Selfish

Monday; November 23, 2015

Bella P.O.V

The next day James drove me down to the court where the stupid judge will have a private talk with me. The main thing that I hated out of this whole situation is that I have to continue with the sweet girl act, an act that I'm tired of.

As we walk down the hall toward Judge Mason's office, James says, "You better not ruin this, Isabella. Remember what I told you, do as I say and you'll get the money."

I roll my eyes. "Have I ever failed?" I cross my arms. Elizabeth may have been a shitty mother, but she sure was a good example of how to fool people. Soft and sweet cover on the outside, a cold bitch on the inside.

"Just go along with whatever he says," he warns. He walks up to the receptionist who is more concentrated on her phone other than what's going around her. "We have a meeting with Mr. Mason," he tells her.

She puts her phone down and grabs the phone. Her annoyed eyes look at James. "Name?" She asks, obviously bored. I can't blame her, being here all day would make me want to blow my own brains out.

"James Dawson and Isabella Bennett," he says. He gives me one more warning look before he turns to the receptionist who's now on the phone. She nods and tells us we can go in. "Let's go," he tells me.

Show time.

We walk down the small hall to his office. James opens the door, knocking a little calling his attention. "Mr. Mason, nice to see you." He shakes hands with the man that receives us at the door.

He's old, very old. Tall, white hair on the few hairs that are left on his head, some on his beard. His eyes are a very clear blue, his lips thin but perky. He gives me a small smile before offering me his hand. "Isabella, I'm Mr. Mason. I'm in charge of your case."

I shake his hand, giving him a small smile. "Please, call me Bella. James said you had to talk to me," I say, wrapping my arms around me.

He nods. "Yes, please, take a seat." He points to the brown couch on the other side of the office. I notice the big bookshelf he has here, very impressive. "I'm very sorry for your mother's death," he says, taking a seat in front of us.

I give him a sad smile. "It's fine. As much as I miss her, I can only think that she's no longer suffering."

He nods, sitting up. "Well, Bella, what I wanted to talk to you about is the foster home. I understand James already explained why."

I nod. "He did. You want to send me there until I'm eighteen, right?"

"Yes. As you know, you're not an adult until you're eighteen. The money your mother left is a fairly large amount, it's too much money for a sixteen year old," he explains. I sigh, looking at my hands. "It's only temporarily, Bella. Once you're eighteen you can have what your mother left you and continue living your life."

I bit my lip, nodding my head without looking at him. "I understand, Mr. Mason. I do, it's just... To much to take in. After everything that has happened-" I stop in the middle of the sentence, looking out his window to the beautiful view of Phoenix. "When will I be leaving?" I ask.

"In a couple of days. James will come over to Forks to check in on how you're settling in," Mr. Mason says, softly as if he was talking to a child.

My head snaps back looking at him. Did I hear him, right? Forks. As in Forks, Washington. "I'm sorry, but you have me in disadvantage. Did you say Forks? As in Forks, Washington."

He nods. "Yes."

"Isn't there somewhere more local?" I ask, sitting up. James places his hand on my arm. "I'm sorry, it's just... All my life has been here in Arizona. I can't picture me leaving."