Isobel

ISOBEL Chapter 13

Life had settled for the new Granger family. Callen had sold his home, for them to buy a much larger one to fit all six of them in. Isobel and Simon's family home in Melbourne had also been sold so they could buy without taking out a mortgage. However, Hetty, being Hetty, wanted to give them something to make up for all the heartache she had caused her daughter, new son-in-law and grandchildren. She gave them a house. She had so many around the world as it was, it made no difference to her if she gave them one of them. It backed onto the beach, which had her grandchildren screaming with excitement when they first saw it.

"We can go surfing every morning!" Jack had exclaimed. He had come out of his shell so much since being united with his father—Isobel found it dumbfounding as to what had happened to her Jack. All four of her children had blossomed. Their skin glowed from the Californian sun, although she constantly insisted they rubbed in the sunscreen and wore a rash vest and board shorts when they were out surfing, and a beach hat while on the beach.

Callen was a natural. He dived into fatherhood with all four children, surfing with them whenever he could. Isobel took the opportunity to learn to cook. Simon had been the one who prepared and cooked the meals back in Melbourne, while she went out to save lives. She took some classes and even she had to admit how much better she felt. She felt so much more alive and healthy again. Sam and Michelle popped in regularly with Kamran, adding to the madness of their household. But no one minded. They loved the noise and busyness a family brought to their lives. The kids had settled in well at school, taking extracurricular activities such as sport and drama, which helped them expand their blossoming friendships away from the school environment. Karate and other martial arts were taught by Hetty every Monday at five in the afternoon. Callen watched Hetty with such fondness as she passed on her knowledge and skills to her grandchildren.

Alexander found a job at a medical centre not too far away, enabling him to have as much time around his family as possible. He accepted a part-time position, as he felt the need to work too hard had left him, now his life was filled with family that he loved and cared for dearly.

It was Saturday and team were over visiting, Owen included. Isobel smiled at the comfortable relationship the two men now had. It was strange how something so horrible had brought them close. Deeks and Kensi played volleyball out back with Sam, Michelle, and the kids. Rose and Marcus also moved to Los Angeles permanently, and they bought a house not too far away. The doorbell rang and Callen opened to find Eric and Nell together holding hands.

Callen smiled at the pair. "Well look at you two. Come on through." He held the door for them and followed the new couple through to the rear of the house.

Eric and Nell said their hellos and accepted everyone's well wishes for them. Sam chuckled and raised his brows at his partner. How far their team had come since it started as just the two of them working with Hetty. They were a mismatched group of lonely people, with him being the only one with a family.

Isobel was busy working in the kitchen, preparing food she had practised in many of her classes. Callen was going to start the barbecue up for steaks soon. Suddenly she felt dizzy. She gripped the benchtop and waited for it to pass over. Callen found her in this position, and instantly he knew something was wrong. He called out to Alex, who came running in, followed by Hetty, Rose and Marcus.

Sweat appeared on Issy's skin, which had paled considerably. "Issy. I need to get you to lie down." She heard her father's voice, although it was faint.

She nodded and allowed Callen to carry her into the living room, onto a couch. Alex fussed over her. 

"She has a fever." Before he could assess her anymore, Isobel curled up tight into a ball, in pain.