Chapter 23: Alterations and Happenstance

Salvatore Boarding House

[Henrik's POV]

Charlotte and Freya kicked everyone else out of the kitchen. They are going to cook a meal 'Texas' style to go with the fish that Charlie and I caught this morning. Bella is in the library reading one of the many first editions Damon and his family have collected over the years. I see the title 'Great Expectations' on the binding. "Bella, can I talk to you for a minute?"

She glances up from her reading and smiles at me. "What can I help you with Henri?"

I grin back. I like the nickname. "I wanted to know if I could remove the 'cold one' scar from your arm for you. You were on the outside of the magic circle so it remained with you."

She blinks at me, processing my request. "If it's not too much trouble, I would like for it to be gone." She carefully replaces the book on the shelf where she found it. She stands in front of me waiting to see what I need for her to do.

I pull out a crystal and some eucalyptus ointment from my back pack. I rub a bit of the salve onto her scar. She scrunches up her nose at the scent and the tingle on her skin. I place the small white quartz crystal in my right hand open fisted. I close my eyes and concentrate on channeling my magic through the crystal. It warms up in my hand. I feel the crystal change shape in my palm.

"Henrik you did it!" Bella speaks softly trying not to startle me.

I glance at my palm the small crystal is now a sphere about the size of a large marble. It has a myriad of colors on the crystal surface.

I glance at her arm. It is as if the scar was never there. Some of her other scars are also gone.

Bella hugs me. "Thanks Henri, let's show the others at dinner tonight." I smile back at her and nod.

Mystic Falls City Hall

[Damon's POV]

Charlie and I have been in a meeting with the Mystic Falls City council all afternoon. They put vervain in the drinks. I have a tolerance for it due to drinking some every day. Charlie is immune and Charlotte gave me a western wristband with a large turquoise stone. It's been 'spelled' so I can ingest and not have a topical reaction to it while wearing my new item. I'm not sure about the magic in the stone, I just know it works.

Charlie is being polite. They are pushing his limits. Most of the council want him to be the next police chief of Mystic Falls.

"I have recently been reunited with my family. Thank you for your offer to be the next police chief. I must decline. I have family responsibilities that could require that I leave Mystic Falls at a moment's notice. I do not wish to leave you at a disadvantage, should I have to leave Mystic Falls suddenly. Sheriff Forbes is well equipped to handle any 'supernatural' problems that disturb Mystic Falls. I swear to keep what has been discussed at this meeting in confidence."

Mayor Lockwood offers, "Charlie we are willing to double the salary if you would reconsider."

Charlie sighs. "If I accepted that offer you would be too worried about someone hiring me away with a better offer. The offer on the table is a good one with great benefits. I am not looking for a position at this time. If you can afford that much you should hire more deputies and give Sheriff Forbes a raise."

Mayor Lockwood looks at me puzzled. "Why are you adamant that Liz Forbes is well equipped to handle 'supernatural' problems?"

Charlie looks directly at him. "She has been raised with 'supernatural' awareness. Her former husband is a vampire hunter. She knows more about the subject than most of you on the council. She has trained all of her life to protect and serve. Open your eyes, Liz could accept another offer from another town. You are not the only town with 'supernatural' problems. I have other business to attend to, thank you for your time and consideration." Charlie reaches out and shakes the Mayors hand and exits quickly. I think he shocked the council. He was polite and firm with them. I spend another hour with them discussing some problems with a zoning issue.

I am driving back to the Boarding House and I get a call from Liz. "Damon, are you responsible for me getting a raise and additional benefits: not to mention a new deputy?"

"You need to thank Charlie Swan for that, he politely told off the whole city council. You need the help. Mystic Falls doesn't need a new Police Chief at this time. He is saving them some money."

"He didn't take the job?"

"Charlie has personal reasons for not taking the position." I'm not going to mention that the Originals are keeping most of the supernatural problems away from Mystic Falls, while they are in residence.

Salvatore Boarding House

As soon as I enter the foyer Bella pulls me down the hallway to our room. "You have better eyesight than I do. I want us to shower together." I'm all for a hot soapy time with my wife. "What brought this on, I'm not complaining."

She laughs, "Henri did a spell to remove my 'cold one' scar. Some of my other scars have faded. I want you to check them out for me. We can have some fun while we check things out." I lift her in a fireman's carry with her laughing all the way into the bathroom.

After our shower she points to places that had scars before. "I had several scars from the encounter with James in Phoenix. They seem to have disappeared with the one on my wrist; almost as if the incident never happened." I notice that the scar on her forehead is gone from a motorcycle accident. I point out others that have disappeared. She is grinning at me happily as I gently examine her. We both marvel at the magic that helped remove her former scars. It helps to remove her self-consciousness concerning them. "You are always beautiful to me. I am glad you are happier about your appearance." She pulls me into a passionate kiss. It looks like we will be late to supper tonight.

[Charlotte's POV]

Damon and Bella are late to the dining room table tonight. She is radiant with happiness. Before I can ask what happened, Jasper exclaims: "Bella your scar is gone." She looks up at him and grins. "Henrik removed them for me today. I look like I did before I moved to Forks." Rebekah responds with "Cool we can go shopping for a more chic wardrobe." Bella looks up and grins back. "That sounds like a great idea. Good thing that tomorrow is Saturday. I need to change my look." I can see that she is taking the opportunity to get to know Rebekah better.

"Mind if I tag along?"

"Bella grins at me. You are always welcome to join us."

Angela joins in with, "Kol and I have plans for tomorrow afternoon. We can go shopping with you later."

Freya walks over to Bella and hugs her. "Sage and I have some research to do concerning Esther and Dahlia tomorrow. We will join another shopping adventure later in the week."

Bella smiles, "that sounds like a plan."

Richmond VA

Rebekah has made spa appointments for us. Bella wanted an 'update' to her look. She has the hairdresser cut off two inches in length. The she requests both red and blond highlights added for contrast.

We all get manicures and pedicures. Rebekah makes suggestions about eye makeup to bring attention to her eyes. I even indulge in a makeover.

We are leaving the spa when Bella freezes in the doorway. The receptionist is greeting a Ms. Plath. She is a tall blond with long hair and striking features. I recognize Rosalie Hale. She turns and catches a glimpse of Bella at the same time we notice her. "Bella! What are you doing here?"

Rebekah takes offense to her tone. "Isa Salvatore is my cousin. I think you have mistaken her for someone else." Rosalie glances at Bella's arm and doesn't see the scar. "I'm sorry. You look like someone I once knew." Bella just nods back at her accepting the apology. I guide Bella out of the Spa. Rebekah follows close behind.

"Thanks for that. I wasn't expecting to see any of the Cullen's again."

"Good comeback Rebekah, I have a feeling that we will see some of the Cullen's again soon. It will take a while for them to track us to Mystic Falls." The Cullen's have never met me or Pete. They definitely don't know about Rebekah and her family or Rosalie would have run out the door. That was a close call. I don't trust Rosalie not to say something about her run in with 'Bella's' look alike.

Bella insists that we complete our shopping trip. I think she is enjoying our company and fashion advice. We discuss men and the things we like and dislike. Rebekah chats with Bella giving her sex position recommendations. I bite the side of my cheek to keep from laughing at the expressions on Bella's face. I have the feeling she will chat with me or Freya if she wants further advice. The trunk of the car is full of our purchases as we leave Richmond for Mystic Falls.