Chapter 3: Identity

I called J as soon as I knew his office would be open and asked if I could come meet him there. I wanted to get this over with as quickly as possible so I could get back to Renesmee, who still hadn't woken up when I left, she must have had a late night with her aunts.

When I came in, J's secretary lead me straight to his office, asking along the way if I'd like anything to drink. (She wouldn't enjoy my preference very much, I was sure.) J was seated behind his desk but rose as I came in and indicated the chair facing him. He was dressed in an expensive suit with his tie still tucked into his shirt, left over from breakfast I guessed. I took a seat saying, "Hello J, thank you for meeting me on such short notice, I know this isn't your usual modes operandi..." He cut me off before I could finish.

"Please Mrs. Cullen, uh, Bella... I assure you it is a pleasure to be of assistance, tell me, what can I do for you?"

"Well J. First I'll need papers myself this time. Also I'll need to update the passport and birth certificate for my daughter." I still wasn't sure how best to explain Renesmee's situation to Mr. Jenks. In this case the truth very literally could hurt. I was more cautious of this because Charlie and I balanced so precariously on the line between knowing just enough and knowing too much.

J's eyebrows drew together in first a look of concentration, then concern and finally he raised his eyebrows in confusion. I knew I should have brought Edward with me but I wanted to establish my own relationship with J. One that wasn't built on fear or intimidation, which ultimately would have happened if I brought along a protective, and sometimes menacing vampire, or husband. Of course, Alice had seen this, which is the reason why I didn't bring Edward. After a seconds hesitation J answered me.

"Of course, anything you need." I could see his flush building and the sweat start to dew on his forehead so I answered him quickly, before he had to ask any questions.

"There is nothing at all wrong with the others, its just that, well, my daughter is unique in much the same way as Jasper, must be their genetics."

"Ah I see." It was clear that this was not at all true by the look of confusion on his face.

"Well, I'll need a photo of you. And... What needs to be updated for your daughter's birth certificate?" Now we came to the delicate matter.

"Well, to start her name needs to be changed, as well as a different birthdate and the photo will need to be updated as well." I continued in the same breath, "Renesmee, her real name, has grown quite a bit since that last photograph and I just want her information to be as accurate as possible."

"Yes, yes. I see." This time he did seem to have a slightly better grasp of the situation, "Do you have the photographs with you?"

"Yes" I answered, "Everything you need is in here." I drew the envelope out and set it on his desk, my hand still resting on top of it. "I've included all the information in there for us both. There are two photographs for each of us, as well as all the new information. Your payment is in there also." I slid the envelope across the desk and continued, "J, my daughter is... well, as I said, very unique. You may notice that she looks much older than she did in the last picture. Although that picture wasn't really new at the time..." I lied. "She grows a little faster than normal." There, I said it. I mean, I had downplayed it but that was in J's best interest.

Remembering to appear human, I shifted in my seat and crossed my legs. It was easier for me than it had been at first to remember these things but I had to remind myself when I was feeling nervous or under stress. Which, despite my strength, I was at the moment. I was afraid that J would ask too many questions, putting us both in an awkward and possibly dangerous situation.

"I understand. Seems kids really are growing up faster these days. Well... in some ways I guess." I didn't need Edward to tell me he was thinking of Jasper's perpetual youth.

"Well thank you J, I really appreciate all you've done for my family." I said, getting up to leave.

"No Mrs. Cullen, please. It has been my pleasure, and I must say again that it is quite a different experience working with you." I stopped with my hand on the doorknob as J added, "Before you go, ah, when should I have these ready for you?"

"Anytime is fine really, there is no rush for these, just call me when they're finished." I answered. "Good-bye Mr. Jenks."

"Have a good day Mrs. Cullen." J replied. Saying good-bye to J's secretary I stepped out into the drizzle. I drove by Charlie's on the way back but his cruiser wasn't in the driveway so I continued home.

Ness was at the piano with Edward when I came in and they both came to greet me in the entryway. Kissing Nessie's head and wrapping my arm around Edward I took in my surroundings. Alice and Jasper were standing, very tense, at the bottom of the stairs while Rosalie and Emmett looked on from the couch. The TV was on but there was no sound coming from it. Even Esme and Carlisle were standing perfectly still by the counter.

"Bella..." Alice started and before she could finish Edward interrupted, "Bella, my love, Alice has something to tell you but I think we should wait for Jacob to get here so he can hear it too."

"Okay..." I could tell that Alice had seen something serious. I wasn't sure how serious though, serious enough for Jacob to need to know. "Is Jacob on his way over?" I asked.

"Yes, I just got off the phone with Billy. He sent Paul to find him." Carlisle answered me.

Just then Jacob came strolling in the door, "What's up little elf?" He asked Alice. She still had a look of devastation in her face. I was starting to get really worried.

"Well, Jacob, was Charlie hanging out with any of your wolf friends today?" Alice asked. I was confused, what did Charlie have to do with this?

"No..." Jacob hesitated. "Was he supposed to be, all-knowing-one?" He finished. Alice just rolled her eyes at him.

"Well, I can't see him." Alice said, then continued, "I mean, I can't find him. Anywhere."

A/N: As you may already know (but just in case you don't) I am not Stephenie Meyer, and therefore do not own the characters, or the Twilight Saga. However, these thoughts are my own. Please R&R.

Thanks, Gabbi