A/N I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter.
Narrated by Shelly Cope.
Chapter 26
As soon as Izzy realized she had given her identity away, she froze, looking like a deer caught in headlights. She loved Esme and had missed her over the years, but she didn't want to make herself known just yet. She wasn't ready for all the family, especially Teddy.
Then the unthinkable happened within minutes of her looking at Esme.
"We've all missed you, baby girl. Why didn't you tell us you were here?" Emmett shouted as he picked Izzy up and held her tight.
What happened next took both Emmett and Esme by surprise. Leaving them both stunned.
Izzy screamed the blood-curdling scream that her family had gotten used to hearing during the night. While she slept, dreaming of her time away from Charlie.
Izzy went limp in Emmett's arms. She slid out of his arms onto the floor. Scurrying across the floor on her hands and knees like a wounded animal. Getting as far as she could into the corner curling into herself. Bobby jumped off the table growled and bit Emmett. Then positioned himself in front of Izzy so no one could get to her. Still screaming, leaving Esme and Emmett not knowing what to do.
"My poor Izzy, what have they done to you?" Esme cried.
"Mom, I'm going to call Dad. I didn't know she didn't like being touched. I wouldn't have done it if I had known. Do you think I hurt her? I can see why Charlie has kept her from everyone. Teddy can't see her mom," Emmett murmured.
"What's going on in here? Is someone hurt?" Alice demanded.
"It's Izzy. We didn't know she doesn't like anyone to touch her," Esme said.
"Izzy honey, it's Ally. Can I help you?" Alice asked.
Izzy still had her hands over her ears with silent tears running down her face, looking blank as if she were alone in the room.
"I'm calling Jazz," Alice said.
"I've called Dad," Emmett replied.
"Jazz, can you come to the surgery? We have a minor problem, well not a problem, but we don't know what to do," Alice admitted.
"What's happened?" Jazz asked as he ran to his car.
"Izzy is here, and Emmett hugged her. She has freaked out and is curled up into a corner and her dog won't let anyone near her," Alice explained.
"Shit, she wasn't supposed to let anyone from the family know she was here. Right, you need to call her Miss Marie and whisper to her. Don't touch her. Talk about the kids, but don't mention Teddy," Jasper instructed.
"I think you have some explaining to do. It sounds to me like you knew she was here," Alice growled.
"Not now Alice. I'll be there in five minutes," Jasper snapped.
"Mom, your son seems to know how to deal with this situation, and he knew she was here. According to him, we're not to touch her and speak to her softly about the kids or something, but not to mention Teddy," Alice relayed.
So, Esme sat on the floor near Izzy talking to her about the kids and what they liked to do. Izzy never really moved. She just looked blankly at her, running her fingers through Bobby's fur.
"Sweetheart, what was the emergency?" Carlisle asked as he rushed through the door. "Who's that? Have they been hurt?"
"No, Dad, it's my fault. I didn't know she didn't like to be touched. I picked her up and hugged her. Her dog got hurt, and I gave her a ride," Emmett rambled.
"Son, take a breath. Whose dog? And why aren't you at work?" Carlisle asked.
"Teddy said he thought she should be at least a freshman and she should be at school. He persuaded me to see why she hadn't enrolled. When I got there, she was struggling with her dog. Its stomach was bleeding. Then mom recognized her when she called her Doctor Teddy's mommy," Emmett said.
"What he's trying to say is, it's Izzy. My husband knew exactly what to do. He even knew she was here," Alice snapped.
"Esme, honey, do you need any help?" Carlisle asked.
Esme shook her head as Jasper walked in.
"Jasper, I hope you know what to do. Charlie has already left town," Carlisle asked.
"Yes, I treated her when she was in New York. I watched the extensive surgery on her feet. If you will, just give me some room and we can all get on. Emmett don't beat yourself up. You didn't know. But no one is to tell Teddy; she is not ready to deal with everyone yet," Jasper instructed.
"Hello there, Bobby. I thought Seth would have taken you to the potty. Well, what are you up to, Miss Marie?" Jasper asked.
His family watched as he touched Bobby, and he didn't flinch when Bobby growled at him. He just carried on talking.
"Well, Miss Marie, can I look at your feet, please?" Jasper asked.
Izzy never spoke or moved. So, Jasper took a breath and sang.
Okay, okay, I see what's happening here
You're face to face with greatness, and it's strange
You don't even know how you feel
It's adorable
Well, it's nice to see that humans never change
Open your eyes, let's begin
Yes, it's really me, it's Jazz, breathe it in
I know it's a lot, the hair, the bod
When you're staring at a demi-god
Everyone stood in silence as they watched Jasper sing Your welcome from Mona to Izzy, bringing her out of her trance.
"Come on, Miss Marie, let me check your feet. Bobby, come on boy, let Mom check your stomach," Jasper instructed.
"Emmy Bear. I'm sorry, but I get frightened when people touch me when I don't know they're going to do it. I'm getting better, honestly. Next week Helen is coming, and we are going to do some work so I can be more like my old self. But I know Teddy is at the school where you work. Please don't tell him who I am. If he finds out, I'll just leave with the kids and I'll go home to Meme and Pop. I won't come back here or to my dad," Izzy offers.
"Who is Helen, meme, and Pop?" Alice asked.
"Helen is the therapist who has been working with Izzy since she was found. Mom, do you want to check on Bobby." Jasper answered.
"Yes, of course," Esme answered, still in shock.
"Who are Meme and Pop?" Alice asked.
"She wasn't just taken by one cult. A cult member found her hours away from being killed. They took her to another commune and hid her there while they made a deal for themselves so they wouldn't be put into jail. It's complicated," Jasper sighed.
"I'll have to get back to school. I promise I won't mention you to Teddy other than that you have graduated high school," Emmett said with his hands in his pocket.
"You graduated? Well done, you," Jasper said with a smile.
"Emmy, I would hug you, but I'm still not good at touching people. I'll explain it to you one day. Or Jazz will tell you. See you soon. I still love you to the moon and back," Izzy blushed.
"Love you too, little one," Emmett replied with a smile.
"What happened to Bobby, Izzy?" Esme asked.
"Someone left his compound gate open, and he went into the back of the garden and into the forest. When I shouted at him, he was bleeding. He knows he shouldn't go out there," Izzy answered.
Esme injected the wound so she could have a look around the cut.
"It looks like he has caught himself on a branch or something wooden. I want to x-ray him to make sure there isn't anything inside. If it's clear, I'll wash the cut and stitch it," Esme offered. "Okay, thank you Doctor Teddy's mommy. Can I come with him, so he doesn't get anxious?" Izzy asked.
"Yes, of course, you can. Are you able to walk?" Esme asked.
"Yes, I'm fine. I walk better than I used to," Izzy replied, smiling.
As Izzy followed Esme to get Bobby's x-ray, Alice turned to look at Jasper.
"So, when were you going to tell us she was alive? When were we going to be told she was back? Why the hell did you and Charlie keep this from Teddy?" Alice snapped.
"First, I'm not discussing patients with you, Alice. You know I can't. Yes, I have known she was alive for the past four-plus years. I was as shocked as the next person when I saw her. She has PTSD. Do you know she was excited that she was in the eighth grade when she was eighteen years old?" Jasper sighed. "Teddy and his behavior would send her over the edge. For fuck's sake, she lives across the road from him. Charlie saw his bedroom activities and so you can bet she has too. She hasn't even kissed a boy before, so I wouldn't think she has done anything else. She will make herself known when she is ready. Besides, Teddy is on her shit list. The last person on her shit list got locked in a cupboard and was in there for three hours."
"Alice, I must agree with Jasper. I think she must trust people before Teddy is let loose near her. He's my son and I love him, but he's not getting anywhere near her. He will have to get through me first. We let her down before and we won't do it again," Carlisle said.
"There's nothing in the wound. I just need to wash out the cut and stitch it," Esme said to Izzy as they walked back into the room.
"Mom, if you want to go home with Izzy, I can finish the appointments," Alice offered.
"If you are sure, it will be good to catch up. If that's okay with you Izzy?" Esme asked.
"Yes, I'd like that. Thank you, Alice," Izzy replied.
~T&I~
Emmett
Emmett has always been a level-headed person. Even when his football career ended, he just saw it as when one door shut another one opened.
He was always smiling and seldom would you see him upset or, worse, cry.
The only time he has cried these past few years was when Rosie walked up the aisle on their wedding day. When their children were born, and of course when Izzy was taken.
To say he was shocked by the young girl who looked nothing like his little Izzy who was, in fact, his Izzy was an understatement. But it brought tears to his eyes at how broken she was. He just wanted to fix her, only he didn't know how.
Alice insisted Teddy should be told. This made Emmett's blood boil. Being a dad, he would do anything to keep his little girls safe. If this had happened to any of them, he wouldn't let the likes of Teddy within ten feet of them.
"Let me look at the dog bite son," Carlisle said as he walked out to his son, who was now standing in the corridor.
"Dad, I didn't know Izzy was that bad or I wouldn't have touched her. She is just broken. Did you see some of those scars? Those bastards did that to her," Emmett choked.
"I know, son. None of us will ever know what happened to her. But it was probably horrendous. I'm almost sure it was Izzy on that police show," Carlisle guessed.
"Dad, as much as I love Teddy, he can't know that's Izzy. He hasn't grown up enough to deal with her mental health. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she ever had a relationship if she doesn't like to be touched. Do you think those bastards violated her?" Emmett asked.
"I hope not. But I agree that Teddy and Chelsea must stay away from her. Her therapy must be working. It will be interesting to speak to her," Carlisle said. "There, son, all finished. You don't need stitches and you are up to date with your shots. You better get back to work."
"Say bye to Mom and Izzy for me. Tell Izzy I'm sorry. I didn't know she didn't like to be hugged. Give her my cell number and tell her I'm always here if she needs anything," Emmett offered.
Soon Emmett was back at school, and he had to explain to the principal how Marie's dog had bitten him.
"So, the young lady is in her early twenties and graduated from a high school in New York?" Principal Jackson asked.
"Yes, she did. She even showed me her driver's license to prove her age. I know Chelsea has given her a tough time since she came to town. The young lady works from home, which is why few people have seen her in town," Emmett offered.
"I spoke to Chelsea this morning. Her clothes are not appropriate for a teacher," Principal Jackson sighed. "You were right. We should have gotten a substitute teacher to cover the art classes."
"I'm going to have a word with my brother before his next class," Emmett said.
Walking down the corridor, he knew that although he said he wouldn't say anything about Izzy to Edward, he would tell his Rose.
"Mr. Masen, could I have a word before you start your class, please?" Emmett asked.
"What happened to your arm?" Teddy asked, shocked.
"I found out that Marie's dog is very protective of her," Emmett said.
"Have you reported that to the police? It could have attacked a child," Teddy said, alarmed.
"No, and I won't be either. The dog was hurt, and I took them to see Mom. Teddy, just leave Marie alone. She is a little older than you. She works from home and is shy. Don't keep reporting her to the police. She enjoys the open air, and that's why she likes to sit out in the evening. Her guitar is not as loud as the television. I'll say it again; keep away from Chelsea. She has been warned about her conduct outside of school. Some of the parents have complained about you both. She isn't even wearing appropriate school attire," Emmett said.
"I know she isn't. She thinks I'm going to get jealous if she attracts any of the other teachers. I'll apologize to Marie," Teddy sighed.
"No, just leave her alone. If she wants to speak to you, she will. You'd better get back to your class," Emmett advised.
He wasn't looking forward to when Teddy found out Marie was Izzy, and his family knew and hadn't told him.
~T&I~
Izzy
"Let me look at your feet, Miss Marie. Have you worn the compression socks you were told to wear?" Jasper asked.
"I did for about a year, and then I didn't after that because I thought I would just wear the small sneaker socks, so my boots don't rub my feet. When I was in New York, though, the weather was warmer and it didn't rain so much, so I wore the sandals Pop made me," Izzy answered.
As Jasper took off her boots, Carlisle couldn't resist coming to look.
"It must have hurt before you had the surgery. How long had your ankles been broken before you had them fixed?" Carlisle asked.
"It was about eight years. I never noticed the pain after a while. After we thought they were fixed we took the bandages off. The clay was only good for a day at a time. But he said he hoped our feet would fall off because we deserved it," Izzy replied.
"I don't support the death penalty, but I would press the button for the lethal injection for what he has done to you, my sweet girl," Esme snarled.
Esme turned to wash Bobby's wound to get any debris out so Izzy couldn't see her crying.
Long after Bobby had been stitched up and Carlisle had marvelled over the surgery to reconstruct Izzy's feet. Izzy had agreed to let Esme take her home.
"I have always felt horrible about the way you were treated before you were taken. I just wish you would have trusted me enough to tell me. I should have never believed Teddy when he said you were home when he clearly knew you weren't. A few months ago, he admitted he still had your lovey. I had never wanted to hit him as much as I did that day. I hope you will please forgive me for my part in all this," Esme said.
"It was so long ago. Although I will admit I would love to get revenge on some people in this town. But that's not why I came back. I need to get my life back and Helen agreed it all started here. Would you like to come in?" Izzy asked as they pulled up in front of Izzy's house.
"I would love to come in," Esme smiled.
They walked up to the house, with Bobby walking beside Izzy. He kept looking over at Esme. It was as though he didn't trust her.
"I made some lemonade last night. Would you like a glass?" Izzy asked.
"I would love some. It's been many years since I've had homemade lemonade," Esme replied. "Izzy, these Afghan blankets are beautiful. Where did you get them?"
Passing Esme, a glass of lemonade, Izzy answered. "I made them. I find it really soothing to knit. Would you like one?"
"I didn't ask so you would give me one. Let me pay for it," Esme said embarrassed.
"No, I want you to have one," Izzy replied.
"When do you have time to knit?" Esme questioned.
"I like to sit outside in the evening. I hate being stuck in the house. Although Teddy and his girlfriend seem to have a problem with me being on the front porch. They called the police. Pop made me a rocking chair and I like to sit in it during the evening while the weather isn't too bad. I also play my guitar."
"Who is Pop?" Esme asked.
"Sparrow and Saffron rescued me. They took me to a commune in New York that has been there since Woodstock in the '60s. Pop and Meme were the people who founded the commune. I stayed with them for just over two years, I think. Time didn't really mean anything there. We had no computers, cell phones, or television. We never went to the movies, not that I could go into the theater," Izzy chuckled.
"Why can't you go into a movie theater?" Esme asked.
"I don't like being in the dark. When I was at that place, our punishment was to be put in small rooms in the dark. We had chains around our necks, ankles, and wrists. I have nightmares, I scream in my sleep. Like today, things trigger terrible memories. I have been called a crazy bitch by Teddy's girlfriend. She might be right. But I'm working on it. Since I've been home, I've worked hard on everything. Coming here was my way of facing many of my fears and nightmares," Izzy informed.
"Izzy, can I give you a hug, my darling girl?" Esme begged.
Panicking a little, Izzy nodded her head.
She felt the familiar warmth that came from Esme's hugs. She had forgotten what they were like. Before she knew what she was doing, she pressed her face into her neck and breathed in the scent that was Esme.
"I have to say something, not on Teddy's behalf, just so you know. Teddy doesn't have a girlfriend. That horrible girl has just got him wrapped around her little finger. But we have told him to keep her out of his house, especially his bedroom," Esme said.
"I don't know if I can trust him enough to be near him. I'm frightened of him," Izzy answered, biting her lip.
"Sweetheart, he would never hurt you. He knows he has made mistakes and he would do anything to put things right," Esme offered.
"I don't know now. He's not giving me any cause to even be friends with him," Izzy whispered, shaking.
"Izzy, does that spinning wheel work? I don't remember seeing it here before?" Esme asked.
"That's mine. I spin my yarn. I have my loom as well. The sewing machine I have to make my clothes is a peddle one. I've never used an electric machine. I even used the old fashion potter's wheel," Izzy replied. "I'll teach you to spin one day if you would like me to?"
"My goodness Izzy, you have always been talented, but goodness, you turn your hand to anything. I would love to learn how to spin wool," Esme replied. "Do you still draw?"
"Yes, I still draw. I don't as often as I would like. I have a room above the carport to do things like that in. It has so many windows that I don't feel like I'm trapped," Izzy offered.
"You obviously never went to school after Renee took you," Esme asked.
"No, I only started to have school lessons when I went to the place in New York. Meme used to be a schoolteacher and she taught us. We studied math, English, and some history," Izzy began.
"So, when you started your lesson, you were at a first-grade level?" Esme asked.
"Yes, but I learned other things as well," Izzy replied.
"What was your typical day like?" Esme asked interested as to how Izzy had managed to survive.
"In New York, I got up when the cock crowed and began my day. I started by milking the cows and goats. I milked them by hand. I separated the cream and milk and left it in the canning room. I churned it later in the day to make butter and cheese. I took care of the chickens and collected the eggs. I made sure they were clean. I could also pluck them. When they were no longer able to lay eggs, they would be killed. We kept the feathers for quilts. School was after breakfast from eight until twelve. I also know how to catch fish. I know how to gut and scale them and store them for the winter months. I canned fruits and vegetables for the storehouse. Of course, I can spin, and knit. I even helped sheer the sheep last spring when I was there. Although basket weaving made my hand sore," Izzy laughed holding out her hands.
Esme tried not to show her shock. Izzy's hand had callouses as bad as an old man who had worked all his life.
"Izzy you worked so hard, and you did all this while your feet were broken?" Esme asked, shocked.
"It wasn't so bad. When I went home with my dad, I never went to school. I had a tutor, and I did the work online. I graduated last semester. I went to work for Heidi in her pottery on the weekends and sometimes in the evenings. I made different pots, and then people came and painted them. As I never went out, I put my paycheck straight into the bank. So, I have money until I can get a job when my PTSD is better managed."
"Would you give me spinning lessons?" Esme asked.
"Yes, I'll just make us lunch and I can show you how to use the spinning wheel," Izzy said excitedly as they both went into the kitchen.
They both worked on the spinning wheel. They were both startled when Seth and Leah burst into the house, coming home from school.
"Goodness, is that the time? I have to go. Emmett and his family are coming over tonight," Esme said as she slipped on her coat.
"Izzy, Mr. Masen is walking across here. Can I tell him to piss off?" Seth asked.
"Seth watch your language. No, I'll sort it out. Thank you for coming, Esme. I hope you will come again," Izzy offered.
"Try to keep me away," Esme replied, giving Izzy a hug.
Looking up, Izzy panicked a little. "Bobby herd," Izzy commanded.
Izzy watched with amusement as Bobby ran around Teddy, barking at him. Making him keep stepping back until he was back across the road and standing on his front porch.
Esme couldn't help but burst out laughing.
Thanks as always to Kellie (Klcivinski) my pre-reading for taking the time out of her busy schedule to read through the chapter.
Also, as always, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for your time and patience in editing the chapter.
Any mistakes are all mine.