Happy New Year!
Chapter 8
I made it back home in record time. My thoughts ran wild of what all I needed to, what to pack, and how to exactly tell Alice what I was going to be doing.
Excitement filled me from head to toe. This was the first time, other than the church camps, that I would be fully without any parental supervision. I wasn't going to go out and act all stupid, like a lot of teenagers tended to do when they were free of their parents. That just wasn't who I was.
I made sure to lock the front door behind me before digging out my phone from my back pocket. Making my way up the stairs, I called Alice, who answered on the second ring. It was like she was always by her phone. Oh wait, she always was.
"Bella!" she greeted.
"Hey Alice," I said. "So, I got some exiting news."
"Oh! Did you finally take Peter up on his offer? Because that would be sweeeet," she said, dragging the last word out.
"No," I shook my head, even though she couldn't see me do so. "I got a job."
"That was not what I was expecting," Alice said, but still happy. "Where? I hope not at the church."
"Charlotte Whitlock, I think is her last name. Anyhow, she heard from her aunt that I was looking for a job and hired me to watch her kid. And Alice, he's so adorable!"
"Oh wow!" she said. "When do you start?"
"Monday. But here's the thing," I said. "It's in Seattle."
"And I'm betting your parents aren't going to let you go," she sighed.
"They aren't too happy, no. But I am going. I'm leaving tomorrow, actually. That way I can settle in and get to know Alec's schedule and all that."
"You, really, are going?" she said, now really surprised.
"Yes. Can you believe it!"
"Not really. I figured you'd end up working at the church forever, you know. Maybe seeing Peter last week was the wake up call you nodded."
"He had nothing to do with this, you know," I said, rolling my eyes. "I've been wanting to get out of this town for a little while now."
But she did have a good point. Maybe seeing Peter, talking to him, did help me pull up my big girl panties and finally get out of the whole I was stuck in.
"What if it doesn't work out?" I said, worry slowly creeping in.
"Don't worry about it. You know you are always welcome to come back. It's not like you are moving across the country. Plus, Jasper lives in Seattle, so we'll still get to see each other. And you so need to meet him. He's so sweet, B. Really, you'll like him. Anyways, need help packing?"
Always one that could change subjects as quick as a bee flying from one flower to the next.
"There isn't that much to pack," I said, looking around the room. "But if you want to, sure."
"Be there soon!" Alice said, quickly ending the call.
000
My car was packed by sunset with a number of boxes that contained most of my clothes, books, and essentials. It wasn't all that much, but enough that the car was packed tightly. I was ready to go, even though I was starting to second guess my decision.
What if this wasn't what I was meant to do? What if it didn't work out like I hoped? What if….
"Stop that," Alice said, giving me that look that said she knew just what I was thinking.
"But," I started.
"No buts," she said, placing her hands on my shoulders. "You got this. You need this. We both know that. Your friends and family are only a call away, and you'll be back often enough. You need to figure out who you are without your parents influence over you. The entire town can see how much pressure your own parents are putting on you. So go, take this amazing job and find out who you are. Everythign that you told me sounds like this is where you are meant to go, so don't be second guessing yourself. Not now. Now when you are so close to getting out of here.
"Plus, I'll be out there on Wednesdays for that youth group, and I will eventually get you to go out with me to them. So you'll never be able to get rid of me."
"Guess I won't get to miss you, will I?" I laughed, letting her words soak in.
"Not a chance," she said as she pulled me into a hug. Pulling back, "Let me know when you leave, and when you get there."
"Yes, mom," I said.
After Alice left, my parents both pulled up. Mom took out take out from the back of the car while Dad didn't even look my way. Silently, I followed them inside and set out the table.
"I take it you are all packed," Mom said.
"Yes. Alice helped. I plan to leave by ten tomorrow morning." I'd leave sooner if no one was at home when I woke up.
"You should wait till Sunday afternoon, or Monday morning," Dad said.
"Charlie, we talked about this," Mom sighed. "She's an adult. She can get settled in in her new place."
"I'll be back Saturday night, okay? That way I'll be here Sunday for church and the bake sale."
"Fine," Dad said, not happily. I could see he wanted to lecture me some more, but instead shoved a bite full of food into my mouth.
"Please check in with us every day, though," Mom said.
"Sure," I shrugged. I could send a text daily to let them know I was still alive, at least.
The rest of dinner was tension filled, and I hurriedly finished eating before excusing myself to shower.