A/N I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. Also, all the new readers. I'm grateful to you all.
Things health-wise, my doctor tells me I'm improving every visit.
Chapter 30
As usual, narrated by Shelly Cope.
Izzy
The argument with her dad left Izzy feeling shaken. He was coming early without Sue. Helen's support made her grateful.
She intends to talk to Sue as Seth and Leah are her children, and she has the final word.
If her dad became overbearing, Izzy planned to move out and rent a place until the kids finished school.
Izzy wouldn't let him push her into doing something she didn't want to do.
After all, she was a grown woman, and it was about time her dad understood that. How was she ever going to be able to cope if he thought he could come swooping in every time a problem occurred?
~T&I~
Teddy
Teddy couldn't rest. He tossed and turned, and knew it was hopeless to try and sleep.
He went to his closet and reached onto the shelf at the top. From the back, he pulled out Izzy's lovey. It stopped smelling of her years ago. Sitting at the bed's end, he pondered his next move.
Sighing, he put the lovey back in his closet and went down the stairs. He grabbed his keys and drove to his house.
He decided he would write her a letter.
When he arrived, he saw Jasper, who appeared unhappy.
~T&I~
Teddy
Teddy groaned, knowing that Jasper was probably going to shout at him.
"Don't start, Jazz," Teddy groaned as he got out of the car.
"What the hell were you thinking?" Jasper growled as he pushed himself from the hood of his car.
"I wasn't okay. I saw my old best friend come to life in front of my eyes. You will never know how the knowledge of her death affected me," Teddy sighed.
"Best friend? You forfeited that title when you bullied her," Jasper stated.
"Yes, you're right. Is that what you want to hear," Teddy asked. "Jazz, have your friends from kindergarten remained the same since you were five?"
"How the hell can I remember," Jasper replied.
"Guess what? They don't. I never recognized her," Teddy offered.
"What's your point, Teddy, you scared her. Now Charlie is coming to take them all back to New York," Jasper yelled.
"Something else for the whole town to blame me for. Shall I tell you something, Jazz? If one of your former friends from kindergarten went missing as Izzy did, people would judge you just like they judged me, and still do. According to everyone, as a six-year-old, I was held accountable for her being taken. No one else, just me," Teddy growled,
"Stop making excuses Teddy…," Jasper started to say.
"No Jazz, you can just fuck off. You don't know my guilt when I thought Izzy was dead. Yes, everyone made me think it was my fault. Childhood accusations affected me. So, if you will excuse me, I have things I need to do," Teddy said as he pushed past Jasper, struggling to unlock his front door.
Leaning against the door, he could feel a panic attack beginning. The hall was closing in on him.
Teddy hurried through the house until he managed to get out the back door for fresh air. He sat on the back step with his head between his legs until he felt better. He tried to think about how to make this right. Maybe he could write Izzy a letter.
Making himself a coffee, he grabbed a pad and pen and sat on his front porch. He pulled his jacket closed. It was November and the winter months had set in.
He struggled to begin the letter. He didn't want her to be frightened of him like it appeared she was.
Izzy
"Come on Bobby, go and potty. I've got jobs to do for tonight. I've also got some things that need parceling up," Izzy said.
Once Bobby had finished, she made sure both doors were locked. She loaded the dishwasher. She stripped the beds and made up the one in the studio for herself, after loading the washing machine with the first load.
As she passed the kitchen table, she saw the rape alarm and pepper spray, Alice had given her before she had left this morning.
Alice told her if she pulled the alarm box off the cord, the alarm would wake the dead. It will give me back some of my freedom. Then, just as a second plan, a tin of pepper spray.
Alice's theory seemed logical to Izzy, but impractical in reality.
Opening the freezer, she pulled out a Strawberry Frose she loved to drink.
She activated the alarms on both doors before heading to her studio.
Glancing out the window, she saw Teddy deep in thought on his porch, sipping a drink.
Putting down her drink, she grabbed her camera and took a couple of pictures.
If people saw the album of photographs of Teddy she had, they would think she was stalking him. But in fact, she used them to paint pictures of Teddy. She had a few and wasn't sure why she was painting them.
Something caught her eye out of the window. She swore she just saw someone dressed in black in the back garden. She sank to the floor, trying to get her panic under control.
~T&I~
Teddy
Teddy sipped his coffee and as he began to write the letter to Izzy.
Izzy,
I don't know where to start. I know you hate me; well, I think I hate myself more.
Teddy just didn't know how to put into words what he wanted to say. He noticed Mr. Freeman looking down to the side of Izzy's house.
"Teddy, did you see someone go down to the side of the house?" Mr. Freeman shouted across the road.
"No, I've just come out," Teddy replied as he walked across the road.
"I don't know who it is, or if they are trying to scare Izzy, but I've seen someone several times these past few weeks," Mr. Freeman sighed.
"I'm not usually home during the day and at night I spend most of my time grading papers," Teddy replied.
"Teddy, not at work today?"
"No, I'm sick at the moment," Teddy said.
"Does last night's noise from next door have anything to do with you?" Phil inquired.
"Yes, I'm afraid it does," Teddy replied.
"I'm surprised it took you so long to figure out it was our little Izzy?" Phil chuckled.
"Did Charlie tell you?"
"No, he introduced me to her as Marie. I burst into laughter at him. I instantly recognized her. I have known that little one since she was born. Like I have known Charlie and his family. I was never a fan of Renee."
"I don't remember her, but in court, she laughed and said terrible things about Izzy. Well, I just couldn't believe that she was Izzy's mom. What could be the reason for a mother's behavior like that?" Teddy inquired.
"Teddy, not all women are meant to be moms. You should think yourself lucky that your folks love you."
"Izzy and I argued, and she poked me in the chest. Even though I was her friend, I didn't recognize her. I always pictured her being taller than she is."
"Her Grandma Swan was only 5' 2". Izzy is a couple of inches shorter than her. But Izzy's big brown eyes have never changed. As a babe, all you could see was her big brown eyes. As she got older, her caring nature was so refreshing. She would always bring Jane a piece of cake every Saturday."
"Do you have any children?"
"Yes, we had one child. David vanished from home one night, and we have never seen him since. He was only 15 years old. It sparked a scandal. People assumed our guilt. We never found him." Phil sighed.
"That's why Jane loved Izzy so much. Izzy was like a granddaughter she imagined we would have," Phil began. "Jane kept saying she saw Izzy creeping through the forest into the garden. I would look but never saw her. Now we knew she was hiding. It made Jane and I so hurt that she never came to us for help."
"She was supposed to be at our house, so you wouldn't have known she was staying in her treehouse. It was my fault she was creeping around." Teddy sighed.
"Round the time Renee left, Helen Swan had her first stroke. Charlie was trying to juggle looking after Izzy, caring for his mom, and working. He was happy when your folks offered to help. With you being on your own, they thought at least you had a playmate. But Jane felt upset when they didn't ask her to help. She was convinced that David was the reason for not being asked to help out. Izzy, despite her emotional sensitivity, kept Charlie from knowing what was happening to her."
"But everyone blames me for her getting taken off the sidewalk that day. But I was a kid, and I didn't understand what was happening," Teddy said, trying to hold back his tears.
"Who told you that crap?"
"Well, Charlie, and my siblings to start with, then there were other cops."
"Now listen to me, Teddy. If you both had been together on your bikes that afternoon, they would have still taken her. They would have issued an amber alert sooner, making the only difference. Or they would have taken and dumped you if you had been with her. Worse, they could have killed you," Phil took a breath. "Renee had sent them to get Izzy. Kids were playing in the street all the week they were here. No one reported a van, or that strangers were asking about Izzy. As far as I'm concerned it was the whole town's fault."
"So, they would have still taken her even though I wasn't with her?"
"Yes, Teddy they would have. We can't undo what has happened. What's important is how we move on with our lives," Phil stated.
"I wish I had spoken to you when I was younger. I've made such a mess of my life. That's why I'm sick from school. Lauren and Jessica have spoken to my students about my teenage mistakes. That will always follow me."
"Shall I tell you something? Have you heard about anonymous donations that have been happening around town?"
"No, I haven't heard anything,"
"The jungle gym at the Kindergarten play area was condemned. The town has formed a committee to organize different activities to replace them. But someone anonymously donated everything a kindergartener would want in a schoolyard. They even gave books."
"I had heard my mom say something about being on a committee," Teddy replied.
"Mike and Jessica took credit for buying all the equipment. Everyone knows they haven't got that kind of money. They tried to claim the tax back through the shop. It has sparked an investigation into their finances and that of the mayor's office," Phil chuckled. "I believe I know who made all those donations. There have been further donations of books to the library. Art supplies to the middle school. Uniforms for the basketball team. I can also tell you some of the people who are proud to ask for help have found groceries on their steps."
"Who do you think can afford to do that?"
"Don't ask me, young Teddy, because my lips are sealed," Phil chuckled, refusing to divulge.
"Really?"
"Someone knows how to help people at the same time deal with people who have been cruel to them," Phil said. "Izzy has lent me her punishment car, so I can do my errands more quickly. She put me on the family insurance. All I need to do is add gas.
"What is a punishment car?" Teddy asked puzzled.
"You know the kids drive nice cars. They are good kids and don't get in any trouble. But if they were to be punished, Izzy would take their car keys away from them. They would have to drive the punishment car until they earned their cars back," Phil chuckled.
"That's a good idea."
"When Jane had cancer, the insurance didn't cover everything. I had to put a payment plan together to pay the hospital bill. I live on a tight budget now. That's why I couldn't afford to have someone to help me with Jane. But someone contacted an agency and paid for a caregiver. She has care givers now. It helped as I was getting overwhelmed with having to care for her by myself. I have a hospital appointment this morning, so her care giver is here this morning. It was very difficult when I had to take her with me."
"That's nice of someone to help you like that."
"I'm here if you need someone to listen. You're a good kid, Teddy. Don't let anyone tell you anything else. We all make mistakes. It's how we deal with them that counts," Phil counseled.
"Thanks, Mr. Freeman,"
"Any time Teddy and it's Phil," Phil said as he walked into his house.
Teddy crossed the road, pondering Mr. Freeman's words.
Izzy
"They'll be here soon. Don't forget what I told you, Seth, no arguing with him. I spoke to your mom. She wants you to stay here and I'm old enough to make my own decision," Izzy said.
A few minutes later, they heard a car pull up in the front. She braced herself, anticipating an inevitable argument.
"Hi Kids," Charlie said.
"How are you holding up?" Helen asked Izzy while glaring at Charlie.
"I'm doing okay. Thank you for asking Helen," Izzy replied.
"No Izzy, you're not doing okay. Being away from us is difficult for you. You've had so many panic attacks. This is why it was never a good idea for you to come here, especially on your own, without me," Charlie growled.
"Charlie, what did I tell you?" Helen sighed.
"You think you know what is best for her, but you don't Helen. I'm her father. I know what is best for her. If I had paid more attention, she would have never been taken, so now she stays where I can keep an eye on her," Charlie yelled.
"I won't let you control me," Izzy growled, "I'm old enough to decide and I want to take back my life."
"Come on Izzy, you're not as emotionally mature as kids your age. Before coming home, you lived a feral existence. Without your dog or in the dark, you can't function. You always stay indoors. You can't carry on like that, Izzy. You need us to survive," Charlie stated.
"What did you just say, father?" Izzy asked, shocked.
"Charlie, that was uncalled for. What you just said is cruel. Izzy is the best sister I could have ever hoped for. It has been great living here with her," Leah replied. "She has left the house. She takes Mr. Freeman shopping and to his appointments. They don't have a car. She takes her packages to the post office."
"Wherever we finish high school, it won't be New York. Mom said we can stay here with Izzy if we want to. I'm staying with Izzy," Seth stated.
"You kids will do as I say," Charlie stated.
"Kids, pack clothes for the weekend until I find a permanent place for us," Izzy said.
"Where will we go, Izzy?" Leah asked.
"I know Teddy will let us stay with him for the weekend. Or until I can sort things out. If not, there's a trailer park or my car. I know how to survive. I had to learn when I was seven years old," Izzy replied.
"Now just you hold on there, young lady…" Charlie began to say.
"Charlie, I think it might be a good idea if I take Izzy and the kids to a hotel while I can undo the damage you have just caused," Helen glared at Charlie.
"You take the kids there; they won't let me take Bobby. I'll go only if he can. If not, I'll figure something else out," Izzy said, heading up the stairs.
"No Izzy, I'm going wherever you're going. I'm not leaving you on your own," Leah stated as she grabbed Izzy's hand
"I'll go with you. I'm not leaving you unprotected," Seth stated.
"No Izzy stay, I shouldn't have said those things. I don't like to see you struggling. You've been through so much," Charlie backtracked.
"No, you'll never know the whole story. But I'm a survivor. I could have been fine if I had control, but you can't see me as an adult because of my lost childhood," Izzy whispered, deflated.
"We are all hungry. Why don't we get something to eat and discuss this tomorrow," Helen suggested.
"As long as you know wherever Izzy sleeps, I'll be in the same room," Leah snarled.
"Let's go to the diner," Charlie suggested.
"It might be your last opportunity to go," Seth informed.
"Why?" Charlie asked.
"I don't know the details, but there's a notice in the window that says it's closing down," shrugged Seth.
"I'm driving," Izzy says.
Knowing that she could take off, Helen said, "I'll come with you, Izzy."
"So are we," Seth says as he glares at Charlie.
"So, I'll take my car as I imagine Bobby's coming with us," Charlie mumbled.
"Of course he is. He comes with me everywhere I go," Izzy stated.
No one spoke when they got into the cars.
"Well, have you left the house since we last spoke Izzy?" Helen asked.
"Helen, I've tried to explain so many times to you. Work keeps me too busy to try going out. Next year, I have four exhibitions and a teen book release. I've still got a few pictures to finish too. I've just finished a picture for an auction. Also, I've got the last of the Teddy Bear stories to write as Izzy Inkpen. I'm contemplating giving up writing as Inkpen. I've also done two commissioned pieces. One was a $50,000 piece," Izzy sighed.
"We discussed your excessive workload. Are you doing this, so you don't have to leave the house?" Helen asked.
"Many people work 40 hours a week. I try not to work when the kids come home from school. I'm involved with things they do. It might be sitting on the porch while Seth is throwing hoops or watching a movie with Leah and Gemma. I don't shut myself in my studio all the time. But I'm lucky I have the job that I do. I think it is a privilege to have people like my paintings. I know the money won't be there forever. Jamie has invested some for me. I have other plans. I need to do things on my own time," Izzy insisted.
"Put Bobby on his leash," Seth advised.
"I know, but I'll wait until we go in. I need to make sure he's near me, though. Dad better not make it so I can't be near Bobby and be able to leave if I need to," Izzy said.
It was obvious she was panicking. Going into her glove box, Izzy took out her pepper spray and rape alarm.
Charlie got out of his car and walked up to them. "Are you ready?"
Taking a deep breath, Izzy felt Leah slip her hand into hers. With Bobby on his leash and his service dog vest on, they went into the diner. As usual, it was busy.
"Let's eat in that corner. It's not as noisy and no one will touch Bobby," Helen advised.
They got a seat in the corner, with Izzy sitting outside near the aisle.
"Hi Thumbelina, how's it going?" Beau shouted as he pulled Izzy in a hug.
"How are you, Beau?" Izzy asked.
"I'm good," Beau answered.
Izzy could tell something was bothering him.
"Marie, can I hang out with the guys please?" Seth asked.
"Sure, it's not a problem. Here's money for food," Izzy said, pulling some money from her purse.
"Seth, I know your curfew is at 11 PM on the weekend, but could I ask you to be home around 10? Beau, are you staying over tonight?" Izzy asked.
"If that's okay?" Beau replied.
"It's fine," Izzy replied.
"Hey, is that you, Chief? I never thought I would see you again," Peter Little asked.
"Yes Pete," Charlie answered.
"Who's this young lady? No dogs are allowed here. Sorry honey," Peter advised.
"Pete, this is my daughter Marie, and my sister-in-law Helen. I should think you know my other daughter, Leah. This is Bobby, Marie's service dog," Charlie introduced.
"I didn't realize you had another daughter, Charlie," Pete stated.
"What's this I hear about selling the place?" Charlie asked.
"Well, that's a story I never thought would happen to me. There's been a lot of miracles these past few months in our town. I've benefited for one," Peter began. "You see, I re-mortgaged this place to pay for the kid's schooling. Old man Stanley, now the bank manager, claims I was late with payments and added interest to my mortgage. I have never been late, but the files say otherwise. I had no proof since I bank there, and the money would be withdrawn from my account."
"That sucks. How does he manage to get away with that? I have always known he was corrupt," Charlie growled.
"I know everyone's been saying that. To cut a long story short, I owed more than I could afford, so they foreclosed on the mortgage. But by some miracle, someone paid off the mortgage in full. I own this place. They have arrested and charged old man Stanley with embezzlement. As you know, that is a federal offense.
"No one in this town has the sort of money that has been given to people who need it," Charlotte continued. "Not that I'm complaining."
"I can't think of anyone who has that amount of money either. Who could be so charitable?" Charlie asked as he looked at Izzy.
Thanks always to Kellie (Klcivinski) for my pre-reading of the chapter and all her support.
Also, as always, thank you to EdwardsFirstKiss (Donna) for sprinkling magic dust on the words to make them pretty.
Any mistakes are all mine.