Papers
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Twilight characters and all original characters are the creation and property of moi. No monetary compensation is being received for the work being read.
Five weeks, it had been five weeks since Jacob had walked out on her with his meager belongings. He hadn't said more then two words to her since the night Jett had shown up and punched him in the face for having a wet dream about Leah. Renesmee didn't know what had hurt more; her feelings that Jacob was thinking about Leah, the life they had so soon after leaving or, or worst that he had never stopped. Or her pride and ego over the fact that Jacob didn't feel that he owed his wife an apology or expressed some sign of guilt. Instead, he seemed more apologetic to his 'boys' for letting such things slip out to them. His only words to her as she demanded to know what he was thinking were 'nothing that concerned you'. He had growled the words out to her and walked back to the cottage, sporting an self-satisfied smirks on his face.
By Wednesday within that week they were completely out of the cottage and, according to Charlie, shacking up at Billy's until Jacob could find a place of his own. Renesmee had sent Charlie to La Push to act as her liaison, talk to Jacob, remind him of the promises he had made and the 'unbreakable' love that they shared. The last one she didn't even buy herself but after so many years of just being with and knowing one man, Renesmee wasn't too keen on letting Jacob go, least of all to Leah Clearwater.
She had to bite her tongue when Charlie would stop by with his head hung low in shame and failure to inform her that Jacob wasn't budging. She could've cared less whether or not Jay expressed any interest in seeing her. She had almost ripped Charlie to shreds when he showed up serving her divorce papers from Jacob. Charlie had apologized to her, tried to reassure her, "I've done all that I can" and that he understood how she felt. She doubted that because the only thing Renee loved was herself and the woman was already on her third marriage – the marriage to the baseball player falling through after three years. Jacob was made for her, to love her and only her. He couldn't leave her, serve her divorce papers and think he could make a clean break.
It was this sense of outrage and gall at Jacob's audacity that had her stomping through La Push trying to find her husband. Billy hadn't been of any help, the old invalid frowning up at her when she appeared on his doorstep. He had even refused to give her Jacob's new address, apparently, the two had moved out, stating, "If Jacob wants you to have his address, I'm sure he'll give it to you." There was certainly something she wanted to give to Jacob Black – a hard punch in the face.
No one asked if she needed any assistance and pretty much ignored her, as if she didn't matter. Didn't these people realize that she was the closest thing to perfection that they would ever have in their miserable lives?
The Reservation wasn't big but Renesmee found herself still unable to find her husband and those who she questioned 'claimed' to not know either. The thought of just scenting him out had crossed her mind but she was unable to pinpoint his scent…or even recall what it used to smell like. The three of them together had created one unique scent, but Jacob and Jay had left, their scent had slowly faded from the mansion. No doubt, their scent was now mixed in with the rest of the pack and the citizenry of La Push. A small part of her questioned how this could've happened, how had she become so separated from her Jacob, soul mate, husband and father of her son that she couldn't use the basest of her instincts to find him?
The musing and self-reflection didn't last long as Renesmee looked up hearing the obnoxious and all too familiar raucous noise of teenage boys. The second generation was easy to pick out, walking down the street without a care in the world. The boys were dressed a bit more low key in comparison to their fathers…and mother. They were wearing jeans, boots and layered shirts; a hoodie sweater shirt or light jacket. One of them was even wearing a hat.
It took a moment for Renesmee to recognize Jay within the small pack. Her eyes widened in surprise to see him laughing, talking and even playfully shoving one of the taller boys. He was happy, carefree and at ease with not just the boys but himself as well. She could almost see a bit of the old Jacob in his eyes but the rest of him – Renesmee felt her teeth grind when she noticed Jay's long hair. She hated long hair – especially his. Renesmee had found out quite by accident that her hair, when cut, didn't grow back as quickly as she had hoped or expected. Alice had cut her hair, desperate to try something different with one of her many models – none of the other girls were willing to allow their hair to be cut. The hairstyle was cute but she missed her auburn ringlets. So it irked Renesmee that as she waited for the cut to grow out that Jay's hair took off like a weed. Jacob was braiding his hair at the time which seemed to encourage it to continue growing. People complimented Jacob on how beautiful his daughter was which Jacob would then kindly correct them. Nobody had complimented Renesmee, let alone about her own son. The boy was a reminder of how insignificant her genes had been in his physical make-up.
"Edward," Renesmee called out harshly. She didn't bother to fight the cruel sense of satisfaction that came with knowing she ruined his mood. He quickly returned to the old insecure, nervous and cowardly son she had raised. "Where is your father?" Renesmee asked ignoring the cold looks and deep growls that greeted her from the rest of the wolves.
"What the fuck do you want?" Jett snarled blocking his half-brother from view.
"I'm here to talk to my son." Renesmee snarled back. She hadn't forgotten nor forgiven Jett for the embarrassment he brought. The boy was a living and breathing memorial to Jacob Black. Everything about him was a mockery of the 'Alpha' she had created. If imprinting was about finding your soul mate and breeding better wolves then why was Jett the bigger, stronger, more confident and just all around perfect specimen? And why did Jacob Black still pant after Leah?
"Well he doesn't want to talk to you. So go fuck yourself, let's go." Jett commanded using his body to act as a buffer between her and Jay.
Home-wrecking bastard were just one of the many names that crossed Renesmee's mind of hurting and embarrassing Jett. Before she could open her mouth and snap back with what she felt would've been a witty reply, she was cut off by a deep and feminine voice that demanded respect and order.
"Renesmee," Leah called out walking towards her. Renesmee turned around, her eyes cold, hard and, hopefully, equipped with laser vision to melt Leah's pretty face. Instead, Renesmee's eyes widened as Leah approached her in a pencil skirt, a simple cream colored blouse and matching blazer jacket over top. Her hair was up in a bun and she actually had make-up on. She'd never seen Leah Clearwater with make-up on let alone attire that didn't include tank tops, tees, shorts and flip flops. Even her shoes, although simple heels of some cheap brand name that Renesmee wouldn't be caught dead wearing, were practical and mature. "I heard rumors that you were walking about on the Rez." Leah said pocketing her phone and actually smiling at her.
"And who told you that?" Renesmee asked putting her hands on her hips; it was an attempt to look intimidating. However, with heels on Leah Clearwater was an easy 6'5" which allowed her to look down on about 98% of the entire population.
"I'm the Chief of La Push," Leah said with a chuckle. "It's my business to know. Maybe I can help you out."
"I don't think you can help me find what I'm looking for." Renesmee stated snidely just wanting to be rid of the woman.
"She's looking for Dad." Jay supplied with a deep frown.
"Oh, that's easy. He's been working down at the docks lately, I'll take you to him." Leah stated without missing a beat or seeming to even be bothered that a vampire hybrid was on her lands, looking for the father of her child. "Let's go. You boys go on and enjoy your day." Renesmee looked on as the small pack of boys reluctantly nodded their heads and walked off. There was no mistaking the air of aggression, loathing and anxiety they felt and all of it directed at her.
Renesmee walked slightly behind Leah, the older woman making polite small talk that included questions of how was she liking Forks, did she have any plans for Thanksgiving and what she'd been doing with herself since leaving La Push all those years ago. Renesmee hated answering Leah's questions, she hated the casual indifference Leah offered up when she refused to answer or gave a smart mouth answer – 'fucking Jacob' hadn't even gotten a rise out of the she wolf. Leah was acting as if snapping back with her old witticism was beneath her now or maybe Renesmee wasn't worth it.
"Both of them have been helping out on the Rez a lot." Leah stated continuing on with their conversation, her heels clacking on the concrete. People waved and greeted Leah as she walked by. Passer-bys in trucks and cars blew their horns and even a few people expressed wanting to talk to Leah about something important or some suggestions they had from the last meeting. Renesmee didn't know or recognize any of the people they met but Leah knew each by name.
Was this the role she could've played had she stayed in La Push with Jacob? Would she be the person that everyone would come to talk to when Jacob was away or busy? With each person they met, Renesmee felt Leah's importance – her significance – grow.
"There he is." Leah said pointing at a huge figure standing behind a suspended engine. Renesmee couldn't see his face but the body was definitely Jacob's. A smile, a genuine one, spread across her face at the reunion they would have. The reason for her appearance on the Rez was the served divorce papers had been forgotten in the moment. She couldn't recall the last time she had ever gone so long without seeing her Jacob; he was her imprint, her soul mate. The moment he saw her, he'd remember how much he loved her – how much he had to love her.
Renesmee felt her dreams crumble and blow away in the wind as someone beside Jacob saw Leah and called out her name. Jacob was quick to step from around behind the engine, a smile on his face that quickly fell as he laid eyes on Renesmee. He frowned at her, his body stiffening and for a mere millisecond, his lip curled into a snarl.
"I hope you come delivering the signed papers." Jacob snapped not offering a hello, how are you or an I love you and miss you, please forgive me. His brusque tone made her stop short and look as if he had physically slapped her.
Anger, frustration and a bruised ego bubbled to the surface and to save some face Renesmee turned around, prepared to dismiss Leah like a servant. Her cheeks colored when she realized that Leah and the man who had called her name had walked a fair distance away and were having their own private conversation. Neither had been bothered or even cared about Renesmee. In La Push, she was just a no-body and soon to be Jacob Black's ex-wife; but not without a fight.
"A divorce? You send me fucking divorce papers through my grandfather?" Renesmee snarled trying to keep her voice down.
"Figured it'd be best that he serves them then some poor temp from the Court of Clerks." Jacob stated with a shrug. "Did you sign them?"
"No, no I didn't sign them and I never will. You're not divorcing me Jacob Black."
"Just sign the fuckin' papers, so you can go back to your fuckin' coven." Jacob growled out sounding exasperated.
"Have you lost your mind?"
"No, I finally found it…along with a few other things." The last part was mumbled but Renesmee heard it and immediately understood the meaning – Leah and Jett.
"You're doing this for that bitch and her bastard?" Renesmee screeched no longer caring about class and decorum.
"This isn't just about them," Jacob growled, quickly closing the gap between them. Renesmee understood the anger he was keeping in check. She had referred to his 'other family' in those same terms and instead of phasing or hitting her, he had broken the marble table that had been in the mansion since she was born. There was a clear threat that she was never to refer to them outside of their name again.
"This is about me and Jay. I want my son to be happy, have a healthy childhood which he was robbed off because of your horrible attitude and my own self-pity." Renesmee listened as Jacob started to talk fondly of Jay; about the changes he's made since leaving. Jay had opened up; there was a person underneath the quiet, sullen and indifference. He had interests, was making friends, he got into trouble and loved, surprisingly, doing chores.
All Renesmee heard was that Jacob left because and for Jay, he was the reason behind their unhappiness.
"Well then…give him up. Let Leah take him, I'm sure she'll be more then happy to take the runt off of our hands." Jacob had never hit Renesmee or even come close. There was always some inanimate object to receive the brunt of his rage, some internal rule that told him to never hit a woman…but not this time. She cried out in shock and pain, her cheek flaming and her right arm hurting from the force she collapsed onto the dock. She looked up in shock and surprise to find Jacob standing over top of her, his eyes black but quickly shifting from black to the wolf gold, his fists were vibrating dangerously and showed signs of a beginning shift. Jacob had never come close to phasing in front of her, let alone so close.
"Enough of this," Leah bellowed, her voice causing Renesmee to cower with the force. Jacob looked up at her, his eyes challenging but he still backed up and took a few deep calming breaths. Embry was a few paces behind and Renesmee noticed with mounting embarrassment that their arguing had drawn a crowd.
"Jesus be a fuckin' fence." Leah snarled as she kneeled down looking at Renesmee with pity and concern.
"I didn't – that is she," Jacob was stuttering and Renesmee wasn't sure if he felt ashamed or guilt for his behavior.
"I don't care what she did." Leah snarled and stopped herself from scolding Jacob in front of the entire reservation. "Let's get you home." Leah said with a wearied sigh. "I'm not sure how quickly that bruise will heal though."
Renesmee hadn't been aware of the growing bruise on her face. Her shock at being struck was still rolling around in her waiting for comprehension to arrive. The pain arrived at Leah's words. The left side of her face burned and throbbed with a heat she had never experienced before and the falling tears didn't help sooth the pain.
Leah managed the crowd, ordering them to clear a path and put Renesmee in a car that smelled strongly of dog. "Let's look at the damage." Leah whispered softly as she placed a firm hand on Renesmee's wrist and pried her hand away from her face. Expletives slipped from Leah's lips and Renesmee wasn't sure what it was all supposed to mean. Had something been broken? Had he actually clawed her face and scarred her for life? Was the liquid covering her cheek blood and not tears?
"Don't – don't cry, Renesmee," Leah tried to sooth as she broke down into tears. "Let's get you cleaned up first and do something about the swelling first."
By the time Renesmee had calmed down some, she was sitting in a chair in front of a desk cluttered with stacks of papers, a monitor covered in post-its and the walls filled with pictures, drawings, maps and a dry erase board with useless figures and writings covering it and a slab of meat pressed to the left side of her face.
"Feel better now?" Leah asked looking up from her desk with a small frown.
Renesmee couldn't remember but she figured Leah must've given her the slab of meat to help with the swelling and must've bandaged up her elbow. Renesmee could feel the sticky adhesive from the band-aids along with the sting of the cut and/or bruise. Slowly, Renesmee nodded her head as Leah sat looking at her expectantly awaiting her answer.
"Good, so now that that's done. The Tribal Police are outside waiting to talk to you." Leah said getting up from her desk.
"Tribal Police?" Renesmee recalled Jacob briefly explaining the role of the 'Tribal Police'. They handled most crimes on the reservation. Anything major such as murder, arson or breaking of federal laws was then handled by the US government.
"Yea," Leah said pausing just at her door. "They are going to ask you a couple of questions: what happened, are you alright, and is this just a repeating trend? The Violence Against Women Act may have failed years ago but it doesn't mean that we take such abuses lightly." Leah said suppressing a growl of her own. "I don't know who is here but tell them the truth." Renesmee looked up at Leah, feeling the Alpha command shiver down her spine. Jacob was planning on divorcing her but for some reason Leah still fell under Leah's jurisdiction of lowly pack mate. She had to tell the truth now and leave the wolves out of it.
Leah left and was soon replaced by two police officers. She didn't comment on recognizing Brady Fuller and instead answered their questions. It was the first time Jacob had struck her, she was alright and she didn't need them to give her a ride home. Renesmee found herself undecided when asked if she wanted to press charges against Jacob for spousal abuse. Brady told her that he'd spend a couple of nights in jail, would have to attend some anger management classes that were offered at the community center and would do some community service.
"Its light compared to what Leah will do to him." Renesmee looked up at Brady. He had whispered this fact just low enough for her to hear but not his partner. She wasn't sure if he said this for Jacob's sake or hers.
"There's no rush Mrs. Black," Brady's partner's said politely. "And don't worry about how he would feel about this." Renesmee nodded her head and agreed to press charges. Give Jacob some time to think about what he'd done and was doing to her.
Renesmee felt relieved when the two officers left, leaving her alone with her thoughts for the moment. She could feel another bout of tears coming on. She couldn't comprehend how her life had gone so horribly wrong. She hadn't envisioned when she was a little girl that she'd be in a loveless marriage, her husband would hate her (let alone hit her) and her son could care less what became of her. She vaguely remembered seeing Jay standing on the dock with the rest of the onlookers but his expression wasn't coming to mind. Sobs racked her body and the desire to slip into her personal shelter, to hide away in the darkness like she had during Jay's birth came to mind.
She wasn't sure how long she sat in Leah Clearwater's office crying but a knock on the door brought her back to earth. Wiping away her tears she told the visitor to come back in and was surprised to see Leah again. The she wolf was probably ready to be rid of her and the trouble that she'd brought to her home and pack.
"Charlie was called to get you home." Leah stated sitting down at her desk and offering a box of tissues. Renesmee reluctantly accepted the box and a soft 'thank you'. "You don't have to tell me this but I'm going to find out one way or another." Leah said growing serious and resting her chin on her fingers. "But what happened? You haven't set foot on the Rez in almost twenty years and when you do, the two of you cause a scene, have a domestic dispute and now Jacob's in jail, you got a fat lip, to say the least, and a confused cub terrified that he'll have to go home with you." Renesmee winced at the mounting anger Leah exerted talking about a scared Jay – she didn't like it.
"He wants a divorce." Renesmee grumbled out deciding to mask her fear with anger. She tossed the divorce papers that sat in her bag on the desk. Leah seemed surprised and quickly read over the paperwork – something Renesmee hadn't bothered to deal with. "You didn't know." It came out more as a statement then a question and Leah shook her head, her eyes quickly scrolling over the first page. Renesmee frowned wondering if Jacob would've told Leah after the papers had been signed, declaring his love for her.
"And you don't." Leah said looking up for a second before returning to the paperwork.
"No! He's my imprint – he can't, he shouldn't even be able to do this." Renesmee stated with a deep frown.
Leah opened her mouth, prepared to give some answer or explanation but was cut off as Jett and Jay appeared at her door. "Mom, Charlie's here." Jett announced. It was the first time she'd seen Jett not look so angry or cocky, he seemed unsure about the situation that was now at his doorstep and Jay also.
Renesmee stood up, taking the divorce papers back from Leah and found herself feeling out of place in the office. Jett refused to look at her and Jay had quickly moved to stand by Leah's side. Lines in the sand had been drawn, she was alone on her side and to be honest, she wasn't sure if there was anyone on Jacob's. If anything, it seemed as if Jay was on Leah's.
For a moment, Renesmee was hopeful and relieved that she could leave La Push without further drama but felt that slipped away as Charlie Swan stormed into the office, stopping short once he saw Renesmee standing before him. She felt relieved, loved and cared for as Charlie quickly embraced her in a tight hug. He was desperate to know if she was alright, was she hurt and grumbled about what Jacob could've been thinking.
"We're pressing charges – I'm arresting him." Charlie said maneuvering Renesmee to his side and glaring at Leah.
"She's already decided to press charges and he's already in the custody of the Tribal Police." Leah stated matter-of-factly.
"Not good enouh." Charlie said shaking his head, a hard frown on his face. "So he can be catered to – he's practically a celebrity here."
"Trust me, Charlie," Leah said with a sigh. "He won't be treated any differently. The incident took place on tribal lands and we'll handle the situation. Jacob will be spend a couple of nights in jail, will answer to a court of his peers and will go through the same punishment as everyone else who has,"
"That's the problem." Charlie growled out surprising Renesmee. "He'll just get a slap on the wrist."
"You're outside of your jurisdiction here, Chief Swan." Leah growled out as her patience was starting to wear thin. Renesmee tried to get Charlie to walk away, to drop the matter altogether but he wasn't listening to her. He had gone into Papa Bear mode but Leah was in BIG Momma Bear mode – also didn't hurt that she could turn into an animal bigger then a grizzly. "And you're too emotionally involved,"
"I'm too emotionally involved? That's a laugh." Charlie scoffed and even issued a harsh laugh. Charlie knew his police business and was not the shy, awkward man that she had grown up knowing. "I'm not the one who slept with Jacob when he was,"
"ENOUGH!" Renesmee winced as Sue Clearwater walked into the office looking at Charlie as if she didn't recognize him. "What the hell is going on here?" Sue demanded looking at Charlie with hurt and disappointed eyes.
"Chief Swan, I think we're done here. As I stated you have no jurisdiction over tribal lands. The Tribal Police are handling the situation and if you don't like it then write a letter to your senator and complain." Renesmee looked over as Jett and Jay both looked pale and had backed away from a blurry Leah Clearwater. Sue asked Leah to calm down which she did but it was just barely. "I will kindly ask that you and your granddaughter leave my lands."
Renesmee wasn't sure what took the wind from beneath Charlie's wings but he was back to being his shy, bashful and awkward self. He seemed almost embarrassed by his actions. Sue had never seemed that important to Charlie, at least he had never brought her around the Cullens. The woman, however, had some kind of influence over him or it could've been the realization of the immediate danger he had put himself in.
"And one more thing, Charlie," Leah called out as she motioned for the boys to leave. Jett and Jay both slid past Charlie giving him dark looks. "You have no right to try and split hairs with me over relationship decorum. I've never said anything, but let's not forget who was chasing after his best friend's wife ass just three months after he was dead. And if you ever bring up my relationship with Jacob in front of my kids again, like its some shameful, sordid and tawdry affair, I will make sure you'll regret it."
And just like that Leah Clearwater and the rest were gone. On the drive home, neither Renesmee nor Charlie said a word. The weight of the day's activities weighed heavy on their minds. Things had changed and Renesmee was unsure if it was for the better or the worst. Leah Clearwater had, actually, been helpful, kind and understanding. No wonder Jacob loved her, Leah was everything Renesmee Carlie Cullen wasn't.
"Charlie," Renesmee called looking up from her hands. She vaguely remembered Charlie mentioning that she wasn't spending the night alone in the mansion. He had brought her to his home and was currently reading the divorce papers. Jacob didn't want anything from her; not the money, the vacation homes or even the bank account Carlisle and Esme started to ensure that they'd never wanted for money. All he specified that he was taking was Jay – not Edward Jacob Black but a William Ephraim Black. This name change alone left a lot of questions that she found herself unable to answer for Charlie. "I can't lose Jacob. He's all that I know – he's home for me." Charlie didn't say anything but looked at his granddaughter in a cold and almost pitying silence. Renesmee wasn't going to delusion herself into thinking that she could become a 'better' person overnight. She, honestly, didn't care for most of the people that crossed her path as none of them had anything to offer her or worth giving. If she had to accept the bad with the good then she'd put up with Jay…just for another four years and in the meantime convince Jacob Black that he still loved her. If only he'd let go of his childish love for one Leah Clearwater.
A/N: Sorry I slept on this update for so long but I could've sworn that I had posted it. So read and tell me what you think. And as always I appreciate all the reviews and views.