The Rest of the Story

The Draft

The next day Gus and Felicity left for their honeymoon and the town of Avonlea went back to their normal pace. The Dales were packing for England and the Pettibones were getting ready to move, well at least most of them. Muriel had noticed Izzy had been distracted the whole morning and she was getting worried. She went up to her room and knocked, "Izzy dear, can we talk?" No answer, so Muriel poked her head in. Izzy was sitting on her bed and Muriel noticed she saw tear streaks on her face. She stepped in and closed the door behind her, "Izzy is everything okay?" Izzy nodded, "Yeah." Muriel sat next to her, "I know that's not true, now come on tell me what's wrong." Izzy hesitated and then spilled the whole story to Muriel. Muriel listened silently until Izzy finished. After Muriel pulled her into a hug, "Izzy we all go through trials through our life and I think this may be one for you. But I know you'll push through it with God's help and I'll always be here to lend an ear." Izzy smiled gratefully, "Thank you." Muriel stood up, "Now why don't we go downstairs and get some tea brewing?" Izzy's smile grew, "Sounds good."

Later that day Felix ran an errand for his mother to get some ingredients. Izzy was working behind the counter when he got there, but she didn't even say hi. He picked out a sack of flour and went to the front counter to pay. "Is that all for you Mr. King?", Izzy asked politely. Felix nodded, "Yeah, mom is making bread and she ran out. Also she wanted to invite you and your family for dinner. I think she needs some company to take care of to get used to Gus and Felicity being gone." Izzy handed him some change, "I'll let Muriel know." "Let me know what?", asked Muriel coming in with Clive. "My mom invited you guys to dinner if you're available", repeated Felix. "Tell your mother we'll be there", said Muriel. Clive piped in, "Izzy why don't you go with Felix? I know he's leaving soon and I can watch the shop." "I don't know father...", began Izzy. "Nonsense, you deserve it", insisted Clive unknowingly of Izzy's feelings. Felix cleared his throat", Iz you don't have to..." "No it's fine", Izzy went to get her hat from the back. She came back seconds later, "All set, plus I need to talk to Cecily about something." Felix shifted uncomfortably, "Uh, Cess isn't home, she'll be back later tonight. She went with my dad to Carmody to pick up some farm supplies." Izzy smiled tightly, "Guess is just you and me then." "See you later", said Clive. Muriel gave Izzy a sympathetic smile before they headed out.

They were silent the whole way home until Izzy spoke up, "We need to talk things through. Drop off the flour and we can talk in the hayloft." "Okay." They arrived at the King home and Felix dropped the flour off to his mother. Then he headed to the barn, but not without swiping 2 molasses cookies that were fresh off the oven. He climbed up the ladder and sat across from Izzy who was petting the farm cat. Felix spoke first, "Iz, I know I hurt you and I'm really sorry. I should've told you sooner and I regret that. But I have to go, my country needs me." Izzy was quiet and then spoke, "You did hurt me Felix, but I thought things through and I realize you have to go. I'm sorry I got so mad, forgive me?" "Of course I forgive you. Are we okay now?" Izzy smiled, "Yeah, just promise me 2 things, don't get killed and come home soon?" Felix grinned, "I'll do my best and I brought something", he pulled out two molasses cookies. Izzy smiled and took one, "Thanks." They sat in peace munching on the cookies and talking of other things.

3 weeks later.

Felix was at the general store getting some things before he had to leave in a week. Suddenly Albert came running in, "Felix! It's happened!" "What do you mean?", asked Felix confused. Albert waved a paper in the air announcing, "Germany has declared war, WWI has begun. Every man between 18-30 are drafted to go. We all are to be shipped out next week. Lucky for us, we were going to leave in a week anyways." Felix quickly got the rest of his stuff and raced home. He called a family meeting and told of them of the news. "How terrible!", said Janet upset. Hetty patted Felix's shoulder, "You'll do your country proud my boy." Alec nodded, "I agree, but stay safe while you're out there." Felix gave a small smile, "I will." Cecily pulled Felix aside and whispered, "Better go tell you know who." Felix sighed, "Oh dear."

Felix arrived at the Pettibone house and knocked. A few minutes later Izzy opened the door and hugged him tightly, "Felix I heard." Felix felt her shaking and he held her close, "There's been talk, but I never imagined it would come true." Izzy pulled away and looked up at him, "Promise me to stay safe?" "I'll try Iz." She leaned her head again against his shoulder, "I'm going to miss you." Felix put an arm around her, "I'm going to miss you too."

That week Felix and Izzy spent most of their time together. The last night before Felix had to leave they were in the Pettibone living room talking. Felix was in the middle of saying something when he looked down to see Izzy asleep, her head against his shoulder. He smiled and put a blanket over her, "Night Iz." He got up and set her in a comfortable position. He then went into the kitchen to tell Muriel he was leaving. Clive was there though and smiled seeing Felix coming in, "Sit my boy." Felix shook his head, "Sorry sir, but I should get home. I just wanted to let you know that I'm leaving and that Izzy is asleep on the couch, she fell asleep while we were talking." Clive put a hand on Felix's shoulder, "Felix I know that you like my daughter and I just want you to know that I want the best for both of you." "Thank you sir." Clive patted his shoulder, "Stay safe son, I know how ugly war is." Felix nodded, "Thank you and goodnight." Clive let go, "Good luck." Felix went home that night excited to see what the future would bring.