Chapter 5
Narrated by Shelly Cope.
After the Stanley's and their friends pleaded Jess innocent, it fell on deaf ears. April decided to suspend Jessica from school until after the Christmas holidays. They thought that the punishment was unfair. After all, she would miss the Christmas party, and Santa was coming to the kindergarten class. She was being transferred into the other kindergarten class when the children returned to school after the holidays.
It was Izzy's fault that she couldn't go to the party or see Santa. Jess wanted to go back into her class. Her friends wanted Jess back in their class as well.
No one knew that Jess, Lauren, Micky, Tyler, and Siobhan were plotting to bully Izzy. They hoped she would leave the school just like they had made Jimmy leave.
They planned to make Izzy fall over more, not letting her play on things at recess. Not to mention when it was free play in the classroom, they wouldn't let her in the craft area, her favorite free playtime place. Then Jess would be able to come back into the class with all her friends.
Things weren't going well at home either. Charlie and Renee argued when Renee got home to see Izzy in a cast with stitches in her head. Charlie told Renee how she should have been at the recital; then, she would have been there for Izzy when she cried for her. Izzy was sat at the top of the stairs with her lovey against her chest, listening to their arguing. Izzy heard Renee say that she wishes Izzy was never born, how she had trapped her in a small town, how most of the townspeople had a stick up their asses. Renee said she would stay over with her friends, but Charlie tried to remind her that he was working early and needed her to get Bella ready and to school.
Izzy didn't want to hear anymore, so she crawled into her bed, pulled the blankets over her head, held her lovey tight to her, and cried herself to sleep.
Christmas came and went. Izzy got her pastels, but she was unable to use them because of her cast. Teddy got his bike, Emmy and Jazz were helping him learn to ride it. But he couldn't balance without his training wheels. Carlisle said it was a work in progress.
Izzy never saw her mommy again, but she knew she had been home when she wasn't there. Charlie would take Izzy to work with him at 6 a.m. She would sleep for a while before she would get ready for school. Thankfully Esme helped him out some nights so she would have a sleepover with Teddy.
Although Jess had been transferred to another kindergarten class after the holidays, things weren't getting any easier for Izzy at school. But thankfully, it was spring break.
~T&I~
"Teddy, Izzy, don't go further than the end of the block," Carlisle shouted as they shot out of the garden on their bikes.
"Carlisle, have you noticed the bruises that Izzy has always has. There are finger marks on her arm," Alice asked. "You don't think the Chief or Mrs. Swan are hurting her, do you?"
"No, the finger marks are a child's hand mark. I asked Teddy if he had pulled Izzy's arm hard. He got upset as she was his best friend, and he would never hurt her. But Teddy did tell me that there are a few kids who seem to be pushing her around a bit," Carlisle answered.
"Okay, I was just a little worried about her," Alice replied.
Carlisle patted her shoulder, "I'm sure the Chief has it all under control."
Carlisle watched as his second son started to bounce the basketball around the carport with a couple of his buddies. He was on the school's basketball team and would be captain next year. Carlisle prayed that his son would get a scholarship as Emmett had. Emmett received a football scholarship and had a free ride through college. Emmett was going to be studying to become a teacher. He and Esme had been saving for all three boys to go to college, But, it would only cover their accommodation. Jasper wanted to be a doctor like him. That was going to be expensive.
He and Esme hadn't come from a wealthy family. Esme's mom was a single mother who held down three jobs. She would often come home to an empty house and make herself dinner. Carlisle was the son of a preacher and the middle child. They both had to get grants and loans to be able to attend university. But it was worth the struggle. When they paid off the last of the loans, they bought their forever home. It was in the part of town where bigger houses were located. It hadn't been decorated or updated in years. But over the years, they had been making the house theirs. They only had another ten years on the mortgage, and the house would be there's.
"Why don't you and your buddies fix up your old tree house for teddy," Carlisle suggested.
"I suppose that will take up a day or a day and a half of our holiday. Dad, we need materials," Jasper said.
Carlisle pulled $200 from his wallet.
"Get whatever you need to fix up the treehouse. Maybe some new seating. I know it needs a door. Check that it's stable," Carlisle instructed.
"Come on, you two shrimps, let's look over the treehouse and see what we need. Are you helping, babe, or are you worried about your fingernails?" Jasper teased Alice.
"I'm going to see how comfortable the treehouse is and see what furniture needs to be made. We will want at least somewhere to sit that isn't the floor and a set of curtains," Alice growled out.
"Ally, I don't want curtains. I'm a boy. Please no pink that's too girly," Teddy gasped. "Izzy, you can paint a picture on that wall."
"What do you want to paint on the wood or pictures to pin-up?" Izzy excitedly asked.
"I don't know yet, bring your paints and paper. But nothing girly. I mean it," Teddy insisted.
"Don't worry, little guy. I'll look at something for you to sit on. Small beanbags or cushions. I've got loads of material and small balls of polystyrene," Alice chuckled. "But I promise no curtains or girly material."
Teddy explained to Jasper what he wanted the inside of his treehouse to look like making a few sketches. Jasper, Jared, and Sam went up inside the treehouse to take measurements.
Teddy sulked as he wanted to go up in the treehouse with Jasper and his friends. Esme told Teddy that wasn't going up there until it was made safe. Once they worked out what was needed to fix up the treehouse. Jasper took Teddy with him to The Home Depot.
While the guys took Teddy with them, Alice took Izzy with her to her house. She was going to get her sewing machine and materials.
"Ally, what can I do to make my mommy love me?" Izzy asked while sitting on Alice's bed.
Shocked by the statement, Alice sat next to her on her bed, putting her arm around her shoulder. "What do you mean, honey? All mommy's love their children," Alice stated.
"Well, at Christmas, when Jess broke my arm, I heard my daddy and mommy fighting, and mommy said that she doesn't love me, and I trapped her in this shit town," Izzy said, looking at the floor.
"Izzy, honey grownups have arguments all the time. Can you remember when Jazz and I had that big fight just after Christmas?" Alice asked.
"Yes, Jazz put his tongue down that bitch's throat," Izzy recited.
"Yes, then. We didn't talk for about three weeks. But we love each other, and Jasper came to say he was sorry and now it's okay," Alice added. "Well, I think your daddy might have been angry because you cried for your mommy, and she wasn't there. They're okay now."
"Yes, but she isn't at home much anymore," Izzy replied.
"Yes, but isn't she at school now?" Alice questioned.
"I think so. But we go to school and come home at night," Izzy reasoned.
"That's right, but when you go to some colleges and universities, you stay there or have late lessons. Some people go to school after dinner time; that is called night school." Alice explained.
"That's just silly people don't go to school after it gets dark," Izzy giggled.
"Some older people do, honey. They learn things they didn't learn in school. Sometimes people mess up in school and don't graduate, so they go to a school to get their GED." Alice explained. "You know that Emmy and Rosie are going to school at Harvard?"
"Yes, Emmy is going to play football. But he will be coming home for dinner and to go to bed," Izzy stated.
"No, honey, they will be staying at the school sleeping there. They will come home for some of the holidays," Alice pressed.
Alice walked over to a book shelve walking back with a map.
"This is where we live, Forks. It's in the state of Washington. Harvard University in Cambridge is in the state of Massachusetts. It's on the opposite side of the country. Can you see? If you were going to drive, it would take five days," Alice explained.
"So, my mommy is sleeping in her school?" Izzy probed.
"You might want to talk to your daddy about that, Izzy," Alice responded. "Let's find some material."
Alice was glad that the subject had changed. She was beginning to feel uncomfortable. She hadn't spent one-to-one time with a small child before.
"Can you see any material you like for Teddy? We need some material for two beanbag chairs as well as a cushion for on top of his storage box," Alice asked.
"I like this blue and that one. Teddy likes red," Izzy answered.
"Good choice. We need to take this sponge for the cushion on the storage box. Plus, these polystyrene beans for the bean bags," Alice advised. "Come on you can help to carry this to the car. As well as my sewing machine and cottons."
"I'll carry these. But you have to do my straps on my seat like Doctor Teddy's mommy showed you," Izzy said.
"We will stop by your house to get your paints on the way back to Teddy's house," Alice told Izzy.
"Daddies at work. I don't know if mommy will be home," Izzy answered.
"Well, we can go to your house. If no one is in, we'll have to get your paints another time. You can help me cut the material, and I'll show you how to use the sewing machine," Alice offered.
"Okay, but I know where there is a key in a secret place," Izzy whispered.
"Well, I don't think it's a good idea to go in. Look, there's your daddy standing outside the diner," Alice said.
Alice drove into the diner's car park and pulled up next to the cruiser.
"Daddy, when can Jazzy and his friends come and make me my treehouse?" Izzy demanded.
"Izzy, please don't speak to me like that. It's rude," Charlie chastised.
"Sorry, Daddy. I want a treehouse to play in. Teddy has his brother's old one," Izzy explained.
"If you want one. I'll get Waylon and his team to come and build it. Once it's up, I'm sure Alice will help you decorate it. But wouldn't you rather have a playhouse or something on the floor?" Charlie asked.
"Nope, daddy, I want a treehouse. But why can't Jazzy put my house in the tree? He's doing Teddy's," Izzy questioned.
"That's because Jasper is repairing the treehouse. When Emmett and Jasper were small, Waylon put their treehouse up," Charlie explained to her.
"Okay, but I want to choose the tree," Izzy said.
"Kiddo, there is only one tree in the garden that you can put a treehouse in," Charlie chuckled.
"Well, how long will it take him? We haven't got a lot of time, daddy. We will be going back to school, and when can I play with it then," Izzy asked, panicked.
"Izzy, it will take him two, maybe three days. You will probably be back at school when its finished. The treehouse will always be here for as long as you want it," Charlie replied.
"I want to paint my treehouse blue for the blue ranger Billy. But Mikey said I have to be the yellow or pink ranger because I'm a girl and they are the only colors I'm allowed to like or have. The Yellow ranger is Trini, and the Pink is Kim. But I don't want to have pink or yellow cause my favorite color is blue, so I can be the blue ranger even though it's Billy who is a boy," Izzy told them. "Is mommy at home? I want to get my art things."
"Firstly, you can paint the treehouse whatever color you want. I'm sure Jasper will do that for you. It doesn't matter what power ranger you want to be. Then no, sorry, kiddo, you will have to draw another time. I can't go home; I'm at work," Charlie said.
"Okay, daddy, I'll see you tonight. Will you be coming to get me from Teddy's house," Izzy questioned?
"Yep, I'll be there just after 6. You will be having dinner over there," Charlie answered as he kissed Izzy on her head, then got into his police car.
~T&I~
Everyone was working to fix up Teddy's treehouse. Esme was keeping everyone fed with snacks and drinks.
"Teddy, which one of these materials do you want to use to make your bean chairs? I'm making you two bean bag chairs and a cushion to put across the top of the storage box. That will make a great seat too. You also can also have some big cushions if you like," Alice asked.
"Ally, I don't want cushions that will make it too girly. You can make girly things for Izzy's house. I like that blue material for the chairs. If there is enough material, I would like the chairs to be the same. Then for the big cushion for the storage box, I would like to have that red material," Teddy replied, pointing to the material he liked. "I don't want curtains either."
"You've got it, big guy," Alice said. "Izzy, would you like to help me? Just follow the lines on the material and cut it with these dress-making shears."
Izzy was helping Alice cut up the material until Esme came out.
"Izzy, honey, I think those scissors might be a little too big and sharp for you to use. Why don't we find you something else to do?" Esme said, trying not to show her panic.
Alice wasn't used to younger children and didn't know what damage they could do with something sharp like scissors.
"Did you bring your art sets to draw pictures for the house?" Esme asked.
"No, my daddy was at work. Mommy wasn't home," Izzy replied.
"Why don't you come and help me make some cookies? You and Teddy are having a sleepover in the treehouse tonight. I've spoken to your daddy, and he said it was fine," Esme informed.
The rest of the day was busy. Alice finished most of the sewing, and Kim, Jared's girlfriend, helped fill the chairs with polystyrene beans.
"Do you still want to sleep in the treehouse tonight, buddy?" Carlisle asked.
"Yep, Izzy and I are having a sleepover. Her daddy is bringing her pj's and sleeping bag over after he finishes work. Jazzy is sleeping in a tent under the tree in case we need anything or get too scared. But Izzy is really brave, so we should be good. That's unless we need the potty," Teddy answered.
"We just go potty when we brush our teeth like we do when you go to bed, so we shouldn't need it," Izzy replied.
As the night progressed, Teddy was getting more nervous about sleeping out in the treehouse.
"Okay, Teddy, are you sure you still want to sleep out there," Carlisle asked.
"Sure. I've got Izzy with me, and Jazzy is only a little way from us. We have a walkie talkie. I can speak to him if I need him," Teddy replied.
"Come on, kids, let's get you ready for bed and brush your teeth. Izzy use the room down here," Esme said, taking her hand. "Are you looking forward to this adventure Izzy?"
"Yes," Izzy said. "It will be quieter than my house. My mommy and daddy are always yelling at each other," Izzy whispered.
Esme had never seen her look so sad.
"Are you alright, sweetheart?" Esme asked.
Izzy nodded her head as she got her toothbrush out of her bag. Brushing her teeth, she tried not to look at Esme in the mirror.
"I'll leave you to get your pj's on; come into the kitchen when you have got ready. Don't forget your lovey," Esme instructed.
When Izzy got into the kitchen, there was a mug of hot chocolate with cream and marshmallows.
Carlisle and Jasper were outside putting an inflatable mattress on the floor of the treehouse. They then opened Izzy's and Teddy's sleeping bags, placing them side by side and waiting to finish their hot chocolate.
They walked out of the house, both holding their loveys.
"Come on, big guy, let's get you and Izzy settled for the night," Carlisle said.
Esme gave them both a hug and kiss as she watched with Jasper and Jared.
"Make sure they're okay, please, Jasper. They are too young to sleep out, but you know what Teddy's like when he gets an idea in his head. He's so much like Emmett that way," Esme whispered.
"He's going to be fine, mom," Jasper reassured.
"There's your teddy night light. I've put a battery in him, so he doesn't need plugging in," Carlisle said as he kissed both the children.
Jasper and Jared could hear giggling and whispering coming from the treehouse.
"Teddy, I wish I had a mommy like you have," Izzy said.
"But you do have a mommy Izzy. She comes to pick you up from school sometimes," Teddy replied.
"I know that Teddy. I mean, your mommy is nice. She loves you. She plays games with you. She even made cookies with me this afternoon."
"All mommy's do that silly Izzy."
"Mine doesn't, Teddy. She never hugs me, plays with me, she told my daddy she hated me."
"Izzy, mommies are supposed to love you. I think it might be a law or something. Chief should know that."
"But if my mommy doesn't love me, no one will ever love me, and I'll have to be by myself."
"Who said that?"
"Lauren."
"Izzy, I love you. You're my one. When I get bigger, I'm going to be a doctor like my daddy, and I'll marry you."
"Really. I love you as well, Teddy. You're my one. I think I want to be a drawer when I get bigger."
"A drawer isn't a job, silly Izzy."
"It must be—that man in Miss. Denali's book painted some funny flowers in a pot that was supposed to be sunflowers, and he got a lot of money. But he isn't a good painter."
"Goodnight, Izzy."
"Goodnight, Teddy."
~T&I~
Waylon was in great demand as so many of the kids in the town wanted a tree house or a playhouse outside. The school year ended, and the graduation of the kindergarten classes came around more quickly than anyone thought.
Tanya had the excellent news that she had passed her probation period, and they had offered her a permanent place on staff. She enjoyed being a kindergarten teacher more than she had expected.
She would miss her students and had worked hard for the past few weeks on a small gift for all her class. She watched as they played and laughed together. She was still worried that some of her students were targeting Izzy.
After lunch, it didn't take long for all her class to settle with their gowns on. Sitting on the carpet waiting for instructions.
"Good afternoon, class,"
"Good afternoon, Miss Denali. Good afternoon to all my friends."
"Well, now you have gotten into your gowns, you look so grown up. All your parents are arriving. We will be going into the hall soon. You must remember to act like almost first graders. Mrs. Clapp and Miss. Stephens your teachers next year will be there to watch the show you will be putting on. When we've finished you must come back in here to take off your gowns. I have a small leaving gift for you all," Tanya explained.
She went to her desk and picked up a basket with small packages inside.
"This is a little kit for your summer. You don't have to do this, but Mrs. Clapp said she would love to see them next term when you go into her class," Tanya began.
Opening one of the packs, she explained and showed the children what she had brought.
"This is a coupon to take into the ice cream store. You can get one small cone of ice cream for free. Then we have a small packet of candy—a pocket-size book of summer activities, along with a pencil and a small pack of crayons. This book is if you want to find a fun thing to do one day.," Tanya began.
She was holding up other things that were in the bag.
"This is a special book. It's called a photo journal. It's a little like the journal you draw in and write in every week. Instead of drawing a picture, you will take a photograph. This is a one-use camera. It has twenty-four picture films on it, and I'm sure your parents will show you how to use it. So, if you do something fun every week, take a picture for that week's report. Once your camera has been used. All you must do is pop it in this envelope. There are instructions for your parents on where to send them.
Inside is a letter from me with a picture of you in your graduation gowns," Tanya explained.
She packed the gift away as the children spoke to each other. They were getting more excited about the graduation.
"Shall we line up at the door how we have practiced," Tanya instructed.
Once, the class had lined up quietly. Tanya took Izzy's hand and waited until the last of Mrs. Crowley's class left the classroom. Tanya followed them out.
The music, pomp, and circumstance played as the children marched down the aisle between the seats. Parents were taking pictures.
Mrs. Stanley huffed when she saw Izzy coming in holding Tanya's hand.
"You might know that she would be holding her hand," Mrs. Stanley snarled.
"What do you expect she has to suck up to the teacher," Mrs. Newton replied.
All the children took their places on the stage.
"It's my great honor to introduce to you today our graduating class as they turn the page to the next chapter of their lives. They would like to say something very special to you," April announced.
Tanya, Izzy, Teddy, and Ben started playing their guitar as the rest of the kindergarten began to sing.
Two little words, Two little words, Two little words, Not, goodbye
It's the end of the year. Graduation is here
Our two little words
To our teachers, Moms, Dads, Grandparents and all
Thank you Thank you Thank you, Everyone,
Thank you for all you've done
Thank you Thank you Thank you. Everyone
Thank you for all you've done.
You taught us to read and write
You taught us to learn
You told us it would be alright
And taught us to take our turn.
Thank you Thank you Thank you
Everyone Thank you for all you've done
You helped us to tie our shoes
Learn shapes and colors too
There're so many things you do
We just want to say
Thank you Thank you Thank you
Everyone, thank you for all you've done.
As the song finished, the classes sat down. They began their program by showing the work they had done. They spoke about trips they had taken.
A film show began with pictures of the classes' year, including pictures of the class trips, recitals, and games lessons.
Then came the roll call for the children to pick up their diplomas.
"Thank you to all you are graduating class. Now moms, dads, grandparents, and friends. The children would like to finish the program with a song for you all," April finished.
I throw my hands up in the air sometimes
Saying, ayo, come on, let's go!
I wanna celebrate and graduate,
Saying, ayo, come on, let's go.
'Cause we gonna rock this school,
We will do it right,
We will graduate, 'cause we're dynamite
'Cause I told you once, now I told you twice.
We will graduate 'cause we're dynamite.
The children had pictures taken with everyone in their gowns. They were so excited to have graduated. It was chaotic in the classroom, taking off their gowns and collecting their gift from Tanya.
"Miss Denali, I will see you when I come back in the fall. I'm not going to be in your class, but I'm going to be in first grade. But you are still giving Teddy, Ben and me our guitar lessons, aren't you? Because I like to play the guitar," Izzy excitedly said.
"Yes, Izzy, I'll still be giving you, Teddy, and Ben guitar lessons. But I want you to remember if you ever get sad or the other children keep pushing you. Please know you can always come to me. Promise," Tanya said, putting her pinky finger out.
"Pinky, promise," Izzy replied as she giggled.
She waved as she left the classroom taking hold of Renee's hand.
In the car, Izzy never stopped talking.
"Mommy, I'm so happy you came to my graduation. Did you see I played my guitar? I get to keep it at home so I can practice. Daddy has brought it for me. I have this present from Miss Denali. She gave me a letter it has my graduation picture on the back. Can you read it for me? Izzy asked, passing the laminate card over.
"Okay, are you ready," Renee asked.
"Yes, mommy," Izzy laughed.
Dear Izzy,
I think you're very special,
And I just wanted you to know,
This year has been amazing,
I'm so sad to see you go!
We've done so much together,
We've laughed and smiled and learned,
After such an exciting journey,
Enjoy the summer break you've earned.
Remember to come and visit,
I would love to see you grow,
You have a lot to learn ahead,
But there is one thing you should know:
The thing that makes you wonderful,
And will shine through all you do
Is just to be yourself,
And be proud that you are you!
Love Miss Denali.
XXX
Izzy took the picture back with a big smile on her face. Not only had she graduated but she was happy that her mommy had come. Maybe her mommy did love her.
The song Dynamite by Taio Cruz.
Thanks as always to my pre-reader Kellie (Klcivinski) for reading through the chapter.
Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for editing the chapter.
Any mistakes are all mine.