Rating/Warning(s)/Note(s): T, Shadows
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Prompt: Calculate

It took a while to calm Jacob down. He was sure it was the vampires that would end up killing Charlie, but Edward said Alice's vision didn't show that. Instead, she just saw that we were burying him, that I was still human, and that the threat of attack from the Volturi was imminent.

"You're not going to do anything?" he asked, incredulity lacing his voice.

"Of course I am," I replied, offended he would question my concern for my father. "Why do you think I've been such a nag about getting him to go to the doctor for more than just his yearly physical? I even asked him to let Carlisle be the one to give it because Carlisle was willing to give a full-body MRI, but he's fighting me."

"Yeah, I have the same problem with Billy," he grumbled, understanding. "His diabetes is getting worse, but he just blows me off." His entire body slumped. "I don't like to think about losing him, too." Marta reached over and grasped his hand, drawing his attention to her. "Losing you will be the hardest of all, though."

Giving him a smile she said, "I can ask one of the Cullens to change me, then we'll both live forever."

Immediately the tension in the car dissipated as Edward sputtered and Jacob gaped at her reply. "No, just no," Jacob said as Marta started to giggle. "You think I want my wife smelling like him?"

"Hey, a cold, sweet smell is better than wet dog," Edward countered, making us laugh. Marta's sounded forced. When I looked at her I could see she was stealing glances at Jacob, looking shy. Edward caught my eye and winked, mouthing the word 'later.'

When we made it home Jacob surprised Charlie by giving him a man-hug. When Charlie looked at me in question all I could do was smile. It turned to laughter when Charlie asked, "Have you kids been doing drugs?" in true police-mode.

"Nah, Charlie, just letting you know we appreciate you," Jacob said, complete with a pat on the back.

"Okay," he replied, eyeing us all before shaking his head and heading for his recliner. "There's pizza in the kitchen."

It was a month later when a call came for Marta from the immigration office. I watched as her face went white and she began to argue with the person on the phone, insisting she wasn't working, that she hadn't left school, and that she would be registering for classes the next day when registration opened.

"He's saying that since she isn't enrolled currently then she's dropped out," Edward whispered to Jacob and me. "He's telling her he's going to revoke her visa. This must be what Alice saw."

"But it's summer…" Marta was saying, explaining why she wasn't currently enrolled. I could see the fear on her face.

Jacob looked to Edward. "Isn't there something you can do for her?"

"What you have in mind would work better," he replied, smiling.

"It's too soon. I can feel that she isn't quite ready for that," Jacob said. "When the time is right it'll happen, but she's not feeling safe enough."

Edward nodded. "You're right. Maybe next year." He then tilted his head as if listening. "Want to go to Dartmouth, Jacob?"

Jacob shifted in his seat. "My grades aren't that good. Spending hours on patrol tend to make me fall asleep in class."

"Not a problem," Edward said, smirking. "But I think I need to help Marta first. Marta?" He reached for the phone, taking it from her while the other person was talking.

"Hello? To whom am I speaking?" Edward said, cutting across the conversation. "Mr. Reynolds? Hello, Mr. Reynolds, my name is Edward Cullen. My lawyer's name is Jason Jenks, may he contact you directly?"

He was quiet for a few minutes. "No, Ms. Rodriquez is not in my employ, nor in that of anyone else here. She travelled here with her friend to spend the summer with her friend. May I have your full name and the case number please?" He listened for a few more minutes. "It seems you have incorrect information Mr. Reynolds. It also appears you are refusing to listen to me. I will have my lawyer contact you directly. Thank you." With that he hung up the phone.

"What's going to happen to me?" Marta asked, tears sliding down her face. "He says I've been out of school for six months, so no longer qualify for a student visa, but it's only been three months since school let out."

"Apparently he can't calculate eight minus five," Edward muttered as he dialed his phone. It was picked up immediately. "Jenks, this is Edward Cullen. My family is fine, thank you, but a friend is having difficulty with the immigration department. It appears that they are trying to revoke her student visa."

He went on to explain the situation while Jacob reassured Marta that they problem would be handled. "Edward thinks he can get me into Dartmouth this fall, despite it being only a couple months until classes begin. Either way, I'll be there beside you," Jacob told her. "These leeches have all kinds of tricks, though. I'm sure this Jenks character is as crooked as a slithering snake. You'll be fine."

"No, we simply need the matter resolved," Edward continued, wincing slightly at whatever was being suggested. "Although, we wouldn't mind if you managed to insist Mr. Reynolds had some additional training in math." He let out a sinister sounding chuckle. "Tempting, but no…Within a week at most, please… Mr. Reynolds can keep his job... Please impress upon them the importance of having their facts straight before harassing students… Yes, it will be sent as soon as the matter is resolved. Thank you." With that, he hung up the phone.

Looking to Marta he gave her a smile. "Jenks knows someone in immigration, which probably means he's done something illegal for them. It'll be cleared up shortly."

"How can you be sure?" Marta asked, gratefully accepting a tissue from me to wipe her face and nose.

"Because Jenks doesn't want Jasper to visit him," Edward said with a dark laugh. "Poor man's heart might give out. Trust me, he'll fix this." Then Edward looked up to Jacob and opened his phone. "Now to get you accepted into Dartmouth."

Happy Monday!