69
Izzy picks her way through her breakfast, barely eating anything.
As soon as Jimmy is strapped into the car, I pull her to one side.
"You need to try and relax. He's going to take one look at you and think he has the upper hand. I'm not going to let him lay a finger on either of you, okay? If he even says a word out of line, we're out of there."
She nods and manages a small smile, but there's a hollowness behind her eyes that I hate.
Phil answers the door and immediately scoops Jimmy up into a huge hug, laughing and telling him how good it is to see him. I notice Izzy tense beside me and I place a hand on her back.
He looks up at us as he straightens, Jimmy in his arms.
"Hi, Izzy."
"Hi."
I'm surprised and pleased at the confidence with which she speaks. She stands tall and looks directly at him. She's giving away no signs of being frightened; the pride I feel toward her in this moment is huge.
Phil is a few inches shorter than me, but he's stocky. He looks well; his skin glows where the sun has colored it and his eyes are bright and alert. He certainly doesn't look like a man ravaged by the effects of alcohol abuse. I'm hopeful his story about being sober is true.
"This is Edward," Izzy says.
"Hi, Edward." He sticks his hand out and I reach for it. His handshake is firm but there's no pissing-contest strength behind it. I'm glad, because although I'll defend Izzy and Jimmy however I have to, I'd really rather not. They've been through enough.
Phil welcomes us in. The house is clean and tidy. Izzy told me on the way over it's never been her home, so she has no memories associated with it. I'm grateful for that, because I know that would have made this even harder than it is for her.
Phil's new wife comes out of the kitchen to greet us. She's an attractive woman and is clearly years younger than Phil. A chubby baby boy rests on her hip, babbling loudly. There are no signs that this is an unhappy home and I feel myself relax a little. Whatever demons Phil has, it seems he has them firmly shut away, for now at least.
"Thanks for bringing him," Phil says when Jimmy goes to explore the backyard.
"Yeah, well you didn't leave me much choice," Izzy shoots back. Phil's shoulders drop.
"Izzy, I have no intention of trying to take Jimmy from you. I knew you wouldn't come willingly after everything that happened. I needed to get you here somehow so you could see how I've turned things around. I just want some kind of relationship with my son. If I could change the past, sweetheart, believe me, I would. Your mother would turn in her grave if she knew what I did. I know it makes no difference to the past, but I want you to know that I am sorry."
His eyes flit to me. Izzy catches it too.
"He knows," she tells him, chin held high. "So you don't need to be so cryptic."
Phil glances warily at me and drops his eyes quickly as he nods.
"I don't expect you to forgive me, but I hope you give me the chance to try with Jimmy."
"You need to stop threatening to try and take him back." Izzy's voice is strong and steady.
He nods thoughtfully.
"I'm sorry. I guess I didn't know what else to do, you point blank refused every time I asked."
and turns, heading outside to his Jimmy.
As soon as he's gone, Izzy crumples into my arms.
"You did great, I'm really proud of you," I tell her as I rub her back, knowing without a doubt that she's one of the bravest and strongest women I know.
I love her all the more for it.
~S~