Redemption

~3~

The dappled sunlight fell through the trees that Issy strolled beneath, Sally was skipping ahead like a three-year-old, her hair streaming behind her as Issy pushed the pram. Sally was young and vibrant, her whole outlook on life, infectious and glowing. One of many things that drew Julian to her.

Lagging behind, Issy enjoyed letting her daughter be a kid again and, of course, the fresh air the park offered a respite to the city smog that seemed to suffocate her in the streets beyond the park.

Rounding the last corner, they crossed the street to return to Issy's beat up Jeep. Quickly they loaded up. The pram, the baby, themselves, then started the short drive toward the studio to meet up with Julian.

Three times Issy circled the block before finding a suitable parking spot this count made Sally laugh "Mum what is it with you and the number three- Third orchid I gave you lived and actually flowered. Third jeep. Third of the month your birthday, it's your lucky number!"

With a Mona Lisa smile Issy nodded to agree but really she didn't much like the number three. Little did Sally know that the number three was also Issy's unluckiest number - Three miscarriages before Sally came along. Three hours trapped in the auto wreck before the jaws of life cut her out which also 'blessed her' with three years of nursing Sally's father and, not to forget, the three investment houses sold off to pay her husband's secret business debts and taxes. No, not the luckiest of numbers Issy thought solemnly.

Unloading the pram Issy watched Sally deftly manoeuvre the infant, balance a nappy bag and chat about the recording session about to happen. She loved Julian and it showed in her features, Issy was happy for her daughter, she deserved happiness and love.

Issy smiled through the thick soundproof glass at Julian and waved a little as he smiled back, Sally continued to move through the rooms toward the back area, a port-a-cot was set up in the kitchen slash conference room. Sal and her mum set themselves up. Ivy gurgling and thrashing her rattle about, a stash of magazines to peruse and a couch to sit on. All there was to do now, was to wait for Julian.

Wandering around the room Issy gathered up no less than thirteen dirty mugs in various stages of mould reproduction, she began cleaning... Wiping down the sink, washing up, then finally, when the place was a lot tidier, she placed a full kettle on to boil.

"Hey there, my beautiful family" Julian kissed Ivy and cuddled into Sally's side "This is taking a little longer than I envisaged are you guys ok to hang here and drink dishwater coffee with off milk a little longer?"

"Oh dear, what a shame we will have to cancel our number" Issy grinned then pouted in mock sadness "Next time perhaps?!?"

"Oh no you don't mother I'll shout a fabulous dinner and we will still be done by 10, promise!" Julian kissed Sally's cheek and left Issy pouting by the sink.

"Bugger" Issy grimaced as she looked into the dirty sink-water, Sally stood giggling behind her. It was worth a try.

After cuddling Ivy for hours and refilling the studio's session musicians' and sound engineers' mugs, Issy stood taking stock of the time on the clock.

Time seemed to be going awfully slowly for someone that wanted to escape the 10pm deadline Julian offered up she mused to herself with a rueful grin.

"He's here" Sally wandered back from the studio with an upset look on her face "Absolutely pickled drunk. He's lying on the floor in the sound room currently, looks asleep, but might be a coma"

"Sally! Don't say that" Issy was upset for everyone involved- Julian seeing his dad off the rails, Sally for her worrisome concern for the two men, John for losing his way .... and Ivy too. The little one needed a safe environment, not that Issy at all thought John would do anything to harm her.

Mark, the producer, walked quietly into the room from behind. Finger up to his lips for Sally he stood behind Issy, grabbed her shoulders, causing the woman to jump in fright. Issy gasped as he grinned wickedly "Hey you! Your turn. As promised, we're all off out the door. Thanks again for the coffee Iss"

He was a handsome guy a little older than Issy and she found herself enjoying his eye running over her as she dropped a coffee mug into his hand intermittently during the afternoon and evening. "Make sure you drop in on your next visit." He dropped a chaste kiss on her cheek and sauntered off. Casting a last glance and smile over his shoulder he went on his merry way. Issy smiled back then wandered around aimlessly, awaiting her fate, wondering idly what it would be like to be held in strong arms again.

"He seems to like you" Sally nodded towards Marks retreating figure "It's nice but be careful mum, he's got a wandering eye so says Julian"

"Wow was I that transparent"

"No, but it's been a while ... hasn't it? You don't have a mountain man back up in Peck Lake do you?!"

"Oh yes coming out of the woodwork they are! Don't be silly I have me, myself and I. I am awash with good company darling"

"But-"

Julian poked his head around the corner and Issy and Sally zipped lips. The thought of men, Sal's father, all tumbling between herself and her daughter. Jules immediately began tapping a drum roll on the door frame, grinning super happily at Issys impending doom.

"You're up!"

Julian looked between the girls begging to ask about the conversation but Sally did a quick negative shake of her head, the blonde hair of her pig tail flicking her face madly. Wisely Julian went with his original topic "Now, I know you like these songs so I'll let you choose one mum. Come on down!!" Julian turned game show host announced jovily.

Julian handed over the list and stood waiting to walk Iss to the studio. Issy scanned the page then realised something "Umm has anyone forgotten the gentleman lying on the floor in there? Bit of an issue with me singing I would think"

"Why? Oh, I know why! You want to put it off don't you. Well boohoo mother it's now or never" Julian laughed grabbing Issy in a bear hug and lugging her, physically carrying her, through the office and out the door toward the studio, and musical equipment contained within.

"That's mighty rude of you Julian, I don't think I like this side of you" Issy grinned as he put her down in the silent studio "He won't like us mucking round in his studio I would think" Issy nodded her head toward the control room, the currently inebriated drunk Lennon lying on the floor out of sight.

"It's not his studio Issy. He may act like it is but it's whoever hires it and tonight, this baby is all mine" Julian lit up, smiling wide, delighted he had Issy in the studio finally. He had promised Paul to record her even if it was only for her to hear. She had a fine voice, and the recording would be just for the confidence boost it would likely give.

Issy was smart and funny and creative, she'd now written and published two books and another was in the works but after a few years of bad luck and nursing her husband she had herself hunkered down out in the booneys, hidden, shaded from a full life. Much like his dad she was not whole and healthy mentally. Maybe them meeting could be good, or, he mused, they could just kill each other or maim even, and be sent up the proverbial river for a life behind bars.

Julian bumped Issy's shoulder gently "And..... we are not mucking about. This is serious stuff!! like Saltwater or Let It Be -deep and life changing!" Julian sat down at the piano and tapped the seat for her to join him "I'll be right here too. You can sit, or stand, anything goes. Now which song?"

Issy wasn't escaping....

A/N: Thank'you for reading xx