Charlie’s POV

Izzy’s face looked uneasy as he hugged her sister. Emily didn’t looked too excited to see Izzy, but didn’t look upset about it either. Her face had a blank expression and turned ghost white upon seeing her. Maybe the nerves are just kicking in. Either way something didn’t feel right and I needed to keep a close watch on her.

We all sat down for Lunch. Everything Claire had made smelt great. Claire made a pot roast with mashed potatoes on the side. I scarffed my food down without a thought. Jaden and I were the first to finish, but then of course we were two big guys who could eat a truck load. I glanced over at Izzy and she was taking small bites here and there, but not really eating. I placed my hand on her knee and gave it a squeeze. She looked up at me and smiled. Something was definitely wrong.

“So, when do you two plan on having the wedding?” Claire asked with a smile.

Izzy’s head popped up from her food, and she slowly turned to look at me. I don’t think she heard the question.

“Um, we decided on July 17th.” I coughed out. “Hope you all can make it.” I said finally clearing my throat.

“Well of course we’ll be there.” Said her father. “I wouldn’t miss my eldest child’s wedding.” He smiled over at Izzy and she relaxed a bit.

“Peter has been talking nonstop about the wedding.” Claire added. Her smile was soft and warm.

“So how did you two meet anyways?” Asked Emily abruptly. Izzy tensed up again.

“W-we met at a dragon institute last summer.” Izzy managed to get out.

“That’s interesting.” Emily said nonchalantly. “I didn’t know you liked dragons. Dad talks about you all the time. I’m surprised he never mentioned that.” Her tone was rough. “He never talks about Jay or me the way he talks about you.” Emily was now staring at Izzy like she was a lesser person. “How many times have you even seen him? Oh yeah just one other time!”

“That’s enough Em.” Said Peter in a harsh tone.

“Oh now you’re embarrassed to be talking about your illegitimate child! You mention her every chance you get Dad, why don‘t you talk more about her now?” Emily practically screamed. “I’m done.” She got up from the table and walked away. We sat there in shock for a while before anyone spoke.

“I’m so sorry about that.” Peter said looking at the table. “She’s normally not like that.”

“It’s fine.” Izzy squeaked out. This was her fear, and her fear had become a reality.

Jaden got up from the table and walked in the same direction as Emily had. He looked pissed, and I was pretty sure all hell was about to break loose.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” Yelled Jaden. “She’s our sister you jealous bitch!”

“Jealous? HA! That’s a laugh! You feel the exact same way about her as I do. I’m just not afraid to say it.” Emily’s voice was shrilled.

“You’re wrong. I don’t feel the way you do. I want to give her a chance and get to know her. Maybe then I can have a normal sister who I can go to.” A door was slammed shut and footsteps climbed angrily upstairs before another door was slammed shut.

Izzy’s hand were shaking and I could see her eyes were glazing over with tears. I knew I had to get her out of there before things got worse.

“Sweetheart, maybe we should go now.” I whispered in Izzy’s ear. She nodded her head without look up. We both got up from the table and made our way to the door. Peter and Claire followed us with somber looks on their faces.

“We didn’t know she wasn’t going to take to you Izzy.” Said Claire hugging Izzy.

We all hugged and said out goodbyes. I apparated as fast I could back home. I didn’t want her folks to see her upset. As soon as out feet touched the ground she fell onto her knees and began to cry. I dropped down next to her holding her close to me. I didn’t know what to say.

“Baby…” I kissed the top of her head. “It’s alright.” I scooped her up and carried her to the bed.

She sobbed into a pillow without a break. I took her shoes and socks off. Her feet were cold and she was still shaking. I decided to give her some time alone and walked into the kitchen. I put on the kettle hoping that some tea would make her feel better.

How could this have happened? I mean we both knew that it was possible, but everything was going so well then that happened. I could only imagine what she was going through. To have family reject you must feel horrible. I could feel the anger boil up inside me and my hands turned into fists. Izzy was the best thing that ever happened to me, and seeing her so upset really grinded my gears!

The whistle sounded and I took the kettle off the stove. I poured the water in two cups and carried them back into the room. Izzy was laying face down on the bed quietly crying to herself. I placed the cups on the side table and sat next to her on the bed. I rubbed her back without a word. Izzy mumbled something, but I couldn’t make out what she said.

“I didn’t catch that baby?” I said to her. She turned her face towards me as a tear escaped her eye.

“Emily…” She quietly said.

“I know baby, I know.” I rubbed her back again trying to comfort her. “What happened with her was horrible. I wish I could make all this better.”

I knew I sounded like an insensitve dad, but I really didn’t know what else to tell her. I never had family issues like this. My family usually got along; even my weird Great Aunt Tessie got well along with everyone.

“Baby it’s not that.” Izzy sobbed out. Her eyes grew wide as if she had just remembered something horrible. The color drained from her face, and I was afraid she might throw up.

“What is it?” I perk up, nervous that she would say something bad. She took a deep breath trying to calm herself down.

“Emily… She was the girl from my dreams.”

With those words the house got quiet. It seemed everything stood still. Emily was the reason Izzy was a wreck for months. Emily was the reason Izzy was afraid.