Minister`s Black Veil By Hawthorne Essays - The Ministers Black Veil

Minister`s Black Veil By Hawthorne In Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Minister's Black Veil", the author chooses to mask the character of the minister with the black veil to construct an allegory that would compare sin concocted by imagination with unrecognized sin of one's self. With the story being set in the Puritan time period of the settlement of New England, as nearly all of Hawthorne's stories are, the reader can logically infer a certain set of value judgements. For instance, these people, being very sincere about their religion, are likely to see anything out of the ordinary, such as a black-veiled minister, as a serious issue that undermines their faith. On the surface the first sight of the veil not only confuses the congregation, but scares them as well. This man is supposed to be their most direct mode of communication with God, and to see him in what they perceive to be quite a bizarre condition, must make them feel that their religious lives may be in danger. Yet another character trait held by this community is its inability to cope with even the slightest bit of change. Something as trivial as a man covering his face with black crape paper literally whips this community into a frenzy. "I don't like it"(p.102), cried the old woman, "Our parson has gone mad"(102), cried Goodman Gary. Without even the slightest bit of investigation into the issue these people have brewed in their imaginations all sorts of theories as to what is so wrong with the minister. A third, and possibly most dangerous trait of the community, is its almost joyous inclination toward superstition. Whether you would like to call it Puritan myth or strait fact, this obsession with witchcraft and the supernatural is what made Puritan New England a dangerous place to live in the 17th century. This idea of the occult always seems to find its way into a Hawthorne story, and The Minister's Black Veil is no exception. Even the good doctor cannot help but mention, "the black veil, though it covers only our pastor's face, throws its influence over his whole person, and makes him ghostlike from head to foot."(p.105). The true allegory arises from these beliefs of the community, but does not wholly manifest it self until seen from the minister's point of view. Though he may contend that the veil personifies "sorrows dark enough to be typified by a black veil."(p.109), it is possible to infer that the veil is actually somewhat of an experiment by the minister. On the surface he may explain its meaning by some undefinable scruples he may hold, but underneath it represents a test of the community. By donning the black veil the minister realizes his fear that the people of his community are more obsessed with a sin they are sure the minister is hiding from, then their own sins that they live in everyday. Even his fellow man of the cloth Reverend Clark believes the minister must have some "horrible crime upon his soul"(p.113). Not a single person realizes the intent of the minister until his deathbed utterance that defiles the virtue of the community. Proof positive of this realization of their fault is the fact that while the minister was alive these people couldn't wait to remove the black veil, but once he is dead, unable to stop them from unmasking him, the veil follows him to his grave. Perhaps it is reverence toward the painful truth revealed by the minister that keeps the veil on his face, but more likely it is simply left on in the rush to bury the man who brought to light such a less than virtuous shortcoming. Like so many of Hawthorne's stories, the Minister's Black Veil personifies the fallible nature of a people so dedicated to living a life free of sin, when in fact they are simply ignoring the vices that rest under their own pillows.

Mount Saint Helen essays

Mount Saint Helen essays Mt. Saint Helen erupted but with enormous force in May of 1980. This eruption was so powerful that the ash covered three states. Unfortunate Washington, Idaho, and Oregon faced a $3 billion damage! Everything was destroyed and covered with ash and dust, the forests were ruined, the lakes clogged up, 62 people killed, homes destroyed, air conditioners became filthy, and much more. Yakima, Washington was affected the worst. Most people wore masks in order not to inhale the ash and the city was turned into a gray, smokey, dusty, filthy place. Other places closer to St. Helen was suffering from death! During that time schools and businesses were closed, therefore, preventing a lot of activity for the people who lived there. Mount St. Helen was not active for 123 years, but signals like the mountain was shaking made scientist observe it more. We were fortunate, though, because the volcano could have been much worse but today we have technology and help for each other which settle the destruction down a little! This shows how powerful nature can truly be! Mt. Saint Helen was a very beautiful mountain and was referred to be like Mt. Fuji, but extremely active. She is a type of strato volcano and was a magnitude of 5.1. The great movement made the winds become 175 miles per hour! The height of the volcano dropped, enormously! The destruction of plants and animals occurred as well. They were almost completely wiped out. It is estimated that 5,000 black-tailed deer, 1,500 Roosevelt elk, 200 black bears, and 15 mountain goats fell victim. Millions of small game, fish, birds and insects were also in the path of the eruption. Lots of gases were made by the volcano like methane. The plants and animals, today, slowly return but the lake has not fully recovered. So I conclude that, the eruption was massive and did a lot of damage! Mt. Saint Helen was so powerful that it had enough pressure to equal a hydrogen bomb! ...

EZL 124 Supporting children's learning in the early years Essay

EZL 124 Supporting children's learning in the early years - Essay Example Over time, I progressed to Nursery nurse, with a wide range of roles and responsibilities attached to my job. The thorough training I underwent taught me the importance of play; holistic approach to early years learning and safety of the children; evaluation of my work and identification of my weakness through deep reflection on my practice and the promotion of diversity, equality and inclusion of all children regardless of their abilities and cultural backgrounds. The centre helps and supports children, their families and staff when appropriate. I realized it was one of my passions to support and help children with special/ additional needs. The centre works with other agencies and professionals in supporting children’s positive development and promoting their welfare. It adheres to the policies set by the Every Child Matters, 14 national standards, Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and all other relevant policies and regulations. Personally, in my practice, I promote equal opportunity, inclusion , planning for children’s needs and interests, working with parents and being a positive role model to our students and volunteers as well as to less experienced staff. In doing so, I uphold the high standards of the centre and become one in its consistent provision of quality care. The five areas of Every Child Matters namely: Staying Safe; Being Healthy; Enjoying and Achieving; Making a Positive Contribution; and Achieving Economic Well-Being are all goals that the centre attempts to meet on a daily basis. Working with a team of colleagues hones my skills in interpersonal relations, planning for the children, and sharing and gaining knowledge about each child’s needs and children’s development in general. Parent relations are likewise maintained effectively as I keep the lines of communication open for them regarding their children. Networking with various professionals from different agencies involved with

Owning a Computer for Writer Is Not Necessarily, Equal Right to an Essay

Owning a Computer for Writer Is Not Necessarily, Equal Right to an Equal Share of Resources - Essay Example The articles are on the case against helping the poor. The article argues that everyone on the earth has an equal right to an equal share of resources. In the current situation, two-thirds of the nation is poor and the other third comparatively rich with the United States being the richest of all. The article argues on the plans that are made by those countries that are rich and those that are not rich. This brings the difference between the countries. The third article is about sustainability. In the recent situation, the term sustainability has been wrongly used to refer to practices that are reputed to be more environmentally important than others. The term is indispensable and should be used as the cornerstone for all the planning that is used in a country. The axioms of sustainability are defined in the article. The first axiom is that a society that remains to use acute resources untenably will collapse. The second axiom is population growth or growth in the rates of consumption of resources cannot be sustained. The third axiom is that to be sustainable, the use of renewable sources must be preceded at the rate less than or equal to replenishment. The fourth axiom is that the use of nonrenewable energy sources and the rate at which they decline must be greater or equal to the rate of depletion. The last axiom brought about is that sustainability requires that the substance that is introduced into the environment from human ac tivities be reduced and compact harmless to biosphere roles. The issue that all three essays are concerned with is on resources. In the first essay, the argument is on the reasons that make the author not being able to buy a computer.  

All of us learn from our failures as well as successes. What is Essay

All of us learn from our failures as well as successes. What is something you gained from an unsuccessful experience - Essay Example With a borrowed capital from my father, I ventured into the business of selling candies and ice-creams. At the beginning, I seemed to make some meaningful progress. However, the number of customers began fading away and I could hardly make any sales. I was prepared to remain in business hoping that the business will eventually pick up. My parents encouraged me to keep on trying and they would help in preparing some of the candies at home. After five weeks, the business was not making any profits. Actually, it became increasingly difficult to break even on my capital investment and therefore, I eventually gave up. My father summoned me and we had a conversation in which he told me the reasons why my business failed. According to him, I was not adequately prepared to do any business since I did not have any background knowledge in business. He indeed encouraged me to put a lot of effort in school especially in business related courses if my aspirations are to become an entrepreneur. From this experience, I learned the importance of education in life. Knowledge is overwhelmingly important in every aspect of

Development In Mobile And Internet Technology Media Essay

Development In Mobile And Internet Technology Media Essay Over the past decade internet and mobile technology has advanced considerably. In this assignment I will discuss advancements which created the world in which we live today. I will research advancements such as 4G, wireless networks, fiber optics, PayPal, mobile banking, easy access of information which the internet made available; also I will look into social media which transformed the way we interact with each other. The development of internet is so severe that it funded virtual currency which allows trading virtual currency to real currency, it also funded multiple internet companies who operate solely based on virtual advertising, transfer of funds through the World Wide Web and the development of software to assist themselves and the general public and using internet to the maximum capacity. Also I will take into consideration the way the business had to adapt in the new environment in order to survive its economic and technological change. I will identify the possible future trends for the businesses and the way they will use internet to their advantage. During the research for this assignment I have found that the business which failed to adapt and change has been liquidated, which led to the conclusion that internet and mobile technology is the way of the future. I will provide real life examples to vividly illustrate my discovery and to prove that the developments have shifted the course of history and future developments which lies ahead. Internet Internet ten years ago was not widely accessible throughout the country. Public did not rely on internet with their day to day tasks, there were no such thing as wireless or social media. The lead provider of internet services was Eircom which was a state owned company, it did so through the DSL cables which they had monopoly in. As the country developed leading companies from abroad saw the potential in Ireland and the monopoly which Eircom had. Swedish companies such as UPC have invested significantly over the past decade in technology which increased the quality and the speed of the internet. In the decade they have completely dominated the market with their fiber optic technology. With the technological advancements in Ireland, other companies have emerged. Ireland was in the fast lane. With the wide market gaps and a tremendous amount of customers other advancements became available such as internet banking, money transfer and unlimited amount of information available to each individual. With increased detachment with the real world, people now seek entertainment in the comfort of their own home. YouTube © Google Inc.  ® which solely provides internet software has developed an extraordinary website called YouTube ©, which the main purpose is to allow the user to freely share their thoughts which are recorded on the video. The success of YouTube © demonstrates that the internet has created a new market. YouTube © is regularly used across the world each day, music is a huge feature. It contains many music videos of all the song artists across the world. It is not only used for music but also used to for people who want to express their beliefs or feelings, news coverage and also sports highlights. It is one of the most used websites in the world. Internet Banking In previous years the way that people have banked was they had to go to the a specific branch in which they had their account in order to perform a simple tasks such as transferring of money, checking balances, lodging cheques. People usually have to wait in queues which were no time efficient. This has developed significantly within the last decade, now with internet banking you can now transfer money and check your balance anywhere with connection to the internet. This is a very useful way now for people whenever they are on the go and have no time to check into their local branch. Internet banking has proved to be very successful. Wireless Access Ten years ago to provide internet you needed wires to serve. It could be seen as very messy, clumsy and quite dangerous. With the development of wireless access this means internet can be provided without any wires as long there is a good connection. A wireless access point is a device that allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network using Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi allows cheaper distribution of local area networks. Overtime this has proved to be a much easier way of access to the internet and a much quicker way. PayPalâ„ ¢ PayPalâ„ ¢ is a global e-commerce business allowing payments and money transfers throughout the internet. As of 2011, PayPalâ„ ¢ operates in one hundred and ninety markets and manages more that two hundred and thirty two million accounts, more than one hundred million of them active. PayPalâ„ ¢ allows customers to send, receive and hold funds in twenty six currencies worldwide. Social Media A decade ago there wasnt much websites on the internet which provided a social side. All there was day to day conversations and text messages. This has been one of the most rapid developments in the last ten years. Social sites such as Facebook ® and Twitter ® have completely dominated the World Wide Web and are one of the most frequent used websites across the world. These websites allow people to interact with another through communication on the web using different functions the website may contain. They also allow you to share your thought, express your beliefs or feelings, and post blogs about whatever you may feel. Mobile Technology A decade ago public did not have access to mobile technology. People had only landlines, if a person requires reaching another person; he must have done so in person which meant that when they planned meetings or social events they had to do it in advance. If there was a change in plans, the only way to communicate was landline which proved to be inefficient. Finnish company Nokia © had developed device which we call mobile. Through the years mobiles became more and more accessible, which dramatically changed the way we communicate and socialize. Now the current generation can communicate freely without barriers throughout the world which was not possible a decade ago, it revamped our social skills. Young adults prefer to communicate through text messages, hence making the landlines inferior products. The major developments in mobile technology include: mobile internet, mobile banking, mobile advancements and social media Mobile Internet Mobile internet provides a lot of access to many applications and websites. It is usually very quick and provides all the information the internet at home would. Another benefit of mobile internet would be that it can be used anywhere on the go, giving you a lot of freedom, so if you are stuck for information you can use your mobile device to use the internet. Communication is also vital in mobile internet as it allows you to connect to multiple services provided by the internet. This allows you to communicate and interact with each other outside using mobile internet. Mobile Banking Mobile banking is and easy way of transferring money and checking your balance. It will work if you have internet and is hassle free and can be accessed by one touch of a button. More features of mobile banking would be that it is very quick and can be used everywhere providing there is a strong internet connection. Technology within the last ten years has been so drastic that there is no need to go to your branch anymore as the internet provides all the answers. Along with providing your details, mobile banking provides useful numbers you can use to contact a person incase if any queries you may have. Mobile Advancements Apple, Inc. Within the last ten years Apple, Inc. has increased their popularity significantly providing multiple handheld devices that can be used anywhere and on the go. The release of the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad were so big, every time it went on sale it would sell out quickly across the world. Mobile phones have come so far this past decade, from phones where it was only possible to ring on to iPhones which provide the functions of a normal mobile phone and an iPod Touch put together. It would contain an entire music playlist along with other applications such as news, entertainment, sports and gaming. Touch screen Ten years ago mobile devices could only be used by buttons. With the success of Apple, Inc. many phone companies now start to make to touch screen phones, and some phones may have buttons and touch screen. Development of mobile phones has been so phenomenal that by the touch of your fingers you can use the phone and the applications it contains. Games Advancements in gaming has also been huge. More than a decade ago all you could do on your old Nokia © was play snake. As phones have developed throughout the years, it is now possible that multiple games can be downloaded on your phones. Gaming on phones is also a good way of passing time and most games you download onto your phone you dont need internet so you can play them anywhere you like for free. Social Media Social media on phones has dramatically elevated within the past decade. The only options on a mobile phone were either phone calls or text messaging. With the latest mobile phones out now you can download applications which allow you use social networking sites such as Facebook ®, Twitter ® and Instagram ®. This allows people to access their accounts as the internet on a computer would. This is so basic that there sometimes isnt need to use the computer as using your phonies quicker and saving time. Other phone applications such as Viberâ„ ¢ ad Whatsappâ„ ¢ allows you to talk to your contacts for free, share pictures and call each other for free. Along with the text messaging process mobile phones these days have plenty of social media attached to it as it provides a load of access to your family and friends. Conclusion In conclusion I have found the internet and mobile technology has advanced remarkably over this past decade. The most momentous advancements which I found to be are internet websites such as YouTube © and social media websites such as Facebook ® and Twitter ®. These companies have benefited significantly within the last ten years and are they are together the most used websites in the world. Mobile technology in the last ten years has also advanced dramatically. Mobile banking has been massive as it allows you check all your details anywhere, also with mobile advancements such as a brand like Apple, Inc have created phone which combine the characters of a normal phone and features such as a selection of music and downloading applications such as news, gaming and sport. Hence I can now say that mobile and internet technology has advanced considerably within the last ten years and will continue to improve in the next ten years.

Definitions of Words Relating to the Sea :: Ocean Marine Life Aquatics Essays

Definitions of Words Relating to the Sea The Wave Machine The wave machine is a simulator that will allow you to create an ocean wave and determine its height. Most ocean waves are formed when the wind blows across the water's surface. The wave height is determined by three factors: wind speed, fetch, and duration. Wind Speed In 1805, Sir Francis Beaufort, observing the effects of wind speed upon the sea, devised the Beaufort Wind Scale. Though wind speed is not the only factor in determining wave size, the Beaufort scale remains a tool for seafarers to this day. Wind speed is measured in KNOTS. (1 knot is equal to 1.151 mph, or 1.852 kilometers per hour). Fetch Fetch measures the area of open water over which wind blows. Like wind duration, the distance waves travel has a significant impact upon their size. Fetch is measured in NAUTICAL MILES. (1 nautical mile is equal to 1.151 miles, or 1.852 kilometers). Wind Duration Wind duration reflects how long the wind has blown in the same direction. Even at slower speeds, stead winds can create higher and more powerful waves than those resulting from brief, strong gusts. Wave Types Capillary waves The smallest waves created when the wind blows acroos a smooth water surface. Friction between the air and water molecules results in the creation of these small ripples, which are less than .7 inches long. Shallow-Water Waves Wind generated waves that travel in water shallower than one-twentieth of their wavelength. Deep-Water Waves Wind generated waves that travel in water deeper than one half of their wavelength. Swell A swell is formed when waves move away from the storm or generating area and become more regular. Waves exhibit longer periods and rounded crests, creating a uniform pattern on the ocean surface. Rogue wave A rogue wave is an unusually large wave caused by combining the heights of waves that meet simultaneously.

The Twilight Saga 4: Breaking Dawn 33. Forever

â€Å"Charlie, we've still got that strictly need-to-know company situation going. I know it's been more than a week since you saw Renesmee, but a visit is just not a good idea right now. How about I bring Renesmee over to see you?† Charlie was quiet for so long that I wondered if he heard the strain beneath my fagade. But then he muttered, â€Å"Need to know, ugh† and I realized it was just his wariness of the supernatural that made him slow to respond. â€Å"Okay, kid,† Charlie said. â€Å"Can you bring her over this morning? Sue's bringing me lunch. She's just as horrified by my cooking as you were when you first showed up.† Charlie laughed and then sighed for the old days. â€Å"This morning will be perfect.† The sooner the better. I'd already put this off too long. â€Å"Is Jake coming with you guys?† Though Charlie didn't know anything about werewolf imprinting, no one could be oblivious to the attachment between Jacob and Renesmee. â€Å"Probably.† There was no way Jacob would voluntarily miss an afternoon with Renesmee sans bloodsuckers. â€Å"Maybe I should invite Billy, too,† Charlie mused. â€Å"But†¦ hmm. Maybe another time.† I was only half paying attention to Charlie – enough to notice the strange reluctance in his voice when he spoke of Billy, but not enough to worry what that was about. Charlie and Billy were grown-ups; if there was something going on between them, they could figure it out for themselves. I had too many more important things to obsess over. â€Å"See you in a few,† I told him, and hung up. This trip was about more than protecting my father from the twenty-seven oddly matched vampires – who all had sworn not to kill anyone in a three-hundred-mile radius, but still†¦ Obviously, no human being should get anywhere near this group. This was the excuse I'd given Edward: I was taking Renesmee to Charlie so that he wouldn't decide to come here. It was a good reason for leaving the house, but not my real reason at all. â€Å"Why can't we take your Ferrari?† Jacob complained when he met me in the garage. I was already in Edward's Volvo with Renesmee. Edward had gotten around to revealing my after car; as he'd suspected, I had not been capable of showing the appropriate enthusiasm. Sure, it was pretty and fast, but I liked to run. â€Å"Too conspicuous,† I answered. â€Å"We could go on foot, but that would freak Charlie out.† Jacob grumbled but got into the front seat. Renesmee climbed from my lap to his. â€Å"How are you?† I asked him as I pulled out of the garage. â€Å"How do you think?† Jacob asked bitingly. â€Å"I'm sick of all these reeking bloodsuckers.† He saw my expression and spoke before I could answer. â€Å"Yeah, I know, I know. They're the good guys, they're here to help, they're going to save us all. Etcetera, etcetera. Say what you want, I still think Dracula One and Dracula Two are creep-tacular.† I had to smile. The Romanians weren't my favorite guests, either. â€Å"I don't disagree with you there.† Renesmee shook her head but said nothing; unlike the rest of us, she found the Romanians strangely fascinating. She'd made the effort to speak to them aloud since they would not let her touch them. Her question was about their unusual skin and, though I was afraid they might be offended, I was kind of glad she'd asked. I was curious, too. They hadn't seemed upset by her interest. Maybe a little rueful. â€Å"We sat still for a very long time, child,† Vladimir had answered, with Stefan nodding along but not continuing Vladimir's sentences as he often did. â€Å"Contemplating our own divinity. It was a sign of our power that everything came to us. Prey, diplomats, those seeking our favor. We sat on our thrones and thought ourselves gods. We didn't notice for a long time that we were changing – almost petrifying. I suppose the Volturi did us one favor when they burned our castles. Stefan and I, at least, did not continue to petrify. Now the Volturi's eyes are filmed with dusty scum, but ours are bright. I imagine that will give us an advantage when we gouge theirs from their sockets.† I tried to keep Renesmee away from them after that. â€Å"How long do we get to hang out with Charlie?† Jacob asked, interrupting my thoughts. He was visibly relaxing as we pulled away from the house and all its new inmates. It made me happy that I didn't really count as a vampire to him. I was still just Bella. â€Å"For quite a while, actually.† The tone of my voice caught his attention. â€Å"Is something going on here besides visiting your dad?† â€Å"Jake, you know how you're pretty good at controlling your thoughts around Edward?† He raised one thick black brow. â€Å"Yeah?† I just nodded, cutting my eyes to Renesmee. She was looking out the window, and I couldn't tell how interested she was in our conversation, but I decided not to risk going any further. Jacob waited for me to add something else, and then his lower lip pushed out while he thought about what little I'd said. As we drove in silence, I squinted through the annoying contacts into the cold rain; it wasn't quite cold enough for snow. My eyes were not as ghoulish as they had been in the beginning – definitely closer to a dull reddish orange than to bright crimson. Soon they'd be amber enough for me to quit the contacts, i hoped the change wouldn't upset Charlie too much. Jacob was still chewing over our truncated conversation when we got to Charlie's. We didn't talk as we walked at a quick human pace through the falling rain. My dad was waiting for us; he had the door open before I could knock. â€Å"Hey, guys! It seems like it's been years! Look at you, Nessie! Come to Grampa! I swear you've grown half a foot. And you look skinny, Ness.† He glared at me. â€Å"Aren't they feeding you up there?† â€Å"It's just the growth spurt,† I muttered. â€Å"Hey, Sue,† I called over his shoulder. The smell of chicken, tomato, garlic, and cheese issued from the kitchen; it probably smelled good to everyone else. I could also smell fresh pine and packing dust. Renesmee flashed her dimples. She never spoke in front of Charlie. â€Å"Well, come on in out of the cold, kids. Where's my son-in-law?† â€Å"Entertaining friends,† Jacob said, and then snorted. â€Å"You're so lucky you're out of the loop, Charlie. That's all I'm going to say.† I punched Jacob lightly in the kidney while Charlie cringed. â€Å"Ow,† Jacob complained under his breath; well, I'd thought I'd punched lightly. â€Å"Actually, Charlie, I have some errands to run.† Jacob shot a glance at me but said nothing. â€Å"Behind on your Christmas shopping, Bells? You only have a few days, you know.† â€Å"Yeah, Christmas shopping,† I said lamely. That explained the packing dust. Charlie must have put the old decorations up. â€Å"Don't worry, Nessie,† he whispered in her ear. â€Å"I got you covered if your mom drops the ball.† I rolled my eyes at him, but in truth, I hadn't thought about the holidays at all. â€Å"Lunch's on the table,† Sue called from the kitchen. â€Å"C'mon, guys.† â€Å"See you later, Dad,† I said, and exchanged a quick look with Jacob. Even if he couldn't help but think about this near Edward, at least there wasn't much for him to share. He had no idea what I was up to. Of course, I thought to myself as I got into the car, it wasn't like I had much idea, either. The roads were slick and dark, but driving didn't intimidate me anymore. My reflexes were well up to the job, and I barely paid attention to the road. The problem was keeping my speed from attracting attention when I had company. I wanted to be done with today's mission, to have the mystery sorted out so that I could get back to the vital task of learning. Learning to protect some, learning to kill others. I was getting better and better with my shield. Kate didn't feel the need to motivate me anymore – it wasn't hard to find reasons to feel angry, now that I knew that was the key – and so I mostly worked with Zafrina. She was pleased with my extension; I was able to cover almost a ten-foot area for more than a minute, though it exhausted me. This morning she'd been trying to find out if I could push the shield away from my mind altogether. I didn't see what the use of that would be, but Zafrina thought it would help strengthen me, like exercising muscles in the stomach and back rather than just the arms. Eventually, you could lift more weight when all the muscles were stronger. I wasn't very good at it. I had only gotten one glimpse of the jungle river she was trying to show me. But there were different ways to prepare for what was coming, and with only two weeks left, I worried that I might be neglecting the most important. Today I would rectify that oversight. I'd memorized the appropriate maps, and I had no problem finding my way to the address that didn't exist online, the one for J. Jenks. My next step would be Jason Jenks at the other address, the one Alice had not given me. To say that it wasn't a nice neighborhood would be an understatement. The most nondescript of all the Cullens' cars was still outrageous on this street. My old Chevy would have looked healthy here. During my human years, I would have locked the doors and driven away as fast as I dared. As it was, I was a little fascinated. I tried to imagine Alice in this place for any reason, and failed. The buildings – all three stories, all narrow, all leaning slightly as if bowed by the pounding rain – were mostly old houses divided up into multiple apartments. It was hard to tell what color the peeling paint was supposed to be. Everything had faded to shades of gray. A few of the buildings had businesses on the first floor: a dirty bar with the windows painted black, a psychic's supply store with neon hands and tarot cards glowing fitfully on the door, a tattoo parlor, and a daycare with duct tape holding the broken front window together. There were no lamps on inside any of the rooms, though it was grim enough outside that the humans should have needed the light. I could hear the low mumbling of voices in the distance; it sounded like TV. There were a few people about, two shuffling through the rain in opposite directions and one sitting on the shallow porch of a boarded-up cut-rate law office, reading a wet newspaper and whistling. The sound was much too cheerful for the setting. I was so bemused by the carefree whistler, I didn't realize at first that the abandoned building was right where the address I was looking for should exist. There were no numbers on the dilapidated place, but the tattoo parlor beside it was just two numbers off. I pulled up to the curb and idled for a second. I was getting into that dump one way or another, but how to do so without the whistler noticing me? I could park the next street over and come through the back†¦. There might be more witnesses on that side. Maybe the rooftops? Was it dark enough for that kind of thing? â€Å"Hey, lady,† the whistler called to me. I rolled the passenger window down as if I couldn't hear him. The man laid his paper aside, and his clothes surprised me, now that I could see them. Under his long ragged duster, he was a little too well dressed. There was no breeze to give me the scent, but the sheen on his dark red shirt looked like silk. His crinkly black hair was tangled and wild, but his dark skin was smooth and perfect, his teeth white and straight. A contradiction. â€Å"Maybe you shouldn't park that car there, lady,† he said. â€Å"It might not be here when you get back.† â€Å"Thanks for the warning,† I said. I shut off the engine and got out. Perhaps my whistling friend could give me the answers I needed faster than breaking and entering. I opened my big gray umbrella – not that I cared, really, about protecting the long cashmere sweater-dress I wore. It was what a human would do. The man squinted through the rain at my face, and then his eyes widened. He swallowed, and I heard his heart accelerate as I approached. Tm looking for someone,† I began. â€Å"I'm someone,† he offered with a smile. â€Å"What can I do for you, beautiful?† â€Å"Are you J. Jenks?† I asked. â€Å"Oh,† he said, and his expression changed from anticipation to understanding. He got to his feet and examined me with narrowed eyes. â€Å"Why're you looking for J?† â€Å"That's my business.† Besides, I didn't have a clue. â€Å"Are you J?† â€Å"No.† We faced each other for a long moment while his sharp eyes ran up and down the fitted pearl gray sheath I wore. His gaze finally made it to my face. â€Å"You don't look like the usual customer.† â€Å"I'm probably not the usual,† I admitted. â€Å"But I do need to see him as soon as possible.† â€Å"I'm not sure what to do,† he admitted. â€Å"Why don't you tell me your name?† He grinned. â€Å"Max.† â€Å"Nice to meet you, Max. Now, why don't you tell me what you do for the usual?† His grin became a frown. â€Å"Well, J's usual clients don't look a thing like you. Your kind doesn't bother with the downtown office. You just go straight up to his fancy office in the skyscraper.† I repeated the other address I had, making the list of numbers a question. â€Å"Yeah, that's the place,† he said, suspicious again. â€Å"How come you didn't go there?† â€Å"This was the address I was given – by a very dependable source.† â€Å"If you were up to any good, you wouldn't be here.† I pursed my lips. I'd never been much good at bluffing, but Alice hadn't left me a lot of alternatives. â€Å"Maybe I'm not up to any good.† Max's face turned apologetic. â€Å"Look, lady – â€Å" â€Å"Bella.† â€Å"Right. Bella. See, I need this job. J pays me pretty good to mostly just hang out here all day. I want to help you, I do, but – and of course Tm speaking hypothetically, right? Or off the record, or whatever works for you – but if I pass somebody through that could get him in trouble, I'm out of work. Do you see my problem?† I thought for a minute, chewing on my lip. â€Å"You've never seen anyone like me here before? Well, sort of like me. My sister is a lot shorter than me, and she has dark spiky black hair.† â€Å"J knows your sister?† â€Å"I think so.† Max pondered this fora moment.I smiled at him, and his breathing stuttered.†Tell you what I'll do.HI give Ja call and describe you to him. Let him make the decision.† What did J. Jenks know? Would my description mean something to him? That was a troubling thought. â€Å"My last name is Cullen,† I told Max, wondering if that was too much information. I was starting to get irritated with Alice. Did I really have to be quite this blind? She could have given me one or two more words†¦. â€Å"Cullen, got it.† I watched as he dialed, easily picking out the number. Well, I could call J. Jenks myself if this didn't work. â€Å"HeyJ, it's Max. I know I'm never supposed tocall you at this number except in an emergency___† Is there an emergency?1 heard faintly from the other end. â€Å"Well, notexactly. It's this girl who wants to see you___† fail to see the emergency in that Why didn't you follow normal procedure? â€Å"I didn't follow normal procedure 'cause she don't look like any kind of normal – â€Å" Is she a badge?! â€Å"No – â€Å" You can't be sure about that. Does she look like one ofKubarev's – ? â€Å"No – let me talk, okay? She says you know her sister or something.† Not likely. What does she look like? â€Å"She looks like . . .† His eyes ran from my face to my shoes appreciatively. â€Å"Well, she looks like a freaking supermodel, that's what she looks like.† I smiled and he winked at me, then went on. â€Å"Rocking body, pale as a sheet, dark brown hair almost to her waist, needs a good night's sleep – any of this soundingfamiliar?† No, it doesn't I'm not happy that you let your weakness for pretty women interrupt – â€Å"Yeah,so I'ma sucker for the pretty ones, what's wrong with that? I'm sorry I bothered you, man. Just forget it.† â€Å"Name,† I whispered. â€Å"Oh right. Wait,† Max said. â€Å"She says her name is Bella Cullen. That help?† There was a beat of dead silence, and then the voice on the other end was abruptly screaming, using a lot of words you didn't often hear outside of truck stops. Max's whole expression changed; all the joking vanished and his lips went pale. â€Å"Because you didn't ask!† Max yelled back, panicked. There was another pause while J collected himself. Beautiful and pale?J asked, a tiny bit calmer. â€Å"I said that, didn't I?† Beautiful and pale? What did this man know about vampires? Was he one of us himself? I wasn't prepared for that kind of confrontation. I gritted my teeth. What had Alice gotten me into? Max waited for a minute through another volley of shouted insults and instructions and then glanced at me with eyes that were almost frightened. â€Å"But you only meet downtown clients on Thursdays – okay, okay! On it.'7He slid his phone shut. â€Å"He wants to see me?† I asked brightly. Max glowered. â€Å"You could have told me you were a priority client;7 â€Å"I didn't know I was.† â€Å"I thought you might be a cop,† he admitted. â€Å"I mean, you don't look like a cop. But you act kind of weird, beautiful.† I shrugged. â€Å"Drug cartel?† he guessed. â€Å"Who, me?† I asked. â€Å"Yeah. Or your boyfriend or whatever.† â€Å"Nope, sorry. I'm not really a fan of drugs, and neither is my husband. Just say no and all that.† Max cussed under his breath. â€Å"Married. Can't catch a break.† I smiled. â€Å"Mafia?† â€Å"Nope.† â€Å"Diamondsmuggling?† â€Å"Please! Is that the kind of people you usually deal with, Max? Maybe you need a new job.† I had to admit, I was enjoying myself a little. I hadn't interacted with humans much besides Charlie and Sue. It was entertaining to watch him flounder. I was also pleased at how easy it was not to kill him. â€Å"You've got to be involved in something big. And bad,† he mused. â€Å"It's not really like that.† â€Å"That's what they all say. But who else needs papers? Or can afford to pay J's prices for them, I should say. None of my business, anyway,† he said, and then muttered the word married again. He gave me an entirely new address with basic directions, and then watched me drive away with suspicious, regretful eyes. At this point, I was ready for almost anything – some kind of James Bond villain's high-tech lair seemed appropriate. So I thought Max must have given me the wrong address as a test. Or maybe the lair was subterranean, underneath this very commonplace strip mall nestled up against a wooded hill in a nice family neighborhood. I pulled into an open spot and looked up at a tastefully subtle sign that read JASON SCOTT, ATTORNEY AT LAW. The office inside was beige with celery green accents, inoffensive and unremarkable. There was no scent of vampire here, and that helped me relax. Nothing but unfamiliar human. A fish tank was set into the wall, and a blandly pretty blond receptionist sat behind the desk. â€Å"Hello,† she greeted me. â€Å"How can I help you?† â€Å"I'm here to see Mr. Scott.† â€Å"Do you have an appointment?† â€Å"Not exactly.† She smirked a little. â€Å"It could be a while, then. Why don't you have a seat while I – â€Å" April!a man's demanding voice squawked from the phone on her desk. I'm expecting a Ms. Cullen shortly. I smiled and pointed to myself. Send her in immediately. Do you understand? I don't care what it's interrupting. I could hear something else in his voice besides impatience. Stress. Nerves. â€Å"She's just arrived,† April said as soon as she could speak. What? Send her in! What are you waiting for? â€Å"Right away, Mr. Scott!† She got to her feet, fluttering her hands as she led the way down a short hallway, offering me coffee or tea or anything else I might have wanted. â€Å"Here you are,† she said as she ushered me through the door into a power office, complete with heavy wooden desk and vanity wall. â€Å"Close the door behind you,† a raspy tenor voice ordered. I examined the man behind the desk while April made a hasty retreat. He was short and balding, probably around fifty-five, with a paunch. He wore a red silk tie with a blue-and-white-striped shirt, and his navy blazer hung over the back of his chair. He was also trembling, blanched to a sickly paste color, with sweat beading on his forehead; I imagined an ulcer churning away under the spare tire. J recovered himself and rose unsteadily from his chair. He reached his hand across the desk. â€Å"Ms. Cullen. What an absolute delight.† I crossed to him and shook his hand quickly once. He cringed slightly at my cold skin but did not seem particularly surprised by it. â€Å"Mr. Jenks. Or do you prefer Scott?† He winced again. â€Å"Whatever you wish, of course.† â€Å"How about you call me Bella, and HI call you J?† â€Å"Like old friends,† he agreed, mopping a silk handkerchief across his forehead. He gestured for me to have a seat and took his own. â€Å"I must ask, am I finally meeting Mr. Jasper's lovely wife?† I weighed that for a second. So this man knew Jasper, not Alice. Knew him, and seemed afraid of him, too. â€Å"His sister-in-law, actually.† He pursed his lips, as if he were grasping for meanings just as desperately as I was. â€Å"I trust Mr. Jasper is in good health?† he asked carefully. â€Å"I'm sure he is in excellent health. He's on an extended vacation at the moment.† This seemed to clear up some of J's confusion. He nodded to himself and templed his fingers. â€Å"Just so. You should have come to the main office. My assistants there would have put you straight through to me – no need to go through less hospitable channels.† I just nodded. I wasn't sure why Alice had given me the ghetto address. â€Å"Ah, well, you're here now. What can I do for you?† Tapers,† I said, trying to make my voice sound like I knew what I was talking about. â€Å"Certainly,† J agreed at once. â€Å"Are we talking birth certificates, death certificates, drivers' licenses, passports, social security cards†¦ ?† I took a deep breath and smiled. I owed Max big time. And then my smile faded. Alice had sent me here for a reason, and I was sure it was to protect Renesmee. Her last gift to me. The one thing she would know I needed. The only reason Renesmee would need a forger was if she was running. And the only reason Renesmee would be running was if we had lost. If Edward and I were running with her, she wouldn't need these documents right away. I was sure IDs were something Edward knew how to get his hands on or make himself, and I was sure he knew ways to escape without them. We could run with her for thousands of miles. We could swim with her across an ocean. If we were around to save her. And all the secrecy to keep this out of Edward's head. Because there was a good chance that everything he knew, Aro would know. If we lost, Aro would certainly get the information he craved before he destroyed Edward. It was as I had suspected. We couldn't win. But we must have a good shot at killing Demetri before we lost, giving Renesmee the chance to run. My still heart felt like a boulder in my chest – a crushing weight. All my hope faded like fog in the sunshine. My eyes pricked. Who would I put this on? Charlie? But he was so defenselessly human. And how would I get Renesmee to him? He was not going to be anywhere close to that fight. So that left one person. There really had never been anyone else. I'd thought this through so quickly that J didn't notice my pause. â€Å"Two birth certificates, two passports, one driver's license,† I said in a low, strained tone. If he noticed the change in my expression, he pretended otherwise. â€Å"The names?† â€Å"Jacob†¦ Wolfe. And†¦ Vanessa Wolfe.† Nessie seemed like an okay nickname for Vanessa. Jacob would get a kick out of the Wolfe thing. His pen scratched swiftly across a legal pad. â€Å"Middle names?† â€Å"Just put something generic in.† â€Å"If you prefer. Ages?† â€Å"Twenty-seven for the man, five for the girl.† Jacob could pull it off. He was a beast. And at the rate Renesmee was growing, I'd better estimate high. He could be her stepfather†¦. â€Å"I'll need pictures if you prefer finished documents,† J said, interrupting my thoughts. â€Å"Mr. Jasper usually liked to finish them himself.† Well, that explained why J didn't know what Alice looked like. â€Å"Hold on,† I said. This was luck. I had several family pictures shoved in my wallet, and the perfect one – Jacob holding Renesmee on the front porch steps – was only a month old. Alice had given it to me just a few days before†¦ Oh. Maybe there wasn't that much luck involved after all. Alice knew I had this picture. Maybe she'd even had some dim flash that I would need it before she gave it to me. â€Å"Here you go.† J examined the picture for a moment. â€Å"Your daughter is very like you.† I tensed. â€Å"She's more like her father.† â€Å"Who is not this man.† He touched Jacob's face. My eyes narrowed, and new sweat beads popped out on J's shiny head. â€Å"No. That is a very close friend of the family.† â€Å"Forgive me,† he mumbled, and the pen began scratching again. â€Å"How soon will you need the documents?† â€Å"Can I get them in a week?† â€Å"That's a rush order. It will cost twice as – but forgive me. I forgot with whom I was speaking.† Clearly, he knew Jasper. â€Å"Just give me a number.† He seemed hesitant to say it aloud, though I was sure, having dealt with Jasper, he must have known that price wasn't really an object. Not even taking into consideration the bloated accounts that existed all over the world with the Cullens' various names on them, there was enough cash stashed all over the house to keep a small country afloat for a decade; it reminded me of the way there were always a hundred fishhooks in the back of any drawer at Charlie's house. I doubted anyone would even notice the small stack I'd removed in preparation for today. J wrote the price down on the bottom of the legal pad. I nodded calmly. I had more than that with me. I unclasped my bag again and counted out the right amount – I had it all paper-clipped into five-thousand-dollar increments, so it took no time at all. â€Å"There.† â€Å"Ah, Bella, you don't really have to give me the entire sum now. It's customary for you to save half to ensure delivery.† I smiled wanly at the nervous man. â€Å"But I trust you, J. Besides, I'll give you a bonus – the same again when I get the documents.† â€Å"That's not necessary, I assure you.† â€Å"Don't worry about it.† It wasn't like I could take it with me. â€Å"So HI meet you here next week at the same time?† He gave me a pained look. â€Å"Actually, I prefer to make such transactions in places unrelated to my various businesses.† â€Å"Of course. I'm sure I'm not doing this the way you expect.† â€Å"I'm used to having no expectations when it comes to the Cullen family.† He grimaced and then quickly composed his face again. â€Å"Shall we meet at eight o'clock a week from tonight at The Pacifico? It's on Union Lake, and the food is exquisite.† â€Å"Perfect.† Not that I would be joining him for dinner. He actually wouldn't like it much if I did. I rose and shook his hand again. This time he didn't flinch. But he did seem to have some new worry on his mind. His mouth was pinched up, his back tense. â€Å"Will you have trouble with that deadline?† I asked. â€Å"What?† He looked up, taken off guard by my question. â€Å"The deadline? Oh, no. No worries at all. I will certainly have your documents done on time.† It would have been nice to have Edward here, so that I would know what J's real worries were. I sighed. Keeping secrets from Edward was bad enough; having to be away from him was almost too much. â€Å"Then HI see you in one week.†

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