A/N I would also like to thank everyone who reviewed the last chapter. I had my grandchildren for the two weeks Easter holidays, so I wasn't able to write.

Chapter 32

As usual, Narrated by Shelly Cope.

Charlie was having a hard time leaving Izzy asleep in the arms of Teddy. He had tried to move her, but she was holding on to Teddy's shirt and wouldn't let go. Both Sue and Helen stopped him from waking her. Even Esme reassured him nothing would happen to Izzy and that her son would never hurt her that way. Carlisle became angry when Charlie made comments about Teddy's intentions towards Izzy.

Carlisle knew well that Teddy had frequently invited multiple women into his bed, especially when he was drunk.

He has at least kicked Chelsea to the curb, which pleases the whole family. However, it hasn't stopped her from trying to start things up again. It hasn't gone unnoticed that Chelsea was having sex with other members of the staff, even with one of the married math teachers.

Chelsea had become inappropriate with some members of the football team also, wearing inappropriate clothing and making suggestive comments.

Emmett was getting frustrated, as they were failing Art class. Most team members opted for Art, assuming it was an easy subject without a written exam. However, they lacked any work in their portfolio that could be submitted for a grade which was causing problems.

According to school rules, they wouldn't be able to be in the championship if they didn't receive a passing grade in Art. If nothing was addressed promptly, they would be without a full team that had qualified for the championship. He had managed to talk to the principal to let the whole squad play in the playoffs.

Emmett knew that many talent scouts from universities would be present at the games to scout for talent. He also knew two boys were hoping to get a scholarship so they could attend university.

Emmett attempted to dismiss Chelsea and find a substitute for the remaining year. Many staff members, including Edward, shared the same mindset.

~T&I~

Izzy

Izzy awoke with comforting warmth surrounding her. She couldn't remember sleeping through the night without having a nightmare. They had been a nightly occurrence since she had left Pops and Meme's house. Putting her hand out like she does to pet Bobby; she shoots up when she realizes that Bobby isn't there.

She was even more shocked when she saw Teddy holding her. He was still asleep, snoring softly. Then she realized she wasn't wearing her top; someone had just placed it over her.

Had he seduced her, and she didn't remember falling asleep in his arms? She was beginning to panic. Being disoriented, she struggled to get out of Teddy's arms. He began to hold her tightly, pulling her into his chest. She did what she had to do to protect herself. She drew her arm back and punched him in the face.

"What the fuck Izzy? Why did you fucking punch me?" Teddy yelled while holding his nose, which was bleeding.

"Why am I here? And why are you touching me? You know I don't like being touched? Where's Bobby?" Izzy yelled as she scrambled off Teddy's lap whilst struggling to put on her top.

"Izzy, Bobby's here. He needed to use the bathroom, sweetheart," Esme advised.

Izzy became aware of loud laughing. She looked towards the kitchen door and saw Emmett.

"She got you good, little brother," Emmett said through his tears.

"Don't you remember getting angry with Teddy last night and being inconsolable? You let Teddy hold you and you fell asleep crying. We thought it best not to disturb you. Even though your dad disagreed with us all," Carlisle advised.

Pulling Bobby into her legs, she tried to calm her breathing down.

Standing on the other side of the coffee table, Izzy glared at Teddy.

"Sorry, Teddy, I didn't remember falling asleep, although I do remember getting angry with you last night," Izzy acknowledged. "I'm still pissed at you, to be honest. I can't believe your vanity. You never used to mind your Born mark and your leg. What happened to you?"

"Peer pressure, and trying to make other people like me," Teddy sighed. "It was a confusing time for me when I was a fourteen-year-old,"

"My thoughts at fourteen were not about impressing people. I was trying to survive," Izzy mumbled.

Sadly, Esme looked at Izzy and asked, "Would you like to stay for pancakes, or do you want to go home?"

"If you have enough, I wouldn't mind staying," Izzy replied. "At least it's a brief reprieve from my dad. I love him and missed him when I was taken, but I wish he'd understand my need to move forward."

"I understand, honey. It's difficult for the two of you. But Helen is happy with how you're doing. Telling and talking to us all last night was a complete eye-opener," Emmett offered.

"But people still don't recognize when a child is getting abused. So, things haven't changed that much in the town," Izzy said.

"People do a better job now that they learned from the mistakes," Rose offered.

"That's not true. No one did anything about Gemma. Poor Beau is being neglected by his mother, who only wants him when she hasn't got any drugs. Don't let me get started about that man who is supposed to be his father. Beau stays with us most of the time," Izzy ranted.

"Everyone's doing their best, Izzy," Alice added.

"I will argue against that statement. Our town has plenty of people to watch out for neighbors and kids. The school's teachers and other staff members must surely see if they are bruised or going without food. People are too concerned about themselves and material things," Izzy answered.

"You've lived in a community with Pop and Meme, or whatever they are called. They shared everything and are self-sufficient. In reality, people have to work with what they are given," Teddy pointed out.

"I realize that, but it doesn't hurt to keep an eye on your neighbors. If everyone did that, this town would be much happier," Izzy remarked.

"I talked to Phil recently. He told me some of the things you did for him," Teddy offered.

"I was told that you allow him to borrow your spare car to help him with his chores," Carlisle said.

"Yes, I do. It's just sitting there doing nothing I told him he can have it for as long as he likes. What I brought it for was never an issue," Izzy replied. "That is what I mean. Everyone should watch out for their neighbors."

Izzy never spoke again while she was eating. She ignored the ongoing conversation.

"I must be leaving before Dad comes back stressing out," Izzy chuckled. "Thank you for breakfast. Is anyone going anywhere near my house that I could get a ride with? I could always call my dad."

"I'll take you home. I'm in clinic for a half day today," Esme said.

"I know you don't mind dog hairs in your car. Dad hates it when Bobby gets in his car," Izzy shrugged.

"Izzy, can we meet to talk some more today?" Teddy asked.

"Yes, we can, but just as friends hanging out, not a date. Don't think it will end with kisses because it won't. I'm taking my car so I can leave if I get uncomfortable," Izzy instructed.

"That's fine Izzy. I just thought we could talk. I'm sure during Thanksgiving when you all come over here, your dad won't allow me to talk to you," Teddy said with a smile.

Izzy and Esme made small talk while she was driving to her house.

"Izzy, what you said yesterday about us not taking better care of you. Carlisle and I spoke about it last night and we could see how we let you down. We were hoping that you might find it in your heart to forgive us," Esme asked.

"Yes, it's fine. Like I said last night, they would have taken me wherever I was. It just made it easier. Thank you for the ride, Esme. I'll see you tomorrow," Izzy replied.

~T&I~

As soon as Izzy walked into the house, Charlie was asking non-stop questions.

"Charlie, I thought we had reached a mutual understanding that you must allow Izzy to live her life. You knew where she was and who she was with," Helen sighed. "No harm would come to her there."

Charlie shouted, "As I stated last night, she was supposed to be there before they took her, but they never realized she was missing."

"And like I said last night, you didn't even know where I was, and you never thought about asking. Don't judge others before you take a look at yourself and your actions," Izzy growled. "If this continues, I'm going to find a new place to live with the other three."

"What other three are you talking about, Izzy? I hope the third person isn't Teddy?" Charlie demanded.

"Seth, Leah, and Beau," Izzy replied glaring at her dad.

"I've told you that kid is not your responsibility," Charlie snarled.

"If I don't watch out for him, nobody else will. I care about him and what's happening to him. Unlike you, I know what it's like to go without food and be afraid of when the next time you are going to be beaten for no reason," Izzy barked.

"There is no need to look for somewhere else to live. Charlie will have to realize that because of your age and your financial stability. You can now live independently," Helen offered.

"I'm grateful you're supporting the twins and, as I told you on the phone, I want them to stay here. They are thriving," Sue added. "Charlie, if you don't allow her freedom and let me raise my children, you might as well stay here because I'll be going home alone after Thanksgiving."

"Now come on Sue, that's been a little dramatic," Charlie began.

"Charlie, Sue's right. You've had Izzy home for about five years. It's time for her to stand on her own two feet and support her if necessary. We are simply going to need to focus on addressing her panic attacks," Helen recommended. "Which brings me to something I wanted to talk to you about Izzy. We conduct our sessions via Teams. Finding a new therapist in Forks could be beneficial. It would be easier for you in emergencies. We can still stay in touch. Please think about it."

"This is the last time I want to argue about this, Charlie. I'm sick of it. I don't want to cut you out of my life, but I will if you push me anymore. I'm not kidding that I'll find another place to live. I'll have to find a studio that makes me nervous in case someone breaks in. That's why I had it built here. So, just stop Dad, please. I'll think about it Helen. I'm going to take a shower. I'm going to go with Teddy for a walk," Izzy advised.

"And so, it starts. Why can't you see what that kid is doing? He's going to use you like he does every girl he comes into contact with. He's a waste of space," Charlie roared.

"Is that why you supported him? Helping him to get away from those kids and start new when he was a teenager?" Sue replied.

"Look what he turned out to be," Charlie answered.

"What I see is that he went to university and became a schoolteacher. He has a job and a home, which he pays for. He pays his taxes. So, he has trouble turning down girls. As long as he doesn't pay them, that's his business, Charlie. You're being unfair to Izzy. She needs to make her own decisions. You are turning her against you by dictating what she can and can't do. If she hadn't been taken, she would have had the chance to attend university. She has worked very hard to put everything behind her. She has a fantastic job, and is financially independent," Helen added.

"Shut up Charlie. Izzy isn't stupid. She can take care of herself. You still haven't figured that out? She survived," Leah yelled as she went up the stairs, following Izzy to make sure she was okay.

"Izzy, don't take any notice of him. He will simply need to come to terms with the fact that you're an adult woman," Leah sighed.

"No worries, changes are going to happen if he doesn't stop it. He will find out it's not a threat. I love you and Seth and whatever happens, I'll make sure you can stay here and finish your schooling. If he won't let us stay here, we will just rent a house somewhere else. Hell, I'll buy us one," Izzy said, winking at Leah.

Izzy entered the bathroom to have a shower. Whilst in there, she broke down in tears. She didn't want to fall out with her dad. He was her last living parent. Being alone was something she didn't want.

After her shower, she went straight into her studio to paint.

~T&I~

Teddy

Teddy called Izzy's cell as he couldn't face Charlie's accusations. Even though he could see her in her room.

When her cell rang. She didn't recognize the number. Picking up the call, she never spoke until someone spoke first.

"Izzy, are you there? It's Teddy," Teddy asked.

"Yes, sorry, I didn't recognize the number," Izzy replied.

"Are you ready to go?" Teddy asked.

"Yes, I have to clean up the studio and then get my coat. I'll meet you outside in about 5 minutes," Izzy added.

While going downstairs, Izzy noticed Sue in the kitchen.

"Sue, I'm going out for a drive with Teddy. Please don't fall out with my dad because of me. I am aware that he struggles with allowing me to regain control of my life," Izzy whispered so her dad couldn't hear her.

"I think he's scared of losing you again. Last night, he felt remorseful for his role in leaving you alone and lonely. It doesn't take a genius to see how lonely you are," Sue smiled.

"I'm that easy to read," Izzy chuckled.

"Only to some people. Enjoy your outing," Sue said as she kissed Izzy on her cheek.

Teddy was waiting outside for Izzy.

"Can we take your car? It's just your car already has dog hairs in it and well, I'm a little anal about that kind of thing. Sorry," Teddy admitted.

"Yeah, not a problem. Where are we going?" Izzy asked. "You might have to direct me."

"I tell you what. Why don't I drive us? That's if you trust my driving in such an expensive car. Teddy then asked about the leasing company's opinion on another person driving."

"That won't be a problem," Izzy said, smiling at herself. He didn't realize that she paid for the car.

"Fuck Izzy, how far forward do you need this seat?" Teddy grumbled.

"Unlike you, I'm only 5' 1". How tall are you?" Izzy questioned, sensing an insult. "You understand that you don't need to drive my car?"

"No, it's fine," Teddy said as he moved the seat back and adjusted the mirror. "And I'm 6' 2". Fuck Izzy, how do you turn this car on? There's no key."

Taking the keys off Teddy, she put the fob against the steering wheel.

"And Teddy, I'm sure you possess a strong vocabulary, so there's no need to swear so much," Izzy smirked.

Grumbling under his breath, he pulled away from the curb.

"Where do you plan on taking us? I hope it's not somewhere that's crowded. I thought you wanted to talk in private," Izzy asked as she was wringing her hands.

"I'm taking you to the park. The one we used to go to when we were kids," Teddy answered.

"I remember that park. It's the one where Jessica and Lauren pushed me off the swing and I lost my front teeth. The one where Mike pushed me off the slide, and I broke my arm. Glorious memories Teddy," Izzy snapped.

"Point taken. First beach and the diner will both be crowded," Teddy grumbled.

"There's a new area that has a picnic spot, café, a play area, and a pond. There's also a dog park where Bobby can play with other dogs. It's owned by Sam Wells as she was called then. I am not sure if you remember her from school. She married Austin Marks. She inherited some land from her grandparents," Teddy began. "Seems that the Stanley's have knocked down half of the forest. So, Sam and Austin planted trees including Christmas trees and fruit trees. It's nice and we could go and sit there," Teddy said as he tapped the steering wheel.

"I'm not putting Bobby in a dog park. He will stay with me, or you can turn around and take me home," Izzy gasped, starting to have a panic attack.

"It's okay Izzy, no one is going to make you put the dog anywhere," Teddy said as he pulled over.

He took Izzy's hand and squeezed it. "Copy my breathing, Izzy, you'll be fine. Better. Sam sells hot chocolate, so we can sit and talk. Everything is going to be okay. I'll never hurt you."

Nodding, Teddy pulled back on the road and drove to the tree farm.

"We can get some hot chocolate and muffins. They are nice, and Sam makes them," Teddy proposed.

"Yes, as long as no one says anything about Bobby," Izzy grumbled.

Opening the door, they walked up to a counter.

"Hi Sam, could we get two hot chocolates and two chocolate muffins?" Teddy asked.

"Hi Teddy, no problem. I'm sorry, Miss, you can't bring dogs in here," Sam instructed.

"It's okay, he's a service dog," Teddy answered as he grabbed Izzy's hand, so she didn't run.

"No problem," Sam said, smiling.

Izzy pulled out her wallet to pay. "I'll pay. It was my idea to come out," Teddy offered.

"No, I'd rather pay, if you don't mind," Izzy replied as she put $20 on the counter. She glanced at Teddy, ensuring it sufficed. He just nodded.

"Do I know you from somewhere you look so familiar," Sam asked.

"No, I don't think so. Quite a few people have said the same thing," Izzy replied.

"Come on, let's go sit in the corner Marie," Teddy smiled as he took the tray.

"Miss your change?" Sam shouted.

"Keep it. Put it in a charity box or tip jar," Izzy replied with a forced smile.

"I know we are going to have to have a few talks for you to trust me again," Teddy began. "How long have you been seeing Helen?"

"Since I came home, I think it's about five years now. I was offered counseling by the FBI. I met with a few people, but I found that Helen was the best fit for me. Although she said she could still see me via Teams, she thinks it would be more beneficial to meet face-to-face with someone. I was going to ask your dad if he has any recommendations."

"I've started to see a therapist. I know his wife who works with him. But I suppose you will need to see someone with a specialty in kidnapping."

"I can ask when I have my next appointment if you would like?"

"I'll think about it," Izzy replied.

"Why do you see a therapist, anyway? That's if you don't mind me asking?"

"It's a new thing. I've been carrying a lot of mixed feelings and unfounded guilt, I suppose."

"What do you mean?"

"When you were taken, many people in the town, including your dad, blamed me. My parents didn't help by getting a lawyer involved."

"That is crazy. How can you blame a 6-year-old? Yes, you were horrible to me when I hadn't done anything. But you were just a kid."

"Can I ask if that's the reason you are off sick? Is it connected to Lauren's information she gave the football team?"

He sighed, looking down at the floor. "What? You probably caught wind of the gossip surrounding me. It's true I did become a stoner, and I lost my virginity when I was fourteen."

"What is a stoner? Is this something I haven't noticed before?"

"I smoked weed, and I popped pills."

"Why did you do that, Teddy?"

"Trying to fit in with Siobhan and the others. I worshipped the ground she walked on."

"That's just stupid. Why would you want to use drugs? There's no point to it."

"Don't act innocent Izzy. You lived with hippies and you're telling me you didn't have a spliff?"

"No, I didn't. Meme would never force us kids to do something like that. I never even ate the brownies. I happened to like having brain cells."

"When thinking about Hippies you automatically think about drugs," Teddy offered.

"That's unfair and stereotypical,"

They both fell silent as they drank their chocolate. They were watching some children feeding ducks by a pond.

"So, tell me how you managed to get an STI. Was it one that can make you infertile?"

"I got chlamydia from her. We only had sex 3 times. Chlamydia can cause infertility. But thankfully while I was in the hospital, they found it, and I was treated with antibiotics."

"How did you get that, if you only had sex with her?"

"Isn't it obvious she was sleeping with other people? I found out she was having sex for money. Izzy, you can't be that innocent," Teddy growled at her, as he felt she was judging him.

"Yes, I am. I'm still a virgin and I can't see that ever changing. I've never had a boyfriend or even kissed a boy before."

"How did you manage that? I assumed you would have lost your virginity with the amount of abuse you had to put up with. I mean with the amount of damage they did to your body while you were held, I just assumed you were sexually abused too."

"I was fortunate enough to have lice. Most of us either had our hair shaved or cut short and were mostly covered in mud or dirt. We washed in rainwater or stole water. Yes, I had lice and was malnourished. Men from the main compound mistook me for a boy. That saved me as well."

Teddy, feeling guilty, looked down and played with his cup after saying something hurtful to her.

"Izzy, I'm so sorry you had to live like that. But I'm sure you will find love," Teddy said as he squeezed her hand.

"So why do you still sleep with girls you pick up at bars?"

"I have no idea about that. Just stupidity, I suppose."

"This may be a stupid question, but you said you were always covered in mud why?" Teddy asked.

"We had to till the land by hand. We grew all the food that the main population ate. We harvested, which was the main reason we were punished. Many of us were hungry so we ate the fruit as we harvested it."

Neither Teddy nor Izzy heard anyone else come in until they heard a child's voice.

"Daddy luk ders a doggy," a little voice shouted.

"Sarah, come here! You can't touch dogs without asking first," a man's voice shouted.

Izzy saw a little girl whose father had hold of her coat's hood.

"Daddy doggy," she shouted out.

"Hi Teddy, I didn't see you there," a woman's voice said.

"He doesn't bite, you can pet him," Izzy told the little girl.

"Hi Angie, Ben, have you been feeding the ducks?" Teddy asked.

"I just had to get out of the house for a while. My family is here for Thanksgiving. We've finished up with my cousin's kids staying with us. They're out of control, driving Ben crazy," Angela sighed. "Hello, you must be Chief Swan's stepdaughter. I've heard a lot of the kids in my class speaking about you and your dog. They like the games you draw on the sidewalk outside your house. The kids like jumping on the Lilly pads"

With a smile, Izzy replied, "Yes, I am."

It was then she heard an intake of breath.

"Why do I feel like we know you?" Ben asked.

"I don't know" Izzy answered, looking at Teddy.

"You're not the Chief's stepdaughter. I know you but I can't place where from. You've never been in trouble with the police. I usually get calls to represent them in court," Ben puzzled.

"Come on Marie we better get moving," Teddy replied.

"Oh, my goodness, Is that you, Izzy?" Angie gasped as she moved forward and hugged her.

To be continued.

Thanks, as always to Kellie (Klcivinski) my pre-reading for taking the time to read through the chapter even though she is busy.

Also, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for editing the chapter even though she was on holiday.