Disclaimer: Original characters and part of the plot belong to Stephanie Meyer
Chapter 9 – Charlie's Will
Bella POV
Upon returning home, I saw my mother and step-father eating breakfast. I knocked once and let myself in.
"I'm home."
Renée called out, "We're in the kitchen!"
"Good morning, Mom. Good morning Phil."
"Good morning to you too," they replied in unison. Renée said, "I made you breakfast." I arched an eyebrow at that and she amended her statement. "Or rather, Phil instructed and I cooked."
I mutter a thanks and re-heated my breakfast. Bacon and eggs. I knew fully well that I would have to throw it back up later. Now I just needed to make sure they did not see my disgust.
After finishing breakfast somewhat uncomfortably, I quickly washed the plates and excused myself for a bath.
After having a rather long hot shower, and discarding the food, I changed into a brown sweater and some black slacks. My rather glum mood was represented in my clothes. I dried my hair and walked back to living room.
A man was sitting there. He was around 6 feet tall (a few inches taller than me) and had a healthy build. He was dressed in a suit.
I looked questioningly at Renée once. Phil answered, "Bella, this is Mr Andrews."
I nodded once, composing my face, and extended my hand to shake his. "Bella Swan. Pleasure to be of your acquaintance," I said in a polite voice.
"Good morning, Miss Swan. It's a pleasure to meet you as well." His voice was professional. "I'm truly sorry for your loss. Chief Swan was a good man."
"He was."
"Miss Swan, I am Chief Swan's lawyer. I have come here to read your father's will. Would you like to know it privately or in the presence of your mother and step-father?"
"They are staying." I kept my voice calm and emotionless.
"Very well.
"Ma'am, you're Chief Swan's only heir. As such, in accordance to his will, this house belongs to you. Apart from that, you have inherited all money belonging to Chief Swan will be transferred to your account. He owned a total of $96,000, a majority of which he inherited from your grandfather."
As Mr Andrews continued reading his will, the loss of my father hit me like a brick wall. The money did not matter. What mattered was that I would never be able to see him again, hear his voice. Tears welled up in my eyes but I blinked them away.
Mr Andrews continued, "Everything in this house belongs to you now. If you would like to keep or sell anything, it's now completely up to you. Chief Swan appointed another lawyer for you, should you face any problems. This is his card. You can contact him anytime from 8am to 10pm."
I looked down at the card. The name read J Jenks and he was from Seattle.
"Ma'am, if you would please sign this." I looked up as he held out a sheet of paper and a pen for me.
I read it through. It contained everything that he had said to me. I felt Renée's hand soothingly rubbing my back. I had never been more thankful for my mother before.
I took the pen from him and, steeling my nerves, signed my name at the bottom. I read through the document once, before I looked up and returned the paper back to Mr Andrews.
"I will send a copy of this to Mr Jenks. It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Swan."
"Thank you, Mr Andrews," I said as I led him up to the door. My voice had the same emotionless tone though I was barely able to keep control of my emotions now.
As soon as he was out, I turned around. My eyes locked with Renée and the next moment, I was in her arms, crying for the loss of my father.
I heard her cooing to me softly, "Shh… I'm so sorry, baby, I'm so sorry. I wish I could bring him back."
I didn't know how long I stayed like that before my stomach demanded attention again.