Needless to say, things were definitely awkward between Nash and Izzy. In fact, she was keeping to herself to the point that sometimes he forgot that she was here. That she was back. He'd always hoped this would happen, but not like this. Not when she was forced. He wanted her to come back when she was ready. But the old man had messed it up, just as he messed everything else up.
Nash ambled to the kitchen, resolving to once again join Libby. When he approached, he was surprised to hear the gentle hum of voices coming from behind the door. Avery wouldn't have been home from school, meaning he had no idea who could be inside with Libby.
So he was extremely surprised to find that Izzy and Libby were talking inside. The former looked happy, the smile on her face genuine. For a moment, it was like things were normal. But of course, it could never stay that way for long. As soon as she caught sight of him, her face immediately dropped into a sly smile. Whatever was there before was completely gone.
"Nash. I see you're still rolling with the whole Texas vibe."
Izzy was an expert at toying with people. Sure, she was just as good at solving riddles and puzzles as the rest of the boys, at playing the game. But what she really excelled at was playing people. Play a game with her, and she'll win the thing. But that wasn't where the real enjoyment lay for her. No, she played the players. She enjoyed toying with people's emotions. Alas, Nash wasn't in the mood to be played with today.
"Izzy." He issued the word with warning, but she didn't seem to be in the mood to listen. Libby rose to the bait that Izzy had laid out, though.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh, he's always wanted to be a cowboy, as long as I've known him. Maybe that's why he never got along with the old man. Disagreement on career paths, you know?" Izzy was enjoying this way too much. "Well, I'll be off."
She walked towards the door, before Nash raised his hand to stop her. They weren't touching, but this time she saw the sense in staying put. This didn't stop her from rebelling. "Unlike certain people, Nash, I actually have a job to do. So if you'll excuse me, I'll be on my way."
This time, she was stopped by a robot coming into the room. Suddenly, it spouted confetti. It wasn't much, but it was enough to get on Izzy's clothes and hair. Then the robot's master bounded into the room. A Rube-Goldberg machine in himself, the youngest Hawthorne brother knew how to make an entrance. That didn't mean that said entrance was particularly welcomed.
"Hello, company. May I introduce my newest invention: The Confetti Robot! The name is still a work in progress." Xander said that last part in a stage-whisper. Unfortunately, this seemed to aggravate Izzy even more, even if she hadn't shown it. She sighed slightly, turned, and walked out of the room, every bit the power and grace she was raised to be.
One mask slipped off, another slipped on.
[author's note]
here's the next part! it's been while (writer's block *sigh*). i hope you're enjoying the story. as always, i'd love to read all of your thoughts in the comments. i'm going to try and post more consistently from now on; but until then, happy reading!