Chapter 36
Narrated by Shelly Cope
Things never went according to plan in New York for Christmas. As soon as Izzy entered the house, there was an uncomfortable atmosphere, especially when Charlie saw Beau walk in with Seth.
No one had told Charlie that Beau had received emancipation from his parents. The judge granted him the request as long as Izzy could financially support him while he was still in High School. Beau knew his parents would never help him with finances to attend university so this was a way he would be able to qualify for funding.
Watching when Leah's old friends came to see her for the first time since she had left for Forks was funny. They were shocked to see the new Leah and even more shocked that she was no longer wearing only pink. The look on their faces when they saw her wearing regular jeans, a t-shirt, and a flannel shirt. Some almost hyperventilated when they heard she was now a photographer in the school newspaper. She was going on the yearbook committee. Izzy laughed when Leah threw them out of her house. All night, Leah would keep saying, was I really that shallow?
It became apparent that what Sue had hoped for had happened. Her daughter was going to make something of her life. She couldn't be prouder when she asked Sue for input on what University she should apply to.
Then Seth wanted to ask her opinion on two career paths. She could not thank Izzy enough for what she had done for the twins.
By Christmas Day, Izzy had had enough of Charlie and told him he had lost all rights to tell her what to do. She would find somewhere else to live when she got back to Forks. She and Beau spent the rest of the holidays with Marcus and Didyme. They left and went back to Forks to celebrate the New Year. Marcus told Izzy to return to the house as it was only five months before graduation.
Teddy was pleased to see Izzy back, and they went to the Cullens New Year's Eve party together. Many people thought they were now a couple, but Izzy was still wary of Teddies' past. They never go too far with a physical relationship besides Teddy kissing her on the head. He made a joke to people who asked why he did that. He would reply that carrying a box around with them would look strange as Izzy was a foot shorter than him, and he didn't like getting pain in his neck by bending down every time he wanted to kiss her.
When the kids returned, the house was constantly filled with university applications and early acceptance letters.
Chelsea had been dismissed from her school position. She couldn't leave Forks until the police investigation was complete.
With the help of Ms. Parker and Izzy, the seniors were now on the right course to finish the art class. Most seniors could be seen around town either taking pictures or drawing. Some students decided they would like to make sculptures after Izzy explained that a sculpture didn't have to be made of stone or marble and showed them pictures. So, with the help of the school shop teacher, many unusual sculptures were made. It was something that had never been done before at Forks High School.
One of the students had gone to his grandpa to ask him to teach him how to carve wood. That day, there were tears because the family had fallen out years ago, and this had made the family make amends.
As suggested by Izzy, most students entered the art competition in Port Angeles, something Forks High School had never done. To everyone's amazement, five of them had gained a place in a final that was to take place in April in Seattle.
It also became public knowledge that AJ could draw what was classed as pop art. He told Izzy he draws and wrote stories about superheroes. Izzy was left speechless about how amazing they were, and the story was captivating. Izzy contacted her publisher. She found someone interested in maybe taking AJ as a client and publishing his work.
Ben took him to meet the publisher, so they never took advantage of him as he was young. Ben looked over the contract. AJ signed it and was given an advance on his first book, which would be sent by May to be released for the summer. As stated in his contract, he also had four more books to submit. Ben encouraged him to apply to art school.
Before everyone knew it, it was March, and it was a sad time as Jane died.
~T ~
Izzy
"Are you sure you want a service at the funeral home and then have her cremated," Izzy had asked Phil for the fifth time.
"My little Izzy. We don't have a family. I can't see David ever coming back after forty years. There would be no one to tend the grave if we were buried. We both want our ashes scattered over the cliff on First Beach," Phil replied as he squeezed her hand.
"Okay, if you're sure," Izzy tried to smile.
"Izzy, I love your optimism, but few people will be coming. After David went missing, everyone thought we had something to do with it. At least you will be there with me; that's all that's important," Phil choked out.
"Let's look at a casket and flowers," Mr. Smyth, the undertaker, said with a sad smile.
Izzy constantly worried about Phil and mentioned it several times to Teddy. It didn't surprise her to see AJ with Phil. AJ was an unusual companion to Phil. People were wrong when they thought that AJ was befriending him and stealing from him.
Izzy told Chief Mark about AJ's new career and gave him a rough estimate of his bank balance. He was shocked but could understand why AJ didn't want his parents to find out.
It came to the day Izzy wasn't looking forward to. Mr. Molina had given Teddy, Seth, Leah, Beau, and AJ permission to attend the funeral.
In addition to them, Carlisle, Esme, and a couple of older people from the neighborhood attended.
Mr. Smyth spoke of all the times Jane would help out the neighbor. When he spoke about David's disappearance, many attendees felt uncomfortable. The Cullens knew nothing about him.
Carlisle spoke about Jane. Then it was announced Izzy would sing one of Jane's favorite songs. She loved Crosby, Stills, Gnash, and Young. But especially the song "Birds" by artist Neil Young.
As Izzy began to sing, the casket moved down the conveyor belt to be cremated.
When you see me fly away without you
Shadow on the things you know
Feathers fall around you.
And show you the way to go.
It's over, it's over
~T ~
Since Izzy returned from New York, Teddy and Izzy have been out on several dates. As they spent much time together, people thought they were a couple. Teddy had asked her many times if she would consider becoming exclusive, telling her he wouldn't push her; he would take it at her pace.
She still hadn't given him an answer.
Teddy became a little worried about Izzy. Three weeks ago, they had gotten caught in the rain while hiking, and she had caught a cold.
Of course, she wouldn't take any medication, even though Carlisle and Jasper tried to get her to. She was eating honey straight from the comb and some concoction that her MeMe would make her, but she wasn't getting any better.
~T ~
Teddy
"Please take these antibiotics that Dad has left. I was looking forward to going to Seattle together. I know that Seth and Beau wanted you to watch them play. It's the first time that the basketball team has made it to the finals," Teddy begged. "The kids who got to the final in the art competition wouldn't have gotten there without you. You and I are supposed to be their escorts."
"Okay, I'll take them, but I won't go anywhere if I still feel like this. I'm sorry, Teddy. I hate letting the kids down. I've got a letter I want you to read to the kids. I've organized a few activities to help them with their artwork," Izzy replied.
"Do you know how frustrating you are, woman," Teddy half-teased Izzy.
By the weekend, Carlisle recommended that Izzy stay home as her temperature had not decreased much. He could hear fluid in her lungs, but Izzy refused to go to the hospital.
~T ~
Riley and Emmett had persuaded Mr. Molina to let the kids leave at about eight on Friday morning. He agreed as long as the students would be having a lesson. All the food and accommodation had been organized and paid for, so the parents didn't have to pay for anything. Many families had made their arrangements to meet them on Saturday morning so they could watch the game.
It had taken a lot to organize, but a bus with fifteen basketball players, ten cheerleaders, Gemma and Leah as reporters from the school paper, also finalists in the art competition—a further three kids who had gotten through to the art competition's finals. Teddy, Emmett, Rose, Riley, Tanya, and Judy Sales were all set for Seattle, staying the night at the Express Holiday Inn.
Izzy organized activities to help the kids with artwork, including a trip to the Underground Tunnels and Ruins, the aquarium, dinner there, and an escape room.
There was so much noise on the bus that you couldn't hear anything. The excitement of all the students was nearly deafening.
~T ~
Teddy
"I'm going to get a headache before I even get there," Tanya said.
"I know. I don't know how Emmett talked me into coming," Rose said.
"I thought that Izzy would come. How did she get so ill anyway," Tanya asked.
"Her stubbornness. Teddy and she went hiking on the Spruce Nature Trail. It rained, and she was only wearing her usual clothes. Teddy had brought an extra lightweight raincoat, but she was already soaked. Dad said she's on the verge of pneumonia." Rose said.
Nodding towards Rose's bag, Tanya asked. "Are you marking all this schoolwork all weekend?"
"Yes, most are from a pop quiz; the others are just classroom work and homework. I could have done with not coming this weekend. I've got the same amount as this at home to mark," Rose sighed.
"Give me the classroom work, and I'll mark them. It will make a change from looking at kindergarten work and putting a smiley face stamp," Tanya chuckled.
"You don't have to ask me twice. Here's my extra red pen; sometimes I use a blue one," Rose replied with a wink.
"Listen up, people, we will arrive in the next fifteen minutes. Miss Izzy has organized some trips for us. As you know, she's too ill to be here, so Mr. Masen has a message from her," Riley shouted.
Teddy stood and began to read.
Hi Guys
You will attend an underground trip to the ruins under Seattle along with the Tunnels that save people after the great fire that hit Seattle.
For my art students, those of you who have chosen to do textures for your main work, take rubbings of stone, wood, or anything else interesting.
Shop signs and advertising boards will differ from those here in Forks. Take advantage, as others in the school won't have the same. That goes for whoever has chosen street furniture. This is an excellent opportunity to wow the examiner, as no one else will have this opportunity.
Those who photograph people might see some interesting folks to photograph. But remember, do not take pictures of anyone who looks to be under 18. Ask before you take pictures; some people might have a reason for not wanting their pictures taken.
Remember, those of you who are drawing, to take pictures on your cell phones. You can spend more time drawing and doing your pictures justice.
You will be going to an escape room for a bit of fun—the condition is that you must work in groups of eight. At least half of them must be people you have never worked with. This will improve teamwork.
Good luck to all of you who are playing basketball. Those of you who have gotten through to the art final
I'm proud of all of you. You rock.
Miss Izzy.
"That's your instructions. If you haven't got paper and pencils, ask Ms. Denali; she has some. Do you have any questions about the work?" Teddy yelled.
"Leave your bags on the bus. You won't need your jammies until tonight. Take what you need," Emmett added.
Many of the students took pictures of coral and fish. Many were fascinated with seahorses, and some fed sharks and penguins.
Dinner was a rowdy time. Some girls got upset when a couple of the boys ate fish sticks. One of the girls pointed out they could be eating one of the fish's friends.
Tanya was amazed at how enthusiastic everyone was about art and history.
Everyone had a great time, and even the cheerleaders did some work, which surprised Judy. Emmett pointed out to her that Izzy was a great teacher, and it was a shame that she couldn't become one, given her circumstances. This made Teddy feel guilty once again.
Teddy, Leah, Gemma, AJ, and four cheerleaders were the first to finish the escape room.
"When we arrive at the Inn, don't forget four people are in a room. There are no mixed sexes or sleepovers. I want one person from each group to get the room number and key card. Please be careful with the key cards because if they are lost or damaged, we must pay for them replaced," Riley yelled.
"Also, don't forget you are representing the school behavior accordingly," Emmett added.
"It's a shame Izzy's not here. I don't think she has ever had girl time like this," Judy offered.
"Angie was worried because she didn't want her to freak out if we saw her scars," Tanya added.
"I've seen them, and it's heartbreaking. It upset us when she showed us the brand they had put on her shoulder with a branding iron," Rose stated.
"It makes you want to do the same things to the bastards," Judy growled.
"I'm glad it's just you and me, Gem. I would hate to share with the cheerleaders," Leah said.
"I would rather sleep on a park bench than share a room with any of them," Gemma answered.
As the key cards were given out, it was obvious that the boys were on one side of the corridor and the girls were on the other. However, Leah and Gemma were on the boy's side in a room between Seth and Rose.
"Girls, lock your laptop and camera in the safe. You'll find it in the closet," Tanya reminded them.
"Thank you, we didn't know," Gemma replied.
"You have ten minutes to dump your bags and meet back here. So, we can eat. Hopefully, you will all be tired when we get back so that you will go straight to sleep," Emmett shouted.
"Where are my girls and Seth?" a voice came behind Teddy.
"Hi, Charlie and Sue, Izzy hasn't come. She has a nasty cold. When we left, she was in bed. The other two are somewhere among the other students," Teddy answered.
"Well, why did someone not tell me Izzy was sick? I should be there looking after her," Charlie growled.
"She's perfectly okay, Charlie. Mom, Dad, and Phil are looking after her. You will push her further away than you already have. She's clearly had enough of your interference," Emmett replied.
"Charlie, don't forget what happened at Christmas. If you keep this up, you will push her away," Sue offered. "Would it be okay if we joined you to eat?"
"Of course," Tanya replied.
It was a little strained during dinner, with Sue trying to start a conversation. Avoid talking about Izzy.
"I'm glad I'm not paying for their food. Have you seen how those kids can pack the food away?" Charlie chuckled.
"It's an all-you-can-eat. Which is a good thing because of the way they pack it away. I would have to take out another mortgage to pay for their food," Emmett replied.
"This must have cost the school a lot or did the parents pay," Sue asked.
"We were lucky an anonymous donor paid for everything," Riley offered.
"There seems to be a lot of generous anonymous donors in the town now," growled Charlie.
"Charlie enough," Sue snapped.
By 8:30 p.m., all the kids were in their rooms as they had another long day the next day. Charlie and Sue had said goodnight to the kids and said they would meet them tomorrow for breakfast.
"This is more tiring than a room full of kindergarten," Tanya said.
"I know I'll never complain about my kids again," Rose replied.
"Emmett, would it be okay if I went to meet Adam and Zoe?" Teddy asked.
"What, as in Adam, you went to school with?" Emmett enquired.
"Yes, they both still live here. They got married last year of school," Teddy replied.
"That's fine, but don't get drunk. You're still responsible for these kids as well," Riley instructed.
Teddy got dressed in dark jeans and Izzy's favorite grey shirt, which she had brought him for Christmas. He rolled his shirt sleeves to his elbows.
Teddy walked into the bar but couldn't see Adam, so he took a stool from the bar, ordered a beer, and waited.
"Hi, handsome; you look like you could use some company," said a blonde girl in a short, low-cut dress.
"No thanks, I'm good. I'm waiting for friends," Teddy replied.
"I'm Eve; what's your name, handsome?" Eve purred.
"Edward," Teddy replied.
"You look familiar. Do you live in Seattle?" Eve inquired.
"No, but I went to school here," Teddy answered.
"So did I. Edward Cullen. You dated Chelsea," Eve acknowledged.
"No, I never dated her. We hooked up a few times," Teddy responded.
"Well, she said otherwise wise, but she did tell us how longer and thicker your cock is than the average man is," Eve purred.
"Like I said, I'm waiting for friends," Teddy growled as he tried to move.
"Do you have a room here? I wouldn't mind seeing if it's true," Eve said as she put her hand on his cock, rubbing him.
"Would you just back off? I'm not interested; I have a girlfriend," Teddy said, carefully pushing her away.
"I don't see a ring, and you're here alone. You know it doesn't count if you're in another zip code," Eve said as she stood between his legs, running her fingers down his chest.
That's when Teddy was pulled from the stool and hit in the side and then his stomach.
"You will never learn, will you, Cullen? Do you think I'm going to let you hurt my daughter any more than you and your friends have? Just leave Izzy alone," Charlie yelled, pulling him from the stool he was sitting on.
Teddy hit his head on the bar, then the floor, as Charlie began to punch him.
"Charlie, stop it!" Sue yelled, trying to pull him off.
Sue had got Charlie off Teddy and out of the bar.
"Would you like me to call the police? Do you need medical help? " the bartender asked.
"No, it's fine," Teddy replied. "I don't know what you think you were doing or who put you up to this, but do me a favor and leave me the hell alone."
"Edward, are you okay? Who the hell was that?" Adam rushed forward.
Accepting some ice for his face, Teddy replied. "I don't know what the fucks going on, but I feel like someone has set me up. That was my Izzy's dad. I don't know who the fuck that Zoe is. Where the fuck has she gone?
"Is Izzy not here? You said she was coming. We were looking forward to meeting her," Adam added.
"If you don't mind, Adam, can we take a rain check," Teddy asked.
"Not a problem. We'll meet up soon," Adam replied.
Teddy made his way back to his room. He was holding the ice to his face.
"What happened to you," Emmett asked.
"A disagreement with Charlie," Teddy replied as he lay on his bed.
"Izzy is going to go crazy when she finds out," Emmett replied.
An hour later, Rose heard a knock on her door.
"What can I do for you girls? You should be asleep by now," Rose said.
"I was going to call Izzy, but my phone wasn't in my bag. Has anyone handed it in?" Leah asked.
"No, have you tried calling it to see if anyone answers?" Tanya offered.
"No," Leah replied.
As she called her phone, someone answered.
"It's at the reception desk; an elderly couple found it in the foyer.
"I don't know how it got out of my bag," Leah said. "I'll go get it."
"Not in your nightclothes. Stay here. I'll go down." Tanya replied.
Tanya returned with her phone, and the screen smashed.
"Don't use it. The screen is smashed. You'll cut yourself. Don't charge it or put it near your bed. There might be damage inside," Judy advised.
"Okay, thank you," Leah said.
"You go back to the room. I'm going to ask Seth if I can borrow his cell to call Izzy," Leah instructed.
As Leah knocked on Seth's door, she heard grumbles coming from behind the door.
"What do you want, Leah?" Seth growled.
"I couldn't find my phone; apparently, it had fallen out of my bag and smashed. Could I use your phone to call Izzy? I wanted to check in with her," Leah asked.
"I've already called Izzy, and she was fine. I need to sleep. We have a big day tomorrow," Seth replied, closing the door.
~T ~
Izzy
Izzy was bored being stuck in bed. She pulled on her clothes and went into her studio. She had paintings that needed to be crated. They would be picked up on Tuesday to go to New York for the exhibition next weekend.
She had been busy these past few months, and the studio seriously needed cleaning and putting things away. She put on her cleaning music and sang along with the music as she began to clean.
She was satisfied that it looked more like her studio. She even finished the drawings for the next Teddy bear book to be published in June. It was the first time in a while that her publisher didn't have to chase her for the finished draft. She was pleased with herself and even parceled it up, ready to post on Monday.
She had finished by eight in the evening. She had been getting messages and pictures from the kids all day. They showed her things they had seen or what others were doing.
She was glad that the food cost was in the room's price. Some of the boys ate for the army. According to Seth, when he called her.
As she was eating a sandwich so that she could take another tablet.
The cell beeped with another message from Leah. As she opened it, she felt sick and dizzy. She was comfortable with Teddy and decided that she would like to be his girlfriend. But by looking at the pictures. He was up to his old ways even though he had promised never to do that again.
There was Teddy in several pictures with a woman whom he must have contacted once he knew Izzy was too sick to go.
She was between his legs, and he was kissing her. While she was putting her fingers through his hair.
"How stupid am I?" Izzy cried.
That's when she decided she was leaving.
She packs her bags and things for Bobby. On Monday, she would call Marcus to arrange Beau's finances. She will call Nanna and Grandpa Clearwater to come and stay with the kids. She throws her bag at the back of her car and then goes to say goodbye to Phil.
"Izzy, where are you going?" Phil asked.
"I don't know yet, but away from here," Izzy said, tears beginning to flow again.
"Come in the house, and let's talk about it. Nothing can be that bad," Phil offered.
"It is. Teddy made me believe him, and it was just an act," Izzy replied.
As she showed Phil her cell.
"That stupid boy! Izzy, where are you going? You don't know anyone but people here or in New York. You promise to keep in contact. You're like my granddaughter, and I don't want to lose you as well," Phil said as he hugged her.
"Tell Beau not to worry about money. I'll put some on his card until I come back. I'll also send him a credit card. I'll call their grandparents to come and stay with them. Tell them to be good, and I hope they get into the University they want," Izzy instructed.
"Izzy, you are so sick you won't be able to drive," Phil stressed.
"I'm going to be fine. I'll book into a hotel on the way," Izzy answered.
"You're talking as though you don't intend to come back," Phil said as he held her in his arms.
"I promise I'll come back. I love you, old man," Izzy said as she pulled away. She never looked back as she drove away.
Thanks, as always, to my friend Kellie (Klcivinski), my pre-reading
Also, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for making sense of my rambling.
Any mistakes are mine.