"The plane is now boarding. All passengers please proceed to the gate." The P.A. system announced. This is it. I am finally on my way home. My friends and brother have no idea that I'm on my way back. My parents covered my arrival with the annual gala they hold at our home. I've sent my stuff over days before and I think our chauffeur picked them up. I boarded the plane in silenced. Angela sat beside me and gazed at the window. I reached out and took her hand in mine. She smiled softly at me and looked out the window again. I know this is hard for her too. She established a life in London where she doesn't have to live up to the family name. Her dad is a rich oil tycoon while her mom is a famous writer. She escaped Forks with me and now we're coming back. Both of us spent the last five weeks of our stay in London saying goodbye to all of our friends. It's hard to leave them but I know it has to be done.
I must have fallen asleep because Angela shook me awake and told me that the plane just landed at Seattle. We grabbed something to eat and checked our baggage. We went to the gate to wait for our chauffeur to pick us up.
"Are you okay?" Angela asked.
"Yeah. I'm fine. You?"
"Nervous. I haven't been home for a year and I'm going to be seeing Ben… I guess it's just nerves." Angela admitted sheepishly.
"You'll be fine. At least they have an idea of what you look like and how you've changed. I don't know how they'll like me."
"They'll love you." Angela simply said but the way she said it with so much conviction I actually believed it.
The car – or should I say limo – then arrived. The driver helped us with our bags and drove us in peace to Forks. After 4 hours we finally arrived in Forks. The driver took us to the Fork's Inn where we will be getting ready for the gala in two hours. The parents are keeping us hidden because we are supposed to be surprise. We checked in and the receptionist told us that Esme stopped by to leave our dresses in our room.
I took a shower while Angela rested for a bit. I let the cold water run through my body. In just two short hours I will be facing the people that I left without a coherent explanation. I suppose I'll see Tanya and her bimbos but they don't scare me anymore. I'm Isabella Swan for heaven's sake! I can do anything. That's been my motto for two years. That's what I did in London, I built myself confidence. I turned off the water and stepped out of the bathroom. Angela took a shower and told me that she will be getting ready in the bathroom so that we can surprise each other with our appearances.
I curled my hair gently and placed a diamond barrette on the side of my head. I put smoky eye shadow on my eyes and pink lipstick. I don't need blush. I put a thin layer of mascara to exaggerate my already long lashes. I gently put my dress on. It is emerald green – like Edward's eyes. It is sleeveless with a sweetheart neckline that showed just the right amount of cleavage. It is empire waist and it is floor length. I put my 4 inch white stilettos then my diamond studded necklace. I looked at the mirror and if I say so myself, I look hot.
I knocked on the bathroom door and told Angela that if we don't leave we'll be late. Angela stepped out of the bathroom and looked fabulous. She wore a floor length lavender halter dress. She put on neutral make up and done her hair in elegant French twist.
"You look gorgeous, Ang!" I exclaimed.
"You look beautiful, Bells!" she said. We laughed and went down to the lobby to the car.
The drive to my home was quick and filled with silence. When we parked in front of the familiar porch, Angela took my hand.
"Are you ready?" she asked. I nodded. It was true. I was ready. I needed to do this.
We stepped out of the car and heard the classical music from inside the house. The doorman asked for our names and when I told him he ran inside. We stood there for awhile before the doorman came back.
"My apologies, Miss Bella and Miss Angela but Miss Renee wants you to enter through the back door and meet them there." He said.
"It's no problem. Thank you." I told him. I led Angela through the yard. The two of us peeked at the big windows on the dining hall on the way and saw many people. Adults and teenagers mixed. When we reached the backdoor I softly knocked. It swung open and I was captured in a tight hug.
"Oh my god! Bella, I missed you so much! You look beautiful." My mom said while she was hugging me. She took a step back and I was hugged by Esme.
"I missed you, Bella. Welcome home!" when she released me, Carmen took hold of me and told me the same things. They also took turns hugging Angela who was laughing softly. I laughed too.
"I missed you all too. Now I really want to see dad and the others." I told them.
"Of course. But we need to introduce you first." My mom said.
"Mom!" I whined. I don't like public introductions!
"No whining. You will be introduced. End of discussion." My mom said with authority.
"Fine." I pouted while Angela, Carmen and Esme only laughed at me.
The three of them led us through the kitchen to the dining hall where everyone was gathered. Mom went up the podium and gently clicked her champagne glass with a knife. I looked around and saw my dad with Carlisle and Eleazar. They heard mom and looked at the podium before their eyes landed on me. My dad's eyes grew wild while Carlisle and Eleazar smirked at me. I also saw Alice and Rosalie who was having a conversation look up in curiosity.
"Good Evening everyone. I am so glad that you have made it here tonight. I hope you are enjoying your evening as I am mine. And for a special reason." Renee paused and looked at me. Everyone followed her gaze and saw me for the first time that night. Alice and Rosalie's faces were painted in shock.
"A special girl who went away for two years to study abroad has finally come home. Please welcome home, my daughter, Isabella Swan. Welcome home, baby." My mom finished then she went to my side and hugged me again. Everyone applauded while my dad, Eleazar and Carlisle made their way to me.
"I missed you, honey. Welcome home." My dad said as he hugged me. Carlisle hugged me next.
"I missed my favorite patient." He laughed into my ear.
"I missed you, squirt." Eleazar said while hugging me.
"I missed you all too. You better get used to having me around again." I joked.
"Bella?" a soft voice asked from behind. I turned around and saw Alice and Rosalie standing behind me.
"We'll just leave you alone." Angela said as she led the parents away.
"Hey guys." I said softly.
"Oh my god, it is you!" Alice squealed then she ran and hugged me very tightly. I hugged her back.
"Yes, Ali, it's me. I'm back." I told her. She then released me to take a better look at me.
"You look beautiful. Where did you get this dress?" she asked.
"Chanel. Its vintage." I answered her.
"So you know what Chanel is? Shocker." Rosalie joked. I looked at her and saw her smiling. I went up to her and hugged her.
"I missed you, Rosie. You have to attempt to teach me how to dance again. That was hilarious." I told her.
"I missed you too and of course!" she said while laughing. Alice laughed with us.
"We better take a seat." Alice said. They led me to their table and the three of us sat down while they question me about London.
"Hey, where's our brothers?" I asked them.
"The fools were supposed to get ready at my place but they lost their ties. I told them not to show up unless they find them." Alice said.
"Ah. Hence, they are nowhere to be seen." I stated.
"Yup" Rosalie said while her lips popped at the 'p'.
They continued to question me about London when the door to the dining room opened. I saw Emmett, Jasper and Edward standing there looking dashing wearing their tux. Esme approached them and she whispered something to them. They looked shocked then Emmett shouted, "What?"
The room went silent while our parents laughed and Esme said loudly, "I'm sorry. Please continue the party." She then walked away leaving the three standing there while their eyes searched for something.
"Bet you ten bucks they're looking for Bella." Alice told Rosalie.
"Deal" Rosalie said. The three of us stood up.
Jasper's eyes landed on our table and his eyes grew wide as saucers. He looked straight at me from head to toe and his mouth slightly opened. He nudged Emmett and Edward with his elbows and they looked at him questioningly. Jasper pointed a shaky finger in my direction and Emmett and Edward followed his finger. Rosalie and Alice were laughing softly beside me.
When Emmett saw me his jaw dropped and his eyes widened. He walked slowly towards me while Jasper and Edward – who was staring at me – followed him.
"Bella? Is that you?" Emmett asked me when they reached me. Alice and Rosalie were still laughing beside me. I smiled at Emmett, Jasper and Edward and their eyes grew even wider.
"Yes, Emmy, it's me." I told him. He bent down and picked me up in a bone-crushing hug.
"I missed you, Belly! Oh shit! Your room's a mess! I'm sorry I was bored and decided to play there but I accidentally wrecked it!" he said while hugging me.
"Em, need to breathe!" he released me and laughed.
"Its okay, Em. Mom fixed it and I missed you too. All of you." I turned to Jasper who was gawking at me.
"Hello Jazzy." I smiled at him and hugged him. After a while he seemed to snap out of his daze and he hugged me back. I laughed and he laughed too.
"Hello Belly." He said when he stepped back. Edward stepped forward and hugged me tightly. "Welcome home." He whispered.
I smiled at him and said, "It's good to be home."
And it really is.