I am Isabel

I am Isabel

By Gabrielle Monego

Fiction >> Young Adult >>Urban

Published on Smashwords: Aug. 18, 2017

Language: Australian English

ISBN: 9781370333820

Table of Contents

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Epilogue

Other books by Gabrielle Monego

About Gabrielle Monego

Connect with the Author

This book was written for my very own Angel, Samantha, her beautiful friend Isabella and every other young woman out there.

To remind you that being a girl doesn’t mean you have to be a damsel.

Chapter 1

I went fairly fast on my pushbike. Motor bikes were not allowed because there had been noise complaints from the school’s surrounding neighbourhoods and there was only one other person that even knew I had one beside my brother, dad and the guys at the shop. The wind in my hair, loud upbeat music pushing me to go faster, I was momentarily and blissfully unbothered by anything. I was fit, everybody thought it was due to being on the swim team and my bicycle and I was more than happy to leave it that way. My thoughts were consumed by the music and before I knew it I was already at school. A quick glance told me I was earlier than them. Yay for me! Then I heard a sigh and saw some girls coming my way. I fumbled in my haste to get to inside and dropped my lock. Shit.

The gravel crunched behind me and suddenly I was surrounded by four other people. I kept my head down and left my ear phones firmly in place as I tried to ignore the glares from the Cheer Squad. I managed to get the bike locked and stepped forward only to be blocked by a chest. Great way to start a Monday at school. I knew what was coming so I took a step back, moved the head phones and looked up.

Whatdayawant Mac?

I just wanted to say Good Morning sweet cheeks.

Good Morning to you too, Princess. I replied with a smirk.

You know that all those other girls would love to be in your place right now. He said softly as he stepped into my personal space. He normally didn't do that but I could play too.

I took a step closer, getting well into his personal space now and put my hands on his shoulders so that I could stand on my tippy toes. I put my mouth next to his ear, when I spoke I made sure that it was barely loud enough for the other guys to hear me too.

Well Mac, in that case it doesn't matter if there is one more or one less! You'll just have to do without me, Princess.

I winked back at the twin to my left as I got down, mumbled a happy Morning Jake. and pushed past them to get to school. The cheer biatches made way for me to pass as they eagerly waited for the boys to come over. They didn't go to them because the boys had made some of the girls that had tried look like complete idiots.

What the hell did you say to them Izzy? Mac looked like he was gonna explode!

I laughed at my friends and returned the hug I'd been enveloped in. Cassie, my best female friend and partner in crime laughed loudly as she started pulling me along. Jarred put his arm over my shoulder as I linked my other arm with Cassie and we proceeded to our lockers.

You know they only do it because you don't swoon right? Jarred asked me with a chuckle.

You know what Jar-head? Maybe you could talk some sense into them and explain that they aren't all that! How is that for an idea?

They wouldn't comprehend babe...and really, the twins are just... She fanned herself. ...double yummie! Even you have to admit that. Cassie laughed happily as Jarred grunted.

Oi! I am the only hot one in that group, got that?!

It was my turn to laugh as we made it to our lockers. I would never get sick of them, my best friends. We started loading up the stuff we needed for the first half of the day and Jarred made quick work of it to get back to my side.

Closing early. Seven. Was all he softly said as he put his head on my shoulder, I turned my head and gave him a peck on the cheek.

Awesome. I whispered back.

See you at lunch chick. He said as Cassie grabbed his arm to drag him to their first class. I was in Chemistry with my homeroom teacher first up on Monday. They had algebra with theirs.

Aaaaw look at her...she looks like she lost her puppy. Said an annoying voice as I watched them walk away.

Listen Barbie. It's Monday morning, I really don't feel like listening to your shit right now. I snapped as I turned to the peroxide blond Queen Bee wannabe of our school.

Well too bad, Stupid, because I feel..

Like an idiot for forgetting to put clothes on?

Why you..

Noticed that you do remember to put on a mask every damned day?

If you would just..

Get to class? Good idea Barbie. And with that I pushed past her making sure to hit her shoulder with mine to make a point. There were a few ooohs and burn remarks but I didn't pay attention.

You'll regret that! I heard her hiss behind me.

I stalked to class, burst in without looking at anyone and made my way to the back of the room to sit in the middle row. Alone.

It wasn't that I didn't get along with anyone it was more that I didn't fit with the stereo types. I was athletic but didn't wanna sit with the jocks because they included The Five. I had decent grades without having to study my ass off but wouldn't sit with the nerds all the time because I was too sporty and they didn't like people that were sporty. They didn't hate me but I knew they hated most of the jocks. I didn't sit with the athletic crowd because they sat with Cheer and I didn't want to sit with Cheer because they all went to the same attitude fill up as Barbie. The Emo's were too depressing to sit with too often. I wasn't hip enough for the retro crowd and not naughty enough for the bad crowd. I got along alright with most people so it didn't worry me much and I could sit anywhere without being chased off but on Monday morning I just liked my space. Monday to Wednesday Cassie and I sat with whomever we felt like and the last two days of the week we sat with Jarred outside if the weather was alright.

Three of The Five sauntered in just as the bell rang. Our teacher gave them a stern look, most of the girls swooned and I swear some of them were drooling. Eugh, like they never saw any nice bodies. The guys fist bumped the three boys as they made their way to the back of the class. As usual Jake pulled over a table from beside me. Now Jacob, better known as Jake, was one of the twins. The other was Jackson, better known as Jack. They were identical and I did have to admit they were gorgeous but there was no way I'd ever admit that out loud. They were identical too, double yummie. Black hair, dark brown eyes, high cheekbones and always tanned thanks to their Asian mother, tall and well build thanks to their father’s genes. Fit because they were into martial arts like the other three that made up The Five. Jarred was the reigning National Champion, my awesome best friend, but the others were not too bad either and had all made it as far as State last season. Only Derek and Jarred had gone to Nationals.

The twins weren't just identical, they were the spitting image of each other. Nobody knew how to tell them apart. Jarred assured me that unless they were talking even he had trouble telling the difference. Jack winked at me as they sat down.

Morning Jack. I smiled back sweetly.

How in the hell does she do that? I heard him grumble.

It had taken me three long weeks of observing them but in the end it had been simple. One, Jake, was left handed while the other, Jack, was right handed. And they winked with their dominant eye. They always winked at girls, I'm sure other girls thought it was cute, I thought it was useful and they didn't know they did it.

Mac was the tallest one of the Five. Blond curly hair, freckles and a smile that girls would do anything for, with dimples. There was something cuddly about this guy and he worked it to the max. No matter how many hearts he broke the girls just kept lining up for the idiot.

Chemistry and homeroom was the first two blocks. Then we had algebra, a swap with the other class and a quick chance to say hello to my friends in the hall.

What did you do to the Barbie? Jarred asked as soon as he was close enough.

Yeah? She looked fit to kill but all I could catch of the gossip was that you had something to do with it. You realise that one of these days she will flip her lid. She could hurt you!

Jarred and I laughed at her he put his arm around me, glanced at the others in the hallway where our classes met and stated loudly.

I doubt anyone would be willing to hurt my friend here Cassie.

She flinched at his loud voice but he ignored her facial expression. Not while I'm around.

The Cheer Squeaks, as I liked to call them, walked up and Arabelle put her hands on Jarred's arm, she was practically plastered against him. She had no shame as she ran her hands all over him. I was disgusted but he just looked down at her with a slight smirk. Keeping me firmly at his other side with his hand gripping my neck. I let him do it because I didn’t want anyone to know I could make him let go quite easily. Arabella batted her eyes at Jarred.

But Jarred, darling, the thing you forget is that can't aaaalways be there to look out for her. I just don't understand why you keep sticking up for the freak. She drawled in a disgustingly sweet voice.

She could get hurt while you are not there baby.

His smirk grew while I put an arm in front of Cassie to hold her back.

I'm not worried about her getting hurt Bell. I'm...

I stopped him with a smack on the head. Stop talking and get to class already idiot.

I smiled sarcastically. The last of the Five just stood there looking at me. I caught his gaze as I hugged Cassie and assured her I was fine. Jarred dragged her away and I turned to get to class myself.

Hey? I heard but didn't reply.

Hey! I still didn't reply. A hand grabbed my arm and I twisted out of it on instinct. There was a glimmer of surprise in his eyes as I faced the last of the Five in the now almost empty hallway. Derek. Almost as tall as Mac. Black hair like the twins with ice cold blueish grey eyes. Same fighter’s build, six pack and all but not as soft as Mac or as feminine as the twins’ beauty. He was more rugged. I did understand the appeal of these boys but there were a lot of good looking guys on the swim team too and I did go with Jarred when he had fights. Well, I went with my dad and his dad but I was always there to cheer him on either way. My dad had a world title under his belt and Jarred's dad was his best friend, sparring partner and coach. Everybody thought we hung out because of our dads. If only they knew.

You know we wouldn't let anyone hurt you right? Even if Jarred isn't around, we'll be here to protect you.

I blinked.

I blinked again.

Nope, he was still standing there with the same serious expression. Derek, the unofficial leader of the Five, the boy every guy wanted to be friends with and every girl wanted to sleep with, was offering me his protection. I did the only thing that made sense in that situation.

I burst out laughing. I was laughing so hard that I doubled over and when I glanced up at him I just cracked up again. He stood through it all without any emotion on his face, there was barely a glimmer of emotion in his eyes. If anything I might have seen some surprise. I patted him on the arm and winked.

You. Are. Funny! I don't need you idiots to look out for me. But thanks for the thought.

With that I quickly made my way to class still smiling at his concern.

The rest of the day went pretty smoothly except for a minor incident at lunch. Somebody tried to trip me, I stumbled but regained my balance without dropping a thing. I threw a snarky smile at the person that had put their foot out and continued to Cassie outside.

O M Geee. Would you look at her! She almost face planted over her own feet. Guess you just can't protect her from everything Jarred. I heard that but didn't stay to listen to his reply. Today was his day at the Jock table.

By the time I got home my big brother was on the couch and I unceremoniously dropped down beside him.

Day off?

Yep.

Good get me food and I'll tell you all about the last year of the high school soapy drama I managed to gather.

My brother had finished school the year before and was working in the bike shop that dad owned. He loved working on machines. He had random days off but worked weekends in the shop too so made up for it that way. Dad didn't mind as long as the work was done and the shop was opened when it should be. I did weekends there to make some extra money, I filled the orders and kept the website updated. It was fun, I didn't really need the money. When there wasn't anything else I helped with the mechanical stuff.

What's the goss? Peter, my dearest and only brother asked as he threw stuff in the blender. I waited until he came out with a protein shake for us both.

Well, my day started off as most others the sun was shining and the ride to school was refreshing but then the minions harassed me before I got into the building, the plastics harassed me going in and Jar-head and Cass attacked me when I made it in after a long painful track through the minefield of female hormones in overdrive.

So in other words. You left your run too late and they caught up with you before you locked your bike. The biatches on heat were pissed because they talked to you again and Cassie squealed in your ear while Jar tried to crush you with his masculinity.

I giggled at his summery. Pretty much.

Then I proceeded to tell him everything that happened in great detail as well as some of the other gossip I'd heard during the day.

You know, one day you should really do it and make it happen soon. Just for me. Do it already!

We've been over this.

But you know you want to.

One day bro.

One day soon.

He was talking about something I had said at the beginning of the harassment from the Four idiots that hung out with Jarred. I'd told him that one day I would kiss Mac the moment he parked his ass in front of me to block my way, turn to kiss Derek who usually stood somewhat to the left behind me when they stopped me and then grab the twins to walk into the building with, just so that I could leave them standing at the door while I jumped Jarred.

I had said this at dinner one night and both my dad and brother thought it was a great idea. Days like that I wished for a mother that could explain to them how to be a real father and brother. I'd voiced my concern over their lack of overprotectiveness and they had laughed even harder. They had a point, I could kick the ass of the national champion in my age range. I could deal with a few boys without them helping me. Nobody knew I trained with Jarred and I certainly didn’t want anyone to know I could beat him.

Anything else happen?

Yeah, bitches stepped it up when Jar head told the world he would protect me from any comers. Tried to trip me at lunch. Nothing happened.

I left out the bit where Derek told me he would protect me with the others if Jar wasn't there. I wasn't sure how I felt about that.

So what time tonight?

Seven.

Want me to drop you?

Nah, I'll take the bike.

One day someone is going to bust you guys.

Nobody knows I have a motorbike bro and nobody is at the dojo when we train.

You had a decent run. Mark my words sis, it can't last. You know that his mates came to ask me if I was his sparring partner?

WHAT?! You were never that good! Anyway you said the same thing last year.... And the year before that and..

Hey! Law of averages, sooner or later I'll be right and I wasn't that bad either! Still pretty good in a fight, don't make me kick your ass.

As if!

We watched some tv, gossiped a bit more about the people in my school while I did my homework and basically hung out until it was a quarter to seven. My brother was making dinner when dad had rung that he would be at the dojo later so he would see me there. That meant that I was dropped off by my awesome big brother, at the back entrance, after all.

Jarred and I were training hard when there was a loud warning whistle that indicated that the front door had been opened. I shot into the ladies change rooms with my bag and barely managed to shut the door quietly when the door to the dojo banged open.

You're alone? Someone asked, Jarred laughed as apparently his friends had burst in.

I was sure that he was training with someone. I heard him talk shit outside. I heard Mac say.

Oops, Jarred always talked shit when we were sparring, trying to get a rise out of me. I normally didn't reply in any way other than kicking his pretty ass. Sometimes I would tell him to talk less and fight more and sometimes I would call him an ass in reply.

I, euh, was talking to myself.

Another door banged open and I knew it was the boys change rooms. I quickly dumped my bag near my locker and climbed on the shelf above the door. I'd emptied it ages ago, just for this reason, and it had saved me more than once. Just as my I pulled my foot up the door banged open.

Dude! I heard Jarred exclaim. That's the girl's area!

I didn't even breath as Derek stalked in with Jarred on his heels. He threw open the shower stalls and kicked my bag.

You keep telling us that. Why is her bag here?

I didn't realise that Derek knew what my bag was. Jarred looked at Derek in amazement.

She's coming back for it, she's with her dad. How'd you even know it's hers?

Seen her with it enough. She takes it with her to every game dude. He replied easily. What's in it? He was bending down to open my bag but Jarred pulled him back.

Dude seriously? You don't go into a woman's bag!

What, not curious at all? Or do you already know what's in it?

Jarred didn't even lie he just said. I know.

Derek bent to my bag again. My bag with wrapping tape, a change of clothes, spare workout gear, clean underwear and my notebook on other fighters. The notebook was on top. If he opened the bag it would be a dead giveaway, we'd gone over Jarred's upcoming opponents before training.

Jarred punched him hard. She's mine so if I say that the bag is off limits, it is!

The twins entered. Look Jarred, we talked about this. You dibsed her years ago and haven't made a move. Let one of us have a go.

Holy shit! He put the dibs on me? And he was blushing, I grinned. Years ago we had both noticed each other. During our fights I was too shy to touch him and he was too careful about me having an actual chest. We ended up kissing but it had been too weird. Like kissing my brother, thankfully he had been equally grossed out and we decided that we would never be more than best friends. I understood that he had put dibs on me to protect me but he was never going to live it down. I couldn't wait to tell Peter! It was hard not to laugh.

You know the deal. So she's still mine. She doesn't even like you guys! Now get out of here before she returns.

He led the way out pushing the twins out on the way and dragging Derek along. I relaxed on the shelf waiting for the sounds of their departure. Within five minutes the lights were turned off and the door banged shut. When dad saw the boys he would come and get me. This had happened before. So I hopped in the shower with just the night lights and got ready to go home. I'd just finished, ready to go home when the front door banged with the whistle going off again.

You don't have to follow me baby girl. I promise I won't stop to talk. Just getting my tape.

The door to the dojo opened and I hugged my dad replying loudly. You always forget your tape and you always stop to talk, I'm not waiting outside ever again. I got to grab my bag anyway. I left it here when we left.

Dad did talk. I saw the guys and listened to them talk about the next match. Mostly I stayed next to dad like I normally did.

I noticed the guys looking at my bag and Jarred winked when he saw that. I saved your bag today. He stated casually. Derek thumped him on the arm as I asked innocently.

Really? Saved it from what?

Mac spoke up before Jarred. Someone left the tap on in the ladies change room. He ran in when we heard the water running and he saved your bag.

We all looked at him in amazement. It was the dumbest lie ever but I had to give it to him, he was fast.

Wow you boys cleaned up well, I didn't even notice a thing. Then I dropped the bag walked over to Jarred and put my arms around his neck. Both our dad knew about our relation and how we would never be more than friends so they smirked at my display of affection as I plastered myself against Jarred. Thank you baby, I owe you one. I smiled at him and softly kissed his cheek. Then I put my mouth near his ear and whispered softly. Called dibs on me eh?

He turned bright red and all the guys laughed, his dad told me he didn't even want to know what I'd said, while my dad told them it was all in Jarred's mind because his daughter was innocent receiving another round of laughter.

Chapter 2

A beautiful dinner cooked by my awesome brother. Great conversation as I told them what had happened during training. They laughed with me but turned serious after a while telling me that it was another close call and my luck would run out sooner or later. We all knew it but I decided I had come out on top again, so it was good for another day. Dad and Peter didn't really understand why I didn't want anyone to know about my fighting skills.

When I was about six and a half my mother died in childbirth. Two days after she died, so did the baby girl that would have been my little sister. We were broken. Dad had always been a fighter and he's already taken my brother to the dojo but I was momma's little princess. In my misery I started lashing out. I got into fights and had the biggest temper tantrums possible so dad decided to channel my rage into fighting. For three years it worked while I went to the dojo for classes. That was how I became best friends with Jarred, we both started at his dad’s martial arts classes at the same level.

At the age of ten some of the girls at school found out when I brought my new belt to show and