AN: S. Meyer owns The Twilight Saga.
Chapter 1
~Bella~
"Attention all passengers, flight 1833 from Seattle to Los Angeles, California is now boarding."
"That's you Bells, got your boarding pass and carry on?" Charlie, my dad, tried to muster up a smile but it didn't reach his eyes.
"Right here Dad," I lifted my bag and waved the ticket, "Are you sure you'll be okay?" Ever since Renee, my mom, lost her battle with cancer a year ago, Charlie has been a walking zombie.
"Don't worry about me Bells, I'll be fine. I just need time by myself, that's all." He couldn't even look me in the eye. Having a constant living reminder of his desist wife proved to be too painful for him.
"I'll miss you Dad," I was blinking back tears, "If you ever need me, all you have to do is call and I'll be in the next flight back home."
He still wouldn't look at me. "Ah, you should go now. We wouldn't want you to miss your flight. Aunt Kathy will take care of you, you'll be fine. Bye Bells." He turned on his heels and walked away. I could no longer stop the tears from falling down my face.
I walked toward the boarding entrance, showed my boarding pass and made my way to the plane. I found my seat quickly and pulled out my iPod and closed my eyes. I need to think of my life, all the past events, and my future. How can Charlie just push me away? His own blood! Didn't he consider that mom's death would be just as heard on me? I had to see her suffer too. I was there when the doctor gave her the news. I was there threw all the chemo, radiation and all the countless nights I slept in the hospital with her. Didn't he think I would needed him? Didn't he think I would need some comfort too? Of course not, your Bella. You can handle anything, right?
WRONG!
Now I was moving in with my aunt Kathy. Charlie signed the custody papers earlier this week.
Huh, couldn't wait to get rid of me, right?
My aunt Kathy is...was Renee's older sister. She is the only one that didn't disown Renee when she ran of to married Charlie at the tender age of 18. She is the only family I knew of, besides Granny Swan. I've only seen her two or three times. Kathy is a big shot in the fashion industry. She was nothing like my mom. Kathy was motivated and ambitious, she is a force. From what Renee told me, she is the CEO of one of the top fashion magazines in the world and she co-owned many clothing labels. Kathy studied fashion in France and worked for the top designers there before venturing out on her own, now she owns her own little empire. I get birthday and Christmas gifts from her every year. They were usually over the top clothing that would stand out in Forks, so I would never wear them. After Renee passed away, Charlie and Kathy decided that it would be in my best interest if I moved in with her while he dealt with his own problems. It only took a quick 20 minute conversation to convince Charlie.
Thanks a lot Dad.
Now I was headed to a new state, a new city, a new home.
"Attention all passengers we will be landing in 10 minutes, please head back to your seats, turn off all electronics and fasten your seat belts." I was so distracted with my thoughts that I didn't notice how sunny it was. Well, at least there will be sun in my new life.
See Bella, already a plus.
The plane descended and a few minutes later I was looking for my aunt Kathy. She said she would have a sign with my name on it...oh, no.
God, please no!
She didn't, she wouldn't...she did. There she was, a tall, lean, blond hair glamazon. With a white sun dress, red stiletto heals, huge white purse, and the biggest, brightest pink sign with 'Welcome Home Isabella' written in glittery black paint.
Someone, shoot me please.
"Isabella! Over here pumpkin!" She was waving her one free hand over her head to get my attention, just in case I missed that horrific neon pink sign. I walked swiftly to her, hopefully diverting attention. My face must have matched the sign by now.
"Hi aunt Kathy, I'm Bella." I stuck out my hand for her to shake but instead she pulled me in to a tight hug.
"I'll have none of that, I want a hug from my only niece." She gave me one last tight squeeze and let me go. "God, you're all grown up. Look at you! You look exactly like Re...um, sorry honey," she blushed a bit.
"No, that's okay. I know, I look like my mom. I get it all the time." I shrugged my shoulders.
"We should get going, we have so much to do!" She grabbed my hand hauled me through the terminal. "We need to head to the mall and get you some clothes," she made me leave all my stuff back home because my cloths would not be suitable for the weather here. I only sent my books, pictures and some personal items by mail, "But first we need to go to the DMV and get you a California drivers license, Gianna made an appointment for 3:00p.m."
Who's Gianna?
Kathy was going on and on while we waited for the valet to bring around her car. A young man drove up in a sleek black car. Oka, I'm no Car and Driver buff, but this car looks expensive...really expensive.
"Here we are Ms. Anderson, have a wonderful day," the young man handed her the key's. My aunt tipped him and we were off.
We first drove to the DMV where I had to take a written and driving test. A short while later I walked out with my new California driver's license. By the way, I took a hideous picture, it looks like one of my eyes is closed.
Kathy valet the car and we walked into one of the most breathtaking malls I have ever seen. There were large pillars and water fountains all over the place, the ceiling was all stained glass. We walked into few boutiques and were immediately escorted to a privet room in the back, where they waited on us hand and foot. I would stand on top of a platform while the staff played dress-up with me. My Aunt would nod or shake her head. I only got one or two peaks of the price tag and just about fainted!
Who pays $350 for a pair of jeans and $400 for shoes?!
After a couple more stores we headed to an Italian restaurant for dinner. While we were ordering a tall slender blond in her late 30's, I think, approached us.
"Kathy dear! It's so nice to run into you!" Kathy stood up pecked each side of her face.
You know, like you see snooty rich people do on T.V.
"Who might this lovely young lady be?" She gave me the old stink eye, obviously I wasn't dressed to her standards. I still had my old jeans and gray Forks High shirt on.
"Samantha, this is my niece, Isabella Swan, my late sisters daughter. Isabella this is my friend Samantha Hale." Mrs. Hale's eyes got huge for a second but quickly composed her face to a pleasant smile.
"It's so nice to meet you Isabella, what a beautiful young lady you are?" I repressed the need to roll my eyes.
Oh, now I'm beautiful.
What happened to the stank eyes you had a second ago? "It's nice to meet you too, Mrs. Hale. Please call me Bella," I shook her hand. I wasn't about to kiss this ladies face.
"So, Kathy, what brings you here?" She looked around our table, I assume looking for shopping bags. Kathy had all of her...our purchases delivered to her...our house. They would arrive later this evening.
"We did some shopping for Bella, she starts school on Monday. Shes come to live with me for her last two years of high school and college if she likes." My aunt gave me a huge warm smile.
"Well, I hope you stopped by my boutique. Did you see our summer collection?" Ah, so this was the reason for the ass kissing.
"We did, I have to say, I absolutely loved it. Very fresh and sheik." Mrs. Hale had a huge grin on her face, "We also picked up a few things from Gucci, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, YSL, Fendi, Stella McCartney, Zero+Maria Cornejo, and we also ordered some gowns from Chanel. But I think we might shop for the rest online and have my tailor adjust anything that is needed. I'm just too pooped out! How about you Bella?" she winked at me. "Bushed," I winked back.
"Well...um, I'll let you enjoy your dinner, Bella it was a pleasure. Maybe you and my Rosalie will meet at school," she said with a hopeful look in her eyes.
"Where is Rosalie by the way? I'm surprised to see you here alone."
"Oh, she abandoned me to attend James' 18th birthday party. They were all headed to his parents beach house to celebrate. Jasper went along too, as well as the Cullen kids," she said while flipping her hair back.
"So, I should steer clear from TMZ for a while?" my aunt chuckled.
"Unless you want to see the stunts they pull at those party's," she rolled her eyes, "Well, I'll let you both get back to dinner. See you soon," she made her way out the doors.
We finished our dinner and headed to her...our home. On the way she was telling me all about her friends.
"Our neighbors, The Cullen's, have three kids. They all attend Mission West High. Esme is a well known architect in our social circle, she has also restored many important land marks all over the US. She is currently restoring a late 1800's library not too far from here. Carlisle is a brilliant surgeon and is on the board of director at the hospital. The Cullen's are one of the most respected and wealthiest families in the world, you know, old money. The Cullen names goes back to 1600's in England, I think. The Cullen's have served in government office's and invested in many fortune 500 companies around today. They have given millions if not billions to countless charities. I believe Carlisle is opening up another free clinic in India. They truly have a heart of gold.
"The Hale's live on the other side of the lake next to The VonHarper's. Samantha own her own clothing line and has been very successful. Her line was featured in New York Fashion Week a couple of years ago and spread like wildfire since then. Richard is a high power lawyer and owns his own firm. Their twins attend Mission West. In fact, her twins are dating two of the Cullen kids. Samantha and Richard were over the moon when they found out," she giggled and rolled her eyes.
"And The VonHarper's own a record label. They have a load of very famous artist signed with them. They too have two children that also attend Mission West High. James Sr. and Camilla have been pushing their daughter to date Esme's other son," my aunt was shaking her head, "Esme just about had it with that persistent little girl. What some people would do to have a piece of that family."
We drove up to a pair of huge golden gates with a security post at the side. Etched in stone near the entrance read 'Mission Viejo Community'. The guard waved to us as the gate opened and we drove through. We drove for a couple of miles down a curvy road before I saw any homes. To be fair they weren't just homes, they were huge mansions. We finally turned onto a driveway to an Amazing mission style two story mansion. It was tan with huge windows, a lush garden and a very wide fountain in front. Kathy parked by door and we got off. By the entryway stood a young, exotic looking woman in her late twenties.
"Ms. Anderson, all the items you purchased today have been delivered. I took the liberty to put them away in Ms. Swan's room. I confirmed your appointment at the spa tomorrow for 10:00a.m., the credit cards came in today, and the car was just delivered."
Wow, it was like The Devil Wears Prada, minus the devil.
"Perfect, Bella this is Gianna my personal assistant."
Oh, this is Gianna.
"Gianna, this is my niece Bella."
"Pleasure to finally meet you, Bella," Gianna reached out to shake my hand.
"The pleasure is mine," I shook her hand.
We headed inside and my eyes almost popped out of their sockets. This house was unbelievable! Everything was so clean and crisp. The earth tones immediately relaxed me. And the decor was perfectly coordinated to compliment the mission style of the house. Kathy pulled me up the stairs, down the hall to the last door.
"Here's your room Bella," she opened the door to a large bedroom, about four time bigger than my old room.
Every thing was in various shades of white and light blue. There was a pair of french doors with white lace draping them. In the middle was a queen size canopy bed with white billowy netting cascading down the posts. A over-stuffed love seat in the corner next to two bookshelf's with my books and pictures already on them. On the other side of the bed was a desk with a wide screen Apple computer. In front of the bed was an entertainment center. A large plasma TV was mounted on the wall.
This is too much.
"Through those doors is your closet. The door to the right, inside your closet, is the bathroom. Every thing as been stocked. Shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions, perfumes, brushes, well you get the idea. I found good quality products that have the same scents as your old products." Gianna walked me around the huge closet with white garment bags hanging and then to my bathroom to showed me where everything was.
"We'll leave you alone for a couple of minutes while I answer some e-mail's." They both went out the door.
I wanted to scream! This was all too much! It's like life of the rich and famous here. I went to open the french doors that... Lead to my own BALCONY! It had a fantastic view of the huge lake. There was more homes surrounding the lake. I can't believe people actually live like this. I turned around back to the closed to find some pj's to take a shower and get ready for bed. I opened one of the drawers and found it full of lacy panties...very sexy lacy panties.
When did she purchase these?
I closed the drawer and opened the one below it to...the matching bra's, of course. There was a knock on the door and Gianna peaked in.
"Oh, good, you're still up. I want to give you some things that you're going need," she looked in her over-sized bag, "Here are the keys to the house and your car, the code house alarm is 21433, you have the remotes to the main gate and the garage in you car already, an iPhone, your credit cards, and your I.D. card to get into your aunt office building. Oh, I already programed all the phone numbers you might need on your phone, including my own. Bella please feel free to call me at any time for anything. And I programed the addresses you might need in the navigation system in your car. Any questions?"
What did she say? I don't think I heard correctly.
"My car? What about credit cards? Navigation what?" My hands were filled with various items.
"Kathy though it best if you had your own transportation. The credit cards are for gas, shopping, yada, yada, yada. Oh, the black one and the red one don't have a limit. You'll love the car, it's the new red Audi TTS coupe and she even got the Silk Nappa Leather Package!" She beamed.
Oh. My. Lord.
What would you do if you were in Bella's shoes?
Guess which Cullen is single?
Who is the VonHarper's daughter?
