After more research, I learned that Isle Esme wasn't open to the public, but there was a nearby island called Twilight Island that was. It wasn't too far from Isle Esme, and since I was a pretty good swimmer, I could easily swim from Twilight Island to Isle Esme.
My plan was set, but there was one major problem. There was no way my father would agree to this.
I thought hard for a few moments before a smile broke out on my face. I knew what I would do.
I stayed up later than usual, waiting for my father to come home. Finally, a about half an hour before midnight, I heard him creak open the door.
"Hey, dad," I said.
He seemed surprised I waited for him. "Hi, Ali. Why aren't you asleep?"
"I actually wanted to ask you something," I said.
He nodded as he slid off his shoes.
"Well, I wanted to ask if I could visit South America."
He froze before standing up straight. "Absolutely not! I am not letting my only daughter travel to another country alone!"
"I won't be alone," I said. "I'm going to visit a friend. She moved there a while ago, and wants me to come see her."
He raised an eyebrow. "And who is this friend?"
"Remember Emily? I mentioned her before."
I actually didn't know any Emily, but my dad would believe it. He didn't keep track of my friends, and he'd assume there was an Emily.
I felt a bit guilty about lying to him like this, but if he could ignore me four years, I could at least get to do this. Besides, it wasn't like I was doing something I wasn't supposed to.
After thinking for a while, he finally said, "Emily...yes, I think I remember her. The one with the two younger twin brothers?"
"Yeah, her," I said quickly before he realized that was Angela he was talking about. "So...can I?"
He thought about it for a while.
"I promise I won't ask for anything else," I added. "I just want to see her once more before college."
"I suppose that's fine," he said hesitantly. "I'll book your ticket."
I ran forward and hugged him, something I hadn't done for a long time. "Thank you!" I exclaimed before dashing upstairs and throwing clothes into a suitcase.
In a few days, I would see Bella. And maybe then, I'd find out more.
A few days later, I walked out of the airport into the warm sun. I pulled my sunglasses down and made my way to a taxi, excitement and anxiety bubbling up inside me.
It drove me to the coast. I boarded the ferry I would take to Twilight Island. My excitement increased as the boat made its way through the pretty blue water to the island, just barely visible at this point.
After a while, Twilight Island and Isle Esme were both clearly in view.
Finally, we landed at Twilight Island and everyone got off. As most people went off to see the attractions offered or to check into their hotels, I walked to the beach and stood on the noisy shore, where people played in the water, examining the island where the Cullens lived.
Finally, I went to the bathroom to change into my navy blue one-piece. Since I obviously couldn't take my stuff with me, I left it stashed in a locker I rented and then started swimming.
As the sound of children laughing and splashing faded behind me, I realized with some shock that this was the vision I had had of me swimming. I grinned and pushed forward.
I wasn't too keen on arriving at the Cullen's in a dripping wet swimsuit, cute as it may be. Oh well, I guess I'd have to manage.
It didn't take too long to reach Isle Esme. Reaching there, I immediately collapsed on the glittering white sand and rested for a while, before walking towards the beautiful house.
I hesitated on the front step, but I took a deep breath and raised my fist before knocking it firmly on the wooden door twice.