A/N I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I didn't get the chance to thank you personally. Please forgive me
Chapter 17
Narrated by Shelly Cope.
Izzy
Bell screaming could be heard all over the compound. Petal thought Bell's nightmares had started again because she was leaving them and going home with her dad. That would take much healing. Petal had spoken to Bell about her life in Forks; Bell had told her what those kids had done to her.
Petal lay in her bed and cried. She cried because hearing Bell having a nightmare broke her heart. But mostly because she thought of Bell as a daughter. Petal knew that Dylan was sweet on her, and she always hoped they might get together when they were older. After all this time, it never occurred to her that Bell's dad would come for her, as Sparrow had promised.
As for Willow, she knew what Bell was screaming about, and so did Bobbie. Bobbie was scratching at the door to get to Bell, but Willow had locked the front door, which was something they never did. That is how she had gotten into Pop and Meme's house. She was determined she wouldn't be giving her dog back to Bell. Pop had given him to her. She was going to call him Dougal now. That was a better name for her dog, and there wasn't anything anyone could do about it.
As for Charlie, he was hoping Izzy would want to go back home with him and Sue. Sue was a wonderful woman, and she understood what Izzy had been through. He was sure once his Izzy met Sue, she would love her as much as he did. He knew Seth would get on with Izzy too; Seth was an easy kid to like. But as for Leah, if she got in one of her moods, she could stop anyone from wanting to go near her.
Bell looked terrible the next day when she got up to milk the cows. She didn't know how she was going to fit everything in. Her list of the jobs that had been given to her was long. She had taken some jobs she knew Willow didn't like to do. How could she tell anyone that Willow wasn't as slow as she came over? She knew her dad would probably notice. But she couldn't think about it now. The cows needed milking and feeding. She had to separate the cream from the milk to start churning the butter. Willow had been pouring the cream away because she didn't want to churn the cream to make the butter. It wouldn't be long before Meme would see there wasn't any butter in the storehouse. She felt like the jobs were never-ending. She just wanted her dog back. Being near him made her feel better, and she could cope with anything without him.
~T&I~
"Hi, Izzy, up already? I thought you would have stayed in bed after last night," Charlie said.
"No, I've got too much to do. I have to get the butter churned, and I've got to skim the milk before Willow messes it up. Meme never told me off, but I felt like she had. Daddy, will you make sure that Bobbie comes with us? I don't think I can go without him. I feel like this is what Teddy did to me all over again. He took my lovey and made me take all the pictures back and the gift I had brought him. I don't understand why he did everything that Jess, Mickey, and Siobhan told him to do," Bell divulged.
"Honey, that dog will be coming home with us. I can promise you that. As for Teddy, he knows what he's done is wrong. He has paid the price. I'm not going into details as we have lots to get through to help you cope with everything without thinking about what those kids did to you. All I'm going to say is that kid paid a price for bending to peer pressure," Charlie reassured. "Izzy, has this Willow done something, and you're covering up for her?"
Izzy looked down. She knew she should tell her dad so he could help her sort it out. But she didn't like to tattle and get people into trouble.
"Daddy, can you get me that jar, plunger, and all the buckets off that shelf? I got up early, so I could get a head start on this," Bell said. "The boys are going to have to sort out the chickens this morning."
Charlie watched as Izzy scooped the milk cream and added salt. Then placed the large jar between her legs. She plunged the milk, making it churn. He wondered why one of the women, or even the boys, couldn't do this. He then worried that Izzy had to work for her keep and they had made her do most of the jobs. The elderly couple liked her, but that Willow has much to answer for today.
"There you are, little one. I thought you might have left after last night. Meme and I will tell Willow she must stay with Blossom for a while. She had no right to come into our house last night. What she did to you was not acceptable," Pops reassured. "Can I ask why you are churning the milk? That's not on your list, is it now?" Pop raised his eyebrow waiting for an answer.
"Pop, I don't want to get anyone into trouble, but Willow hasn't churned the butter in weeks; I separate the milk and cream for her and leave the cream in the jug, but she has been throwing it away."
"Dylan told his dad he thought that was what was going on. Why didn't you tell us before?" Pop asked.
"I thought you would send me away, and my daddy wouldn't be able to find me, but the jailer would," Bell confessed.
"Oh, little one, that would never happen. This explains why you're so tired. Can I have your job list, please?" Meme asked who heard the conversation. "Leave this with me, sweetie."
"Hi Bell's, why don't you start the on the chickens, and I'll churn the cream," Blossom offered.
"No, I'd rather stay with my daddy for a while," Bell quietly said. "The boys must get used to collecting the eggs for breakfast. I'll be going home with my daddy soon."
There was a pained look on all the faces who had heard what she had just said, including Dylan, who turned around and stormed towards Willow's house.
There was no doubt in his mind whose fault it was that Bell was leaving. He hammered on Willow's door until she answered.
"Willow, you always spoil everything, and everyone excuses you because there is something the matter with your brain. But what you did to Bell last night was cruel and wrong. You did everything you knew that would hurt her. That dog isn't yours. It never was. It was always Bell's; only she is so nice, she won't say anything to you. I'm telling you now because Bell is leaving in a few days, and we will never see her again. But unlike you, some of us love her and will miss her. Her smile brightens up everyone's day. She says something nice about everyone, even if it's just saying that your shoes are nice and clean. You never have anything to say nice; you are just cruel to people. Come on, Bobby, let's get you to Bell," Dylan said.
"His name is Dougal, and he's, my dog. Bell is supposed to go with Sparrow. That's how she came. She doesn't belong here. No one wants her here," Willow screamed, stamping her foot.
"Well, that's where you're wrong, young lady. Last night, you broke many of the commune rules. You had no right to come into our house without being invited. You stole something that didn't belong to you. Until Bell goes, you are to stay with Blossom. You will be sleeping there as well. If you want a dog to play with, get Lola," Pop informed. "Now hurry up and get dressed. We have jobs for people to do, and you will be helping to do them as well. I would also like to know why we don't have any butter in the store?"
"Bell has been throwing it away. All she wants to do is get me in trouble, so I can't have my dog," Willow shouted as she threw a pillow at Pop.
"Get dressed, Willow. If you're not in the dining room for breakfast, you will go without anything to eat until lunch. We have overindulged you over the years, but that stops now." Pop growled, shaking his head, and leaving her house.
Walking into the dining hall, the smell of bacon overtook any mood that Willow had caused. There was the usual chatter and teasing.
Meme had looked at the list she had taken from Bell. She looked sad and hurt when she read how much Bell was trying to do. If Charlie saw it, he would think she had been left to do most of the jobs. Meme sat down and re-wrote the jobs for the day. She would ensure that Willow stayed in the store and prepared the jars for pickling.
The list of jobs was passed around. Charlie had never seen fishing as a job before. But he could see how these people lived off the land. They had a quota they need to meet to ensure there was food for people to eat for the winter months. He used to fish for pleasure; if he managed to catch anything worth keeping, he would take it home to the freezer.
Bell was disappointed that she wasn't going to be finishing off making the butter. She was out in the field with Sandy and Dylan pulling carrots and potatoes, but she knew if her back began to hurt, she would be able to harvest the peppers or sweetcorn. There were also herbs to collect as well.
She knew that Sandy and Dylan wouldn't expect her to dig up the potatoes, but she would pull up the carrots. Sandy had a method he had worked on them, and Bell did as she was told. Sandy liked to complete one vegetable before starting another, or things would be forgotten and left to seed.
As usual, Bobbie either ran after the birds barking at them or laid near Bell.
It was almost time to break for lunch when a large vehicle came down the road towards the main buildings.
"Dad, should we hide Bell?" Dylan asked.
"Yes, go down the storm hatch and wait until someone comes and gets you. I'll go down and see who it is," Sandy instructed.
Bell started to panic after last night. She didn't know if she could stay in the storm cellar even if she had Bobbie and Dylan.
Dylan held her in his arms while Bell shook.
"Are you going to go back with your dad?" Dylan asked.
"Yes, I am. I've missed him so much. I knew Sparrow would find him for me. I didn't think it would take this long, but I knew he would," Bell answered.
"Do you think you will stay there always, or will you come back to live with us?" Dylan asked.
"My Dad doesn't live in Forks anymore. He lives in a place called New Jersey. He said it's just over an hour from here. When I learn to drive, I'll come and visit," Bell reassured.
Dylan was about to speak again when they heard the door open at the shelter, and Charlie popped his head around the door.
"It's okay, Izzy; it's Sue and the kids. Come and meet them," Charlie instructed, holding out his hand.
She took her hand and with Bobbie at her side, she came out of the storm shelter. They didn't notice the hurt look on Dylan's face as he followed them across the yard.
"Oh, honey, it's so good to see you. It's not often I get to meet the kids we've been looking for," Sue said as she hugged Bell.
"Ahh, I thought you said she was seventeen. She's so small. I'm going to call you Thumbelina," Seth yelled out as he picked her up and swung her around. "I'm Seth; by the way, your big little brother."
"This is Leah. She isn't in a good mood. She wanted to go and stay with her friends, but we wanted her to meet you," Sue offered.
"We have a cure for people who are sad and stubborn. It's called 'work'," Meme suggested. "Let's eat lunch."
~T&I~
"Seth, you can go with Charlie fishing or with Sandy, Dylan, and Bell to help in the field pulling potatoes and carrots. But we will warn you are pulling vegetables is hard work," Pop advised.
"I'll go and help in the field; I'm sure they will give a Newby some leeway," Seth chuckled.
"You can cut down the sweetcorn. That's an easier job; I'll show you how to do it," Sandy said.
"If you two ladies could come this way, we will show you how to can the vegetables that have just come down from the field," Meme said.
Sue walked from the dining room to the storehouse. She looked around, fascinated at the things they had in such a big building.
"Flora, does that spinning wheel work? I've always wanted to work one," Sue probed.
"Yes, it works. Would you like to learn how to use it? We are behind with the spinning. I will tell you that it is hard on your leg at first. Leah, would you rather go down to the barn with the little ones and brush out the fleece so it's ready to spin, or I can set you up on a loom to make clothes with Blossom?" Meme offered.
Leah just shrugged her shoulder and glared at Sue.
"Come with me, Leah. The quicker all the jobs are done, the quicker Bell will want to leave, and you can go home as well," Blossom said as she took Leah's hand.
"Sue, please don't think we are using you for labor, because we're not. Bell has refused to leave until we have caught up. We had a few things go wrong, and we must beat the clock if we are to survive this winter," Meme offered.
"No, we don't think that at all. One of Izzy's traits is that she will finish anything she has started. Charlie and I are happy to help. You have saved Charlie. He has been lost himself since Izzy went missing. She is his life, and when he thought she had died, he withdrew for a long time. Getting a divorce from her mother helped and having his say to Renee in court also helped with a small amount of closure," Sue divulged.
"I won't lie to you, Sue. We will all miss Bell. We feel we have gotten her through many of her problems, but we hope she can trust people again. I will tell Bell that she is always welcome to come back if she can't cope with the outside world," Meme stated.
Sue watched with amazement the way these women worked together. She could never imagine elderly women lifting the heavy jars that they lifted out of a boiling tub of water.
Sue learned how to use the spinning wheel but had to have several breaks, as it did make her calf sore. Meme was pleased, as Sue had finished five skeins. Blossom had Leah weaving the wool, and she liked doing it. Blossom had let her create her own design, so she decided to make a small rug. She was hoping that her mom would buy it for her. As for Seth, he was having a great time. He had a way of persuading people to let him try things, but soon found out that Sandy was right that digging potatoes was demanding work. He, however, found out he was good at cutting the peppers. He had managed to cut them all and stacked them in a crate, then he had started on the chilies; there wasn't as many of them as the peppers. By tomorrow night, the peppers would all be canned.
The sun was over to the north and they knew it was time to put the sacks of potatoes, carrots, and the crate of peppers on the back of the wagon so the horse could pull it down to the storehouse.
As usual, there was laughter and noise everywhere as they all got back to their home to get cleaned up to go to the dining room. It wasn't long before everyone was enjoying the meal Blossom had made. As usual, they entertained themselves by singing. Bell found out that Sue was a big Beatles fan. She made Bell promise that she would learn some songs she liked.
Charlie went back to Meme and Pops with Bell. Sue and the kids went back to the RV.
"Mom, why do these people only know old songs? Dylan is going to be eighteen years old soon and he doesn't know what my headphones are. I let him listen to Taylor Swift, and he said he couldn't understand the music. Everyone had heard of the song "Shake it off." It's just like stepping into the twilight zone. They don't have game systems, televisions, or phones. Are we really taking Bell or Izzy or whatever her name is home with us?" Leah demanded.
"First, these people have been keeping Izzy safe for years. You have no idea what that girl has been through. I don't often get to meet the kids I do profiles on; they are usually long dead before we can even find them. Do you know how many people have been killed by that man who took her?" Sue growled.
"Leah, don't upset mom. Mom, I'll be happy to move into the smaller bedroom when we get back. I don't think Thumbelina and her dog will fit in the small guest room," Seth said.
"That's kind of you, Seth but Izzy will be upset if she finds out she has taken your room. Something tells me she doesn't have many things anyway," Sue answered. "Come on, everyone to bed. We will have an early start tomorrow as Charlie wants to leave by Friday. That means we have three more days to help these people. Then, Izzy will leave as she won't feel like she has let them down.
~T&I~
The three days flew by. The kids all helped gather the fruit one day and spent another day gathering the last of the vegetables. All but for Leah, who was finishing the rug she was making. Charlie had given Meme $100 for the rug. When they realized that he wouldn't let them refuse the money, they gave up.
The kids had the day to say goodbye to Bell. They messed around in the stream. Bell decided she would catch fish in her unique way. Standing in the water, still waiting for a fish to come near her as she gently moved her hands before she grabbed them and threw them into a net. Her dad was impressed as the last time he had taken her fishing, she cried and said he was being cruel to the animals. She even refused to eat the fish unless he disguised it.
Bell had confessed to Blossom that the water soothed her painful feet. They had passed the information on to Charlie. Along with the fact she had problems with pain in her back and hips during the colder months. They saw the pain on his face when they told him about the scars on her body from the abuse, she had endured during her time with the cult. They also thought that she had broken ribs sometime during the abuse, at the hands of Renee.
It was Thursday night and Bell had packed all her things and they were having a farewell party for her.
"Little one, we know you're going tomorrow; we wanted you to know that you can take the chair and guitar I made you. Also, you can have the knitting needles Sandy made for you," Pop's told her.
They came to realize wooden needles were easier for her to hold, which made them think that her hands had been broken at some point. But being Bell, she never complained.
"Any of the clothes you want to take with you, you're welcome to take as they were made for you," Meme said. "But you must wear the shoes we had made for you. We have just had them refitted and there should be a few more months left in them. I'm sure your dad will have someone look at your feet."
"Thank you, Meme. I have gifts for everyone. I've been making for Christmas, but I'll give them to you all tonight," Bell said.
After their meal, Bell gave everyone gifts. She had painted portraits of all the families. She had knitted gloves and scarves for the younger kids, dolls for little moonbeam, Sandy and Petals, an eighteen-month-old little girl. For Dylan, she had knitted a jumper with all the odd ends of wool that had been left after they had been making rugs and Afghan throws. Bell made Willow a basket, which she left on the table.
Meme, Sandy, and Blossom were all crying, knowing how she needed to go home, but they would miss her so much.
"Now Bell, you are always welcome to come home if anything happens, or it gets too much, even if it is just for a vacation. This is the post office address you can write to. A piece of paper was placed in her hand; someone collects any mail once every two weeks," Pop told her.
"We all love you and will miss you," Meme said as she hugged her.
Dylan gave her ribbons for her hair, with a small bunch of flowers. He kissed the top of her head, squeezed her hand, and stood next to his dad.
Izzy put Bobbie in the back of the car. He panicked a little, as he had never been in a car before. But once Bell got into the car, he soon calmed down.
As Charlie pulled away, Bell waved goodbye as the boys chased after the car, until she could no longer see any of them. She began to panic as she knew now, she would be vulnerable to anyone who might want to snatch her again.
Thanks always to Kellie (Klcivinski) for pre-reading through the chapter and pointing out where it could be improved.
Also, as always, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for all her hard work editing the chapter and making my words pretty.
Any mistakes are all mine.
