"Dad?" I asked when he was almost done.

　　"Yeah, Bella?"

　　"Um, I just wanted to let you know that I'm going to Seattle for the day a week from Saturday… if that's okay?" I didn't want to ask permission — it set a bad precedent — but I felt rude, so I tacked it on at the end.

　　"Why?" He sounded surprised, as if he were unable to imagine something that Forks couldn't offer.

　　"Well, I wanted to get few books — the library here is pretty limited — and maybe look at some clothes." I had more money than I was used to having, since, thanks to Charlie, I hadn't had to pay for a car. Not that the truck didn't cost me quite a bit in the gas department.

　　"That truck probably doesn't get very good gas mileage," he said, echoing my thoughts.

　　"I know, I'll stop in Montesano and Olympia — and Tacoma if I have to."

　　"Are you going all by yourself?" he asked, and I couldn't tell if he was suspicious I had a secret boyfriend or just worried about car trouble.

　　"Yes."

　　"Seattle is a big city — you could get lost," he fretted.

　　"Dad, Phoenix is five times the size of Seattle — and I can read a map, don't worry about it."

　　"Do you want me to come with you?"

　　I tried to be crafty as I hid my horror.

　　"That's all right, Dad, I'll probably just be in dressing rooms all day — very boring."