FIC: No Mistake, It's Fate (G, OC) PG/FRT(?)
Title: No Mistake, It's Fate (1/?)
Author: LilRuca
Word Count: 2939
Rating: PG/FRT (?)
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Notes: Partially beta'd but any mistakes are mine. Plus, I totally thought my day was the 18th so I'm sorry this is being posted so late in the day. ;)
Summary: A fellow Watcher makes a mistake...but in the end, was it really a mistake at all? This is an AU where Faith has a twin sister, taking place in Boston. The Council wanted the twin to get a Watcher and Diana took the wrong girl. Rupert has to fix her mistakes.
“I got the wrong girl, Rupert...”
Rupert Giles removed his glasses, allowing them to dangle in a way an observer might think precarious as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Of course Diana had gotten the wrong girl. Blasted woman. “She's still in the hospital?” He finally asked.
“She is.” Diana assured. “You won't have much of an issue.”
“I know.” Rupert replied, tucking the handset between his ear and his shoulder as he collected a few things. He had wondered about the Council's choice of Diana for this Potential from the beginning. “I'll get her.”
Diana let out a relieved sigh. “Thank you, Rupert! I couldn't tell Travers about this!”
“Of course.” Rupert agreed. Telling Travers about this incident would not be a good idea for the girls in question or for Diana. He hung up and gathered a few things before heading out to his car on this mission. It was a mission of mercy, in a way. The Council, particularly under Travers, was not forgiving about these sorts of errors. The drive to the hospital was a dull one and he got in to see the girl without much effort.
She looked small and rather pitiful in the sterile hospital room. Her black hair and equally black eyes made her appear even paler than she actually was. Bruises still covered her face from whatever had put her in this room in the first place. Her eyes locked on him without much interest. It was somehow obvious without her saying a word that she was only curious he was there in her room.
“Isabelle Charity Lehane, I presume.” Rupert masked his emotions well as he picked up her chart and looked it over.
“Yeah. And you are?” Isabelle countered rather flatly.
“Rupert Giles. I've come to take you from here.”
The girl studied him then shrugged. “Okay,” was all she had to say about it.
Rupert frowned just a little, wondering what made this girl so uncaring about leaving with a strange man. It would make things easier for the moment so he decided to postpone questioning it. In less than an hour he was walking out of the hospital with Isabelle at his side. She refused his help to walk and if he hadn't read her chart, even he would have believed she didn't need it. Once in the car, she took a few slow breaths to steady herself and it was the only sign of the effort the short walk had really taken. He gave her a few minutes then drove back to his flat to get her settled.
“Am I going to be living with you?” Isabelle asked after only a moment.
Rupert thought about that. He didn't think that Diana should take her... “For the moment,” he finally replied.
“I'd like some things from my old place then, please.” Isabelle murmured with the same lack of interest or concern that she was to be staying with this man she'd never met until an hour before.
Rupert nodded a little. “Alright. Can it wait until tomorrow?”
“Uh-huh. Sure.” Isabelle replied without looking at him. “Or even the next day.” She fell quiet then and the rest of the drive was a silent one.
As they went into Rupert's flat, he saw her appraising it - not for the decor but for the windows and doors. Something about the look in her black eyes unnerved him. It didn't seem like she was looking for escape routes...she wanted to know where and how she could - and inevitably, in her mind, would - be attacked from. She didn't like surprises but didn't expect peace. “It's safe here.” He said quietly. “I'm afraid I don't have guests often, nor did I plan for them when I leased this place, but you may have my room or the sofa is comfortable, if you prefer. If you opt for my room, I'll take the sofa.” The spare bedroom was a library and study. He could remedy that soon enough.
“The sofa's fine for the likes of me.” Isabelle assured. It was better than what she slept on at her old place. It was also less of an invitation as far as she was concerned.
Rupert didn't see much of a point in arguing with her. She would learn that he had no interest in hurting her in her own time. “Are you hungry?”
“No.” Isabelle looked towards him and let her gaze rest on his hands. She wasn't looking at him this way...not really. Certainly not in any confrontational way. “I am tired, though.”
Rupert didn't look at her much. She was still a child and clearly one whose trust had been betrayed a few times too many. “Of course.” The walk from the car to the house had been excruciating for the girl though she'd done her best not to show it. He got out sheets, pillows and blankets for her. “My room is up the stairs and the second door on the left. There's a bathroom down here, so you don't have to use the stairs.” He gave a brief verbal tour then went upstairs to call Diana.
She answered almost right away. “Rupert! You have her already?!” Diana cried, pleased and more surprised than she should have been.
“I do. She's in rough shape. How is Faith?” Rupert asked.
“Not too poor off. A few bruises but that's about it. She's anxious to talk to her Isabelle, though.” Diana told him. “That's what she calls her, 'My Izzie-Belle'...”
Rupert wasn't surprised by that. Twins tended to be rather co-dependant. He was actually more surprised that Isabelle hadn't mentioned her sister yet. She was a wise and rather jaded thing, though. He could see that already. Maybe she thought that was providing him with too much information. “She'll have to wait until tomorrow.” He told Diana in a tone that left no room for discussion.
“Of course. Thank you, Rupert. Thank you.” Diana breathed.
“Good night, Diana.” Rupert replied, hanging up. He went to his room and changed into pyjamas, got into bed to read for a while. He listened for what Isabelle was up to. After a little while, he went to check on her. The girl was sleeping, though it didn't look particularly restful. He watched her for a few minutes. He wondered what would happen if this girl was Called. He sighed softly, concerned. He got a glass of water and some painkillers and left them on the coffee table for her then returned to his room. He got out a new journal and began to write out his thoughts.
Isabelle Lehane is going to be an interesting charge. She seems to possess little sense of self-preservation, coming with me without much question or even interest. He continued to write for several minutes and found he was curious about who this girl was going to prove to be. After he was satisfied with his entry, he shut the journal, took off his glasses and turned out the light.
He hadn't expected to fall asleep so quickly, nor to sleep as soundly as he had. He woke up a little after seven in the morning and went about his usual routine, though he did so a little more quietly than was usual. He came downstairs, wondering what he'd see. The couch was a couch once more, the sheets, blanket and pillows folded and carefully piled out of the way. The smell of coffee reached his nose and he went to the kitchen. Isabelle was making herself a coffee. She glanced at him. “Would you like one?”
Rupert studied her for a moment then nodded briefly. “Please.” He accepted, telling her how he preferred it. He watched as she made it, surprised for some reason that it was just right. He accepted the mug with a soft murmur of thanks.
“Sure.” Isabelle shrugged a little. It wasn't a big deal to her. She was just being polite to a man who had, so far, been polite to her. “Do you have plans for me today, or can I go get my things?” She asked after she'd sat down and sipped at her own coffee once.
“I thought you could speak with Faith, if you like, but that's about it. I want you to become comfortable here, what with this being your new home and all.” Rupert said, watching her watch him. She did so subtly, watching his hands so that she could avoid his eyes and of all the responses, it made him feel protective.
Isabelle frowned slightly at the mention of her twin. “Is she okay?” She asked with real concern.
“Yes. She is with a colleague of mine.” Rupert explained.
Isabelle stayed quiet for a moment. “She might want to talk to me.” She finally said indifferently.
“She might.” He agreed. “So we can get your things, if you like.” He added.
The girl nodded, her black eyes locked on her coffee mug now. She paused after a second, her brow furrowing slightly. “We?” She echoed.
Rupert nodded. “I'll drive.” He wasn't sure she'd come back if he didn't accompany her, and he wanted a peek at the environment that had created this girl.
Isabelle looked at him as though he were quite odd. “Okay.” She smirked and her expression shifted to one rather like a bemused parent whose child had just done something adorable. “You can drive.” She agreed and sipped her coffee again.
He asked about breakfast and she said she wasn't hungry. He frowned just a little but let it go for now. There was time for her to get used to a regular schedule. Besides, he wasn't much in the mood for breakfast either. After their coffees were finished, they headed to his car and he held the passenger door open for her. This earned him another odd look, followed by a gruff mumble of appreciation...or at least acknowledgement. “Are you always this quiet, or is it because you are still not up to par?” Rupert asked when they'd been driving a few minutes and she hadn't said a word.
“I'm fine.” Isabelle said calmly, though he knew there was no way that could be true. “Sometimes I talk, sometimes I'm quiet. I'm usually quiet on the way home.”
“That isn't home anymore.” Rupert offered.
Isabelle's lips twitched upward. “I guess that's true, huh?”
She didn't seem like a child and it unsettled him. He wasn't sure how to speak with her, neither wanting to treat her too much as a child, nor too much as an adult. “It's true.” He agreed with gentility.
This revelation didn't inspire Isabelle to speak more but it did seem to lighten her mood.
Rupert followed her directions and they came to a stop in front of a rather dilapidated looking house. It was about a fifteen minute walk from a quarry and the houses were still spaced out with enough room to fit in another house or even two between neighbors. Everything about the place was unkempt and something ominous seemed to hover in the air. He looked at Isabelle who was slowly moving to get out of the car. He got out as well, staying close to her. He wasn't certain the wooden stairs and porch would hold so he moved slowly.
Isabelle tried the door and was unsurprised to find it unlocked. She paused and looked him in the eye. “You don't have to come in. You probably don't want to.” She said simply, though there could be nothing simple about it. She turned away again and walked into the house, leaving the door open to allow Rupert in or out as he pleased.
He gave her a minute...gave himself a minute to ensure he would be able to not react to what he might see, then did follow her inside. Somehow the trash, the mostly empty liquor bottles, the signs of drug use, even the gun didn't surprise him. He glanced at the staircase, seeing Isabelle most of the way to the top then followed in her wake. This was not the place for her. Not anymore. He watched her go into an open door and went to it. He bit the inside of his cheeks to keep from frowning. There were two mattresses on the floor against opposite walls. It seemed there had once been a third as well. Blood splattered the floor and the walls. No one had cleaned up since the twins had been sent to the hospital. The girl grabbed a small duffel bag from the cramped, disorganized closet. It was already packed. She went to the single dresser and took a worn little stuffed goat. It looked like it had been through a war zone or two. She turned it over in her hands, fussed with it, her back to Rupert, then shoved something in her pocket then turned to him. “Okay.” She said, lacking in emotion once more. She left the room and as she did, another door opened.
“Where the fuck have you been, you god-damn little whore?!” A rather inebriated man shouted.
Instead of cringing, Isabelle straightened and turned to face him, looking completely unruffled. “In the hospital. I only woke up the day before yesterday. Good job.”
“Fuck you.”
“You did that already, Garett.” Isabelle drawled.
A woman stumbled out of the room and into Garett. “Izzzieeeee-Belllllllllllllllle.” She slurred.
“Mom...” Isabelle pursed her lips at the woman. Just the same, Rupert could sense her resolve faltering. “I'm leaving.” She informed.
“With that asshole? I don't think so.” Garett sneered.
“He's children's welfare. I wouldn't fuck with him.” Isabelle lied without missing a beat.
Rupert just eyed Garett and Isabelle's mother with a stony unreadable expression. He'd be much worse than 'Children's Welfare' if this didn't stop. And soon.
Garett frowned and so did the woman. “What? You go an' tell 'em how you gone and killed Hope and that baby?”
Izz stiffened. “Eve is NOT dead. They took her!” It was the most reaction Rupert had seen from her yet. “I didn't kill either of them.” She added with less conviction.
“You're so stupid...worthless. Go on with that man, if that's what you want!” The woman hollered. “You're a fucking slut!”
“I get it from somewhere!” Isabelle snapped back and turned on her heel to simply walk away.
“But...Izzie-Belle... I need you... I’m sorry, come back to me...it’s been so long...” Her mother, if she could really be called that, lamented, reaching for her daughter.
Isabelle slowed just a little and Rupert put his hand on her shoulder to offer her strength. She shrugged him off and continued walking. Rupert simply followed her again. He could always come back to...talk with these two later. Isabelle was angry about what had happened, though he figured that was more than understandable. He was angry too.
“Sorry about that. I was hoping they’d be passed out.” Isabelle said quietly when they were outside.
“You have nothing to apologize for.” Rupert replied simply, going to open the back door to the car for Isabelle to put her bag in and closing it once she had. He could tell that she was also in a lot of physical pain though she didn’t once complain.
She turned to go to the front passenger side when something caught her eyes. “Shit!” She shut the passenger door again and went over to a black and white cat. “What the hell are you doing here? I told you NEVER to come to the house!” She held the cat close. “I’m not going to be around anymore so you need to get lost.” She said sternly, sounding truly concerned. “You need to leave and never ever come back here.”
Rupert studied them. “The cat can come with us.” He offered, sensing the animal was important to the girl.
Isabelle looked at him and was quiet for a long moment. “He’s an outdoor cat. I’m not sure he’ll be such a great house-guest. I’ll do everything I can to take care of him. I’ll clean, I’ll feed him...”
“Okay.” Rupert agreed gently. “Let’s go home.” He said simply. He was afraid if they didn’t leave, he’d go back in the house and now simply was not the time for that. He put a hand on her shoulder and guided her, the cat still in her arms, into the car.
“His name is Remedy. I call him Remy for short...” Isabelle said softly once the car was moving and she was certain neither Garett nor her mother could get to the cat.
Rupert glanced at the girl and the cat.
She held him like an infant and he purred in her arms, feeling safe there. “I’ll need to go to the pet store, Mr. Giles. I have money. He’s my responsibility.”
“Heavensake, that makes me feel old. Please, call me Rupert.” He shifted his focus to the road. “We will certainly go to the pet store, but save your money. I don’t mind assisting in ensuring he is comfortable. And you as well, Isabelle.” He couldn’t help but add the last. She was so worried about Remedy’s needs but she couldn’t have much in that bag of hers. He had a feeling already that this was typical, that her own needs were put to a back burner so that others could be doted upon.
Her unnaturally dark eyes studied him for a long moment. “Izz.” She looked out at the road but noticed him glance at her. “I prefer to be called Izz.”
Rupert smiled softly. He had a feeling that was quite the breakthrough.
Author: LilRuca
Word Count: 2939
Rating: PG/FRT (?)
Disclaimer: I own nothing
Notes: Partially beta'd but any mistakes are mine. Plus, I totally thought my day was the 18th so I'm sorry this is being posted so late in the day. ;)
Summary: A fellow Watcher makes a mistake...but in the end, was it really a mistake at all? This is an AU where Faith has a twin sister, taking place in Boston. The Council wanted the twin to get a Watcher and Diana took the wrong girl. Rupert has to fix her mistakes.
“I got the wrong girl, Rupert...”
Rupert Giles removed his glasses, allowing them to dangle in a way an observer might think precarious as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Of course Diana had gotten the wrong girl. Blasted woman. “She's still in the hospital?” He finally asked.
“She is.” Diana assured. “You won't have much of an issue.”
“I know.” Rupert replied, tucking the handset between his ear and his shoulder as he collected a few things. He had wondered about the Council's choice of Diana for this Potential from the beginning. “I'll get her.”
Diana let out a relieved sigh. “Thank you, Rupert! I couldn't tell Travers about this!”
“Of course.” Rupert agreed. Telling Travers about this incident would not be a good idea for the girls in question or for Diana. He hung up and gathered a few things before heading out to his car on this mission. It was a mission of mercy, in a way. The Council, particularly under Travers, was not forgiving about these sorts of errors. The drive to the hospital was a dull one and he got in to see the girl without much effort.
She looked small and rather pitiful in the sterile hospital room. Her black hair and equally black eyes made her appear even paler than she actually was. Bruises still covered her face from whatever had put her in this room in the first place. Her eyes locked on him without much interest. It was somehow obvious without her saying a word that she was only curious he was there in her room.
“Isabelle Charity Lehane, I presume.” Rupert masked his emotions well as he picked up her chart and looked it over.
“Yeah. And you are?” Isabelle countered rather flatly.
“Rupert Giles. I've come to take you from here.”
The girl studied him then shrugged. “Okay,” was all she had to say about it.
Rupert frowned just a little, wondering what made this girl so uncaring about leaving with a strange man. It would make things easier for the moment so he decided to postpone questioning it. In less than an hour he was walking out of the hospital with Isabelle at his side. She refused his help to walk and if he hadn't read her chart, even he would have believed she didn't need it. Once in the car, she took a few slow breaths to steady herself and it was the only sign of the effort the short walk had really taken. He gave her a few minutes then drove back to his flat to get her settled.
“Am I going to be living with you?” Isabelle asked after only a moment.
Rupert thought about that. He didn't think that Diana should take her... “For the moment,” he finally replied.
“I'd like some things from my old place then, please.” Isabelle murmured with the same lack of interest or concern that she was to be staying with this man she'd never met until an hour before.
Rupert nodded a little. “Alright. Can it wait until tomorrow?”
“Uh-huh. Sure.” Isabelle replied without looking at him. “Or even the next day.” She fell quiet then and the rest of the drive was a silent one.
As they went into Rupert's flat, he saw her appraising it - not for the decor but for the windows and doors. Something about the look in her black eyes unnerved him. It didn't seem like she was looking for escape routes...she wanted to know where and how she could - and inevitably, in her mind, would - be attacked from. She didn't like surprises but didn't expect peace. “It's safe here.” He said quietly. “I'm afraid I don't have guests often, nor did I plan for them when I leased this place, but you may have my room or the sofa is comfortable, if you prefer. If you opt for my room, I'll take the sofa.” The spare bedroom was a library and study. He could remedy that soon enough.
“The sofa's fine for the likes of me.” Isabelle assured. It was better than what she slept on at her old place. It was also less of an invitation as far as she was concerned.
Rupert didn't see much of a point in arguing with her. She would learn that he had no interest in hurting her in her own time. “Are you hungry?”
“No.” Isabelle looked towards him and let her gaze rest on his hands. She wasn't looking at him this way...not really. Certainly not in any confrontational way. “I am tired, though.”
Rupert didn't look at her much. She was still a child and clearly one whose trust had been betrayed a few times too many. “Of course.” The walk from the car to the house had been excruciating for the girl though she'd done her best not to show it. He got out sheets, pillows and blankets for her. “My room is up the stairs and the second door on the left. There's a bathroom down here, so you don't have to use the stairs.” He gave a brief verbal tour then went upstairs to call Diana.
She answered almost right away. “Rupert! You have her already?!” Diana cried, pleased and more surprised than she should have been.
“I do. She's in rough shape. How is Faith?” Rupert asked.
“Not too poor off. A few bruises but that's about it. She's anxious to talk to her Isabelle, though.” Diana told him. “That's what she calls her, 'My Izzie-Belle'...”
Rupert wasn't surprised by that. Twins tended to be rather co-dependant. He was actually more surprised that Isabelle hadn't mentioned her sister yet. She was a wise and rather jaded thing, though. He could see that already. Maybe she thought that was providing him with too much information. “She'll have to wait until tomorrow.” He told Diana in a tone that left no room for discussion.
“Of course. Thank you, Rupert. Thank you.” Diana breathed.
“Good night, Diana.” Rupert replied, hanging up. He went to his room and changed into pyjamas, got into bed to read for a while. He listened for what Isabelle was up to. After a little while, he went to check on her. The girl was sleeping, though it didn't look particularly restful. He watched her for a few minutes. He wondered what would happen if this girl was Called. He sighed softly, concerned. He got a glass of water and some painkillers and left them on the coffee table for her then returned to his room. He got out a new journal and began to write out his thoughts.
Isabelle Lehane is going to be an interesting charge. She seems to possess little sense of self-preservation, coming with me without much question or even interest. He continued to write for several minutes and found he was curious about who this girl was going to prove to be. After he was satisfied with his entry, he shut the journal, took off his glasses and turned out the light.
He hadn't expected to fall asleep so quickly, nor to sleep as soundly as he had. He woke up a little after seven in the morning and went about his usual routine, though he did so a little more quietly than was usual. He came downstairs, wondering what he'd see. The couch was a couch once more, the sheets, blanket and pillows folded and carefully piled out of the way. The smell of coffee reached his nose and he went to the kitchen. Isabelle was making herself a coffee. She glanced at him. “Would you like one?”
Rupert studied her for a moment then nodded briefly. “Please.” He accepted, telling her how he preferred it. He watched as she made it, surprised for some reason that it was just right. He accepted the mug with a soft murmur of thanks.
“Sure.” Isabelle shrugged a little. It wasn't a big deal to her. She was just being polite to a man who had, so far, been polite to her. “Do you have plans for me today, or can I go get my things?” She asked after she'd sat down and sipped at her own coffee once.
“I thought you could speak with Faith, if you like, but that's about it. I want you to become comfortable here, what with this being your new home and all.” Rupert said, watching her watch him. She did so subtly, watching his hands so that she could avoid his eyes and of all the responses, it made him feel protective.
Isabelle frowned slightly at the mention of her twin. “Is she okay?” She asked with real concern.
“Yes. She is with a colleague of mine.” Rupert explained.
Isabelle stayed quiet for a moment. “She might want to talk to me.” She finally said indifferently.
“She might.” He agreed. “So we can get your things, if you like.” He added.
The girl nodded, her black eyes locked on her coffee mug now. She paused after a second, her brow furrowing slightly. “We?” She echoed.
Rupert nodded. “I'll drive.” He wasn't sure she'd come back if he didn't accompany her, and he wanted a peek at the environment that had created this girl.
Isabelle looked at him as though he were quite odd. “Okay.” She smirked and her expression shifted to one rather like a bemused parent whose child had just done something adorable. “You can drive.” She agreed and sipped her coffee again.
He asked about breakfast and she said she wasn't hungry. He frowned just a little but let it go for now. There was time for her to get used to a regular schedule. Besides, he wasn't much in the mood for breakfast either. After their coffees were finished, they headed to his car and he held the passenger door open for her. This earned him another odd look, followed by a gruff mumble of appreciation...or at least acknowledgement. “Are you always this quiet, or is it because you are still not up to par?” Rupert asked when they'd been driving a few minutes and she hadn't said a word.
“I'm fine.” Isabelle said calmly, though he knew there was no way that could be true. “Sometimes I talk, sometimes I'm quiet. I'm usually quiet on the way home.”
“That isn't home anymore.” Rupert offered.
Isabelle's lips twitched upward. “I guess that's true, huh?”
She didn't seem like a child and it unsettled him. He wasn't sure how to speak with her, neither wanting to treat her too much as a child, nor too much as an adult. “It's true.” He agreed with gentility.
This revelation didn't inspire Isabelle to speak more but it did seem to lighten her mood.
Rupert followed her directions and they came to a stop in front of a rather dilapidated looking house. It was about a fifteen minute walk from a quarry and the houses were still spaced out with enough room to fit in another house or even two between neighbors. Everything about the place was unkempt and something ominous seemed to hover in the air. He looked at Isabelle who was slowly moving to get out of the car. He got out as well, staying close to her. He wasn't certain the wooden stairs and porch would hold so he moved slowly.
Isabelle tried the door and was unsurprised to find it unlocked. She paused and looked him in the eye. “You don't have to come in. You probably don't want to.” She said simply, though there could be nothing simple about it. She turned away again and walked into the house, leaving the door open to allow Rupert in or out as he pleased.
He gave her a minute...gave himself a minute to ensure he would be able to not react to what he might see, then did follow her inside. Somehow the trash, the mostly empty liquor bottles, the signs of drug use, even the gun didn't surprise him. He glanced at the staircase, seeing Isabelle most of the way to the top then followed in her wake. This was not the place for her. Not anymore. He watched her go into an open door and went to it. He bit the inside of his cheeks to keep from frowning. There were two mattresses on the floor against opposite walls. It seemed there had once been a third as well. Blood splattered the floor and the walls. No one had cleaned up since the twins had been sent to the hospital. The girl grabbed a small duffel bag from the cramped, disorganized closet. It was already packed. She went to the single dresser and took a worn little stuffed goat. It looked like it had been through a war zone or two. She turned it over in her hands, fussed with it, her back to Rupert, then shoved something in her pocket then turned to him. “Okay.” She said, lacking in emotion once more. She left the room and as she did, another door opened.
“Where the fuck have you been, you god-damn little whore?!” A rather inebriated man shouted.
Instead of cringing, Isabelle straightened and turned to face him, looking completely unruffled. “In the hospital. I only woke up the day before yesterday. Good job.”
“Fuck you.”
“You did that already, Garett.” Isabelle drawled.
A woman stumbled out of the room and into Garett. “Izzzieeeee-Belllllllllllllllle.” She slurred.
“Mom...” Isabelle pursed her lips at the woman. Just the same, Rupert could sense her resolve faltering. “I'm leaving.” She informed.
“With that asshole? I don't think so.” Garett sneered.
“He's children's welfare. I wouldn't fuck with him.” Isabelle lied without missing a beat.
Rupert just eyed Garett and Isabelle's mother with a stony unreadable expression. He'd be much worse than 'Children's Welfare' if this didn't stop. And soon.
Garett frowned and so did the woman. “What? You go an' tell 'em how you gone and killed Hope and that baby?”
Izz stiffened. “Eve is NOT dead. They took her!” It was the most reaction Rupert had seen from her yet. “I didn't kill either of them.” She added with less conviction.
“You're so stupid...worthless. Go on with that man, if that's what you want!” The woman hollered. “You're a fucking slut!”
“I get it from somewhere!” Isabelle snapped back and turned on her heel to simply walk away.
“But...Izzie-Belle... I need you... I’m sorry, come back to me...it’s been so long...” Her mother, if she could really be called that, lamented, reaching for her daughter.
Isabelle slowed just a little and Rupert put his hand on her shoulder to offer her strength. She shrugged him off and continued walking. Rupert simply followed her again. He could always come back to...talk with these two later. Isabelle was angry about what had happened, though he figured that was more than understandable. He was angry too.
“Sorry about that. I was hoping they’d be passed out.” Isabelle said quietly when they were outside.
“You have nothing to apologize for.” Rupert replied simply, going to open the back door to the car for Isabelle to put her bag in and closing it once she had. He could tell that she was also in a lot of physical pain though she didn’t once complain.
She turned to go to the front passenger side when something caught her eyes. “Shit!” She shut the passenger door again and went over to a black and white cat. “What the hell are you doing here? I told you NEVER to come to the house!” She held the cat close. “I’m not going to be around anymore so you need to get lost.” She said sternly, sounding truly concerned. “You need to leave and never ever come back here.”
Rupert studied them. “The cat can come with us.” He offered, sensing the animal was important to the girl.
Isabelle looked at him and was quiet for a long moment. “He’s an outdoor cat. I’m not sure he’ll be such a great house-guest. I’ll do everything I can to take care of him. I’ll clean, I’ll feed him...”
“Okay.” Rupert agreed gently. “Let’s go home.” He said simply. He was afraid if they didn’t leave, he’d go back in the house and now simply was not the time for that. He put a hand on her shoulder and guided her, the cat still in her arms, into the car.
“His name is Remedy. I call him Remy for short...” Isabelle said softly once the car was moving and she was certain neither Garett nor her mother could get to the cat.
Rupert glanced at the girl and the cat.
She held him like an infant and he purred in her arms, feeling safe there. “I’ll need to go to the pet store, Mr. Giles. I have money. He’s my responsibility.”
“Heavensake, that makes me feel old. Please, call me Rupert.” He shifted his focus to the road. “We will certainly go to the pet store, but save your money. I don’t mind assisting in ensuring he is comfortable. And you as well, Isabelle.” He couldn’t help but add the last. She was so worried about Remedy’s needs but she couldn’t have much in that bag of hers. He had a feeling already that this was typical, that her own needs were put to a back burner so that others could be doted upon.
Her unnaturally dark eyes studied him for a long moment. “Izz.” She looked out at the road but noticed him glance at her. “I prefer to be called Izz.”
Rupert smiled softly. He had a feeling that was quite the breakthrough.