Disclaimer: STEPHENIE MEYER OWNS THE TWILIGHT SERIES

The Cullen Car Curse - Chapter Four

APOV

"How did you let Jasper down so easily, Bella? He was still whistling "Dixie" when you came back from driving the General." We were in my room, packing for our trip. "I know you don't want to be driving the General Lee around every day." I made a small grimace at the thought of riding around in an orange car. How tacky.

"Well, on our drive I told him how much I loved watching Dukes of Hazzard reruns as a kid. We reminisced about our favorite episodes and then I told him how I could never drive such a special car on a daily basis." I smiled at Bella's intuitiveness. "So instead I promised him we'd go to Dukesfest next year. He was really excited about that."

"Thank you, Bella. Jasper is so happy you liked his baby." I beamed at my sister-in-law. I was so glad she cared about Jasper's feelings.

"So are you excited for our trip?" I asked excitedly, bouncing on my toes.

"Yes," Bella was smiling. "I told Edward you'd take me all the way to Europe to look for a car. Maybe I can predict the future now too," she teased me.

"I can't wait to go shopping in Milan," I sighed to Bella. "I know this trip is about finding you a new car, but I desperately need some new shoes."

Bella looked pointedly at my largest suitcase which was filled to the brim with shoes. I stuck my tongue out at her.

Edward knocked on the open door before walking in.

"Alice," he sighed. "Carlisle specifically told you only two suitcases this time. And you certainly don't need this." He closed up my steamer trunk and pushed it back in the closet.

I stuck my tongue out at him too. I couldn't help that I packed for every contingency. I did see the future after all; every single idea that passed through my family's minds added another outfit to the pile.

Suddenly Rosalie ran in and started ransacking my jewelry box.

"Stop, stop stop!!" I screeched. "What in the hell are you looking for??"

Rosalie glared at me.

"Carlisle said I could fly the jet this time and I want the Pilot's Wings!"

On our last commercial flight, Emmett had nicked the gold pin right off our pilot's chest. Now whoever flew our private jet got to wear the wings. I had flown the jet several weeks ago and had not turned them back in to Carlisle like I was supposed to. They just looked so good on my navy blue cashmere sweater. Rosalie held out her hand and tapped her foot, waiting. I bit my lip guiltily and pulled open the drawer in my bedside table. I took out a small black lacquered box and reluctantly handed it to Rosalie. She snatched the gold wings out of the box and pinned them on her top. She then placed her pilot's cap on her perfectly coiffed head and stalked out of the room.

"The car will be here in 15 minutes to pick us up! Be ready!" Rosalie barked.

My tongue was getting a workout today. I turned towards my bags, grumbling. I pulled out 16 pairs of shoes, 9 formal dresses, 23 casual dresses, 15 pairs of jeans, 7 tops and I still had four giant suitcases full of clothes and accessories. I wailed in frustration.

"Alright Alice," Bella said kindly. "I'll take one of yours since I only packed one."

"And Jasper only packed a duffel bag," Edward interjected. "He knew he'd have to take at least one of yours."

I flung my arms around both of them. I had the best family.

Edward brought all my suitcases downstairs. Bella pulled on my arm and we sat down on the bed. I looked at my new sister quizzically.

"Alice," she started hesitantly. "Do you know which car I'm going to choose?"

I shook my head.

'Since you haven't seen everyone's pick, I can't yet tell which one you'll choose. Are you worried about it?" I didn't understand why she would be.

"I don't want to hurt Edward's feelings if I don't like the car he picks out."

Edward was still running some options around in his head. He hadn't even decided what car he was going to show Bella. And he was beginning to enjoy this process. It had been a while since any of us had gotten a new vehicle.

"Don't be concerned with Edward," I told Bella. "If you don't like anything you see in Europe, he's bound to buy you a Honda."

Bella and I both giggled at that. The odds of Edward even stepping foot in a Honda dealership were extremely low. We flew down the stairs arm in arm and slipped gracefully into the waiting limo.

BPOV

As Rosalie began to taxi the runway in the Cullen's private jet, I turned to snuggle deeper into the crook of Edward's arm. I had decided to calm down. Alice was right in one way at least. If all these cars were too "ostentatious" for daily use, Edward and I would find something appropriate when we got back to Alaska. I knew this trip would be exciting. Edward began to hum my lullaby in my ear and I relaxed, letting my eyes close and my mind wander. It seemed only a few minutes later when Edward roused me from my deep reverie.

"We're here love." He smiled crookedly at my dazed expression.

"England, already?" As I had mulled over all the amazing things that had happened to me since my change, we had already landed at the RAF Hethel base in Norfolk, England. This was Esme's stop. She was taking me to test drive a Lotus Evora, their newest model. The Lotus Car Company had allowed us to land the jet at the old air base they used as a test track, since Esme had been such a wonderful customer throughout the years. Apparently, her friend Nigel, a Lotus engineer, was in on her secret.

We disembarked from the jet, Emmett doing the flight attendant "buh-bye" sketch from SNL. Nigel waved to us from another portion of the track, standing next to a car straight out of a James Bond movie. Esme and Nigel hugged and then she ran her hand appreciatively down the side of the car.

"It's so beautiful, Nigel."

"Not even available until Summer 2009 you know," Nigel said conspiratorially.

A low whistle sounded from the Cullens. I looked at the sleek silver car with a little apprehension. Esme had told me on the flight about her Lotus Exige S, which was practically a race car. From the way she described her Lotus, this one looked a bit more comfortable and street-legal.

"We are car shopping for my daughter-in-law." Esme nudged me forward. I shook hands with Nigel as he opened the door for me. I peered in at the beautiful camel leather interior. I couldn't believe how amazing this car was; I slid into the driver's seat and started the engine. Although only a V-6, this car had power. It felt so light, almost like it would fly if I went fast enough. I pushed it to 100mph and then 150 miles per hour! I screamed, totally exhilarated. I went around the track a few times and then came to a stop next to Esme and Nigel.

"Wow that was incredible!" I watched as Esme got in and tried the car out for herself. Nigel told me all about its features and how this was more of a user-friendly Lotus.

Esme screeched to a halt not six inches away from where Nigel and I stood. She got out of the car; her tawny eyes shining with laughter and excitement.

"Well, Nigel, it doesn't go as fast as my Exige, but it is a bit smoother." She shook hands with Nigel again and let him know we'd be back if it was the final choice.

"I truly do hope to see you again Bella." Nigel smiled at me and I noticed how his teeth gleamed perfectly, just like all the Cullens, just like mine. I gasped and turned to Esme who nodded. Nigel got into the Evora and drove off, waving.

A/N: Hey everyone. I just want to thank all the wonderful people who have reviewed so far. I love reading your comments, and I am so glad you are enjoying this silly story. Now, to all of you who have me as a favorite, or story alert and haven't reviewed, give me some love!! Please? The cars are going to start getting serious, peeps, so don't forget to check out the links on my profile! Remember you will pick Bella's "after" car, in my story at least!!