A/N I apologize for not updating, but real life is kicking my butt. I only have two chapters pre-written, so I promise I'll do my best to catch up with myself. As I promised with my other two stories, I will always finish the story.
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 16
Narrated by Shelly Cope.
Izzy
It was a busy time for everyone at the commune. Everyone was looking at Pop for guidance. So much had happened in a month that an emergency council meeting had to be called.
Bell found Meme collapsed on the kitchen floor. She was now on bed rest and hating every minute of it. Meme had been complaining about indigestion, but most thought it was a sign of her heart failing.
Celeste left. She met up with an old friend while visiting her sister. Celeste dated Tony when they were in their late teens, and she wouldn't leave the commune, so they had lost contact. She bumped into him in a coffee shop. His wife had died three years before. He was shocked to find out she had never married. They started dating, and she decided she wasn't returning to the commune.
Willow had taken it badly. She had been living with Celeste for several years, and no one thought about preparing her for the possibility of being on her own. The only way they could get her to function again was when Bell offered to let Bobbie sleep over at her house twice weekly. That was a month ago, and she was still taking Bobbie, which left Bell becoming withdrawn. It was hard on Bell, as Bobbie seemed to keep her nightmares at bay.
Sandy went to get the fish from the fish house to sell at the farmer's market. Only to find out no one had been going to catch the fish that would last them through the winter months.
During the meeting, it came to Pop's attention that there was still fruit at the bottom of the field that had yet to be harvested. As well as a field of vegetables.
The food in the store was going bad as no one had noticed the canning schedule has fallen behind.
Several fleeces still needed to be prepared to spin into wool. Not only did they need the wool for themselves, but the revenue they made from the cloth on the farmer's market bought the seed for the following year.
The council decided there would be no school for now as everyone would have to work many hours to prepare for the winter.
It worried Petal, as no one had primary care. At seventeen, Bell had never had a medical check-up. She knew everyone should have a yearly medical, but also knew why she couldn't. No one had noticed that Bell had stopped asking for her daddy. But she would often have a faraway look on her face, as if she was thinking about or trying to remember something. Everyone could only guess what it could be her daddy or the Teddy bear they had forced her to leave at home. The boys brought her a pink Teddy to replace the one she had to leave behind.
Blossom worried about Bell and Willow. People were getting older, and she knew it wouldn't be long before they would bury Meme and Pop. There was only Sandy, Petal, their three kids, Willow, Bell, Pace, and herself. She and Pace had spoken about finding somewhere quiet to live their lives out. They weren't stupid. Meme had said that the farm would always be theirs and Sandy's. They couldn't keep up with farming without machinery. But they also had no trade or pension to live off. They felt in limbo.
But even Sandy wasn't sure anymore. He thought about his boys and the lack of education they had. Sandy, who only had a small amount of education like him, knew they would somehow have to get the boys more educated.
One of her concerns stopped when Sparrow turned up with a man. It didn't take long before it worked out that it was Bell's daddy when she tried her best to run into his arms.
~T&I~
"Hi, Izzy. Do you have a hug for your old dad? I've missed you so much, honey," Charlie said with open arms.
"Daddy!" Izzy shouted as she tried to run into his arms but stumbled.
Charlie ran forward to grab her before she fell. Holding her in his arms as he kissed her head.
He didn't notice the dog barking and running toward him.
"Bobbie, no," was shouted in unison as Sparrow rushed forward before Charlie got a chunk taken out of his leg.
"Bobbie, be nice. Come and say hello to my daddy," Bell said as she hugged her dog.
"Daddy, this is my dog, and my best friend Bobby," Bell introduced. "Bobby say hello to daddy." Bobbie lifted his paw to shake Charlie's hand.
Charlie chuckled as he shook it.
"Bluebell, is this our daddy?" Willow asked.
"No, Willow, this is my daddy. Your daddy has gone to live away for a while. Come and say hello to my daddy," Bell asked.
"No, we always share everything, which means sharing daddies. I'm not your friend anymore, and I don't love you. You promised never to leave me, and you are. Bobby is my dog as well, and you at taking him from me," Willow shouted as she stomped off.
"Don't worry, honey; I'll speak to her. She can't be rude like that," Sandy said as he kissed Bell on her head.
"We won't be going straight away. I've got to help to catch up with the canning and preparing the wool. Daddy, do you still like to fish? You can help get all the fish for the winter?" Bell stated.
"Yes, we can stay for a few days. I don't mind helping. These people have been kind enough to keep you safe," Charlie stated.
"Bell, Saffron, and I are leaving in the morning, and we are going to be going away, so we won't be able to see you again. We just came to bring your dad as we promised," Sparrow informed.
"Okay. I'll miss you," Bell said as she tried to stop her lip from quivering.
"Come, Charlie, and bring your things. We have a room you can use while you're here," Meme said.
"Pop, can I take Bobby with me? I know I've always shared him with Willow, but he keeps the bad dreams away, and if the other people find me again when I leave, Bobby will help me fight them this time," Bell asked.
"Yes, sweetheart, he's your dog; he's always been your dog. Willow will have to get over it. We still have Lola. She retired, so Willow will have her to look after," Pop replied. "Charlie, you are okay with Bell having a dog?"
"Yes, it's fine," Charlie reassured.
~T&I~
Charlie worried about Stockholm syndrome. It had been almost ten years since they had taken her. However, she used to ask for him until she lived with this man and woman. He knew little about them. He would have done a background check on them had he had more time and a name other than Meme and Pop or Flora and River.
Since Izzy was young, she had always worn clothing that differed from anyone else. She was always unique. But she didn't look out of place seeing her in authentic 60's clothes. It didn't look strange, but it looked right on her. But this was Izzy.
Izzy seemed to be more withdrawn than he remembered. It made him worry about what had happened to her over the past ten years. Charlie was aware of the damage to her ankles, but until seeing how badly she walked, he didn't realize how bad they were. She was wearing moccasins that Indians wore. Soft but kept her feet from getting cut on stones. He could see why Kate said that she would need counseling. I heard how that woman acted when she wanted to have Izzy's things.
As soon as they all got into the tiny house, Bell went to a spinning wheel, sat, and started working.
~T&I~
"Charlie, come and bring your things. You can use this room while you stay. Bell's room is across the hall. Pop and I are at the end. Make yourself at home and come out when you're ready," Meme said.
"Thank you, that's kind of you," Charlie replied uneasily.
Charlie put his bag down, put his few shirts and underclothes in the drawer, and went back into the main room. He was impressed by how spacious I compared it to how it looked outside. He noticed almost all the furniture was homemade. These people were self-sufficient.
With a long breath, he walked into the room and over to Izzy.
"This seems like a difficult thing to do?" Charlie awkwardly asked, not knowing what to say.
"It was when I first did it. I didn't pull the fleece enough, and the wool was uneven, and I had to take it all off and brush the whole reel. I'm much better at weaving. Bell made a lot of the material.
"This looks interesting. Is it hard to learn?" Charlie continued to ask.
"Not really; I don't do the washing process, as I'm not strong enough to pull it out of the barrels. Once it's dry, I help with the brushing to get the knots out. You get a bit of the fleece and brush it from one paddle to the other. I've almost finished. The bobbin is almost full. I'll show you how we make it into skein before sending it to be dyed," Bell explained.
"Do you still like to draw?" Charlie asked, desperate to get to know her again.
"Oh yes, we needed to buy a cow, and we sold some of my pictures. I call myself Phoenix. He was my friend at that other place. We used to talk about running away and calling you to come and get us. Then Miss Denali would teach him to read and write," Bell divulged.
"I would've come straight away for you," Charlie replied.
"I know you would have daddy. We stopped for food, and I left a note for you. Did you know?" Bell asked.
"They never found it until you were missing for about two weeks. But it gave me a place to start looking," Charlie replied. "Do you still like to sing? I'm surprised you're not singing while you work."
With a slight giggle, Bell replied, "I sometimes do, but I used to get beaten at the other place, so I try not to do it anymore. I still play the guitar. Pops made my guitar. I helped him."
"Wow, it sounds like you've been spoiled," Charlie replied.
"I even helped pop make my rocking chair. I'm hoping Pop will let me take it with me." Bell grinned.
"Are you ready, little one? Is it time to eat? Willow might still be a little upset with you, but ignore her and sit on the other side of the table with your dad. I'm sure Sparrow will keep her occupied. Don't forget your guitar. We will have a little party to say goodbye to Sparrow and Saffron. My silly wife thinks we haven't remembered her birthday. As if it is something to forget," Pop laughed. "Don't forget Bobbie."
"I will never forget him. He makes me feel safe, especially the last time those people came looking for me," Bell whispered.
"What people?" Charlie asked worriedly.
"You go ahead, Bell honey. I'm going to chat with your daddy on the way to the meeting room," Pops asked.
"Okay, but don't be too long, daddy," Izzy said as she bit her lip, something new to Charlie.
"I don't know if it will happen anymore as Jake isn't around. He was obsessed with her. Her mother encouraged it, which the women can't even imagine," Pops informed. "We know the women the kids called the Jailers are out there somewhere. Jake, or should I say, Wolf, sent two separate search parties looking for her. But with Sparrow not being here, they didn't stay long. We had to hide her. Usually, someone would stay with her. She is still terrified of dark, small spaces. We had to hold her so she could cope. She has had several panic attacks since she has been here. We always give her a choice as to which light, she wants on. Even after all this time, she needs a light on to sleep, as well as Bobbie, her dog, seems to calm her while she has her hand on his fur. All I can say is let her do things her way. I don't think she will be out by herself for a while. She has spent ten years in a quiet atmosphere."
"I figured something wasn't right when the FBI said they didn't want anyone to know she is with me. It worries me, as I will not become her jailer. That will make me as bad as they were," Charlie informed.
"You will work out the fine line of being protective, but not suffocating her. You have probably heard this too many times, but let her lead. She has missed you," Pops advised. "Come on, Charlie, let's go eat before Sparrow eats it all. That kid has hollow legs."
Charlie sat next to Izzy as they ate a three-course meal. Listening, they were like a big family teasing each other, and my Izzy just fitted right in. Charlie had looked for Izzy for ten years, and he had missed her. Charlie was second-guessing himself. Would she be better left with these people, or could he help her build a life away from the commune? He couldn't imagine his life without her now that he knew she was alive and well.
He then thought about all the people who cared about her, like Angela, Ben, and The Biers, but he also thought about Teddy and how sorry he was for hurting her, and his statement in court when he said she was his 'one'. Would Izzy ever forgive him? The old Izzy might have, but he didn't know this new Izzy who has had her spirit broken is another thing altogether.
"Charlie, have you ever watched how Bell catches fish?" Dylan laughed.
"Oh, how's that, son? When she was younger, I could never get her to touch a fish the few times we went fishing," Charlie chuckled.
"She stands in the water with her hands in the water, tickles the fish, then throws them into a net," Sonny added as they laughed.
"Yes, well least we had enough fish for dinner tonight; if I had left it to you three, we wouldn't be having anything for dinner but vegetables. I also plucked the chickens since none of you will do it," Bell huffed.
"That's going to be fun. Which of you three will look after the chickens and milk the cows when Bell leaves with her dad?" Petal asked.
They all looked at each other. It was Bell who looked after most of the animals.
They always spoke about it in the council meetings, and no one thought Bell would ever leave. Even now, they couldn't believe it was happening.
"Okay, family and friends, today is a special day, and I think Flora Meme thinks we have forgotten her birthday, but we haven't. So, everyone, let's sing to Flora. Here are some gifts from us all and a cake.
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday, dear Meme
Happy Birthday to you.
"Thank you so much for all these beautiful gifts. I've been spoiled again this year. I will treasure them. A special thank you for the portrait of Pops and Me, Bell. No one would have known that you would leave us in the next few days. Let's get cleared away, and we can have a few songs," Meme said.
With everyone helping to clear the table and wash up, it didn't take long to have everything put away. It looked like people had seats, but Bell asked Charlie to sit beside her.
"Okay, let's start with Meme's favorite," Bell said.
She strummed her guitar.
My sweet Lord
My Lord
Mmm, my Lord
I really want to see you
Really want to be with you
Really want to see you, Lord
But it takes so long, my Lord.
Charlie realized how Izzy had been living for the past few years. She was, in all pretense and purpose, a hippy. But he didn't care. At least he was getting her back.
They sang.
Let it Be–The Beatles.
Mrs. Robinson
The Boxer
Cecilia - Simon and Garfunkel
Father and Son - Cat Stevens
Stairway to Heaven - Led Zeppelin.
Teach your children
Our house - Crosby, Still Nash, and Young.
Finished with Woodstock–Mathew Southern Comfort.
All the time, Bobbie sat at Bell's feet. Charlie noticed Willow was throwing murderous glares at Bell. He couldn't work out if Bell or anyone else had noticed. Charlie just wanted to protect Bell and worried if this was a regular occurrence when the woman didn't get her way. She had to be almost 6 feet, as she wasn't much smaller than him. He didn't care if he upset anyone or if she was slow. No one would hurt his daughter ever again.
"What time are you leaving in the morning, Sparrow?" Meme asked.
"We have to be on the road by seven in the morning at the latest," Sparrow replied.
Pop had heard a little about these computers when he was at the farmer's market. He had heard people talking about webs.
"Just make sure you say goodbye to everyone before you go. We will make sure we put any event in the local paper," Pop said. "I know that you can look for the events on the cobweb."
With a smile, Sparrow answered, "I'll make sure I check regularly, Pop, I promise."
Giving Pop, Meme, and Bell a hug, Sparrow and Saffron went to the house they were staying in.
"Come on, little one; we have a busy day tomorrow. Let's get everyone settled for the night. You get ready for bed. I'll take Bobbie out back to use the bathroom. Goodnight, Charlie," Pop said.
"Come on, Izzy, I'll walk with you down to your room. What time does the day start here?" Charlie asked.
"I start by milking the cows at five. We only have three cows now, so it doesn't take long. I do it by hand; no machinery here. Then I feed the chickens and gather the eggs. School starts at eight and goes until twelve. We get our assignments after lunch," Bell informed. "But school is out at the moment since we have fallen behind with the preparations for the winter months."
"Well, I best let you get to bed, my Izzy," Charlie replied as he placed a kiss on her head.
"Here's Bobbie ready for bed, Bell. He should be good until the morning. Do you want the small light or the main one tonight?" Pops asked.
"I'll have the big one, please. I know I'm a baby, but I don't think the dreams will stay away tonight," Bell said as she bit her lip.
"It will be okay. One day, you won't need the light," Pop said as he kissed the top of her head.
Everyone had settled down for the night. All you could hear was the sound of crickets outside. Then suddenly, there was a bloodcurdling scream—a series of screaming and crying.
Charlie got out of his room simultaneously with Pops and Meme. Pops rushed into Bell's room.
The bedroom light that had been left on had been turned off. The heavy curtains that never get pulled had been pulled, making the room pitch black, and Bobbie was gone.
They were turning the light on. Meme crouched next to Bell, curled into herself in a corner almost behind the chest of drawers. Pop pulled open the heavy curtains, so the thin ones were covering the window.
"Come on, Bell, it's Meme. Let's have you up on your bed," Meme instructed. "Come on, honey."
It took a while to coax Bell out of the corner and into her bed. Charlie was shocked at how his Izzy was shaking and had a vacant look on her face; Bell sat on the bed as instructed.
"Does this happen often?" Charlie asked, shocked.
"No, Charlie, she has been fine for months. But a lot has happened today," Meme answered.
"I thought you said her dog stays with her in the bedroom?" Charlie inquired.
"He usually does," Meme answered.
"Well, where is he? I saw him come in here, and now he's gone. I also heard you say that you left the light on, yet the light was off. Are you doing this so Izzy won't want to come home with me?" Charlie demanded.
"I don't want to go back to Forks, daddy. Teddy will hurt me; he took my lovey. He said he was going to cut the bunny's head off. Siobhan said she and Jessica could make me disappear, and no one would look for me. That's why you never came for me, isn't it, daddy? You didn't want me there anymore," Bell whispered.
"That's not true, Izzy. For the past ten years, I have been looking for you. I begged Renee to tell me where she had put you during her sentencing. Everyone begged her. Even Teddy did during his impact statement. I got a divorce from Renee, and I retired and left Forks. I live in New York now, well, New Jersey. It's only just over an hour's drive from here. So, once you get settled and learn to drive, you might visit. I live with a lady named Sue. Sue was one of the FBI agents who came to Forks to help find you. Sue's husband died in a car accident; they have twins. You will get on well with Seth. He's chill and funny. Leah, well, she can be a little moody. But she is very protective of her family.
Another thing they have both been asking for is a dog, so I hope you're up for sharing. I was going to ask if Sue and the kids could come up in the RV. They might help with the chores, and you can get to know them. If you don't like them, I'll move out, and we will find somewhere else to live," Charlie offered.
"Yes, send a message with the FBI lady. If I don't like her, I can't ask you not to live with her. Maybe Bobbie and I can come back and live here," Bell answered.
"I think we can come up with something that doesn't involve coming back and living here. You're, my little girl, and I've missed so much of your life, and I've only just gotten you back," Charlie whispered.
"Daddy is Harmony, I mean, Renee... Is she really in jail, and she can't hurt me anymore?" Bell asked.
"Yes, honey, we were all there. Miss. Denali, Teddy, and me all gave impact statements, as well as June, the lady who is here from the FBI. The judge didn't take to Renee's performance, and they jailed her for life without parole," Charlie informed.
"What about Wolf and the others?" Bell asked nervously.
Charlie sat on her bed and opened his arms to her. Bell climbed onto his lap, and he pulled her into a tight hug.
"Well, the man who called himself the wolf is on death row. I don't know other people by their names or those made-up names. I know that the key players are all behind bars. I think Nick said there were just three people left to locate. There are only another two cases to go before the courts this next month," Charlie offered.
"How long since you left, Forks?" Bell asked.
"It must be about just over two years. I've been back to check on the house. I met up with the Cullens. I met Emmett and Rose's little girl. Her name is Isabella; everyone calls her Bella. Thank goodness she is more like Rose than Emmett. They got married, and they both work at Forks high school. Jazz and Ali are in New York. They haven't been back to Forks since the summer after you were taken. The only time they have spoken to Carlisle is after Teddy finished up in the burn unit at the hospital. That kid was on the road to self-destruction. Thank goodness he cut ties with those three. He only had one more arrest and he was going to Juvenile Hall. Then on to jail. But he sorted himself out with the help of Angie and Ben," Charlie offered.
"Why was Teddy in the burn hospital? Did he have an accident?" Izzy asked.
"We can talk about them another time," Charlie replied.
"Aren't you a little young to retire, Charlie?" Meme asked.
"I suppose I am. All our things are still in Forks. I hated going home to an empty house. I was spending a lot of time here, so Sue asked me to move in. I didn't sell the house in case you ever went back," Charlie informed.
"I'd like to meet Sue and her children. While I'm here, then at least if things get to be too much, I can have my friends here to talk to," Bell answered.
"Now, where is this dog of yours? I think I know the answer. You tell me she has the mind of a child. I was a cop; I know what a kid is capable of regardless of their mental state. How often has she done this before?" Charlie demanded.
"Just twice," Bell answered.
"Well, it's getting late. How about I sleep with you tonight, and we can sort everything out tomorrow?" Meme offered.
"Yes please, I haven't needed anyone with me in a long time. You don't mind, do you Meme?" Bell asked.
"Of course, not come on, everyone to bed," Meme said.
Charlie kissed the top of Bell's head and left her room.
"River, I want it known. I'm not happy with this situation. I don't like what that woman has done to Izzy," Charlie said.
"Neither do I, Charlie; we can sort it out tomorrow after Sparrow leaves. Goodnight, Charlie," Pop offered.
Charlie never slept well, and it didn't seem long before he could hear the movement of people getting up for the day.
When Charlie got up, he spoke with June and Nick.
They seemed surprised that he wanted to have Sue, and the Kids come and stay for a while. But once he explained what had happened the night before, he also asked to speak to Katie.
"Well, it's time for us both to say goodbye. I'm proud to call you all my family. If things had been different, we would have been staying here with you. But it had to be done this way. We needed to stop my father. I also had to think about what was best for the both of us," Sparrow stated.
"Come here and give you Meme a hug," Meme said as she wiped away a tear.
"Sparrow, thank you for everything you did for me, getting me away from that place, and getting my daddy. I've painted this for you to remember us by," Bell said as she gave Sparrow a picture of everyone around the Christmas tree from the last time they were there.
"Bell, this is beautiful. I see you have signed it, Phoenix. I will look out for when you become famous, and I know you will. I love you, kid," Sparrow whispered as he hugged her.
"I love you to Sparrow," Bell hiccupped.
Everyone stood and waved goodbye until they were out of view.
"Well, we have guests coming tomorrow, and I think we have a few things to discuss before they come. What did you do to Bell last night, Willow?" Pop asked Willow as she looked up at him and hurried away.
Thanks always to Kellie (Klcivinski) for pre-reading through the chapter; and has been a brilliant friend through this tough time.
Also, as always, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for all her hard work editing the chapter and making my words pretty. She has also been a rock to me as things got hard.
Any mistakes are all mine.