BPOV

The rest of the work day passed by in a blur.

My mind was already looking forward to my mini vacation. However, I still had to pass it by my mom. She wouldn't approve at first, but hopefully she could see my logic.

It was dinner time now, which meant I had to break the news to her.

"So, how was work today, Bella?" Phil asked while scooping mashed potatoes onto his plate.

It was now or never.

"It was interesting. I actually have something really important to tell you guys." I set down my fork and folded my hands across the table. Looking directly into my mother's eyes, I said, "I decided to take a vacation."

"What do you mean 'vacation.' Like a few more days off work? Because you just took one." My mother said in a skeptical voice.

"No, I mean an actual vacation. My boss has a cabin down in Georgia. She's going to let me borrow it. I'm leaving Monday."

"But, I just got you back. You're already leaving?" My mother whispered as tears began to form in her eyes.

"I'm not leaving forever, mom. It will be a month at the most. I just need time to get away from everything. Besides, you have Phil. I didn't mean to intrude in the first place." I desperately tried to get my mom to understand. I needed her to understand. All my life, she was my support. I counted on her to support my decisions no matter what they were. Her approval meant everything to me.

"What about work?" This time, it was Phil who spoke. He had shifted his chair closer to my mother to put an arm around her shoulder for comfort. I smiled inwardly as I looked at the two of them interacting with each other.

"I'll still be working, my boss can send me my work on the laptop. I promise that after I take this vacation, I'll go back to my normal self. I can put the past behind me and move on…. But I just need this time now to reflect. I need to work things out on my own terms. The loss of my baby turned my world upside down, and I need to right it." I choked out the words as my eyes began to water.

"We didn't mean to upset you. Of course you need time on your own. But what about expenses?" My mom had reached across the table to place a comforting hand on top of mine.

"I'm using my boss' cabin. They're letting me stay there for free and all I have to do is pay for my airplane ticket."

"Well, it sounds as though you have everything planned. When are you leaving?"

"Monday, I just need to book my flight."

"Well, let's try to enjoy the time we have together then."

I nodded my head as the conversation was switched onto a different topic.

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The rest of the week was spent packing, planning, and bonding with Phil and Renee.

Monday was finally here as I was saying my goodbye's to Phil, Renee, and Angela.

I gave my mom a hug as she started to cry on my shoulder. "Now, don't be a stranger. Call me whenever you can. Be careful. I want my baby back soon."

"I will be careful. You take care of yourself." I whispered into her ear. Backing away, I nodded towards Phil and gave him a handshake.

"Take care of my mom. She's in your hands now."

Phil responded with a nod of his head.

Last was Angela. She stood quietly off to the side. I walked towards her and embraced her into a hug.

"Thank you for everything. It means a lot to me." I said.

"It was no problem. Call me when you get there and tell us how the cabin is holding up. I want all the details so call or email whenever you want."

"Okay, I will. Thanks again." I backed away from her. With one final wave of my hand, I walked to my gate and waited.

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The plane ride was altogether boring. I mainly slept away the hours. But I finally arrived at the airport in Atlanta, Georgia at eleven in the morning.

Claiming my baggage, I made my way to the rental cars. I gave them my information and they sent me over to my silver Audi. It was a fancy car, but I figured it would be worth it.

Once I was on the road, I followed the directions Angela gave me. The scenery was mainly green. Green vines and plants were everywhere-- on the trees, on the ground, even on telephone poles.

Eventually, after many wrong turns and a call to Angela, I made it to the cabin. The drive way was steep as it led to a quaint little house.

Stepping out of the car, I marveled at the sight before my eyes. The sun was beating down as it warmed the temperature. Behind the trees, I could see water. Excitedly, I made my way down towards the lake. Even the path to the lake was steep. There were no stairs so I took cautious steps as the water grew closer and closer.

When I finally made it to the dock, the sight in front of me was amazing. The sun was shining bright in the sky as it lit up the blue water. A few boats were out on the lake and even a few people were swimming off in the distance. Overall, it was a beautiful place.

Let the vacation begin.

A/N: We're finally at the cabin. Next chapter, we meet the Cullen's.

Review.

--Kristi