An Extraordinary Life

Little School Babe

The day Isabella spent in St. John's Wood with Mary completely wore her out mentally. On paper, their agenda was very relaxed, with nothing but slow strolls throughout the quiet residential streets. But, the idea that she'd have to go to school the next day still worked at her nerves every minute of their morning, afternoon, and evening.

This meant that it was now a bit past midnight and Isabella was tossing and turning. Her mind was drained but her body wasn't tired. With a huff, she threw her sheets off of her and got out of bed, grabbing her now empty glass of water. Isabella knew the layout of the house pretty well now, so she was satisfied with herself when she didn't need to turn on any of the upstairs lights to go from point A, her bedroom, to point B, the kitchen.

Isabella slowly tiptoed down the long wooden staircase, doing her best to make sure the boards made as little noise as possible.

Dang it, she thought when one stair creaked particularly loud. She paused for a moment to hear if Mary would stir, and when the coast felt clear, continued her pursuit downstairs.

Isabella turned the kitchen light on and sighed in relief that she'd made it without waking Mary. She felt on the verge of tears at this point, and didn't want Mary to see her upset. The woman tried so hard to give her a good day in St. John's Wood and kindly show her what would be her new daily surroundings. She didn't have to, but she did. And Isabella was extremely appreciative of that.

The only noise in the house now was the sound of the refrigerator running. Glass in hand, Isabella opened the fridge door very slowly, grabbing the jug of water that they kept for anyone who wanted very cold water. Otherwise, the tap was frequently used- it was the 80s, after all.

After pouring herself a glass, she shut the kitchen light off and walked into the living room, turning that light on now instead. She went to Mary's favorite reading chair and turned the tiffany lamp on that was next to it.

Isabella was to go to school that morning, and Freddie was to come back to London two days after. After three weeks of being taken care of by Mary and Joe, ever so gently at that, it was so much all at once. Isabella pulled her knees up to her chest, craving the pressure of a hug but not having anyone to give her one.

She hadn't had a real hug in months. Almost a year, actually, since her mother came into her bedroom and leaned over her bed to hug and kiss her goodnight. She was desperate to be held for more than a couple of seconds, and not be treated like she was made of glass or something to be pitied.

Before she could take another drink of her water, Isabella heard now familiar sound of the back sliding door open. She froze, heart suddenly hammering in her chest. She reached over and flicked the tiffany lamp off, not knowing what else to do.

"Kiddo, is that you in there?" Joe's voice hissed, the kitchen light turning on.

Isabella had nearly melted into the chair at this point in a puddle of anxiety. She flicked the lamp back on as Joe rounded the corner and came into the living room.

"You scared the actual shit out of me," Isabella buried her head in her hands. "I really might need to go check if I crapped myself."

Joe laughed quietly, dressed in slightly tattered shorts and a Boston Bruins hockey t-shirt, which she assumed were his pajamas. "Sorry, kiddo. I really hope you didn't shit yourself, that's not only Mary's favorite chair, but I'd be willing to bet that chair costs more than my yearly salary."

Isabella rolled her eyes. "Probably costs more than my whole life. When he comes back, I'm gonna be afraid to breathe in here. How did you know I was up?"

"Saw the kitchen light on from my bedroom window. Mary's never up at this hour, only Freddie... or Phoebe, if he's getting something for Freddie. Therefore, process of elimination."