I huff and pull on my dress. It is 1933 and I must meet with my friends. In this world, I will not end up a doctor, I will end up a socialite.

I take my umbrella and open it for shade. Esme smiles at me as I enter the kitchen. Carlisle and I had gone into the woods each year to collect blood from animals so that we wouldn't have to go hunt. She tosses me a bag of deer blood, I can smell it. I catch it easily and bite down. The bag is empty quickly and I'm out the door after checking for blood on my face.

I waltz towards the ladies. Rosalie greets me with a frown.

"How is it going with Royce?" I ask innocently.

She scowls and turns away.

"Oh, Rosalie!" I say. "I was just curious! Do not be so upset!"

Vera giggles. "She's mad because you can threaten her beauty."

"But I am three years younger than she," I argue.

"Oh, well, a man could argue that you're equal in beauty."

"And it's the best of compliments to say to a woman that she is nearly as beautiful as Rosalie Hale."

Rosalie looks over. "Of course it is!" she says sharply.

I smile at Vera. "And how is it going with your husband?"

She puts a hand on her stomach. "Henry's going to be here soon!"

The three of us smile at one another.

"That's what your father says—three weeks!"

I smile brightly. "That is amazing, Vera!"

Her eyes sparkle. "So... have you found a potential husband?"

I groan. "No! Vera! What man would want me?"

"A lot," Rosalie admits.

I scowl. "I wouldn't ever like them! Ugh! Looks only with them—no brain, no personality!"

Vera giggles. "That's so true, though!"

I smile and lead them towards Edward who stands in the shade, guarding me.

"Edward, go back home. Mama needs your help with the heavy lifting, that is what she told me this morning."

"Father told me to watch over you," he says.

"Yes, but Father is at the hospital. Mama is at home. She needs you to fetch some meat for dinner."

Edward knows that means I want him to hunt, since his eyes are turning black.

He nods. "I'll do that. But watch over yourself. Be careful, I heard your conversation—those men will do anything to secure a marriage with a beautiful woman."

He forces a smile at Rosalie and Vera. "Be careful ladies."

"You needn't worry about us, Edward. I can beat them off with my umbrella."

He smiles for real. "Of course, Sparrow. But I advise your caution."

I smile and kiss his cheek. "Now, go help Mama."

Edward stalks off, only walking in the shade.

Rosalie sighs. "I wish I was so close with my little brothers."

"You must wait for your little siblings to want to be close with you," I advise. "That is what Edward did for me."

Vera smiles brightly. "You must meet Jonathan, Sparrow!"

I offer another smile. "I will stop by tomorrow with Mama and cookies."

She nods. "Absolutely!"

I have to leave the girls a few hours later. It's beginning to get dark, so Edward finds me again. Vera's husband comes to take her home and Rosalie flits off on her own. I watch her go and then Edward and I return home. I sigh and flop onto the couch. Esme laughs lightly at me.

"What's wrong?"

"Rosalie is so dramatic! I am complimented by Vera and she turns away! Like I want to have enhanced beauty from being a vampire!"

Esme smiles and ruffles my hair. "She'll get over it, I'm sure."

I puff out dramatically. "Perhaps. I told Vera we'd visit tomorrow, by the way. With cookies."

"A night of baking, then!" Esme looks so happy, that I can't bring myself to tell her no. So I nod and force a smile.

Jeez, I forgot a note again. Granted, I was rushing yesterday... but hello, hello! Two hours before an update... could've waited but I'm bored doing math.