Bella MacLeod's Twilight Fanfiction

An Imperfect Life

By Midnight Dreamer

Chapter 16: One’s Will

(EPOV)

From Jasper’s thoughts I could tell how Bella was feeling. Emmett said this time around isn’t half as bad as it was when their mom died…so that explained what Alice and Jasper had said about the things from her past…Emmett said she wouldn’t speak or even eat for weeks when their mom died. She wouldn’t leave her room. When she finally did she was almost dead herself. It took almost 2 months to get her back to some form of normal. Then they moved here. The first friend she made here was Alice, and from there we new the rest.

My poor Bella. How can one person survive all this. I know she has Emmett and he tries to be strong for her but one person can only do so much. She looked empty. Like her soul had died. Her eyes were lifeless and showed no emotions. Then one day she just shut us out. She wouldn’t open her door. She wouldn’t speak to any of us. Not even Jasper. He said her feelings were confused. She was angry, hurt, sad, lonely, determined. What was she thinking…I wish I knew. She would only open her door enough to take the food placed outside it. We took turns pleading with her to open the door or come out. She would tell us to go away and then nothing. She would go quiet.

One day out of the blue, after a couple weeks of this, Alice came bounding into the room with a smile on her face. I looked at her quizzically and she smiled. I saw in her thoughts what made her so happy and I about jumped up and down with her. Almost. We quickly ran to Emmett and Bella’s house. A quick knock on the door and then entered to find Emmett sprawled out on the couch.

“Emmett get up” Alice chimed.

“What I’m up” Emmet sighed.

“Go now you need to ask Bella to come back to school” She told him.

He looked at her like she was crazy so I explained about her vision and what she saw about Bella coming back to school with us. I swear he did a victory dance right there in the living room. He bolted up the stairs and pounded on Bella’s door.

“Oh Bella honey I think it’s time you join the living, you have been in there long enough now.” he chastised her through the door.

“Fine” we heard her reply.

Yippy were getting Bella back… I was doing a victory dance of my own in my head. I saw Alice look at me like I was crazy. I just smiled at her. She giggled in return. Bella came to school with us. That first day back at school she was distant, vacant, like the lights are on but nobody was home. I know she is only doing this to please Emmett, but I hope she snaps out of this soon. We followed them back to their house that night. Bella departed back to her room. After a while Emmett yelled up to her.

“Bella time to come down with the rest of us”.

We had ordered Pizza for dinner so Bella didn’t have to cook. Not like she has lately. Esme felt bad for what had happened and has been cooking meals for Emmett since Bella confined herself up in her room. I must have been daydreaming cause suddenly Bella was standing next to me in the living room. I looked at her with a shocked expression on my face.

“Fine I’m here. What are we having for dinner?” she questioned Emmett.

I thought Emmett was going to go into shock. His mouth dropped open. Bella looked at him and sighed. Without warning Emmett was up off the couch and had Bella locked in a bear hug swinging her around in circles. She was smiling and laughing freely. Her laughter was contagious and we all were laughing with her.

“OH Bella, it’s great to see you smile and hear your laughter!” Emmett himself was almost in tears.

“Sorry Emmy I know I have been depressed but I had to work through this in my own way. And I thank you all for helping me even though I was a bitch.” She looked around at all of us as Emmett placed her back on her feet.

“Oh I cleaned and straightened the basement up for you” Alice chimed in.

“What?” Bella looked bewildered.

“Uh…Bella honey you sort of completely destroyed your dojo and parts of your ballet studio after you heard about dad. I stopped you mid way. If I wouldn’t have come in when I did you might have knocked the whole house down.” Emmett said.

Bella looked shocked to say the least.

“I did what?”

“Yeah you kind of tore the place up pretty good. We had to replace all your shelves, most of your mirrors, and your CD player.” he told her.

 “Wow” was all she said. Then she turned from us and headed toward the basement. Emmett followed and motioned for us to follow also. When we got down the stairs I couldn’t believe my eyes. I knew I should expect this stuff when it comes to Alice but my god. We walked into what looked like a Chinese karate Dojo. Hanging lanterns help to light the room. Two bamboo trees flanked the stereo and stairwell. A small fountain and rock garden where in the two farthest corners of the room. There was a small table with fluffy throw pillows surrounding it. The carpet was red with yellow and green palm leaves on it. The walls were green and yellow to match the carpet. I looked at Bella. She was on the verge of tears. She turned slowly on her heals and ran straight on into Alice.

“Thank you so much Alice this is wonderful. How did you do all this? Oh never mind how I love it and I love you thank you so much.” she rambled. She is so cute when she rambles like that.

“Don’t thank just me they all helped.” she waved her hand at me, Emmett and Jasper.

She ran to Emmett and hugged him.

“thank you Emmy this means so much.” she cried.

“No problem Lil sis you know I love you and would do anything for you.” he stated and shrugged.

Then she ran to me. Throwing her arms around my neck and knocking me to the floor.

“Thank you so much Edward. I’m sorry I ignored you and didn’t talk to you. It’s just those girls got to me and I let them influence me. I hope you can forgive me and I’m sorry…” she was rambling again.

“Bella it’s okay. I forgive you and your welcome.”

“We still friends?” she asked with a small smile on her lips.

“We were never not friends” I replied. With that her smile grew. She turned on her heal and pivoted toward Jasper. An evil smirk appeared on her lips as she approached him. Alice smiled. I watched in Alice’s mind as to what Bella had in mind. Oh poor Jasper. She suddenly ran at him and hugged him almost as tight as Emmett hugs her. Then she kissed his cheeks and nose.

“Thank you so much Jasper, and not just for the room but for everything.” she laid her head on his shoulder and hugged him closer.

The look on Jasper’s face was priceless. I’m glad our memories are so good, I never wanted to forget that look.

“Okay there is more for her to see.” Alice chimed

“What do you mean there is more?” Bella asked. Looking shocked.

“Yes Bella come with me” Alice said dragging her through a doorway to the right of where we were standing. Emmett helped me up off the floor.

“Well I guess she isn’t avoiding you anymore!” he said laughing.

“I guess not” I said with a smile.

We followed the girls through the door and again was stunned. I remember helping to carry the stuff down to the basement but I never knew what it would look like when she was done. Alice is the decorator of the family. She can work miracles with a dirt cave.

Bella’s ballet studio looked like it stepped straight out of a magazine. We were surrounded by mirrors on three sides. The back wall was lined with picture frames. I’m guessing the woman in the pictures was Bella and Emmett’s mom. Bella looks just like her to a point. Minus the eyes and hair. She has Charlie’s eyes and hair. Bella was staring at the pictures when she started to sob silently.

I went over to her and placed my arm around her shoulders. She leaned into me and continued to cry. I looked to the wall to see what she was looking at. Their in the middle of all the pictures was a family portrait. Charlie was holding their mom while Bella was sitting on Emmett’s lap. She must have been maybe 7 when the photo was taken. Even then Emmett was a monster. He may have only been 8 or 9 in the picture but he look like he was 20. I held Bella while she cried. She lifted her head to me and said thank you before looking over my shoulder to Alice, Jasper and Emmett and Thanking them also. She told us to tell Rosalie thank you as well.

Alice then lead us to the last room. Bella’s eyes grew wide. It looked like her own personal gym. Before there was only a weight bench, a punching bag, some weight bars next to a tread mill. Now it looked like a professional gym. Punching bags, treadmills, cycles, weight bench, weights and everything else you can think of that goes with.

Alice told Bella to go look at her bathroom. Bella opened the door and I watched as her eyes grew wide and her jaw dropped. The Bathroom looked like a spa. The floor was tiled, along with the walls and ceiling. In the one corner was a complete glass steam shower. The other wall consisted of a long granite counter top with a large basin sink and vanity mirror. Two wall sconces hung on either side. There were green vines and spider plants on stands in the corners and hanging from the walls. It looked like a tropical paradise.

Bella’s smile grew so large I thought her face might crack. Again she said her Thank you to all of us. She was crying but these tears were happy.  Jasper and I could hear a car pulling up outside and told Emmett that I think we should give the girls some alone time so Bella could appreciate her new rooms. He nodded to me and we escaped up the stairs. Once we reached the kitchen I told Emmett about the approaching guest. We went to sit in the living room and waited for the person to knock.

Knock…Knock…Knock

We got up and headed toward the door. Emmett opened the door to find a young man carrying a brief case.

(EMPOV)

I opened  the door to find a young weaselly faced man carrying a brief case.

“Hello I’m from the law offices of James Brannon and Sons here in Forks. My name is James. I’m here to settle the will of one Charles Emmett Swan.” the man said.

“Please come in Mr. Brannon.”

We ushered him into the living room. Edward, Jasper and I sat on the couch, James took a seat on one of the recliners and placed his briefcase on the coffee table. He opened it and pulled out several sheets of paper.

“I do believe you have a sister Isabella?” James asked.

“Yes, will she need to be present for this? She is still upset about our fathers passing so if I can handle this without her I would like to do so.” I stated pointedly.

“That is fine, I was just making sure I have the correct information.”

“So what is this all about” I asked.

“Your father had made a will with us not long after you moved here. He explained to us about your mother’s passing and that her will was not complete. He felt the need to have all his affairs in order if something were to ever happen to him that you and Isabella would be taken care of.” he said this while removing a tape recorder from the briefcase.

“I will need to record our conversation so it is on file if anyone were to contest this will.”

“okay, but why would anyone contest the will?” I asked stunned to think someone would.

“In case someone would claim to be family and file a lawsuit in order to take a part of the estate.” James replied.

“Oh but there isn’t anyone else; my parents were both only children, and our grandparents on both sides have long since past. My self and Bella are all that are left.” I said starting to tear up. Jasper placed his hand on my shoulder.

“It’s strictly for legal purposes only” James said.

“okay let’s get this over with.” I said looking at James.

“Please state your full Name” James said after hitting record.

“Emmett Jacob McCarty Swan” I said.

“could you please state your sister’s full name”

“Isabella Marie Swan” I said.

“dates of birth for both please” James replied.

“Mine is January 5th 1991, Isabella’s is September 13th 1992”

“please state your mother and fathers names”

“Charles Emmett Swan, and Renee Yvonne McCarty Swan”

“Their dates of birth if you please” James asked.

“Charles’ was May 5th 1961, Renee’s was April 15th 1964”

“Thank you” James replied, but continued. ” Now the reading of the will”

The Last Will and Testament of Charles Emmett Swan

Date: January 12th 2009

Witness: Dr. Carlisle Cullen

Witness 2: Mrs. Esme Cullen

This is my last will and testament. I want my children to know that I love them both very much. I know it has been hard since their mother has passed and the move to a new home was tough.

To Isabella I leave my wisdom and strength. I know you will morn for me but please stay strong. I know it will be hard but your brother needs you. I won’t be alone I will have your mother with me. Please don’t cry for me. Remember that I love you and I will wait for you both to join your mother and I when the time comes.

To Emmett I leave my hopes and dreams. I hope you will look after your sister. She is special in so many ways. One day you will see what I mean. I hope you all are happy in the future. Don’t let your sister morn me too long. She needs to get past this. I know you have made friends with the Cullen children and I hope you will consider them family. I have asked Carlisle and Esme to look after you both when I can not be there for you. And as for the dreams I leave for you, I dream that you both find love and happiness. I hope all your dreams come true. Please know that I am not leaving you empty handed and alone. You have each other and you both are strong, wonderful, and brilliant young adults. I hope you will forgive me for leaving you if I should die to soon. But know that I love you and will always be watching over you.

Lots of love,

Dad

Possessions: House in Forks, Washington, Summer home in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and beach house in Rehoboth beach, Maryland.

Stipulations: Upon Emmett’s 18th birthday he is to inherited everything. The inheritance fee is to be taken out the account that has been set up with the proper amount in it.

Insurance polices: Charles Emmett Swan – $2 million Dollars

Renee Yvonne McCarty Swan- $2 million Dollars

Trust funds: Charles Emmett Swan- $ 1.5 million Dollars

Renee Yvonne McCarty Swan- $2 million Dollars

Emmett Jacob McCarty Swan- $250 thousand Dollars

Isabella Marie Swan-$250 thousand Dollars

College funds: Emmett Jacob McCarty Swan- $100 thousand Dollars

Isabella Marie Swan-$100 thousand Dollars

I was stunned to say the least.

I saw James click off the tape recorder. I looked up to him and asked.

“So what does all that mean?”

“What that means Mr. Swan is that you and your sister are well taken care of. You will have a place to live and plenty to live off of. Now what you two decide to do with it after I leave here is up to you. Since you are the oldest your name is first on all the accounts. Your sister however will also have to sign any and all checks you write, she will also have to be there for any withdrawals you make.”

“That’s fine, Bella handles all the finances anyway.” I told him. He didn’t looked surprised.

“I will need your signature here and her signature there. If you please” James said.

I looked at Jasper. He nodded and went to get Bella.

A minute or two later Bella came in a sat beside me. She looked at me with questions in her eyes.

“I will explain it all in detail in due time for the moment I just need your signature here.”

“Emmett I will not sign any legal documents with out reading them first. You should never, ever sign anything without reading it. You could be signing your soul away.” she stated.

I was scared. I looked to Jasper for help. He looked at Alice who looked like she was daydreaming. She nodded to Edward who then looked at me and said

“Let her read it”

“Okay Bella go for it.”

Bella read the document that we needed to sign and then looked at me.

“Emmett why didn’t you tell me he was here about dad’s will?” shit I’m busted.

“I didn’t want to upset you again. I just got you back to somewhat normal. I didn’t want you to go into hiding again.”

“I won’t Emmett, I’m fine now. I know dad wouldn’t want me to wallow so I’m not. I did my morning and now it’s on with life.”

“really” was all I could say.

“yes really” she replied and then looked at James.

“May I please see my father’s will”

“Sure” James replied. He smiled at Bella.

I looked back at Edward, he seemed to be steaming. I guess that James is thinking about Bella. I looked at Alice and she nodded to me and then her and Jasper led Edward to the kitchen. I watched as Bella read over the will. First a tear ran down her cheek. I guess she read dad’s little note to us. Then her eyes grew wide with shock, and she let out a gasp. At that Jasper, Edward and Alice were back in the room at her side.

“I’m sorry I didn’t get your name?” she looked towards James.

“James Brannon ma’am but you can call me James”. he smiled.

The look on Edwards face told me that he wanted to rip this guys head off. Jasper didn’t seem to be fairing any better with the emotional whirlpool he was sitting in.

“Okay James, these can not be correct amounts, and there is no way we own that many houses.”

“Actually Miss Swan the totals are correct, but they forget to mention the house in New York. That is on this sheet here.” he then handed Bella a separate sheet of paper. This one was made out to her.

Dear Bella,

I know this is probably a bad time seeing as if you are reading this your mother and I are no longer with you. I have left most of the possessions in your brothers name since he is oldest. Note that anything he does needs a second signature. Yours. However the one and only possession I have left just for you and you alone is our Brownstone in New York. The house is yours kiddo. I know you love it there and you have friends there. This way in case you do decide to go to NYU you will have a place to live. I want you to know I love you and your brother very much. I didn’t mean to leave you so soon. Please forgive me and look after your brother. I left the title to the brownstone with the lawyer it’s already in your name. I did it before we moved to Forks. Please forgive me My sweet Bella. I will watch over you forever. I hope you find peace, love, and happiness.

Love always,

Dad

Bella began to cry. Jasper came around and hugged her to his side. She turned to him and began crying into his shirt. I looked at James.

“I’m sorry my sister is very emotional about all of this” I said.

“That is understandable” he replied.

Bella then looked up at me and nodded telling me it was okay to sign the papers.

“Now that I have your signatures, the paper work is all right here” James said handing me a folder.

Bella took the folder from me and opened it. Inside there were several home titles and property deeds, along with bank account information for all the accounts.

“Your parents insurance money has been placed into a joint account with both your names on it. You can access this account at the bank here in town. All you need is your account number and passwords. The bank will then give you all your account needs. The only accounts you will not be able to access at this time are your college funds. The bank will need to be contacted by the college you have chosen in order for the money to be transferred.” James said.

“I understand and I thank you.” Bella told him

“Your welcome and now I must say farewell, I am expected back at the office. My condolences on your loss.” he said as he headed for the door.

After James left we called for Rosalie to join us, we sat around for awhile discussing our options and what dad’s will meant for me and Bella. Bella stayed under Jasper’s influence the rest of the evening. She would comment here and there but for the most part she just sobbed into Jasper’s chest.  Edward looked up at me a small sad smile on his face, which I returned. From where it stands Bella and I are going to be just fine. Dad seemed to take care of everything. With summer right around the corner and only 2 weeks left in the school year, I think Bella and I need a break. Perhaps I can talk her into going to one of our many homes for a while, just to get away. There I can tell her about the Cullen’s. this way she won’t freak. Edward looked at me and frowned.

“You know I need to tell her Edward, she has a right to know. If you ever want to take this further I think it best she knows everything. Lying to her is not a way to start a relationship” I thought to him. He just nodded his head. He knew I was right.