Author Note:

Hi everyone. I really hope you enjoy the story.

Disclaimer: I own nothing except the grandmother and aunt :)


The Book of Love

Chapter 1: Take Off

Sitting in the airplane was always a tranquil experience. For some reason I always found it to be a pleasant one. Looking out the small glass window I watch as we begin our slow move towards the runway. I was never afraid to fly, but I'm afraid of many other things, such as stairs. My whole life has been filled with falling down, up, sideways and every which way. Actually my whole life I have only been noticed when I tripped or fell, otherwise I'm pretty…

"The Captain is about to take off please make sure your seatbelt is fastened." "O well Kara I need my pills I can't sleep on a plane without them." whines my grandmother. "Mom I have a huge headache already. Bella by chance did you bring the pills and aspirin?"

…invisible. "Yeah Kara I did." As I searched my carry on I heard complaints throughout the row most from my grandmother and aunt. Good thing I took them from the hotel room before we left. They weren't like my dad Charlie at all. My grandmother is kind of a pain in the ass and my aunt is a mild hypochondriac, but I do know they love me. My aunt and I are actually quite close especially since her divorce, but sometimes I wish I was going to Ireland alone. My grandmother and aunt started planning the trip as soon as I finished my junior year. Now as a recent high school graduate I am off to Ireland as an amazing graduation present.

Yes, they were planning on going anyway, but still to offer to pay for me and allow me to come is anything more than I could ever ask for.

"Oh thanks Bella I can't believe I forgot them."

"Its okay Kara, I just thought to bring them at the last second."

"So are you excited? I mean are you happy you came?"

"I am so happy right now. Still are you sure you don't want me to pay for something because believe me I really don't mind. I have savings."

"Bella don't be silly. This is you high school graduation present. I don't want to hear any nonsense like that for the rest of the trip." she said with a grin.

I close my eyes and sigh with a smile. This is the most exciting thing to ever happen to me apart from getting a full ride to Boston University. As we leave the United States I make an inaudible chuckle as I look over the city that will become my new home. My only regret is that I am leaving Charlie in Forks.

"We have had a successful take off the unfasten seatbelt sign will turn on shortly."

Finally back to my music montage. As I pull out my ipod I see our travel package guide. "Grandma when do we pick up the tour?"

"Don't worry I have everything under control and this is my favorite tour guide. He even set us up for everything after the tour ends."

"Wait…what do you mean?"

"The guide is a friend of your great Uncle Robert. After the tour we're staying in a bed and breakfast his sister and her family runs. Now where did I put my book? BELLA! Stop biting that lip this instance it's not lady like."

"Sorry…" I mumbled. Embarrassed I turn my head and drift off into a slumber filled with music.

Why is there banging? Is the plane going down? As I look behind me I see the source of my sudden awakening. This little boy had to get put behind me with his mother passed out in the seat next to him. His face was plastered in a scowl with a pink tongue sticking out of an almost toothless mouth. Being a non confrontational and invisible person I ignore the banging. As I look next to me I see both my grandmother and aunt are passed out. Now that I'm up I decide that I may as well read the travel guide again see if I missed anything.

After reading the travel guide and watching a movie I curl up in my seat and think about home. I wonder what Charlie is up to now it's hard to know especially with an 8 hour difference. He is most likely at work by now. I think of the few friends I have back at home. Alice is definitely up and probably running her little bum off in designer athletic wear. She is like the energizer bunny times ten, but she is also my best friend. I wouldn't doubt that she is racing alongside her soon-to-be marine officer brother Emmett. I have never seen such a pair in my life.

As I look through my carryon I notice the piece of paper Alice stuffed in there without trying to have me notice. She said "Some words of wisdom." I just shook my head and sighed. As I take it out I see her flouncy handwriting covering the page.

My Dearest Bella,

You must be bored and looking for something to do on the plane. Well read this. Now when you're in Ireland I don't care about you having your grandmother and aunt there that doesn't mean you can't turn your swagga switch on. When you get back I want stories and not just about the landscape I mean Guys! Hot, redheaded, sexy, drunk, Irish men. You are 18 and are going off to college in the fall; loosen up out there then come back ready to party. And come on take a chance we want you to lose your v-card before we all die of old age. I packed an extra cute dress and shoes for you and a sexy black bra and panty set just in case though I know that's asking a lot. Love always,

ALICE

P.S. I also packed you a journal and I expect a few pages a day about progress in the guy department. I am going to inspect it when you get home. Miss you already. Oh and take lots of pictures!

As I am reading I am shaking my head already nervous for the task ahead of me and in anger. I must remind myself to send Mike Newton an email from Alice proclaiming her love for him. The worst part is that I know she will find out if I lie or if I talk to no one at all on my trip. Fortunately, the only guys that hit on me are not up to Alice's standards. I'm not like her, but sometimes I wish I was. I am not confident at all, though I surround myself with Jane Austen and Alice does not mean I pick up any of their characteristics. I am extremely grateful though that she decided to go to an east coast school as well even though it's in Rhode Island. She decided to go to RISD she tells me it's the only place that will give free reign of her creativity. I roll my eyes but really inside I'm jumping for joy because I know that she will be close and that gives me such relief.

As I settle back into my seat I think of all the things we plan to do and the path that I plan to take in my own life.

"Passengers please fasten your seatbelts we will be landing shortly. Welcome to Ireland."


Just some things

Bella was listening to a mix of Aimee Mann and Tori Amos

Boston University is obviously located in Boston, Mass

RISD is the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, RI

I have some other chapters written up and i might post them if i see reviews hint hint

Lol - I would love feedback