Chapter 37
As usual, it was Narrated by Shelly Cope.
A/N
This chapter is a continuation of the last one.
I must apologize to everyone for not thanking you for the reviews. I haven't had time to answer them. I've had to help with my granddaughter's dance festival. They might not have placed in all they had entered, but had a good time. Both girls got a gold medal. One of the girls got two silvers and a bronze. The other got three silvers and a bronze.
After this chapter, there may be another 2, plus the epilogue.
~T ~
Teddy woke up with the worst headache he had ever had. He had never had anything alcoholic to drink.
The noise was even worse. He would have stayed in bed if he had been at home, but instead he had over thirty kids to help supervise. He had only agreed to do this because Izzy was coming on the trip.
~T ~
Teddy
"Emm, do you have any Tylenol? My head is killing me," Teddy asked.
"No, dude, what happened to your face?" Emmett gasped.
"A disagreement with Charlie," Teddy grumbled.
"I hope you're going to press charges," Riley offered.
"No, I just want to get home. Does Rose have any Tylenol? If not, we'll have to stop at a store," Teddy replied.
"Just see what she has in her big purse; if not, I think Tanya might have some," Riley said.
As Teddy left Rose's room, he heard boys' voices coming out of the room that Leah and Gemma stayed in. He was pissed. Not even knocking, he barged into the room.
"What the hell is going on here? What part of not having a sleepover or boys and girls mixing did you five not understand?" Teddy growled.
"Don't be sick; these two are my brothers. We are trying to get hold of Izzy. Have you spoken to her this morning?" Leah growled. "I can't use my cell; I don't know how, but it was dropped, and the screen is smashed."
"I've just called Phil. He said he spoke to her last night but hasn't seen her this morning," AJ added.
"Have any of you thought she might just be asleep? She's sick, and sleep is one of the best medicines. Just get yourself ready; we are eating in fifteen minutes," Teddy growled.
"What happened to your face, Teddy?" Seth asked.
"Firstly, we are on a field trip. Have the decency to treat me as a teacher and use my name. It's not anyone's business what happened to my face," Teddy snapped.
"Hey, Dude, what's the matter with you? Don't speak to the kids like that, Edward. They're worried about their sister. I would have thought you would be as well. Have you tried to call her?" Emmett growled.
"Of course I have. Look, Emmett, I have a headache and feel sick. Let's get these kids fed," Teddy groaned.
"Everyone take your bags to the bus and meet in the dining room. You guys on the team don't overeat, or you will feel sick when you run," Riley instructed.
The dining room was noisy, with the kids excited about the upcoming match.
"Is it okay if I join you?" Sue asked.
"Of course. No, Charlie?" Tanya asked.
"No, he left early this morning. He said he had to catch up with some old friends. He has some business that needs sorting out. Goodness knows what business he has here after living in New York for so long," Sue replied.
"Sue, I don't suppose you've heard from Izzy, have you?" Teddy asked.
"No, sweetie. We usually only talk on a Sunday night, as you know. Why? Has something happened?" Sue panicked.
"We're not sure. The kids haven't been able to speak to her. She would more likely answer the phone straight away for Leah, but apparently Leah's phone is smashed," Teddy replied.
"What do you mean Leah's phone got smashed? I spoke to her yesterday afternoon. When did she have an accident with it?" Sue asked.
"Last night, she came to our room and said her phone was gone from her bag," Judy replied.
"She always keeps her phone in her zipped-up purse. Don't forget she was brought up in New York," Sue said.
"Someone handed it to the reception desk. But the phone looked like it had been stamped on, not dropped," Judy continued.
"Hmmm," Sue whispered.
~T ~
The kids were excited, and the noise made Teddy feel sicker. The light was even hurting his eyes. Rosie suggested he must be getting a migraine.
Teddy took some pastries and coffee and sat quietly on the bus before the day started.
The quiet never lasted long before everyone piled on the bus to the stadium.
Emmett, Riley, and Judy went to get ready with the team and the cheerleaders.
Rose and Tanya got the rest of the students to sit together. Parents of the players who had driven up that morning joined them.
Teddy sat at the end of a row next to Rose.
As Teddy looked across to the other side of the bleachers. Charlie sat with a very angry-looking Sue. Charlie smirked as he saw Teddy looking at him.
During half-time, Sue approached Seth and Beau and spoke to them. Then she sat next to Leah and Gemma. They both looked startled as she conversed with them. They nodded much the same way Seth and Beau had.
Teddy wanted to go over to Sue to ask if she had heard from Izzy. But Teddy knew that if he did, Charlie would come across him and cause an argument.
Instead, Teddy left and tried to get hold of Izzy again. He then called Phil with no luck. He was now getting distraught and even thought about hiring a car. But his headache was too bad, and he could not concentrate. He was getting more and more upset with himself for leaving Izzy alone. He felt like he had let her down again. He could never catch a break.
~T ~
"You guys are doing fantastic. You can win this; you're only two points behind," Riley coaxed.
"Come on, Seth. Come on, Beau," Sue shouted, encouraging the boys.
Teddy had just come back from the bathroom after being sick.
He picked up his phone to call his dad. "Hi, Dad. Have you heard anything from Izzy? No one has been able to get hold of her."
"No, son. I'll get someone to go and check if you're worried," Carlisle answered.
"Yeah, I am. I want to come home. I'm worried about her. We have all called her, but she isn't picking up," Teddy said further.
"Teddy, are you okay? You sound weary?" Carlisle asked.
"I've got a headache, and the light is hurting my eyes. I can't even see out of my bad eye," Teddy sighed.
"When you get back, come over to the house. I'll give you some strong painkillers," Carlisle instructed.
"Okay, Dad, thanks. Don't forget to check in on Izzy," Teddy requested.
This woman, Zoe, had been playing on his mind. He could never recall meeting her when they were in school. He might have had a few one-night stands, but he was never that drunk. He had never forgotten who he had slept with, this is why nothing seem to make sense.
He called Adam.
"Hi, Adam. It's Edward," Teddy said.
"Hi, Edward. How are you feeling today," Adam asked concerned.
"I feel like shit. I've got the worst headache I've ever had. Look, I wanted to pick your brains about something," Teddy began.
"Of course, If I can help," Adam replied.
"Did we hang out, or can you remember a blonde girl called Zoe? She could be one of Chelsea's friends," Teddy asked.
"No, I can't remember one. I can't remember Chelsea with any blonde friends," Adam answered. "Why, should we know her?"
"No, I don't think so. A girl came over and spoke to me while I was waiting at the bar. She seemed to know me. She said she was Chelsea's friend," Teddy replied.
"It looks like you're still having problems with Chelsea. I thought with her being in so much trouble, she would keep a low profile," Adam added. "Who was that guy who hit you?"
"That was Charlie; Izzy's dad. She is going to go crazy when she finds out. She's had enough of him. Look, I have to go. The game is almost over. I'll speak to you shortly. Bye," Teddy said.
"I'll Speak to you soon, but take care. Let me know if you need anything," Adam said.
Nothing was making sense. Something was off, and he couldn't put his finger on it.
Teddy made his way back to the gym and sat next to Rose.
"You okay, Teddy? You look pale," Rose asked.
"Not really, Rose. I'm worried about Izzy, and I feel so sick and dizzy I want to go home, check on her, and lay down," Teddy replied.
"The game is almost finished. We should be on our way home within the next four to five hours," Rose replied as she squeezed Teddy's arm.
"I don't know why Charlie looks so smug," Teddy grumbled.
"I used to like the man, but now he is so possessive and generally not nice," Tanya offered.
"Why did he hit you anyway?" Rose asked.
"It was bizarre. I sat at the bar with a beer, waiting for Adam to arrive. This girl came up to me, claiming to know me. I had no idea who she was. She started to try and touch me. The next thing I knew, Charlie had thrown me off the stool. I banged my head on the bar and then the floor. Charlie was on top of me, punching the shit out of me. I would have been in a worse mess if Sue hadn't intervened," Teddy offered.
"That is strange. Who knew you were meeting Adam?" Tanya asked.
"Izzy, she was going to meet Adam for the first time as my girlfriend. Well, I hoped by then she would be," Teddy answered.
Just then, there was a roar from the crowd. When they looked up, the time was up, and Ethan had just shot a hoop as the buzzer went off. For the first time in ten years, Forks High School won the regional basketball tournament.
The parents who had driven up that morning would take their sons to celebrate. They were going to leave with their parents instead of on the bus.
"Mr. Masen, have you been able to reach Izzy? We tried to Skype her so she could watch the game, but she didn't answer. Do you think Emmett would miss the announcement of the art contest so we can go home?" Leah asked.
"No, I haven't. My parents were going to go and see, but I haven't heard from them. But we can't leave until the art contest is over. There are prizes and publicity pictures to take. It's only a few more hours, and we will be on our way. I want to leave as well," Teddy reassured.
~T ~
After the trophy was presented, with photographs taken, they went to get changed. Some of the students were going with their parents. They collected their belongings off the bus. The rest of the students were given a packed lunch to eat.
The boys shared the food left between themselves, claiming they were growing boys who needed to eat. They had used much of their energy playing.
With an hour to spare, they decided to walk on the waterfront. Emmett thought the fresh air would help Teddy's headache.
The boys couldn't resist adding their gum to the gum wall. Which both Rose and Tanya thought was disgusting.
By two o'clock, they had made their way to the gallery hosting the competition.
Rose and Tanya couldn't help but overhear a conversation between Sue and Charlie.
~T ~
"Look, Charlie, I miss the kids. I need to go and see one of Seth's teachers. Leah has been having a problem. I'm her mom; I should be sorting this out, not Izzy. She has enough on her shoulders. You don't need to come with me. You have an appointment anyway," Sue hissed.
"Since when have the kids been having problems at school? It's the first I've heard of it?" Charlie growled.
"Since I found out this morning. Before you ask, it isn't with any of the teachers here," Sue snapped.
"How do you propose to get there if I don't take you?" Charlie smugly said.
"Seems some of the kids have gone home with their parents. I'll ask Emmett if I can join them on the bus. I can buy some clothes from Target," Sue growled.
"Fine, but I'll be coming up next weekend. Will that give you time to sort out your kids?" Charlie snapped.
"Yes," Sue replied as she walked over to Emmett.
"Emmett, will it be possible to come back to Forks with you guys?" Sue asked.
Emmett looked at Teddy, then a smug-looking Charlie.
"Not Charlie, just me. There's a problem there, and I'd rather not tell Charlie or Teddy," Sue offered.
"Problem? What sort of problem?" Emmett asked.
"My parents have called me. They heard from Izzy. She asked them to come to Forks to look after the kids. She said something came up, and she had to go away for a while. Until I find out what is going on, I will ask you not to say anything to anyone," Sue informed him.
"Yes, of course you can. The kids may be loud, but if you can cope, you're welcome," Emmett replied.
Once Sue moved away, Rose came over.
"What was that about?" Rose asked.
"She's asked if she can get a ride to Forks with us," Emmett shrugged.
"I don't know what's happening, but she argued with Charlie. She said the kids were having problems at school. That's not true. Do you think she's had enough of him, and they are splitting up? I know she's sick of this obsession Charlie has with his version of protecting Izzy," Rose added.
Emmett just shrugged.
They were interrupted by the announcement of the winning students in the art competition.
AJ got first in the category of pop art.
Gemma received a first and Leah a second for the photographs they each had submitted.
Luke came in third with the wooden squirrel he had sculpted.
Bethany got a first for her painting of First Beach at sunset.
"Izzy was going to be so excited when she found out. None of our schools have ever won anything in art. They have won a regional contest. There is a possibility they could get through to nationals," Teddy said.
"Ladies, gentlemen, and students, we are honored to have an exhibition of the famous Phoenix here. As it's tonight, as long as you're careful, if you would like, you can go over and look at their amazing art," the curator announced.
"I think we should go home," Leah panicked.
"Yes, we have been worried about Izzy all day. Don't you want to check on her, Mr. Mason?" Seth added.
Charlie did nothing but smirk.
"No, I'd like to look at the art if that's okay, Emmett. I've been jealous of Esme's Phoenix picture since she won it at that exhibition she went to," Rose answered, looking at Charlie.
"Okay, kids, but please don't touch anything. Some of his work sells for thousands of dollars," Emmett shouted.
"What makes you say that Phoenix is a guy, sir. They could be a woman, you know. Women can paint as well," Beth replied.
"Well, I would say it would depend on this man here. If he's gay, that will tell you if Phoenix is male or female," the curator smirked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Teddy asked.
"You'll see," he replied.
"Oh shit," Seth whispered as they walked in.
"Look at that one; it's selling for $25,000. What's more amazing is they sometimes sell for more if they get into a bidding war. Esme was telling me about it," Tanya added.
There was a loud noise coming from the end corner of the room.
"What have they done now," Riley groaned as he took off to the students. "Oh Fuck."
"Shit, they had better not have damaged something, or the school will have to do some serious fundraising," Emmett snarled as he rushed in that direction. "What the fuck."
"This is ridiculous. Can't they even control them?" Teddy groaned as he approached the others.
He stood with his mouth open when he saw that a section of the exhibition contained a private collection of the artist's work called "My One."
Teddy saw several pictures of himself. He was a child, a teenager, and a student, but mostly, he was how he was now. A big picture of him and Izzy looking into each other's eyes was on the back wall.
"Well, I think we can safely say Izzy is Phoenix," Emmett said as he patted Teddy's back.
"Fuck I've just googled her. Do you know how much her net worth is?" Sarah shouted.
"Does it matter," Leah snarled.
"Yeah, that will explain your expensive cars and your camera. How she can support Beau," Jo said in disbelief.
"She's worth 47 million! She's also considered to be a silent partner with her childhood friend in real estate. What's a philanthropy?" Sarah asked.
"Someone stupid with her generosity with her money," Charlie growled.
"Look at these three pictures, which are called sunrise to sunset. All three sold for $500,000," Simon gasped.
"Who is her childhood friend? The only person who is in real estate is Jess. There is no way that she is friends with her," Tanya added.
"It's Jamie. The Volturi adopted him when they lived in Seattle," Seth quietly said. "Marcus, his dad, is Izzy's lawyer."
"Jamie?" Teddy puzzled.
"The only Jamie she would have known as a child was Jamie Hunter. They were taken away from their parents when you were in kindergarten," Tanya added. "Is that who it is, Charlie?"
"I suppose it could be," Charlie said as he walked away.
"I think you missed something, Teddy. She still thinks you're her one," Rose said as she rubbed his arm.
"But how could she after what I've done to her?" Teddy whispered.
"There is one thing about my sister, Teddy. She doesn't hold grudges. She's just worried you will hurt her again. I don't think she would survive it if you did that again. All our family knows that," Seth offered.
"I could never hurt her. I love her," Teddy replied.
Walking over, he stood before a drawing of himself with his hand cupped. In his hand was a tiny baby.
"Can we leave? I need to see Izzy. I need to talk to her," Teddy asked.
"You should be so lucky," Charlie whispered as he chuckled.
As everyone got on the bus, whispers about Izzy spread. Students messaged their parents and friends. People were going to swamp her as soon as they knew. Teddy couldn't think why Izzy had exposed herself like that.
Teddy was surprised to see Sue sitting with the kids as they were on the bus.
"Rose, why is Sue coming home with us?" Teddy asked.
"I think to protect Izzy. Before we get home, everyone will know, which means so will the press and TV stations," Rose offered.
"Shit," Teddy replied as he sat behind them.
"Tanya, do you think Izzy could be Izzy Inkpen?" Rose asked.
"At this point, it wouldn't surprise me. That author has never appeared in public," Tanya answered as she got her phone out of her bag.
"If that's her. Her net worth is 5 million. Do you think it could be Izzy who has been the secret donor working miracles all over Forks?" Rose questioned.
"To think the Newtons have been taking credit for all she has done," Tanya growled.
The rest of the way home, there was nonstop talk about Izzy and theories as to whether she was even kidnapped. A very angry Sue soon shot down that theory.
"Everyone, we will be home in ten minutes. Please check around you and pick up any trash. A garbage bag is being passed around. Make sure you put the garbage in the bag. Also, make sure all your personal things are in your bag," Riley shouted as he passed the garbage bag to Sarah.
"Teddy, time to wake up," Emmett said as he nudged Teddy.
Only Teddy slumped to the side. It soon became apparent to Emmett that Teddy was unconscious.
"Bill, drive the bus straight to the hospital," Emmett yelled.
"Why?" Bill, the bus driver, shouted back.
"Teddy is unconscious. Rose, call Dad and tell him to meet us at the hospital," Emmett instructed.
There was quiet on the bus as Bill drove straight to the hospital.
Emmett shouted for help getting Teddy out of the bus.
Teddy was rushed straight into the ER.
"What the hell happened to his face?" Carlisle asked as he helped him out of his clothes so he could be examined.
"Emmett, what the fuck has happened to him? Look at the bruising on his body," Jasper yelled.
"Charlie attacked him. He's been saying he's had a headache all day. He's been sick a couple of times. But he hit his head on the bar, then the floor," Emmett answered.
"He needs a CT scan now!" Carlisle yelled as they moved the gurney out of the cubical.
"Why the hell did Charlie attack him?" Jasper demanded.
"He went to the bar waiting for his friend Adam. This woman said she knew him and started trying to touch him. The next thing he knew was that Charlie was punching the shit out of him," Emmett offered.
"That will explain the pictures Leah sent Izzy," Jasper sighed.
"What pictures? Leah was never near the bar. It was on the other side of the motel. Besides that, she lost her phone. When she got it back, it had been smashed," Emmett replied.
"I wish we knew this before Izzy left," Jasper growled.
"What do you mean left?" Rose asked.
"She showed Phil the pictures and said she had to get away to think what she wants to do," Jasper sighed.
"We just found out that Izzy is the artist, Phoenix. She has an exhibition in Seattle. We went this afternoon. Her private collection was called 'My One'. All the pictures were of Teddy," Rose said.
"Who could have done this? Why would they want to get between them?" Esme asked.
Rose and Emmett both answered at the same time. "Charlie!"
As always, I want to thank my friend Kellie (Klcivinski) for my pre-reading and helping me keep the story as correct as possible.
Also, thank you to Donna (EdwardsFirstKiss) for making sense of my rambling and correcting my English when I don't write American English. But she has learned some British slang words.
Any mistakes are mine.