Disclaimer: I don't own Twilight. If I did, casting for the movie would have been just a bit different.
Vacation for Rent
III.
I stared at my suitcase, confused in two different aspects. For one, what else could I possibly put into it? Secondly, why was I filling it up anyway when I was just going to unpack it in the closet of the RV that was parked next to my house? I shrugged and went to my drawer to grab another pair of socks, which I discovered you can never have too many of.
I looked up at my digital clock. 8:56 am. Edward and Alice were told to be here at nine so we could pack up and be on our way by ten. Edward had weaseled his way out of my bed while I was still asleep, and I hadn't even noticed he was gone until I rolled over and noticed there wasn't a guardrail on that particular side anymore. It had been just after 7:30 then. I suspected that he took off shortly after I fell asleep to meet up with Alice and take a quick hunting trip to hold them over for as long as possible. I shrugged it off, over thinking as usual.
And then I heard the Volvo. I made one more quick glance over my suitcase and decided that I was as ready as I'd ever be. I zipped it closed and turned to leave the room. I paused in the doorway… well, maybe one more pair of socks. I traced my steps back into my room and back to my sock drawer. I pulled out a pair a gray socks and left the room.
I bounded down the stairs, suitcase in one hand, socks in the other. Edward met me at the foot of the stairs and reached for my suitcase. I smiled and graciously handed it to him.
"That's more like it, Bella!" Alice said from behind him. That was the first time I hadn't forced a smile since I agreed to go on this trip, and Alice noticed.
Edward eyed the socks I held in my hand.
"For me?" he asked sarcastically.
I made a face at him and reached for the zipper to my suitcase, unzipping it just enough to slide the last pair of socks in.
Charlie came through the front door, grinning from ear to ear. He was obviously excited about the trip, and I was determined to do my best not to ruin that.
"Bella's is the last suitcase. Then I can give the grand tour, and we can unpack!" he announced. I nodded, Alice giggled, and Edward smiled.
We all herded toward the RV. I couldn't help but worry at the look on Alice's face. I was certain she had a little too much fun shopping with Charlie the night before for everything. When I say everything, I mean everything. Bedding, maps, raincoats, extra pillows, first aid kits, shower supplies, board games, the works. Alice was appointed head decorator.
I took a deep breath and allowed Edward to help me up the side steps into the RV. And much to my surprise… I was impressed. Charlie was right. It wasn't going to be like camping at all.
"Alright!" Charlie began. "The tour begins here, which is where I sleep." He motioned toward a large bed that was above the "cockpit." It was coated in beige and hunter green. Alice's doing, I was sure.
"This area is the kitchen," Charlie continued, glancing to either side of him. The kitchen area was located directly behind the driver's seat. It was complete with sink, refrigerator, stove, oven, microwave, and plenty of cabinet space. Charlie was even sure to get a toaster and coffee maker.
Charlie reached for the fridge, opening it to display its contents. It was full of bottles of water, cans of soda, lunch meats, condiments, brand name Lunchables, and even a couple chocolate bars.
"Everyone can help themselves to whatever is in the fridge, as well as the cabinets," he said moving to the side to open a cabinet above the sink. I saw popcorn, poptarts, bread, macaroni and cheese, and ramen noodles.
"And just beyond this kitchen area is the lovely dinette," Charlie said, pointing to a booth-styled dining area.
"And across from the dinette is the couch, also where Bella will be sleeping." I gave him a look. The couch? He noticed my reluctance, and his face settled into a softer smile. He slipped the cushions off to reveal a sofa bed. I sighed in relief. He pulled it out partially to show that it was already covered in red and white polka-dotted bedding. I blamed Alice.
"Your pillows are up here, kiddo," Charlie said, opening a cabinet above the couch. I caught a glimpse of red and white.
After replacing the cushions to the couch, Charlie moved even further back into the RV.
"And here are the bunk beds, where Alice and Edward will be sleeping." Sleeping. Yeah, right. I glanced at Edward, but he was just smiling at Charlie. Maybe he was more into this than I gave him credit for. I turned my gaze to Alice who was practically jumping up and down in excitement. I decided to check out the bunks anyway, even if I knew they wouldn't be used.
The top bunk was covered in bright pastels. Blue, pink, purple, and green. Ah, Alice. I looked below it to see navy blue and white vertical stripes. I was having trouble deciding whether it suited Edward or not when Charlie interrupted my thoughts.
"And this… this is the bathroom," he finished with a smile. He swung open a door with a full-length mirror on it to show a surprisingly clean washroom. It had a bathtub with a showerhead, a medicine cabinet, a sink, another set of cabinets, and a perfectly functioning RV toilet.
"Let's get situated!" Charlie announced, walking back to the front of the RV.
I turned to Alice and Edward. Alice didn't waste any time and was hugging me. Tightly.
"Bella, I'm so excited!" she exclaimed.
"I noticed," I said with a laugh. She let go and went to pull her suitcase over to the dinette.
I then looked to Edward, who was looking at me expectantly with raised eyebrows. I pursed my lips together trying to suppress a smile. That didn't last very long. I allowed a grin to spread across my face.
"Okay! I admit it!… It may actually be fun…"
