Coming Around Again
A/N: First of all… HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!
OK, I know that none of you were expecting the events of the last chapter to happen but it just came to me suddenly. I hated to kill Jacob because I love the character but as I said it just popped into my head.
Now a couple of you have mentioned when I was going to bring Charlotte into the story and I have a plan for her…and no she is not pregnant by Emmett. I'm going to wait until Bella starts feeling a little better after the death of Jacob, after all he was the closest thing she had to a brother besides Paul, Embry and Quil.
This chapter is just a bit of fluff and will not be very long, it's showing from Emmett's POV how Bella is dealing with Jacob's death and shows Irina's trial toward the end. ENJOY!
Disclaimer: I still don't own anything related to Twilight, that honor belongs to Stephanie Meyer. I do own an unhealthy fan girl crush on Peter Facinelli and the character of Carlisle Cullen.
Chapter 22
Emmett's POV
I would have never expected Irina to flip out the way she did. Yes, she was bat shit crazy but I never knew she would take it to the extreme that she did. When she kidnapped my daughter I wanted to find her and kill her, that was just the father in me. When she killed Jacob and tried to kill my Belle? I wanted to tie her up and torture her to no end, that was the husband and friend in me.
After Bella helped Billy, Rachel and Rebecca spread Jacob's ashes into the water at First Beach in La Push, I thought that it would be a bit of closure for her. I was wrong. For weeks after Jacob's death Bella refused to leave the bedroom, she only ate when I forced her to or when Paul threatened to leave, she only spoke when spoken to and even then it was one word sentences. In short, my Belle was a complete zombie.
After Jacob left she couldn't bear to have Paul, Quil and Embry living so far away so I offered them a place to stay. We did have plenty of room, after all. Rachel came to live with Paul, since they were dating, and Claire also came to live with Quil, since they were dating. Embry tried to get Bella involved by asking her to help him find a date but even that didn't get her out of her shell. I didn't know what to do and neither did the guys.
Lilli even tried to help by drawing her pictures at school and bringing them to her. Bella would smile at Lilli, thank her quietly and give her a soft kiss on the cheek but that was the full extent of her interaction with her.
I understood that Bella was hurting. I'll admit that I was hurting as well and I hadn't known Jacob Black nearly as long as Bella did. Jacob Black was the type of person that once you met them, you instantly like them. He had a smile that could brighten up anyone's day and he was a very loyal and compassionate human being. Jacob wouldn't want anyone to mourn his death but to move on and be happy, always remembering the good times and not his demise. He would be grilling Bella right now if he saw her acting the way she was. It was actually Charlie who finally got through to her, the unlikeliest of all people.
I had just come home from tying up a few loose ends at the office when I heard the sounds of Charlie talking with Bella. I wasn't trying to eavesdrop but it was hard to not hear them when I was on my way to the bedroom anyway, and I didn't want to interrupt.
"Bells, you need to start living again." I heard Charlie say.
"I am living" muttered Bella.
"No you aren't, sweetheart." he replied "You are just functioning, and barely at that."
"That's not true, I am functioning just fine. I'm just sad, is all." she says with a sniffle.
"We're all sad, Bells. Jake was everyone in this room's best friend in the entire world and like a son to me before I completely screwed up with you. " Charlie says "But if he saw you like you are today? A zombie form of your normal self? He'd probably want to kick your ass. Tell me Bells, what would Jacob say or do if he saw you like this?"
Bella was silent and Charlie that opportunity to speak.
"I'll tell you what he'd say and do. He'd come in with his bright Jacob smile and tell you to get the hell out of bed, it's a new day. He'd tell you to be thankful that you are alive and live each day as if it were your last. He'd tell you that you would end up missing something if you went on hiding inside yourself and not interacting with anyone. He would get on you about not eating and jokingly call you Skeletor or something along those lines before force feeding you with a spoon." Charlie said "And he would tell you to never forget him but move on with your life because you have a husband and a beautiful little girl that needs you. He would also tell you that he will forever live on in your heart and in your dreams."
It was silent in the bedroom for a few minutes with the exception of the soft sniffles coming from Bella. I didn't think that he had gotten through to her as so many of us had tried to do over the weeks.
"Thank you, Dad." Bella finally croaked.
"I just want to see you happy, baby. Laying in bed for almost a month and ignoring your family and friends that love you is not doing anything but making you more miserable, trust me I've been there." he says "I know I haven't always been the best father in the world but I do want to see you happy and it hurts me to see you like this."
"I'm sorry, Dad." Bella sobbed "I forgave you a long time ago for how you treated me before you got sober, now I think it is time I started actually taking your advice instead of ignoring them."
"I love you, Bells." Charlie says.
"I love you too, Dad." Bella replied.
I stood in the hall smiling, glad that Charlie was doing better by his daughter and glad that he was able to break through the shell she had created around herself since Jacob's death. Charlie walked out and saw me standing in the hall and smiled.
"Hello, Emmett. I didn't know you were home." he said.
"I've been home for a little while, I didn't want to interrupt you guys." I said with a smile.
"Oh, it's ok. You could have come in, son." Charlie replies with a smile.
"I should thank you, Charlie. You are the first person who has gotten through to Bella since Jacob's death. I'm glad that you have decided to get yourself straightened out for Belle, she really needed you in her life and was holding out hope that you would try to change your ways. I think I speak for both of us when I say that we are proud of you." I said.
"Thank you, Emmett." Charlie said softly with a soft smile. "I'm glad that Bella has you. I am sorry about how the two of you originally came to marry but I can tell that you two have truly come to love each other. That is why I am going to go to your father now and dissolve the original contract and sell him the bed and breakfast. I will also get him to dissolve the contract we forced you and Bella to sign as well."
"You would do that for us?" I asked, shock clearly noticeable in my voice.
"Yes, as I said Emmett, I know now that the original intent for the two of you to marry was wrong and that the two of you would have been great together anyway, without us forcing your hand." he says "I love my daughter and I have come to love you as a son. I will do whatever I can within my power to make things right."
"T-thank you Charlie." I stammered.
"You're welcome, Emmett." he says before shaking my hand and leaving our home.
I walked into the bedroom to find Bella in much better spirits than she was before. I sad down on the bed and pulled her into my arms with a smile. I kissed her head and we spoke of what she and Charlie talked about and about what Charlie and I talked about. To say that Bella was as shocked as I was, was the understatement of the century.
Bella, for the first time in almost a month, actually got out of bed that day and went with me to pick Lilli up. She was also in the mood for us all to go out for ice cream which excited Lilli to no end. I knew then that everything would be all right.
"Baby girl, you know that Irina's trial starts the day after tomorrow right?" I asked her later that night when we were getting ready for bed.
"Paul mentioned it to me the other day but I was still zoned out." Bella says "I know that you have to go because you have to testify about your past with Irina."
"Yes, well the District Attorney would like you to testify as well." I said "I told him that it would be up to you since you were still out of it."
"I want to testify." Bella said softly "I want justice for Lillian's kidnapping but I think the biggest thing is that I want justice for Jacob's death. Maybe knowing that she is behind bars will help me find the closure I need to move on with my life."
"I agree." I said kissing her gently on the lips "We will go see Jared first thing in the morning. He cannot try the case himself because he is from La Push and knew Jacob personally. It would be a conflict of interest if he did."
"Jared Cameron?" Bella asked and I nodded "I know Jared, he was really good friends with Paul in high school. He and Paul went their separate ways when Jared went off to law school. He's a fair man, and very sweet. I can see why it would be a conflict of interest because Jacob was like his little brother."
"That's what he told me." I said.
"If Jared isn't trying the case, who is?" I asked.
"Well Leah can't do it because she is Jacob's cousin." I started and she nodded.
"Yes, I know Leah Clearwater" she says "If she weren't Jacob's cousin, she would make sure Irina got the maximum punishment."
"Sam Uley was also ruled out because of his connection to both you and Jacob." I said and she nodded.
"Does Jared have anyone on his payroll that isn't directly related to this case?" Bella asked and I thought for a minute.
"Peter couldn't do it because he is related to me by marriage, he is Jasper's brother and he would slap Irina with the full penalty just because he respects my family. Ben Cheney couldn't do it because his wife is Lillian's teacher, and involved in the kidnapping case. That leaves Alec Volturi." I said.
"Wait, isn't he your father's friend's son?" Bella asked.
"Yes, but Alec is not associated with his father or mine." I said "Alec and I have been acquaintances for years but not in what the courts would consider a 'close' relationship. He is a fair lawyer and will make sure that justice is served."
"Ok, so let's go talk to Alec tomorrow then." Bella said and I nodded, kissing her good night and holding her close as we drifted off to sleep.
The next morning, I took Bella to speak with Alec and he ran over the many questions that he would be asking her during the trial.
"Now, don't be nervous, Isabella." Alec says "I will make sure that tomorrow runs as smoothly as possible."
"Thank you, Alec." Bella says softly.
"Are there any questions from the defense that we need to be aware of?" I asked.
"Well they may ask you about the nature of which your marriage came about but I would object to any of those questions as they do no pertain to the case." Alec replied "They may also ask further questions regarding you shooting Irina, Isabella."
"What kind of further questions? I mean you pretty much covered the entire ordeal with your questions for me." Bella says.
"They will try to break you, to get you to change your story." Alec says.
"I won't do that." Bella replies.
"They may also try to say that your concussion may have impaired your vision and judgment." he says.
"But I saw it was her before I got the concussion." Bella replies "And there was no mistaking that she was coming back to finish the job."
"As long as we keep sticking to the same story, I think tomorrow will go without a hitch." Alec replies and Bella and I both nod. "Well then, if that is all I will see you all tomorrow morning at 9. Irina's case is the first on the docket."
The next morning we made our way to the courthouse, sitting toward the front of the courtroom with Billy Black and his daughters Rachel and Rebecca as well as a few others from La Push, including Paul, Quil and Embry who rode with us since they were still living with us. Angela and her husband were sitting behind us and Lilli sat in my lap. The judge had spoken to Lilli in her chambers with her Guardian ad Litem (her lawyer). We watched as the Bailiff brought in Irina, who was bound with chains on her ankles and wrists, and sat her down at the table beside her lawyer, my father's old friend Eleazar. I still couldn't believe that he would even try the case against us because of his friendship with my father, but then again it was his daughter's freedom in jeopardy.
"All rise, the honorable Judge Christian Serratos presiding." the Bailiff said and we all stood as a beautiful woman who looked a lot like Carmen Denali came in.
"You may be seated." The lady says as we all took our seats "Bailiff what is the first item on the docket today?"
"The state of Washington versus Irina Denali." says the Bailiff.
"And are all witnesses present?" she asked and the Bailiff nodded "Let us proceed. Will the defendant please rise?"
Irina stood up, along with Eleazar, and the judge continued.
"Irina Denali you are being charged with First Degree Kidnapping of a Minor Child, Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Assault, all of which are Class A and B Felonies, how do you plead?" Judge Serratos says.
"My client would like to enter the plea of Guilty, your honor." Eleazar says.
"You may be seated" Judge Serrators says "Since the defendant has entered a plea of Guilty of all crimes, we will hold the arraignment and sentencing today. The state may state their case against Miss Denali."
"Your honor, On the dates in question Miss Denali kidnapped Mr. Emmett Cullen's daughter from her preschool in Port Angeles and held her until Mr. Cullen adhered to her stipulations. She threatened to give her away to be adopted if he did not. Her stipulation was that Mr. Cullen leave his wife for her. After Mrs. Cullen left the residence to go visit family in La Push, Miss Denali ran Jacob Black and Isabella Cullen off the road, resulting in the concussion and lacerations on Mrs. Cullen and the death of Mr. Black. She then tried to finish the job with her car on Mrs. Cullen before Mrs. Cullen disabled the vehicle and then Miss Denali with a 38 special revolver found in Mr. Black's glove box." Alec began "We the State would like to see Miss Denali serve the maximum sentence for these crimes as justice for all those involved in this horrible ordeal of a woman scorned losing her wits about her."
"Thank you, Mr. Volturi. Now will the defense please give their opening argument." Judge Serratos says.
"Your honor, my client is guilty of the crimes that she has committed but we would like to enter the insanity plea for her actions." Eleazar says "Irina Denali was not in her right state of mind when she committed the crimes of which she is guilty for."
"Duly noted, counselor. Will the state please call their first witness?" Judge Serratos says.
Everyone went through their witnesses and testimonies before the Judge spoke again.
"We will take an hour long recess and come back with my verdict and sentencing." says Judge Serratos with the slamming of her gavel.
We all left the courtroom and went to have lunch with the guys and Jacob's family before making our way back into the courtroom for the sentencing.
"All rise!" the Bailiff exclaimed again and we all stood as Judge Serratos came back in.
"Please be seated" she said "Will the defendant please step forward."
Irina and Eleazar made their way in front of the judge.
"In light of the testimonies of the witnesses, I am going to have to throw out the plea of insanity for the simple fact that the charges to which you are guilty of took careful planning on your part, Miss Denali." Judge Serratos said "With that being said, I find you, Irina Denali guilty of First Degree kidnap of a minor child to which you will serve the full life sentence, you are also found guilty of Vehicular Homicide to which you will also serve the full life sentence and you have been charged with Vehicular Assault to which I also find you guilty and you will serve the maximum sentence of 10 years in a federal penitentiary. Along with time served you will also pay fines as follows. For Kidnapping in the First Degree, you are hereby ordered to pay $50,000 which will be paid to the state and to the family of the minor child to which you kidnapped. For Vehicular Homicide you will pay a fine in the amount of $50,000 to the state and to the family of the deceased plus and extra $5,000 for reimbursement for funeral costs. For Vehicular Assault you are hereby ordered to pay a fine of $20,000 to the state and to Mrs. Cullen for the pain and suffering you cause from your outburst. Bailiff please take the prisoner into custody for transfer to a maximum security prison."
I held Bella close as she watched the Bailiff guide Irina out of the courtroom.
"Let this be a lesson to you all that jealousy never pays in the end. If you must be envious of someone, please do not take it to the extent that Mrs. Denali has. Court is now adjourned." she says before hitting her gavel against the wood in front of her podium.
We left the courtroom and Eleazar decided to make his presence known.
"I just wanted to apologize for my daughters actions. I believe that 2 life sentences and 10 years in prison is justice for the wrongs that she has done to your family and the family of you Jacob Black. I know that will not bring him back but I send my deepest apologies." he says before walking off.
I watched him walk away slack jawed before guiding Bella back to the car. We invited everyone over to our house for a celebratory dinner and then called it a night. If Irina were guilty of any other crimes beside what she did to my family and good friend, Jacob Black, I may feel sorry for her but I felt relieved that justice was served today.
A/N: OK So this chapter ended up being longer than I thought. Please let me know what you think. Sentencing and charges were based on the state of Washington's laws.