Sadly, Stephanie Meyers owns the characters. I own the story idea.
I was not expecting to get this up today but here it is. I hope you like it. It is my first so please be nice but honest.

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Out with the old, in with the new.

I lay in my bed all evening and into the night as I sobbed, knowing it was no use. I thought about my friends that I would not see at school, and didn't know if I ever would ever see them again. I thought about the excellent education I would be missing. I thought about all the new people that I would never meet, who had the same morals and values as me. Then I thought, maybe going to a public school may not be so bad. I would have a freedom I have never known before. However, I had all summer to think about that. Right now, I had to think about my father, who was leaving in a few hours for his new work assignment. I knew I would miss him but there was an advantage to him being gone. That spiked my imagination and made me wonder what I would do this summer, as I had no real plans other then helping mother and getting ready for Marquette in August.

I made my way to the family room where father was talking with mother. He stood there in all his glory. You see, my father is a Southern Gentleman and a Rodeo Cowboy. His common courtesy, poise and charm go a long way. I remember a few weeks ago we were at the store and saw a woman pathetically loading her car in the rain. He went over and helped her. He was just raised that way. He still opens mom's car doors and mine, holds doors and chairs for us, and always asks if he can get me a drink when he goes and gets himself one. If I sneeze he hands me a handkerchief. He says a true gentleman always carries two handkerchiefs: one for him and one for the lady. He learned these things from his father, my grandfather, a true Southern Gentleman.

My father is always reminding me that I am more a Southern Belle than I give myself credit for, even though we do not live in the south anymore. I hope someday I find someone who knows how much a woman truly appreciates a gentleman, especially a southern one.
I approached him and gently wrapped my arm around his waist. "I love you daddy. You too momma."

"I love you too my darling Bella" my father whispered into my hair.

"I am sorry for yelling last night daddy and momma. I was so upset and did not know how to react. I have thought about it and realized that maybe it will not be so bad. I do not want to cause any extra pain for you and mom. I know you do your best and I thank you for all you have given me. I am very lucky to have you as my parents."

"You had every right to be upset and we are not angry with you," my father spoke. "I am glad to see you take it so well this morning."

"Well, I was thinking maybe I could go out to the park or the skating rink and meet some of the kids that go to the high school. That way when school starts I will have some friends and not feel so lost. I know how you feel about that mom but I am going to be going to school with these kids and it will give me a chance to build some friendships before school starts in August."

Mom spoke up, "I understand Dear. You did not ask for this and I understand. I see your reasoning and if it will help you deal with this I can deal with it.
Nevertheless, your father has the final say."

My father seemed a little sad when he said, "Darling, if going out to the places the local kids hang out to meet some new friends will help you, I trust you to be responsible. I hope you can forgive us for taking your dream away."

"There is nothing to forgive daddy. It was out of your control. Thank you Mom. Thank you Dad." I hugged them both. "So dad, can I help you with anything?"

"No darling, my truck is packed and ready to go. I just have my final farewells to my two lovely ladies." Dad made his way to his truck as my mom and I waved goodbye and blew kisses at him.

Now it is just mom and me. We walked back in arm in arm and made our way to the kitchen. Almost at the same time, we both said 'strawberry banana smoothies', which is our comfort food when we want to relax or cover any emotional pain. We sat down and watched Pride and Prejudice and then I went to my room for the rest of the afternoon, contemplating where I would go tomorrow to try to introduce myself to some of the kids. Boy this is going to be harder than I thought, where do I start, what do I say. Hi! I am Bella. I am new to the public school system. NOT!

It is summer so most kids are going to be at the pool. I think I will go to the pool tomorrow, go swimming, and see if I can be lucky enough to make some friends. Probably not but it is worth a try. First, I have to get mom's approval. I pray I can. I walked down to the dining room where mom had supper on the table, my favorite, lasagna. We sat quietly. I finally got the nerve to ask mom if I could go to the pool. "Mom, I wanted to go to the pool tomorrow. It is summer and everybody who is anybody will probably be there. I was hoping to make some friends. Please mom."

"The pool. Well, I do not see a reason why not. You have a good point and I do not want to see you hurt anymore. It is killing me that I cannot send you to Marquette. Nevertheless, I trust you. You have always been honest and you are a smart girl. I can drop you off and pick you up."

"Well. About that. The park is not that far and I was hoping to ride my bike since I hardly get to use it. Lately, the only times I've ridden is with you and dad on one of our family bike rides."

"I see. Well if you are sure, I do not see why not.

"Can we go shopping tonight for a swimsuit for me?"

"Sure. Let me clean up the supper dishes and we will head to the mall." Mom and I went to the mall and mom gave me $150.00 to use while she went to do some shopping of her own. I went to several stores until I found what I wanted at DEBS. It was a cute two-piece. It accented me in all the right places, well as best it could for someone getting ready to turn 14 in a few weeks. I got myself a new beach towel and bag, along with some sunscreen, sunglasses, a matching wrap, hair tie and flip-flops. I wanted to make sure I matched so I could try to fit in and be as normal as the other kids. Then I met mom at the ice cream shop in front of the mall. I know, mom, ice cream and me...it is our comfort food. We talked about what we bought and about her relaxing her rules so I could have a semi normal life like other kids here. She agreed, as long as I kept my chores done, was in by my curfew and did not get into trouble. In addition, I had to introduce her to my new friends when or if I made any. I sure hope it is when. We headed home and I got ready for bed. I wanted a good night's sleep so I was refreshed for my first day of freedom. I had no idea what tomorrow was going to bring, if anything, but if someone had told me what was going to happen, I would have never believed them!

Next chapter will be up in a couple days maybe sooner. It will be her day at the pool. What ever will happen at the pool or after she leaves the pool. I know it seems a slow start but I have to lay the foundation for the story. It will get better and longer soon.

Please review and any thoughts are welcome. You can pm me.