Chapter 24
A/N I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I didn't get the chance to thank you personally.
Narrated by Shelly Cope.
Edward
Of Edward's three years in university, he spent his two semesters at Port Angeles doing his student teacher's training and classroom observation. While he was in Port Angeles, he stayed with his parents and worked in billing at the hospital. He thought it was better than emptying bedpans like he had done when he was working his debt off to his parents.
He kept the job in the billing department until he went back to Seattle for his last year of school.
Edward had a great time in his last year at university. He dated casually, sometimes even taking a girl out twice. He had a few one-night stands after parties. However, most weekends were usually reserved for dungeons and dragons.
He had tried to reinvent his appearance. He had a contact lens fitting in his eye that had been damaged. He wore his hair longer at the top and short at the bottom. He wore a beard as a five-clock shadow, so his scars and birthmark were hidden.
He took a girl called Chelsea out on a date twice, and she had become his stalker. He was keen to make sure she didn't turn into another Siobhan. She was studying art and was also taking her exam to become a teacher. Edward hoped that by the time graduation came around, he would be rid of her. She had made it uncomfortable. She had made it so no one else wanted to go out on a date with him.
Adam came home with Edward the Christmas after Thanksgiving. Adam made a massive mistake when he had too much to drink. He had come on to Rose. Emmett almost killed him. Edward drove Adam to Port Angeles, put him in a motel for two nights, and left a bus timetable with him.
Edward saw little of him at school after that.
Edward had interviewed for a job as a science teacher, and possibly an IT teacher if they couldn't find one at Forks High School. He was excited to learn he was on the shortlist.
Emmett taught there and was now the vice Principal. Rose would be back at school after summer vacation. She was glad; although she loved her children, she missed teaching.
Emmett, Rose, and Edward had discussed the possibility that if Edward was to get the job, he would change his surname. As there would be two, Mr. Cullens teaching there. Edward suggested just while in school he would use his middle name as his surname. Mr. Masen.
Edward was hoping to get the job. He didn't want to be far from his family anymore.
Izzy
Izzy had been quiet and was disappearing into her studio, sometimes not coming home. Everyone was worried about her. She wouldn't say anything to Helen which was unusual. Seth decided he didn't like his Thumbelina acting like this. It was worrying him. It didn't sit well that Bobby wouldn't leave Izzy's side as usual, and he only seemed to eat when she did.
After much begging, Izzy confided to Seth that she couldn't keep up with the demands everyone had put on her. She had been conditioned in both the communes to work and not complain. She had to just push through it, but she couldn't do it anymore.
Seth made her go home and talk to Charlie and his mom. Charlie was beside himself and decided that it would do everyone good to have a family vacation. They brought an RV and went to visit some fun places. Izzy had never heard of a big ball of twine in Minnesota or Nebraska. Or maybe the biggest Catsup bottle in Illinois. As Charlie said, the possibilities were endless.
They spent the entire summer exploring the States.
When they got back, Izzy decided she was going to put her paintings and children's storybooks on hold. She wanted to concentrate on finishing high school. She wanted to graduate, knowing that she wouldn't ever go to college or university. She wouldn't be able to cope in that situation.
But she had a career and even if she no longer had anyone who wanted to buy her pictures or buy a book, she wrote, she would soon find something else to do. She thought that one day she might buy herself a small piece of land and build a house. Maybe get a cow, a goat, and some chickens. She could live independently.
Her accountant had talked to her about the stock market and buying shares and investments. She told her she would think about it and maybe talk to her dad.
Her confidence was increased when she was told by Sue that they had arrested another six people from the commune. There were no more people from the foundling compound that knew her out there. Also, another four of the foundlings had come out of hiding. Again, they weren't known to Izzy. She made it clear she didn't want to meet them. Izzy was determined to put it all behind her. Izzy didn't want to be known as the girl who was taken by the cult.
Izzy was looking forward to being her dad's wing person at the wedding of her dad and Sue, whom she had now been calling her mom. Much to Charlie's delight.
~T&I~
Edward
"Hello Edward, I didn't hear you come in," Esme said as she wiped her hands on her apron.
"Hi, Mom. I haven't been home for very long. I've just been upstairs to take off my monkey suit," Edward replied.
"How did the interview go? Did you get any sign that you might have gotten the job?" Esme asked excitedly.
"I'm not sure. They seemed to be impressed that I have turned myself around. They already know I have experience with computers. So, I could teach computer science if needed. I have also studied child psychology, which they were impressed with. Emmett can't give an opinion as to whether I get the job or not," Edward replied.
"Do you have a backup plan?" Esme enquired.
"Not really. I suppose I will work at the hospital until I can find a teaching job. I don't want to leave the area, all the family is here… and I want to stay here," Edward shrugged.
"The school would be lucky to have you," Esme replied with a smile.
Esme went back into the kitchen and Edward, as always, found himself pulled towards the painting of the children that was hung in the prime place on the wall.
The subject, although simple, seemed so familiar to him and he didn't understand why.
He was deep in thought and didn't hear the doorbell ring.
"Edward, dear, there's a girl at the door. She says she's your friend from school," Esme said worriedly.
"Hi Eddie, I thought I would drop in after my interview to say hi and tell you how it went," squawked Chelsea.
"Dear you made me jump, I thought you were still at the door," Esme declared holding her chest.
"Chelsea, who told you where I lived?" Edward growled.
"I asked at the school," Chelsea giggled.
"Mom, this is Chelsea. She was in a couple of my classes at school," Edward introduced.
"It's nice to meet you," Esme politely said, as the phone rang in the hallway.
"I just have to get that," Esme said.
"Chelsea, how many times do I need to tell you there is nothing between the two of us? It was your idea, the friends with benefits, not mine. I told you not to bother me anymore," Edward growled.
"That was the surgery. Mrs. Freeman's' dog has been hit by a car and Alice is out of the office making a house call. I don't know how long I'll be. The bread in the oven needs to be taken out in ten minutes. Then could you put the pie in, please? Your dad should be finished at the hospital within the hour," Esme told Edward.
"Yes, Mom no problem. Chelsea will be leaving now too," Edward glared.
As Esme left, Chelsea started the interrogation.
"What I don't understand, Eddie, is if both your parents are doctors, why do you live in such a small house? Surely, they have enough money to get a bigger one," Chelsea said as she looked around.
"First, I've told you my name is Edward. Second, this is a big house for Forks. Most houses don't have four bedrooms or two with en-suites. Mom and Dad bought this house as a fixer-upper when they first got here. They have added a pool, pool house, and a sunroom. Then they turned the basement into a bedroom and games room. So, it now has five bedrooms. Not that I must justify anything to you," Edward stated.
"But you worked to pay your way through school. Why didn't they support you?" Chelsea asked.
"We've had this conversation before. I've told you it has nothing to do with you. My parents are not from money. Neither they nor my brothers or I have any kind of trust funds, or money invested. They worked their way through school. When they left, they had huge loans to pay off. So, they saved what they could for us. I screwed up and couldn't get a scholarship like my brothers did. Now would you leave?" Edward demanded.
"This picture? Is it supposed to be by Phoenix? I really wouldn't put it on the wall if it's fake," Chelsea scoffed.
"It's not a fake. It was given to my mom by Phoenix. Now leave. I'll see you at school for graduation. But stop following me around. Stop turning up at my house both at school and here," Edward said as he took her arm and walked her to the door.
Opening the door, he walked her to her car. "Leave now!"
Going back into the house, he could smell the burning of the bread in the oven.
"Fuck why does this shit always happen to me?" he yelled.
"What was she doing here? Rose didn't like her interview, but she was the only candidate for the art teacher position. She can't even draw that well. She's into that modern art shit. Have you burned the bread bro?" Emmett said as he poked around in the fridge.
~T&I~
Time passed, and it was now time for the Cullens to travel to Seattle to attend Edward's graduation. Even the children had come out of school to watch; leaving the babies back in Forks with Alice's mom.
"Mommy, we hab seen Ukey Teddy get da paper. I'm ungey when we gonna eat," Sammy groaned.
"It's not much longer. Uncle Teddy received his diploma first because his last name is the same as ours. That's near the beginning of the alphabet, isn't it?" Rose asked.
"Yes, Mommy but we're still hungry," Little Bella said.
"I could do with eating, too" Emmett groaned.
"Emmett, you're supposed to be the adult. You know how long this takes," Carlisle chuckled.
"He moaned about being hungry then if I remember right," Jasper added.
The children applauded enthusiastically once the ceremony was over.
"Can we get food now?" Little Bella asked.
"We must wait for Uncle Teddy. He might want to take photos with his friends. Then we need to get pictures with him as well," Alice explained. "I've got chocolate in my bag, but don't tell your mom."
"Shit, it looks like that Chelsea is hanging on Teddy's arm. When is he going to learn not to get his dick wet with psycho's" Emmett said.
"Here's Edward, let's get pictures taken so the children can eat," Esme stated.
"Hi everyone, let me introduce my parents. This is Cora and Brandon, parents, this is the Cullen family. This is my Eddie," Chelsea introduced.
"Congratulations on getting the job at Forks High School. I'm sure you and Chelsea will make a lovely home together, Eddie," Cora gushed.
"Hold on, I have no plans on setting up a home with you, Chelsea. How many times do I have to tell you there isn't an us?" Edward growled.
"I am glad about dat. If she lives at Nanna's house, I not going der anymore. Dis is your fault, Ukey Teddy, all cos you got you stick wet," Sammy growled.
"Sammy, where did you hear that?" Esme shrieked.
"Dat wot my daddy and Uncle Jazzy said," Sammy snarled glaring at Edward.
"I don't like her. She smells nasty and her hair is a silly color. She's trying to have pretty hair like Mommy's, but the top of her hair is black. It looks silly," Little Bella huffed.
"Your children are vulgar and rude. Have you thought about chastising them?" Chelsea demanded.
"No, my children don't need chastising for telling the truth," Emmett said.
"Are we ready to go to our family's dinner? That doesn't include you and your family, Chelsea. If you want to stay with them Edward, go for it. They have upset the kids. That doesn't sit well with me. You've clearly spoiled the day," Jasper growled.
"Don't worry Jazz I won't be going anywhere with them. "Come on kids let's go eat I'm starving," Edward said.
~T&I~
Izzy
Izzy wore a beautiful cream maxi dress with a V-neck. It was completely covered with a lace overlay. She had sown a handkerchief hem which she loved. She completed her outfit with her red doctor martins.
Clothes from the 60's style were the only clothes she had ever worn. To the outside world, it was a fashion called boho, which Izzy found ridiculous. She just carried on making her own clothes like she had being doing for most of her teen years.
"What is it we are doing now?" Izzy asked.
A wedding was something new to her. She had looked on the internet with Seth so she could see what was expected of her.
"We go to a rehearsal, and then have a meal after," Charlie replied.
"Why do you have to rehearse? It's not like a play or anything?" Izzy puzzled.
"It's so you know when to come down the aisle, and know where to stand. Then anything else you are expected to do," Charlie explained.
"But don't you know that from the last time when you married my egg donor? and Sue was married before as well?" Izzy asked.
"That's true, but things are different now. When I married Renee, we got married in a church. Here we are getting married outside. The preacher isn't connected to either Sue's or my church, as we are different religions. Although your Grandma Swan used to call me and you Grandpa, a Hatch, match, and dispatchers," Charlie chuckled.
"What does that mean?" Izzy puzzled.
"Hatch is when you are born and get baptized. The match is when you are married and dispatcher when a person has died and it's their funeral. Now, are you ready to get this show on the road?" Charlie asked.
Izzy concentrated on what she had to do. She didn't want to make a mistake or embarrass her dad. After going through it twice, she thinks she has got this.
The meal part of the rehearsal was the bit Seth constantly talked about.
"Mom, come on, I need some food. My stomach hurts because I'm so hungry," Seth whined.
"Seth, you ate a sandwich before we came out just over an hour ago," Sue replied.
"Yes, but I'm a growing boy," Seth moaned.
"Come, let's get in the dining room," Leah giggled.
As they walked into the dining room, it took Izzy by surprise when there was a banner saying, "Congratulations on your graduation, Izzy!"
"What's this for Dad?" Izzy asked.
"Well, sweetheart, you have worked so hard to graduate high school. It wasn't possible to attend your graduation at the high school, so we thought we would bring it to you," Charlie explained.
Everyone applauded. Everyone in the room where people Izzy knew. She was happy to see Helen and Heidi.
Charlie escorted Izzy to the front of the room where a man she didn't know was standing.
"Hello Izzy, my name is Principal Jennings. I'm from Westfield High School. It's so nice to finally meet you. My teaching staff are always praising you. I would like to take this opportunity to award you with your high school diploma," Principal Jennings said. As he handed Izzy a roll of paper.
"Thank you," Izzy replied, blushing.
"Hello Izzy, I'm Vice Principal Rona Simons. I'm also very pleased to meet you. As you never got to attend the prom, we decided that tonight, after we have eaten, you will have that rite of passage and you will attend your prom here tonight," Rona said with a smile.
"Every girl should be given a corsage for their prom," Seth added. As he slipped a pink rose with baby breath onto her wrist.
Izzy put her hand down to pull her fingers through Bobby's fur. "Thank you. This is very kind of you to do this for me."
Helen realized Izzy was becoming overwhelmed and nodded to Charlie.
"Thank you everyone for coming tonight. Enjoy your meal and prom," Charlie said as he held out his hand to Izzy, taking her to the table.
"What is there to eat?" Seth asked, causing Izzy to burst out laughing.
Everyone was having a great time at the prom as the night wore on. Many of them reminisced about their own prom.
Leah and Seth taught Izzy how to do the Cha-cha slide.
At midnight, Charlie rounded the night up with a dance with his Izzy. Charlie said goodnight to them all as he was staying over along with Sue's parents and Seth.
For the first time, Izzy slept in the same room as Leah. Also, with her cousins, Emily, and Samantha. After giggling most of the night and looking at hairstyles and clothes. Izzy decided she was going to get her hair cut and her ears pierced.
Sue went into the room at three in the morning and reminded them they had to go to the hairdresser early in the morning. Everyone had to be ready for the wedding at three that afternoon.
~T&I~
"Come on, Izzy, just get your ears pierced. it hurts, but you're brave," Emily encouraged.
"Okay, but just once. Can I have a colored stud? Those big ones are ugly," Izzy asked.
"Sure, just choose. I must have your parents' permission with you being underage," the sale girl asked.
"Thank you for the compliment, but I'm twenty-four," Izzy smiled as she got her driving license out. "Before you ask, it's not a fake. I'm on the short side. That's if you class 5 ft 2 as small."
"I'm sorry, it's just that people of your age usually have had at least one piercing," the sale assistant said, blushing.
"Don't worry about it. I've been away at school, and they didn't allow piercing or tattoos. Then after school, I was with a group of people who lived off the land, without TV, electricity, or other things they considered modern," Izzy said with a smile.
"I couldn't go without music and not being able to have electricity to do my hair," she continued. "Which earrings would you like? You will need this lotion to keep your ears clean. This is the instruction leaflet. Are you ready?"
Although it stung when the earring went in, the pain was nothing compared to what she had endured before.
The next place they went was the hairdressers. She had her hair cut. Just below her ears and layered on the top. She looked different and a little older, but still looked younger than her age.
When the beautician tried to put makeup on her, she refused. She didn't like the way it made people look. If they didn't like her natural look, it was their problem.
Again, she wore a lilac home-made dress with a 60's look, as usual a handkerchief hemmed dress, with her beloved red doc martins. She was going to be her dad's wing person, as he said. He couldn't think of anyone he wanted by his side other than his Izzy.
A smile crossed Charlie's face as she rushed to be by his side, followed by Bobby with a kerchief around his neck.
"Hi Dad, you look nice," Izzy said with a smile.
"So do you kid. What have you done to your beautiful hair?" Charlie asked.
"I've had it cut into beautiful short hair," Izzy replied with a grin.
"I love you Izzy. I can't tell you how glad I am that you're here," Charlie choked.
"I can't tell you how glad I was that you came and got me. I thought I would never see you again," Izzy replied, giving Charlie a hug. "I think it's time. Emily is coming down the aisle."
Charlie turned and watched the girls walk down. Straining his neck to see if Sue was in sight yet. A smile crossed his face when he saw Sue on the arm of Seth. His smile lit up the room.
"You look beautiful," Charlie whispered to Sue.
"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Charles Swan and Susan Clearwater. Does anyone know of any reason they can't be joined in holy matrimony? Let them declare it now." Minister Kerr asked.
Izzy smiled as she could see both Sue and Charlie were holding their breath.
"Good, let us continue," Minister Kerr said. Then he began the service.
Izzy wondered about her future. She couldn't think about getting married or even being able to have a relationship with anyone. She was too damaged by what had happened to her. No one would want to sleep with the light on. Or would want her to make her own clothes and make food with what she grows? She would be classed as an old person in a young person's body. Who was she kidding? She was mistaken for someone in their early teens, no one would want to be seen with someone who looked like a child, covered in scars, and deformed feet.
She would probably eventually be known as the old lady with the dogs. She could imagine the things the kids would say about her being the strange old woman, whose parents told them to keep away from the house. This made her sad. Hating what had happened to her.
She turned and looked at the congregation. There weren't many people here, only the people who knew about her past. People who didn't make her panic. She couldn't hold her family back from having friends because of her. It was true she had her paintings and her children's books. But she had taken a year off. Would people still want to buy her paintings and read the books she wrote? Once again, she began to feel hopeless.
She came out of her thoughts when she heard the minister say.
"The bride and groom have written their own vows. Charlie will go first," Minster Kerr said.
"I'm not a man of many words. I have tried to write what I wanted to say to you, Sue. I discussed it with my little girl Izzy, and she agreed to sing how I feel about you Sue. If you would please Izzy," Charlie instructed.
Helen passed her the guitar with a wink. With Bobby by her side, she began to play and sing.
I give her all my love
That's all I do
And if you saw my love,
You'd love her too
I love her.
Passing the guitar back, she smiled at Helen. Helen knew something was wrong and couldn't wait for the end of the service to see what the matter was.
It wasn't long before Izzy heard, I now pronounce your man and wife.
Izzy followed everyone down the aisle like she had practiced the day before.
Photos were taken. Before they went into the reception, Charlie took Izzy's hand.
"You okay Izzy?" Charlie asked.
"I've been thinking. I'm ready to go back to Forks," Izzy declared.
The song is, "And I love her" by the Beatles.
Thanks always to Kellie (Klcivinski) my pre-reading for taking some time out of your busy schedule and reading through the chapter.
Also, as always, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for sprinkling your magic on my work and making it look pretty and readable.
Any mistakes are all mine.