Guardian

[Joe Schmoe]

A story of Corruption
By caela and myself

Eric walked out of the room into the hallway. He didn't like what he had seen.

His best friend, Thomas, for over 40 years, would probably not make it beyond this week. Every day Eric had come to see him and every day his friend was withering away more and more. He believed that even his friend knew his time was short. He had made sure Eric promised to show up here tomorrow night at eight o'clock sharp, even though Eric always had since his admittance. Thomas stressed it was important that he did.

The hospital was quiet in this wing. Other than the soft pad from cushioned soles of the occasional nurse the silence was disturbed by the intercom's request for faceless names and doctors.

Somberly he headed down the hall.

Eric hated hospitals and the serious, sterile atmosphere. Too much sickness, pain and dying were in behind these walls for him to ever feel at ease. He made it a habit to walk through the maternity ward before leaving, just to remind himself it wasn't all bad here.

Stepping out into the evening he lit up a much needed cigarette and watched the smoky exhale hang in the breezeless air. It was a nice and warm out. A stark contrast to the far too cool air in the hospital that always chilled him.

Taking a drag it lit up his tired face. The exhale had the sound of melancholy, he was lost in thought.

Eric had grown up in the same neighborhood as did his friend. As far back as he could remember they had been close friends. They remained so through highschool, college and beyond. Tom married and raised a family while Eric never did but this still didn't bring their seperation. Eric just became part of the family. Some nights and weekends would find them together at Thomas' house either repairing something, putting around the yard or catching the games on the television.

As close as they were, Thomas did not know about everything when it came to Eric. He knew that his single friend often entertained different women, but he had no idea that his friend Eric also lived in a darker world.

Eric never let his friend into his secret because he saw how happy Thomas was with his two car white fence dog and cat suburban family life. Eric's world was very different. A world where men and women reveled in dominance and submission, pain and pleasure, the taboo and deviant.

He put out the cigarette then walked to his car, heading back to his world.

 

[caela]

Isabel sighed softly as she sat in her car. Part of her didn’t want to get out of it but to simply drive away and not face the reality that awaited her inside the hospital. She’d lost her mother five years ago when she was just 15 and now she was being forced to face losing her father as well. Each day he looked smaller, more tired, somehow less there. The man who had always seemed so strong, so vibrant was slowly withering away.

He was leaving her alone.

Blinking away tears she finally pulled the keys from the ignition and climbed out of the car. As much as watching him die hurt, she loved her father too much to leave him alone. Crossing the hospital parking lot she kept her head down and her hands shoved into the pockets of her jeans. She’d found that not making eye contact was the best way to keep the nurses from asking questions and she knew the way to her father’s room so well that she could have nearly walked there blindfolded.

Slipping inside without having run into anyone she pulls a chair close to the bed and simply sits quietly for time watching her father sleep. Reaching out her fingers curled around his and she felt him squeeze her hand even though he didn’t wake up. Eventually she herself doze and when she woke it was to find their roles reversed and him watching her.

“Issy, you have to stop mourning me, I’m dead yet,” he said softly. “Or is it yourself you mourn for?”

He always was good at reading her. What was she going to do without him?

“ For both of us. For all the things you’ll never get to do and for all the things I do that you’ll never be there for. It’s not fair Daddy, what am I going to do without you?”

“Honey, you’ll never be without me. Just like you’re never truly without your mother. We’ll always be with you. It’s getting late sweetie. I know you have class tomorrow, you should head home. I’ve asked Eric to come by tomorrow at 8, I want you here too,” he said as he leaned over and kissed her forehead softly like he used to when she was little.

“Are you sure you want me to go? What If you need…”

“Issy, you’re exhausted. If I need something I’ll ring the nurse. I’m not going to die tonight. Now go home and at least TRY to sleep.”

Despite being sick he still managed to put enough authority in his voice that without thought she got up from where she sat and reached for her jacket.

“All right Daddy. I’ll be back tomorrow, and before 8. I’ll be here by 6 to have dinner with you.”

“As you wish sweetie, I’ll see you tomorrow, “ he said and smiled as she leaned over him to kiss his cheek and give his hand a final squeeze before leaving.

***
Sleep was elusive that night and when at last she got up the next morning there were dark circles on the pale skin beneath her eyes. They made her look tired but they also made the violet of her eyes more apparent. Pulling back thick, chestnut hair into a ponytail she stared at her face in the mirror for a long moment and realized that her father was right. She’d never be without him because she could see him staring back at her there in her eyes, eyes that she’d gotten from him.

Shaking her head to push away her thoughts she quickly dressed in a pair of old jeans and a black, cowl neck sweater, and a black leather boots. The coloring suited her mood. If she had her way she would have dropped the semester to spend more time with her father but he wouldn’t hear of it and insisted that she make it to her classes and make good grades.

If his last wish was that she continue her education how could she deny him?

The day dragged but eventually it was over and she made her way up to the hospital. When she could get up there early she brought her schoolbooks with her and would go over her homework with him like she had ever since she was little. He might not always – or often anymore – know the answers but going over the work had always helped her learn and it was something she planned to continue as long as she could.

They chatted, went over her homework, and had dinner together but as 8 neared her father seemed to grow quiet and pensive and they both started watching the door for her “Uncle” Eric.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Eric was prompt as usual, pulling into the lot behind the hospital. Tonight though he had a gut feeling that kept him from looking forward to seeing Thomas. He suspected his friend was putting the final pieces of his life in order and as much as Eric steeled himself for the inevitable it still twisted his gut.

The place hit him square in the face when he entered through the automated doors. That antiseptic smell, the harsh coolness of the air and the instant feeling he always got in these places. He had the route memorized long before now as he went directly down the proper halls to the elevator that would take him to the wing where Thomas' room was.

A quick look at his watch showed he was precisely on time. Opening the door he stepped in and hesitated for a second.

It had been awhile since he last seen Isabel. he wondered if Thomas had insisted her to be here as well, or was it just that she was visiting.

"How are you doing Tom", he said as he came to stand beside the bed. "You are looking a bit better tonight", he lied. Thomas looked worse since last night and he knew that his words to encourage his friend were transparent.

Eric placed his hand on the woman's shoulder and pecked her cheek, "how are you Issy?"

"Pull up a chair Eric. I have something I need to say to both of you."

Eric dreaded this moment but showed no sign of it as he did as his friend had told him. He took one side of the bed with Isabel on the other, both looking at Thomas.

The man was weak, very weak as the morphine drip kept the pain away as well as letting him sleep without too much discomfort. Surprising though, tonight his voice had some strength behind it. Eric surmised it was because Isabel was here with him.

Thomas's eyes looked to Isabel with pure devotion, "this may be cruel and harsh to say Issy, but it has to be done. My time here will not be much longer and I need you to know you are not alone in any of this, Isn't that right Eric?"

Eric didn't want to hear this, at least not from his best friend but his face was the perfect facade to hide his resentment that his best friend would be gone far too soon.

"Of course Thomas. Absolutely."

"Issy, I chose Eric right after you were born for just this purpose. You know he's your Godfather and you know what that entails. I will be turning over executive rights of all my assets and property over to him in a day. The house will be sold off and the money will be added to your account. I will be placing Eric in charge of all of that, to oversee it is handled properly."

He reached for her hand and held it. He just needed the contact with her more than anything as he went on.

"You are to only worry about and focus on your studies. I do not want any arguments on this honey. The house would be empty and useless to you. Once you finish college you will probably be moving on anyway and starting your own family. So I am going to liquidate everything and you will have nothing to worry about, especially financially. While you do, stay close to Eric, he will be here for you after I am gone."

"Eric, I know I can trust you to look out for my daughter. I need you to, she is all that is left of me."

'Say no more on the matter Thomas. You know I will."

"I know. I want you to get with my lawyers on this. They have the papers already drawn up and they will be expecting you, take Issy with you. They need her as well. Everything for the funeral is already taken care of so that is all that is left for me to wrap up. I just needed to make sure Issy will be taken care of before it was too late."

"Is there anything else?"

"No, if these items can be squared away I can rest easier."

"In that case I will leave you two alone. I will see you tomorrow then Tom."

Eric rose and was about to exit the room when he turned to Thomas. "What time is this scheduled?"

"Two o'clock tomorrow afternoon. It is with Larson and Roberts."

Eric nodded, "where and what time should I come for you Issy?"

After she told Eric he nodded again, "it is good to see you again Issy." He left, taking the same path out as he had every other night, peeking at the newborns before leaving the hospital.

 

[caela]

Despite the fact that they were expecting him, Isabel was still startled when the door opened and Eric walked in. She knew what time he normally visited her father and had deliberatly made the effort to avoid those hours. Seeing the two men together was just too much of a contrast and she felt her fingers tighten on her book as a swift surge of fury at the unfairness of it all swept through her.

Still she managed a small smile for this man she'd known all her life and who she normally adored as a favored uncle. Right now the sight of him made her resentful but she knew that wouldn't last and made some noncommital answer when he asked how she was doing. How was she supposed to answer that anyway? She was sitting in a hospital room watching her father die, how the hell did he think she was?

Quietly pulling her chair closer to the bed once Eric took his seat she gripped her father's hand tightly in her own and listened as he laid out his plan for her. Partly it made her angry, it wasn't enough she lost both her parents, now she was to lose the only home she'd ever known as well!, but mostly she just felt tired. She was hitting the point where there was just nothing left to feel, where emotion became so raw, so all encompassing that it had little meaning and she was just numb.

Finally it seemed he was done and Eric rose to leave, she rose with him because her father had taught her basic manners and even in a morbid setting like this one it was only polite to see guests to the door.

Eric nodded, "where and what time should I come for you Issy?"

"I don't have class tomorrow so I guess you can pick me up at the house. If you're there around 1 that should give us enough time to make it to the lawyers offices even if traffic is heavy."

Closing the door behind him she leaned against it for a moment, her forehead pressing against the cool door until her father called her back to his side. He took her hand and looked up at her, his eyes gentle and filled with the strength of will she'd always known even if he no longer had the strength of body to match.

"You will be fine Issy. Eric will take care of you and that eases my mind. Tell him I want both of you to come by after you meet with the lawyers tomorrow. I need to know that your taken care of. My beautiful Issy, I look forward to telling your mother just how much like her you truly are."

His voice trailed off as the stress of the meeting caught up with him and he slipped into a drug induced sleep. With a sigh Isabel drew the blankets up around him and pressed a kiss to his forehead, as if he were the child now, before quietly gathering her things and going home.

That night she was so tired she slept the sleep of the utterly exhausted.

***

By the time Eric's car pulled into the drive the next afternoon she was dressed and ready to go. Before he could even come up to the door she was already locking it and simply waved at him to wait in the car. Sliding into the passenger seat she murmured softly, "Let's get this over with. Daddy wants us to come by and fill him in on the details when we're done talking to the lawyers."

With that she went quiet and simply stared out the window. Despite the sleep she'd gotten she still looked tired and worn. Circles once more appeared below her eyes, though not at dark as the day before; her thick chestnut mane was tamed into a severe chignon and she continuously twisted her fingers together. The suit she wore was a deep violet that enhanced the color of her eyes, the jacket and skirt were tailored and fit her like a glove. When she crossed her legs the skirt rode up just enough to hint at the lace top of her stockings but she quickly smoothed it down over them and nervously tapped the heel of her shoes on the floor of the car.

After a quiet ride they finally arrived at the law office and she simply stared at the building, her body suddenly rigid and tight where she sat, her voice the whisper of a scared little girl, "I can't go in there Eric."

 

[Joe Schmoe]

"Let's get this over with. Daddy wants us to come by and fill him in on the details when we're done talking to the lawyers."

"Hello to you too, Issy", he said as warmly as possible. It wasn't easy though. Not for either of them. As much as it pained Eric, he knew it was probably a hundred fold more so for the woman next to him. They both were losing a part of their life, an important part of their life but she was dependant on the man in the hospital bed.

They drove in silence. This only made the situation between the two more uncomfortable but Eric held his tongue while the woman looked out her window. He knew there was a myriad of thoughts running through her mind and he knew she was coping with it all the best way she knew how. He hated this distance that had come between them since her father's ordeal. It wasn't like this when her mother had died a few years back, but her father had been her strength then. Now she had to stand on her own and now, for the first time, Eric felt like an outsider with her.

He focused on the road as she stared at everything yet saw nothing. The ride felt longer than it truly was.

...............

They pulled up and parked before a building of glass and steel, the design of cold efficiency that, to Eric, sucked the life and character out of cities. Rounding the car Eric waited by the open door for Issy to step out so they could go and face the lawyers with their endless paperwork.

"I can't go in there Eric."

This cut him like a dull rusty knife. He genuinely felt horrible for her and for everything she was going through. She desperately tried to be strong in all of this but he felt it was more for her father than for herself and he worried that once he was gone she would crumble under the pressure like chalk.

"Come on hon. I do not like this any more than you do but it has to be done. This is what your father wanted and we must honor him and his request. I'll deal with them while we are here and you just sign where they want you too. I will try to make this as quick and as painless as possible. I do not want to go in anymore than you do, so help me and I promise I'll help you. Fair?"

He held out his hand to assist her out of the car and together they walked to the entrance of the tall character-less building.

They found the floor quickly enough and rode up in the elevator listening to Muzak's butchered rendition of some modern tune.

Down the hall they found and entered the law office to the smile of a pretty receptionist.

"Good afternoon, how can I help you?"

"I am Eric Longwell and this is Isabel Winston. We were expected."

"Of course Mr Longwell, one moment please." She picked up the phone, "Mr Larson? Mr. Longwell and Miss Winston are here to see you. Yes sir."

Hanging up she smiled up to them, "Mr. Larson will see. The first door down the hall."

"Thank you"

His hand rested on the small of Issy's back as they went where directed. Opening the door she entered as he followed.

A silver haired man in an expensive suit rose from behind his desk, extending his hand to welcome them.

"Good afternoon Miss Winston, I am Kenneth Larson, your father's lawyer. How do you do Mr. Longwell. Please, have a seat. I will make this as brief and as easy as possible. We just need to go over the plans and have your signatures on a few documents Mr. Winston had us prepare for him."

Pulling a folder from a drawer of his desk he opened it and began to lay the papers out before the two. placing a pen on them.

"As you well know Mr. Winston will be liquidating all his assets and placing them into Miss Winston's account. We have set it up with a financial advisor, at Mr. Winston's request, to make sure it doesn't just sit idle. Here are the different ways that has been decided to insure the account continues to grow so Miss Winston will not have any worries financially. All will be concluded after the reading of the will and all transactions will begin immediately after. So if I can just get the both of your signatures here, here, here and here I will not detain you any longer than necessary."

Eric scanned over the papers then signed his name where needed before handing them over to Issy. Once she had finished the lawyer rose and extended his hand again to them.

"Thank you both for taking the time out of your busy schedule to stop in. I will get these filed today and that should take care of everything up to the will. If there are any questions here is my card", as he held out one to each of them. "Do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or concerns."

Escorting them to the door, "Thank you again and have a pleasant day."

As silently as they came in they left behind them the glass and steel building. Once in the car Eric informed Isabel, "I need to stop by my apartment for a moment, it won't be long and then we will go see your father. Afterwards I can take you where ever you need to go, hon."

He pulled the car smoothly into traffic and headed to the edge of downtown to his apartment.

 

[caela]

"Come on hon. I do not like this any more than you do but it has to be done. This is what your father wanted and we must honor him and his request. I'll deal with them while we are here and you just sign where they want you too. I will try to make this as quick and as painless as possible. I do not want to go in anymore than you do, so help me and I promise I'll help you. Fair?"

For a long moment Isabel just stared at the hand he offered but finally she reached out and took it while murmuring softly, "Fair."

Sliding from the car she smoothed her skirt down and wondered if maybe she should have worn one a little longer as it barely fell to midthigh and just covered the tops of her stockings but the overall impression of her suit was conservative and alluring.

She stayed as close to Eric as she could on the way to the office and even once they were there. What he and the lawyer discussed she'd never be able to say, she didn't hear any of it. For all she knew she signed papers turning herself over to some white slavery ring...and she didn't care. She simply signed where Eric pointed and was relieved when they left. She'd felt like she couldn't breath inside the office.

Somehow signing the papers simply made the fact that her father was dying seem all to real.

Finally sliding into back into Eric's car she breathed a sigh of relief. Part of her wanted to break down and start crying but she wouldn't do that here. It would wait until she was alone at home. When he climbed in beside her she managed a tight smile but it didn't even come close to reaching her eyes.

"I need to stop by my apartment for a moment, it won't be long and then we will go see your father. Afterwards I can take you where ever you need to go, hon."

"Thank you Eric. Listen, I'm sorry I've been so withdrawn. You're wonderful to be doing this for us, I appreciate it and I know Daddy does too. Thank you," she said softly and leaned over toward him, her lips brushing gently across his cheek in a small kiss.

She was still quiet on the way to his apartment but she was no longer withdrawn into her own little world and the silence between them was less tense. When he pulled into his parking spot she managed an honest smile before asking quietly, "Did you want me to just wait for your here or would you mind if I came up with you? It's silly but after all the business with the lawyers I really don't want to be alone."

She knew she was being silly to ask but she knew herself well enough to know that if he left her alone she likely would start crying and she didn't want him to see her that way. Her father still saw her as a little girl and that was o.k. because she'd always been a "daddy's girl" but she didn't want Eric seeing her or treating her as a child.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

"Did you want me to just wait for your here or would you mind if I came up with you? It's silly but after all the business with the lawyers I really don't want to be alone."

Eric looked at her somewhat perplexed. "Of course you can come up, hon. Since when do you have to ask? I shouldn't be too long anyway but I am sure you could use something to drink. I know I can, I am parched."

He waited for her to join him and together they entered the building and then into his apartment.

It was not lavish but it was not drab either. He had what he needed but not much more. Once in he tossed his keys onto the table near the door then took off the suit jacket. Business was over and it was too late for him to head back to work so he headed into his bedroom with the coat in his hand, loosening his tie on the way.

Shouting out to Issy, "get yourself something to drink out of the fridge. Grab me a gingerale will you?" He changed out of the rest of the suit, swapping it for a pair of jeans and a maroon Henley before hanging the jacket and slacks up on the back of the door. The answering machine near his bed flashed and he pushed for the first call then opened his closet.

"Sir, this is Rachel. I am very sorry but I will be late tonight. I know what time you told me to be there but it is unavoidable. I will explain when I see you. I understand the consequences and will gladly accept what ever punishment you hand me, Sir. I should be there no later than nine o'clock. Again I am sorry Sir."

Out of the closet he grabbed a large heavy duffel bag, then went to push for the next call.

"Eric. This is JC from the dungeon. Hey bud, can you DM for us some tonight? I will be shorthanded for a couple of hours and I would not ask if I didn't have to. Margie is down with the flu so I am scrambling here to fill her stations. Let me know one way or the other as soon as you can. You can reach me here at the dungeon. Later bro."

Fitting what he had into the duffel bag he pulled a t-shirt from his dresser and added it with the clothes and equipment then zipped up the bag.

Leaving his bedroom with the bag in hand he ran into Issy with a drink in each hand.

"Uh, oh, are you ready to go? Bring my drink with you will you, so I can lock up behind us? We are going to hit rush hour so we might be a little slow in getting to the hospital."

Ushering Issy out of the apartment he locked up and followed her down to his car. He tossed the bag into the trunk and settled in beside her.

That was when he noticed for the first time that she wore stockings, not pantyhose but genuine lace topped stockings. A frown creased his brow as a thought flooded his mind. He looked at her. Looked at her differently. Looked at her in a way he had never looked at her before. It was as if a light shined on her, illuminating her, making her appear different. A woman. A woman that's beautiful and alluring. A woman he wanted to know more about. A woman he wanted to bed. A woman he wanted on her knees. A shake of his head, the images and thoughts were shoved aside and his focus returned and the daughter of his best friend again sat beside him. The little girl he had known all of her life. The car started with a hushed hum then he pulled out, heading back to the place he hated.

 

[caela]

She was glad to slide out of the car and follow him up to the stairs to his apartment. She'd been here before and it always amazed her at how little clutter there was. It was positvely spartan compared to her own home which was cluttered with the signs of family life. The reality of his apartment for her was that of an eternal bachelor and she found it a little sad. Glancing down the hallway he disappeared into she couldn't help but wonder if he was seeing someone.

The sillyness of the thought brought the first genuine smile she'd worn in weeks to her lips.

"get yourself something to drink out of the fridge. Grab me a gingerale will you?"

"No problem!" she called back and turned into the kitchen. When she opened the fridge she laughed outright. Even this proved he was a bachelor. There was little in it but she grabbed out two ginger ales and headed downt he hall toward his room. He'd had plenty of time to change so she didn't worry about walking in on him in any state of undress. She stopped however when she heard a woman's voice. There was a slightly mechanical edge to it so she knew it must be the answering machine.

All she heard was, "I'm sorry Sir," before she turned around and headed back toward the living room. Listening to other peoples messages was rude and she'd have killed someone for eavesdropping on hers.

When he came out she was waiting for him at the end of the hallway, "Uh, oh, are you ready to go? Bring my drink with you will you, so I can lock up behind us? We are going to hit rush hour so we might be a little slow in getting to the hospital."

Was it her imagination or had he stumbled a bit on seeing her? The thought brought another smile to her lips. Apparently the message from the girl was something he didn't want her to hear and she was glad she hadn't listened. It had probably been private.

"If my choices are the soda or that heavy looking bag I'll take the soda," she said before leading him out of the apartment.

She waited until he was settled to hand him his gingerale and glanced at the clock on the dash. "We'll miss dinner at the hospital even if rush hour traffic didn't slow us down, would you mind swinging through a drive-through or something so I can grab a bite to eat? Then after we visit Daddy you can just drop me off at ho..." her voice trailed off on the last word as it suddenly hit her that one of the papers she'd signed had agreed to sell her home. The thought hit her like a blow to the stomach and she actually doubled over slightly finding it hard to breath once more.

"Oh god," she groaned softly and tears welled up in her eyes. Glancing out her window she realized the car hadn't moved yet and without thought she flung her door open and nearly dove out of the vehicle. Her heels clacked loudly on the pavement as she simply chose a direction and started walking...fast.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

He put the car in park then killed the engine. Clasping his hands he draped them over the wheel, leaned over and just watched her walk,

He suddenly felt tired. very tired. If he was tired then he imagined Issy had to be exhausted. Drained in every possible way; mentally, physically and emotionally. The worse he felt for Issy, the further he was from being able to help her. The responsibilities he focused on kept him moving forward. If he stopped he would think about the inevitable loss of his friend.

He got out of the car and trotted to catch up with her.

"Issy wait! Isabel. Stop. Please."

Coming up a few steps behind her he slowed to her pace.

"Issy, please stop. There is nowhere to go. Trust me, I tried too."

His hand came to rest gently on her shoulder.

"Issy, your dad and I have talked about a time like this since the day you were born. We talked about the 'what if's' with both of us and we promised to be there when they happened. He began looking out for you the moment he found out your mom was carrying you, hon. You trust your dad don't you? I know you trust him. Well, trust him now as well. He knows what he is doing and he knows he has to do it. He is doing this so you have a foothold to do what you want to do, what you're good at and have nothing standing in your way."

Turning her around he caught the losing battle for her not to cry.

He spoke softly to her.

"Listen to me Issy. You wouldn't have been in that house for much longer anyway. He knew you would find a career, a family, have your own place, your own life in your own world. He is just helping you to obtain it as much as he can while he can. It's time hon, whether we like it or not."

"Will you come back to the car and head over there with me?"

He lifted her chin. "With heels like those you wouldn't get far anyway. How about it? Or would you rather I chase you all over the place."

His thumb swept her cheek, "If you run, you know I will always come for you Issy."

 

[caela]

"Issy, please stop. There is nowhere to go. Trust me, I tried too."

It was the hand on her should that finally stopped her but she didn't turn around. Tears were rolling down her cheeks and part of her still didn't want him to see her crying. She wasn't a little girl with a skinned knee, she was a grown woman and she needed to act like one. Not that she was doing a very good job of it right now.

She didn't fight it when he turned her around and her head tipped slightly to look up at him from eyes filled with pain and a lonliness she couldn't even begin to explain. She didn't know how she was going to manage without her father, the thought was unbearable and yet each day she knew with day she was that much closer to just that...a life without the one person she'd always depended on.

"Will you come back to the car and head over there with me?"

He lifted her chin. "With heels like those you wouldn't get far anyway. How about it? Or would you rather I chase you all over the place."

His thumb swept her cheek, "If you run, you know I will always come for you Issy."

That brush of his thumb across her cheek, so gentle and intimate undid the last of her control and with a soft cry she simply reverted to what she knew and did what she had always done as a little girl; she threw her arms around his waist and buried her face in his chest. Sobs wracked her body but for the first time she felt some comfort, this was the one person in her life who might possibly care about her father nearly as much as she did, who would understand her pain.

Slowly her tears subsided but she didn't let him go right away, "I'm sorry Eric. You have to deal with this too and the last thing you need is some silly little girl crying all over you. Listen why don't we just go to the hospital and I'll have one of my friends come pick me up. I don't want to mess up any plans you might have tonight. I didn't eavsdrop but I did hear a womans voice when you checked your messages earlier."

Without thought she leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek, "Thank you for being here Eric. You're probably the only person who can come anywhere near understanding what I'm dealing with."

Before he could respond she released him and turned back toward the car feeling better than she had in a long time. Somehow just crying with someone who could understand helped. She just prayed he wouldn't start treating her like she was five after the little scene she'd just caused.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

When she finally broke down and released her pent up feelings he just covered her in his arms. Kissing the crown of her head.

"Go on sweetie, cry. You are the only one that understand my pain too honey. It does hurt."

Slowly her tears subsided but she didn't let him go right away, "I'm sorry Eric. You have to deal with this too and the last thing you need is some silly little girl crying all over you. Listen why don't we just go to the hospital and I'll have one of my friends come pick me up. I don't want to mess up any plans you might have tonight. I didn't eavsdrop but I did hear a womans voice when you checked your messages earlier."

Without thought she leaned up and pressed a kiss to his cheek, "Thank you for being here Eric. You're probably the only person who can come anywhere near understanding what I'm dealing with."

Before he could respond she released him and turned back toward the car feeling better than she had in a long time. Somehow just crying with someone who could understand helped. She just prayed he wouldn't start treating her like she was five after the little scene she'd just caused.

A smile filled Eric's face. Typical Issy. Being strong till a hurt she pushed away would burst from her, only to bring a smile that would light up her face and off she would go skipping, singing some schoolyard song.

He felt better too. He felt he had just found an ally and he believed she felt the same.

With more life in his step he joined her back in the car.

"I'll glady take you anywhere you want to go. That call was just to let me know someone would be late so I am not expected any where at any time soon. How about we go see your dad then grab a decent meal somewhere."

Looking at his watch, "it's still early and I have about five hours till I have to be somewhere."

Giving her an inviting smile, "what do you say? Or will your boyfriend become impatient?"

 

[caela]

Giving her an inviting smile, "what do you say? Or will your boyfriend become impatient?"

That made her laugh, her first honest laugh in weeks and it felt so good!

"Eric you are so out of touch sometimes! I'm not seeing anybody. I will take you up on dinner though and I promise to have you home earlier so the girlfriend won't get testy with you. I wouldn't want to get you into trouble with her."

With a smile she reached over and gave his hand a squeeze and didn't let go as he pulled out of the parking lot. She was comfortable with him, here was someone who understood her pain and felt it as well and who had known her forever. Crying on his chest she'd remembered that even without her father she wasn't alone either.

The ride to the hospital was quiet but it wasn't the strained silence of a woman lost in her own world but the silence of two people that don't need to fill the quiet to be comfortable together. She didn't give up his hand until they she slid from the car at the hospital. Neither of them really wanted to go inside but they both did and she found that even this was made easier with Eric with her.

Until she opened the door of her father's room. At first she simply froze, he looked terrible! It took a small nudge at the small of her back to make her step inside the room but once moving she crossed to her father wrapped her arms around him, her cheek resting on top of his head as if she cradled a small child to her.

"Issy," he said, his voice sounding brittle and faded. "My beautiful girl, I love you...always."

Violet eyes that were a perfect match between father and daughter turned to Eric as the dying man spoke once more, "Watch over her for me Eric, you're all she has now."

Reaching to each of them he took one of Eric's hands and one of Isabel's and gave them both a squeeze before resting his head on Isabel's arm where she cradled him and simply released his last breath.

For a long time Isabel simply held him. She sensed doctors and nurses coming and going and heard them talk but nothing they said sank in, it was all white noise and none of it mattered. By the time she finally released him and sank into a chair it was fully dark out and she simply stared sightlessly out of the window trying to believe he was really gone.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

That made her laugh, her first honest laugh in weeks and it felt so good!

"Eric you are so out of touch sometimes! I'm not seeing anybody. I will take you up on dinner though and I promise to have you home earlier so the girlfriend won't get testy with you. I wouldn't want to get you into trouble with her."

This made him smile in return but inside he was enjoying a good chuckle. "If you only knew, hon. If you only knew", he thought in amusement.

"Don't bullshit me lil girl", he said in jest. "I know damn well there isn't a fool alive that would let a beauty like you stay single. Ah, I see...too many to choose from. Yep, that's got to be it."

The silence in the car spoke volumes. A calm, peace, connection, long time bond was re-established between the two. The small hand of her's was reassuring in his "Yes Issy. Together we will get through this", he said in thought as he glanced at her.

All that was tested again once they stepped through the door. Issy rushed to her father as Eric crossed to the other side. One more stop light on the way and they would have been too late.

"Watch over her for me Eric, you're all she has now."

Eric's jaw clenched as he gritted his teeth. Only a short jerk of a nod was all he could do. Even determination could not stop the trickle of tears as his friend passed away. Patting his friend's hand Eric placed it on the deceased man's chest.

A ragged whisper was all he could muster.

"Everything has been taken care of that you asked. Sleep well my friend. Sleep well."

Eric went to Issy and held her shoulders as a small kiss came to the back of her head. "I'll be outside. I'll leave you alone with Thomas. Take all the time you need. I'll will wait."

He left her as he closed the door quietly behind him. He felt ten times too heavy, too stiff and a little dazed.

He plopped down on the near by bench and leaned on his elbows, just staring at the wall ahead.

No matter how prepared you think you are...you are never even close.

 

[caela]

How long she sat in that chair staring out into the night she didn't know. Until the doctor finally came and told her that they had to take the body and then for awhile longer. At last however she got up and went out into the hall where she found Eric. Without a word she crossed to him and sank to her knees, her head resting on his knee while silent tears once more tracked her cheeks.

She needed and took comfort from his nearness.

"Eric, I know you were planning on having company tonight but can I ask you to cancel? I, I don't think I can bear to be alone in the house tonight," she asked at last in a quiet voice that said she'd understand a 'no' but was hoping for a 'yes'. "Maybe you could take her out instead? Please, let me crash at your place just for tonight."

She couldn't bear the thought of being in her house tonight. For months now her father had been ill and slowly fading. Suddenly she felt cried out. The last few weeks had been the hardest as she watched her father fade before her eyes but now it was done, his pain was gone and she would have to get on with her life.

Wiping the tears from her eyes she gently stood and looked down at Eric, just staring at this man who had been a part of the fabric of her life for as long as she could remember. Her first memories of her father and mother included this man. He'd been at every holiday, barbeque, and party her parents had ever had and now he was all that was left to her and she was grateful to her parents for leaving her in such capable hands.

Reaching out she took his hand once more and squeezed it gently, "Come on, there's no reason for us to be here anymore. I'm not really hungry but my body needs nourishment and I do believe you offered to pick up dinner."

 

[Joe Schmoe]

At last however she got up and went out into the hall where she found Eric. Without a word she crossed to him and sank to her knees, her head resting on his knee while silent tears once more tracked her cheeks.

He blankly stroked her hair.

"Eric, I know you were planning on having company tonight but can I ask you to cancel? I, I don't think I can bear to be alone in the house tonight," she asked at last in a quiet voice that said she'd understand a 'no' but was hoping for a 'yes'. "Maybe you could take her out instead? Please, let me crash at your place just for tonight."

Her words were distant and it took him awhile for them to sink in.

"Of course hon, stay for the night, stay as long as you wish. I do not like the idea of you alone now anyway."

He looked upon her as he kept running his hand over her hair, "I won't be the best company but it would make me feel better if you there. I do not feel up to going out tonight. I will call for something delivered for when you are hungry."

They sat like this for a while. Nothing said, no one disturbing them.

"Come on sweetheart, we should go now."

He helped her to her feet then wrapped an arm around her, holding her close as together they walked out of the hospital.

A couple of blocks from the apartment Eric pulled over. "I will only be a minute, hon. I promise. He ran into the liquor store, purchased a bottle of wine and rushed back to Issy."

Without a word the two went up to Eric's place. Issy just sat at the first place she came to as Eric grabbed a couple of glasses and the pack of cigarettes he kept for the occasional smoke.

He set the glasses in front of them and uncorked the bottle. Poured a full glass for himself and half for Issy then drained the glass in one gulp. He lit a cigarette, pour half a glass then fell back as the two sat in the darkness in silence.

 

[caela]

He helped her to her feet then wrapped an arm around her, holding her close as together they walked out of the hospital.

She was slightly startled when his arm went around her waist but she also liked it. The contact reminded her that she was still alive and his arm was a welcom weight against her side. She simply rested her head on his shoulder and let him lead her to the car.

Except for the stop, the ride back to his place was a quiet one and she was grateful to fall into the first chair she came to. She took the glass of wine he gave her but she just sipped at it, she wasn't much of a drinker and the few times she had gotten drunk with her friends she turned rather depressive. She doubted she needed that just now.

Sitting in silence for a time she finally got up, just to sit back down with a sigh. Leaning forward in her seat she tipped her head upside down and starting savagly pulling out the bobby pins that had been holding it in place. At last she had all of them and flipped her head back, running her fingers through her hair to loosen it. Thick chestnut waves cascaded around her shoulders and down her back as she settled into the chair once more.

Glancing at Eric she gave a bitter laugh, "What are we doing? That wine bottle isn't going to make either of us feel better and Daddy would likely smack both of us for trying to drown our sorrows in one. So what do you say you loan me something to wear that isn't a suit, we order a pizza and curl up on the couch watching stupid movies?"

It was the only thing she could think of. She didn't want to just sit around silently in the dark but she didn't really want to do anything but be curled up either. Pizza and movies allowed for both and it let them both be quiet but together at the same time.

She managed a small sad smile as she got up and walked over to him, gently she dropped a kiss on top of his head, "Even if you don't want to watch movies can I borrow something to wear, this suit is kind of confining. Maybe just an oversized t-shirt or something? And you might want to call your girlfriend unless you changed or mind and plan on taking her out tonight."

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Glancing at Eric she gave a bitter laugh, "What are we doing? That wine bottle isn't going to make either of us feel better and Daddy would likely smack both of us for trying to drown our sorrows in one. So what do you say you loan me something to wear that isn't a suit, we order a pizza and curl up on the couch watching stupid movies?"

She brought Eric back from his thoughts.

"Shit, I'm sorry hon. Nah. I couldn't get drunk tonight even if I wanted to. I am just too sober. Hell none of us were much drinkers anyway but I needed to get this taste out of my mouth. Hospitals always do that to me. I also needed a little time to think and clear my head. My way to cope was to stay busy and not think too much. I guess it all caught up with me."

Raising his glass he made a small silent toast to his friend. "here's to you Tom. We still have the memories."

He finished off the drink and set the glass aside. "You're right Issy, he wouldn't have appreciated us moping around. That's just not his style."

She managed a small sad smile as she got up and walked over to him, gently she dropped a kiss on top of his head, "Even if you don't want to watch movies can I borrow something to wear, this suit is kind of confining. Maybe just an oversized t-shirt or something? And you might want to call your girlfriend unless you changed or mind and plan on taking her out tonight."

"Yes, I almost forgot. Just scrounge around in my closet and drawers and see what you come up with. I'll call for some Chinese and let Rachel know I won't make it."

He stood, taking their glasses and the bottle of wine and returned them to the kitchen. The overhead light seemed strong, after sitting in the dark, when he flicked it on.

Picking up his cell he called to Issy, "grab the comforter off the bed and pillows. We will huddle in it while we watch something."

He called Rachel first, "Rach, I am glad I caught you before you left. I will not be able to make it tonight. You can go on if you wish, just get with JC. He will watch over you...Sure, that's fine...of course not, you do not have to go if you don't want to...No, I am fine...hon, stop fretting. I am fine...No you don't need to come by. Issy is here with me and neither one of us is in the mood for much of anything...Right...Ok sweetheart, I'll call you soon. Oh, hey, do something for me. Call JC and let him know we won't be attending and tell him I'm sorry I couldn't help out this time...Ok...Bye bye doll."

After calling for Chinese delivery, ordering the sampler because he didn't want to decide on anything he went and shoved the coffee table out of the way so they could have the whole floor in front of the television. Switching on the TV by remote the screen lit up giving the room it's flickering light. Back in the kitchen he grabbed a couple cans of soda and killed the light in there.

Once he dropped onto the floor with his back against the sofa, he kicked off his shoes as he scanned the channels, settling on an old B&W Hitchcock movie of suspense and intrigue. He pulled a throw pillow to wedge behind his back as he stretched out.

Shortly Issy returned to Eric patting a spot next to him on the floor.

 

[caela]

"Yes, I almost forgot. Just scrounge around in my closet and drawers and see what you come up with. I'll call for some Chinese and let Rachel know I won't make it."

"Thanks Eric," she said and managed a small smile before kicking her shoes off beside the door and heading down the hallway to his room. She knew he'd leave her alone to change and quickly tossed her suit onto his bed, the stockings quickly following. For a moment she simply stood still, it just felt good to be out of the suit.

Moving to his dresser she searched through the drawers until she found a pair of jogging shorts with a drawstring and slid them on. She chuckled softly as she had to tie them tightly to keep them up over her narrow waist and hips. They still hung on her but they'd be comfortable. Looking in a lower drawer she found a cream colored sweater that looked comfortable and was just getting ready to slip it over her head when she head him calling from the other room.

"Grab the comforter off the bed and pillows. We will huddle in it while we watch something."

"Will do!" she called back and glanced at the bed. The comforter looked thick and warm and she looked forward to huddling under it. Still with a sweater it would probably be too warm so she folded the garment and put it back. Instead she pulled out a black t-shirt. Pulling it over her head she worked her bra off under it and deftly folded the lace garment as well as her suit and set them on a chair in the corner.

Grabbing the comforter she gave it a swift tug to pull it free of the bed before grabbing the pillows as well and padding back out to the living room. Seeing Eric on the floor she chuckled softly and tossed a pillow at him playfully before sinking down beside him and spreading the blanket over their legs.

"I hope your girlfriend isn't upset with you. I'll explain why I asked to stay the night if she is. So, what do you want to watch while we wait for dinner?"

 

[Joe Schmoe]

Grabbing the comforter she gave it a swift tug to pull it free of the bed before grabbing the pillows as well and padding back out to the living room. Seeing Eric on the floor she chuckled softly and tossed a pillow at him playfully before sinking down beside him and spreading the blanket over their legs.

"I hope your girlfriend isn't upset with you. I'll explain why I asked to stay the night if she is. So, what do you want to watch while we wait for dinner?"

For the first time today Eric laughed when the pillow came at him. Quickly catching it he lightheartedly scolded her, "whatcha trying to do? Put out my eye? Sheesh, I see I need to teach you a few things. I bet you run in the house too don't you, you silly imp."

Propping the pillow up behind him he nestled in under the covers beside her.

"Nah, she understands. Besides she isn't my girlfriend per se but she knows the situation and has been very supportive. You'd like her. She's kinda like you, all full of piss and vinegar at times so don't worry yourself over it."

He scooted down some so his head rested on the couch as he grabbed the remote, "it's a Hitchcock flick, but we can watch anything your little heart desires."

He turned to her, "sweetheart, I am glad you chose to come here tonight. For your sake as well as for mine. I couldn't be around anyone but you. I am glad you are here, cupcake."

He dropped a kiss on her brow then laid back to watch the TV. "So? whatcha wanna watch? Your choice. The food should be on it's way by now."

He reached over to take her hand and clasped it affectionately.

"Tell me something, why do women always look so much better in men's t-shirts than a man does", he asked with a mischieveous grin. "You're the college girl so you have all the answers. I could never figure that one out."

 

[caela]

Quickly catching it he lightheartedly scolded her, "whatcha trying to do? Put out my eye? Sheesh, I see I need to teach you a few things. I bet you run in the house too don't you, you silly imp."

Isabel laughed softly and nodded, "Yep, and even worse...I drink out of the milk carton too."

Arranging her own pillow behind her she copied his posture and nestled close to him under the blanket. It was almost like being a little girl again and she felt safe and protected. She was glad she'd asked to stay here tonight and slightly dreaded going back to the house tomorrow but she'd deal with that then.

He dropped a kiss on her brow then laid back to watch the TV. "So? whatcha wanna watch? Your choice. The food should be on it's way by now."

Smiling at the kiss she scooted a little closer and rested her head on his shoulder like she used to when she was little and he'd been there for her families movie nights. She gave his hand a squeeze as well when he reached for hers and smiled gently up at him.

"We can watch your Hitchcock movie. Older thrillers are usually better at actually scaring a person than modern day slasher flicks anyway."

His next question just made her laught, "Tell me something, why do women always look so much better in men's t-shirts than a man does", he asked with a mischieveous grin. "You're the college girl so you have all the answers. I could never figure that one out."

"We don't. Men just think we do because they don't like looking at other men. Well the straight ones don't anyway. I think there's a territorial think involved as well and y'all just think we look better in your clothes because it somehow marks us as yours.

Of course that only applies to guys my own age not old men like you, " she said with a mischievious sparkle in her eyes as she poked him in the side for emphasis on the "old".

 

[Joe Schmoe]

"We don't. Men just think we do because they don't like looking at other men. Well the straight ones don't anyway. I think there's a territorial think involved as well and y'all just think we look better in your clothes because it somehow marks us as yours.

Of course that only applies to guys my own age not old men like you, " she said with a mischievious sparkle in her eyes as she poked him in the side for emphasis on the "old".

Eric clutched at his heart as he acted like he struggled in agony, "Ouch! Right for the jugular. You have a wonderful knack for making an old man feel...old"

He quickly retaliated with a poke in her ribs. He laughed in earnest from her antics. "First you throw things at me and now you sling poisonous words at me with that barbed tongue of your's. just what am I to do with you girlie?"

He leaned in close and spoke under his breath, "what do you know about territorial men? Remember sugar, you are on my turf now and this wolf not only marks his territory but claims everything in it, my little sheep in this wolf's clothing."

He poked her again just as a knock fell upon the door.

"I bet that's dinner", he said as he climbed out from under the covers.

He greeted the teen at the door with a smile left over from Issy, paid extra for the food then shut out the rest of the world with the closing of the door.

Bringing the bag in with him he set it up on the coffee table and began removing one container after another as the aroma filled the room.

"Let's eat while it is still hot. I know you haven't eaten anything since breakfast and I would bet you didn't even eat then. Come on, I got a little of everything."

 

[caela]

"First you throw things at me and now you sling poisonous words at me with that barbed tongue of your's. just what am I to do with you girlie?"

He leaned in close and spoke under his breath, "what do you know about territorial men? Remember sugar, you are on my turf now and this wolf not only marks his territory but claims everything in it, my little sheep in this wolf's clothing."

Isabel laughed softly and prayed he didn't notice the slightly breathless quality in the laugh. Suddenly with him so close her heart was beating faster and she had the sudden image of his teeth closing over her jugular like a wolf laying claim to a mate. The image sent a rush of such fierce warmth through her that it startled her.

She was a little glad when the knock came at the door. It gave her a moment to shake her head and recoup. This wasn't some guy she was attracted to, it was Eric! The Eric she'd known since she was a little girl. She was being silly because she'd just lost her father. By the time he returned with the food he was once more just Eric.

"Let's eat while it is still hot. I know you haven't eaten anything since breakfast and I would bet you didn't even eat then. Come on, I got a little of everything."

Grinning she pushed up and settled next to him on the couch while he opened cartons. The food smelled delicious and her stomach suddenly gave a loud growl in response to it.

"You're right, I didn't eat much of anything for breakfast and I haven't eaten since. Thank you for dinner, " she said and dropped a playful kiss to his cheek before grabbing the nearest carton and digging in.

 

[Joe Schmoe]

He pulled the table close to them and pulled the blanket up onto their lap with the wide array of food before them.

At the first bite he found he was hungrier than he thought.

"You're right, I didn't eat much of anything for breakfast and I haven't eaten since. Thank you for dinner, " she said and dropped a playful kiss to his cheek before grabbing the nearest carton and digging in.

"You keep that up little one and I will begin to be expecting more of those kisses", he said with a wink then scooped up another bite of rice.

"Just as I thought", he said between mouthfuls, pointing the sticks at her. "Well, I am going to make sure you do not neglect yourself no more. You will eat from now on, even if I have to make you eat...by taking you out. Lord knows you don't want to eat my cooking"

A thought occurred to him after he had spoken, "Issy, why don't you just stay here? I could help you pack everything up, and clear the house out and you could stay in the spare bedroom here. I'll move what stuff I have in there and set you up nicely. This way you don't have to...no we don't have to be alone."

A smile hinting at the devious arched his lips, 'this way too I can keep my eye on you and make sure you eat. Last thing I would want is you to become just skin and bones."

He swiped at a dollop of duck sauce with the tip of his finger that sat at the corner of her mouth and sucked it off.

"Think about it sweetie, it can benefit the both of us."

 

[caela]

A thought occurred to him after he had spoken, "Issy, why don't you just stay here? I could help you pack everything up, and clear the house out and you could stay in the spare bedroom here. I'll move what stuff I have in there and set you up nicely. This way you don't have to...no we don't have to be alone."

She had her mouth full and couldn't reply except to blush slightly when he reached out to wipe the duck sauce from the edge of her mouth. She would admit to herself that the idea had appeal, and that she didn't want to be alone now. Still she looked at him curiously and it was on the tip of her tongue to say no.

"Think about it sweetie, it can benefit the both of us."

Swallowing her food she offered him a small smile, "Are you sure you want a 20 year old hanging around here? I'd be sure to cramp your style when you wanted to bring lady friends home."

The thought of him bringing women home made her blush again and she quickly looked back down at her carton and scooped up more rice so she wouldn't have to say anything else. Most of her wanted to stay, it was a good offer but she wanted him to realize what he was getting into with it. If she was around it would most definatly get in the way of his brining other women home, after all what woman wants to come to a man's house and find a 20 year old that's no actual relation to him living there.

"I appreciate the offer Eric and most of me wants to jump on it and say yes but I think maybe you should think about how it will change your life having me around getting underfoot. I won't mind if you change your mind but if don't I'll gladly take you up on it."

 

[Joe Schmoe]

"I appreciate the offer Eric and most of me wants to jump on it and say yes but I think maybe you should think about how it will change your life having me around getting underfoot. I won't mind if you change your mind but if don't I'll gladly take you up on it."

"Not at all hon. We are adults and...".

Adults. The very word rang in his mind. Adults.

He knew Issy was an adult but father-like he had retained the image of her as a little girl. In the few seconds he looked at her, clarity came to his senses. She no longer had the pudgy ruddy cheeks of a child. Her face had thinned and matured beautifully. She was no longer the short rambunctious girl that danced, pranced sang and followed her father like a shadow, asking an endless list of questions. No, she was far from a child and it was as if the transformation was taking place before his very eyes. She had grow taller, filled out and taken the shape of a woman. Her eyes had lost some of the wonder they held to now be added with understanding. Everything before him clearly showed she was indeed a woman. He now looked at her as a woman and he swallowed, because what he saw was a woman that he realized was very attractive. He looked away to break the spell.

"We are adults Issy and you will not be underfoot. We can come to some common ground here and each live our own lives as roommates do."

Roommates, that sounded odd to him. All of his adult life he lived alone and never once had a roommate though there had been women that hinted, sometimes not so subtly, that they would like for the two of them to live together. He had resisted any and all offers till now, when he himself broke his own rule.

"I do not entertain much here so that shouldn't interfere with your studies or make it uncomfortable for either of us."

Looking back at her the woman remained and the child was now long gone. What he said next had more meaning behind it than even he would have dared to believe.

"I want you to stay here with me Issy."

He put away the rice he was eating and shifted closer to her. His arm laid over the back of the sofa as his fingers casually sliced through the ends of the thick softness of her hair.

"Tomorrow we will get you situated. I'll call the office and let them know I'll take the next few days off and we will get your things together."

Eric slid from the couch back onto the floor taking the comforter with him and tugged at Issy's ankle.

"Come on down and join me. You can nibble on what's left as we watch the movie."

Once together, reclined before the TV, his arm draped over her shoulder, settling her to his chest, as his hand dropped over. It inadvertently brushed against a breast and he was immediately aware of it. The soft pliant nipple, that pushed against the cotton fabric of the t-shirt, ran across his hand, sending a rush through him to intensify in his crotch. His hand came to rest in the valley between the young woman's breast as they leaned into one another while they watched the movie under the cozy comfort of the blanket. Eric's thoughts were far from the movie.