Author's Note: Here's a short chapter that will lead onto the next phase of the story. And, yes, I will be continuing Edward's Points of View, so do not worry. ;) Enjoy!

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight.

Chapter 36

"Bella!" Seth strode forward and hugged me tightly. "I missed you, sis!"

I choked. "Can't…breathe!"

He let go, laughing. "Sorry. Welcome back!"

I smiled. "Thanks, Seth. Hi, Sue."

Sue hugged me too. "Oh, welcome back, sweetie. We've all missed you. And congratulations! We saw the news."

"Oh, thanks," I said brightly. I glanced at Charlie who was smiling for once. I had never seen him smile so cheerfully in the three years. I've watched videos and pictures of him on the newspaper, and he had always looked serious and grim, just like a successful businessman.

Charlie held out his arms. "Bells!"

I strode forward and hugged him. "Hiya, Dad. I missed you."

"I missed you too, Bells!" he said, rubbing my back and chuckling. "You've been working hard, huh? I'm so proud of you!"

"Thanks, Dad."

"Let's all sit down, huh?" Sue said cheerfully. "Bella, have you eaten dinner?"

"Yes, on the plane," I answered, sitting next to Charlie.

"So, down to business," Charlie said promptly.

I scowled.

"So assuming that Leah told you most of it," Charlie continued. "You agreed?"

"Do I have a choice?" I asked.

"No."

I sighed. "I don't really want to do this "official" daughter business, Dad. I mean, I'm already busy as it is as a doctor. I don't want to add more workload. Leah told me I had to attend all parties, meetings, charity benefits, etc. I don't know any of that stuff!"

"That's why you learn from now on," Charlie said nonchalantly. "Leah will give you all the information you need to know about SC's partners and such… Right now, in fact, we're in the middle of a business proposal…thingy…with another big company. You may have heard about it."

"What is it?" I asked.

"Here, Bella," Leah said, handing me big stacks of files. I gaped at it.

"What's this?" I gasped.

"Your homework," Charlie answered. "Your task is to learn all those companies by heart. Some are our partners, and some are our rivals. Anyway, you need to know all those to become engaged in the SC. And then these…" he gestured towards another huge stack. "…are the folders telling you how the SC works. I'm giving you barely one week from now to memorize all of them perfectly. Before you start work at Columbia. Not that hard, is it? With a genius brain like yours."

I sighed, resigned. "Whatever you say, President Swan."

"Leah will remind you of important dates and events weeks, days, and hours before they begin," Charlie continued. "You'll be busy. You know, fitting for dresses, organizing several charity benefits if we do have them, organizing parties, etc. Official daughter duty is difficult, Bells. I hope you catch on quickly. I need you in this business."

"Yeah, yeah, alright."

"That's all," Charlie said. "Any questions?"

"Uh…yeah," I said. "When do I rest?"

Charlie looked at me sarcastically. "Har, har. Happy studying. Leah's going to call you after she schedules the press conference. Don't answer any calls until it's over. We're going to tell the world that you'll be living in a penthouse somewhere in Soho. Got it? Cool. I'm off to bed. Good night, Bells." He strode off casually upstairs.

I gaped after him. Then, I closed my mouth and sighed. "This is the welcome I get after creating a successful surgery."

"You know he's been like that ever since SC became big," Seth told me. "Try to understand. It's nice to have you back."

"I heard you got accepted at NYC," I said, smiling. "Congrats."

"Thanks, Bells," Seth said warmly. "I'm majoring in business. I gotta study hard and relieve you of your duties." He winked.

"Make it soon," I said, yawning. "I'm going to leave. Leah, will you get someone to drag these stacks to the limo for me?"

"Sure thing," Leah told me. "Your penthouse is already perfect. Your new car is in your parking space down in the garage. Hope you like it. Seth picked it out. He's the car expert."

Seth laughed. "Of course."

I grinned. "Thanks, Seth. I'll let you know how it drives. See you later."

"Bye, honey," Sue said, waving as I got in the elevator with two bodyguards carrying the two stacks.

I sighed. I was going to cram for less than seven days. Then, I smiled. I hadn't done that in a while. It would be nice to be back in high school for a few days.

AN: I think the next chapter is going to be slightly longer. This story will get more fun, I promise. It's more interesting when you haven't seen the one you love for years.