Chapter 29
The Will
Edward
It was the hardest thing that I had ever agreed to when Bella said we shouldn't get married, and wait until our issues had been resolved. Was I stupid, for telling her what my fears were? I don't know, but would probably never be able to cope if we split up for good, Bella was my soul mate. I intend to drag her to Tiffany's as soon as we get back to Chicago. Before I asked Bella to marry me, I was going to buy her a promise ring. I did a fair amount of research on the subject, I found out about Claddagh soul mate rings; from the pictures, I saw they looked like wedding bands. Bella wanted another ring as an engagement ring, I could buy a matching pair of rings, then wear one myself. It was a win, win situation as far as I was concerned. If people thought it was a wedding band, hopefully while I'm doing my rotation, none of the nurses would hit on me. Then Bella wouldn't feel as threatened.
I called my mom to see how she is doing, of course, she wanted to speak to Bella. She didn't seem to please about the not getting married, and living together decision, I intended to explain to my mom when we get back, I'm sure she would be okay with it.
Bella had called Bree, and spoke to her for a while, it made me love Bella more if that was possible for being so caring towards my younger cousin.
I talked with Uncle Max, who had been in court this morning when my father, Eleazar, and Tanya had appeared for their first appearance.
My father had been denied bail, and was considered a flight risk. There were, so many complications in his charges, he had been charged with identity thief after all he had been living as his brother for over thirty-five years. But he hadn't used his identity to gain money or to commit a crime, he paid taxes, gave to charity, and was an upright citizen. He pleaded guilty.
But he had also been charged with conspiracy to murder, for funding Bella's death. Although he did do that, for some reason he pleaded not guilty.
Deserting the army was something that was a query as the statute of limitation for desertion is two years. The argument apparently is that the government never declared war on Vietnam, but it was classed as a conflict. Again he pleaded guilty.
He had been served papers for the divorce, and was obviously devastated. Mom had asked, for a none contested divorce, and was giving him a disclosed amount of money on his release from either custody or jail. He had however said he wanted his name changing on our birth certificate seems it said Carlisle on it, he still wanted to see Alice, and me, but to be honest at this time I have no desire to see him again.
Eleazar had also been denied bail, the charges against him were a conspiracy to murder, Blackmail, Embezzlement. He pleaded not guilty on all counts.
Tanya had been refused bail as she was arrested trying to flee the country. Her charges were for conspiracy to murder, blackmail, stalking, and harassment. She, however, was trying to get a deal with the district attorney, apparently Royce King had killed a girl a few years ago, during spring break. He was still wanted, and no one had any idea where he could be hiding. She also pleaded not guilty.
Jasper had managed to not get charged with anything he was released. He had nothing to do with the attempt on Bella's life, he had not had sex with Alice or tried to take her across the state line. That guy would fall in shit and come out smelling of roses.
We stayed in the meadow, my head on Bella's lap, while she stroked her fingers through my hair, just talking. It was peaceful, and I hoped it would help us connect a little more. I realized how we had started to grow apart with all the distractions, she was right, it was mostly from the decisions I had made. Rose called me a spoiled little rich kid, and looking at it, I am. I never realized just how lonely Bella had become. I plan to do whatever it takes for Bella to feel loved, and secure again.
We left soon after one in the afternoon, Bella wanted to visit the graves of her Grandparents before we left, we had to be back in Forks, for four in the afternoon to attend the reading of the will, which was taking place at Charlies house. So we diverted to a florist to buy flowers. Much like last time I sat back, and watch her speak to her Grandparents, and held her when she broke down. I remember how I felt when my grandpa died, so I could only imagine how bad it is for Bella. I spoke to Gran on my own before we left apologizing, for how I had treated Bella, and promised to do better.
We laughed, and sang all the way back to Forks, we were getting back to the way it had always been between us until my father, and Tanya had interfered with our relationship, this gave me hope.
"Where have all these cars' come from," I said as we turned down Charlie's street.
"Maybe someone's having a Pamper Chef party." Bella shrugged.
"Rose has put the rental in the drive, but who has parked on the lawn," I asked.
"I don't know, but I'm not happy. Let's get the car back in the garage, then ask if it belongs to anyone who is here for the will reading, it needs moving, before it does any damage to the grass," Bella answered.
We could hear the shouting, and arguments before we even got into the house. It appears more people were mentioned in the will than we first thought.
"There she is Chief Black; I want her arrested. She stole my car," a young teenage boy yelled, as he jumped in front of Bella. "I didn't say you could drive it." He towered over Bella, pushing his finger against her shoulder.
Pulling Bella behind me, I pushed the boy back from her, within minutes I was flanked by both Emmett and Rose.
"What are you talking about, that car belongs to Charlie, and we were told when he died it would be mine." Bella gasped.
"Well, you're wrong, Charlie treat him like he was his own son. You were just a foster kid that his parents kept when you came of age. I'll never forgive you for not letting me near my Charlie's casket when he was murdered. You took over, and made it about you!" Sammy shouted at Bella.
"That's enough, Samantha, sit down or you will get arrested. It won't be the first time you've been locked up. You don't know what you're talking about. Bella never took over anything, and you meant nothing to Charlie," Jake barked at her. "Sean sit down before I arrest you, again."
"I don't know what you're talking about Sammy, just because you're staying in Charlie's cabin doesn't make you special. When I move in here I have big plans for this place," a younger black haired woman said.
"Well, I'm going to be here as well, so I'll see you in court." an older blonde haired woman laughed.
The next thing all four women started to scream at each other, again.
"It's been like this since they all got here. We are going to have to check all their purses as they have been going through your boxes Bella." Rose whispered.
"Sue, what's going on? Who are all these women? Have I missed something, what about Gran's things I stored here, they can't take those things, can they? Everyone seems to have been in this house while I was back in Chicago. What if they have taken Gran's jewelry what Charlie was left," Bella gasped.
I could see she had started to panic and knew she would soon be in a full blown panic attack, knowing I wouldn't be able to carrier her, and neither could Emmett.
"Chief could you help please?" I bellowed over all the noise.
Jake rushed over, and picked Bella up, taking her into the dining room, placing her on my knee. I spoke quietly to her as I had her match my breathing, gently rubbing her back.
"Chief, you're going to have to do something about this, Bella won't be able to cope with any drama. She hasn't been able to deal very well with loud noises, and behavior like that since she was attacked," Rose explained.
"Who are all those women, did Charlie see them all or something," Emmett asked.
"No, Charlie just helped them out with food if they were stuck. Sammy was supposed to stay in Charlie's cabin for a few days until she could find something else, but he died, and she hasn't left." Nessie laughed.
"We're just waiting for officer Mark, and George to get here if there is any trouble they will be arrested. Don't worry about anything valuable of your Grans going missing. We moved it when we saw you leave the day you came here with Edward, and his mom. After the will is read Sam is ready to change the locks, so no one will be able to get in here." Emily smiled down at Bella as she put her hair behind her ear.
"Thank you, I really appreciate you looking out for Bella," I told them.
"Sue, did you know old ma Brooke is here?" Emily asked.
"Yes, Charlie left her a little something, you know how fond he was of her." Sue beamed.
"It's a pity he wasn't as fond of Gran, and me, when did he get this cabin? Something else he had that we didn't know about," Bella grumbled.
"Mark's here, and George has just pulled up, Sue," Sam told us.
"Come on sweetheart just pretend they're not here, I'm sure it's going to get a lot worse." I whispered to Bella.
Walking into the sitting room, we sat on the love seat which was going with us to Chicago.
"Hi Bella, you're looking well, I see young Edward found you. He turned up at the station in a panic yesterday, at least he looks a lot calmer," George said as he pulled Bella into a hug.
"Hi, George it's great to see you. I've missed you," Bella replied with tears in her eyes.
"Ladies and Gentleman could you take your seats, so we can begin, please," Sue shouted over the noise.
Bella
There was muttering and people still bitching, but I was glad that this was beginning. I had all but forgotten about the mess that car was causing to the front grass, I know mentioning it would only cause another round of arguments.
Sue stood at the front of the room, and cleared her throat.
"I'll warn you, all of you if there is another outburst like earlier I will not hesitate, but to arrest you, is that clear," Jake shouted.
The room quietened.
"After the death of his mother, Charlie came to see me, and changed his will. It was witnessed by Pastor and Mrs. Green," Sue began.
Opening an envelope, she began to read.
I declare that this is my last will and testament, I at this moment revoke, annul and cancel all wills and codicils previously made by me, either jointly or severally. I declare that I am of legal age to make this will and that I am the sound of mind. This last will expresses my wishes without undue influence or duress.
I am not married, but I have one daughter Isabella Marie Swan (13th September 1987)
There was a gasp from most people in the room. Sue looked over her glasses and continued.
I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint Sue Clearwater as Executor.
I leave my fishing poles, reels, and any fishing equipment to my friend Billy Black.
To Sam Uley I leave my tools, both electrical, and manual which are in my garage, I hope you will continue to renovate your Plymouth Barracuda.
My Ford Mustang is to be sold, with the proceeds three thousand dollars is to be given to each Samantha Wells, Mildred Brooks, Kirstein Hooper, Joanne Bywater, and Cindy Carter. Any remaining money to the Lutheran Church.
"That's no way fair, I wanted that, Charlie always said it would be mine one day," Sean growled.
"Settle down or you will be arrested, if Charlie wanted you to have it, he would have said so," Jake replied.
"Can I continue?" Sue asked.
To George Davidson, my full gun collection.
To Officer Mark Sanderson my collection of signed baseball.
To Nessie Black, the porcelain figurine that was my mothers, you have always said you wanted.
To Emily Uley, the dinner service that was my moms, which was from England.
I would also like to ask if George, Nessie, and Emily could look in on Bella every now and then, I know how much you all cared about her.
The cabin and all its contents that I own in the Sol Duc Valley, Forks.
The property that is known as 775K Street, Forks, and contents also my boat I leave to my daughter Isabella.
My bonds to be kept in trust, and divided up among any children, Isabella has, to be given to them on their eighteenth birthday.
All money's in the bank, insurance, pension my mother's jewelry or any other item belonging to her, to go to my daughter Isabella.
Along with the contents of the safe which is located in my bedroom. Bella, I'm sorry for keeping it from you.
"That completes the reading of the will." Sue smiled. "Ladies as soon as the car is sold I will forward you a check."
"Ladies and Sean could I ask you before you leave to please show the contents of your purses to either, myself, George, or Mark," Jake requested.
"What the fuck is this about?" Samantha bellowed.
"It's about you four including you Sean, going through Bella's property, making assumptions that you could help yourself to anything here. Charlie might have been kind to you, but I will not let you take advantage of Bella, so give her the property you have taken back," Nessie demanded.
One by one they put jewelry, and trinkets on the table. Things that belonged to Gran. It made me sick to my stomach.
"Oh, and Sammy you need this," Sue gloated as she passed a piece of paper to her.
"What the fuck is this?" Sammy barked.
"You have twenty-eight days to leave the cabin. If you damage it or take anything that's not your, you will be arrested," Sue smirked.
"It looks like another example of how much Charlie thought about you Bella, I'm so sorry," Rose said as she pulled me into a hug.
"You would think I would be used to it by now, but it still hurts every time I find out more about his life. Not only was it a shock, he had that car when we last came here, but now it appears he has a cabin and a boat." I muttered.
"Did he actually pay any kind of child support or did he just leave it all to his parents," Edward ranted.
"My pa, left my ma, and he bought money round every Friday night as long as I can remember," Emmett added.
"Bella, will you be keeping the house, cabin or boat?" Sue inquired.
I looked at Edward, who shrugged his shoulders.
"Edward, and I said we were selling the house, but obviously, we knew nothing of the cabin or boat. How could he justify buying such elaborate things, and not take care of me financially," I said stunned. "Do you know the first year I was in Chicago I stayed there for Christmas, because I couldn't afford to come home. I had to stay in a motel on my own for two days as no one was allowed to stay in dorms on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day."
"I'm so sorry, we didn't know, we would have sent you a ticket if we had known," George told me as he took my hand.
"If Edward hadn't brought me home during spring break, I wouldn't have been able to spend time with Gran before she died." I whispered.
"Bella this is what your dad…" Sue began to say.
"He wasn't my dad, he was my sperm donor, don't ever call him my dad because he is not or ever will be my dad," I snarled.
"Sorry, Charlie was given this letter when you were three years old, and he decided you shouldn't have it. Apparently you would have found it anyway, it's from Renée," Sue corrected herself.
I took it off her, grabbed Edward's hand, and walked out onto the back porch. We sat on the swing seat.
"Are you okay sweetheart," Edward asked, moving my hair behind my ear.
"No, not really, when am I ever going to get a break, when am I ever going to be able to live happily with no drama?" I asked.
"Hopefully now, sweetheart, I promise I'm going to do whatever it takes to make you happy," Edward promised. "Why don't you open the letter, and see what she wanted to tell you."
I opened the letter to see two photographs. The first one was of my birthmother family, she and what appeared to be my grandmother looked so much like me. Then one of Renée.
"I have the same hair as her. She has blue eyes, but she is dainty like I am," I smiled. I felt Edward kiss the top of my head.
Carefully taking out the letter I began to read it while Edward rubbed soothing circles on my back.
Dear Isabella,
It is so hard, for me to start this letter. Maybe I should say how hard it is, for me to finish it instead, because I have started at least fifty times.
When you were conceived, I was very young, only sixteen. Charlie was not ready to be a father at seventeen. When I found out that I was pregnant, I panicked, Charlie suggested we get married, and live happily ever after. I was not that naïve. When we told our folks, they were not pleased. So my folks, and his sat us down, for a serious discussion, we both had to look at the truth. I was too young. We were far from completing school, and really had no skills to get a decent paying job. I didn't want you to grow up with parents who fought over money, over freedom. I realized that marriage was not right, for either of us.
I have to tell you the truth. Even though I knew marriage wouldn't work, I still didn't plan on staying with Charlie or keeping you. Even though I pretended I was. The more I thought about it, the more I knew I couldn't do it. I knew Charlie still planned on going to UCLA on his scholarship. He would move on only seeing you when he came home for holidays. I gave myself an assignment in exploring my options was to imagine I was parenting you on my own with no financial support from my parents (this would have been the case because Dad could barely support Mom, and my two brothers let alone a new baby as well.)
I thought about what life would be like for us. What type of place would we live in? Would it be in a poorer area? If I went to school all day who would actually be parenting you, some day care worker? As I knew, my mother wouldn't do it. If I worked evenings to support us when would I ever be with you? What type of life would we have? It wasn't so much the money as the lifestyle. Although I was too young, and immature, I was old enough, and mature enough to know that you deserve two parents that dearly wanted you. But the truth is, I didn't want a baby, but I realize that at that time in my life, I wasn't mommy material, and I'm still not. I know the only way out was to have you adopted, but Charlie fought me saying we could do this. I knew he wouldn't change his lifestyle he was too selfish.
But the more I carried you, the more I fell in love with you. I would read quietly to you at night while rubbing my stomach you seem to love my voice. The closer to your birth the more I panicked, I knew I couldn't keep you, Charlie wouldn't let me have you adopted. He said that he would take care of you, and I was never allowed to see you or speak to you again. I couldn't do that.
I spoke to my parents, and told them how I felt. We decided the best for me, and you were that I would leave Forks as soon as you were born, so I didn't get too attached to you. When I left the hospital, I cut off your ankle band. I have it with my other treasures, your scan pictures, and a photograph a nurse took of us both together a few minutes after your birth. Charlie missed your birth, he was out at a party with his buddies.
Always remember how lucky you are to not have me in your life, I'm really a bit flaky, and sometimes I can be a little skittish. I find it hard to stay in one place for long, I can't cook edible food, apparently.
I came to Forks when you were three years old I wanted to make sure you were okay, and I was curious how you were doing. I saw you with your grandparents you were curled up with your Grandpa on the swing. Then again on the beach with George, Nessie, and Emily. You were so happy, so I left, leaving this letter for you to have when you were old enough to understand.
Remember, you are never alone. There are so many people standing on your side always ready, and able to help you should you need help. They have never liked me, but, George, Emily, and Nessie love you I could see that. They would lay down their life for you.
I honestly hope that nothing but good times fills your days, and nights. Good luck in whatever you do. I know without me; you will have a great life.
With all my love, Your birthmother Renee.
"Are you okay sweetheart?" Edward asked as he pulled me into his chest.
"She wanted me, she only left, because she knew she couldn't give me a good life. Charlie wouldn't let her see me, that's why her family left," I sobbed as I passed the letter to Edward to read.
I heard the door open and someone put their hand on my shoulder, as my face was buried into Edwards chest.
"Bella let's go back to the lodge, I think you should have a lay down," Rose suggested.
Nodding my head, I stood up slipping the letter, and photographs into my bag.
"We will call you tomorrow Sue to discuss the sale of everything, Bella needs time to digest everything that has happened," Emmett told everyone.
"Yes, of course, we'll see you all tomorrow, call me if you need anything," Emily replied, as she placed a new key into my hand.
Thanks as always to Mr G and Me for all her hard work in making this readable. Also my pre-reader Klcivinski for reading this even though she is so busy. Any mistakes found are all mine.
