A/N I'm sorry for the length of these notes but I have a few things I would like to answer from a guest reviewer.
Firstly, I didn't have the children tell the class how many people are in their house to get my word count. It's a math lesson, followed by their drawing of their family. I don't know if you have children. I have 5 children; they all did this in their math lesson then draw a picture and wrote who was in the picture.
As for the comment of so many Austin in one class and year group. I don't know about any of my other readers, but in my daughter Laura's class, she was one of four Laura's. Rebecca had two others besides herself. I could go on.
I also know how to pronounce Siobhan. I live in the UK and we do have that name here. It's an Irish name. Ireland is an hour's flight from my home.
As for calling her Seb, I didn't realize I had until you pointed it out. When I was in school in the 70's I had a girl in my year called Siobhan. She made the Olympic team for the UK. That girl could run. We all called her Seb because her timing for the 100 meters was just a fracture less than Seb Coe who was an Olympic gold medal winner.
I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I didn't get the chance to thank you personally.
~T&I~
Narrated by Shelly Cope.
Chapter 23
Edward.
Edward was surprised at how easily he fit in with the rest of his year group. He had picked up extra hours at the store when the new Microsoft Windows program was released. There was no reason people should have problems with their computers or laptops, but they were. The shop became overwhelmingly busy. Edward was grateful for the extra hours as he was determined not to get a student loan to finish his education.
He had taken child psychology as an elective. He enjoyed it so much that he minored in the subject.
It made him realize he needed therapy to understand what had happened to him as a child. After discussing it with his parents, they could get ten sessions covered by their health insurance. After the ten sessions, if he felt he still needed to continue they would work out a way to pay for further sessions.
He learned so much about himself while he was in therapy. He learned he was a follower. Which was something he had to change. He needed to take control of his classroom. They spoke at length about Izzy, as this was so much of his problem, and he admitted he was letting his guilt take over his life. It was normal to change friends. He recognized what he had done to Izzy wasn't right. He also realized that his obsession wasn't normal and that he was only acting like this out of guilt. Edward also knew he had to carry on with his life and hope that Izzy was still alive; if she came back to Forks, they would have to work on their friendship. He has no right to expect to have their relationship back until they had worked on trust on Izzy's side.
He accepted it was possible that Izzy might never have a normal relationship after all she had been through. That is if she is still alive.
Edward had found a group that played Dungeons and Dragons. It became a ritual that they would spend the weekend evenings at Edward's place. They loved his dog, Emma, and would take her out for her walk while Edward was at work.
Edward felt happy for the first time in a long time.
His second year came around so quickly. Edward agreed to live with three friends. They found a four-bedroom house that included utilities. They split the rent between the four of them. He only had to find the money for food.
Edward was lucky that he had gotten his job back after the summer at the computer store.
He was also able to work extra hours as one guy who worked there had left to do a year of work placement.
Although it was just before Thanksgiving, they had been told to apply to schools for the next year for their work placement. Edward noticed Forks High School was on the list. But he thought he wanted a fresh start and looked at going to Port Angeles, or maybe Spokane.
He thought he might speak with Emmett and Rosie when he got home about work placement. His housemate, Adam, was going home with him this year for Thanksgiving. He did, however, warn him there would be a few kids. His siblings didn't seem to do anything in the way of contraception.
Izzy
Things have changed for Izzy. She was now a published children's author with Penguin publishing house. Her pen name is Izzy Inkpen.
Her paintings had become so popular that she got a studio near her family's home. Charlie had installed an extensive security system put into the studio to make sure she was safe. He knew he had to let her live her life, but he couldn't lose her again.
Izzy was still working hard towards graduating from high school. This was an important achievement for her. She was in eleventh grade. Her tutors were pleased with her progress. Although Charlie and Sue often wondered how she found time to fit everything in. Izzy was good at being able to manage her time.
She still worked for Heidi only on the weekends. She loved making pottery. It was also a mystery how she still fulfilled orders for her Afghan throws. People were wondering if she ever slept. As promised, she was the proud owner of a pair of red doc martin boots with flowers on them.
Izzy had run for the first time in years. When she took Bobby out, she was still having to go with other people, just in case. It was usually Seth who went with her. Seth still called Izzy Thumbelina.
Izzy had learned to drive, and she would take Seth and Leah to school if no one else was available. Leah's favorite place to hide out when she was in trouble was with Izzy in her studio. Izzy always made sure Leah did her schoolwork.
Izzy was excited when she was told that they wanted to show her work in an art gallery. She already had so many of her paintings shown and sold. She even watched an art show on tv as they debated who Phoenix could be. Most people thought it was a man in his thirties who must have studied at one of the New York art schools. Izzy and Seth couldn't stop laughing at some theories they were coming up with.
The lawyer whom Charlie consulted with about the commune taking advantage of Izzy, was still her lawyer. Marcus and Charlie tried to get an agent to represent her as her career took off. With two careers, she needed someone to navigate through her professional needs and the fact it was important that she stay anonymous.
Her agent was a man called Jason Jenks. He hadn't yet met Izzy. He didn't know who the people he was representing were. He only knew one was an author, and the other was the famous Phoenix. As time passed, he learned he was representing a survivor from the commune and how important it was to keep their identity away from the public. He was shocked when he met Izzy. He never expected a small girl to be so talented. He didn't expect Izzy to be the famous Phoenix. Then he was even more shocked to learn she was also the author he was representing.
Two years after she had left the hospital, her agent was getting many requests for Phoenix to show their work in art galleries all over the country. They knew this was going to be an enormous challenge for Izzy. It was going to be supply and demand. After having many meetings with her agent, along with Helen, it had been decided that she would only show her work at five different locations. Izzy already had many pieces she had either sketched or painted. They were stored in her studio. She knew many of these could be shown to sell.
They decided on New York, Florida, Chicago, California, and Seattle. All the galleries knew Phoenix wouldn't be there. But they were already getting requests for tickets. It was going to be a who's who of the rich and famous who would attend. Every one of them hoped to leave owning a picture.
It was just before Thanksgiving when Phoenix's much-anticipated showing was opening at the art gallery in Seattle. This was the last place of the tour.
Izzy had been sketching from memory things from Forks since she had been home. It was Helen's therapy to show her not everything about Forks was terrible memories. She intended to have them go to the Seattle show.
She had sketched what she remembered of the forest in the back of her house. The playground she used to play at with Teddy. She had painted the place she used to go fishing with her daddy. The old man she remembered who used to sit and read a newspaper every day on a bench in the park.
For Seattle showing, she painted a picture that could be shown but it wasn't to be sold. She was going to be secretly gifting it. The picture was a little boy and little girl holding hands with their loveys in each of their other hands walking towards a blue tree house.
Izzy had given instructions that two tickets should be sent to Esme and Carlisle to attend the Seattle show. They were to be told they had won them in a competition.
A week after the exhibition, the picture was to be sent to Esme. She was to be told she had either won it or that it had been gifted to her.
Izzy had missed Esme for some time now and she wished she could see her with no one else knowing. Jasper had given her a picture of them all at his wedding. Unknown to Charlie, Izzy had been painting pictures of all the grandchildren sitting around Esme and Carlisle's feet.
But what would disturb anyone, if they knew, were the number of pictures she had either sketched or painted of Teddy. From a child to him as she thought he would look now.
~T&I~
Edward
"See if you can find Nanna," Rose instructed Bella and Sammy.
Rose was struggling with their twins, Mathew, and Grace, who were almost two. She had told Emmett that he either got the snip or she would do it herself. Four children were enough for her.
"Hello, my little angels," Esme said as she hugged the children. "Let me help you, sweetheart."
"Thanks, mom. Sometimes I feel like going back to work and leaving Emmett to look after these four every day. I miss school and teaching. I've been out for almost three years," Rose sighed.
"I know sweetheart but don't wish the time away; it flies by and before you know it, they will graduate and be going to College," Esme replied.
"So, how was the exhibition? I can't believe you scored a couple of tickets to that. Did you see Phoenix?" Rose asked as she sat in the kitchen with Esme.
"I'm not sure if he was there. There were so many people attending. Carlisle and I felt a little out of place it was a who's who of the rich and famous. One of his paintings went for $100,000. I don't think there were any that didn't get sold," Esme replied "But do you know what is so strange? I swear some of the paintings were subjects from Forks."
"How so?" Rose asked.
"Well, can you remember old Mr. Page that used to sit and watch the traffic?" Esme asked.
"I think so. I don't really remember what he looked like," Rose answered.
"There was a painting of an old man sitting on a bench reading a newspaper that resembled him. Also, there were paintings of forests," Esme began.
"Mom, the forest looks the same wherever it is. It must be just a coincidence," Rose added.
They heard the front door open.
"That could be Edward. He's bringing a friend with him for Thanksgiving," Esme said.
"Es you have a package that has just come," Carlisle shouted into the house.
"I'm in the kitchen darling," Esme replied.
"I'm just going to check on the kids. They have gone really, quiet which is never a good sign," Rose informed.
Carlisle kissed Esme as he entered the kitchen, placing the box on the counter. Esme looked at it. She wiped her hands as she was baking to get ready for the Thanksgiving meal the next day.
As she opened the box, she was shocked to see a painting by Phoenix. She looked at the compliment slip with the painting. It informed her she had won the picture. She was the 50th person who had stepped through the door.
"Carlisle, do you think there was a mistake? These pictures sold for thousands of dollars. We've owned nothing this expensive before," Esme said, shocked.
"I can't see why it would be a mistake. Your name is on the package and on the slip," Carlisle said as he re-read the slip.
"I'm going to call the gallery. Strangely, we got tickets from a competition I don't remember entering. Now I've won a picture. I won't be long. I'm just going into the office. Don't let anything happen to that picture. We can't afford to pay for it if it gets damaged, and it has been sent by mistake," Esme, said panicked.
"What happened, Dad?" Rosie asked as she walked through the door.
"Your mom won this painting by Phoenix that was at the gallery," Carlisle answered, puzzled.
Rose looked at the picture.
"That can't be right," Rose said as she picked it up and really studied it.
"What's the matter, Rose? Has it been damaged?" Carlisle panicked.
"No, nothing like that. This might sound crazy, but have you looked at this picture?" Rose asked.
Carlisle picked it up and looked at it.
"It's a girl and boy walking hand in hand. It's a sweet subject," Carlisle shrugged.
"So, you don't see what I see?" Rose questioned.
"What do you mean?" Carlisle asked, puzzled.
"Look at the little girl. What is she wearing?" Rose asked.
"Looks like a child in denim jeans overall and red boots with a rabbit in her hand. The other child has a teddy bear and has brown, reddish hair, short trousers, and a striped top. Why, what do you see?" Carlisle asked, confused.
"I see a little girl with four braids with different colored ribbons. A pair of overalls and red boots. Doesn't that remind you of someone? Look at the tree house and the background. Don't tell me that doesn't look familiar?" Rose continued.
"Well, not really. It's just a regular treehouse," Carlisle shrugged.
"That blue treehouse is in your garden. That is Teddy and Izzy. I can't believe you don't see it," Rose sighed. "Our Izzy is Phoenix. Now it makes sense that you got those tickets. She's gifted Mom this picture. You know how much she loved mom. When Renee left, she clung to mom like a lifeline."
"There isn't a mistake. This is mine. I can't believe I've won something so expensive," Esme said, shocked.
Carlisle looked at Rose, then looked down at the painting.
"We're here," Alice shouted from the front door.
"We're in the kitchen," Esme replied.
"What do you have there?" Jasper asked as he walked into the kitchen, followed by Alice.
"Apparently, I've won a picture painted by Phoenix," Esme replied, still shocked.
"Wow," Jasper said as he looked at the picture.
He looked up, shocked. Rose just shook her head slightly. Jasper realized she had seen it too.
"I'll take Gabby through to the playroom. I don't want her to mess that picture up. Alice and I couldn't afford to replace it," Jasper chuckled.
"I'll come and see what mine are up to. They are silent which isn't a good thing," Rose said as she left with Jasper.
Neither said anything until they reached the playroom.
"You saw it as well, didn't you?" Rose asked.
"Yes, that's Izzy and Teddy. I can't believe she is Phoenix. The paintings she drew on the wall at the hospital," Jasper began.
"Jasper, are you telling me you know Izzy is alive? Why didn't you say something?" Rose squeaked.
"Shit, I said that aloud. Rose, you can't say anything to anyone, especially not Emmett. He can never keep a secret," Jasper sighed.
"I watched the surgery on her feet and back. She is small, her stepbrother calls her Thumbelina. The scars she has on her body; Rose Izzy has been through hell and back. She has a big dog called Bobby. He's an English sheepdog. It broke my heart to hear her scream if the light went out. Those people had her in a room no bigger than a closet with a chain around her neck. As a doctor, I shouldn't be saying anything."
"She was the girl on that TV show, wasn't she? Charlie knows she's alive and told no one," Rose replied.
"Yes, she was. She is in therapy, that's why she hasn't come back. She wouldn't be able to cope with it here yet. Rose. She was so proud of herself because she was in eighth grade. The rest of her peers are about to graduate," Jasper said sadly. "Charlie is doing everything he can to keep her safe. As a father, I can understand why he would want to do that. Hell, if it were one of my kids, I would have them wrapped in bubble wrap and hid away so no one could hurt them again."
"Jasper, I won't say anything to anyone, I promise. It will be interesting to see if anyone else sees what we saw in that picture," Rose added.
~T&I~
Almost everyone was already at the Cullen's house. It was Gabriela's second birthday. Jasper and Alice also had something they were going to be announcing. They were having another baby. Thanksgiving was the next day and for the first time in years, neither Esme nor Carlisle were at work.
Edward had come home for the weekend with his friend Adam. Adam was an only child, and he lived with his mom. His father was killed in Afghanistan. He wasn't used to children, so he was a little nervous. They scared him, especially babies. Like Edward, he was at school studying to be a science teacher.
~T&I~
"Mom, we're here," Edward shouted into the house. "Come in Adam, just put your bag near the door. We'll take them up later."
"Hi Bella, how are you?" Edward asked his niece.
He noticed she was staring at Adam. He was about to introduce her to Adam when she screamed out.
"STRANGER, STRANGER, DANGER, STRANGER,"
She ran forward and kicked him in the shin and tried to bite him.
"What the hell Bella? What's the matter with you?" Edward shouted as he pulled her away from a stunned Adam.
"Bella, what are you doing? I'm so sorry, Adam," Emmett said as he took Bella from Edward's arms.
"Dude I'm sorry. Are you okay?" Edward asked his ears became red with embarrassment.
"Please come through to the sitting room, Adam. Bella has never done that before," Esme added.
Emmett came through with Bella, who had been crying.
"What do you have to say to Adam?" Emmett growled.
"I'm sorry Mr. Adam. We did danger strangers at school. Miss Denali said a girl get took she was bigger than us. I'm five," she said holding her hand up. "She was seven." She continued to hold up her fingers indicating seven. "So, make lots of shouting, kicking, and biting, so they might leave you alone."
"But that's when you're on the street. We are in Nanna and Grandpa's house with all the grown up's who love you. Nothing will happen to you if one of us is with you," Edward explained. "We know Izzy was taken. In fact, you're named after her."
"Silly Uncle Teddy, her name not Isabella Esme Cullen cos that's me," Bella giggled.
"I know her name is Isabella Marie Swan. So, you have the same first name as her. We call you Bella and we called her Izzy," Edward informed with a sigh. "Adam doesn't have any brothers or sisters, so he's not used to small people like you."
"He can ave him. I don't want im as my bruder anymore," Bella huffed pointing to her brother.
"Who Sammy?" Edward puzzled.
"Yep. He frow my luby in da lake when we went to feed da ducks," Bella informed.
"Why didn't your dad get your lovey out of the lake for you? Surely, he didn't throw it that far?" Edward questioned.
"Mommy said it had yucky stuff on it. She said I could get sick, so they got me a new one," Bella shrugged.
"What is a lovey?" Adam asked.
"Dude, you never had a stuffed toy or a blanket you took everywhere with you when you were younger. Something you couldn't sleep without?" Edward asked.
"No, I never had a bear or anything. I never even had one of those sucker things," Adam said, pointing towards the twins Matthew and Grace.
"Dude, that sucks. I loved my teddy. I still have it in my room. Not that I sleep with it or anything," Edward announced.
"I got a new luby," Bella smiled.
"You have well, that's good. What do you have now?" Edward asked.
"I ave a lellow wabbit, with pink ears," Bella stated.
"Wow, that sounds really cool. My friend Izzy is the girl whom Miss. Denali told you about. She had a lovey that was a yellow rabbit with pink ears," Edward said.
"She did. Do you fink she is still as it?" Bella questioned.
"No, she hasn't," Edward replied.
"How would you know that?" Jasper asked.
"Because it's upstairs in my bedroom. I took it from her the last time she was here," Edward replied as he looked at the floor.
"Edward really, why would you do that?" Esme asked.
"It's called being a follower and desperately trying to fit in. If there was such a thing as a do-over, you can bet I would never have hurt Izzy. I'm just hoping that I might apologize to her. I've learned a lot about myself since I've been in therapy," Edward declared.
"What is terapy?" Bella asked.
"Nothing you need to worry about, squirt," Emmett replied as he pulled her from Edward's knee and threw her up in the air, then caught her.
"Come through to eat. We have a birthday girl's birthday to celebrate," Carlisle said from the doorway.
Thanks always to Kellie (Klcivinski) for pre-reading the chapter and talking me through my thoughts.
Also, as always, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for all her hard work editing the chapter.
Any mistakes are all mine.