Chapter 27
A/N I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter.
In England, the kids are on their summer holidays. I look after all my grandchildren. I get exhausted. So, I'll get chapters out as I can fit it in.
Some of you may know after my hip replacement I fractured my femur while doing my excuses. I still have a brace on my leg. Also, I had a fall and I have a brace on my right hand and wrists after a fall. I'm finding it hard to type.
One of my granddaughters is convinced the hospital is turning me into a transformer. She now calls me Granbot.
Teddy
Narrated by Shelly Cope.
A few days after the start of the semester, Teddy noticed Waylon was fencing in the entire back of the Swan property, with what seemed to be a gate at the end that led into the forest.
Teddy was watching with frustration as his parents would visit the children across the road. He had seen Rose going in as well. But never Alice or his brothers. Marie was definitely nervous around people. She seemed to be nervous of her own shadow.
Teddy questioned his parents about why they were going over there. Charlie asked them to look in on them. Someone seemed to be causing them problems, making Charlie a little nervous. An unknown individual damaged the gate, which allowed the dog to wander into the forest. He was hurt when he caught a branch, and it snapped in his chest.
Also, Marie had a patch of garden where she grew vegetables. Someone had poured bleach over all the plants, and everything had died. The damage to the soil prohibited her from replanting in that area. The chief had interviewed the neighbors, but no one had seen anything.
It made Teddy angry to think someone would do that. Once someone had dug up his mother's rose beds as a trick-or-treat prank. He saw how devastated his mom had been, so it must have been the same for Marie.
He felt the urge to help her dig a new patch, but he knew she was unlikely to answer the door for him. Or she would send her dog to as she put it, "herd him across the road" yet again.
A company came and put up security cameras around the building. No one had had any trouble before. It concerned him to think that those kids were victimized. Marie was alone at home while everyone was at school. He knew his parents were concerned about that.
The other thing that annoyed him was those damn blankets. Everyone in Teddy's family seemed to have them draped over their sofas. He also watched Emmett and Rose's youngest, Grace, carrying around a small blanket just like Linus from Charlie Brown.
Teddy would admit that he sat in his bedroom and watched Marie as she was in her window room. She was typing, or she liked to do some kind of drawing. He wondered if she was some kind of architect. It appeared she had some kind of drawing table.
But once again, as always, when he went to his parent's house, he stood in front of the painting by Phoenix. The two children and a tree house looked so familiar to him. But he couldn't understand why.
~T&I~
Izzy
Izzy had settled into a routine. The other two were in school every day. She would work on any project that needed her attention.
Helen would be here in a few weeks, and they would work on her being able to go into stores to go shopping and get a coffee without having a panic attack.
Izzy was writing another book. This one was specifically aimed at younger teenagers. She had a storyboard table set up with notes and the first three chapters were already written. It was about an enchanted potion that made a grasshopper fall in love with a fairy princess. She was working on illustrations of the insects on which the story was based.
Izzy had just sent a children's book to her editors. It was part of the Teddy Bear series. The title of this book was "Where, oh Where are You, Teddy Bear?"
Izzy also had a painting on commission, which she had completed. She was just waiting for the carrier to pick it up. She seems to work easier here, which surprised her.
Izzy had noticed that the woman who had always been at Teddy's wasn't around anymore. She had asked Esme about her. Teddy had a stalker. Izzy wasn't worldly and hadn't even had her first kiss. Unless she counted the time Teddy had kissed her when they were in kindergarten. But it seemed strange that he would invite a stalker to spend the night at his house.
Leah had come home fuming. Teddy's friend the art teacher Chelsea Cheswick had been giving Leah and another girl a hard time in art lessons. Leah said Chelsea was crap and couldn't draw to save her life. Leah had argued with her over a portrait. Chelsea said everything was symmetrical and Leah said that it wasn't. Also, when Izzy was giving Leah art lessons, she had shown her how to make a grid faintly on the paper to be able to make the shape of things more believable. Izzy had never had to use that method, but it was how she had taught Sandy to draw.
Leah pointed out that she might have a degree in art, but she didn't know how she managed to get it. Unless it was on her knees or her back.
Leah wanted to tell everyone that Izzy was a multi-millionaire because she was a brilliant artist and author. She would also make an awesome teacher. But she knew that it had to stay a secret to protect Izzy.
~T&I~
Izzy picked up the phone to ask someone if they could help her start on her "shit list". At the moment, there were only two names on her list. But one of them had had this coming for a long time.
"Hello," the voice on the other end said.
"Hi, Emmy bear. It's Izzy," Izzy began.
"I'm so glad I got to talk to you. I'm so sorry for what happened in Mom's office. I never thought that you had problems that affected you like that. I would never hurt you," Emmett rushed out, saying.
"Emmy, it's okay. I would be okay now if you gave me a small hug. I'm getting better. Helen, my therapist, is coming to stay with me for two weeks just before Thanksgiving. We FaceTime twice a week, but we are working on me being able to go into shops and the diner," Izzy offered.
"That will be great. Both the kids have settled in school. Seth has made the basketball team. Leah is a little more reserved. But I suppose that is what you get with twins. Anyhow, what can I do for you?" Emmett asked.
"Is it easy to find crickets?" Izzy enquired.
"Well, you can get them from the meadow. Is there a reason you want to know?" Emmett quizzed.
"I know it might sound a little petty, but Teddy and his girlfriend are on my "shit list" and it's time to pay the piper," Izzy replied.
"Oh, this sounds good. Tell me about it all," Emmett chuckled.
Izzy spent the next five minutes explaining to Emmett how they called the sheriff because she was playing her guitar and singing. How the neighbors had dementia, and she used to think she was back in her teens. How they said she kept them awake because she sounded like a cricket.
"So, you want to collect some crickets and put them in their bedroom, so they know how annoying crickets are when you are trying to sleep?" Emmett laughed.
"Yes, that's about what I want to do. I just have to figure out how I can get into their houses," Izzy signed.
"That will not be a problem. Mom has a spare key to Teddy's house. Do you remember Jared, Jazz's friend when they were in school?" Emmett asked.
"Yes, I remember him," Izzy answered, puzzled.
"He's the janitor of the building that Chelsea lives in, and I know he doesn't like her. He will let us into her apartment to put the crickets into her bedroom," Emmett informed. "Let me know when we can get it all together. I'm really looking forward to this. Bye, Izzy."
~T&I~
They had several discussions over the phone about the dynamics of finding crickets and the best time to put them into their respective houses.
The plans soon came together. Emmett took Izzy, Seth, and Leah to a beautiful meadow just on the other side of Esme and Carlisle's property. So, during a picnic, the three of them collected crickets. They put them in two separate containers, three crickets in one and two crickets in the other. Izzy thought more than that would be unbelievable.
Three days later, Izzy got a call telling her that one of them would be around at about ten in the morning.
~T&I~
"See you guys after school. Do you have your lunch money?" Izzy shouted as the kids grabbed their car keys.
"Yes, Thumbelina, I've got practice tonight," Seth yelled as he walked out of the house.
"See you tonight, Izzy. Call me if you need me to come home," Leah said as she hugged Izzy.
Izzy made herself busy trying to not keep looking at the clock. It was uncertain which Cullen would arrive to assist her. Second thoughts crept in as a knock sounded at the door. She went to look through the peephole. She saw Alice looking a little uncomfortable.
Slowly, Izzy opened the door.
"Hi, Ali. How are you?" Izzy whispered.
"I'm good. Can I come in? Then we can get this plan put into motion," Alice said with a smile.
"Sorry please come in," Izzy replied.
"Izzy, I'm so excited. I haven't done anything like this in years. I thought I would drop the package off on my way to work so Jared doesn't see you," Alice informed.
"That will be good because I can't let Jared see me in case he recognizes me," Izzy replied.
"It might be best if Bobby doesn't come into the house. Will you be okay in there without him? It's just that we can't risk dogs' hair getting on anything. If it does, he'll know someone has been in his house," Alice advised.
"Yes, I'll leave him on our side of the road. He will come across if I shout for him," Izzy replied.
"Let's do this," Alice laughed as she took Izzy's hand in hers.
Izzy gasped.
"Shit Izzy I forgot. Are you okay?" Alice panicked.
"Just give me a minute. I'm sorry Alice, it's really not you. It's just…" Izzy tried to explain.
"I know honey, I'm sorry. Come on, let's get some revenge on that idiot," Alice sniggered.
Alice opened Teddy's door and disarmed the alarm.
"I thought we could let them out in his bedroom. Come on Izzy, it's this way," Alice said, grabbing her hand again.
Alice heard Izzy gasp for her breath.
"Sorry, I forgot again. It's not my intention to cause you any distress," Alice reassured Izzy that she would never hurt her.
"I know it's my fault, Ali," Izzy said with a choked voice.
"No, it isn't. It's all those kids who did this to you. But you're an amazing young lady. You survived all you endured and have come out on top," Alice said, holding both her hands.
She wiped the tear from Izzy's eyes and hugged her.
"Come on, let's get this done," Alice giggled.
They went into Teddy's bedroom. She was hit with the smell of cologne. She closed her eyes, trying to imagine Teddy smelling like this.
Alice turned round when she heard Izzy gasp. There were two pictures on Teddy's bedside table. There were both her and Teddy. One was both of them laughing and holding hands while they were walking from the treehouse. The other was of them both with armbands on in the swimming pool.
"Wow, I didn't know they were there," Alice said. "Come on, Izzy, our job here has been done."
For the next several nights, as Izzy worked in her studio, she kept seeing Teddy's light going on. Every morning, he looked more tired.
Just over a week later, she saw Waylon going into the house. A few hours later, he came out, and she heard him say to Teddy.
"Teddy, sometimes insects get into houses. You might have taken them into your house for the washing. Even on a blanket if you have been sitting outside. They could have come out of your school bag. They could have come from the school where you teach science. You can't blame anyone for doing it," Waylon answered as he walked away.
Teddy looked over the road, shook his head, and walked into the house.
~T&I~
"Marie, is it okay if Simon, Ethan, Beau, and me play basketball if we use the portable hoop? I don't want to smash your studio window again," Seth asked.
"Okay, but don't annoy the neighbors, especially the grumpy idiot across the street," Izzy replied.
"Izzy, you know he will probably start on the boys just because he can. He picks on Beau all the time. He has since his first day in his class. It's got something to do with him going to school with his uncle. We keep telling him to tell his parents, but he won't," Leah informed.
"Do you know who his uncle is?" Izzy asked.
"No, he never said. But you would probably know him, wouldn't you?" Leah questioned.
"Yes, I suppose I would probably know the name, maybe. But I wouldn't know what the dynamics of their lives were after I was kidnapped," Izzy shrugged.
"I'm sorry Izzy, I didn't think about that. I'm really sorry," Leah whispered.
"Don't worry about it Leah, it's nice that you forget; it makes me feel normal. Will it be okay if I go to my studio? I've got to get the book to the publishers, and I still need to get it together. If you get bored, you can come and do your homework in the studio." Izzy said.
"Yes, thanks, that would be great. I just don't seem to fit in with anyone at school. I just wish there was someone like you there," Leah sighed.
"If you still have problems, we might have to ask Rose if there is some kind of after-school club you might like," Izzy said as she gave Leah a hug.
She had been in her studio just under an hour when she heard shouting.
"I'm sick of that ball coming over into my yard. Why can't you play in the back or down at the park?" Teddy yelled.
"Sorry, Mr. Masen, we didn't mean for it to go across the road. Could we have the ball back?" Seth asked politely.
"No, you can't. It's the only way I don't have to listen to you yelling. I have papers to grade. How am I supposed to concentrate with all the noise you four are making?" Teddy yelled, going into the house carrying the ball.
"Fucking asshole. Who the fuck does he think he is? We're not in school now." Beau growled.
"That's the fifth ball he's taken from me in the past week," Seth grumbled as he threw himself down on the porch.
"Can't you get Marie to go over and get them back?" Beau asked.
"No, I don't like to. She has panic attacks, and she hates his guts. She gets Bobby to herd him across the road every time he comes over. I think she used to know him when they were younger and they didn't leave on good terms," Seth replied.
The door opened and Leah came out.
"Why are you moping about for little brother?" Leah asked.
"Leah, you're twenty minutes older than me. That ass has taken yet another ball from us. Apparently, we were making too much noise," Seth grumbled.
"Who's taken your ball?" Izzy asked.
"Mr. Masen," Ethan scoffed.
"Is that so? I'm sick of him thinking he is better than anyone," Izzy growled as she marched across the road, followed by Bobby.
She hammered on Teddy's door.
Stepping off the porch, she waited for him to answer the door.
"I've told you. I'm not giving you the ball back," Teddy yelled.
"Oh, is that so? What gave you the right to take the balls from the boys?" Izzy yelled back.
"Sorry, Marie, I thought it was your brother and his friends. It's nice to have finally met you. I'm Edward Cullen. My family calls me Teddy," Teddy said, holding out his hand.
"I know who you are. Half of the street also knows your name with the way your stalker calls out your name while in your bedroom. If it wasn't for the fact, I know your parents and they are wonderful people and Emmett is a sweetheart, I would question your upbringing," Izzy began. She was now visibly shaking.
"Who the hell do you think you are speaking to?" Teddy yelled back.
"I'm the person who lives across the road when I'm trying to work, having to listen to her. I'm the person whose little brother and his friends are getting bullied by you," Izzy snarled.
"Fuck you, you wait one minute?" Teddy tried to speak, but Izzy cut him off.
"I can't believe what you did, Teddy Cullen. You're a disgrace. You're childish, and you need to grow up. You're not in high school or college. You should set an example for those boys. Not showing them how they can catch a sexual disease," Izzy growled.
"Just hold on a minute. You don't even…" Teddy tried to speak.
Izzy didn't give him a chance to speak. Izzy was on a roll. She prodded him in the chest as she said. "Also, you have no right to take their balls. No one else complains about them playing. If it bothers you, I'll invite the entire basketball team to practice here. Then sit with my guitar and sing as loud as I can. I might even throw a party. So, give me the balls back and leave us alone."
Teddy bent down, so he was her height, and said, "No!"
"Come on, Bobby," Izzy said as she ran her hand through his fur.
"You want to play the dick? You will be sorry you crossed me. I know how to protect myself and my family from people like you," Izzy snarled.
Bobby looked at Teddy and growled.
"Wow, Marie, way to go. You're my new hero. Wait until I show the guys this," Simon laughed.
"How are you going to show them?" Izzy asked.
"We recorded it on our cells. It's a classic," Beau continued.
"No, you can't put that on the internet or pass it on to anyone or we will have to leave," Izzy panicked.
"No sis, we promise we will only show the basketball team and Mr. Cullen, then we will delete it," Seth promised.
Now Izzy was shaking and gasping for breath.
"Come on Marie, I'll make you a drink and you can lie down for a while," Leah said as she held her hand out.
"Dude, why did she freak out? Has someone hurt her? Are you guys hiding from someone?" Ethan asked.
"She had an unpleasant experience with a group of people, and she has been having therapy. Just don't let the Chief or my dad know about the video," Seth advised.
Leah quickly got Izzy one of her pills.
"Izzy look at me. Take a deep breath. Now blow it out, breathe in, blow out. Keep looking at me," Leah continued to say.
Izzy's hand went down, and she touched Bobby's fur. She managed to calm down.
"If he wants to collect balls, I'll help him collect as many as he wants," Izzy muttered to herself as she got her laptop out and logged into Amazon.
~T&I~
A week later, Alice, Rose, and Izzy found themselves on Izzy's porch with several enormous bags of balls meant for a ball pool. Only Izzy had brought them for another reason.
"I've got his spare car keys from Mom and Dad. Izzy, how do you come up with these ideas?" Alice whispered.
Creeping across the road, Alice turned the alarm of Teddy's car off. Then lowered the windows. They poured the balls into the car. Going back to the porch to get more. It didn't take long for the car to be full. Alice closed the windows and reset the alarm.
"I have to take a picture of this for Emmett," Rose said, trying to be as quiet as she could.
They both got into Rose's car, waving to Izzy and laughing as they drove off.
Izzy walked back into the house, trying not to wake the kids.
The next morning, Izzy wasn't surprised to hear yelling in the street coming from Teddy's house.
"What's that dick yelling at now?" Seth asked.
As they walked out of the house, they saw several of their neighbors outside.
"Well, young Teddy, it seems you got a few more balls to go with your collection," Mr. Freeman chuckled.
Teddy stood in the middle of the road, pulling on his hair.
"Do you need a ride to school, Mr. Masen?" Seth asked.
"This was you, wasn't it?" Teddy yelled as he marched towards Izzy's house.
Izzy pulled the kids behind her. Bobby growled as Teddy got closer.
"How are they supposed to get all those balls into the car? They would have had to break into it, and I never heard the alarm. I was working in my studio until early this morning. Now get off my porch and call your whore. I'm sure she will give you a ride to work," Izzy growled.
"You haven't heard the last of this, Marie. I know you and those kids are behind this," Teddy snarled.
"Give it your best shot Teddy. We have done nothing, and our security system can prove it," Izzy informed. "Don't be late for work, Teddy. Come on, you two, do you have your lunch money? Do you have practice tonight, Seth?"
"Yes, Thumbelina I'll see you tonight," Seth said as he kissed her on top of her head.
"Mr. Masen, I really don't mind giving you a ride to work if you don't mind me driving," Leah asked again.
"No thank you. It wouldn't be professional of me to ride with you to school," Teddy replied. "I'll call someone in my family."
"Okay, no problem. I'll see you tonight, Marie, but call if you need me. I love you, big sis," Leah replied.
Thanks always to Kellie (Klcivinski) my pre-reading for taking the time to out of her busy schedule to read through the chapter. Also, the support you gave me during this surgery and accident.
Also, as always, thank you to EdwardsFirstKiss for your time and patience in editing the chapter.
Any mistakes are all mine.