I've had this plot running through my head for a while now and thought I'd give it some life here on Fanfiction. I hope you enjoy.
I Don't own Twilight but I own this story!
The rhythmic tapping of her mother's heel on the vinyl floor echoed through the hall and did nothing to settle her nerves. Sweat beaded on her neck and chest making the smart white blouse feel uncomfortably tight and she shifted a bit on the wooden bench, trying to relieve her mounting tension. How she could feel hot when the air-conditioned building was one degree above freezing surprised her.
"How are you feeling Renee? Do you want me to bring you some water before we go in?" Bella asked her mom quietly. It might feel good to stretch her legs and calm her mind. Extra stress wouldn't make the day any easier and she worried about her mother's lagging strength. Already she could see the exhaustion crowding her eyes.
As if sensing her daughters' need to move, Renee responded. "Sure some water would be great. We still have another 15 minutes or so before we are called." Bella rose, stretching her back and trying to breathe out the nerves taking up residence in her stomach. Smoothing the brown skirt as she bent down, she gently kissed her mother on the cheek.
"Be right back. If you need me just call my cell okay?" Renee rolled her eyes good naturedly but nodded and grinned.
"Don't worry Bella! Anyway did you see that blue-eyed wonder down the hall? You know I'm a sucker for uniformed men." Renee laughed at the look on her daughter's face. Bella chuckled too at her mom's antics, nerves forgotten for the moment.
Standing at the vending machine Bella couldn't help but think of how little time she had left with her mom. They should be spending these precious moments at their favorite haunts, not here and not for this reason. A walk at dusk at Papago Park's "Hole in the Wall" or visiting Picacho Peak further south where the crazy ostrich farm sat. Then again her mother's days of hiking were probably at an end. Grabbing the bottles and mentally shaking herself she detoured to the bathroom to cool off and regroup. Bella let the water from the sink run over her arms and hands while trying to gather her thoughts. Briefly glancing at the mirror, the woman she saw reflected back seemed almost hollow, like a poorly formed echo lost in the wind.
As Bella walked back down the corridor she settled her nerves and steeled her resolve. Nothing would change the circumstances she was faced with but the outcome she could control. She had to for every ones' sake. A low familiar chuckle brought her back to the present. Looking ahead she saw the shiny black hair and broad shoulders of her fathers' best friend chatting quietly with Renee. Quickening her steps Bella called out, "Billy! What are you doing here? How-"
"Bella," Billy chastised. "Did you really think we would miss this?"
"I… wait, we?" Strong arms spun Bella around and she shrieked in surprise. "Jacob!"
"Dad's right Bells, you aren't alone. We're here to help." Jacob gave her his signature toothy smile. Bella grinned back heartened to have her one and only friend here to support her. "It'll be a slam-dunk Bells. And then in a few months we will be neighbors! How awesome-" Jake stopped abruptly at the stricken look on Bella's face. Billy whacked him on the head for good measure. "Oh dam Bells, I'm sorry that's not what I mean."
"S'okay Jake I know." Discretely wiping her eyes, Bella felt her mom grip her other hand firmly. She squeezed back, silently telling her mom she was okay. Billy cleared his throat and gave both Renee and Bella a soulful look. They all knew Jake was right, that things would be different in a few short months but Bella didn't want to think about it. Holding back a sob, Bella straightened up and remembered her promise to Renee and to herself: they would celebrate each second they had left together; grief could come later.
Two large doors across the hall opened a few moments later, spilling out a multitude of people and breaking the solemn quiet of the small group. Sucking in a sharp breath Bella could feel her nerves suddenly return. As the crowd thinned and made its way down the hall an older woman appeared beside the doors. "Isabella Swan?" Bella could only nod. "Judge Greyson will see you now if you'll follow me." The courtroom was larger than she thought it would be with polished wood railings gleaming in the artificial light. It felt colder than the hallway too, thought Bella, as she fought the shiver making its way up her damp back and along her arms. Still holding her mother's hand, Bella and Renee followed the court assistant to the front, with Billy wheeling in alongside Jacob.
"Bella you have absolutely nothing to worry about today. Just remember the strength it took to get here, at what you've had to deal with and overcome. I want your future filled with laughter and light not sorrow or pain. Ok?" Renee took Bella's hand in both of hers as a single tear slipped down her papery cheek. "I love you." Bella gently reached out to wipe at the tear and slightly shifted the bohemian style scarf covering her mom's head. The love between mother and daughter was a heartbreaking sight for Billy. He wished his girls had known their mother, that they had been blessed with the gift of that unbreakable bond.
"I love you to maji." Renee gave a warm smile at the term of endearment before settling down in her chair. She was more fatigued than she would like to admit and was looking forward to putting this day behind her. She had faith that all would work out in the end. Her daughter was too bright and tenacious for anything else. A door off one side of the judges' bench opened, revealing an older man wearing the requisite robes and sporting distinguished salt-and-pepper hair. It was time.