Quick AN:

Yes, this is a story I had previously posted. I am re-posting it because FFN took it down a few months ago and a few people have been asking me if I was going to re-post it because they hadn't finished it.

I'll be posting two to three chapters a day so I don't totally bombard the inboxes of the people who have me on their alerts and already read it.

BPOV

The Bahamas.

Nessie decided that we should go to the Bahamas and I happened to agree with her. Of course, my motives were a little different than hers. I knew there were a couple of smaller islands along the way, the ship would be bound to dock at least once.

We could take a plane to Port Caravel, Florida tonight and catch a cruise that was set to sail the next day.

Luckily, I was able to get on the phone with the cruise director and got the last two spots available on a small cruise ship.

We were in the airport now, getting ready for our flight. The airline attendant looked at me a little weird when I told her we didn't have any luggage to check in, but I managed to talk my way out of it and making good excuses.

I was very good at stuff like that.

The words just kind of flowed out of my mouth. I didn't mind though, it always helped me out of tricky situations, so I went with it.

"Bella, can I have something to drink? I'm thirsty." Nessie asked from beside me.

I looked around the airport, trying to find a vending machine.

Bingo.

A few yards away was a pop machine. I know, not the healthiest thing for a seven year old, but it was something.

I started to get up, but she grabbed my hand, stopping me and made an irritated face.

"Bella… can't I go get it on my own?" She asked in that voice kids get when they try to convince you they're gown up.

Scanning the crowd quickly for any signs of something or someone suspicious, I saw nothing and reluctantly gave her some change for the machine. My eyes never left her as she walked across the large room, weaving in and out of people who were busy trying to catch their flights.

I frowned at all of them. Both feeling sorry for them and envying them at the same time. On one hand, they were so boring, going through life in a monotonous routine. They followed the rules, never did anything wrong, kept their wants locked up inside because they were taught it was wrong.

On the other hand, they get to have normal lives; a spouse, kids, a nice house with a white picket fence and a dog.

I'd never have that. I'd never find someone to settle down with or have kids and do all the normal, everyday stuff. I couldn't. I wouldn't bring someone into my fucked up life. I already did that to Nessie and I regretted every moment of it.

My only consolation was that she was still young enough for me to get her out of it so she could have a halfway decent life of her own.

A voice came over the loud speaker and called for our flight just a few minutes after Nessie sat back down with her soda. So I grabbed her hand and walked with her to the gate, letting her carry her own ticket because she said it made her feel grown up.

I wasn't one to deny her much of anything. I knew it was because I was trying to make up for the absence of our mother, but I didn't care. All little girls need their mother, it was up to me to step into that role, anyway.

I felt like a disgrace, though. Not worthy of being her sister, let alone her mother.

Nessie shouldn't have to have a murderer as a mother figure.

Well? Getting better? A little bit less confused?

Hit that review button and tell me what you think, pretty please?