Fools Rush In *Unfinished*

[Liz]

TITLE: Fools Rush In
AUTHOR: Liz
DISCLAIMER: The characters are sadly not mine. Wish Karl was!
SPOILERS: No
SUMMARY: My take on Karl's heart attack. Written proir to the heart attack episodes

Part One

Karl stared at the television and wondered yet again how he could have been so foolish. He had been a complete and utter fool and he knew that now. A couple of tears made their way down Karl’s cheeks as he rewound the tape. He was watching a video. But this wasn’t any old video. On it was his supposed girlfriend Izzy confessing that the baby she had lost had never been Karl’s. It had in fact belonged to Gus Cleary.
How could I have been so stupid? Karl thought bitterly. How could I have let her take me for a ride like that? God I really believed the baby was mine all this time. Izzy’s been lying to me ever since we first got together…
He remembered that Izzy had declined his affections and then suddenly the next day she’d come racing back wanting to be with him. It all suddenly made horrible sense. Izzy had known she was pregnant when she’d come to see him. She’d known all along. That meant Izzy had never shared his affections. She’d only wanted him to be a father.
Oh god. So that’s why she changed her mind so quickly. I don’t believe this.
Fury rose up in Karl. He felt himself shaking with anger and knew that he had to calm down. What good would it do? Izzy wasn’t here, she was most likely with her so called business partner Paul Robinson. And Karl could bet that it was Robinson who left the tape here for him to see.
An ache started crawling its way up Karl’s arm and Karl rubbed his arm puzzled as to where it could have come from. Sighing, he decided to have a lie down. Perhaps it would make him feel better but Karl doubted it somewhat. It wouldn’t rid him of this terrible hurt he felt. As Karl began to stand up, shooting pain ripped through his body especially around his chest. Karl collapsed back onto the sofa, unable to stand.
What is wrong with me? He asked himself. Come on figure this out. You’re a doctor for Christ’s sake.
Suddenly Karl lurched forward, grabbing his shirt. He knew exactly what was wrong with him. All the signs were there. Karl tried to reach for the phone but he only succeeded in causing himself further agony. He was now having trouble breathing. Somebody help me! He thought despairingly. Please just help….
Those were his last thoughts before everything turned to black.



Susan Smith watched Izzy Hoyland talk to Paul Robinson in the make shift Coffee shop. Izzy was flirting, Susan was sure of it. But then that didn’t really surprise Susan. However she was a little surprised at Paul. Surely Paul knew Izzy was with Karl? Susan shook her head. This wasn’t really any of her business. Karl and Izzy’s relationship was complicated to say the least. Still Susan couldn’t help but wonder whether Karl knew of Izzy and Paul’s close ‘friendship’.
Suddenly Izzy came over to Susan. Susan glared at her. Ever since Izzy had left Karl at the altar, Susan had really loathed her. There weren’t many people that Susan detested but Izzy was one of them. What she had done to Karl was wrong and if Susan had had her way, she’d have made sure that ‘Jezebel’ stayed far away from Karl Kennedy.
As Izzy approached her, Susan couldn’t help but ask. “ Isabelle, I thought Karl was supposed to be with you.”
Izzy panicked. Did Susan know something? “ He will be joining me later.” She answered hurriedly. Izzy did not want Susan to know about her secret liaison with Paul Robinson. Izzy had never met a man so different…so deliciously tempting. Paul was so different to Karl. For one thing, Paul was so laid back and easy going that Izzy didn’t feel worried about anything when she was with him. And the way Paul made her feel when he touched her…that was something else all together. But Izzy could not help but feel guilty that she was cheating on Karl. Karl Kennedy was a good man, Izzy knew, and he certainly did not deserve to be cheated on. Yet Izzy couldn’t help herself. Paul Robinson was far too intriguing and sexy.
Susan raised an eyebrow. “ I take it Karl knows about your close friendship with Paul?”
“ Of course he does.” Izzy snapped. “ Look Susan I know you’re concerned but you needn’t be. I love Karl and I wouldn’t do anything to hurt him.”
“ Ha.” Susan replied sarcastically. “ So leaving him at the altar doesn’t count as hurting him then?”
Izzy said nothing. She should have known Susan would have used that against her. And who could blame her really? Izzy still felt bad about that. “ Yeah well….that’s in the past.” Izzy finally managed to say.
“ I’m so glad that you can forget about it just like that.” Susan answered coldly. “ I don’t know perhaps Karl feels differently.”
“ He’s forgiven me.” Izzy said, growing annoyed. “ Now if you’ve finished yelling at me, what would you like to order?”
“ I don’t think I want to.” Susan replied, getting up. She started to walk away but then turned to Izzy. “ Isabelle, I would watch your step if I were you. Karl doesn’t like to be toyed with.” And with that Susan walked out of the Coffee shop, leaving Izzy flabbergasted.
“ Hey, what was all that about?” Paul sidled up beside Izzy.
Izzy turned to Paul. “ Oh Susan was just telling me yet again how I’m not good enough for Karl.”
“ Hmm.” Paul smiled. “ Well I’d have to disagree with that. You, Ms Hoyland, are certainly good enough. It is the good doctor that isn’t good enough for you. You deserve far better.” He leaned down towards Izzy.
Izzy smiled. “ You think?”
“ Oh I definitely think.” Paul said, and the two of them descended into a kiss.


She knew she shouldn’t but yet Susan felt that Karl needed to know about Izzy and Paul. Susan was reminded of the other day when Karl had voiced some concerns about Paul. Susan had simply told him to stop being petty but she had no idea that Izzy and Paul were…well she didn’t know what they were. Susan hadn’t actually seen the two of them do anything other then harmless flirting. That proved nothing.
Still Susan felt she had an obligation to tell Karl. She didn’t know why. After all she and Karl were not married anymore, they hadn’t been for a year now.
Karl left me. He hurt me and it took me a long time to get over him. So why am I doing this? Why should I tell Karl? He deserves it.
Although she thought this, her heart did not agree with her. Somewhere deep down, Susan still loved Karl and she always would. The thought of him being hurt was horrible and Susan didn’t want that for him. She arrived at Karl’s flat and walked up to the doorway. It was strange in some ways that Karl lived in his own flat. Sometimes Susan missed Karl’s company in Number 28. It was after all the house that Karl had brought.
Susan shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. She knocked on the door and waited. She could hear the TV on although she couldn’t quite make out what was on. After several minutes, Susan knocked again. She was puzzled. It sounded like Karl was in. So why was he not answering the door?
“ Karl.” Susan called. “ Karl, it’s me.”
Yet Karl still did not come to the door. Susan was perplexed. She could hear the TV on and she knew Karl would not go out leaving the TV on. He’d always hated wasting electricity. He’d complained so many times during their marriage. He often yelled at Mal for leaving the lights on when he was not in a room. So it didn’t make sense that Karl would leave the TV on. Unless he was in the shower, Susan thought.
Susan turned to go. Obviously Karl was doing something or avoiding her. If that was the case, then Susan really couldn’t be bothered. Sometimes Karl could act so stupidly. Perhaps he was mad at her for saying he was petty. Susan shook her head in disbelief. She couldn’t believe Karl would be mad at her for that. However something in her head told her to go into his apartment. Well if Karl wasn’t going to turn off his TV, she might as well. Susan tried the door to check that it wasn’t locked and it wasn’t. Why did Karl never lock his door?
Susan pushed open the door and walked in. The lights were still on, the TV was on, and Karl’s briefcase was on the table. He was obviously here. Then as she looked down, her eyes widened in shock. There, lying on the floor was her ex husband.
“ KARL!“ Susan exclaimed, rushing to him. Her heart was racing. What was he doing on the floor? Susan knelt down and looked at him. His expression told it all. Something had happened to him. Susan became worried instantly. This was serious. Karl’s face was as white as a sheet and she couldn’t see any sign of him breathing. She checked for a pulse and she could barely feel it. It was there but very faint.
“ Karl, Karl, can you hear me?” She asked. But it was obvious that he was unconscious. Tears began to well up in Susan’s eyes. In all the thirty years she’d known Karl, she had never once seen him like this. Susan was paralysed with fear. What should she do? She knew she needed to call the ambulance. Grabbing the phone, Susan dialled the number in panic.
“ Yes hello?” Susan said when she heard someone answer. “ Please you have to help. My husband’s collapsed, he’s barely breathing.” She didn’t notice that she hadn’t used ‘ex husband.’
“ Okay, we’ll send an ambulance round right away. Where are you?” The operator asked.
“ 42 Kingwood I think. It’s a block of apartments, near Ramsey Street.” Susan replied.
“ All right, we’ll be there as soon as we can.” The operator answered and instructed Susan on what she should do. Susan took all this in, trying to remain calm but she couldn’t. She was frightened. Karl looked like he was near death. Susan put the phone down shortly afterwards and just held Karl’s head in her lap.
“ Oh Karl.” She said sadly. “ What’s happened to you?”
Susan looked up at the TV and was surprised to see Izzy on the screen. Susan gently removed the remote control from Karl’s hand and pressed play.
“ My confession is that….well….” Izzy stuttered. “ I was pregnant last year and unfortunately I lost it. Ironic really when you think about it. I had never really wanted to be a mother but when I lost my baby, it was the worst thing that ever happened to me. But that’s not my secret. My secret is that the baby I had was not actually Karl Kennedy’s. It was Gus’ Cleary’s child . I didn’t want Gus to be the father of my baby so I went to Karl and told him that I loved him and then a few days later I told him I was pregnant with his child.”
Susan stared at the TV in absolute horror. She gazed back down at Karl again and her heart broke when she realised that Karl must have collapsed after watching this. In that moment Susan had never felt such contempt for any person in her life. Isabelle Hoyland truly was a nasty piece of work and she had really gone too far this time. Karl was lying here in agony while she flirted with Paul Robinson.
Susan just hoped that the doctors at the hospital would be able to save her beloved Karl.


Izzy smiled as Paul pulled her close to him. God, she hadn’t felt so naughty in such a long time. She had missed that part of her life. It was not to say that she hadn’t enjoyed settling down with Karl because she had in a way. Karl had made her feel loved and cared for which Izzy was unused to. But she was quite simply bored of that now and wanted something a little more exciting, more fast paced. That was exactly what Paul Robinson was for. Izzy didn’t believe she could ever love Paul. The nearest she’d ever come to loving another man was probably Karl but she was finding it difficult to commit to him. Unlike Karl, Paul wouldn’t care if she just wanted a fling. He would just let her do what she wanted and that felt so good.
“ What are you thinking Izzy?” Paul asked her.
“ Nothing much.” Izzy responded. The two of them were back in the sauna in the gym. After nearly being caught by Boyd, the two of them had been careful for a while. But since Izzy knew that Boyd was too busy doing other things in the gym, she decided to take a chance. Paul had even said he didn’t care if they were caught.
“ I hope you’re not thinking of lover boy back home.” Paul said. “ Karl won’t know where we are. Besides I don’t think he’d care.”
“ I know that. I wasn’t even thinking of him.” Izzy replied. “ And I think he would care Paul.”
Paul smiled devilishly. “ I seriously doubt it.”
Izzy noticed the smile on his face and she became suspicious. “ Why? What have you said to him?”
“ Oh I haven’t said anything. It’s more of what he’s seen.” Paul said lightly.
Izzy felt fear rising up. “ You mean he’s seen us….?” She trailed off.
“ No, not us. The tape.” Paul grinned and Izzy stared in horror. That tape had her confessing about the baby. Izzy couldn’t breathe and she glared at Paul.
“ You set that tape up in Karl’s flat didn’t you?” She asked. Paul just gave her a smile.
“ Why, I’m offended you even thought it was anyone else.” He cracked but one look on Izzy’s face wiped the smile off his face. “ What’s wrong Isabelle? Cat got your tongue?”
“ As a matter of fact it has.” Izzy retorted. “ I can’t believe you would do this! You promised you wouldn’t destroy my relationship with Karl!”
“ Ah I said I wouldn’t tell him about our little rendezvous’ but I didn’t promise not to say anything about the baby.” Paul replied. “ Look Izzy, you don’t love Karl, you never have. Why are you so bothered?”
“ I do love Karl.” Izzy insisted. “ I can’t believe this.” She got up off the bench and began to walk out.
“ Where are you going my sweet Isabelle?” Paul asked innocently.
Izzy turned around and her face said it all. “ I’m going to find Karl. We’re finished Paul.”
Paul finally looked annoyed. “ What? This is ridiculous.”
“ No I’ll tell you what’s ridiculous. This. This flirting and all this playing around. I’ve had enough of it Paul. I may be tempted by you but I’m going to stay away from you from now on. You don’t come near me all right?”
And with that Izzy stormed out of the sauna. Paul grinned widely. So she had said she wouldn’t come back to him but he knew she would.
Give it time. She’ll be back. Isabelle wants me and she knows it. However I have my eye on someone else…Lilijana.
Paul slowly rose and walked out of the sauna, feeling pretty pleased with himself. He had done someone a huge favour. It was time for Darcy Tyler to play Paul Robinson back.


Susan watched tearfully as the paramedics lifted Karl onto a stretcher. They had said he was suffering a heart attack and could go into cardiac arrest at any time. It was too much for Susan. Karl had always been healthy, always knew how to take care of himself as he was a doctor. It had never occurred to Susan that he would actually have a heart attack. But now he was. She watched as they loaded Karl into the ambulance. She saw that they were getting to work on him straight away.
“ Madam, are you coming?” One of the paramedics asked and Susan nodded.
“ Yes, yes of course.” Susan answered shakily and climbed into the back of the ambulance. She sat down and looked down at Karl who had a mask over his face and tubes were being connected to him. It was horrific.
Oh Karl, why has this happened to you? You didn’t deserve this! I always knew that Izzy would make you ill and now she has. Oh god Karl….
As the ambulance pulled away from the block of flats, Susan watched the paramedics operate on Karl. She heard the siren being turned on and that only frightened her further. The siren always meant that someone was in serious need of medical attention. This time it was Karl. Susan realised that she would have to phone the children. What would she say to them? For the first time in her life, Susan had no idea of what she would say. How could she break their children’s hearts and tell them that their father was suffering from a serious heart attack?
It occurred to Susan then that she’d never asked whether Karl would survive. As she thought that, tears began to course down her cheeks. If Karl didn’t pull through…that was not worth thinking about. Susan tried to pull herself together. Karl had to come through otherwise Susan didn’t know if she’d ever cope. And the children…well they’d be stripped of a father.
Come on Karl, you can’t do this to the children. They love you so much that they depend on you. I…depend on you. As much as I have tried to stop loving you, I can’t and I never will. We’re two halves of a whole don’t you know that? If you die, then I will too inside. So you can’t die Karl Kennedy because that would be really selfish of you. And I love you. I don’t care if you don’t love me. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that you get well.
One of the paramedics noticed Susan’s shell shocked expression and said, “ Don’t worry, your husband has a full chance of pulling through.”
“ Is there a danger he could have another heart attack?” Susan asked. She knew the risks. After all she had been married to a doctor for nearly thirty years. How could she not know?
“ Unfortunately your husband has had a very serious heart attack. We don’t quite know the extent of it but it may be likely that he could have another one. However many people have pulled through from this type of attack.”
Susan felt numb. Karl could have another one? Karl was strong, Susan knew that, but two heart attacks? She didn’t know anyone who could survive that. Even Karl wasn’t that strong.
“ So basically you’re telling me my husband’s fighting for his life?” Susan responded, devastated.
“ Everyone that has a heart attack will fight for their life.” The paramedic said softly. “ I’m so sorry.”
Susan just nodded her thanks. She felt sick. Karl was hanging on by a thread. It was the most scariest experience that the Kennedys had ever been through.
The ambulance eventually arrived at the hospital. It felt like the longest ride of Susan’s life. The paramedics quickly lifted Karl onto a gurney and rushed him towards the hospital. Susan had to almost run to keep up with them. They entered the hospital and some doctors came running up. Susan recognised some of them. They were Karl’s colleagues.
“ My god, is that Dr Kennedy?” One asked.
“ Yes it is.” Another replied. “ What’s the situation here?”
“ Serious heart attack.” The paramedic replied. “ We need to get him into theatre.”
The doctors nodded and then the doctors took hold of the gurney and started wheeling it down to the main theatre. Susan walked with them. She knew she couldn’t go with him for much longer but she wanted to stay with Karl as long as she could.
“ I know you’ll make it Karl.” Susan whispered to him. “ You have to. For your children. For your patients. For me.”
Then the doctors reached the main doors of the theatre. “ I am sorry Ms Smith but you can’t enter here.”
“ I know.” Susan nodded. “ Just….just make him better.” She said tearfully. “ I can’t lose him.”
“ We can’t afford to lose him either. Dr Kennedy is one of the finest doctors here.” The doctor said. “ I promise we’ll try our best.”
“ Please.” Susan answered tearfully and then just like that the doctors were gone behind the doors with her Karl. She then turned away and suddenly the tears came. Susan stood alone, crying and waiting for news of her beloved Karl.


Hours later and Susan was still in the hospital and there was no sign of Karl. Susan tried not to panic but she couldn’t help it. They were taking an awful long time and she didn’t even want to think what was going on in there. Susan had phoned Libby, Mal and Billy to tell them the awful news. All three had been devastated. Libby and Mal had both said that they would head down to Erinsborough straight away. Billy had wanted to come but he was forced to stay for Anne’s sake as she was quite ill.
Tears still coursed down Susan’s cheeks. She hadn’t been able to stop crying for quite a while. It hurt too much to think of Karl in surgery. Whatever she and Karl had been through…Susan had never even dreamt of this. And she knew that he didn’t love her but that didn’t stop her from loving him. Susan had never really stopped loving Karl. She’d tried so hard to especially after the separation for example Tom Scully. Susan had tried to love him. She had liked him she really had but he wasn’t and he could never be Karl Kennedy. Susan felt like she’d been married to Karl all her life and to change to a different man now at this stage was too hard. Karl Kennedy was in her heart. She had been absolutely devastated when Karl had confessed he didn’t love her anymore. It had left her feeling so worthless, like she was nothing to him. Normally Susan hated self pity but at that time, she hadn’t been able to help it. What were you supposed to feel when your husband of thirty years left you?
“ Mum!” Susan looked up and saw Libby and Libby’s son Ben walking towards her. Susan smiled, grateful to see some friendly faces.
“ Oh Lib darling. I’m so glad you’re here.” Susan answered. “ How did you get here so quickly?”
“ I took the train.” Libby said tearfully. She looked at Susan and Susan could see the tears in her eyes and knew Libby was very worried about her father. Libby and Karl had often been at loggerheads with each other but it was very clear that Libby adored her father. “ Any news about Dad?” Libby asked.
Susan shook her head. “ He’s still in theatre. Oh Libby….” The two of them embraced and Libby felt the strong urge to cry but she did not. She had to be strong for her mother and perhaps for herself too. If she thought her father would die then Libby would lose it and that was not what she wanted to do.
Susan drew back from Libby and sighed. “ I know that operations on a heart attack are hard but what is taking them so long?” She looked desperately at the doors that led to the theatre. There was no sign.
“ You know Dad would know that.” Libby remarked. “ Oh god how can this happen to him? I knew Isabelle was a lying cheating cow. I just never imagined she could do this to Dad. I can’t believe she lied about the baby. She made Dad grieve and everything! I just want to….” She left the sentence unfinished. Susan knew exactly what Libby wanted to do to Izzy for she felt the same way.
Suddenly the doors to the operating room swung open and in came the doctor. Susan almost ran up to him in panic. Libby joined her.
“ Please tell me.” Susan said. “ Has Karl survived?”
“ Good news. We have managed to stabilise Dr Kennedy. It was indeed a very serious heart attack and we will need to take him through to intensive care as we need to watch him in the next few days. There is a very real possibility that he may well suffer another one.”
Susan had heard this before so it wasn’t so much of a shock but she was still very frightened for Karl. “ Can we see him?” She asked tearfully.
“ In a while yes. We just need to take him through. Be warned though. He is still out of it.” The doctor said.
Susan nodded. “ Thank you.” She replied. “ Thank you for saving him.”
The doctor simply smiled. “ I don’t think it was us. I think Dr Kennedy fought through. After all he is one of the best doctors we’ve got. He probably knew he had to survive because it is very costly to replace a doctor like him.”
Susan laughed weakly. “ Oh he’d hate the thought that his death was expensive. Karl’s always been tight with money.”
As they talked, the doors swung open again and Libby saw her Dad being carried through. He had a mask over his face to help him breathe and Libby had never seen him look so ill. He was deathly white. A sob escaped out of Libby as she saw him. She ran up to the gurney and looked down at her Dad. Susan followed swiftly behind.
“ Daddy.” Libby whispered emotionally. “ Oh Dad.” She was surprised when she saw Karl’s fingers move towards her.
“ He can hear you.” One of the doctors said. “ He hasn’t fully regained consciousness yet but he will soon. Right we need to get him into intensive care.”
Susan gently pulled Libby away. “ Come on love. We can see him in a while.”
Libby nodded and the two women watched as Karl Kennedy, husband, father and a wonderful man was taken into a small room.

[Denny]

You know what I think of this Liz! It's brilliant! Your writing is fantastic! I just hope our Dr K makes it!

[UKNeighboursfan]

Another excellent fic Liz - I'm glad you decided to keep posting! ;D

[Liz]

Part Two

Izzy was in a panic. For the first time in her life, she was actually afraid of losing Karl. Izzy had never believed that she loved Karl. However her feelings were unclear now. Karl was such a lovely man, Izzy couldn’t deny that. And he had not deserved the way she had treated him. She was standing in Karl’s flat. The lights were on. It looked like Karl had been here. She had searched the flat but he appeared to be out. Maybe he’d just popped out for a few minutes. But Izzy knew it was highly unlikely. Karl probably knew about the baby now.
Unless he hasn’t seen the tape! Izzy thought frantically. I mean Paul said he’d left the tape here but Karl’s probably been at the surgery. He can’t have seen it.
Quickly Izzy raced to the video player. She grabbed the remote control from the floor and pressed eject. Her heart stopped in her chest when she saw a tape pop out. Was it the tape? She didn’t know. There was only one way to find out. Izzy turned on the TV and then inserted the tape back into the machine. She pressed play. To her horror, she saw herself on the screen. Izzy listened and she knew then that Karl had seen it. This was the tape.
Oh god. He knows. Oh Karl, I am so, so sorry!
Izzy didn’t know what to do. Should she go and find him? What was the point really. Izzy wouldn’t be able to make any excuses this time. Karl would be furious, she just knew it and she also knew there was little chance of forgiveness. She also doubted whether her brother Max would forgive her. Steph certainly wouldn’t and as for Susan…well not even a chance.
A couple of tears slid down Izzy’s cheeks. She had lost the one man that had actually thought the world of her. Now there was no one in Ramsey Street that would want to see her except maybe Paul. Izzy cursed. God, why had she not seen Paul’s cunning before? She knew men like Paul Robinson. She had been so foolish to get involved with him.
Tearfully, Izzy let herself out of Karl’s flat, knowing she would never be allowed back in there. Suddenly a hand touched her shoulder and Izzy spun round in a panic. But she needn’t have worried. It was Paul.
“ Hello Isabelle.” He smiled at her. “ My, my what a state we’re in.”
“ Get lost Paul.” Izzy said, wiping the remainder of her tears away.
“ Ouch.” Paul pretended to be hurt. “ Someone’s feeling *****y today. What’s the matter? Lose the man you supposedly love?”
Izzy glared furiously at him. “ Go away Paul before I call the police for sexual harassment.”
“ Hmmm, doubt that they would come after I tell them that we are having an affair.” Paul replied, unfazed. “ So where is Dr Kennedy? Has he run away from you?”
“ I don’t know.” Izzy said. Tears sprang up again. “ I can’t find him. I really need to though.”
“ What makes you think he’ll forgive you?” Paul asked, folding his arms. “ Gotta say if I were Karl, I wouldn’t.”
“ But you’re not Karl.” Izzy said angrily. “ Karl’s a better person. He’s kind and caring and that is something you could never be.”
“ Oh I could if I chose to be.” Paul laughed. “ I just feel that being so deliciously flirtatious is much more fun. And I know you feel the same Isabelle. You could never settle down, have kids. You want so much more. You want the excitement, the danger in your relationships. And you know Karl could never do that for you, no matter how much you want him to.” He grinned, cat like at her. “ And that is why I’m so perfect for you. We’re alike Isabelle. Unable to hold relationships down.”
“ No, I’ll never be like you.” Izzy retorted. “ Because unlike you, I care about things. I’m not so cold hearted that I don’t feel.”
“ Is that what you think?” Paul asked. “ That I am an unfeeling bastard? Oh Isabelle, how you offend me.” He leaned close to her. “ You drive me crazy, whenever I am around you, you make me feel things I’ve never felt before. So don’t tell me I don’t feel anything because I do.”
Izzy stared up into his eyes and she felt her resistance slowly melt away. God, he certainly knew how to push her buttons. She was feeling incredibly hot. A flush crept into her cheeks. Suddenly she remembered that she was trying to find Karl and she backed away from him.
“ Okay leave me alone.” She demanded. “ I have to find Karl.”
“ Oh you won’t find him.” Paul smiled. “ He’ll have disappeared somewhere.”
“ Do you know something?” Izzy asked frantically.
“ Oh well….I saw something.” Paul grinned at her.
“ What?” Izzy demanded. “ Paul, if you don’t tell me I’ll….”
“ Do what?” Paul laughed. “ You‘ll beat me to death? Somehow I don’t think so. Well, out of the goodness of my own heart, I shall tell you. I happened to be strolling past these block of apartments a while ago and I noticed an ambulance pull up. I was concerned shall we say. I edged closer and to my surprise, someone we all know and love was being carried out on a stretcher. He did not look at all well.”
Izzy stared at Paul in shock. She did not know whether to believe him or not. “ You’re not serious.” She said.
“ Deadly.” Paul replied. “ I swear Karl was being carried out on a stretcher. And if I’m guessing correctly, I saw Susan with him too.”
“ Susan?” Izzy asked weakly. Oh god what had happened to Karl? Izzy had to go to the hospital. She hoped against hope that he was all right. “ I have to get to the hospital.”
“ Need a lift?” Paul asked.
Izzy glared at him again. “ No I really don’t.” She said and she shoved past him, hurrying. Paul simply smiled. Oh it was great to be back in Ramsey Street.


Karl opened his eyes and he groaned in agony. Everything inside him ached so much. He had never felt this much pain in his entire life. He squinted as bright lights glared down at him. Karl tried to move his head but immense pain stopped him from doing that. He felt paralysed. He looked up at the lights again and he realised he was in some place familiar. He couldn’t quite work out where though. Suddenly he heard someone sobbing in the room.
“ But Mum….what if he does have another one?” It was his own daughter Libby. Karl felt awful. He’d never liked to see his darling daughter cry. Libby had always hated crying and had told him that she’d not cry unless there was a very good reason. So obviously there was a reason. Karl just wanted to know what. He then realised it had something to do with him lying here on this bed. Karl tried to recall the last thing he remembered. At the moment his mind was very fuzzy and he could not remember much. He seemed to remember that he’d been on the floor in his apartment and that it had something to do with Izzy. Suddenly it all came flooding back to him and Karl let out a groan as pain shot through him again.
“ Dad!” Libby jumped up and ran to his bedside. Karl groaned again and then he saw Libby and Susan. He tried to smile at them.
“ Oh Karl.” Susan said tearfully. “ Oh thank god, you’re all right.”
All right? Karl thought. What then did happen to me? I am in so much pain.
“ What….?” Karl managed to stutter. He could hardly speak as he felt like he couldn’t breathe.
“ You had a heart attack Dad.” Libby told him in tears.
Karl couldn’t believe it. He’d had a heart attack? But it also made sense. That was why his body was in such pain. That was why he couldn’t move much. He saw Susan standing beside Libby, trying to comfort their daughter. He saw the tears on Susan’s cheeks and it astounded him just how devoted Susan was to him after…after everything they’d been through.
“ Should I get a doctor?” Libby asked tearfully.
“ Yes I think you should.” Susan told her daughter. She gazed down at Karl, who smiled weakly at her and Susan felt her strong resolve weaken slightly. She couldn’t imagine losing Karl. It would have been the worst thing in the world. “ I need to have a few minutes with your father.”
Libby nodded. Before she left the room, Libby bent down and kissed Karl’s cheek. She touched his hand.
“ I’m so glad you’re okay Daddy.” She whispered to him.
Karl felt tears well up. He was deeply moved at the love Libby had for him. Libby hadn’t called him Daddy since she was very little. He was reminded of the loving family that he had had when he’d been married to Susan.
“ I…love you Elizabeth.” Karl replied weakly. “ You’re my little girl.”
Libby smiled at him and she walked out of the room to find a doctor. Then Karl was left alone with Susan. For the first time in his life, he had no idea of what he should say to her. But there were things he wanted so desperately wanted to say. Karl knew he’d started having feelings for Susan again long before this blasted heart attack. In fact, Karl realised, it had been when Izzy had left him at the altar. He’d had a moment of clarity and had thought about Susan during that time. What he hadn’t realised though that those thoughts were actually feelings for his ex wife. His beloved Susan. Sometimes Karl had often wondered whether he made a mistake leaving Susan and now he knew he definitely had. It was something he was going to regret for the rest of his life.
“ Karl.” Susan said tearfully. “ Oh Karl, I…I was so afraid.”
“ You shouldn’t have been.” Karl told her. “ I…I’m not worth worrying about.”
“ You are.” Susan said, almost angrily. “ Don’t ever think that Karl Kennedy. Why wouldn’t I worry about you when you’re like this?”
“ Because…” Karl began weakly and groaned again in agony. “ Because look at what I’ve done to you and to our family.”
“ None of that matters now.” Tears began sliding down Susan’s cheeks. “ I found you.” She confessed. “ I found you in your apartment on the floor.”
Karl was shocked. So Susan had been the one to come to his rescue. In that moment, Karl didn’t think he’d admired anyone as much as he did Susan.
“ You….?” He stuttered. “ Oh Susan, I’m sorry. I must have given you quite a fright.”
“ Yes you did.” Susan replied. She took hold of Karl’s hand. “ Just because we’re not married anymore, doesn’t mean we have to cut all ties off.”
“ I know.” Karl smiled at her. “ You think I’d want no further contact with you? You’re crazy.”
Susan laughed through her tears. “ Well that‘s good to know isn’t it?” Suddenly Susan broke down into tears again and Karl wanted nothing more then to hold her in his arms.
“ Susan, Susan, please don’t cry.” Karl said softly. “ I’m all right.”
Susan looked up. “ No you’re not.” She wept. “ You’re not out of the woods yet. Oh Karl when I think that you could have…you could have died, I just…”
Karl managed to squeeze Susan’s hand. “ But you mustn’t think like that darling.” He said, without realising what he’d said. “ I’m still here.”
“ Oh what am I doing?” Susan asked, more to herself then Karl. “ Look at me. I should be the one comforting you. I’m sorry Karl.”
“ Don’t apologise.” Karl spoke softly. “ None of this is your fault at all. How could it be?”
Susan nodded tearfully. She looked at Karl. He looked very ill and Susan was unused to just standing around doing nothing. Normally when Karl was sick, she took care of him. “ I know it’s not.” She answered emotionally. “ Karl, I know what happened with Isabelle and I…” She trailed off, not really sure whether she should mention it.
“ Susan, you were right.” Karl spoke. “ You were absolutely right about Isabelle. She’s a liar and a cheat. Why did I not see this?”
“ Because Dr Kennedy, you see the best in people.” Susan smiled tearfully. “ You so desperately wanted to see the good in Izzy.”
“ Did you know the baby we were supposed to have was actually not mine?” Karl asked bitterly. “ She made me grieve for something that wasn’t mine! How foolish I am.”
“ No Karl, you’re not foolish.” Susan assured him. “ How were you supposed to know? Don’t blame yourself for this. It is not your fault. This is the work of Ms Hoyland.”


Izzy ran into the hospital, almost breathless. She’d run all the way from Karl’s apartment. She just had to find Karl and explain. A part of her wondered whether she should really be here. It was likely that Susan would be here and if Susan saw her, well all hell would break loose. Also Karl was trying to recover from a heart attack. An argument probably wasn’t the best idea.
But yet Izzy couldn’t just leave. She really wanted to explain to Karl, even though she knew he probably wouldn’t forgive her. Izzy felt very worried about Karl and she’d never felt like this before. No man could affect her this much. Did it mean she loved Karl Kennedy? Izzy didn’t know. Izzy walked round the corner and she gasped as she saw Karl’s daughter Libby standing there talking to a doctor. Izzy just knew that Libby would be absolutely furious with what she had done to her father. Izzy knew she had no place here. Perhaps she should come back another day, when she knew that Karl would be by himself.
But it was too late. Libby had already seen her. Libby walked over to her and Izzy gulped, knowing she was going to be blasted. Izzy saw the tears on Libby’s cheeks.
“ What the hell are you doing here?” Libby spat angrily. She glared furiously at Izzy. Libby couldn’t believe that the woman actually had the nerve to show her face after the damage she had caused.
“ I…” Izzy stuttered. “ I need to talk to Karl.”
“ You’re not going anywhere near my father.” Libby said icily. “ Do you even know what you’ve done?”
“ I know…I did something stupid.” Izzy faltered, tears beginning to well up.
“ It was more then stupid! You caused my father to have a heart attack. You made him grieve for a baby that wasn’t his. How dare you even show up here?” Libby asked tearfully.
“ Is Karl okay?” Izzy asked meekly.
“ He’s conscious if that’s what you mean. Just…go away.” Libby started crying. “ I don’t have the energy to shout at you right now and I really don’t want to waste my breath. I’m going to see my father.” And with that Libby turned on her heel and left. Izzy stood there and watched her go.
Karl’s okay. Izzy thought. Thank god. I actually thought he’d…stop it Izzy. Stop thinking like this. You know Karl won’t forgive you so why are you here?
Suddenly Izzy’s mobile phone began to ring. Knowing that she wasn’t supposed to have her mobile on in hospitals, Izzy quickly made her way outside. Once out, she looked at the phone. It was Paul ringing. Sighing, Izzy answered it.
“ What do you want?” She snapped.
“ Oh Izzy, can’t I just call and enquire how Karl is?” Paul asked.
“ No you can’t.” Izzy said. “ Look I don’t know why you keep hassling me. I told you Paul, we’re over.”
“ No, we’re not. You and Karl are however.” Paul replied. Izzy could almost hear him smile. “ You can’t seriously believe he’ll take you back.”
“ I know he won’t but I want to give him an explanation.” Izzy said. “ He deserves that much.”
“ Are you going to tell him everything?” Paul asked. “ The whole truth?”
“ If you mean am I going to tell him about us? Then no.” Izzy answered. “ Karl doesn’t need to know that.”
“ Oh I think he does. I mean why hide this when you and Karl are finished? If you don’t tell him, then I will.” Paul said.
“ You can’t do that!” Izzy exclaimed. “ Stop these games Paul!”
“ No, you stop these games Isabelle Hoyland.” Paul sounded angry now. “ You don’t tell Karl then I will.” And with that Paul hung up. Izzy stared at her phone in shock. Paul Robinson was seriously deranged. He wanted to ruin her life, it sounded like. But why? Izzy had no idea. All she knew was that she had to stay clear of Robinson. Izzy walked out of the hospital grounds and along the road back to Erinsborough. How had she gotten herself into this mess? Izzy wished that she’d never lied to Karl about the baby.
“ Izzy!” A familiar voice called and Izzy turned round to see Max getting out of his car. Max walked over to her.
“ Max, what are you doing here?” Izzy asked. “ I thought you were supposed to be at the pub.”
“ I’m picking up Summer from a friend’s house.” Max replied. “ What are you doing here Izzy?”
“ You haven’t heard?” Izzy asked tearfully. “ Karl’s had a heart attack.”
Max was stunned. “ What?” He asked in disbelief. “ How?”
Izzy paled. Should she tell Max the truth? He would hate her if she knew. But it was bound to come out sooner or later. However she decided not to tell him for now.
“ I think he collapsed in his apartment and Susan found him.” Izzy responded. “ I was going to see him but Susan and Libby are there now.”
“ But you’re his girlfriend!” Max exclaimed. “ Surely you have a right to be there!”
“ Oh look Max, don’t start.” Izzy answered.
But Max would not be deterred. “ Izzy.” He said. “ What’s been going on? Have you and Karl had a fight?”
Izzy looked at the ground tearfully. “ You don’t want to know Max okay?”
“ Yes I do.” Max said. “ What have you done?”
“ Oh that’s nice. You think it was me that caused the heart attack?” Izzy glared at Max even though this was probably true. It hurt to know that Max just assumed it.
“ No.” Max looked at her strangely. “ But you did have something to do with it? I know Karl wouldn’t have a heart attack for no reason.”
“ The baby I miscarried last year wasn’t Karl’s!” Izzy screamed. “ And Karl found that out today.”
Max could not believe what he was hearing. He stared at Izzy, a mixture of anger and horror going through it. He could not believe his baby sister would be so manipulative.
“ You what?” He asked. “ You mean to tell me that the baby wasn’t Karl’s? You lied to him?”
“ Yeah.” Izzy stammered. “ But-but please Max, you have to listen! The baby was actually Gus’s and you know what Gus was like. I couldn’t have my child with a father like that.”
But Max had already turned back to his car. He felt sick to the stomach. He heard Izzy call after him.
“ Max!” Izzy ran to him.
“ LEAVE ME.” Max yelled at her. He glared at her furiously. “ I don’t know why you’re like this and frankly I don’t want to. What you’ve done is absolutely unforgivable. And now Karl’s in there suffering from a heart attack!!” Max shook his head in disbelief. “ You’re sick, you know that?”
Izzy started crying. “ Please Max, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“ It‘s a little bit late for that.” Max said icily. “ Now just leave me alone.” Max then stormed off to his car. Izzy watched him go, tears coursing down her cheeks. If Max didn’t forgive her, then hell no one else in Erinsborough would.

[Denny]

Thanks for part two. It's brilliant Liz!

[Liz]

Part 3

“ Well Karl, it seems you’ve had a narrow escape. You suffered a very serious heart attack.” The doctor said. “ Fortunately your wife here found you otherwise you might not have survived.”
The words hit home to Karl. He wouldn’t have survived if not for Susan. Karl looked over at Susan and he saw her smile bravely at him. He smiled back at her. He was immensely grateful to Susan…more then grateful. Karl could not express his feelings.
“ So will he make a full recovery?” Libby took the words right out of Karl’s mouth.
“ There is a possibility that Karl could suffer another heart attack, probably not as serious as the one he’s had but it is almost definite that he will make a full recovery.” The doctor replied.
“ Heart attacks are always serious.” Libby said tearfully. “ Dad couldn’t go through another one.”
“ As we said, he may not have one.” The doctor tried to reassure her.
“ But he might.” Susan countered. She looked at Karl. “ I don’t think I could stand it if my Karl went through that again. Karl for sure doesn’t want it again.”
“ I sure don’t.” Karl agreed. “ Look I’m a doctor myself, you needn’t bother telling me to rest etc and all that because I know.”
“ Yes but you will not be working for some while.” The doctor warned him. “ You are one of our finest doctors here Dr Kennedy but we can’t have you working with patients if you are not in full health yourself.”
“ I understand.” Karl replied. “ I’m just worried about who’ll stand in for me at my surgery and here.”
“ We will find someone.” The doctor answered. “ Of course you’ll be back in due time. You will need to be looked after for a bit though. When you leave the hospital, you will feel very weak for quite some time. Do you have anyone who could…?”
Before Karl could say anything, Susan jumped in. “ I’ll do it.” She said. Karl was touched. Susan actually wanted to look after him even after all they’d been through. He was truly moved and immensely grateful.
“ Susan…” He began. “ You don’t….”
“ No Karl, I want to.” Susan answered, smiling at him. “ You thought I was just going to leave you didn’t you?”
“ Well I didn’t see any other reason why you’d want to help me.”
Susan shook her head. “ Karl Kennedy, we were married 30 years. What makes you think I wouldn’t care for you? I will always care for you Karl.” Tears began to course down her cheeks.
“ As will I for you.” Karl said lovingly. “ You can’t just stop loving someone like that. It’s impossible. And maybe I thought I had, but Susan, I never did.”
Libby smiled happily as she watched her parents connect. She could still see the spark between them even if they couldn’t. She knew her father loved her mother without question and the same applied to Susan. Libby had always believed that it had never been Susan that Karl was fed up with. It was himself. Susan just happened to be a casualty. She noticed the doctor leave the room quietly, obviously sensing that there was an emotional moment going on here.
“ Oh, the doctor’s gone.” Susan looked up.
Libby laughed. “ I think he wanted to give you two some private time to talk.” She responded. She looked at her father, lying in the hospital bed. It was weird. She had never seen Karl in hospital. “ I’m just so thankful that they saved you Dad.” She told Karl.
Karl smiled at his daughter. “ I’m also very thankful.” He cracked. He looked at Libby. “ Seriously though darling, I could never leave you. I would never strip you of a father.”
Libby nodded, emotions welling up in her once again. “ Mal’s coming to see you. Bill couldn’t though. He’s really sorry but Anne was ill at the same time and he needed to stay and look after her.”
“ That’s fine.” Karl responded. “ I really think I need to fix things with Mal. I think he still hates me.”
“ For what?” Susan asked.
“ Izzy.” Karl said simply. “ I know he’s never forgiven me for walking out on you Susan.”
“ Oh but Mal can’t be angry now!” Libby exclaimed, exasperated. “ His father’s just had a heart attack and he ‘d want to come and yell at you?”
“ Sounds like Mal.” Karl answered wryly.
All three of them laughed, knowing this was true. Mal Kennedy was just like Karl, even if he denied it. Stubborn, outspoken Mal had always clashed with his father because they were so alike. Susan and Libby had seen it.
“ Mal won’t be so idiotic as to do that.” Susan said, folding her arms. “ He may have a grudge or whatever but that is strictly not allowed in a hospital. He can leave it outside where it belongs.”
“ You know Mal’s problem?” Libby said. “ He’s too much like you Dad. That’s why you never get on.”
Karl laughed. “ I suppose I did put some rather irritating qualities into Mal. He’s a proud man.”
“ Like someone else we know.” Susan smiled. She sighed heavily. “ Oh Karl, I can’t tell you how relieved I am.”
“ That Mal’s proud?” Karl cracked.
“ You know what I mean Karl.” Susan looked into his eyes. Karl had amazing eyes, Susan knew. When they were married, Susan used to just gaze into his eyes for hours. He had incredibly sexy eyes. But Karl was a beautiful man. Susan had never stopped finding Karl attractive. Many couples lost interest in their partner’s looks after many years but Susan had never felt that way towards Karl. Karl seemed to get sexier as he got older, much to many other men in the street’s envy. What she hadn’t realised that she was lost in Karl now as Libby’s voice broke into her thoughts.
“ Um mum?”
Susan snapped out of her trance and looked at her daughter. “ What?”
“ I know I shouldn’t say this but I saw Izzy in here earlier.” Libby confessed.
“ What?” Karl asked.
“ Yeah, she wanted to see you Dad.” Libby said. “ But I got all emotional and told her where to shove it.”
“ Good.” Karl spoke bitterly and although Susan knew he was angry, she was surprised. She half expected for Karl to forgive Izzy. He had forgiven her for jilting him at the altar so anything was possible.
“ Good?” Susan asked.
“ Yes good.” Karl answered, his tone showing his anger. He was careful not to let his anger overtake him as he had just suffered from a heart attack. He didn’t want to have to bring on another one by choice. “ Isabelle used me. She used me. She didn’t love me. She only wanted a father for her baby. I cannot believe she lied to me! And for almost a year! It hurts.”
“ Of course it would.” Susan replied. “ Isabelle’s just….well there are no words for her kind. But Karl, I know that you love Izzy.”
“ Not anymore.” Karl spoke angrily. “ I did love her but she’s just abused that. Besides I never loved her as much as…” He trailed off. Libby smiled knowing exactly what Karl was going to say.
Susan didn’t know whether to feel happy or not. “ What are you trying to say?” She asked.
“ You.” Karl finished off his sentence. He didn’t care if Susan rejected him. “ I love you Susan so much.” He coughed painfully. “ I never stopped.”
“ Oh Karl.” Susan said emotionally, tears beginning to fall down her cheeks.
“ Susan, I don’t even expect anything from you.” Karl continued. “ I just wanted to tell you that I love you, I always have, I always will. I never fell out of love with you. It was myself I was angry at. You just happened to be there. I will never forgive myself for leaving you. It’s the biggest mistake of my life.”



Max Hoyland walked into his house, not at all happy. He could not believe what he’d heard from Izzy. Max felt awful for Karl, who was now lying in a hospital bed. Max made a note to see Karl sometime this week. If Izzy wasn’t going to apologise for her behaviour, he’d have to do it for her. But then again why should he?? This was her mess. Yet Karl still deserved an apology.
He walked into his kitchen to find Steph doing Summer’s hair. Steph looked up at him.
“ Oh there you are.” She said. “ Izzy’s been trying to call you.”
“ Whatever she has to say, I don’t want to hear it.” Max muttered.
Steph was confused. After all Max had always stood up for his sister, he’d never seen the bad side of her. Now all of a sudden it was like he hated her.
“ What’s going on Max?” Steph asked. “ Have you and Izzy had a fight or something?”
“ You could say that.” Max replied. “ I just don’t know what to do with her anymore. She’s out of control.”
“ What’s Aunt Izzy done?” Summer enquired. “ Dad, you can’t fall out with Izzy, you just can’t.”
Max sighed. “ Well in this case Summer, I have to.” He looked up at Steph. “ She’s gone too far.”
“ What has she done now?” Steph sighed, She knew exactly what Izzy was like.
“ I…can’t really say.” Max said. “ She should be the one to tell you but I suppose you’re going to find out anyway. Karl’s had a heart attack.”
Steph was stunned and saddened. “ Karl?” She exclaimed. “ Oh that’s terrible! Is he okay?”
“ I don’t know.” Max answered. “ Izzy didn’t know either when I asked her.”
“ Oh god.” Steph sat down at the coffee table.
Summer meanwhile was looking upset. “ I hope Karl’s okay.” She said quietly. Steph reached for her hand.
“ I’m sure he is.” She tried to reassure Summer. But Summer got down from the table and ran towards her bedroom. Steph sighed.
“ So what’s this got to do with Izzy?” She asked Max. “ Surely Izzy didn’t do anything to Karl did she?”
One look from Max confirmed that Izzy had indeed done something. “ Oh so she has!” Steph exclaimed. “ God that little…”
“ Steph.” Max silenced her. “ You know Izzy was going to have a baby with Karl last year? Well it turns out that the baby that Izzy miscarried had never been Karl’s.”
“ What?” Steph asked, shocked. “ You mean she lied?”
“ Yep.” Max said shortly. “ Lied to Karl, lied to everyone.”
Steph couldn’t believe it. She could never have believed that Izzy would do such a thing like this. Steph then realised Karl had found out and consequently suffered a heart attack. Steph really felt for Karl and god only knew what Susan and Libby thought of this. Did they know?
“ I…” Steph stammered. “ Well I’m speechless. I never believed Izzy capable of something this bad. I knew she could be manipulative but this…” A thought suddenly occurred to her. “ So if Karl wasn’t the father, who was?”
“ Gus.” Max told her. “ Izzy slept with him before she decided to go out with Karl. And it all makes horrifying sense. I don’t ever think Izzy loved Karl. She just wanted him as a father for her child.”
“ That explains a lot.” Steph agreed angrily. “ I mean how could she do this to Karl?”
“ I really don’t know. I don’t know why she did it and I don’t want to know.” Max replied. “ But I can’t imagine how Karl must have felt. The poor man’s suffered a heart attack because of her!”
“ What are you going to do? I mean say Izzy runs away and Boyd and Summer are left wondering where their Aunt is?” Steph said.
“ They’ll hear it sooner or later.” Max responded.
“ So what do we do in the meantime?”
“ I don’t know.” Max sighed heavily. “ It’s very complicated.”
“ You’re telling me.” Steph agreed. “ Urgh, I can’t believe Izzy. How could she be so…”
“ I really have no idea. She wasn’t always like this.” Max remembered. “ She used to be so sweet when she was a kid.”
“ Certainly not that now.” Steph replied. “ Maybe we should go and see Karl.”
“ Yeah, I was planning to do that later.” Max agreed. “ To be honest I really don’t know what to say to him. Do I apologise for her behaviour or…?”
“ Who’s behaviour?” Boyd said and Max and Steph turned to see Boyd standing in the kitchen. Max sighed.
“ Never mind.”
“ No, Dad I heard something about Izzy.” Boyd demanded. “ What’s she done now?”
“ Long, long story.” Steph told Boyd. “ Max, he’s going to find out soon.”
Max relented. “ Yeah all right. But you mustn’t repeat this to anyone, not Sky or any of your friends. Do I make myself clear?”
“ Sure.” Boyd said.
“ Remember Izzy’s miscarriage last year?” Max asked and Boyd nodded. “ Well today your lovely Aunt and my sister told me that the baby she miscarried had never been Karl’s but Gus’s.”
Boyd stared at his Dad in shock. He’d known Izzy to do some pretty selfish things but this took the biscuit.
“ You what?” He asked his Dad. “ Izzy said that baby was Karl’s.”
“ She lied.” Steph spoke up. “ And now to make matters worse Karl has found out and consequently he’s suffered a heart attack.”
Boyd was unprepared for that. “ Oh my god.” He finally said. “ Man, Karl didn’t deserve that.”
“ d**n right he didn’t.” Max said angrily.
“ How could Izzy lie?” Boyd wondered. “ Why would she lie about something like this? I mean I thought she loved Karl.”
“ I could see that she didn’t.” Steph admitted. “ Karl loved her but Izzy just used him.”
“ Jesus!” Boyd ran his hands through his hair. “ Izzy really is a ***** isn’t she? I always used to take no notice of anything people said about her like Sky for instance. But now I can see what she’s really like. And the baby was that freak’s Gus’s? I can see why she didn’t want it to be his.”
“ Yeah but that’s no reason for what Izzy has done.” Max replied. “ She’s finally gone too far.”


Izzy pulled out her clothes from Karl’s wardrobe and put them into her bag. As she did so, tears fell down her cheeks. It was truly the end of her relationship with Karl. Izzy didn’t quite know why she felt sad. After all she’d never loved Karl Kennedy so why should she care so much now that their relationship was over? Izzy sighed. Whatever she felt, it was nothing compared to how Karl was feeling at this moment. He probably felt humiliated, betrayed and also in a lot of pain. Izzy wished that she could see Karl but she knew that Susan and Libby were there. No way would she be allowed there. They probably knew about her secret anyway now.
Izzy was leaving Erinsborough. It was her only option. Now that Max knew about her secret, he’d tell it to Steph and hell…there wasn’t much chance of Steph keeping that to herself for long. Before long, Lyn would know and then the whole street would. That would lead to hatred on the street and Izzy would be seen as even more of an outcast. Izzy didn’t think she could handle that. Besides Izzy had to get away from the man known as Mr Paul Robinson. He kept ringing her, harassing her and every other d**n thing he could do to see her. Frankly Paul’s consistency scared her. When would he get it through his head that they were over?
Sighing, Izzy shut the wardrobe and took a last look at the place she used to call ‘home’. She wondered briefly how Karl would feel now that he was alone again. But she knew that he would never forgive her for what she had done. It occurred to Izzy then that she had still not done what Paul had asked her to do. He’d asked her to tell Karl about their little affair. But seeing as Izzy was leaving Erinsborough, she really didn’t need to bother. She wondered what Paul would do then.
Well leave him to stew. I don’t care. Paul Robinson can do what he wants now that I’m leaving. Karl…
Izzy’s thoughts drifted back to Karl. Karl Kennedy had been wonderful to her. He’d been caring, devoted, everything Izzy could hope for in a man.
I don’t love Karl do I? I can’t. I mean I like Karl and everything but I’ve never felt…like I was in love with him. So why can’t I stop thinking about him?
Izzy lifted her bag off the bed and walked out of Karl’s bedroom for the very last time. She wandered into the living room and looked around. Everything reminded her of Karl. On the coffee table, Izzy saw a photo of Karl and herself cuddling each other. Smiling, Izzy picked it up. She actually looked happy in that photo and Karl did too. She couldn’t help but notice Karl had a lovely smile. Of course, she’d seen it plenty of times but it was only now that she registered it.
“ Reminiscing are we?” A familiar voice said and Izzy jumped. She turned round and who should be standing there but Paul Robinson. Izzy sighed. She didn’t have time for this.
“ What the hell are you doing here?” She asked him. “ I told you to stop stalking me. You’re like some crazed teenager.”
“ Now hang on.” Paul said and smiled devilishly at Izzy. “ If I recall correctly, you were into me first weren’t you?”
“ Maybe.” Izzy admitted. “ But that’s gone now! All of it! And Paul, I don’t care if you tell Karl about our little secret. I’m leaving Erinsborough.” She smirked. “ So you can’t threaten me anymore Paul Robinson. I’m free.” Izzy headed towards the door.
But Paul had another trick up his sleeve. “ What would you say if I invited you away with me for a couple of weeks?” He asked. “ I know you are desperate to run away Isabelle and I’ll let you go after we’ve had our little holiday. But I’m sure by that time you won’t want to leave.”
Izzy tried not to listen but she was tempted. Maybe Paul had been playing cruel games with her but that was exactly the type of man Izzy was attracted to. Men that kept her on her toes. She turned round and folded her arms.
“ Where would we go?” She asked.
“ Oh just a little hotel room in New York.” Paul smiled when he saw Izzy’s eyes light up. “ I love New York don’t you?”
“ I’ve…never been.” Izzy stammered. “ But I have always wanted to.”
“ Well, well.” Paul grinned at her. His plan was working. It was so easy to get Isabelle wrapped right round his finger. “ Then you would love to come I take it?”
“ I…” Izzy was sorely tempted. How could she refuse? But Paul Robinson was bad for her. He made her do all kinds of crazy things and that wasn’t good. Besides if she stayed with him for too long, she might start to fall for him and Izzy knew Paul wasn’t the faithful type. However, what was there to stay for? Karl? Ha, he would never forgive her and the people of Erinsborough wouldn’t forgive her either. She smiled delightedly at Paul.
“ Okay!” She squealed. “ I’ll definitely come. Just say where you want me to meet you and what time.”
Paul walked to her and kissed her cheek. “ I’ll meet you by the make shift Coffee shop at nine this evening. Our plane is due to leave at midnight.”
Izzy nodded and watched as Paul walked out. He turned back suddenly and smiled at her.
“ I’m telling you Isabelle, you’ve made the right choice. We’re going to have one hell of a holiday.”
And with that he was gone. Izzy’s heart was racing. New York. She was going to New York. She just couldn’t wait. But she felt guilty. Here she was running away to New York with Paul Robinson and Karl Kennedy was lying in a hospital bed, broken and trying to recover from a heart attack.
“ I’m so sorry Karl.” Izzy whispered. “ I really am. I never meant for this to happen.”
She then walked out of Karl’s apartment for the very last time. As she shut the door behind her, a couple of tears streaked down her cheek. She and Karl were over for good.
“ New York here I come.” Izzy said.

[Denny]

Brilliant writing as always! Pizzy!