23

“Wake up Izzy!” screamed Jimmy as he launched himself on Izzy’s bed, landing on top of Izzy with a soft ‘umph’. “It’s your birthday!”

“Go away Jimmy.” Mumbled Izzy as she pushed Jimmy off of her.

“Not until you get up!” whined Jimmy as he tugged on the blankets that covered Izzy’s body.

“No. I’m tired you weirdo.” Grumbled Izzy as she held tightly onto the blanket as Jimmy continued to tug.

“Get up! Get up! Get……agrrrrhhhh” groaned Jimmy from the floor as Izzy released the blanket he had been tugging furiously on without warning. “That was mean.” Huffed Jimmy pouting at Izzy who threw a pillow at him.

“You’re mean.” Teased Izzy sleepily as she pulled herself out of bed. “You’re internal clock needs to reset. It’s too early for your weirdness.”

“My weirdness is part of the reason you love me.” laughed Jimmy as he pulled himself to his feet. “Now get ready. We’re going out.”

“Can’t I have a quiet birthday like normal people?” asked Izzy hopefully while rubbing her eyes.

“Normalcy is vastly overrated.” scoffed Jimmy as he led Izzy to her bathroom. “Besides, you can’t expect anything but awesome when you live with me.”

“Unfortunately for me.” Sighed Izzy as she threw her toothbrush into her mouth as Jimmy leaned his lanky body against the doorframe of the bathroom.

“Just hurry up and make yourself presentable. And try to do something with your hair. It looks like a bird nested in it.” Sniggered Jimmy, his blue eyes twinkling as he smiled at Izzy.

“You’re one to talk. Your hair is perpetually bird infested.” Snickered Izzy as she shooed Jimmy away from the doorframe. “Give me forty five minutes.”

“Forty five minutes? What the hell woman?!! Do you plan on sewing your clothes?” asked Jimmy sounding slightly mortified.

“The longer you stand there, the longer it’ll take.” Grinned Izzy as she began to close the door. “Oh! And don’t forget my awesome birthday breakfast.”

“Yeh yeh yeh Blackburn. Your chocolate chip pancakes are almost ready.” Sighed Jimmy as he retreated away from Izzy’s bathroom

“Extra chocolate chips?” asked Izzy

“Yes.”

“Whipped cream on top?”

“Yes.”

“Chocolate sauce too.”

“Yes.”

“Strawberries on the side?”

“Yes.”

“Blueberries too?”

“Goddammit woman! Yes! Now hurry up.” Bawled Jimmy as he left the room.

“It’s my birthday Sullivan! I’m allowed to be spoilt today!” shouted Izzy

“I know!” hollered Jimmy before he closed Izzy’s bedroom door. “Women.” He muttered to himself with a small half smile hanging from his lips. He made his way to the kitchen, the familiar scent of bacon and eggs hitting his nose. There was no doubt in his mind that Izzy would enjoy herself today. This was her first birthday with them and Jimmy was hell bent on making sure she got everything she wanted. Seeing Izzy happy was all that mattered to him.

*****

Izzy bounded down the stairs in an outfit she had purchased specifically for today. Every year she treated herself to what she fondly referred to as her ‘birthday getup’ and this year was no different. She had dragged Dana shopping yesterday to hunt for the perfect outfit. Taking the stairs two at a time, Izzy knew she looked great in her shorts and new moustache t-shirt. Her hair hung in messy waves down her back as she skipped through the mansion towards the kitchen. She hummed a wordless tune under her breath, not watching where she was going and skipped straight into a hard chest. Izzy squealed and stumbled back, rubbing her nose before looking to see who she had run into.

“Happy Birthday Isabel.” Said Shadows warmly, flashing his infamous dimpled smile.

“Thanks Shadz!” said Izzy happily as she stepped into Shadows’ open arm. He awkwardly hugged her with one of his strong muscular arms.

“These are for you.” He said sweetly, pecking her cheek as he handed her a beautiful bouquet of stargazer lilies. Izzy let out a squeal of delight at the sight of her favorite flowers in Shadows’ hand.

“Shadows their beautiful! And they’re my favorite!” grinned Izzy as she looked at Shadows.

“I remember.” Said Shadows with a grin of his own. “And there’s a package for you in the kitchen.”

“From who?” asked Izzy excitedly, bouncing on the balls of her feet.

“Your mother I believe. It arrived this morning.” said Shadows as he watched Izzy bounce up and down before him with interest while motioning towards the kitchen. Izzy grabbed Shadows’ large hand with her small one and dragged him to the kitchen behind her. Shadows put up no fight and allowed the vivacious beauty pull him behind her.

“Happy Birthday Izzy!” said Christ through a mouthful of eggs and bacon. Izzy laughed as he struggled to swallow before getting up. He swooped her up in a hug and spun her around.

“Thanks Christ!” laughed Izzy as he set her back down on her feet.

“Where’s my pancakes Jimmy!” hollered Izzy, having spot Jimmy slinking out of the kitchen just as she and Shadows had walked in.

“If you keep your goddamned hair on, you’ll see!” shouted Jimmy from wherever he hid.

Shadows led Izzy to the kitchen counter where a neatly wrapped package sat. Izzy would have instantly known it was from her mother if Shadows hadn’t told her because of the wrapping paper. Any gift that her mother gave her was always wrapped the same way; pale purple wrapping paper and a white bow. Excitedly, Izzy tore through the wrapping paper and she found a cookbook of every Italian meal known to man. Izzy squealed excitedly again. Her mother knew her so well.

“If you got a cookbook, does that mean you’ll be making some more amazing food for us?” asked Christ hopefully as he peered over Izzy’s shoulder.

“Of course! I saw this the other day and…how does she know these things?” asked Izzy breathlessly, her excitement getting the better of her.

“I told her.” Came a sweet melodic voice. Izzy turned and saw Gates walk into the kitchen from the living room. She bounded over to him and threw her arms around his eck, the force of the impact successfully knocking off the fedora on his head.

“Thank you Brian!!!” squealed Izzy in delight as Gates hugged her.

“Here, happy birthday.” Said Gates quietly, pecking Izzy’s cheek as she released him from her arms.

Izzy accepted the small box wrapped in black wrapping paper topped with a purple bow. She opened it carefully and gasped at the sight before her. A simple white gold necklace with a single diamond hanging from it.

“Brian, it’s beautiful.” Said Izzy softly as she looked up at Gates who smiled sweetly at her.

“I knew you would like it the moment I saw it.” He said proudly.

“I’ll wear it to the club tonight.” promised Izzy as she snapped the box shut, giving Brian a big hug.

When they broke apart, Shadows was staring at them with a blank expression, his eyes void of emotion yet on the inside he was seething. Again, right under his nose there was another person vying for Izzy’s affections and he had been too caught up in himself to even realize. Compared to Gates’ gift, what were the flowers that he presented Izzy with? His own gift paled in comparison.

“Happy Birthday to you!” screeched Jimmy walking into the kitchen with Dana and Annie on either side of him. The three of them began singing as Jimmy balanced a huge stack of pancakes, topped with candles in his hands. “Happy Birthday to Izzy, Happy Birthday to you!”

Izzy clapped her hands like a child as Jimmy sat the huge stack of pancakes in front of her. Chocolate sauce and whipped cream adorned the sides of the gigantic stack, making Izzy’s mouth water.

“Make a wish woman!” laughed Jimmy loudly as everyone crowded around Izzy. Even Vengeance hovered in the background, a devilish smile hanging from his snake bitten lips.

Izzy closed her eyes and thought briefly of the past year and how much her life had changed. She was simple Izzy 7 months ago and now, she was someone totally different, with a new family and great friends. Though she had endured more than anyone else she had ever known, her experiences made her stronger.

‘Please let this year be less complicated than last year.’ She wished with every fiber of her being. She blew out her candles and a round of applause erupted in the kitchen. Everyone swooped in to hug her and Izzy was caught in the mass of bodies that rumbled with laughter.

“Best birthday ever!” smiled Izzy as she removed the top pancake with all the candles. She picked up the one beneath and took a huge bite. She groaned in appreciation at the explosion of taste in her mouth. Jimmy grabbed one as did Shadows, Christ and Gates. Annie and Dana helped themselves to pancakes, everyone eating with their hands; the plates, forks and knives forgotten. Vengeance reached for one and pecked Izzy on the cheek as he did.

“Happy Birthday Blackburn.” He whispered in her ear causing Izzy to blush slightly.

Laughter and loud conversations rang out through the kitchen as everyone indulged in Izzy’s unique birthday cake. Waves of happiness crashed over Izzy as she looked at her new family and friends. She couldn’t think of any way to start off her birthday other than being surrounded by all the people she loved in so many different ways.

*****

Izzy, Dana and Annie headed to Izzy’s bedroom to get ready for their night out at Scream where they would be celebrating the rest of Izzy’s birthday. Shadows had asked them to be ready by nine and it was already half seven. The three girls giggled and laughed as they recounted the events of their outing with Christ and Jimmy to Wonderland for a late lunch.

“I can’t believe that Jimmy asked you to be his date tonight Danes!” gushed Izzy as she pulled out her dress for the night. “I had no idea you two had a thing for each other.”

“I didn’t want to say anything until he made some kind of move.” Replied Dana with a sheepish shrug of her shoulders.

“This is so great. You and Jimmy are a match made in heaven.” Cooed Izzy as Annie took out hers and Dana’s dresses from the closet. Dana flushed a bright red as she smiled to herself.

The three girls spent the rest of time listening to music off of Jimmy’s iPod that Izzy had connected to her speakers. On her bed, she noticed a single red rose that she had not seen when she had walked into the bedroom earlier. Wrapped in a towel, Izzy sat on her bed and picked up the rose and the small note attached to it. She glanced towards the bathroom where Annie and Dana were doing their hair and makeup.

‘I wish you all the happiness in the world today. May everything you have ever hoped for come true in the years to come. Happy Birthday Isabel.-ZV’

Izzy gazed at the note, re-reading it several times. The words on the paper did not match the words that usually came out of the mouth of the man that wrote them. It took Izzy by surprise and she tried not to think of Vengeance. He had never shown any other side but his vindictive, sexually aggressive side. It was slightly disconcerting for Izzy to read such heartfelt and sweet words when Vengeance was anything but. She walked to her dresser, the rose and note in hand and opened the top drawer, placing both inside before closing it. She wouldn’t allow Vengeance to confuse her any more that he already had. She would deal with it tomorrow.

Dana and Annie helped Izzy get ready; Annie did her makeup while Dana did her hair. Finally, the three girls pulled on their dresses and shoes. Squeals of delight escaped the girls’ lips as they looked at themselves in the mirror. Izzy’s baby pink dress floated her knees while both Dana and Annie’s figure hugging black dresses clung to them in all the right places.

The three of them made their way downstairs and five pairs of eyes landed on them as they descended the staircase. Annie and Dana flanked Izzy as they proceeded closer to the men dressed in jeans and black dress shirts. Gates’ jaw hung open slightly at the sight of Izzy. She looked like a goddess with her hair cascading down her back, her makeup accentuating her bright grey eyes and full lips. Shadows hummed appreciatively as the three girls made it gracefully into the foyer. Jimmy’s eyes sparkled as he gaped at Dana who blushed slightly before taking is proffered arm and Annie did the same to Christ who pecked her cheek shyly. Izzy met Vengeance’s gaze as she took Shadows’ arm and found herself flushing slightly at the wicked lust swirling in his emerald eyes.

******

Scream was filled with countless bodies writhing to the music that blared through the air. Izzy’s cheeks were flushed from excitement as she sipped her fourth glass of pink champagne. She danced with Annie and Dana and the three girls laughed and moved their bodies to the music.

Jimmy, Shadows and Christ made their way to the girls and pulled each one in for a dance. Izzy moved against Shadows, her back flush against his chest as she grinded against him almost seductively. He held her hips gently with his large hands and dipped his head to Izzy’s ear. Izzy shuddered as his warm breath tickled her skin.

“Enjoying yourself?” he asked her as she writhed against him.

“Very much so.” She responded as she snaked her arm behind his neck as they continued to move against each other.

They were both caught up in the moment, all animosity between them pushed aside for just one night. Shadows held her closely, inhaling the honeysuckle scent of her skin. Izzy glanced over at Dana and let out a small giggle as she watched Jimmy and her friend sharing a passionate kiss, lost in their own world. Shadows and Izzy danced for a few more song before he left to replenish their drinks with Jimmy in tow. Annie and Christ seemed to have vanished into thin air as Dana and Izzy looked around for the now purple haired girl. Dana’s cheeks were flushed and her lips were kiss swollen. She gave Izzy an unabashed grin as the two girls made their way to the restroom.

“I see you and Jimmy seemed to have sealed the deal Danes.” Laughed Izzy as she re-applied her lipstick.

“You can say that. He’s an amazing kisser.” Said Dana wistfully as she washed her hands.

“I don’t need to know about Jimmy’s kissing.” Giggled Izzy as she took one last look in the mirror before the two girls headed back out into the crowd.

Half way through the room filled with bodies, Izzy felt someone’s hand wrap around her wrist. She turned and gave Vengeance a small smile which he returned, though his was visibly mischievous in nature. Dana gave Izzy a concerned look but Izzy just smiled and motioned for her to go ahead. Dana nodded and continued to push her way through the crowd.

Vengeance pulled Izzy to him, their chests barely touching as he wound his arms around her, holding her to him as they moved to the music that screamed around them. Izzy moved her body against his as she snaked her arms around Vengeance’s neck before winding her fingers in his black hair. He nipped playfully at Izzy’s neck causing desire to spike through her body. Without thinking, Izzy crashed her lips to Vengeance’s and tugged gently on his hair. He growled into the kiss and their tongues did a battle dance for dominance which Izzy quickly lost. She could feel Vengeance’s fingers griping her waist in that familiar way that always turned her on. She moaned softly and she could feel his erection pressing against her. She ground herself against him, knowing that she was driving him insane with want. She broke away from him and with a vindictive smile she pulled out of Vengeance’s arms. His eyes flashed with dangerous desire as he watched her smirk before walking away, her hips swaying suggestively with each step she took away from him.

Izzy felt victorious as she meandered through the mass of bodies. She knew that Vengeance was playing with her once again but this time she was ready for him. She would no longer be his fool. She had been burnt once by him and she wasn’t going to jump back into his fire. As she weaved through the crowd, she could make out Gates’ fedora a short distance away. Suddenly, strong arms wrapped around her and Izzy instantly struggled away from the person.

“I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” said a disdainful voice in her ear. Izzy’s blood ran cold at the sound of the voice that haunted her dreams every night. She instantly ceased all struggle against him. Night tightened his hold on her, pulling her body closer to his.

“Shadows may have won this round but I can guarantee you that this isn’t over” he said venomously. Izzy stiffened against Night and he smirked at the feeling of fear rippling through Izzy’s slight body.

“Did you think that I was the only enemy A7X had? Others will come for you Isabel. Word has gotten out about you. Others will come and trust me, I’m a saint compared to them.”

Night’s voice made Izzy’s blood crawl. She fought off the tears that threatened to fall as his voice taunted her.

“You are their weakness and there are so many that want to witness the fall of the almighty A7X. You will be their downfall. Mark my words.” He said sinisterly in her ear before pressing his lips to her neck. Just like that, he disappeared into the crowd and Izzy felt as if she were about to collapse.

Izzy felt her vision tunneling as her heart slammed in her chest. Night’s words echoed in her ears as images of him torturing her flashed in her mind, making her dizzy as the scars on her body prickled unpleasantly. The cracking of his whip against her skin made her stomach churn as his cold steely blue eyes blinded her as she desperately pushed through the crowd.

She finally made it to where Shadows and Gates sat in one of the booths, the two of them laughing at something unbeknown to Izzy. Shadows’ eyes fell onto Izzy and in an instant he was on his feet and by her side just as her knees gave out. She collapsed against him, her body shaking as her heart pounded painfully against her ribcage.

“Isabel. Tell me!” he demanded, his body rigid at the sight of fear in Izzy’s grey eyes.

Unable to form words as terror and panic coursed through her body, Izzy felt her mind grow numb as images of Jake Night blurred in her mind.

“Jake Night.” She stammered before consciousness slipped away from her as fear gripped both her body and soul. Izzy welcomed the blackness.

It was the only place where nothing could hurt her.