The Way Back Home15/02/2009 17:48:00

Chapter 1: Reflections (Bella POV)

I got off of the Blue Line at Halstead and began to walk to my last class at UIC before graduation. I had completed my thesis weeks ago and was now about to find out my final grade in Mr. White's English Lit class. Mr. White was overly critical of everyone's work, but I enjoyed the challenge. I had decided to write my thesis on the similarities and differences of Wuthering Heights and Romeo and Juliet and to show the differences between realistic love and fictional love. I had received a full ride to UIC, and trust me when I say that it was the only reason I actually volunteered to leave my home in Forks, Washington. My folks never had a lot of money, and couldn't afford to send me, so the way I see it beggars cant be choosers. My scholarship was based on maintaining a specific grade point average, and I far exceeded that goal, so far. Mr. White's class was my final obstacle to a perfect GPA.

Since arriving in Chicago I had met a lot of new friends, but I was still a loner, a recluse that really enjoyed being alone. Give me a book and a few good CD's and you have a perfect Friday night. I certainly had not found my Mr. Right, my Knight in Shining Armor. I was now 22 years old and I had never felt love before, sure I loved my childlike mother Renee, my introverted father Charlie, and my best friend Alice but that was different than real love, between a man and a woman.

I had been on many dates since college began, but never felt that twinge of excitement, or attraction that was felt by the characters in my favorite novels. I had to admit that I was lonely and longed to feel those emotions of hopeless love. Alice had tried on numerous occasions to set up blind dates, but of course they had all backfired. I was a romantic at heart and I wanted the whole package deal. That package deal included the butterflies, sappy lines, tears of joy and sadness and yes even children.

Alice had tried to help, no I take that back, FORCE me to find the man of my dreams, but it always backfired. For one, I was much to shy. I blushed at every little thing. I assume it was because I was so self-conscious and insecure. I do have to admit that I did get a good laugh out of many of my close encounters. As annoying as Alice was, she was my best friend and I missed her much.

I then thought of Alice and laughed at the memory of our last encounter.

It was spring break and Alice had decided that we would go to Miami. I had arrived in Miami first, and waited at the airport for Alice to arrive. Alice had been attending Washington State for her degree in Fashion Design, and of course graduated early. She had opened up her own boutique in Seattle and was an immediate success. Her face was splattered all over the fashion magazines in the US and Europe. As I waited for her I went into one of the stores to buy a bottle of water and glanced at the magazine rack. Sure enough, on the front cover of Vogue, was Alice. Her short black hair was spiked perfectly, and her smile was dazzling. The article's title was "The Fairy That Makes Fashion Wishes Come True! I bought the magazine and some water and waited at Alice's gate. Her flight was due to land in 30 minutes so I started reading the article to pass the time. As I read the magazine I was surprised to learn that Alice was going to start her own line of Wedding gowns. "Move over Vera Wang, Alice Brandon is on the move." I giggled to myself

I had been so distracted by my reading that I did not even notice that Alice's flight had landed.

I was still reading when I heard a loud "Um Hmm I guess you would rather read about me, than actually see me!"

I knew that little pixies voice anywhere and I immediately jumped up and wrapped my arms around my best friend. "Oh Alice I have missed you so much!"

I then started to get teary eyed and tried to stop the tears from flowing.

"I have missed you too Bella" Alice squeezed me tighter.

We pulled apart and looked at each other.

"My, my Bella, don't we look stunning" Alice stated.

"I have been trying to take some of your advice, and look like a girl. I actually kind of like it."

Alice gave me a once over and made me spin around.

"Well, that skirt I made for you looks great. It really accentuates those curves of yours Ms. Swan."

"Oh Alice stop, your embarrassing me." My face immediately went flush and Alice giggled.

"Bella, Bella, what am I going to do with you."

She immediately hugged me again.

So how's Chi town treating you?" She raised her left eyebrow, which meant she was talking about my lack of a love life. So I of course avoided the answer.

"Great, I saw Wicked last weekend, for free, and it was great. I only hope that I can be a great writer like that someday, and maybe see my book transferred to stage."

Oh, Bella, you have great talent and you will be something big one day, I just know it." Alice cooed.

We left the airport and grabbed a cab for the hotel.

We arrived at the hotel minutes later, Alice, of course, had reserved the most expensive suite. The bellhop grabbed our bags and was staring at me intently.

I blushed and looked at Alice. "So, Alice what's the plan, where do we start?"

Well, actually, I need to look into a store site in SouthBeach. Its in a very upscale shopping area, so you know what that means."

Alice began jumping up and down and clapping"

"Let me guess, shopping?" Of course Bella, how can I go to South Beach and not shop?"

The Bell-hop lead us to the elevator and to our room.

The room was breathtaking. The first room was a large living area with a large 60-inch Flat Screen. There was a large ivory wrap around couch with a beautiful driftwood table. Next to that was a dining area with a large window the overlooked the ocean. The walls were painted in ivory, they were subtle, but yet gave you the feeling that you were near the water. I looked at the dining area and there was a small casual white wood table adored with large seashells.

I walked into one of the two bedrooms and was surprised to find the bellhop inside. "I took the liberty of bringing your bags in here, this is my favorite room in this suite.

The bed was large and had an overfilled white down comforter. There was a large array of pillows in muted beach colors adorning the bed. At the foot of the bed was a large white sheepskin rug. It was stunning. I walked into the door that was on my left and I gasped. There was a large caramel colored marble roman tub and sink. They both had gold fixtures for the handles and faucets. To the right of the tub was a door. I opened it to find an expansive closet. I knew that I would not need this much space; maybe a couple of drawers would suffice. Of course Alice will probably have it filled prior to leaving.

I walked out of the bathroom to find the bellhop waiting. I looked at him and noticed that he was not that bad. He had blond hair and the prettiest blue eyes. He was a little taller than I was, but not by much. His nametag said Mike.

"Well Mike, thank you for your help" I went to grab some money from my wallet to hand to him, but he refused.

"I cannot take money from you Ms. Swan; I helped you because I wanted to."

I looked away and saw Alice standing by my door smiling. "Thank you Mike," I think that we are good now, Thank you" Alice stated.

Mike looked at Alice and grinned. "If you two beautiful ladies need anything I will be downstairs". He looked at me and winked before walking out.

As soon as he walked out Alice looked at me and smirked. "I cant take you anywhere where men don't throw themselves at you Bella"

"What do you mean Alice, I don't attract men like that." I stated biting my lip.

"You just don't notice Bella, I swear you are blind, and well blindness might also explain your inability to walk without tripping on your own feet."

I stuck out my lip and pouted. "I am not that clumsy anymore Alice."

"Your right, but anyway there is something that I need to tell you Bella, and its important."

"Sure Alice, give me a second to clean up and we'll meet in the living room." I quickly washed up put on a clean skirt and blouse with my new Jimmy Choo heels. My hair was hideous, so I pulled it back into a loose ponytail. I looked in the mirror and laughed at what Alice had said about me attracting men. I was plain; I had long brown hair, and brown eyes, Charlie's eyes to be exact. As I matured I had noticed that there was more of a curve to my hip, and I liked it, but for me to labeled as beautiful was surely a mistake.

I sighed loudly and walked into the living area.

Alice was on her cell phone chatting away. "Of course I want you to meet her, she is my best friend and she means the world to me." She sighed "I miss you too, but I promised her that I would spend Spring Break with her, and I will not let her down." She looked pensive for a moment and finally squeaked, "Why don't you come here and stay for a few days?" That would be so great, you could meet her and we could be together?" She turned her head and saw me leaning on the wall by my room. "Oh I have to go, I will call you later, yeah yeah I know, miss you too?"

She looked at me and I laughed. "So tell me who can it possibly be that has you wound up like that?"

Alice looked at me with a wide grin on her face that went from ear to ear. "Bella, I'm in Love!"

"Well if that wasn't obvious," I laughed. That was how I learned about Jasper Whitlock. They had apparently been dating for well over 3 months and were both crazy about each other. She had a sparkle in her eye as she described him. He was a history professor at Washington State, the youngest professor at WSU ever. The most important thing to me was that he made her feel loved. She wanted me too meet him, and I agreed.

He showed up in South Beach two days later, and I was pleasantly surprised to find that her description of him was perfect. As soon as she saw him his face melted and he ran to her. He enveloped her into the deepest hug and they seemed to be oblivious to everyone and everything around them. He looked deep into her eyes, and she looked into his.

Jasper, I missed you so much" Alice cooed,

"And I you Alice, and I you."

I caught the southern accent right away and smiled. I was truly happy that my best friend was in love and it was obvious that he loved her too.

"Jasper this is Bella" Alice introduced us.

"Ah, I see that Alice was correct you are quite stunning Ms Swan, the pleasure is all mine."

He took my hand and kissed it. I knew, right then and there, that Alice was going to marry this man.

" I have heard so much about you as well, and am happy to say that Alice did not exaggerate. His blond hair was curly on his head and his gray eyes were bright. He was a little over 6 feet tall, and was slender, but muscular. Alice sure knows how to pick em. Alice's face was beaming.

I could swear she was glowing as we ate dinner with Jasper. The moonlight was beautiful and the scene was perfect. I excused myself and went back to the room, to give them time alone.

The rest of the trip was much the same. Alice's new location was beautiful and the trip was a blast. Jasper and Alice never made me feel like a third wheel, and for that I was grateful.

A horn sounded loudly on my left and I was pulled back to reality quickly. I waved my hand to apologize to the driver and quickly ran across the remainder of the street. I reached Gregory Hall in no time and arrived in front of my class. I looked at the posting board in that hall and saw that I had received an A on my thesis.

I was jumping up and down when Rosalie walked up. "What's that all about Swan?"

I looked at her and smiled. I got an A on my thesis!"

"That's great Bells, really" Rosalie hugged me and looked at her grade

" I got a B but Ill take it!" "We are all done Bells can you believe it."

I looked at Rosalie and she looked sad. Rosalie Hale was the first person I met at UIC and we became quick friends, she immediately moved me into her town house in Forest Park. She was tall and is what I would describe as EVERY MAN'S DREAM come true. Her long blond hair was shiny and had curls at the end. She had large blue eyes and legs for days. The only reason she was going to school was because her parents made her have a back up plan. She was a model, and an actress. She had been on TV since she was five. Her first commercial was for cold medicine and she had cameos on many television shows. She had a short stint on a popular soap opera and was now reading a script for her first big movie. I think it is a horror film, which is good because Rosalie loves horror films. I laughed at myself, how could someone so plain and boring end up with not 1 but 2 of the most famous people known today. Its all still a wonder to me.

"How's the script Rose?" I asked. She looked at me and smiled and just as she started describing the prehistoric creatures that were to kidnap her when students surrounded us.

Can I have your autograph Rosalie? Can I kiss you Rosalie. Can you please have my children Rosalie" I turned and looked at the direction the last comment came from, but could not locate who made it.. I looked at Rose who was signing a couple of autographs.

I watched her complete her autograph on someone's shirt and grabbed her by her wrist. "That's enough folks, the show is over, some of us have to get to class" People booed me but I dragged Rose into the lecture hall and closed the door behind me.

"Thanks Bells, someone actually wanted me to sign their rear end, can you believe it?" Rosalie made a fake disgusted look on her face.

Where is Ben? Isn't he supposed to be with you? I asked as I looked around for him.

"I gave him the morning off, I think he had a date with some girl named Angela."

"Aww Rose your so sweet, but next time ask for a back up".

I don't need a back up Bells, I can take care of myself, and besides I have you."

"Ha, ha Rosie, I forgive you, but we are gonna have to sneak out the back after class."

Class was over quickly enough and we snuck out the back with no problems. I hitched a ride with Rosalie back to the town house.

We got inside and we both sunk into the large blue couch in the living room. "I am so glad we are done Bells. No more lectures and term papers, its real life now baby!"

I looked at her and smiled. I was glad that graduation was next week and I was also glad to be moving forward with my life.

"So are Charlie, Renee, and Alice coming to graduation?'

I sighed "Yes, and Jasper is coming too. Apparently he is bringing his brothers along too, they have never been to Chicago and want to see the windy city.

" Ooooh are they cute? Rose asked.

"I don't know Supermodel, but if they look anything like Jazz, then yes."

Oh well then we so have to get some new outfits then, you know dress to impress."

" Rose, you could wear a potato sack and look good, do we need to get more clothes.

Rose looked all goggle-eyed and I laughed.

"I need to get ready for work; some of us have real jobs you know.

" Rose chimed in " My agent thinks you are more than beautiful for a modeling career, she says that your beauty is, what was that word, …..Timeless".

I laughed at that, "If that were so, then I would have men tearing the door down for me, but of course I don't."

Rosalie looked a me seriously for a moment. " Men are scared of beautiful women Bella, and don't know how to approach. And besides, men hit on you all the time, you are just so oblivious to it, you don't see it.

" Yeah, okay Rose I got to go now, I closed the door behind me and laughed to myself.

I got into work on time. I wouldn't really call it work. I worked at Reckless Records and I loved it. If I said that I loved books, then music was right on its heels. I loved music of all kinds. I met all kinds of people.

One of my favorites was Blue. He was about 65 years old and loved old blues and jazz. He came in every Wednesday and perused the store. Then he would sit and tell me old stories from his glory days. His favorite story was of how he met the love of his life, Isabelle. I loved to watch the sparkle in his old eyes when her spoke of her.

When I told him that my name was Isabella he laughed and said, "I knew there was a reason I liked you"

He explained that he had just finished a gig in a blues bar name Blind Willies in Atlanta and was walking home. He saw a girl walking on the side of the road and offered her a ride, he said the he felt compelled to give her a ride, and couldn't explain why. He was a complete gentleman and made sure that he did not scare her off. She was beautiful. She had long brown hair and big brown doe eyes. She accepted the ride and told him that she had just watched him play and was very impressed. His chest stuck out proudly as he went on. He stopped in front of her house and they talked the remainder of the night until the sun started to rise. They watched it rise together and then she had to leave. She was 20 years old and was a part of the USO and she had a shift that started soon.

Blue looked sad. "I didn't want her to leave. I wanted to hold her and talk to her forever. I knew then that she was the one" After that day they were never apart. He married her 3 months later and they moved to Chicago. They were together for 43 years, until the day she died of a heart attack. That was 2 years ago. He missed her terribly and fought off tears when he spoke of her now.

After Blue left I finished my shift and headed home. On the way I thought about my graduation the following week. I was nervous, but proud. Rosie was right about one thing, this is real life now, and what was I going to do. I had been in contact with many schools in Seattle trying to obtain a job teaching English to elementary school children. I loved children, to teach, and English, it only made sense to be a teacher. I also wanted to write. I loved to read and write. As of yet I have not found any open positions. I yearned to go back or at least near to my hometown of Forks, Washington. I wanted to be near Charlie, and it just felt like home. Chicago was great, but I really missed home.