Chapter 1: The Big News

It was the second to last day of school at Forks High School, everyone especially the seniors were excited about the news of the upcoming summer and many more were excited for being college freshman. For me and my sister Alice we were not excited for the end of school. Charlie was a army official and his job was noble but didn't really supply enough for a family of three and since our mom Renee died 2 years ago, Charlie was really on his own when it came to money. With that said, my sister and I couldn't bear to have Charlie scrap money from his tiny retirement fund to send us both to college. So our senior year Alice and I decided to wait a year to go to college that way both of us could get a job to add on to our college fund. Charlie was sad that we weren't going to college but we promised him that we would eventually pursue a college education.

Anyway, it was the second to last day at school and I was bummed out about not going to college as the rest of Forks High was buzzing with excitement. "Alice, have you looked in to any jobs?" I asked as we hopped into Alice's mustang. "Yes I have, but there are virtually no open jobs in Forks", Alice said, her bell like voice was drenched in worry. "Well I guess that we will have to look outside of Forks, but not to far," I said in a hopeful voice. The rest of the school day went by somewhat fast since it was the last few days of school there was no work to be done so most of my classes consisted of boring videos and lectures on college life. When Alice and I got home, we smelled something burning in the kitchen, Alice and I both looked at each other and said, "Charlie". When we reached the kitchen I was surprised to see a perplexed Charlie rummaging around the kitchen with a pot full of unidentifiable food. "What is this about, Charlie you never cook," Alice said as I tried to save what ever Charlie was trying to cook. "I just wanted to make a nice dinner for you guys since you are almost done with high school", Charlie replied in a very non-convincing voice. "Charlie, you never cook even for special occasions." I told him in a worried voice. "Yeah Bella is right, what's the bad news Charlie?" Alice said in a flat voice. I could tell Charlie was nervous because his face was turning all shades of purple and his eyes were darting and staring at meaningless objects around the kitchen. Charlie nervously pointed his finger towards our small living room and starting heading towards the seat. Alice and I both sat on the couch. "Charlie what happened." I asked in a perplexed tone. "I got a call form the military and they are….," Charlie began to say but Alice cut him off. "No you can't go back to Iraq we need you! We can't lose you, your all we have Charlie," Alice said, she was on the verge of tears. Charlie rushed to her side. "No that's not what happened; this has nothing to do with Iraq". Charlie reassured. Alice calmed down and both of us nodded for him to continue.
"Like I said the military called and said that I am being relocated to a base in… Paris, I wont be fighting in any war, I just have to patrol the as American stations there, it will be fairly easy" Charlie said in a light tone. As soon as Charlie said these words I began to feel a surge of excitement I could go to Paris, which surely beats scouring for a job in hopeless Forks! It almost sounds better then attending college! Alice and I were completely silent; I guessed that Alice was just as surprised as I was. Charlie mistook our silence as hesitation and dread as he said, "I know this is a shock, But I have no choice and since you girls weren't going to college next year, I figured that you girls could come with me, there are a lot more job opportunities in Paris than there are in Forks, and I know that it will be a culture shock but we are the Swans and we can do anything". Charlie was definitely babbling but it was working! I was sold. I never would think that I would be going to Paris. Alice and I looked at each other with excitement in both of our eyes. Alice being the loudest was the first one to talk. "Oh Charlie, I would love to go with you to the fashion capital of the world, all the opportunities, yes I would love to go," Alice squealed. Charlie's face suddenly relaxed and he gave Alice a hug, then his gaze reached mine. "Bella" Charlie said hesitantly. It took me a few moments but I finally said "Charlie I would also love to go, it beats staying in Forks! Charlie gave me a hug and said "Well, It LOOKS LIKE WE"RE GOING TO PARIS"!