Surprise, bet you didn't think you'd hear from this story again. It's a new years miracle. And a disclaimer.
Isabel hated the airport. It was tedious and noisy and sticky. After she had stayed with Felicity for a week before going back to Starling. And she hadn't gotten use to the new Felicity during that time. She had watched her oldest friend strip all of her cheap dye out of her hair, and throw away all her dark colored clothes. The new Felicity didn't have dark hair, or dark makeup, or dark clothes. She was blonde and bright, and looked a lot more like what Isabel thought she should. A pretty face for a pretty personality. And she'd be in Starling soon.
Which is the reason why Isabel was hanging out in an airport on a Sunday morning rather than in bed with Robert. Felicity's plane will be there in a few minutes, and this time she was here to stay. Isabel knew it would be great to see her again, they hadn't been face to face since her graduation. But until she got here, Isabel was just bored, standing alone in this humid airport. She should be here by now, Isabel thought, while playing around with the necklace Robert had given her, she continued to look for Felicity's dark hair. Just then she felt someone poke her sides, jumping slightly into the air, she turned around to see Felicity standing there. Isabel had totally forgotten about her new blonde head. "Miss me, Izzy?" Felicity said, lightheartedly. Isabel pulled her old friend close and hugged her for a brief moment before letting go.
"Of course I did, Lissy" Isabel said sweetly, "I have no one to stroke my ego in Starling," Isabel politely picked up one of Felicity's bags, she only had to with her, Isabel had had her ship everything over a week ago. She'd even gone through the trouble of unpacking for her. Isabel was just that kind of person. Picking up her brown bag, Isabel directed Felicity to her car and they were off. Felicity was silent for the first few minutes, something that made her friend very concerned. "Still thinking about your dearly departed, Lis?"
Felicity let out what sounded like a long suffering sigh, and said "I know you don't want to talk about it, Iz. So I'll change the topic. Where are we going to for my 'welcome-to-the-real-world' lunch? Or is it brunch? I think I'm still on Boston time so it's like after lunch for me." Isabel smiled slightly, not that she let Felicity see it. Isabel didn't know what she would have said if Felicity had actually wanted to talk about Cameron.
"We are going to Robin's for lunch. You'll love it. Has huge burgers and those fries with the gravy and cheese you love. We can pig out," Isabel said hopefully.
"You're in a crop top, you can't pig out."
"I've got coat, I'll be fine." Isabel hears Felicity laugh next to her, and the entire afternoon seemed to brighten up. The rest of the car ride was filled with light chatter and within minutes they were at the restaurant. They were seated quickly and their orders placed. "By the way, I never complimented you on how nice you look in my hat," Felicity joked lightly. She had taken off her jean jacket to reveal the rest of her floral dress underneath. Such an improvement from her 'goth' phrase, Isabel thought.
"Well that's what happens when you send me all your possessions. I look through them and take the stuff I like," She fiddled with the cat ears on the stolen beanie.
"Does that mean you stole my vibrator? Because Mark is mine."
"Mark?"
"Yeah after Mark Ruffalo. What you don't name your toys?"
"His name is… Robert. And I don't share."
"Liar" Felicity joked munching on a fry. Isabel paled slightly, what did she know that I didn't. Another voice in her head reminded her how much she wanted everyone to know, everyone but Felicity. Felicity would never approve. "You know your toy is named after Chris Hemsworth."
Isabel let out an internal sigh of relief, "You got me." With that she stuffed her burger in her mouth, hoping to hide the uncomfortable look she knew she was sporting. But Felicity was still munching on her fries and staring at Isabel, she'd noticed the look.
"Oh Izzy," Felicity called in a sing-songy voice, "Where'd you get that necklace?" Isabel reached slowly for the necklace, the object she loved so much that suddenly felt like a noose.
"A flea market?" Isabel lied poorly.
"That's not like you. You'd never go without me dragging you"
"Splurged on it" Worse lie.
"That's not like you either. You splurge on shoes, not jewelry."
"Gift?" Why was she telling the truth?
"From the guy you've been seeing?"
"No?"
"I'm a genius, Iz. You can't fool me." Felicity pushed her food to the side and looked Isabel in the eye. "Must be getting serious."
"It's not." When did I get so bad at lying, Isabel thought. Why did she feel like a child trying to lie her way out of stealing the last cookie? "A necklace doesn't mean anything,"
"Mom always said a necklace is a step below a ring. I've never even met him."
"I didn't meet Calvin."
"Cooper. And you didn't want to meet him. I don't even know his name"
"Sure you do."
"No I don't. Can I have a picture?"
"I don't have one."
"Again with the lying. What are you trying to hide?"
"Nothing." God! Isabel could have sworn she use to be good at this. Why was she getting so defensive?
"Another, really? Fine keep your secrets. I'll figure it out, Izzy" Felicity leaned back and took a fry from Isabel's plate. Felicity smiled sweetly, like a girl on a mission. Isabel had lost her appetite.
It was later that night, and Isabel was at home sitting on her couch. Usually her nights were devoted to more paperwork or… overtime with Robert. But tonight was devoted to Felicity and recreating their childhood sleepovers. Sitting curled up on the couch, watching Star Wars or Doctor Who or whatever her current obsession was. Except Felicity wasn't here yet, she was still in her room. Presumably dumping her entire closet onto the floor in an attempt to pick out the perfect "first-day-of-the-rest-of-her-life" outfit.
Just then her phone buzzed with a text message notification. It was Robert.
ROBERT: Let's meet tonight in the usual place.
Isabel frowned. She had told him that she would be busy this weekend, why would he be texting her?
ISABEL: I can't. Felicity just got to town. We're having a girl time sleepover thing.
ROBERT: Very nice but I miss you. It will only be for a bit.
ISABEL: I can't
ROBERT: Come on. Felicia is a big girl, she'll be fine alone for an hour or so. ROBERT: I promise to give you back by midnight.
Isabel stared down at her phone for a few moments, then to the clock, and then to where Felicity's room was. It was ten now, and knowing Felicity she'll be looking for the perfect outfit for another hour at least. She'd be back before she knew it. It was decided. She stood up and strides quickly to the newly occupied room before she lost her nerve.
True to Isabel's assumptions, Felicity stood in the middle of the room decked out in snoopy pajamas, like a child, surrounded by every article of clothing she owned. "What about this one?" She called not even looking over her shoulder. She was holding up a light pink skater dress, before tossing it to the side, "No, you're right too childish." Felicity went back to digging for clothes. When she turned towards Isabel, her triumphant smile faded from her face, "What's with the look, Iz?"
Tell her that you're running to see a friend, a voice in Isabel's head told her, but out of her mouth came "I forgot to do something at work. I just have to run in and finish it up. I'll be gone for an hour, two tops. Then we can watch Firefly, you know how much I love it. Wouldn't miss it for the world."
"It's okay. I still have to try on everything I own to find the right outfit. I'll be a while. Go be awesome at your job." Felicity pulled her into a hug, "Thanks for letting me stay with you by the way." Isabel hugged Felicity and left. She passed a mirror on her way out and took assessment of her blue belly shirt and cat beanie. Maybe she should change? Never mind that. Isabel turned to leave, pulling out her phone to text Robert.
ISABEL: on my way
Four hours later, Isabel tried to slip into her apartment as quietly as possible. Time with Robert had run longer than expected and Isabel had broken her promise to Felicity to be back. She didn't want to have that talk with her. So sneaking was the way to go.
Isabel found Felicity curled up on couch, wrapped up in a blanket. She must have fallen asleep watching Firefly. Let's get her to bed, Isabel thought. She shook her lightly awake, and maneuvered the half asleep girl to her room.
"Hey, Izzy" Felicity said sleepily, "I tried waiting up for you, but you know Boston time."
"I know, Lissy. Work ran over. Let's get you into bed. You got work in about five hours." She pushed Felicity lightly so she rolled onto her bed.
"Okay, Izzy." Felicity was trying to focus on her face, when she suddenly said "What happened to my hat?" Isabel knew exactly what happened to the hat. Robert hadn't liked it. He called it childish, and she had taken it off. And promptly left it in the suite. She'd have to get it back.
"Just left it at the office, sweetie. I'll grab it tomorrow." Felicity accepted her lie, and rolled over.
"Sure thing, Izzy. Just make sure you get it back. Cooper got me that beanie." She yawned, "Night, Izzy."
"Night, Lissy" Isabel turned around, and left the room. Her eyes paused on Felicity's perfect first day outfit and she smiled. It was so Felicity. Isabel closed Felicity's door, and leaned against it, frowning. She hated lying to her best friend.
So, six-ish months in the making and this is what I have to show for it. I apologize. I was going through a lot of shit, and still kinda am. But I was forced to sit down and write this chapter by my beloved best friend, Chrissykins. We were suppose to record a podcast, but instead I was made to write until the chapter finished. Which is probably what I needed because without it the chapter would still be on the second paragraph like it was two days ago. Thanks Chrissy. Anyway, I'll try not to wait six months between updating again. Hopefully the next chapter will be up before the month is up, along with my other story and hopeful a new one. And thank you to anyone who is still sticking with this story. Let me know what you think. Love you all. Good Night and Good News.