Chapter 2: The Arrival

"Don't worry girls, your going to love Paris," Charlie said reassuringly as he saw the agitated look on my face. Charlie, Alice, and I were on a plane that was headed to Paris, France. I couldn't believe what was happening; just a few weeks ago I heard the news from Charlie that he was being repositioned to France. It was so sudden I couldn't believe that in just about 30 minutes Charlie, Alice, and I would be in Paris. I knew Charlie being in the army would cause us to move around but I didn't realize it was going to be this extreme, I mean I could see needing to be relocated to Florida or Hawaii, but going from Forks, Washington to Paris was definitely going to be a culture shock .

The plane finally touched down, and we were in Paris. Alice and I were so excited we practically ran out of the airport! Charlie put our luggage in the back of a taxi van and all of us practically jumped into the van. "Guys I have to report to the army station in about an hour or so I can't site see with you guys yet but our apartment is in the city so you guys can site see. Just don't stay out past midnight." Charlie said in a rushed voice. The ride to our new home was filled with the backdrop of beautiful Paris. All the roads were stone instead of cement and all of the buildings looked so old and beautiful and majestic. When we finally got to our apartment I was shocked at how lovely it was. It was made out of beautiful tan stone and the apartment building was about 8 stories high. I was shocked that Charlie could afford an apartment building so nice. We unloaded everything out of the taxi van and headed to our new home. "Lets see hear, we are in… room 809," Charlie said as he glanced at some sort o paper in his hand. "Wow that means we're in the top floor!" Alice exclaimed as she clapped her hands. "Charlie this is amazing…. How could you afford something like this?" I asked curiously. "Actually I can't, this is all the workings of the army they even provided the furniture" Charlie said in an admiring voice as he gazed at the beautiful apartment. "This is an amazing place, this is going to be so much fun," I said to Charlie as I gave him a hug. I was so excited.
"Well I am glad you like it Bells, You and Alice can spend tomorrow job hunting." Charlie said. Alice and I both nodded our heads. When we entered the apartment building through the automatic doors I was in awe. The lobby floor was made out of light gray granite and the receptionist's area was made out of beautifully polished oak wood. The walls were covered in mint green and white striped wallpaper. We all headed to the top floor by using the marvelous elevator and we headed to our room. When we opened the door I was stunned and by Alice's face so was she. Everything was old fashioned. The carpet was a beautiful and soft tan color. The walls were gold wallpaper with intricate designs on them. And there was a chandelier in the entrance. We walked through the entrance and it opened to the main room which had the same wallpaper and same floor. There was a nice size TV. in the corner of the room. The furniture was elegant and simple with a brown and gold color scheme. To the left of the main room were French doors that lead to the kitchen. To the right was a long hallway which contained three vastly spaced rooms, one for each of us. My room was covered with royal blue wallpaper, and had a white wood bed that was highly elevated off the ground there was a stereo system and a TV. in my room. Alice's room was across the hallway from my room and it was pink and also had an elevated white bed. It was so beautiful I almost felt like crying.
I was sitting on my bed admiring my room when Charlie came in. I could tell that he was apprehensive on mine and Alice's reaction but he really didn't need to worry. "Dad it's absolutely amazing, I can't believe this is where we are staying," I told Charlie.
"I guess it is pretty snazzy." Charlie agreed. Alice came up from behind him and said, "It's more than 'snazzy' it's absolutely fabulous". " Well I am glad you guys like it, I wont you guys to be as comfortable as possible, I have to head to the military station but you two can explore the city while I am gone, but tomorrow I would like it if you guys could try to find a job," Alice and I both nodded as Charlie headed out the door.

Once we heard the door slam Alice looked at me. "Bella what do you want to go see!" Alice was really excited just like I was. "I have no idea there is so much to see…. The Eifel tower, the Mona Lisa smile, all the buildings, and the parks." I said in false exasperation. "I think we can do all of that, we should first go see the Mona Lisa and lastly see the Eifel tower, that way by night time we can see the light show on the Eifel tower," Alice said. I agreed with her and our whole day was filled with foreign adventure. First we went to this wonderful museum that was shaped like a pyramid it was made completely out of glass and it was really big. It had all of these world famous art pieces especially, the Mona Lisa smile, it was so… mysterious. Then we went to a lot of French boutiques (Alice's idea), we got so many low costing outfits, they were so pretty that even I was starting to develop a taste for fashion. For dinner Alice and I went to this really fancy French restaurant called amour (love). The food was absolutely splendid. It was finally dark out and we were near the Eifel tower I must say it was absolutely breath taking. There were lights flashing from all corners of the magnificent structure. Alice and I couldn't take our eyes off of it as we became closer and closer to the building. When we were finally reach the top of the tower. We both gazed at the city below us. It was so amazing me and Alice cried tears of joy. " We are definitely going to make the best out of this sudden move, Bella promise me you will pursue what ever dream it is you have," said Alice on the verge of tears. Before I could answer her she spoke, "my dream is to be a fashion designer and I shall pursue that, starting tomorrow. What's your dream Bella?." "I don't know yet Alice," I said in a defeated tone. "Well I am sure you can find your inspiration somewhere in this city," Alice exclaimed as she gestured toward the landscape of beauty below us.

When we finally got home Charlie was in the kitchen eating something he obviously bought while out. He looked happy in his military uniform. When he saw that we were in the threshold he threw us a big smile. "How were your day girls?" Charlie asked. "it was marvelous," Alice said wearing a grin exposing her beautiful smile. "Well I am glad girls, remember what I said about finding job," Charlie said. "Don't worry first thing in the morning." I said with a slight smile. I was really nervous about finding a job, I didn't know French, I took Spanish when I was in high school, while Alice took French , she was definitely going to have an advantage tomorrow. I would just have to wait and see if I could get a job.