A/N: I know I'm wretched when it comes to updating, and with the lack-luster remarks for the turnabout of the story, it hasn't really enticed me to continue very quickly. However, I do notice and appreciate those who have stuck it out this long. For that, I say thank you. (Yes, I will get to the other stories, I just need to focus on one for I'm getting the flow mixed up - Let me finish this one and then I'll work on the Volturi and Feline). For their continuous support since I first began to write this story almost two years ago, a happy birthday shout-out to one of the readers. It's a teaser (the rest of the chapter will come soon - hopefully before I head out of the country), but do enjoy and happy birthday. Thanks for the continuous feedback from you and everyone on this site. It really does help make me a better writer. I think.
Ch. 36 – Tour Resumes (Birthday Teaser)
"Are you sure about this, Bella?"
"I'm sure, Alice," Bella reassured. "Don't worry."
"Don't forget, you can call if you need anything," Rosalie reminded Bella for the umpteenth time.
"Everything will be fine guys," Bella replied, a bit exasperated at their persistent need to mother her over the past few days. Sure, one might say that she had practically begged for their surveillance given her depressive behaviors and sporadic decisions of late, but even then, her patience, understanding, and appreciation for her friends' worry only went so far.
As such, her gratitude had been dwindling rather rapidly, especially over the past hour, when her roommates insisted on not just driving her to the airport, but also in lingering until her flight actually took off.
Because of this, Bella had been accompanied from the parking garage to the check-in kiosk, and as soon as her luggage had been dropped off, she had been whisked away to the nearest cafe for a late night java before wandering the halls.
"You don't have to do this, Bella," Alice pushed as they waited outside the terminals for the final boarding call. "My brother would understand."
Her patience finally breaking, Bella sighed. She could deal with them accompanying her in from the parking garage to help her check-in at the kiosk. She fine with them helping her drop her luggage off at the counter. She could even be flexible when she was randomly whisked away to the nearest cafe for a late night java. Even wandering the halls outside the security was fine with her. But the continuous reminders and feeling as if she was making a mistake? It was too much. "I know, Alice," Bella sighed as she ran her fingers through long, mahogany locks, "but-"
"I'm sure there are other ways to-" Rosalie began to interject as well before being interrupted herself as a voice cut over the intercom.
"Last call for flight 468."
Brown eyes turning to gaze at the airport's ceiling, as if the person speaking would be there, Bella blessed whomever was watching over her as the conversation was quickly brought to a halt.
"That's me," Bella chirped in false bravado.
Stealing a hugging from Alice and then Rosalie, Bella popped into line quicker than necessary. Once through the security check, the youngest girl waved to her friends before disappearing down the short walkway toward the gate.
If someone had accused her of purposely ignoring the words of caution coming from her friends, Bella would simply brush them off. After all, she had heard it all before, on repeated accounts, over the past few days, and by this point she knew what her friends had to say about her new predicament. It was the only topic uttered since Edward had left.
Handing over her ticket to the attendant, Bella couldn't help but feel guilty that she was happy for the interruption in their conversation. Her friends really did just want the best for her.
She loved her friends, dearly, but what was she to do?
Settling into her assigned seat, Bella rested her forehead against the window, her options as limited as her vision as she stared at the dark runway. She clearly lost any chance with the Denalis, so that left her with roughly two options. She either needed to commit completely to Edward and be truly faithful or break things off entirely and be at a loss on more than just her relationship status.
Rather than think about have options, Bella lowered the shade and closed her eyes as the plane began to move, taking her back to the last place she wanted to be - the tour. She had rolled the dice down the safer, well-known path, and now she needed to play her part.