Echos of the past

Chapter 34

Isla and Teddy strolled hand in hand down the bustling main street of their small town, enjoying the warmth of the late afternoon sun. The streets were alive with people, and the aroma of freshly baked goods wafted from the nearby bakery. Isla couldn't help but smile as she soaked in the sights and sounds, feeling a sense of contentment she hadn't known in a long time.

As they turned a corner, Isla's heart skipped a beat when she spotted two familiar figures approaching from the opposite direction. It was Georgia, her step-sister, accompanied by Minnie. Isla's smile faltered slightly, her grip on Teddy's hand tightening involuntarily.

Georgia and Minnie noticed them too, their expressions immediately turning sour. With an exaggerated flick of her perfectly styled hair, Georgia sauntered up to Isla with a smirk on her face.

"Well, well, well," Georgia drawled, her voice dripping with condescension. "Look who it is. Isla, the w***e who thinks she's something special now."

Minnie giggled beside her, nudging Georgia playfully. "Yeah, I heard you've been spending a lot of time with Teddy here. Must be nice to finally have someone to pay attention to you. I've heard he really gets around. How does it feel to be his flavor of the week."

Isla felt a surge of anger rise within her, but she clenched her jaw and tried to remain composed. Teddy stood by her side, his expression calm yet watchful.

"Georgia, Minnie," Isla said evenly, meeting their gazes with defiance. "What do you want?"

Georgia rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, nothing much," she replied mockingly. "Just passing through and thought we'd see how the little farm girl was doing. Still selling eggs and playing house, I see."

Minnie snickered again, clearly enjoying the discomfort they were causing. Isla felt Teddy tense beside her, his hand squeezing hers reassuringly.

"Enough," Teddy interjected firmly, stepping forward to stand between Isla and the two girls. His voice was calm but carried an undeniable edge. "Isla doesn't need to hear your nonsense. Why don't you two find something productive to do instead of bothering people?"

Georgia's eyes narrowed, not used to being challenged. "And who are you to tell us what to do, Teddy?" she retorted, her tone haughty.

"I'm someone who won't stand by while you bully someone," Teddy replied, his voice firm. "Isla doesn't deserve this."

Minnie glanced nervously at Georgia, sensing the tension in the air. "Come on, Georgia," she muttered, tugging at her friend's arm. "Let's go."

Georgia hesitated, shooting a last venomous look at Isla before turning on her heel with a toss of her hair. "Fine," she snapped. "We're leaving. But don't think this is over, Isla. You can't hide behind your little boyfriend forever."

As they walked away, their voices faded into the background. Isla let out a shaky breath, her shoulders slumping with relief. She turned to Teddy, gratitude and admiration shining in her eyes.

"Thank you, Teddy," she murmured, her voice filled with emotion. "I don't know what I would've done without you."

Teddy smiled warmly, pulling her into a comforting embrace. "You don't have to deal with them alone anymore," he reassured her softly. "I'm here for you, Isla."

They stood there for a moment, wrapped in each other's arms. Teddy then suggested going home where Georgia and Minnie would never find them. Isla's breath came in short, frantic gasps as she leaned against the worn wooden wall of the shack, her hands trembling uncontrollably. Tears streamed down her cheeks, mixing with the dust and grime from the day. The encounter with Georgia and Minnie had triggered memories that Isla had buried deep within herself, memories of pain and cruelty inflicted by her stepmother.

Teddy knelt beside her, his expression filled with concern and a growing horror as Isla's words poured out in disjointed fragments between sobs.

"I... I didn't... want to tell you," Isla managed to choke out, her voice raw with emotion. "My stepmom... she was... she was so cruel. Always... always finding fault... with everything I did..."

Teddy's heart clenched as he listened, his hands reaching out to gently hold Isla's trembling ones. "Isla," he murmured softly, "you don't have to tell me everything right now. Just breathe with me, okay? In... and out..."

Isla nodded weakly, trying to focus on Teddy's steady voice and the rhythm of his breathing. She closed her eyes, willing herself to calm down, to push away the memories that threatened to overwhelm her. She felt he needed to know just how bad she could be. Isla inhaled deeply before attempting to speak.

"She used to... to lock me... in the shed," Isla whispered shakily, her voice barely audible. "For hours... sometimes days... said I was... was worthless..."

Teddy's heart broke for Isla, his mind reeling with disbelief and anger at the cruelty she had endured. "Isla," he said firmly, his voice gentle yet determined, "you are not worthless. You are strong, and you are brave. And I'm here for you. Always."

Isla opened her eyes, meeting Teddy's gaze with a mixture of gratitude and vulnerability. "I... I left," she continued haltingly, her voice steadier now. "I couldn't... couldn't take it anymore. Henry... he took me in..."

Teddy squeezed her hands gently, his eyes filled with unwavering support. "I'm glad you got away from her," he said softly. "You're safe now, Isla. You're with Henry and... and with me."

Isla nodded slowly, the tension in her body beginning to ease as Teddy's words sank in. She leaned into him, seeking comfort in his embrace, feeling the warmth of his presence and the strength of his arms around her.

"You don't have to face them alone anymore," Teddy murmured, brushing a stray tear from Isla's cheek. "I'll always protect you, Isla. I promise. Georgia and Minnie are just two bullies who have nothing worth living for."

They sat together in the quiet of the shack, the evening sunlight filtering through the cracks in the walls. Outside, the world continued its steady pace, but inside, Isla felt a sense of peace she hadn't known in a long time. With Teddy by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that she was no longer alone in her struggles.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the field Isla found solace in Teddy's presence. They would take each day as it came, supporting each other through the highs and lows, and building a future together that was filled with love, trust, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.