“Here By Me”
Chapter 17


Isabella walks over to Sebastian who was not paying any attention to what she was doing when he finally turns looking her way she walked right up to him. Sebastian’s eyes widen as Isabella stopped in front of him she smiles at him as she says, “I would like that dance you wanted earlier. If you still want to dance with me that is.”

Sebastian smiles as he says, “I would like that very much Izzy.”

Isabella reaches out taking his hand as they walk out to the dance floor. Sebastian turns Isabella around on the dance floor as he pulls her close to him holing her tight Isabella lays her head on his shoulder as Sebastian tilts his head placing his cheek against her head Sebastian could feel her heartbeat. It was so slow and steady and the warmth of her body was so comforting to him as they danced.

Isabella moves away from Sebastian as she looks into Sebastian’s eyes he was about to say something as Isabella shakes her head to stop him she smiles just looking into his eyes. Isabella’s smile was warm and sweet just as Sebastian remembered as a young boy. Isabella touches Sebastian’s long red hair that he had pulled back into a ponytail as she removes the tie he had around it letting it fall to his shoulders. She smiles at him watching his hair shine under the different color lights that danced around them.

She runs her fingers through it as she asks him, “I thought you said you would never let your hair get this long?”

“Do you not like it Izzy?” Sebastian asks her.

Isabella smiles as she says, “I like it very much Bastian it looks good on you.”

Sebastian smiles as he says, “I am glad you like it Izzy, I was afraid you would not care for it once you saw it.”

Isabella chuckles as she tells him, “You worry about what I will think too much Bastian. You need to start worrying about things more important.”

“There is nothing in my life that is more important then you.” Sebastian tells her.

Isabella chuckles as she lays her head back on Sebastian’s chest she could hear his heart beating as she says, "I have never felt so complete in my life until tonight.”

Isabella felt Sebastian kiss the top of her head as he softly whispered to her, “I love you Isabella not even death could stop my love for you.”

They finished the dance and then left the dance floor. Sebastian walks Isabella back over to Zack as Sebastian kisses her cheek saying, “Thank you for the dance Izzy.”

“No… Thank you Bastian.” Isabella tells him she smiles at him as he walks away back over to Lisa.

The lights in the hall start to come on as one of the teachers announces, “We all hope that everyone had a good time tonight and it was a great game today, you boys did great out there on the field, be careful going home tonight and we will see you all Monday.”

Zack helps Isabella put on her jacket as Isabella hugs her friends good night. Zack slides his arms around her and leads her from the hall out to the car.


The next morning Isabella is being awoke by her mother as she opens her eyes to the bright sunshine coming in through her French doors as her mother pulls back the curtains on them. Isabella covers her face with her arm as she says, “AWW GEES mom come on what time is it.”

“It is 10 o’clock you need to get up if you plan on going with your father and I to pick out your new car.”

Isabella shot up in bed as she exclaims, “MY NEW CAR?!”

Her mother starts laughing as she is picking up Isabella’s things from last night she says, “That’s what I said and your father wants to get on the road so you need to get up or get left behind and then we will pick it out for you.”

Isabella jumps from her bed and runs into the bathroom as her words are trailing behind her as she says, “I will be ready in no time mom.”

Joan starts laughing as she goes to the jewel box she starts putting the necklace and everything away as she opens the ring box. She sees the promise ring in there in place of the ring that belongs in the box as her mother calls out to her, “Isabella do you have your grandmother’s ring on still?”

Isabella looks down at her hand as she says, “Yes I do mother I must have forgotten to take it off last night… Here.” Isabella hands the ring out to her mother, which was now standing in the bathroom.

Isabella feels her mother take the one ring and place something in her hand as Isabella pulls her hand back into the shower with her she looks at the ring Zack gave her she says, “Mother do you think I am a fool for doing this.” Still standing in the shower looking at the ring Zack gave her.

“Sebastian loves you very much Izzy.” Joan tells her.

“But Zack loves me as well.” Isabella replies.

“Izzy I know you do not want to hurt either boy, but before you go doing anything as rash as what you want to do, may be you should rethink everything and look at what you truly want in your life.” Joan tells her.

“I know mother and I am still working on that.” Isabella says, “Here…” Isabella hands the promise ring back out to her mother, “Please place this in my jewelry box for me.”

Joan sighs as she takes the ring from her leaving the bathroom she says, “Hurry up Izzy your father is waiting for us.”


After a day of car shopping, Isabella’s parents are sitting at the house waiting for Isabella to show up in her new car. Joan starts to chuckle as she says, “I hope Isabella goes with the Blue one I did not really care for the one in Black.”

“The Blue one matched her eyes that is the only reason why you liked it.” Jon replied chuckling.

“I think if they can find one with Black seats or blue seats Isabella will go with the Blue, but she did not like the Tan seats.” Jon replies.

“I do not blame her it was ugly.” Joan says wrinkling up her nose. Jon chuckles at her as Isabella came running back to them out on the patio.

Isabella grabs her fathers arm as she says, “Come look at my new baby she is so pretty and I have to say the salesmen did great on finding what I wanted and he saved you some money Daddy.”

Jon and Joan get to their feet as they follow Isabella out front to see her new car.

When Isabella opens the door, they see Halyn standing next to the car checking it out as she says, “This is quite a car… Did you get a new car Mrs. Alder?”

“No this is Izzy’s birthday present Halyn what do you think?” Joan asks her.

“Wow Izzy you got lucky didn’t you a BMW Z3 Roadster.” Halyn says.

Isabella walks over next to her as she says, “Want to go for a ride in her?”

“You bet I do!!” Halyn exclaims, “Let’s go get some ice cream like we use to back in the days. Now we can do it on our own without mom’s and dad’s tagging along.”

Isabella chuckles, as her dad was looking at the car he says, “You did a good job picking her out Izzy. The Blue and Black interior looks very sharp on her, but I thought you wanted the hard top not the rag top.”

“I changed my mind when I saw her in the rag top. She is so much sharper with the ragtop… Look.” Isabella says as she climbs into the car starting it and putting the top up on the car. The top lifted up and then settled down on top of the car as Isabella locks it in she then gets out standing there leaning on the top of the car as she says, "See she is hot looking.”

Halyn laughs as she says, “I never thought I would see the day you would say a she was hot looking.”

Isabella chuckles as she says, “Only when it comes to my car.”

“So why is it a she and not a he?” Joan asks Isabella.

“Because a guy could never pull off looking this good.” Isabella says laughing as her father, mother, and Halyn laugh as well.

“Well I guess you girls can go get your ice cream, be careful and we will see you after a while.” Jon says.

“Ok daddy do you guys want anything?” Isabella asks them.

“No… but thank you anyway sweetie.” Joan says.

The two girls climb into the car a drive off to go get ice cream.


On there way in to town Halyn’s phone rings as she answers it, “Yeah what’s up?”

“Cool…”

“Well I am with Izzy right now so you can either meet us in town and we can go from there or it is a no go… Unless Izzy wants to go?!” Halyn says in a questioning tone looking Isabella’s ways.

Isabella looks over at Halyn as she asks, “Go where?”

“To the beach for the last summer party of the year before winter sets in.” Halyn says.

“Umm… Halyn I am sorry to bust your bubble but that was sometime ago if you are going by seasons.” Isabella says.

“Well we are not going to be swimming just hanging out on the beach with all our friends… and Bastian will be there.” Halyn replies in a playful way on the last part.

“Well I have to let mom and dad know, but sure I would love to go.” Isabella tells her.

“Great Izzy is going to bring me.” “HUH?” Halyn says.

“Izzy has her own car now and WOW what a car it is wait till you see it, it is awesome.” Halyn replies.

“Ok see you at 6, Later…” Halyn hangs up the phone as she says to Isabella, “You remember where to go right?”

Isabella looks over at Halyn as she says, “To get ice cream… you bet I do it is the best place around.”

Isabella pushes down on the accelerator as they take off down the street to the Ice Cream Parlor. Halyn starts to giggle as the wind blows through her hair.


Once at the Ice Cream Parlor the girls are sitting outside eating their ice cream talking and giggling about their past and all the silly things they use to do as kids.

When Zack walks up to them he bends down next to the table as he says, “I thought that was you.”

Isabella looks at him as she exclaims, “Zack… Where did you come from?”

“Well last time I checked my mother and father.” Zack says.

“HA, HA…” Halyn says as Isabella chuckles at him shaking her head, she says, “Well I knew that much, I was referring to… shouldn’t you be at work.”

Zack takes a seat with them saying, “There was nothing to do so he let me out early.”

“That’s cool…” Isabella replies.

“So what are you girls out doing today?” Zack asks them.

“I got my birthday present today from my parents.” Isabella tells him.

Zack nods as he says, “Cool and what did you get?”

“That…” Halyn says pointing over to the BMW sitting next to them on the street.

Zack’s eyes widen as his mouth drops open as he stands walking over to the car Isabella and Halyn follow him as Halyn says in a mean way, “You will never top this birthday present Zack no matter how hard you try.”

Isabella did not hear what Halyn said as she walks around the car to the driver’s side opening the door as she says, “Want to go for a ride Zack?”

“Hey what about me?” Halyn asks.

“You can wait here for us we will be right back.” Isabella says, “Anyway you still have ice cream to finish.” Isabella motions toward Halyn’s melting ice cream on the table.

As Zack says in a hateful tone, “No… That’s fine I would not want to mess up your leather seats with my dirty clothes.”

Isabella looks at Zack confused as she says, “So what if you’re a little dirty Zack and you are not going to mess up my seats. Come on it will be fun.”

Isabella motions with her head for him to get in and for them to go as Zack says, “Just forget it Isabella I am not getting in that car.”

“But Zack why not I want to take you for a ride?” Isabella says.

“Because if I mess something up I will feel bad and I do not have that kind of money.” Zack replies.

“What does that have to do with anything?” Isabella asks in a shocked tone.

“Some of us have to work for a living. We do not just have things like this handed to us just because.” Zack says hatefully.

Isabella’s eyes widen as Halyn chuckles saying, “I think someone is jealous of your new birthday present Izzy.”

Zack shot a look at Halyn as he says, “You spoiled little rich kids get handed everything you ever want… your every little whim is answered by mommy and daddy and do you not even care. You go out and tear it up because you know mommy and daddy will buy you a new one if you whine long enough to them.”

Isabella chimes in with a scowl tone as she says, “Zack you know I am not that way. Why are you saying such a thing?”

Zack looks back over at Isabella as he says, “Give it time, and you will be hanging with your old friends again.”

“ZACK?!” Isabella exclaims.

Zack shakes his head as he turns walking away, he says, “You will never understand Isabella so just forget it.”

Zack walks off crossing the street going back to his work. Isabella hears a bike start as she saw Zack come speeding out of the shop on his bike taking off down the road past them.

Isabella closes the door on her car as she shakes her head she hears Halyn say, “Forget him Izzy he will never fit in to your life style… you see that now. He will always be jealous of your money.”

Isabella narrows her eyes at Halyn as she says, “It is my mom and dad’s money and he is right. I should not have gotten a car that cost so much for my parents there are just as nice of cars out there that do not cost as much.”

“Izzy what is up with you it was your birthday present and your mom and dad wanted you to get the car you wanted and you did. That made them happy that you are happy.” Halyn replied.

“Stop trying to sugar coat it Halyn. I used my mom and dad to get what I wanted; because I knew, they could afford it. There is no other way to say it, you can make excuses all you want for why you do what you do, but I am not that way.” Isabella says.

Halyn lets out a huff as she says, “Isabella your rich and guys like Zack are never going to see you any other way BUT RICH. You’re the one that is making excuses and anyways your parents did not just hand this car to you it was a birthday present.”

Isabella shakes her head as she walks back around the car going back to the table she sits down crossing her arms over her chest as she looks at Halyn which is making a silly face at her Isabella starts to giggle as Halyn asks, “You in a better mood now?”

Isabella chuckles as she replies, “Yeah I guess so.”

“Good we got some time to kill lets go back to your house and tell your parents what’s up for tonight.” Halyn says shoveling the last bit of ice cream in her mouth.

Isabella laughs at Halyn as ice cream runs down the side of her mouth she says, “You’re going to freeze your brain doing that.”

Halyn starts to make a funny face as she grabs her head making a funny noise. Isabella chuckles as she says, “I told you sooo.”

Halyn finally over came the brain freeze as she says, “Wow that sucked…”

“I bet it did…” Isabella replies, “So you ready now.”

Halyn gets to her feet as she says, “Yep let’s go.”

Halyn and Isabella walk to the car getting in and driving back to Isabella’s house.


Later that night just as the sun was setting Isabella and Halyn pull up at the beach, Isabella looks down at everyone as they are running around playing volleyball and messing around. There was a big bon fire going and coolers and tables of food as well Isabella saw a lot of kids she knew and grew up with.

Halyn looks over at Isabella as she says, “Ready…”

Isabella smiles as she says, “Let’s go party.”

The both get out of the car as John runs up to them saying, “WOW Izzy what a birthday present.”

Isabella looks back at the car as she says, “I take it you like it?”

“Like it is not the word for it, man I am in love with it.” John says staring at her car.

Isabella chuckles as she steps away from the car she hears, “Let me take it for a spin one day?”

Isabella laughs a full laugh as she turns looking at Tristan she says, “In your dreams TJ, what do you take me for some kind of fool? No one but me or my parents will drive this car.”

“Aww come on Isabella.” Tristan says walking over to her and draping his arm over her shoulders. “I would treat her like she was my very own.”

Isabella takes his arm from around her as she says, “That’s what worries me TJ.”

John and Halyn start laughing as John says, “Man she has not seen you in 4 years and she knows you like a book Trist.”

The four of them start walking down to the party as Tristan gets up next to Isabella as he says, “You know Lisa is here and Bastian is no where to be found?”

“Yeah so what I am here and Bastian is not with me nor has he been with me all day.” Isabella replies.

“That’s not what the talk is about.” Tristan says.

Isabella looks at Tristan as she says, “What is that suppose to mean TJ?”

“Well the talk is Bastian has been with you all day. I mean after the dance and everything that happened last night. Lisa is pretty mad at you two.” Tristan tells her.

“Well he has not been with me and I have not seen nor talked to him all day today. So their stories are all lies and what gives everyone the right to talk about us any way?” Isabella replies annoyed.

Tristan chuckles as he takes Isabella’s blanket and spreads it out on the beach he replies, “You and Bastian have been the talk of this school since everyone found out you was coming home.”

Isabella looks at Tristan shocked as she sits down on the blanket with Halyn, John, and Tristan she says, “I swear people need to get a life and keep their nose in their own business.”

Tristan nods in agreement with her as they hear, “So when is Sebastian going to be joining you?” Isabella turns as she sees Lisa standing behind them.

Isabella stands as she says, “I do not know when Bastian will be joining you because I have not talked to him since last night.”

Lisa rolls her eyes at Isabella as she says, “Liar… I know Sebastian has been with you, because when he is with you he never answers his phone and he made the comment to me last night he was going to be busy with a close friend.”

Isabella steps forward toward Lisa as she gets an angered look on her face as she exclaims, “What did you call me?! Tell me you did not just call me a liar?”

“Sebastian runs after you like a lost puppy dog and all you do is lie to him about how you feel just to keep him next to you.” Lisa exclaims.

Isabella clinches her fist as Lisa finishes saying, “You’re a liar you lie about everything.”

Isabella lifts her fist as she swings on Lisa just before Isabella’s fist hits Lisa Sebastian grabs her arm. Lisa was in shock that Sebastian stopped Isabella’s swing on her, as Isabella was shocked she was stopped in mid swing. She turns looking at who stopped her as Isabella sees Sebastian standing there next to them.

“Fighting is not going to cure anything Izzy and you know that.” Sebastian tells her.

Isabella jerks away from Sebastian as she says in a hatefully tone, “I told once before keep your pet on a leach or next time there will be no stopping me I will put her in her place.”

Lisa gets a disgusted look on her face that Isabella called her a pet as she slaps Isabella across the face. Isabella’s head was turned from the slap as she slowly turns back Lisa sees blood running down from Isabella’s lip where she busted it from the slap.

Isabella takes a deep breath and exhales as Sebastian gets between Isabella and Lisa he puts his hands on Isabella’s shoulder as he says, “Isabella stop… Lisa was not thinking when she slapped you. Now you know hitting her back is not going to solve anything.”

Isabella looks Sebastian in the eyes as she hears Lisa say, “Yes I did, no one is going to call me a pet and get away with it.”

Isabella shoves Sebastian aside has Isabella draws back her fist and plants it right in Lisa nose. Before Lisa falls to the ground Isabella comes around with a left and hits Lisa in the mouth knocking Lisa straight back planting her into the sand flat on her back blood ran from under Lisa’s hands as she held her nose and mouth crying.

Isabella looks down on Lisa as Isabella smiles at her Isabella then looks at Sebastian as she says in a up beat tone, “It may not solve anything, but by damn it sure makes me feel better.”

Isabella looks back at Lisa still on the ground as she kicks sand at her Isabella says, “Get her out of my sight before I hit her again for calling me a liar more then once.”

Sebastian reaches for Isabella as she pulls away from him she says, “Get her out of here Bastian.” Sebastian watches Isabella walks away from him toward the water.


Here By Me Chapter 18