'The Holy Bible. Full of wonders, triumphs, and failures. The mysteries of the world in the palm of my hand.' Alice Moss stroked the Burgundy Holman CSB Bible leather as the many stories ran through her mind as vivid as the day they were first told to her. David and Goliath. Daniel and the Lions Den. Shadrach Meshach Abednego and the fiery furnace. Noah and the Ark. Moses and the Journey from Egypt to the Promised Land and many more. She opened up the marvelous book, revealing the thin frail pages. The fragile paper felt cool on her fingertips as she turned the pages, skimming over the small lettering.

The Bible was given to her by the Youth Pastor and his wife as a farewell gift from Calvary Baptist Churh. The both of them knew how hard it was for Alice to leave. They figured it would help her stay relaxed on the long grueling trip.

She observed the book closely tracing over the bold gold print on the spine. She wished then that it wasnt a farewell gift but a "hurry back" gift.

"Alice, honey?" Alice dropped the book, startled at her mothers sudden questioning. "Are you alright? You've been awfully quiet."

"Yeah, I'm alright. Just thinking, I guess." Alice picked up the book and placed it beside her on the cool, grey leather seats of the white family Trail Blazer.

Callie Moss furrowed her brow, her sparkling blue eyes nearly going cross. "Well, I cant imagine what you could be thinking about for such a long span of time. Your not still upset about the move, are you?"

Alice sighed and turned to face her mother. "I'm not so much upset as i am disappointed. I mean i had made a good group of freinds and i liked the school i was going to. I finally thought that we were settling down in a good place. Then dad has to get Deployed." She plopped her chin in her hands and placed her elbows on her knees. 'And to Sweet Home Alabama none the less.' She didn't say this out loud. She was already skating on thin ice. She didn't want to break through and fall into the cold.

"Oh honey." Callie turned her love felt eyes to her husband, pleading for some kind of help.

Staff Sargent Clark Moss Straightened up in his seat and cleared his throat. "Sweetheart, you know that its not my fault the Army chose me to move. You also know that with my job comes certain obligations. When they say I have to move I have to move. You should understand, as well your mother and I, the seriousness of the situation."

She sat up at the sound of her fathers voice. "That doesn't mean that i have to like it." she replied quietly. She crossed her arms over her chest and looked out the window at the passing greenery, noticing a quick blur of roadkill zoom past the accelerating vehicle.

Clark and Callie knowingly glanced at each other. They knew she was right. Even though she may understand the reasoning behind their move, that didn't mean that she had to like it.

Callie smiled trying to brighten up the mood. "Well, you may not like that were moving. But just think Alice. You have all that money from your allowances that you saved up last year. You could buy your self a whole new wardrobe." She was careful to word her next sentence right so as not to make her any more upset than she already was. "Its a chance for a new identity. A fresh start."

Alice thought about what her mother just said. Even though she didn't like shopping she did need to buy new clothes and books for school. It was, after all her Freshman year in High School. Suddenly moving wasn't looking so bad. It was looking more like an opportunity to finally find herself.

"Yeah, I guess your right." She looked up at her mother, a small smile spreading across her face.

Callie drew in a breath and smiled back at her lovely daughter. She was glad she was finally thinking positively about this move. "See, and who knows, maybe you'll meet some interesting people along the way."

Alice's smile faded to a slight grin as she thought of the friends she left behind. As if on cue Bear, her loving and loyal Golden Retriever pressed his cold, wet nose to her hand. She turned to face the beautiful animal and hugged him close, letting go to ruffle the hair on his head. "At least i know i have you boy."

Bear let out a loud bark as if to say "Thats right."

Callie and Alice both laughed as Bear just sat there wagging his tail, with not a care in the world.

Clark smiled. "Well I'm glad that you perked up because here we are."

The Trail Blazer drove past a sign reading Welcome to Alabama.

"Ladies, were in "Sweet Home Alabama." Clark bellowed out a laugh and Callie joined him. Alice just sat there, scratching Bear with one hand, while gripping the new bible in the other.