some people are this impressive without magic, but how?

[self_composed]

It has been six weeks since Bella sent out her applications and it is now the end of March. She has been on the soccer team since that time, winning the one game they've had against the team from the Quileute reservation, and has introduced Charlie to her flute (he's nonplussed but proud), and has been keeping straight A's in everything.

She has received four rejections (Harvard, Yale, MIT, and Princeton). The other schools are still quiet on the subject of applicant Bella Swan. Except Stanford.

Stanford thinks she is interesting, and would like to interview her in person, when would be convenient for her?

Hmm.

[Hey Alice. If anybody asks you, would you mind telling them you bought me a motorcycle?]

She can drive herself to the airport.

Comments

[edgeofyourseat]

"Whee!" says Alice, sitting down on the floor.

[self_composed]

"I love being magical," crows Bella. "I love it lots."

[edgeofyourseat]

"I love it too. And I love you being magical. And I love you," Alice recites happily.

[self_composed]

"Charlie'll be home in under an hour," she says, glancing at the clock. "Time to start dinner. You staying?"

[edgeofyourseat]

"Yep," he says, smoothing out his skirt.

[self_composed]

"I'm kinda impressed with Charlie for not having remarked on your new clothes," Bella says, heading down the stairs and starting on some rice to serve with fried fish.

[edgeofyourseat]

"Me too," he says, laughing.

Once again Charlie defies Alice's experience of dads! That is a good thing. He should keep doing that.

[self_composed]

Bella cooks. She hands Alice things to stir, and stale bread to turn into crumbs. Charlie's home on time, remarks neither on Alice's presence nor on his attire, and is loudly appreciative of the food.

[edgeofyourseat]

Alice is also loudly appreciative of the food, although half of his remarks thereon are technically silent.

[self_composed]

"So Dad," says Bella. "Alice got me a ridiculous present, and I can't return it because he went and got it custom and anyway I really like it. So... um..."

"Mm?" Charlie asks. "Why would you return it if you like it?"

"Well, I'm not licensed to drive it," says Bella.

Charlie's silent for a beat. "Laney, did you get my daughter a motorcycle?"

[edgeofyourseat]

"Yup," says Alice, sunnily.

[self_composed]

"It's gorgeous, Dad, and I'd be safe, because - y'know - and I was thinking I could drive myself to the airport so I can fly to California to get interviewed by Stanford..."

Charlie blinks.

"Stanford?"

"Yeah, they want an interview!" Bella says sunnily. "I can fly down on a weekend, and you won't have to drive me... if I can get your permission to take a motorcycle course."

[edgeofyourseat]

Alice beams. Bella is just delightful, okay?

[self_composed]

Charlie hems and haws. "Well," he says finally. "If you're sure you'll be safe?"

"Quite sure," Bella says.

"Well, fine, if you need my permission I suppose you've got it."

[edgeofyourseat]

Alice continues to beam! He is thinking about Bella on her motorcycle. They are pleasant thoughts.

[self_composed]

"Wanna see the bike, Dad?" Bella asks when the food has all been tucked away into various tummies.

"Sure," Charlie says.

So she takes him out to see the bike.

"Damn," he says.

[edgeofyourseat]

"Yup," says Alice.

[self_composed]

"Yes, you may learn to drive that," Charlie repeats.

Bella grins.

[edgeofyourseat]

Alice twirls joyously.