"You're putting your money on her saying know, aren't you?"

"Yes, but at least I can negotiate." He smiled again, but not that annoying one Mom is gaga for. A softer, more sincere version. I liked this one better.

"It's a deal, but don't expect me to just let her say 'no.' I'm putting up a fight like with you." He laughed and nodded. He then kissed my forehead and quietly exited. I turned back to my computer.

EternalGoldielocks: Change in plans.
RussetCanine: ??
EternalGoldielocks: My dad just came in for a heart-to-heart, and he made me a deal.
EternalGoldielocks: He agreed to the trip on one condition.
RussetCanine: awesome!
RussetCanine: what's the condition?
EternalGoldielocks: Mom says, "yes."
RussetCanine: we're screwed.
EternalGoldielocks: BRB! I hear her in the kitchen. Something about finding a big, fat, wild pig that she just had to hunt. Saying it was just super load, obnoxious, and smelled really bad!
RussetCanine: lol
EternalGoldielocks: Well, time to try and reason with her!
RussetCanine: good luck

Crossing my fingers, I skipped off to the kitchen to reason with my mother.

  ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

It felt like an eternity waiting for her to return with Bella's answer. I sat there, twiddling my thumbs, just staring at the screen. She was most likely fighting a losing battle with her. Bella was stubborn as a human, but as a vampire, she's nearly impossible.

I called Leah to ask if it would be okay if they shared a tent, and she actually agreed. She seemed happy to, for some reason. I think I might have missed something. Or maybe she's just happy to be able to share her tent with another girl.

We've been planning this trip for months and when Nessie and I made it official, they insisted I invite her. Of course I didn't object. We just didn't expect this little road block.

I continued to stare at the screen, waiting for that little chime. I was so engrossed in the screen that the telephone ring made me jump.

"Hello?" I answered, my heart rate returning to normal.

"She said yes," said that familiar soprano.

"Nessie? Why didn't you just send me a message! The phone ring scared the shit out of me!"

"I'm sorry! I just wanted to let you know with my own mouth."

"But she really said yes?" Bella? Say yes that quickly? I couldn't believe it.

"Why would I say otherwise?"

"I don't know. But that didn't take that long!"

"I know!" She was as shocked as I was. "It was so painless! I was impressed. I mentioned the trip and who exactly was going and that I would share a tent with Leah and she just shrugged and said, 'sure, why not?'"

"That's amazing!"

"I know! You should have seen Dad's face that he lost so easy. It was priceless!" Her laughter rang like music.

"You'll have to show me," I told her honestly. That was something I had to see.

"Well, I need to eat dinner. I love you, Jakey. Will I see you tomorrow?"

"What time do you want to see me?"

"Um… noonish?"

"It's a date." I chuckled at her delighted giggles.

"See you then! Love you!"

"Love you, too, Nessie. See you tomorrow. We have plans to finalize."

"Bye!" She hung up. I flopped down on my bed, completely at ease with the world.

This is turning out to be the world's best camping trip.