Carmen replied, sitting down beside Ivy in a matching leather chair.
"Yeah, well…I'm sorry I ran out like that, I was just surprised."
"That's okay, I understand. Would you like me to explain how my "turning thief" came about?" Ivy nodded.
"After Maelstrom was captured I started to get bored because the crooks I was chasing were--"
"Not up to your standards, I know." Ivy interrupted smiling.
"Right!" Carmen smiled as well. "Anyway, the heads at Acme noticed my restlessness and started to worry that I might quit Acme and perhaps even turn thief. So they came up with a plan: I would disappear, then pretend to turn thief, stealing different priceless objects as a top-secret training program for Acme's finest detectives. That way, if someone more dangerous than Maelstrom came along, Acme would be prepared, and I would still be with Acme…I was hesitant at first because I wasn't comfortable with the idea of deceiving the entire world."
"But you agreed." Ivy said.
"Yes, I did." Carmen admitted. "Although I did make them promise that if anyone asked if I had really turned thief they would answer honestly. Anyway, the project has worked and been kept secret all these years--"
"Because we wondered, but never asked." Ivy said, understanding dawning on her. Silence fell over them for a long moment, then Ivy dared to ask "Why, Carmen. Why are you telling me this?"
"Well…because I care about you, Ivy. You've become like a daughter to me, and I felt you had a right to know."
"Carmen," Ivy breathed, her eyes filling with tears. "You don't know how much that means to me because…you're like a mom to me. You've been there for me more than my own mom has; she never really took an interest in me. It's been really tough, especially these last few years, when I've needed someone to really talk to. My mom doesn't care about my work at Acme, Josha, or anything. You do! And I want to thank you for being here for me, and for all the help and advice and comfort you've given me."
"It's my pleasure, Ivy. You're the best daughter anyone could ask for. Your mom doesn't know what she's given up." Carmen had tears in her eyes now; she couldn't help it. She knew this type of miracle only happened once in a lifetime, if that. Ivy leaned over and she and Carmen hugged tightly. And now, finally, Ivy felt at peace.

* * *


Later, Ivy thought of something. A wild idea, but maybe…
"Come in!" Carmen's voice called in response to Ivy's gentle knock on her bedroom door. Ivy stepped in.
"Hey, Carmen. I know this'll probably sound weird, but could I brush your hair out for you?"
"Sure…" Carmen replied, a little puzzled. She and Ivy sat cross-legged on the bed, and Ivy started to gently brush out Carmen's very thick hair.
"You want to hear where this idea came from?" Ivy asked after a few moments.
"I'd love to."
"When I was younger, I'd spend a week at my Grandma's house every summer. We always had a ton of fun, and every night she would brush my hair out, and tell me stories from the Bible. She had a strong faith in God…" Ivy paused for a moment, thinking. "And you know, she was the only person in our family who ever took a genuine interest in Zack and me."
"Was?" Carmen asked.
"Yeah, she died when I was eight. Her brushing my hair out is the strongest memory I have of her."
"I'm sorry. It sounds like you loved her a lot."
"Yes." Ivy replied, growing a little sad.
"I don't know if it helps, but I'm honoured that you're sharing this memory with me." Carmen said gently.
"It does." Ivy smiled. "You've got great hair, by the way." Ivy handed back the brush. "Night."
"Goodnight" Carmen answered.

Part 6

When Ivy got up the next morning, Sunday, she took a shower and packed her suitcase; Josha was coming to pick her up this morning. He was picking her up because she didn't have a car and she didn't want the C-5 to give away the location of Carmen's house. Of course, there were other alternatives, but why mess with a good thing?

After packing everything up, Ivy went down to the kitchen where she found Carmen sipping a cup of coffee.
"How in the world can you stand that stuff?" Ivy asked. "It tastes like dirt." Carmen chuckled.
"You get used to it."
"I don't know…give me plain old milk or water any day." Ivy poured herself a glass of milk and sat down across from Carmen.
"Are you all packed?"
"Yeah, I did it before I came down."
"Ah." Carmen said. "And when is our handsome friend coming to pick you up?" Ivy glanced at the clock; it was 9:48.
"He should be here any time." She replied. Just then, the doorbell rang, and Carmen went to answer it.
"Good morning, Josha."
"Hi Carmen. How are you this morning?"
"I'm fine thanks."
"That's good. I want to thank you again for all you did."
"Anytime." Carmen smiled.
"Hey Josha!" Ivy called, coming down the stairs with her suitcase
"Hi Ivy. You're looking very chipper this morning," he said.
"Thanks." She returned.
"Well," Josha said, "I think I'll bring the suitcase out and give you ladies a few minutes to say goodbye." He left, and Carmen and Ivy turned to each other.
"I guess this is goodbye…" Carmen remarked.
"Yeah, I guess it is," Ivy replied. "Thanks again for everything you did. It meant a lot, and I had a great time."
Carmen smiled "I've had a great time as well. I can't remember a time when I cried and laughed as much as I did this week. And, I've found a daughter…" Carmen's voice trailed off and she pulled out a small package from her pocket. "This is for you. You can open it after you leave." Ivy took the gift and then they embraced.
"Goodbye." Ivy whispered, then she left.

* * *


After they had driven for a few minutes, Ivy opened her package. It was a little glass jewellery box with a hummingbird on top and gold trim; it played the song "The Wind Beneath My Wings", when you opened it. Inside, there was a note that brought tears to Ivy's eyes as she read it. 

Ivy,							
I have watched you become a lovely, wise and caring woman 
over these past years and I'm very proud of you. Remember to 
let those you care about know how you feel, not being afraid
 that they will always leave. And never be afraid to dream. It
 doesn't matter if the dream comes true or not, what matters is
 where the dream takes you on it's journey, so dream big!
	Love,
	  Carmen
Ivy smiled. Trust Carmen to know what her thoughts were before she even did. But wasn't that what mother's were supposed to do?

* * *


Carmen went to her room and closed the door. She saw something on the windowsill and went to see what it was. It was a single red rose sitting on top of a white envelope. She softly touched the rose petals, remembering the last time she had been given one, then opened the envelope and pulled out a card. 
Carmen,
Good-byes are usually hard for me; I've said them so many times.
Thank you for trusting me with your secret, I promise it is safe
with me, and thank you for listening to me. It's a great feeling
to know I have you to confide in. Happy Mother's Day!
                Your daughter,
			Ivy

A single tear of joy ran down Carmen's cheek, but with her joy came sadness as well. What had happened could never be told; she and Ivy would have to go back to things being as they were. She was the thief, Ivy the detective; they were once again adversaries. The world would never know what had gone on that week…but they would. And that's what mattered most.


The End Back to Crimenet 1
Hosted by www.Geocities.ws