Love
and The Single Woman
By
StargazerUK.
Email:
david.meade@virgin.net
Category:
A/I, with M/L, M/M & K/T.
Rating:
PG 13
Disclaimer:
I don’t own any of these
Author's
Note: This is another idea from Stacey so as before if you like the story it is
down to Stacey and if you don’t like the story it is down to me.
This
is my first attempt at a future fiction so please forgive any glaring mistakes.
Be kind.
This
story is set five years after the Prom in Heart of Mine. The big change is Tess
wasn’t evil and she only ever had eyes for Kyle. As Tess didn’t have any
ulterior motive all the couples were able to live and evolve without too many
problems. That is except Alex and Isabel. Inexplicably Isabel left
************************************************
Chapter
1
Isabel
tightened her grip on the handle of her bag that was sitting on her lap as the
car sped along the highway. She was feeling nervous, which under the
circumstances was understandable, but she didn’t ever imagine she would feel
this nervous. A glance across at Max who had just picked her up at the airport
calmed her fraught nerves but she still felt the need to cling to her bag for
some sort of support.
“So
how are Mom & Dad?” Isabel asked.
“Fine.”
Max smiled softly at his sister.
“And
Liz and Maria?”
“There
are fine as well.”
“What
about Jim and Amy Valenti?”
“Isabel!”
Max glanced at his sister. “Everyone’s fine. If they weren’t fine I would
have told you over the phone or just now when I picked you up at the airport.”
Isabel
squinted her eyes in annoyance. “There’s no need to bite my head off Max.”
Max
could see a picnic area coming up on the right so at the earliest opportunity he
pulled the car in and came to a halt, switching off the engine.
Isabel
was confused by her brother’s actions. “What are you doing? Why have we
stopped?”
Max
ignored Isabel’s questions for a moment while he thought about what he was
going to say. Finally he was ready to speak. “Iz, I know you are scared but
you made your bed and now you have to lie in it.”
“What’s
that supposed to mean?” For all her time away Max could see his sister still
retained the ability to slip into her Ice Princess act in a split second.
Max
opened the door and stepped out of the car. Isabel watched as he slowly walked
over and sat at an empty picnic table, looking off into the distance. The last
thing she wanted was to be arguing with Max and she could tell by his reaction
it was the last thing he wanted as well.
Isabel
pushed open the door and slowly rose to her feet. Leaving her bag on the seat
she moved over to the table and sat down beside her brother. “Sorry Max.”
Max
looked to his sister and he could see she didn’t want to be arguing with him.
“Sorry Iz. I had it all planned out in my head what I wanted to say but when I
saw you walking through the arrivals hall my mind just went blank. I know this
must be really difficult for you and I just wanted to make sure you were fully
prepared.”
“Prepared?”
Isabel arched her eyebrows.
Max
smiled at her reaction. “I mean in a nice way. Not much has changed so not
only will Mom and Dad be glad to have you home but so will Liz, Maria and Tess.
It’s all the three of them have talked about since you called to say you were
coming home. In fact I think they have a girls night out planned for Saturday
night.”
Isabel
forgot her nerves and allowed a broad smile to adorn her face. The prospect of
being on a girl’s night out with Liz, Maria & Tess gave her nothing but
happy thoughts.
“You
know you will get lots of questions.” Max said, interrupting her
contemplation. “They’ll be curious about what you did and why.”
Isabel
nodded. “I know.”
The
siblings fell silent. Little did they know they were both pondering the same
subject from two different sides. Finally Isabel decided to broach the matter
that was on both of their minds. “How’s Alex?”
Max
took a huge intake of breath, which filled Isabel with dread. “He’s good.”
“Oh!
Great.” Isabel said, relieved Max hadn’t said anything more.
Isabel
thought of no one more than she did about Alex during her time away. Leaving as
she did she knew it would have been devastating but she did what she thought was
best for everyone. She had discovered over the years while dating that she had
subconsciously compared every man to Alex and it came as somewhat of a surprise
when she found that none could compare. Sure some of them were taller or better
built. While others were smart and witty in that certain way that she found very
attractive but none were the complete package in the way that Alex was.
It
may have been five years since she left but a day had not gone by when she
hadn’t found time to sit and think of Alex and what might have been. When she
had decided to return her mind wandered to what still might be but she shutdown
those thought processes before they could take hold. She had taken the decision
to leave Alex all that time ago and she had no right to waltz back into his life
expecting for him to drop everything and be there for her. But she couldn’t
stop her hopes or her dreams and they were always about Alex Charles Whitman.
“You
know what you did to him.” Max interrupted her thoughts. It wasn’t a
question as much as a statement
“What?”
Isabel said barely above a whisper, tears already forming in her eyes. She knew
what Max was about to say. She had dreaded this moment many times over the last
few years.
“He
was a broken man Isabel.” Max couldn’t look at his sister. “And I don’t
mean in the sense of how you hurt him before I mean you broke him in ever sense
of the word. You broke his mind, his spirit and his soul. The phrase ‘You
broke his heart’ just doesn’t do it justice.” Max finally glanced at his
sister and could see the tears streaming down her face.
Max
reached an arm around his sister and pulled her close. “I don’t say these
things to hurt you Iz but you need to know what went on. You know we haven’t
spoken of this over the years but if you are going to see everyone again you
need to know these things.”
“How
is he now?” Isabel whispered. She was relieved to see a smile break out on her
brother’s face.
“He’s
good. In fact he is better than good he is great.” The smile soon disappeared
from Max’s face. “It took him a couple of years to get back to something
near his old self but he’s there now, which is all important. In fact it was
down to him that the girls also managed to get past what happened and carry
on.”
Isabel
shook her head. “I don’t understand.”
Max
sighed. “As Tess has the alien connection with you she will always fight your
corner so she wasn’t too judgemental but Liz and especially Maria were a
different story. You remember how much they both love Alex so when you hurt him
it was only the fact that Maria couldn’t find you that you didn’t wake up
one night with her standing over you holding a sharp knife. She didn’t even
talk to Michael for two weeks after we returned from when we first found you.
She couldn’t forgive him for taking your side as she saw it.”
“But
Alex intervened.” Isabel suddenly understood.
Max
nodded. “Alex took both girls aside and told them he didn’t want to lose
them as well so he told them they couldn’t be anywhere but at his side. Being
the girls that we know and love that is exactly what they did. After many months
Alex told them that if you needed to leave when you did that you had to have a
good reason for doing it and that none of us should judge you, not even him. So,
slowly, the girl’s hardened hearts began to soften and the occasional question
about how you were doing was asked until it was no longer an issue. All that
said I would stay away from anything sharp when you see Maria.”
Isabel
let out a snort at Max’s joke. It was very unbecoming for a young lady but her
brother caught her off guard.
“Isabel,
it is going to be difficult but not as bad as you might have imagined.
There’ll be the occasional uncomfortable pause in conversation when we run out
of things to say but it will soon pass.” Max offered.
“Should
we get going?” Isabel nodded towards the car.
Max
smiled and headed back. “Michael was sorry he couldn’t be with me to pick
you up but he is working. The girls didn’t want to crowd you so they are all
hoping you will come out for a get together at the Crash later. I told them you
might not be up to it but just give it a thought.”
The
remainder of the journey was spent in near silence other than the occasional
question from Isabel about various people from the town. Who was doing what with
whom. One of Isabel’s many regrets about leaving
Finally
Isabel saw the sign denoting the start of the city limits. Her heart began to
beat faster as she began to recognise her familiar surroundings and with each
passing street she was nearer to home. When Max finally pulled the car up onto
the drive Isabel could see the door to the house open and her parents hurriedly
appear. After her initial disappearance it was a long while before Isabel
allowed her parents to come and visit her in
“It’s
wonderful to have you home dear.” Diane Evans cried enveloping her daughter in
a tearful hug.
Philip
Evans couldn’t wait for his wife to release their daughter so he wrapped his
long arms around both women.
“I’ll
take your bags in.” Max said to the currently hidden Isabel.
Finally
Isabel’s parents released their grip on their daughter and she was able to
come up for air. “It’s good to be home. Thanks Mom, thanks Dad.”
“Isabel
are you nearly ready?” Max called up the stairs. Before he got an answer
Isabel slowly descended the stairs. “Wow! You look great.”
“Thank
you dear brother.” Isabel smiled. “I thought I’d make the effort.”
At
Isabel’s comment Max’s smiled faded on his lips and his gaze dropped to the
floor. “Come on or we will be late.”
“Max’s
what’s wrong?” Isabel enquired.
“Nothing
Iz.” Max opened the front door. “We just need to get going.”
Within
a few minutes Max pulled the car up outside the Crashdown. Isabel was relieved
to see very little if anything had changed. By the time she had stepped out onto
the sidewalk the doors to the café burst open and an enthusiastic Michael came
barrelling at Isabel.
“Hi
Michael.” Isabel barely managed to utter in mid bear hug.
“I’m
glad you’re home.” Michael said lowering her back to the ground from her
hug. “The others are inside.”
Isabel
stopped for a moment to catch her breath as Max and Michael made their way
inside. As Isabel looked through the window she could just about see her friends
getting up from the booth they had been sitting at. She felt very alone as she
watched her closest friends and family chatting, as she was sure they had done
on almost every day for the least five years. She could see how close the three
girls that she left behind had become. She was now the outsider and not Tess
although she had no doubt the girls would welcome her back to the fold with open
arms. There would be a time and place when she would have to answer her friends
questions but she just hoped it wouldn’t be here and now.
Finally
Isabel followed and she was barely inside when she was met by a horde of female
friends who enveloped her in a group hug.
For
several long minutes there were copious amounts of tears, tissues and nose
blowing. As things began to return to normal Isabel glanced around at her
friends and, as glad as she was to see them her heart sank, where was Alex?
“We
have seats reserved at the back for our returning wanderer.” Liz announced.
“Isabel you had better make the most of Michael’s company as my Dad says he
has to be back in the kitchen in five minutes.”
“Oh,
poor Michael.” Isabel placed a hand on the side of his face.
“Poor
Michael!” Maria exclaimed. “You do know that we are still going out
together. Don’t you think I deserve a medal for putting up with him so
long?”
“Only
if it is posthumous.” Michael quipped.
Maria
slapped Michael’s arm. “Don’t think I don’t know what that means
Spaceboy.”
“I’m
glad to see some things haven’t changed.” Isabel laughed.
The
friends all took their seats and the conversations began. It didn’t take
Isabel long to notice that her friends were steering clear of all awkward
subjects and there was no mention of Alex. Her friends were sticking to light
hearted topics and nothing was too intrusive. A quick glance at Liz told Isabel
that they were all giving her time to settle back in before the real questions
started.
After
several minutes it became apparent that the subject of Alex was not going to be
brought up so she decided to grasp the nettle. “Where’s Alex?”
The
sudden silence was deafening. Isabel couldn’t imagine a bigger contrast then
between the table which they were sat around ten seconds ago and now. “You
know we were going to have to talk about it some time.” Isabel told her
friends.
“We
know.” Liz said quickly. “We were just allowing you to get your feet back
under the table. We weren’t avoiding the subject, Alex is looking forward to
seeing you.”
“Good.”
Isabel smiled. “I’m looking forward to seeing him.”
Isabel
took a sip from her drink. “Actually I have just realised I am starving. I
told my parents I wasn’t hungry so I didn’t eat any dinner but now that I am
back here my taste buds are running riot.”
“What
do you want?” Liz questioned. “I’ll go and ask Michael to make it for
you.”
“Don’t
be silly Liz.” Isabel said getting up from the table. “You’re stuck in the
back there with Max. It’s easier for me to just ask him myself.”
Isabel
moved over by the kitchen hatch but could see the kitchen was empty. She took a
seat at the counter waiting for Michael to return.
Isabel
was pleased to see all her friends again but she was taken aback by how Alex’s
absence was affecting her. She had been making polite conversation but she
couldn’t get Alex out of her mind. She would have understood if he was still
upset with her and didn’t want to have anything to do with her but both Max
and Liz said he was over what had happened and that he was actually looking
forward to seeing her so why wasn’t he here?
“Hi
Isabel.”
Isabel
spun round to see the origin of the voice, although she knew who would be
standing before her. She knew his voice better than any other. “Hi Alex.”
Isabel
lifted herself up from her sitting position and stood in front of Alex. She had
forgotten hold tall he was, in fact she was pretty sure he was slightly taller
than when she last saw him. More than that she was positive he had filled out a
great deal. She was always happy with the way Alex looked but she would
fantasize about how he would look with a broader figure and now she didn’t
have to fantasize. Here he was standing in front of her. His next action made
her heart soar.
Alex
stepped forward, pulling Isabel into a hug. For a split second Isabel allowed
herself to be fully immersed in all that was Alex. She had thought of this
moment countless times but she had never really let herself believe that she
would once again be in his arms. She knew he was only being a good friend, as he
always was to her, but it didn’t take away any of the delight which she was
getting from her close encounter with her tall friend.
As
soon as she had allowed herself to relax she felt Alex release his grip on her
and he stepped back. She fought the urge to step forward, back into his strong
arms. She felt the cold on her body where a second ago Alex once stood.
Isabel’s heart had been pounding at the mere sight of Alex let alone the
feeling of his body next to hers. For all that she had done to him he was still
the only man who could affect her this way.
“Isabel
I’d like you to meet someone.” Alex said turning to his side and slightly
behind where he was standing.
Suddenly
a tall, brown haired girl came into view as Alex guided her towards Isabel.
“Laura this is Isabel the friend I told you about. Isabel this is Laura…my
fiancée.”
To
be continued…
Chapter
2
“She’s
your what?!” Isabel exclaimed.
The
smile fell from Alex’s face when he saw Isabel’s reaction. Alex turned
quickly to their friends that were seated at a booth across from where Isabel
had been sat at the counter. “You didn’t tell her?”
Everyone
looked on, stunned and silent until Liz spoke. “We didn’t get a chance to.
You said Laura couldn’t make it this evening so we thought we had time to let
Isabel know before you introduced her.”
Isabel’s
head was spinning. This was the last thing she expected when, in reality, it
should have been one of the first. What did she expect Alex to do? Sit and pine
for her until she was ready to return. This was her doing and it was down to her
to rectify the situation.
Isabel’s
next action caught everyone off guard. Laura suddenly found herself being
crushed in a hug from the tall blond she had just been introduced to.
“Congratulations you guys.” Isabel released her hold on Laura and pulled an
awkward Alex into a similar hold. “If I had known I would have brought you a
present.”
“That’s
OK Iz.” Alex said, after being released by Isabel. “I thought you would have
known by now otherwise I wouldn’t have just charged right in.”
“It’s
honestly not a problem and I really am happy for you.” Isabel turned to Laura.
“For both of you.”
Isabel
turned to face her friends and she could see Max trying to shrink in the booth
beside Liz. He had ample opportunity to tell her about Alex’s news but never
quite managed it.
Isabel
could still feel the flush on her cheeks and the warm atmosphere in the
Crashdown wasn’t helping. “Actually you guys I think I am going to head
home.”
Alex
stepped forward. “Are you sure? I’d rather you stayed. We have a lot to
catch up on.”
Isabel
stared back at the most comforting sight she had ever seen. Amongst the many
things she left behind when she ran away was a young man who’s first thought
had always been of her. Even now, as he stood with a beautiful fiancée beside
him he was still thinking of her and her well being.
“Thanks
Alex but the journey home has finally caught up with me.” Isabel smiled.
“I’ll
take you Iz.” Max said as he motioned to move.
“You
stay there.” Liz glared at him. “I’ll take Isabel home and you and I can
speak later.”
As
Liz climbed out from the booth Max could see his future life slipping away from
his grasp. If Liz didn’t kill him for not tell Isabel about Alex’s fiancée
then Isabel definitely would. He also realised he could kiss goodbye to any
uninterrupted sleep for the next few nights. He didn’t doubt that Isabel would
be sending dancing sumo wrestlers and naked images of
“Maybe
we can catch up tomorrow?” Alex offered.
“I’d
like nothing more Alex.” Despite Isabel’s shock at the news she was
overjoyed at Alex’s behaviour towards her. Even though she had done a terrible
thing to him he seemed to be willing to forgive if not forget.
“Alex
Honey.” Laura interjected. “We’re seeing the Florist tomorrow so there may
not be time for your little reunion.”
Isabel
turned her gaze to the new girl. ‘Little reunion’ Isabel thought. ‘Who the
hell was this woman to be demeaning her reunion with her closest friend?’ Then
the thought hit her…she’s Alex’s fiancée that’s who!
“I
know we’re seeing the Florist tomorrow.” Alex repeated Laura’s words.
“But that is in the morning so maybe I can catch up with Isabel in the
afternoon.” Alex turned back to Isabel.
Isabel
shrugged her shoulders. “Sure. Whenever you can fit me in.”
Isabel
waved goodbye to her friends and followed Liz out of the Crashdown.
As
soon as they hit the cool evening air Isabel let out a huge sigh.
“Isabel
I am so sorry.” Liz began. “If I had thought for a second that…”
Isabel
held up her hand to stop Liz in full flight. “Liz you haven’t done anything
wrong. My darling brother has some explaining to do but it’s fine, really.”
Liz
was pleased she didn’t have to spend the drive over to the Evans house
apologising for not forewarning Isabel. “I know we have a lot to catch up on
Isabel so I think the best thing for us all to do is take it nice and slow.”
Isabel
stopped her stroll along the sidewalk at Liz’s words. For the second time in
two minutes Isabel pulled someone into an unexpected hug.
“What’s
this for?” Liz whispered through a broad smile.
Isabel
released her hold on her friend. “A combination of you being a good friend to
me, as you always have been, and the fact that I haven’t been able to hug many
people over the last five years. Of my own choosing.” Isabel belatedly added.
Liz
came to a halt beside a bright yellow VW beetle.
“This
is yours?” Isabel raised both a smile and her eyebrows.
Liz
nodded vigorously. “Isn’t it great. Max hates it, which might be why I love
it so much.”
“Max
hates it and yet you still have it?” Isabel questioned.
“I
think it might be the fact that he hates the colour is the reason I love it and
keep it.” Liz enthused.
“That’s
strange logic if ever I heard it.” Isabel climbed into the car.
Liz
started the car and pulled out into the road. “It’s just that everything is
so perfect between Max and I that when I found out he didn’t like the colour I
choose it just felt right to stand up to him and make my own choice. We get on
so well and have so much in common that I like it when something comes along to
remind us that although we are a couple we are also individuals.”
“You
got all that from the colour of your car?” Isabel laughed.
Liz
started laughing too. “Well it’s better than Michael and Maria who are the
exact opposite of Max and I. They have nothing in common until every now and
again a little thing will crop up and they will be stunned into silence when
they realise they have nothing to argue about.”
“What
about Kyle and Tess?” How are they getting on?” Isabel asked.
“Really
great.” Liz replied. “I take it Max told you that Jim and Amy got married
four years ago.”
Isabel
simply nodded. Obviously slightly embarrassed she never made it back for the
wedding.
“They
had this long discussion about where they were all going to live, especially as
Kyle and Tess were full on dating at this stage so in the end they kept both
houses but Amy moved into the Valenti house. As both Maria and Tess were at
college it wasn’t like she had abandoned Maria. The funniest thing you could
ever see was Kyle trying to spend time with Tess when we were all home from
college. Kyle was still living in his own house while Tess and Maria were in the
Deluca house so he had a curfew to uphold so that he wasn’t tempted to try and
spend the night with Tess.
“Sounds
like I missed a lot.” Isabel said mournfully. “I could see how well you,
Maria and Tess are getting on nowadays.”
Liz
nodded. “Tess has come along way since…”
“Since
I left.” Isabel finished. “You can say it Liz. As Max said I have made my
bed now I have to lie in it.”
Liz
gave her friend a soft smile. “All I meant was with you gone Tess knew if she
wanted to make friends and settle down properly that Maria and I were her best
bet.”
Liz
pulled the car up outside the Evans home. “So we’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Definitely.”
Isabel smiled. “I’ll give you a call as I don’t know what time I will be
getting up. Then we can arrange to meet.”
Isabel
opened the door and began to climb out of the car.
“When
you are ready to talk Isabel I’ll be here.” Liz said softly.
Isabel
stopped halfway out of the car. She waited a moment, apparently thinking what to
say. Finally, without looking back she said. “I know what I did Liz and I know
I have to answer to those who are closest to me. I also know what I did to Alex
is inexcusable but that will be for him to judge me.”
Isabel
stepped out of the car and leaned back down into the open doorway. “Thanks
Liz. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Liz
looked at her tall friend who had been gone far too long. “It’s good to have
you home Isabel.”
“It’s
good to be home Liz.”
Isabel
stepped out of the bathroom wearing a pair of cotton pyjamas. As she slipped
under the bed covers she was able to take in the entire bedroom, nothing had
changed. It didn’t come as any surprise that her Mom had kept everything the
way it was when she left. As she continued to gaze around the room something
caught her eye, something was out of place.
Isabel
climbed out of the bed and approached her vanity mirror above her dressing
table. A picture had been slipped into one of the edges of the mirror, a picture
she hadn’t seen before. Isabel pulled the picture out of the mirrors grasp and
returned to sit on the bed as she glanced down it became very clear what she had
left behind.
Isabel
wiped away the tears that had started to fall down her immaculate face. She
placed the picture gently on the nightstand leaning against the lamp so she
could still see it. Slowly she lay back down, pulled the covers over her and
turned off the light.
As
she drifted off to sleep she tried to remind herself to thank whoever had left
the picture of her with Alex at the Prom on her mirror.
To
be continued…
Chapter
3
Isabel
stared at herself in the mirror for a long moment. She hadn’t changed much in
the past five years, not outwardly anyway. She had awoken just after
She’d
phoned the Parker residence and had been put through to the restaurant, as it
seems Liz was helping her father with some paperwork. After speaking to Liz it
was agreed Isabel would make her way over to meet up with the other girls by
Isabel
lifted and turned her long, blond hair until it was piled up onto the top of her
head in a style that looked anything but elegant. At nearly six feet tall Isabel
was head and shoulders above her female friends already so piling her hair up
added additional inches to her height, which might not be the best way to go.
Slowly
making her way along the hallway towards the kitchen Isabel pulled her locks
into a tight pony tail and allowed her long hair to trail down her back. As she
stepped into the kitchen she could see through to the dinning area and it was
apparent Max had seen her as he was repeating his efforts of last night, trying
to physically shrink in his chair.
“Hello
Dear brother.” Isabel grabbed a cup and sat at the table, helping herself to
“That’s
not funny Isabel. I didn’t mean to leave you in the dark.” Max growled
Isabel
feigned an expression of innocence. “Whatever can you mean Max?”
“Do
you know what it does to a man to wake up and realise he has been dreaming about
Brad Pitt?” The pained look on Max’s face was priceless. “I mean it
Isabel. If I see one more naked butt you’ll wake up with pimples the size of
volcano’s.”
The
smile from Isabel’s face fell. “I think if the worst thing I do to you is
flash the occasional male behind at you in your sleep you have gotten away
lightly. Do you know how embarrassing it was for me last night? Not only did I
have to contend with facing Alex but I also have to meet his fiancée,
unprepared. How could you not tell me?”
Max
let out a heavy sigh. “Iz, the last thing I wanted to do was put you in a
difficult position but you heard what Liz said last night. Alex told us she
wasn’t going to be in town until the weekend so the last thing I expected was
for him to show up, fiancée in tow. It was your rule not mine that we were not
to discuss anything other than family. You were the one who made Michael and I
promise to tell you if anything was wrong with the group but nothing more. No
discussions about what they have been up to or whom they were seeing. I tried to
tell you in the car on the way back from the airport but that seemed too soon. I
mean, ‘Hi Isabel, let me take your bag. By the way Alex is getting
married.’, it all felt too rushed so I thought we could tell you when we were
at home but then when you came down ready to go I wanted to tell you but my
nerve went. Finally I decided to tell you when the others were there so they
could help me fend off your questions. If I thought for one minute that Alex and
Laura were going to turn up so early I would have warned you…honestly!”
Isabel
eyed her brother. It was apparent that he was truly sorry and she didn’t
imagine for a second that he would have deliberately hurt her. “It’s OK Max,
I believe you. I don’t know why I am getting so worked up anyway. It’s not
like I have come home to win Alex back or that I expected him to be waiting for
me.”
Max’s
eyebrows arched at Isabel’s comments. “Then why did you come back?”
“Thanks
very much!” Isabel said, pretending to be hurt by his words.
“You
know what I mean Iz.” Max smiled. “We’re all very glad you’re back but
what are your plans?”
Isabel
fell silent for a moment. “That’s the $64,000 question. What do I do now?”
The
siblings fell into a comfortable silence as the two of them mulled over there
recent conversation. Finally Max spoke. “OK. If you don’t know what the
future holds what about the next hour? I was going to go over to the Crashdown
to see Liz.”
“You
can’t.” Isabel said resolutely.
“What?”
Max questioned. “Why not?”
“Because
I am just about to go over there to meet Liz, Maria & Tess for Lunch and the
last thing I need is you mooning over Liz.” Isabel explained.
“Mooning?”
Max repeated. “I’m a college graduate with my whole life in front of me, I
do not moon!” Max affirmed.
“My
dear, dear Max.” Isabel stood up from the table. “I may have been gone for
five years but something’s will never change. Michael and Maria will always
argue, Tess will always tease Kyle & you will always moon over Liz.”
“And
you and Alex?”
Max
suddenly regretted his question, as Isabel looked crestfallen at his words. “I
said something’s never change Max. I had my chance with Alex and I blew it.
All I can do now is wish him and his future bride the best of luck for their
wedding day and the future. I’ll catch you later Max and I’ll get Liz to
give you a call when our girlie reunion is done.”
Max’s
heart sank as he watched his sister turn and walk towards the front door of the
house. Despite repeated questions from both he and Michael Isabel had never
revealed why she left when she did. Even when the two of them caught up with
Isabel not long after she left she had never fully explain herself other than to
say she was leaving for the right reasons and she wouldn’t change her mind. No
matter what they had asked, promised or threatened Isabel had been defiant to
the last. She simply refused to explain herself or to return home. Short of
tying her up and throwing her in the back of the car there was little else the
two brothers could do. Even then they knew she would simply have left again at
the earliest opportunity.
Max
didn’t doubt that Isabel could manage on her own, what with Alien powers and
an ability to reduce anyone to tears with just an Ice Princess look Max knew she
could live on her own but he wasn’t confident she could survive on her own. If
you had asked him what his greatest fear was it would be to lose Liz, she was
everything to him and he couldn’t live without her.
If
you had asked him what Isabel’s greatest fear was it would be to lose her
family. Having gone through what they had gone through as children anyone who
knew Isabel would know that her greatest love was her family. That was why it
had been so unbelievable that Isabel had actually chosen to leave her family and
live on her own. It was even more incredible when you factored in that Isabel
could dream walk people so, if she wanted, she could visit anyone and everyone
on a nightly basis but she never had. He had asked her directly if she had ever
dream walked any of their friends and family but he already knew the answer
before he even gave the question, she hadn’t. It was like him leaving
Liz and moving to the next town over and never coming to visit her.
Suddenly
a thought hit Max. What could Isabel love more than her family? Max had often
thought about his relationship with Liz and one thing he knew was he loved her
more than life itself. If he looked at Michael and Maria he knew that there had
been a time when both he and Isabel were the most important people in
Michael’s life and that her Mom, Liz and Alex had been the most important
thing in Maria’s life but the one thing they had all faced was the point when
that changed. If you asked Michael who was the most important person in his life
now he would answer Maria, without a shadow of a doubt. What if Isabel had
reached that point? What if Isabel’s main priority in life was no longer her
family but was something else, or someone else?
A
look of realisation crossed Max’s face. He leapt from the table and ran
towards the kitchen door. He needed to speak to Isabel. As he pulled open the
front door he ran straight into his Mom who was just coming the other way.
“Whoa,
what’s the rush son?” Diane nearly fell back off the step.
Max
steadied his Mom. “I was hoping to catch Isabel.”
“Oh,
sorry dear.” Diane moved past her son into the house. “You just missed her.
Your father is just dropping her off at the Crashdown before coming back here to
pick me up. She said something about an early lunch with the girls. Why don’t
you give her a call? You still have her cell number don’t you.”
Max
continued to look down the empty street. “It’s OK Mom. I wasn’t in that
much of a rush to talk to her, it will keep.”
Isabel
stood outside the Crashdown as she waved at her father’s car as it disappeared
into the distance. She hadn’t expected to run into her parents as she was
heading to meet the girls but it seemed they needed to pick some things up from
home for the office.
As
she turned to face the café entrance she realised her heart was pounding and
her mouth had suddenly run dry. It would seem the impending girlie lunch was
giving her subconscious cause for concern.
‘Come
on! You can do this.’ She told herself. ‘What was the worst that could
happen?’ The sudden thought of Maria holding a sharp knife entered her mind.
“Stop
being so ridiculous.” She said out loud as she pushed her way into the
Crashdown.
Suddenly
Isabel could see Maria coming at her with a large carving knife, was she
dreaming?
“Hi
Isabel.” Maria smiled. “The others just want some pie as it’s still quite
early. Do you want me to cut you a piece?”
Isabel
stood stock-still. Maria waved her free hand in front of the tall girl, pulling
her out of her stupor. “Are you alright Isabel? You look shocked.”
Isabel
let out a small laugh that had more to do with relief than amusement. “Sorry
Maria. It was just something Max said yesterday that suddenly hit home. Pie
sounds great. What flavours do you have?”
“Apple,
Apple & Blackcurrant or Peach pie.” Maria leaned in a little closer to her
friend. “I’ll add a little you know what to give it that little extra kick
you guys love.”
Isabel
let out another laugh. “Thanks Maria. I think I’ll have apple pie.” Isabel
gave Maria a knowing wink.
“OK.”
Maria nodded in return as she turned her attention to the pies on the counter.
Isabel
made her way down the café until she reached the end booth but was stopped in
her tracks. Sitting in the booth was Liz and Tess, as she had expected but the
sight of Laura sitting in beside Tess came as somewhat of a surprise.
“Hi
Isabel.” Liz said nervously. “Look who’s just showed up for Lunch?”
Laura
smiled at the new arrival. “I sincerely hope you don’t mind Isabel but I
thought it would be nice for us to get to know each other a little better.”
“Not
at all.” Isabel said as she slid in beside Liz. “It’s just I though you
were going to see the Florist with Alex today.”
“I
was. I mean I did.” Laura laughed at her slight mistake. “It’s just when I
heard that the famous Isabel Evans was going to be here for lunch it was too
good an opportunity to pass up, a chance to get to know the girl that Alex is
always taking about.”
To
be continued…
Chapter
4
Isabel
stared blankly at Laura for a moment. What was that supposed to mean? Isabel
thought, ‘The famous Isabel Evans who Alex is always talking about.’
“It’s
really great to have you home.” Liz interjected, breaking the uncomfortable
silence. “Max has talked of nothing else since you called to say you were
coming back.”
“Nor
Michael.” Maria added as she brought a tray of desserts. “I hadn’t seen
him this excited since the latest Metallica CD was due for release.”
Isabel
smiled at the example Maria gave. In that one sentence was everything she had
missed in the last five years but even with the benefit of hindsight she was
sure she had made the right decision to leave.
“So
what have you been up to over the last five years?” Laura’s question drew
open-mouthed looks from the other girls. “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be so
forward but I’m curious to know all about you and what you’ve been up to.”
Laura added.
Isabel
gave a forced smile. “That’s quite alright Laura, I’m quite keen to hear
all about you.”
Liz
threw Maria a split second glance, which between such old friends spoke volumes.
A broad smile broke out across Maria’s face and Liz found she had to stifle a
grin to not let her feelings be known but both girls were overjoyed to have
Isabel back where she belonged. They had there own opinions when it came to
Laura but she made Alex happy and that was all they were worried about. That
being said, to see Isabel kick into Ice Princess mode at the abrupt questioning
from Laura told both girls that Isabel was not going to suffer fools gladly and
that it was apparent that Isabel was equally keen to see if Laura was the girl
for Alex.
“How
did you and Alex meet?” Isabel began.
A
broad smile extended across Laura’s face as she patently started to think of
Alex. “We shared some classes at college. It took me a while to breakdown the
wall he had built up around himself but the occasional work question or chat
extended into full on conversations over coffee or early evening walks.” Laura
eyed Isabel. “What about you?”
Isabel
blinked at the question. “Sorry, What about me?”
Laura
let out a small laugh. “How did you meet Alex?”
Isabel
was stunned into silence. This wasn’t what she was expecting or what she had
prepared herself for. If she wasn’t already embarrassed by her reaction to
Laura’s question she would be now as she felt her skin flush as the thought of
Alex made her blush. “We sort of grew up together.” Isabel finally managed.
“We
all met for the first time in third grade.” Liz offered. “We sort of knew
about each other for years but then in high school we finally became friends.”
“Very
firm friends.” Maria added. “We started to hangout together and found we had
things in common.”
“And
finally I arrived.” Tess interjected. “Making up a happy group of eight.”
“Well
hopefully a happy group of nine with me here now.” Laura added. “Then maybe
we can find a nice guy for Isabel.”
Liz
watched as Isabel visibly stiffened up at that comment. Giving Laura the benefit
of the doubt Liz was sure she was just trying to be nice but the comments she
was making weren’t helping a difficult situation.
“Laura
have you seen Isabel?” Maria said firmly. “She is an absolute goddess who
has had men falling at her feet since the eighth grade so I don’t think she
will need any help from us to find a man.”
“Oh
I’m sorry.” Laura put down her fork and looked at Isabel. “I wasn’t
trying to imply you couldn’t get a man on your own…just that you are the
last single girl out of this group and I’m sure everyone is just keen to see
you happy.”
“That’s
quite alright Laura, I knew what you meant and I appreciate the sentiment.”
Isabel said trying to be diplomatic. While she was accepting Laura’s apology
Isabel reached under the table to Maria, who was sitting on a chair next to her
at the end of the booth, and gave her hand a quick squeeze to thank her friend
for coming to her aid.
As
the conversation fell into another silence a cell phone began to ring. “Sorry
that’s me. Please excuse me.” Isabel said as she grabbed her phone and
stepped up from the booth.
“Liz
can you give me a hand with the drinks?” Maria questioned her friend.
“Sure.”
Liz followed Maria to the far side of the serving counter to get more drinks.
“Could
that have gone any worse?” Maria said in whispered tones.
Liz
glanced at Isabel who was deep in conversation on her phone at the end of the
counter with her back to the girls. “Let’s just say it would have been
easier without Laura here. I’m sure she is genuinely interested in Isabel but
her timing leaves a lot to be desired.”
“That’s
you Liz, forever the diplomat.” Maria continued in a hushed voice. “I was
going to say down right rude and intrusive. I mean ‘When did you meet Alex?’
What business is it of hers?”
Liz
smiled. “Maria you know what a loyal friend you are but put yourself in
Laura’s shoes. She has heard all about Isabel from Alex and from us and it
must have knocked her confidence a little to see what Isabel looks like. I mean
come on would you want to compete with Isabel for a man? Anyway, if it had just
been Isabel that showed up you would have been questioning her about why she
left and telling her how she hurt Alex.”
“That’s
right Liz.” Maria said in a slightly raised voice. “He is OUR Alex and it is
for us to find out what went on. Having said that she is OUR Isabel so if anyone
is going to question her it should be us and only us. All for one and one for
all, if anyone else starts on Isabel they will have me to answer to. Liz?…Liz?
Are you even listening to me?”
Maria
watched as Liz waved her hand distractedly as she looked towards the far end of
the counter. “What is it?”
“SShhh!”
Liz hissed. “Listen.”
Maria
focused her gaze on what was keeping Liz so occupied. It was then that she
realised that Isabel had turned back towards the two girls and it soon became
apparent that she was still lost deep in conversation with whomever she was
talking to on the phone. A broad smile had spread across the tall girls face.
Maria
strained her hearing to try and pick up any of the conversation.
“…I
can’t wait to see you, you know that. I miss you as well Honey but I will be
back soon and we can go out for dinner then…I’m just wrapping up a couple of
things here and it will be done…I love you and I will see you soon…OK thanks
Pete I’ll talk to you soon, bye.”
“Liz,
look at her face.” Maria whispered. “We haven’t seen that since the night
of the Prom. That’s a smile that says ‘I am in love’.”
Isabel
closed her phone and looked up from her conversation to see her two friends
staring at her. With all the finesse of a
Isabel
walked back along the counter and smiled at the two girls before retaking a seat
at the booth. Liz and Maria placed the collection of assorted drinks on the tray
and moved back to their friends.
“Who
was that?” Maria asked.
Liz
gave Maria a swift elbow to the ribs causing her friend to yell in pain.
“Sorry Isabel, Maria can’t help being nosy.”
Isabel
let out a laugh at the continuing comic routine the two girls were playing out.
“That’s OK Liz, it’s part of what I love about Maria. That was my friend
Pete who was just checking up on me.”
“Maybe
I spoke too soon when I said we had to find a man for Isabel.” Laura smiled.
“Why didn’t Pete come with you?”
“What
was it you said you did for a living?” Isabel asked unexpectedly.
“Why?”
Laura asked quizzically. “What brought that on?”
Isabel
shrugged. “It’s just that you ask a lot of questions plus you often answer a
question with a question.”
Laura
looked around at the girls gathered at the table. “I didn’t realise I was
being so mysterious, I’ll try to stop.”
It
didn’t go unnoticed by any of the girl’s that Laura didn’t answer
Isabel’s question or that Isabel didn’t answer Laura’s question.
“So
how are the plans for the wedding going?” Tess asked trying to stay on a
neutral subject they would all be interested in.
“It’s
all running along smoothly thanks Tess. We had a final meeting this morning with
the Florist to check all was as it should be so it is now just a case of fine
tuning and making sure I haven’t overlooked anything.”
“Sounds
like you have it all in hand.” Liz was relieved to hit a topic that wasn’t
causing controversy. “How’s Alex coping?”
“You
all know Alex.” Laura let out a laugh. “He’s useless in these sorts of
situations. I’ve spent the last three months trying to get him into the habit
of doing his top button up on his shirts. I don’t know where he got it from
but he has this habit of undoing his top button. It makes him look very
untidy”
Isabel
felt a warm sensation coursing through her veins at Laura’s comments. He maybe
about to marry another woman but in some ways he would always be her Alex.
Isabel
glanced around and was pleased to see Liz and Maria sharing in her secret
moment.
“Have
I missed something?” Laura enquired. “You guys look like you are enjoying an
inside joke.”
“It’s
nothing really.” Isabel replied. “It just sounds a typical Alex thing to
do.”
“Well
with all due respect Isabel.” Laura eyed the tall blond. “I know you were
the girl that went out with Alex prior to me but I think you’ll find he is a
different man to the one you knew. He’s matured in many ways.”
Isabel
nodded slowly. “Of that I am sure Laura.”
Isabel
checked her watch. “Hey guys it’s time I was making a move.”
“So
soon?” Liz asked as she got up from the table.
“We’ll
have plenty of time to catch up don’t worry.” Isabel smiled at her friends.
“Laura it was great to meet you and I wish you every happiness.”
“Thanks
Isabel, that’s very kind.” Laura returned the smile. “I hope I didn’t
create too bad an impression.”
“Not
at all.” Isabel turned towards the exit. “You’re exactly how I thought you
would be.”
Liz
walked Isabel out into the afternoon sun. “Here…take my car and you can
bring it back later and we can talk, just the two of us.”
“Thanks
Liz.” Isabel took the car keys. “Tell Maria to be there and we can catch up
and by the way, give Max a ring as he was going to come over until I stopped him
in his tracks.”
“What
about Tess?” Liz questioned. “Do you want her there?”
Isabel
shook her head. “No. I love Tess but I need to talk to you two about Alex and
why I left so I think it will be better if it is just the three of us. I’ll
catch you later Liz and thanks for lunch.”
“You’re
welcome…see you later.”
Isabel
pulled Liz’s yellow bug up outside her house and made her way inside. “Max
are you here?” She called.
“In
here Isabel.” A reply came from the kitchen.
As
Isabel made her way down to the kitchen Max met her coming the other way.
“Thanks Isabel.”
Isabel
furrowed her brow. “For what?”
“For
tell Liz I was coming over. She’s just phoned to say you were on your way home
and for me to head on over there.”
Isabel
gave her brother a smile. “I’m glad I could be of assistance.”
Max
continued towards the front door. “By the way there’s a surprise for you in
the kitchen.” Max called over his shoulder as he shut the front door.
Isabel
hurried on into the kitchen in anticipation of her surprise, what had Max bought
her?
Isabel
came to a grinding halt when she saw what her surprise was.
Alex
stood up. “Hi Isabel. I’ve been waiting for you.”
To
be continued…
Chapter
5
Isabel
was suddenly flustered, which left her even more confused, as she didn’t do
flustered. “Alex…Hi! I wasn’t expecting to see you.”
Alex
took a step forward and went to hold out a hand to steady Isabel but before it
had reached halfway he withdrew it, thinking better of it. “When I saw you
last night we spoke about meeting today and you said anytime.”
Isabel
shook her head in an attempt to regain her composure. “Of course I did. I
didn’t mean to give the appearance of not being glad to see you it’s just
with the way Max worded his comment when I came in…”
“You
thought he had brought you a present.” Alex finished for her.
Isabel
dropped her gaze to her hands as she felt the skin on her face begin to burn, he
still knew her so well. “I didn’t realise I was so transparent.”
“Not
transparent,” Alex said causing Isabel to lift her gaze. “Just a good
friend.”
“Good
friend?” Isabel questioned. “I’m not sure I was ever a good friend to you
Alex.”
Now
it was Alex’s turn to drop his head. “Don’t do this Isabel. I had hoped
five years would have been long enough for you to grow out of your
self-deprecating moods when it came to me.”
Isabel
raised her eyebrows in shock at Alex’s cutting comment.
“I
never could understand why you and everyone else thought it was only ever you
that gained anything from our relationship that I didn’t benefit from knowing
you.” Alex continued.
Isabel
needed to take a hold of herself. As she moved round to take a seat at the table
she could see where Alex had been evidently sitting with Max until she came
home. The two glasses and plates were testament to that. Isabel sat down in a
heap, as this was all going too fast.
Alex
eyed the tall girl he hadn’t seen since the happiest night of his life, the
night of the Prom. He knew this couldn’t be easy for her but he’d been
preparing for this meeting for five long years and he wasn’t going to be a
shrinking violet now.
“This
doesn’t have to be difficult or uncomfortable Isabel. The girls have spoken to
me over the years about whether or not I could forgive you but there was never
anything to forgive.” Alex retook his seat across from Isabel. “No matter
what you have to say there is one thing I have always been certain of…I never
believed you left to hurt me.”
Isabel
allowed her eyes to come to rest on the one man she had truly loved. “That’s
it?” Was all she could think to say? She had expected so much more.
Alex
frowned. “You were expecting more?”
Isabel
shook her head. “I wasn’t expecting anything specifically but I didn’t
imagine it was going to be just eight words.”
Alex
shrugged. “Well I’m sorry Iz but that’s it. As I said the one thing I
believe is you never left just to hurt me, which means you had your own reason
to leave. Who am I to judge you?”
Isabel
shook her head again, this time more vigorously. “It can’t be this easy, not
after what I did.”
Alex
let out a laugh. “No Isabel I am not sure you are understanding me correctly.
The reason I am behaving as I am today is because I have taken five years to get
here. Although I never honestly thought you wanted to hurt me it doesn’t mean
that you didn’t break my heart…”
Isabel
knew what she was about to be told by Alex was what she deserved.