Finding Izzy

by Nanette Fox

  Tim went on to say that all of that was the easy part. He looked at David and said, “I hired a forensic accountant as I found that Dad and Izzy’s husband had amassed large fortunes in an intertwined, tangled mess of companies.” He gave his brother quite a bundle of papers. David went immediately to the bottom line and whistled. Tim said, “As you can see it is quite an extensive trust our annuities will be drawn from.” He explained to David that together they would be the Trustees. Tim took a deep breath and looked at the ceiling. “Now the difficult part, separate to the Estate, Dad had Elizabeth Grant controlling an investment, it has been broken up and the monies distributed with some letters Dad left with Elizabeth. I will let Mum talk first.” And turning to his brother and sister, he said, "Believe me I had no idea of who the letters were exactly for, and what they contained. He had been standing with one hand on his hip and turning away rubbed his face, he didn’t dare look at Izzy.

  Ruth spoke haltingly and choosing her words carefully. She explained her letter had been couriered to her and yes it was from Elizabeth or ‘Lizzie’ as she had been to Marco. Her letter had contained a handwritten note which she would prefer not to share with her children and the original of a letter from Isaac to Marco. She had also been given a substantial amount of money. Tim glanced at Izzy and was horrified to see her in tears and chewing her lip. Lucy spoke next and explained that she also had a substantial amount given to her, a handwritten letter of thanks in the most part for her assistance all the times Isabella had needed help.

  Izzy was looking petrified, Julia and David I am so sorry I have to tell you, she sobbed, but then continued. Marco, your dad, who was really very good to me, blackmailed my husband for a lot of money, gesticulating to Ruth, Lucy and herself to provide these huge sums of money. Isaac bought Marco’s silence about…she was looking so distressed it tore at Tim’s heart… all the dreadful things he did to me. So, I have a photocopy of the letter from Isaac to Marco and three envelopes for the three of you.

  David let out, “Dad you…absolute bastard.” Julia was bawling. Getting up from where she had been a crumpled sack in the corner of the couch, she handed the envelopes to David, Julia and Tim and hobbled as fast as she could from the room.

  Tim turned and collapsed sitting into the lounge looking straight ahead with so much anger, his eyes were flashing. David made a move to pick-up the photocopy from the floor. Tim looking up at his movement reached across and picking up the photocopy asked his mother for the original and taking both in his hands shredded them like confetti and threw them up in the air. “No one needs to read that, no one.” His Aunt Lucy moved over to hug and comfort him as he buckled over crossing his arms over his knees, head down.

  David’s next move was to look at the contents of his envelope and he just whistled and said to Tim, “Do you know how much?”

  Julia picked hers up and cried out, “So watching Isaac destroying Izzy’s life was worth this, what a bloody joke.”

  Ruth couldn’t believe the havoc Marco’s actions were having on her family. She said, “Your dad tried so hard to help her, so often, but she needed to find the strength to get away from Isaac. Unfortunately, Isabella was almost killed, and that is what stopped him in the end. Your dad obviously tried to make him pay, but it was just a really twisted way to do it.”

  Julia, coming to her senses, asked Tim, “Where did Izzy go? Do you need to go to her?” Tim looked at his Aunt Lucy.

  She shook her head, “No it should be you.” Tim bit his lip, stopped to gather his strength a minute and went in search of his Izzy. He found her in the kitchen curled on the floor with Basil. As animals so often do, he obviously sensed her distress and was snuggling into her. Getting down onto the floor, he pulled her into his arms and allowed her to cry herself out.

  Lucy came into the kitchen and looking down at Tim said, “Give me a call if you need to.” He nodded.

  Back in the lounge, Lucy sat with Ruth and was rubbing her back. David and Julia were sitting, intermittently glancing at the confetti on the floor and up at Lucy and Ruth. Lucy spoke, “For Isabella’s sake, we have to deal with this each in our own way, it is not necessary to rehash everything over again.”

  “Please try to refrain from discussing it with extended family and friends. I would like to think you both will sign over the money back to Isabella. She wants to put it for use in a suitable charity. David I am sure you can organize that for her.” He nodded in agreement. “Tim and Isabella will be fine they are very much in love. I also noticed none of us mentioned the proposal.”

  Julia smiled, “No we didn’t.”

  Lucy smiled at Julia, “You my dear need to take care with a baby on the way.”

  Julia said, “Aunt Lucy, I am not sure.”

  “Yes, you are missy, and so is your Antonio, he is very excited, I was talking to him yesterday.”

  “Aunt Lucy,” exclaimed Julia. David was just looking down at his sister, so I am going to be an uncle, again."

  Julia looked up at him and said, “Well the first time doesn’t really count as none of us have contact.” Looking at her mother, “I wonder Mum, if Tim has told Izzy.”

  “Actually, she probably knows she has been around the family long enough.”

  “Not sure Julia, she didn’t recognize Lainey yesterday if she does.”

  Chapter 39

  Official Announcement

  Ruth’s jaw dropped when Tim strolled into the kitchen on the night of his theatre date with Izzy. He was dressed in black dress trousers and a midnight blue blazer over a silky white shirt. Black leather belt and polished lace-up shoes completed his dress. His grooming was flawless, his father’s Breitling watch completing the picture. “Izzy’s coming here and then do you mind if I borrow your car again?” he asked his mother. Ten minutes later, Izzy arrived, she was dressed in a two-piece blue silk outfit, evening trousers that covered her moon boot. The top tightly fitting skimmed over her slim form, it had a sensational flounce across her petite bust-line continuing over her arms to create an off the shoulder effect. Her beautiful fine blonde hair with its natural waves was brushed back and cascaded down her back. One single pearl at her throat and pearl earrings completed her outfit. She couldn’t do much about the moon boot peering out from underneath her trousers but had accessorized with a black ballet flat and small black clutch.

  Tim whistled and holding his hand to his heart said, “You look absolutely beautiful.”

  “Well you sir, look very suave and sophisticated.” Ruth couldn’t take her eyes off either of them. You could almost see the aura of the love bubble that surrounded them as they only had eyes for each other.

  “Izzy, I have something for you to complete your outfit,” and from his pocket he drew out a little velvet box. He took out a magnificent solitaire diamond ring, taking Izzy’s left hand slipped the ring on her finger. She smiled up at him with the most glorious smile. Ruth stood with her hand to her throat. Tim turned to his mum and said, “I asked Izzy to marry me, and she said yes, and now it is official.” Taking Izzy into his arms, he kissed her. “So, Mum, what do you think about that?” he said turning with Izzy snuggling into his side, reaching up to brush a little lipstick off his lips with her fingertips.

  Ruth was a little teary and said simply, “Congratulations, I had no idea.”

  “Mum can you take a photo on my phone?” Tim gave his phone to his mother, and she dutifully took the picture. “Thanks Mum, we had better go, Izzy you do have the tickets, don’t you?” She swatted his shoulder gently, and he laughed. “Izzy just one thing I’ll message the photo around to everyone as our official announcement.” He did just that. Phones pinged with the message throughout the immediate family and friendship circle. Everywhere people smiled at the memory of the proposal under the willow trees.

  *

  Rebecca answered the door thinking it was probably David and Ronnie arriving very early for the pizza and wine night they were having with Julia. Izzy was upstairs working on her ‘arts and
crafts’ as Bec called it. Standing on the doorstep and looking absolutely sexy was Tim. He was simply dressed in a white t-shirt that showed off his muscled torso and blue jeans. He smiled widely at Bec when she said, “Iz is going to enjoy you, so sexy, mister.”

  “What do you mean?” he said.

  “Well Tim, it is just you, good looking you, not dressed to make an impression, just you, very natural.”

  “Okay Bec whatever you say. Now is my beautiful girlfriend, sorry correction fiancée, home?”

  “She certainly is, she’s up in her room doing her ‘arts and crafts’.” He frowned.

  “You’ll see, go on up.” She watched as he sauntered in and made his way up the stairs thinking he looked amazing.

  Izzy was sitting on her bed, dressed in skin-tight jeans and a silky pink camisole over which she had a fluffy white cardigan pulled on with one shoulder exposed. Her hair was tied back loosely, and she was bent over working on a small painting, a tray of small brushes, some paints and other assorted pencils and craft equipment on the bed beside her. She was deep in concentration and Tim stood watching her for a few minutes before she looked up. She smiled, a little self-consciously.

  “What are you doing Iz?” Tim said softly. I am working on my memory book about us. He moved into the room and lent over to kiss her. He looked down to see a little miniature painting of himself. It was like a scrapbook, with pieces of writing, the theatre tickets and some other little drawings, and pieces of memorabilia. She looked up at him this time with a huge smile and her eyes sparkling.

  “I like you in white, you look sexy in just about any colour but there is something about you tonight.”

  “I’m just Tim,” he said with a little frown.

  “That’s it exactly, so organic and natural.”

  “Okay… and you’re looking just a little luscious yourself, now what is it you’re doing?”

  I have all these memory books, sort of like scrapbooks that have all the important things that happen recorded in them. My mum did some for me when I was little and up until she died so I have kept doing them, so I don’t forget things. I can go back and look through them and find all the little stories and memories that fade after time. I have started one for us. Tim sat down gently beside her so as not to upset the tray. “I’ll show you.” Putting a little paper over what she had been working on, so it didn’t smudge. She went to the front of the book and showed him what she had recorded from their very first very short bike-ride where she’d said about riding on country-roads to a little story about the photo of her 21st food picture, and how they’d shared the memory and felt something between them. There was a memory of the first kiss, some of their first dates. What amazed him was all the beautiful little paintings scattered amongst the stories and mementos. “Izzy, I love that you’re doing this.” He put his arm gently around her caressing her naked shoulder. “Izzy, I love you.” He kissed her gently.

  She touched his cheek, “Tim I love you.” They sat looking at each other for a little while.

  Tim explained that he’d come over to see if she wanted to go out as it was Friday night. He knew they didn’t have plans and they were looking forward to Sunday, but he’d wanted to see her. Izzy said, “I’ll pack this up and wash my hands.” She picked up the box of memory books putting it on the bed as she got up to pack up the tray of paints and brushes. “I’ll be back in a moment I just need to take this tray down to the study.” While she was gone, he glanced through the box looking at the labels on the books. There were ones for childhood, and school years, the ones Andrea, Izzy’s mum had created. Then all the ones Izzy herself had done recording University, her trip around Australia, the girl triangle. One labelled Isaac. He felt an absolute heel, but he pulled it out to glance at it. It started with early times, an engagement and their marriage it was full of happy memories. Then there was a very touching letter written to an unborn baby, a baby who had died. The book took a very sad turn after that, full of little handwritten memories and quotes. There were some small symbolic paintings that harboured a terrible darkness. It had become a very personal journal of pain and sadness. Isaac’s death and a very sad little painting of a car smashed into a tree. Written beside it very carefully

  “He has died. He will forever now remain a closed chapter and I will try to not let our time together impact my future.”

  Tim felt himself tear up as turned the page and noted the entry of some six months ago. There was a copy of a memorial service included and a handwritten postscript

  The good memories have faded dear Isaac. Your actions will affect me every day for the rest of my life. You were a cruel, cruel man. I did nothing to provoke you; I tried always to do exactly what you wanted, what you told me to do. Nothing was ever good enough. You trapped me in such a misguided love. My love for you was so wrong.

  Tim closed the book and placed it back with the others. He covered his eyes with his hands and took a deep breath. He wished he hadn’t been so inquisitive. It hadn’t told him factually anything he didn’t already know but the very personal recordings had given him insight as to why Izzy was so insecure and uncertain. It explained why she would withdraw to protect herself and take flight rather than take a stand. Izzy came back into the room and looking down into the box moved the books around. She looked at him, noted his eyes a little watery and said simply, “So now you know.”

  “Izzy, can we go out for something to eat and some drinks?” She nodded. He hopped up and gently pulled her cardigan onto her shoulders properly, taking the opportunity to run his fingers under the straps of the camisole and trace his fingers across the neckline. He did up some of the buttons from the bottom. He encircled her in his arms and kissed her passionately. “Just some shoes on your feet and we’ll be right to go.”

  She smiled up at him. “Tim Martinelli you’re incorrigible.” He patted her bottom as she bent down to pull some shoes out from under the bed. Giggling, she slipped them on and grabbing his hand said, “Let’s go.” She got to the landing and said, “My moon boot, are we walking very far.” Tim shook his head. He was at the bottom of the stairs, a flight of six. “Tim catch me, I trust you.”

  Tim smiled, “I might drop you.” Julia, Veronica and David sitting in the lounge talking with drinks could see them and stopped to watch. Bec had seen them do the stunt before. Izzy sort of flew into Tim’s arms, he caught her, and she wrapped her legs around him, kissing him before he let her down.

  David was out of his chair, “Bloody hell Tim, she could get hurt, that was just stupid.”

  Izzy and Tim stood laughing at him, “It was Tim that got hurt the first time, but we’ve practiced it now,” Izzy sputtered.

  David stood looking at Izzy angrily, “You should act your age, he’s a kid you’re not.” It made her giggle.

  “Yes well ‘Daddy Dave’ my toy boy and I are off out to have dinner, probably have too much to drink and play pool, but I’ll be in by ten will that suit?” Julia, Bec and Ronnie couldn’t stop the mirth bubbling, they were rolling around laughing.

  David was angry and quite red in the face, he didn’t appreciate Tim’s slap to the shoulder on the way out the door, “Promise to have Iz home on time, can I call you Dad too?” David turned around to see the other three laughing and calling him ‘Daddy Dave’.

  “Not funny, I am so angry, she’s not being the Isabella I know.”

  Bec corrected him, “She’s being Izzy, she’s happy, and she’s very much in love with your brother.”

  Ronnie took David’s hand, “Bec’s right, she’s very happy. In fact, they both are, leave them be, it’s great that you feel protective, but she’s very safe, Tim’s probably even more protective than you.”

  *

  After announcing their engagement, they had decided to take a short holiday to Noosa to celebrate together. On the Sunday morning, after the theatre date, Tim appeared in the doorway of the kitchen. He was dressed in light chinois with the palest blue on cream checked shirt, brown suede jacket
and brown leather belt, two-tone brown loafers and carrying a matching suede duffle. He had very expensive aviator sunglasses tucked into the open neck of the shirt, just the top and second buttons undone. He looked like an advert for expensive accessories or aftershave. Ruth smiled in admiration at her handsome son. “You’re looking rather special.”

  “Thanks Mum, Izzy and I are going to Noosa to celebrate our engagement. If anyone desperately needs to contact us, I can be reached by mobile otherwise we have simply disappeared for a few days. Mum I love Izzy very much, and I don’t want anyone or anything, hopefully, to interrupt our time together. I feel that David is still inclined to be a little awkward, I feel I am still battling against him as he is so very protective of Izzy.” Ruth bit her tongue, she could have said so much but looking at his determined expression, knew she would only cause an argument.

  Instead, she commented again about his beautiful clothes and accessories. “Yes, they are nice sunglasses and the clothes came as part of the package. Izzy knows some people in advertising, and I picked up a job for print media modelling. The money was very good for only a few hours’ work. It was a bit of fun! His mother looked at him with a puzzled but amused expression.”Yes Mum, your son the model, good money and a good experience!"

  “Goodness Tim, you are surprising me every day.”

  “So, when will you be back?” asked Ruth.

  “It’s only short, back on Wednesday. Actually, I have to go straight to a job after landing.”

  “Gosh that is quick.”

  “We both wish it could be longer but we’ve both got important meetings and things to come back too. It’s just we need to go now. We need to spend time together just the two of us.”