Hi all,
This chapter's storyline is similar to one in the books, so I tried to be accurate with the details that coincide. However, it has been a while since I have read the books or seen the moves so I'm sure I made a few missteps with character personas and details. I am sorry if it upsets anyone, it is not my intention.
To those who have favorited this story, I am very appreciative to you, thank you very much. Even though it's just a few people it has made me feel validated in sharing this story. I admit freely, I felt nervous about uploading it. I just want to let you know I am grateful to you. For anyone who hasn't favorited, that's fine too, I appreciate that you stuck with the story this long. Thank you for reading.
-Byher
Five days after Bella is Bitten.
Bella's Point of view
Sitting at the Cullen's computer covertly stashed in an alcove where the living room meets the kitchen, I search the web for any J or Jason Jenks in Seattle. I get a bit excited when I find a Jason Jenks with a law office in Seattle, but the address is different than the one scrolled on that note. I will start by checking out the address that Jasper wrote on the back of that note. If it doesn't pan out ill have to think of something else for getting a new passport or postpone it all together for another time. I am definitely not walking into a fancy uptown Seattle law office saying, "Hi I'm Bella, can I get some illegally forged documents." Nope, not doing that.
The note upstairs looked very old and faded yellow at the edges, the passport it was tucked into was ten years old. Probably why the Cullen's didn't bother taking them. Maybe the address on the note was an old one or a private place this, Mr. Jenks, meets his vampire clients. That would mean he knows about my kind thought, so that's probably not it. The scent that wafted off the paper was definitely human. If he has been working for jasper though, and for at least ten years then he must at least suspect something is different about him. Unless jasper uses his talent to expel suspension, his talent would make him the perfect person for illicit activity.
Next, I search online and find a current map of the Seattle area and quickly admit it to memory. Exiting my search tabs and shutting down the computer I make my way to Alice's closet. The blue dress I put on earlier still looks pristine. It fits like it was made for me but I also want to grab a few more things to create my persona. I don't want to be easily dismissed by Mr. Jenks and it would be nice to get this done quickly. The easiest way I can think to accomplish both those things is to exude wealth for this meeting.
I walk over to the center of the far back wall and peruse Alice's jewelry. I place a choker style necklaces on, comprised of a line of many centimeter length square-cut diamonds linked together. I place the center link where a deep blue sapphire resides, at the center of my throat just under my chin and try not to think about how much this must have cost. I like it, it's simple, elegant, and fits my purpose to exude wealth perfectly. Next to where the neckless was are earrings that match so well they must all be part of a set, a pair of square-cut sapphire studs, I throw them on as well. Then I palace a few understated rings on my right hand and make my way to Alice's handbags. I grab the simplest looking black one, and to be safe throw five more stacks of cash in this bag. I have no clue how much these documents will cost, and I'd rather be over-prepared than under. I slip on a pair of black heels that look like they'd match the bag and let out a musical laugh, delighted to be done. With my well-sculpted outfit In place, I head to the bathroom remembering seeing a collection of eye contacts in there. I grab a few sets that are labeled brown and place them into the handbag.
I head to Carlisle's Mercedes in the garage, thinking his car will best fit the look I am going for. I go around to the driver's side and take a seat on the plush leather, placing my backpack in the back seat and my handbag on the passenger seat, next to were a neatly wrapped umbrella rests and one of Esme's coats. I shrug the midthigh length thick black coat on thinking I would blend better with outerwear. Its noon when I pull out or the garage, to human eyes it's probably dark and dreary but everything looks crystal clear to me, almost radiant with light and life. There's moisture in the air, and it looks like a heavy rain is on its way. I speed the whole way to Seattle, only slowing as I enter more heavily populated areas. During the drive, a slow steady rain begins, and I turn the windshield wipers on to blend in with the cars around me.
I see my destination up ahead and pull over. Grabbing a pair of contacts out of my bag, I swiftly put them on. Its mildly irritating, and when I check my appearance in the review mirror, I see muddy brown eyes staring back at me. I take stock of my surroundings, looking for any clues that could lead to J Jenks. I don't see much around this residential part of Seattle just a few parked cars lining the road, cracked sidewalks, and at this address a green lawn divided in half by a brick path leading up to a large two store apartment building. The building's tan paint looks faded by time and rain.
There's not much around but since I made the drive I may as well get out of the car and take a look around. I cut the engine and grab the umbrella and my handbag off the seat. I am just closing the door and climbing up onto the sidewalk from the street when a man exits the build listed by Jasper as J Jenks's address. He is walking towards me and has a look of purpose in his eyes, like he's fulfilling a mission in walking down that brick path from the house.
It must be hard for humans to see in this weather because he doesn't seem to be able to make out my features until he's only a few meters away. When he does, he stops in his tracks looking at me wide-eyed with his mouth agape. I am a little concerned because I can't hear him breathing anymore and his heart sounds exceptionally erratic. He should be fine in a moment, I'll let him collect himself before I speak.
My mind wonders as I wait, is this what Edward experience when he was around me as a human. Did my heart beat like this man's, It must have, heck I may have been worse. I remember being so toughly intoxicated by Edward's presence. It's fascinating being on the other end of the reaction, and to have strong enough senses to know exactly how I am affecting him. It makes me feel powerful and a rush of pleasure, and that startles me. I shouldn't take satisfaction in having a hold over someone, I think it may have just been an initial instinctual feeling because it's wearing off and I feel guilty about having it.
I can hear the man breathing evenly again, that's good.
I wonder if Edward ever felt guilty about the hold he had over me, I just remember him chuckling a lot and smiling when it happened. I think he enjoyed my reactions to him, and maybe even thought they were endearing. I am sure I'll get used to it over time, this is my first face to face with a human since my change.
The man's eyes look less surprised and he managed to close his mouth. I think he's recovered. He continues on his path to me and smiles sheepishly, he's probably a little embarrassed about his reaction a moment ago. There is a look of curiosity on his face. He probably wonders what I am doing here, I don't exactly blend.
I flash him a smile when he stops a few feet from me, his look of curiosity is replaced with desire. He quickly rains it in and says in an apologetic tone "sorry beautiful, but there's no parking right here I could get in trouble if I let you".
"oh sorry about that, I wouldn't want you to get into trouble I'll be leaving in a minute." He looks disappointed at the prospect. He just came out of the address listed for J, so maybe this is him. "My names Bella, do you mind if I ask your name"?
He says, "I'm Max it's nice to meet you, Bella," while he looks me up and down. He looks like he's trying to do it slyly but it obvious to me what he is doing. I don't mind I am less self-conscious in this form, and I don't think he could help himself, all humans are drawn to us vamps.
The time it takes him to evaluate my appearance gives me time to contemplate a few things. First that he's not J Jenks, and secondly that I thought I'd feel more pain in such proximity to a human but, this isn't too bad. The pain is more like the background noise of static, distracting and annoying, but not debilitating. Nothing like that intense burning I felt last time I smelled a human. The feeling must fade with time.
Max continues speaking in a hopeful tone "can I help you with something Bella, you don't look like your from around here".
I smile at him and do my best approximation of being charming, trying to mimic Edward when he wanted to know something I wasn't keen on sharing. "I don't know maybe you can, I am looking for someone at this residence, a Mr. J Jenks". The man looks surprised, he must have recognized the name. I push on "A friend of mine recommended his services to me".
Max looks conflicted, "Sorry but I can't help you". I take a slow step towards him and smile sadly, "are you sure, I really need to find him," letting a little worry into my voice. Max doesn't say anything for a little bit looking torn. "well, I can try giving him a call, but he won't be happy, and he probably won't agree to see you".
"I would really appreciate the attempt, thank you so much for your assistance in this Max." I flash a hopeful smile at him.
In a nervous tone Max says "Ok, hold on a sec," he takes a cell out of his pocket and dials a number as he walks a little bit away from me for privacy.
I can hear a man answer "why are you calling, you're not supposed to call me unless there something important". Then in a more worried tone "did something happen".
Max assures the man, "it's nothing like that J, theirs just a women here asking about you."
J angrily shouts, "so you called me, are you stupid she could be a fed."
Max looks back at me and shakes his head as if rejecting the notion. "I don't think so, she doesn't have that look."
"Are you sure, what does she look like?"
Max says enthusiastically, "like a supermodel, hands down the most beautiful women I've ever seen, she's dressed nice too, and very pale."
J sounds anxious when he replies. "Beautiful and pale what's her name."
Max says, "her names Bella."
"her last name moron."
Max looks back at me and mouths "what's your last name." I answer aloud "Cullen" because J has worked with Jasper and I think it will give me a better shot.
Max turns back around and says into the phone "her full names Bella Cullen"
"Why didn't you tell me sooner, direct her to my uptown office right away." J sounds angry with him, I hope I didn't cause him too much trouble down the road.
"sure thing you got it boss." I hear the click of the phone being disconnected and try to appear hopeful and like I was not eavesdropping. Max walks back over to me. "You're in luck, he said hell see you. I can direct you to his main uptown office".
"Thank you but I think I know where it is." I give the address I found online. Max tells me "yep, that's it," then in a questioning tone "why didn't you go there in the first place if you knew the address you could have ordered whatever papers you needed by now"?
I lie smoothly "I am from out of town and had both addresses. I guessed with which I should start at and ended up here". Max looks satisfied with that answer "well J will be expecting you, so you shouldn't have any problems getting what you need".
I tell him thanks and turn around and walk back to Carlisle's car. I close the umbrella and give it a few shakes to dispel water, then get in and drive to J's office.
Entering J's office, I tell the secretary "Hi, I am here to see Mr. Jenks". The secretary looks up at me and gives a surprised gasp and asks, "do you have an appointment".
"I don't, but I believe he is expecting me". That when I hear J's voice on her intercom say, "I am expecting a Bella Cullen when she gets here send her right in". I point to myself and mouth "I am Bella Cullen "and the receptionist says into the intercom "she's just arrived, I'll show her in". The receptionist stands and smoothes out her dress as she walks around her desk, then guides me to the door labeled Jason Jenks that located just to the left of her desk. Opening it for me she says "here she is" to Jason.
I quickly asses the room as I enter, it's a spacious rectangular shape ending at a large mahogany desk with a man sitting behind it. The wall behind him is made of glass, filling the room with an abundance of natural light. On the wall to the right, I can see where he proudly displays his law degree in an ornate frame along with a few certificates. In front of his desk facing him are two expensive leather chairs for guests.
Jason stands upon my entrance and reaches his hand polity out to shake mine as he introduces himself "Hi Bella, I am Jason Jenks sorry about the mix-up today, I didn't realize who you were when Max called". I delicately shake his hand using a feather-light touch not wanting to hurt him.
While we shake hands, I ponder whether he meant he didn't realize that I was a vampire or a Cullen. Probably just regarding the family name I borrowed but he doesn't react much to the coldness of my hand, he even looks to expect it. I tell him "it's nice to meet you, Mr. Jenks," as I shrug off my coat and place it next to his on the coatrack by the door. He directs me to take a seat with a flourish of his hand towards the leather chairs, as the receptionist asks, "can I get you coffee or water"? I tell her "no thank you," and take a seat, as Jason sits back down in his seat. The receptionist looks amazed by the musical sound of my voice and a little jealousy at my appearance, then nods and departs the room closing the door behind her with a quiet click.
Jason gets right to the point asking, "was there a problem with Mr. Cullen's order, when he came months ago to pick up his order he said I probably wouldn't see him for a while, that his family were moving away."
I reassuringly smile and say, "nothing like that, I came by because Jasper recommended your services to me, he said you were discrete as well". And in a more conversational voice, trying to sound like the answer doesn't matter I ask, "did Jasper say where they were moving to".
Jason looked confused probably figuring I should already know that. He informs me "no he didn't mention it, only said your family was moving out of town. Are you Mr. Cullen's sister, you share a strikingly similar look"?
This confuses me, if he has made their passports then doesn't he Know what Alice and Rosalie look like. I tell him "your right our family members all share the same resemblance," and to be safe I claim "I am his cousin" in case this is a test and he does know what Jasper's sister look like.
Jason tells me "sorry about the mix-up, Mr. Cullen always finishes the documents himself by adding the pictures and names after I give them to him. So, what sort of papers did you need; passport, drivers license, birth certificate, diploma" probably listing off documents he has made for Jasper.
Without any hesitation, I say "I would need one of each and was hoping it could be done quickly. Can you also make me an official high school transcript and a document of emancipation for a minor"?
Jason replies with a smile "I can make all of them no problem, do you have a particular high school in mind and any specific electives." Then he informs me in a questioning unsure tone "All these documents done quickly won't be cheap, especially done at my highest quality witch I assume is what you want".
I reply confidently "yes, money's not a problem. For the school, you can just use a larger well respected high school in the area, on the transcript put high marks in advance placement classes. Also, make it for someone who has skipped a few grades, maybe add a note of high test scores and teacher recommendations for advancement early into high school. You can assign random electives as you see fit".
Jason says " I know a good school that would work and for an extra fee I can have the person named on the transcript entered into the school's database. What name, age, and photo should I put on all these documents, or did you want to finish them yourself like Mr. Cullen".
"Being entered into the school's database as an extra precaution is an excellent idea and the fee is no problem. The documents are for myself and I trust you to finish them. You can put my full name on them, Isabella Cullen, and put me at age 15." Only a year younger than I am but if I go any younger I'd be thought of too much as a child, I think that's the youngest I can go. I want to stay in place for as long as possible and since I can pass for eighteen or nineteen dressed how I am today that gives me roughly five years in any given place.
I add "I don't have a picture on me though."
"That's not a problem we can just take one before you leave, was there anything else."
"No that should cover all my needs, so what's this going to cost"?
He looks hesitant to tell me then says " well on a rush job its double for each document and I charge normally 2,000 for each forgery, and transcripts that take more time and effort to craft are 4,000, and then with the added fee, it's going to be expensive".
I tell him with a reassuring smile "that's not a problem, I kind of expected it would be. You can just give me the total; I trust you and don't need the breakdown".
He picks up his calculator and takes a moment to do the calculation then his eyes widen for a second as he looks at the total. Then he looks up working hard to make his face neutral he says "it will be in total 33,000".
I reach into my bag and pull out four stacks of cash. If my estimation is correct each bundle is 10,000 so I hand over the four stacks. "You can keep the extra as a bonus".
He looks thoroughly surprised, "thank you but its customary to only pay half now and the rest when the documents are being handed over."
In a gentle reassuring voice I tell him, "there's no need for that formality, you work with Jasper so I trust you fully to get the job done." Then I place the money on the desk in fount of him and flash him a sweet smile.
He picks up the money and places it in his top drawer without counting it, "thank you, I'll make these my best yet, now should we take that photo".
I stand and copy the assistant by smoothing out my wrinkle-free dress. "Sure, where do you want me."
He indicates the powder blue wall to the left, as he opens his second drawer and takes out a camera. He comes out from behind his desks to take the photo saying you ready.
I smile softly, "I am ready any time you are," followed shortly by Jason snapping a few pictures. "Ok we're all set, you can come back in two days to pick up your documents". He makes his way to the door and opens it, "Let's say around two o'clock, that sound all right with you"?
As I grab my jacket off the hook and gracefully put it on, I confirm "That perfect, thanks again Mr. Jenks" then exit the room.
He says as I pass him, "call me Jason, It was a pleasure to help you miss Cullen".
"Then you must call me Bella, have a nice day Jason". I make my way past the receptionist with a wave towards her and leave, as I do he reenters his office.
I drive back to the Cullen's house very pleased that I was able to get so much done. I'll start my search for the Cullen's after I pick up all my new documents. Even though I am starting to feel more confident in this new life, I still have a flurry of questions for them about it. Also, more than anything I want to see Edward again. I don't want to be alone in this world like I am now. I want to become a part of their family.
My contacts just finished dissolving and I can see my bright red eyes. That another question I have for them, when will my eyes change to golden like theirs. I am looking forward to not having to wear contacts.
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9
Bella's pint of view, Nine months later
The answer to my question was nine months. It took nine months of drinking animal blood to dilute the red of my eyes to the butterscotch color they are now. That's also the answer to how long have I been searching for the Cullen's.
I haven't been able to locate them, and I don't want an eternal life of searching so I have decided to start living my life. I know I'll see them again; I just have to bide my time, our paths will cross. Do I wish it would happen now yes, but it's frustratingly out of my control. I think I'll try my hand at college. I applied to the University of Alaska Anchorage back when I got my transcript from Jason. I was accepted and enrolled to start in the fall session, which starts next week.
I was already in mostly advanced classes during my freshman year of high school before moving to Forks, now with my superior capacity for memorization it has been a breeze catching up on the high school classes and electives Jason gave me. Jason put me down for four years of French, so I made sure to learn it not wanting any holes In my story. I had so much fun learning French and figuring studying languages would come in handy, so I made it my major. My official major will be Foreign Languages and Literatures, It just seemed practical to study languages because I know I want to travel in the future. I intend to experience all the wonders in this world, I mean I've got the time why not.
I've been happy to find with more and more time my control over thirst improves. I barely notice the call of human blood anymore, and if I keep well fed there is no burning in my throat. I am not sure whether I am on track with how newborn vampires develop but I'm happy with where I am at.
Another thing I have had to learn on my own is my gift. I am a shield. I discovered it completely by accident Shortly after becoming a vampire. I was investigating invisible thin layers I felt surrounding my body and over time I discovered I could push it away from my body. I have worked with it a lot and it has become something I can control with little effort at this point. I haven't had the chance to test it on other vampires which I appreciate, it's not like I want to be attacked. I am sure that it's powerful though if in my human life I could stop Edward from hearing my thoughts, in this one it must be even more powerful.