Disclaimer: I do not own anything Twilight, just this story line!

Author's notes: Thank you to all that favorite story and favorite authored me (is authored even a word?) Any who, I have a treat for you all! Alice is appearing in this chapter and this one will be much longer. Sorry for the short prologue had to set the stage. Stick with me and I promise, you'll love this story!

Chapter 2: Goodbyes


" Bella Barbie time!" Alice exclaimed while waltzing up the stairs, heading to my room. Great now I have no choice but to wear the obnoxious outfit. I carefully weighed my options. If I run, she'll probably catch me or I'll end up falling due to my natural clumsiness. Option 2, I could just comply and make this easier for everyone involved. So I make a wise choice and began by violently grabbing the mini skirt along with the tank top, which is a personal favorite of mine, and the wedge heels I despise. I am tying the straps of the wedge heels as Alice barges into my room. This girl never knocks before entering any door. Charlie loves her so much that as police chief of the city, he allows her to trespass on a daily basis and get away with it. Why couldn't I become a police officer? I'm all about enforcing the law. Believe me, I love Alice. As an only child, she is my sister, my everything. But her personality can be a bit overwhelming at times.

"Alice, why do I have to wear this ridiculous outfit when it is just going to get all wrinkled and dirty from the plane ride?" I say matter of factly.

Alice pauses to ponder, the quietest she's been in years. "My friend, you are so right! Who knew how smart and sneaky you could be? That's why I have already chosen your outfit to change into when we get off the plane. Nice try Bella."

"Alice, you could at least have chosen flats for me to wear. I'm going to have swollen airplane feet thanks to you!" I whine

"OHMYGOSH! I didn't think about that! Here, wear these." She pulls out a pair of black sparkly ballet flats and I let out a breathe of relief. Ha! I knew I would get my way one way or another.

I quickly switch to the more desired pair of shoes and send her a thankful smile. She gives me a sneaky grin and I know I'm in for it big time. Suddenly I hear the sobs of my mother outside my bedroom door. Alice throws me a knowing look and slips out the door, hugging my mother at the same time. She is such a great friend.

"Mom, we have been through this before. This isn't easy for me either, but I have to go. We both know this is a good opportunity for me and Alice and I can't be apart. Besides, maybe you and Dad can finally travel the world like you wanted to." I say, while rubbing my mother's back and trying to soothe her. My mother is taking this a bit over the top, which is exactly what I expected when I told her my decision four months ago. My Dad, Charlie, was pretty cool with it. I guess I'm more like him because we don't show our emotions very often. Of course I'll miss them and they will miss me, but it's time for me to start my life, in Chicago.

"Bella darling, I know this is a great opportunity for you and I am so happy for you. It's just so bittersweet. It seems like yesterday, Charlie and I were bringing you home from the hospital. You know you were a premi, but always the fighter. Then I remember when you caught pneumonia and the doctors said that you wouldn't" My mother is cut off from her walk down memory lane by my father.

"Uh Bells," He calls me by the nickname he gave me when I rode my first bike. It had bells on it and he said that was the happiest sound in his life, besides my mother's laughter. My father is a very quiet man and we have had some awkward moments. Like two weeks ago when he gave me the sex talk, college edition, a value pack of condoms, and a list of clinics to go to. I was redder than a tomato and he could barely look me in the eye. My parents knew I wasn't sexually active and I didn't plan on it until a long while from now. But who can blame him? I was going to one of the most famous college towns in the country. "We better get a move on, before you miss your flight. Besides, Alice mentioned something about wedge heels if you don't get down there to that car." My Dad chuckles quietly to himself, knowing that Alice never bluffs her threats.

"Oh darling, can you give your mom one last hug and kiss before you go out into the world?" My mother asks

"Of course! But please don't make me cry mom. Alice will kill us both for ruining her work of art." We both laugh and hug each other tightly for what seems like an eternity. Finally I let go and head downstairs. My dad is loading my luggage in the back of the pick up as I head to the car.

Alice eyes me suspiciously and I nod in her direction, letting her know I'm ok. She gives my mother a huge hug and kiss on the cheek before assuring her that she will keep an eye out for me and we will be fine. Sometimes, Alice behaves as if she's ten years older than eighteen. But that thought flies out of my mind immediately as she begins clapping her hands excitedly and jumping up and down when my mother hands her a neatly wrapped gift.

"Thank you so much Mama Swan!" Alice exclaims. She has been calling my parents Mama Swan and Daddy Swan since she was a kid. Her parents divorced when she was three and her father had relocated to Chicago, while her mother stayed here in Washington. Alice would always say that I was so fortunate to have two loving parents in my life and that when she grew up, she wanted to get married and have the same happy life the Swans did.

"Oh you are so welcomed darling! Now I think you better go, before you miss your flight." My mother replies.

We both get into the truck, me in the front Alice in the back. She insists that I have one last shot gun ride with my father. He pulls off and grabs my hand. I smile at him and quickly wipe a tear that has escaped from my eyes. I told you that Charlie and I are not good at emotions. Finally we arrive and Charlie carries our bags inside for us. He pulls me into a hug and lightly kisses my forehead.

"Call us if you two need anything. I mean if you need someone to talk to at three o clock in the morning, you know who to call. That goes for you too Alice. You are as much my daughter as Bells is. I love you girls. Take care of yourselves." Charlie pulls us both into a quick hug and says, "Now go, before I don't let you go." He chuckles.

We turn away slowly and gather our luggage, heading to our gate. I look back before standing in line to board the plane and Charlie is still standing there. He wipes his eyes and head back to his truck. My Dad is so amazing. I really am going to miss him. Security asks for our passports and boarding passes. Alice hands him everything. He gives me a sad smile. I didn't realize how badly I was sobbing. After we settle into our assigned seats, Alice pulls me into a hug and rubs my back as I sob. I didn't expect the goodbyes to be this hard.


That's it my readers. Please review and let me know what you thought of it. Good and bad, I welcome all feedback, just go easy on me :) Remember to live your life and choose what makes you happy!