They call her Human Torch! Chapter 7

I was having a really hard time staying impassive, how could I when there were over 60 people pointing their cameras at me and only half of them were actually listening to Brian? They had only worked on this little speech for 15 minutes and I must say, these guys are really good! They had told me to stay calm and impassive, to not twitch around or twiddle my thumbs but I mean how awkward is that?! Just standing there with my arms falling limp at my sides. I was purposely not looking into any cameras, just keeping calm and looking at Mrs. Grimm in the crowd, she was smiling up at me and I couldn't help but look to her with so much respect and affection. This woman was one of a kind, she is the type that cares for everyone with no restrictions or conditions. When I heard all the reporters start shouting questions and going crazy I looked at Brian only to see he was done. We walked back into the building and they started taking pictures when I waited for Mrs. Grimm to catch up. Really is that so interesting? They helped me sneak out the back and after hailing a cab for Mrs. Grimm she left promising to call me later that night. I got into another cab with Aaron, Brian, and Tom and went to my apartment to drop me off first.

"We'll see you on Thursday for the appointment at the bank and then after that we can go eat somewhere or get some take out to talk more about what you should do with all this craziness."

"Sounds good. Thank you guys so much. I don't know which direction this whole trial thing would have gone if it wasn't for you three so thank you."

"It's no problem Bella, we are being paid very well by Mr. Evert, defending you on this trial is going to look great in our resume's, all the other guys wish they would have gotten to know you and become your friends the way we did so they could be the ones in charge of your case."

We all started laughing just remembering how all the lawyers tried to get close to me after the guys said they would take care of all my paper work for me, it's like they knew they had lost a good shot for their career but were trying to make up for it. After saying my goodbyes I quickly looked around to make sure no one was watching and went up the stairs as quick as was humanly acceptable. Am I still human? I need to cut myself and get a blood sample but I will hold off until I get to move into Mr. Richards place. I wonder if it will be weird living in an apartment of a man I know is dead? Just as I was going to sit down and eat, my phone started ringing and I saw it was Sam's house number, that usually means it was the whole pack gathered around the living room or dining table.

Sam's pov.

"Emily, baby come to bed. Why are you up?" it was only 6am and I know the rest of the pack will be here in an hour or two expecting breakfast, we had started watching the news together and calling Bella everyday but that also meant that I almost never had alone time with Emily.

"I'm just nervous for Bella, you know New York is 3 hours ahead so she is already in that meeting where they will tell her if she is going to get Reed Richards papers and that other thing that will give her the chance to make clothes fireproof. What if she doesn't get it?"

"Em, we can't worry about that. If it's meant to be, she will get it. Now come to bed and we can work out our nerves."

She giggled while walking into the bathroom.

"We don't have time for that Sam, everyone said they were coming for breakfast."

Argh! Damn them! Cock blocking mutts!

"Don't they have school? Work?"

"You know Jacob, Quil, Embry, and Seth will only come for breakfast and then go to school."

"Fine woman, have it your way! You are mine tonight though!"

.

.

1 hour later we were all sitting in the living room with plates on our lap, some were in chairs, couches, and others on the floor. So far only some light coverage on the people who entered the building had passed.

"Boys you all have 30 minutes to get to school so hurry up and finish your food!"

There were whines heard all around but finally 10 minutes later they were getting their backpacks and almost to the door when a blonde woman ran out of the building with mascara running down her cheeks, she was screaming like a banshee and went up to the first reporter crying and babbling something about fire.

"Is she the gold digger?"

"We can't know that Paul!"

"Bella said she hasn't shed a single tear over the guy!"

"Everyone grieves differently, you can't know what she is going through. Now hurry it up the rest of you boys are going to be late."

"Wait! She just said Bella's full name!"

"Her full name?!"

"She said she burned her hair! Look she is showing them!"

"Oh God she just called Bella a mutant on TV!"

"Oh that bitch!"

"Poor Bella, she must have lost control in there."

We waited 5 minutes and still nothing else happened only the crowd doubled in size.

"Boys! You are late! Get going now!"

"But we want to see Bella!"

"Come after school! Just go before you get detention again!"

Finally they left and so it was just Paul, Jared, Kim, Leah, Emily, and I. We waited over 30 minutes and Paul had already tried calling Bella's cell phone many times but she had not answered. Finally 3 guys came out with Bella following and so we assumed it was the 3 lawyers she had told us about. One with black hair stepped forward and took control of the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for giving us your attention today. I am one of Ms. Swan's lawyers. Unfortunately some events happened today that revealed Ms. Swan's identity to the public as well as some side effects to being exposed to the cosmic energy. As her lawyers it is our responsibility to clear her name and say that she was A) Not a mutant before the space station. And B) The incident with Mrs. Lent's hair was not done maliciously. That is an event that can be cleared up when we are at liberty to talk about it. Isabella herself will be free to give her own statement but in order to do that legally, we need this case to be closed. There are no questions that can be answered today so we ask for your cooperation to let her have her privacy for the duration of this trial. Thank you all very much, please have a good rest to your day."

As soon as he was done speaking the crowd went crazy shouting out questions and I could see Bella internally freaking out, she looked calm on the outside but her eyes were going through all the faces in the crowd frantically. Soon, she disappeared back into the building and the news stations started speculating and analyzing the footage live. We changed it to another channel and that one was calling a representative of the mutant rights organization, they were looking to speak to someone about what they thought about the 'Von Doom victim' being a potential mutant and what it could mean.

"Wow, poor Bella."

The rest of the room just nodded because there was nothing we could say. Her life was just turned around again in less than an hour.

"That's it. I am going to call her until she answers."

Emily got up to get the phone and started dialing.

"Hello?"

"Bella! I'm so sorry it had to happen like this. What happened in that room?"

"Ugh that bitch, I'll tell you what happened but just let me add Darcy and Jane to the call okay? I just saw some missed calls from them too."

After everyone was added and Bella explained what a money hungry bitch that lady was we were all upset, Leah had to step out to phase and because it was her turn to patrol. Paul was just shaking in the corner trying to calm himself and I even heard the Darcy girl or Jane let out some curses.

"There is good news though, they gave me the formula and the apartment!"

Everyone responded at the same time and instantly became happy again, especially the 2 girls on the phone. They started talking in science terms and the rest of us were so lost until they started talking about the apartment.

"He has all his research in his lab and a whole lot of equipment, I can't wait to go in there and start doing some blood work. I have an appointment at the bank to transfer the money and the name of all the paperwork."

"That's right! How much money did ya get?"

"Jared! That is rude!"

"Kim I'm just asking! There's nothing wrong with that."

"Um yeah.. I was actually surprised. I got 2.46."

"Holy shit! Bella you are a millionaire!"

"Whoa that is a lot of money Bells!"

"No guys, not 2.46 million. I got 2.46 billion."

"What the fuck!"

Everyone seemed to shout it out at the same time much to Bella's giggling amusement.

"I know, I never imagined, I- wow. I guess I didn't process it very well since I got caught up in the incident."

Wait a minute.. Kim must have had my same thought because she suddenly shouted out.

"Wait! Incident? Are you saying that the gold digger caused the money incident over that amount? That is the amount that was 'not enough'? God now I understand why you freaked!"

"Yeah no shit!"

Silence… no one said a thing.

"Hello?"

"Did little Isabella actually just say shit?"

"Oh I did didn't I? I honestly don't know what has been happening! My thoughts have been full of curse words! Like constantly!"

We talked a bit more before Darcy and Jane had to go and then it was my turn to go relive Leah so we ended up saying our goodbyes too. Once I phased I showed Leah the whole conversation so she could be up to date on everything. She was blown away by the amount of money too and quickly ran home after that.

Bella's POV

God, it was only 4:00 pm and I was so exhausted. I had been cleaning out the whole apartment and getting some boxes together to be ready to move whenever available. The place came furnished so all I really had that was mine was my clothes, books, pictures, and all the little knickknacks I had been collecting over time. All of my old t shirts that didn't fit me anymore have been turned into a t shirt quilt, I was still working on it since I had so many of them but so far it looked really good.

16 day's later- January, 27, 2011

It had taken only 1 week and a half for them to figure out where I live. They had looked up all they could about me as far as going to Forks high to ask teachers about me and announcing on the news that my father had been killed recently, they hadn't tracked down Renee yet because they all focused on Charlie, it annoyed me to no end. Sure I was grateful that everyone they interviewed in Forks came out saying what an amazing and hard working person he was but the constant reminder of him every time I turned on the news had me going crazy! Also the fact that they made the public pity me even more now, saying I came to New York to escape the constant reminder of my dad only to have the Von Doom company do this to me. I mean it was true but how did they know that? It was hilarious how they made Mrs. Lent look like the villain though. She had been fined by the court but she was so pissed off about it that she went out to the cameras and told them how ridiculous the fine was, she then told them all about what happened in the room and how she had to slap me when I called her an ungrateful bitch, I honestly don't know what she was thinking, she was trying to justify herself by getting the public to feel bad for her but after she said that 2.46 billion was not nearly enough then they all turned against her and started talking down about her on the news channels and blog websites. She had not shown her face in public since that and I doubted she would go to the trial today. Finally today was the last day of the trial, the judge had already given the jury instructions and today was the deliberation and verdict. As I left my apartment there were only a few reporters outside since today they were all at the court. I got in a cab and went to pick up Mrs. Grimm so we could both go together. She had been my rock and the only person I actually talked to other than Brian, Tom, and Aaron. I spent most of my days locked in my apartment since I had no privacy outside of it, she would come over with food or ingredients for us to cook together. I could see how easily Mr. Richards saw her as a mom once, I was starting to see her as that too. Once we arrived in front of the building, it was crazy how many people were outside. Not only were there reporters but actual people, just standing outside waiting to hear the trial. I felt Mrs. Grimm tighten her hold on my hand.

"Come on dear, let's go inside."

I nodded since I was at a loss for words. As soon as we stepped out there was people pointing their cameras at us and shouting so many things that we couldn't make out anything. Stepping up to the curb Aaron put his arm around my shoulders in a half hug then Tom did the same.

"Brian is already inside, he is overlooking somethings. Ready to go in ladies?"

We nodded and went in. we were both so nervous, we knew he had to be guilty, I mean it was on footage! But there was just so much uncertainty. Once we sat down in the court room everything seemed to pass very quickly until the jury left the room to deliberate. Once they left it was a waiting game that was passing too slowly. After 30 minutes we decided to go sit in the courts cafe and try to eat some breakfast since we had been too nervous to pass anything this morning. We picked at our food and tried mindless chatter when finally 2 hours later Brian came to pick us up. The jury had decided. Walking back in we quickly sat down and I avoided locking eyes with Mr. Doom, I only had eyes for the judge as he spoke.

"The record will show the presence of the jury, the defending, and all council. Ladies and gentlemen I understand you have reached a verdict. The verdict form has been handed to the bailiff. Please come forward."

After the judge was handed the paper he read it over for a few moments before speaking.

"The court will read and record the verdict."

He passed the paper off to someone else who started reading it right away.

"New York State vs Victor Von Doom verdict count 1; We the jury dully impaneled and sworn in the above and titled action upon our oaths do find the defendant as to 3 counts of aggravated murder, guilty. Count 2: We the jury do find the defendant as to 1 count of embezzlement, guilty. Count 3; we the jury do find the defendant as to 7 counts of larceny, guilty. Count 4; we the jury do find the defendant as to 1 count of involuntary manslaughter, guilty. All jurors have agreed to this verdict. Signed, the foreperson."

There were gasps all around the courtroom, some in relief, some in surprise, and only one in horror coming from his mother. She had silently sat in the back corner hearing after hearing, never saying anything or looking at anyone. His main lawyer immediately jumped up and asked for the jury to be polled. The judge agreed and turned to the jury.

"Is this your true verdict so say you one and all?"

"Yes" responded all of them together.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the clerk is now going to ask each of you a question, please answer yes or no."

"Juror number 1 is this your true verdict?"
"Yes."

"Juror number 2 is this your true verdict?"

"Yes."

"Juror number 3 is this your true verdict?"

"Yes."

Each and every one of them took their turn to say yes time after time, none of them sounded unsure, they all knew how guilty he is.

"Alright ladies and gentlemen, the next phase of the trial will begin momentarily, for now please follow the bailiff out to a short recess while I deliberate on sentencing."

After they had left Mrs. Grimm turned to me with tears in her eyes, we didn't say any thing but keep holding each others hands. Soon Brian, Tom, and Aaron joined us with smiles on their faces.

"I honestly thought he would come out not guilty for at least one of the charges."

"Yeah me too, the judge won't take long I think. Usually the sentencing takes place the day after but since its such a public and fast case, he probably already knew what he is going to decide on."

I knew they were probably right. The news cameras were in here and were setting up some stuff for the next and final part of the trial. The news stations that were allowed in had been feeding it live to all the channels. After 30 minutes everyone started to slowly trickle in. It took the judge almost 2 hours before he came back. He spoke right away and did not look at the defendant until he started reading.

"The court has considered the nature and circumstances of the offenses, I have considered the aggravating factors found by the jury, I have identified aggravating and mitigating factors and considered those factors in arriving at a sentence. As aggravation, the court finds as the jury found, the crimes were especially cruel. One offense was committed with at least 1 deadly weapon, the crimes involved substantial planning and preparation. The defendant did not render aid to his victims, the defendant tried to destroy evidence at the crime scene. The defendant went to great lengths to conceal his involvement in the crimes. The court has also considered as an aggravating factor, the emotional and financial harm to the victims family members. As mitigation the court finds the defendant has no prior criminal history, the defendant has no health issues, court has also considered the defendants childhood background, family history, and the way the defendant pleaded. The court finds the mitigation presented is not enough substantial to call for leniency and that a natural life sentence is appropriate. It is ordered, the defendant shall be incarcerated in the department of corrections for the rest of his natural life with no possibility of parole."

I am not sure what I was expecting, I felt relief of course but it was almost like I could float. I felt lighter, like a weight on my chest had been lifted. I'm not sure if it had fully set in my head the reality of what had happened, but when I looked up finally I saw as they were taking Victor out of the court room in hand cuffs, he had no expression on his face, he didn't utter a single word, I was not sure what to think about that but I knew I would certainly never worry myself over that man ever again. I could look forward and start my life over now. Mrs. Grimm looked over at me and smiled though her eyes looked misty.

"Lets leave this place dear, we never have to come back because of him again. We can let go of this and begin trying to move on with our lives."

"I was thinking along the same lines."

we smiled at each other and got up to leave the court room, as we stepped outside it was absolute chaos, there were people cheering, and reporters shouting at anyone who would give them attention as they came out of the court. I saw a lot of people giving interviews too and all 3 of my lawyers were giving an interview together as well. Mrs. Grimm and I were instantly surrounded and 1 reporter seemed to take control of the 'interview' they were trying to conduct. I started to feel nerves at all the cameras again but I was still high from the verdict so I thought fuck it! Let's do this!

"Ms. Swan! We saw the court footage just now and everyone is wondering how you feel about the verdict? You didn't seem to show much expression on your face, is there a reason?"

"Well I am not upset if that is what you mean, it took a few moments for the sentencing to sink in for sure. A part of me is so glad that people know his true colors, I am so happy that he did not get away with it like I thought he would, but another part of me really doesn't know how to feel yet, so many lives were lost and their loved ones still are grieving for them, it is not easy and I know this somewhat helps but it does not bring them back. This is only one step forward of many they have to take."

"Do you speak for Mrs. Grimm? What relation do you have with her? You both seem so close the past few weeks."

"Yes we have grown close, she originally wanted me to tell her about my experience and the last few moments on the space station, this was before we had seen the footage. We really bonded and became each others rock's through this. I know no one in New York other than the people that became involved in the case and we did not know any of the terms so we found ourselves together through all of the hearings, she is an angel, this woman did not deserve to have her son taken from her, she is the kindest woman I have met in my life and I am just honored that she has such a big heart to allow me in to hers."

I turned to see her cheeks had a small blush going and I giggled, never having seen it before. She spoke quickly to me before turning to the cameras.

"Oh don't flatter me dear. This young lady has a bright future ahead of herself, she was ready to expose her ability's and do anything to make the world see how guilty that man was. I look up to Bella, she is strong and has the right values that will make her achieve great things one day."

"How do you feel about the verdict?"

"I am with Bella, that man could not get away with all the things he did, I don't know what drives a person to have such a black heart and may god bless his soul but I am just so happy to know he will not be free to control or harm anyone again."

Everyone looked to their left when we heard a shriek of outrage, Victor's mom was walking back up the court steps and was headed right towards Mrs. Grimm, seems she heard what had been said and was not happy, I had never paid too much attention to her before but she seemed deranged now, like she was about to crack or she already had.

"Happy? You are happy? You as a mother understand the pain of losing a son, it was not enough you lost yours so you had to take mine away and you are happy?! You are a disgrace!"

It all happened so fast but I saw it almost in slow motion. She reached into her purse and pulled out a gun, from the corner of my eye I saw court officers start running our way but a second later she pulled the trigger and I lost control. Faster than I have ever moved, I pulled Mrs. Grimm behind me and instinctively put my hand up towards the bullet, as if that would shield me from getting hit. I know my flames had never been this hot before and I had never considered that heat melts metal, the melted goo seemed to land in my hand with no pain or impact, I was as shocked and confused as Mrs. Doom seemed to be but soon the fear and reality of what she had done sunk in and she turned the gun around to herself. I had never practiced it but it came instinctual now to simply stretch out my arm again and a second later she was dropping the hot gun onto the pavement where it then became a puddle of melted material too. Soon after she was tackled on to the pavement and placed in handcuffs. No one had said a word and no one moved, they all stared at me silently. I felt tears start to gather in my eyes but they soon evaporated as my face was still on fire, of all the days I chose today to not wear my suit under my clothes. I was so embarrassed, I can't believe I lost it like that in front of them. I looked up to the silent crowd and saw the reporters were still shocked and just filming but as soon as I looked over at the crowds of people they suddenly started cheering and applauding. I almost broke down crying in that second. I thought they would disapprove or hate me but they were all excited and smiling? Mrs. Grimm started to approach me but I quickly stumbled back. I was filled with panic, I didn't want to burn her.

"Bella dear, you won't burn me. I know you don't have your suit under but you can at least take the flame off your face, legs, and arms honey."

She approached me again but this time when she reached her hand to my arm I made the flames go away so she would not get burned. Tom, Brian, and Aaron came running towards me and took off their huge suit jackets to shield me from the cameras and give me one to wear after I turned it off. Brian took my chin in his fingers and lifted my head to meet his eyes.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, why are they cheering?"

He laughed as if I had said something stupid.

"Why? Bella you just saved a woman's life, you melted a freaking bullet before it hit you then you melted the whole damn gun! Sorry to sound unprofessional but that was fucking awesome and scary at the same time. You just gave these people an adrenaline rush!"

I just shook my head at him, he was being silly, at least that is what I thought. As soon as I turned off the flames and put the jacket on, the crowd started shouting 'Again!' over and over. The guys led me to the curb while I held on to Mrs. Grimm's arm. As I walked passed the crowd different people shouted different things but they all were positive things like "That was so cool!", "Don't be ashamed!", "That was awesome!" and the one that made me laugh was when a middle school looking kid yelled out "Whoa! You are like a human blow torch!" I couldn't help but to respond "A Human Torch! I like that."

Once we found a cab that fit all of us we rode to my apartment in silence. Just a combination of all the day's events were sinking in and I could see the energy drain out of everyone. We actually had the laziness to wait for the elevator and ride up 2 floors. Once crashed in my living room the hunger set in for me. I felt like I had not eaten in forever! There's a theory, what if I can burn the foods in my system when my whole body is in flames? I got up and started boiling water for pasta while I changed in my room, when I came out everyone had literally fallen asleep, I debated sleeping but again my hunger won out.

I called Darcy, Jane, and the pack while I cooked. Most of the girls had started crying for me as they saw the news but then were so happy, they said the news had not said a single bad thing about me, the reporter from the channel they were watching even turned to the camera and apologized for being so shocked, she apparently explained that it was amazing to see from up close and that she was not rendered silent because of other negative reasons. Many people had called the station to complain that the reporters were looking at me like I was the villain and that was what led me to look ashamed of myself. I was overwhelmed by what they were saying but so happy that no one was talking bad about me yet, I know it will happen but so far it has not. After the food was done I told them that I would call them soon. The smell made my sleepy guests wake up, they apologized for falling asleep but I played it off, I would have done the same, no matter where I was.

"So? Now that the trial is over are you finally going to move into the apartment?"

"Yeah, after the appointment at the bank we agreed that someone would come on Monday to take me to the building and we would go over it together as part of the insurance, to make sure that they know what condition the place is in and so I won't file any false claims. I'm thinking I will spend that week cleaning and arranging stuff you know? I don't have any furniture to move so I can do it on my own but I don't actually want to move in until it is all set."

"Bella dear, if you don't mind, can you call me after the insurance agent leaves so I can join you?"

"Of course! I was not sure how you would feel about it but I would love you to come with me."

"Bella we have meetings Monday and Tuesday but we can go Wednesday and help you move around any furniture that you might not like or if you just don't like the layout and want to switch stuff around."

"Thanks guys, I really appreciate it!"

We chatted for a little while longer but as soon as they all left and I locked up, I went to bed and quickly fell asleep with a smile on my face as I remembered what Paul had texted me during dinner.

"I think you are a celebrity now, all the news channels are calling you 'The Human Torch!'"