Chapter Text
Chapter 7
Book Club
Thursday afternoon, Elena Ramsey waited at the crossing, her backpack heavy with the three books she'd brought to club today. The crossing guard held up his hand, stopping traffic, and she stepped onto the pavement with a small cluster of younger students.
Book club had run over again. Cory had gotten into it with some Year 10 girl about whether Shakespeare was actually good or just famous because he was old. Elena hadn't contributed much to that argument. Mostly she'd sat there with Darryl, both of them exchanging looks while Cory used words like “thematic resonance” and “cultural zeitgeist” like she actually knew what they meant.
The primary school gate was already open, kids streaming out, happy to escape for the day. Elena spotted Izzy almost immediately. The girl was impossible to miss, wearing her heavier pink jacket today, her black hair catching the afternoon light as she bounced on her toes, clearly looking for someone.
Elena raised her hand, waving. Izzy's face lit up and she came barreling over, dodging between other students with the kind of reckless energy that made Elena nervous just watching.
“Elena!” Izzy skidded to a stop in front of her, slightly out of breath. “Did ye have a good day?”
“It was alright.” Elena adjusted her backpack straps. “Book club ran late. What about you?”
“We had art and I drew a triceratops with purple and blue rainbows.” Izzy fell into step beside her as they started walking. “And David spilled his lunch tray again. He does that every week, I think he does it on purpose.”
“Why would he do it on purpose?”
“Mrs. Campbell says he wants attention?” Izzy shrugged, her own backpack bouncing against her shoulders. “Boys are weird.”
Elena couldn't argue with that. Boys at her school were definitely weird. Half of them still acted like primary students, making stupid jokes and throwing things. The other half had suddenly decided they were too cool for everything and spent all their time trying to look bored.
They reached the busier road, the one with the crossing guard. They waited, Izzy chattering about something that had happened in maths. When the guard came to them, they crossed together, leaving the school crowds behind.
The residential streets were quieter. Rows of townhouses, most with small front gardens. A few cars parked along the curbs. An older woman walking a small dog that yapped at them as they passed.
“How's Charlie?” Elena asked when Izzy paused for breath.
“He's good. He's got therapy today so he won't be home until later.” Izzy kicked at a stone on the pavement, sending it skittering ahead. “He's been reading this book about space. Like, proper space. With all the physics and stuff. I tried to read it but it was boring.”
“I like space.” Elena had read a few books about it. The idea of other planets, other solar systems, the sheer size of everything. It was easier to think about than school drama.
“You should talk to Charlie about it then. He'd love that.” Izzy hopped over a crack in the pavement. “Da says he's got the mind of a tactician. Whatever that means.”
Elena thought it probably meant Charlie was smart. She'd only met him a handful of times, mostly when she'd come over with her mum to babysit. He was quiet, thoughtful in a way that reminded her of Darryl. The kind of person who listened more than they talked.
They turned onto Izzy's street. The townhouses here were nearly identical, red brick with white trim, small front gardens separated by low fences. Izzy's house was the one with the ramp leading to the front door, installed for Charlie's wheelchair.
“Da might be home already,” Izzy said, digging in her pocket for her keys. “He said he'd try to get off early today.”
Elena glanced at the driveway. Empty except for the bins someone had left out. “Doesn't look like it.”
“Yeah.” Izzy found her keys, the metal jingling as she sorted through them. “Ruby's not here either. She goes with Dad and Charlie on Thursdays.”
Elena had met Ruby. The dog was good size. A German Shepherd, well trained. Very friendly when she wasn’t working. Izzy had explained she was Charlie's service dog, she could help him with balance and fetch things he dropped. Elena thought that was pretty cool.
Izzy unlocked the door, pushing it open. The house was quiet, no scrabble of dog claws or voices calling out. Just the faint hum of the heating and the settling sounds old houses made.
“I'm supposed to check the rooms,” Izzy said, dropping her backpack by the stairs. “Dad's rules.”
“Why?” Elena stepped inside, closing the door behind her. Izzy had done this every Thursday they’d walked home together, and she still didn’t understand it. Her dad had some strange rules.
“Just to make sure everything's safe.” Izzy's voice had gone quieter, more serious. She moved into the living room first, her eyes scanning behind the furniture. Then the kitchen, opening the pantry door to peer inside.
Elena stood in the entryway, watching. It seemed excessive for a quiet residential street near a military base. But she supposed if your dad was known as Ghost, maybe you learned to be careful about things.
Izzy checked the downstairs bathroom, then Charlie's room. She even looked under his bed, which seemed particularly paranoid. But when she straightened up, her shoulders had relaxed slightly.
“All clear,” Izzy announced, heading back to the entryway. “Dad says if anything's ever not right, we call him immediately.”
“Has anything ever not been right?”
“No. But Dad says it's better to be safe.” Izzy grabbed her backpack, hauling it toward the dining table. “Do ye want a snack? We've got juice boxes and fruit.”
“I'm okay, thanks.” Elena followed her to the table, setting her own backpack down. “We should do homework first.”
“Ugh. I guess.” Izzy unzipped her bag, pulling out a folder and a pencil case covered in football stickers. “I've got maths and spelling. What about ye?”
“English essay. And history reading.” Elena pulled out her own work, spreading it across the table. The essay was due Monday, something about symbolism in Lord of the Flies. She'd already read the book twice, liked it well enough, but writing about it felt tedious. Cory would probably have a field day with it, analyzing every detail like she was writing for an academic journal.
Izzy bent over her maths worksheet, her pencil moving in quick strokes. Elena opened her history textbook, trying to focus on the chapter about the Industrial Revolution. The words kept blurring together though, her mind wandering.
Year 9 was almost over. Just a few more months and she'd be done with it. Year 10 would probably be just as bad though. The same girls, the same drama, just with harder coursework. Sometimes Elena wondered what it would be like to just skip ahead, finish school early and move on to something else. University maybe, where people actually cared about learning instead of who was dating who and what everyone wore to the last party.
“This problem doesn't make sense,” Izzy said, frowning at her worksheet. “How am I supposed to find X if they don't tell me what Y is?”
Elena leaned over to look. The problem was actually fairly straightforward, a basic algebraic equation. A little advanced for a year 5. She explained the steps, watching as Izzy's expression shifted from confused to understanding.
“Oh! That's easy then.” Izzy went back to writing, her confidence restored.
The house settled around them, quiet except for the scratch of pencils and the occasional rustle of paper. Elena found herself relaxing slightly. This was better than being at home with nothing to do. Better than sitting alone in her room, reading the same books over again because she'd already finished everything new from the library.
And it was definitely better than school, where every interaction felt like navigating a minefield. At least here, with Izzy, things were simple. The girl said what she meant, didn't play games or pretend to be nice while planning something mean behind your back.
Elena turned back to her textbook, determined to actually finish the reading this time. The ten pounds she'd earn today would go toward the new book she'd been eyeing at the shop in town. A fantasy novel, something completely removed from her own life. That was what she needed. Escape into worlds where the problems were clear and the heroes actually won.
Izzy’s dad, Simon, read a lot. He’d lent her a couple of fantasy novels that were really good. She’d bring one back next week, it was done, but she’d forgotten it. Hopefully he’d have the next in the series. If not, that would be what she got at the bookstore next.
Their afternoon was good, actually. They finished up homework, ate the snacks left for them and settled down on the couch to play at Animal Crossing for a while.
—
The Highlander's headlights swept across the empty driveway as Simon pulled in, the clock on the dash reading 1840. Early. They'd made good time from London despite the traffic.
But the truck wasn't there.
Simon's jaw tightened. The spot where the red pickup should've been sat empty, just wet pavement and the bins someone had wheeled back from the curb. Johnny had said 1600 earlier, maybe a bit earlier if things went well. This wasn't like him.
Simon pulled out his phone, thumb moving across the screen.
💀 Where are you?
The response came back within seconds.
🧼 Got held up. Personnel issue. Home in 30.
Simon stared at the message. Personnel issue could mean anything. Could mean paperwork. Could mean something worse. His fingers hovered over the keyboard, debating whether to push for details.
💀 Everyone alright?
🧼 Aye. Just sorting out some idiots. Nothing serious.
The knot in Simon's chest loosened slightly. Not an emergency then. Just Johnny doing his job, handling whatever crisis had landed on his desk this time.
“Da's not home yet?” Charlie's voice came from the passenger seat, quiet and uncertain.
“He will be. Half an hour.” Simon pocketed his phone, glancing at his son in the rearview mirror. “Wait here. Ah'm getting Elena and your sister.”
Charlie nodded, his hands folded in his lap. Ruby shifted beside him, her head resting on his knee.
Simon climbed out, his boots hitting the driveway with a dull thud. The front door was unlocked when he tried it. He pushed inside, the warmth of the house hitting him immediately after the cold drive.
“Izzy, Elena.” Simon addressed them both as he stepped into the house.
Movement from the couch, Izzy's face lighting up when she saw him.
“Dad!” She bounded over, wrapping her arms around his waist. “You're home!”
“Yea.” Simon's hand found the top of her head, ruffling her hair. “Get your things, Elena. We'll take you home, then getting takeaway. And girls, don’t forget to lock the door next time. Don’t want just anyone walking in.”
“Yes sir.” Izzy sighed. “I cleared everything though!”
“Good job, little love. Just want you safe.” Simon encouraged her. Elena couldn’t help the smile at the very odd ritual.
“Takeaway fer dinner?” Izzy pulled back, grinning. “Ken we get burgers?”
“That's the plan.” Simon looked past her to Elena, who was already gathering her backpack. “Ready?”
“Yes, sir.” Elena slung her bag over one shoulder, her movements efficient.
They headed back outside, Izzy chattering about her day while Elena followed quietly. Simon opened the back door, gesturing for Izzy to climb in, while Elena got into the front seat. Ruby settling between the seats, shoving her head under Izzy’s hand in greeting. Izzy scratched her neck affectionately.
“Ruby!” she greeted. Ruby panted as if in response to the enthusiasm.
The drive to Elena's house took less than ten minutes. Simon showed his ID getting on base, then navigated the familiar streets to on base family housing. He was half-listening to Izzy's ongoing monologue about David and his lunch tray incidents. Elena sat quietly, her backpack on her lap, watching the houses pass by.
“Did you finish that book Ah lent you?” Simon asked, catching Elena's eye in the rearview mirror.
“Oh! Yes, I did.” Elena's expression brightened slightly. “It was really good. I forgot to bring it back though. I'm sorry.”
“No rush. What'd you think of it?”
“I liked the magic system.” Elena's voice grew more animated, the quiet reserve dropping away. “How they had to use runes and specific words, and if they got it wrong the spell wouldn't work right. That felt more real than just waving a wand and saying whatever.”
“Yea, that's what Ah liked about it too.” Simon turned onto Elena's street. “The consequences. Magic had a cost.”
“And the dragons!” Elena leaned forward slightly. “How they weren't just big lizards that breathed fire. They were intelligent, had their own language and culture. That was brilliant.”
“Did you get to the part where…” Simon caught himself. “No, don't want to spoil it if you haven't finished.”
“I finished it.” Elena was grinning now, properly engaged. “Are you talking about when the dragon refuses to fight because it would violate their code? And the main character has to figure out how to convince it without actually asking it to break its oath?”
“That's the one.” Simon pulled into Elena's driveway, the Highlander's headlights illuminating the front of the house. Rebecca Ramsey's car was parked in its usual spot. “Ah've got the next one if you want to borrow it.”
“Really? That would be amazing.” Elena unbuckled her seatbelt, grabbing her backpack. “Thank you, Lieutenant Riley.”
“Just Simon's fine, love.” He waited while she climbed out, watched her jog up the walk and let herself inside. The door closed behind her, the porch light flicking on a moment later.
Simon reversed out of the drive, heading back toward the main road.
“What book were you talking about?” Charlie asked from the back.
“The Runesmith Chronicles. Fantasy series, pretty good if you like that sort of thing.” Simon glanced at him in the mirror. “Might be a bit old for you yet, but you could probably handle it.”
“Can I try it?”
“We'll see. When Elena brings it back.” Simon turned onto the road that would take them to the burger place. “After you finish that space book you've been working through.”
The drive-through was busy, a queue of cars stretching from the ordering speaker. Simon settled in to wait, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. His stomach was reminding him he'd only had a sandwich for lunch, hours ago now.
“Ken I get a cheeseburger?” Izzy asked from the back. “And chips?”
“Yes.”
“And a milkshake?”
“We'll see.” Simon moved forward as the car ahead of them pulled away from the speaker. “Charlie, what do you want?”
“Just a burger. No cheese. And chips.”
“Drink?”
“Water's fine.”
The speaker crackled to life as Simon pulled up beside it. A tinny voice greeted him, asking for his order.
“Three burgers with extra bacon extra cheese and two orders of chips for me. One cheeseburger with bacon and chips. One cheeseburger and chips. One plain burger and chips.” Simon paused. “Two waters and...” He glanced back at Izzy.
“Chocolate milkshake!” She bounced in her seat.
“And a chocolate milkshake.”
The voice repeated the order back, asked if that was everything, then told him to pull forward. Simon did, joining the queue of cars waiting at the first window. The smell of cooking meat and oil was making his mouth water.
By the time they pulled away from the second window, bags of food filling the cab with their scent, it was past 1915. Johnny should be home by now. Simon's phone sat in the cup holder, silent. No new messages.
The drive back was quick. Simon turned onto their street, the familiar row of townhouses coming into view. The red pickup was in the driveway now, parked at its usual angle. Relief settled in Simon's chest, unexpected in its intensity.
He pulled in beside his truck, cutting the engine. Lights were on inside the house, warm against the growing darkness.
“Grab the food,” Simon told the kids, already moving to help Charlie out. He lifted his son from the seat, settled him into the wheelchair, then grabbed the bags of takeaway while Izzy got the drinks.
The front door opened before they reached it. Johnny stood there, still in his uniform, his mohawk slightly mussed. His expression shifted when he saw them, something tight around his eyes easing.
“There ye are.” Johnny stepped aside to let them pass. “Thought ye'd be home before me.”
“Line was longer than expected.” Simon handed him one of the bags. “You alright?”
“Aye. Just had to sort out some idiots.” Johnny closed the door behind them, locking it out of habit. “Two of the younger lads got into it. Decided punching each other in the corridor was the best way to handle their disagreement.”
“Christ.” Simon headed for the kitchen, setting the bags on the counter. “Anyone hurt?”
“Just their pride.” Johnny followed, already pulling out plates. “Dragged them both to the gym, made them put on gloves and actually fight properly. Turned it into a self-defense lesson. By the end they were too tired to stay mad at each other.”
“That's one way to handle it.” Simon started unpacking the food, sorting burgers and chips onto plates. The smell was even better now, making his stomach clench with hunger.
“It worked.” Johnny grabbed drinks from the fridge, setting them on the table. “They'll both be sore tomorrow, but they shook hands before they left. And they know if it happens again, they'll be running laps until they puke. Why write them up and ruin service records, when Ah ken make better soldiers out of them?”
Simon chuckled at that. It was a good way to approach most problems with young soldiers.
The family settled around the table, food distributed, everyone reaching for their burgers. Simon had his three lined up in front of him, the bacon piled high on each one. He took a bite of the first, the grease and salt exactly what he needed.
“How was therapy?” Johnny asked Charlie, his attention focused on his son.
“Good.” Charlie was working on his burger methodically, small bites. “We did more balance work. And Dr. Okoye said my range of motion in my right leg is improving.”
“That's brilliant, lad.” Johnny's expression softened, that particular look he got when the kids accomplished something. “Ye're working hard at it.”
“Ruby helped.” Charlie's hand dropped to the dog beside him, scratching behind her ears.
“She's a good girl.” Johnny took a bite of his own burger, chewing thoughtfully. “Anything else happen?”
“Dr. Okoye wants to do my one-year evaluation next week.” Charlie looked between his parents. “On the fifteenth. She said she'd like the whole family there if possible.”
“We'll be there.” His da promised, already halfway through his burger. “What time?”
“1500.” Simon provided, reaching for his second burger.
“Ah'll make it work.” Johnny pulled out his phone, making a note. “That's Thursday, aye?”
“Yeah.”
“We ken do that.” Johnny set his phone aside. “Anything else Ah need to know about?”
“Got the court date for the adoption. April 17th.” Simon swallowed his bite, reaching for his water.
Johnny's head came up, his expression shifting to something Simon couldn't quite read. Hope, maybe. Relief.
“Seriously?”
“Yep. Letter came today.” Simon had read it three times before leaving for London, just to make sure he hadn't misunderstood. “10:00 am at the family court in Inverness.”
“Inverness.” Johnny set his burger down, his full attention on Simon now. “That's in Scotland.”
“That's where we're registered. They got the family services here to make the checks because of where you’re stationed.” Simon took another bite, using the motion to buy time. “Makes sense they'd want us there for the official date.”
“We could take their Easter break.” Johnny was already planning, Simon could see it in his eyes. “Two weeks. Go up early, get settled. Do the court date, then come back.”
“Ken we?” Izzy's voice cut through, excited and hopeful. “Ken we go back to Scotland?”
“Aye, lass.” Johnny reached over, squeezing her hand. “We ken. School's out from the March 30th until April 16th, aye?”
“Yeah!” Izzy was bouncing again, her burger forgotten. “Ken we go to the beach? And see Gran, and Hannah, and Aunt Alex and…”
“Slow down lass.” Johnny chuckled. “Aye, we’ll visit them. Probably not going to the beach though, it’s still going ta be cold there.”
Izzy let out a deflated sound.
“We ken set up my telescope though. Find the constellations from the star map.” Charlie reminded her. The smile was encouraging enough. He went back to eating. Therapy had been a lot today, plus the four hours in the Highlander. He was famished and knackered.
“Aye. That will be fun. Maybe go to the tea shop.” Izzy decided. Simon raised his eyebrows at that one.
“Yea. Need to get restocked anyway.” he agreed.
Dinner went quickly. Their nightly routine running late, per usual for Thursdays.