ALICE

Chapter 1

I'd never given much thought to how I would die.

Me neither Bella, but this isn't Twilight. This is my life. (Aka, the authors potential comeback book).

And what a confusing little life it is.

Working with adorable pups at Doug's doggy day care five days a week, having coffee dates before the 9 to 5 (that's never a 9-5 but a 9-8) with my friend Beth, to spending quiet nights at home with my family in our house in the country, I have it pretty good.

Perfect, some would say. And I guess from the outside looking in, it is.

My life is a steady sort of comfortable that I'm privileged to experience everyday.

Then I met her.

And suddenly, my confusing little life turned into a confusing little mindfuck.

2 years ago

"Give your big sister a hug you twat." Erin laughed whilst we sobbed together, my body not having time to prepare as my elder sister crushed me into her embrace.

"I'm gonna miss you E." I whispered over her shoulder as I hugged her back. An endearment that was to be appreciated, considering hugs were rare when given by me.

She was moving to America with her boyfriend Dalton. Erin was a pro tennis player and was going out to the states to train. A few summers ago whilst she was out there, she met Dalton.

Now instead of it being temporary, the move was officially becoming permanent.

Hence the tears from every single family member, grandad Wilf included. I didn't even realise he liked his grandkids. Joking of course, that man is softer than a used Kleenex.

"Alright, my turn." Mum sniffled as hands swatted me away from E. That was like the 100th hug she'd forced her firstborn daughter since leaving the house.

Five minutes later, the speaker called for all passengers to start boarding.

I'm pretty sure I just heard my dad wail.

"Call as soon as you land my darlings!" Mum yelled like a madwoman as Erin and Daltons retreating forms became lost in the crowd.

The whole family excluding one member all came to bid them goodbye. So in total, that was 27 people. Yes. You heard that correctly.

Hence why I brought my trusty headphones to block the noise out.

"Martha honey, let's get going." That voice came from mums best friend Miranda. "There's a pitcher of Pimms with our names on it."

Two hours later and tears turned into laughter, our garden swarming with family and friends. Did I mention I had my trusty headphones on?

"And that's Stevie." Phoebe, my younger sister's muffled voice spoke as Leon Bridges swapped places with SZA in my ears.

I looked up and found her and a guy I presumed was her new boyfriend looking at me. Reluctantly, I removed my saving grace from my ears and smiled politely.

"Sam, nice to meet you." A large sweaty hand reached for me as the youth introduced himself. A strange few seconds passed before I realised I was supposed to shake it.

Phoebe shot me a dirty look as Sam awkwardly laughed whilst I shook his beefy hand. "I'm Stevie."

"Ah, cool." Sam sweaty hands was tugged backwards by Phoebes iron grip on his shirt. "Well we're gonna go grab a drink now, but nice meeting you Steve."

Real funny.

Before I could roll my eyes and reconnect with Miss good days on her mind, mum plonked herself down on the swing seat beside me.