Chapter 5

"My brother, Tom." I said his name proudly. "He was a caring, affectionate funny man. We would continuously play in the backyard. He was older than me though, no more than few years. He was so protective of me that he actually convinced my parents to send me off to an all girls finishing school!" I shuddered at the memory. "He was witty, clever. I got my sarcasm from him, though I wouldn't be close to how witty he is. Anyway he went to school. To college as I went to the boarding school. When we got home, he seemed changed. So much, wiser. He spoke with confidence and he never played with me anymore. He grew more. . . strict I guess. More formal. He knew a lot of things then, it was as if he knew every fact there is about life.

He read books the political or science all those. And he took politics seriously." I shook my head. "He was so indignant about it. He was an elitist! For instance, we were attending a dinner held by the Malonnes. My brother Tom had just arrived a few weeks from college, I mere days. Then he was having a discussion with one of the gentlemen about politics and world views. England's ties, the war, the people in India. My aunt lives in India by the way. Then the 'discussion' heated and it turned to an argument!"

I shook my head and placed it in my hands. "We had to go home and my parents-especially my mother- wrote millions of letters to apology of the gentleman, the gentleman's family and to the Malonnes. It was in Massachusetts that time. We never went back to their house again.

Then, one day Tom came home with a very solemn face. He looked torn. As if half of him was happy, the other was regretting." I paused. I took in a deep breath. "He joined the Army. He went to India. And after his thirteenth letter, we never heard of him again."

Alice and Rosalie gasped. "Well, what happened to him?" Alice asked.

I shook my head sadly. "We do not know."

"Except. . . " I trailed off looking far away.

They all leaned closer. "Except what?" Alice asked.

"A letter came to us few years back telling us that my brother. . . "

"Your brother what?!" Alice said exasperatedly.

"He joined the army." A look in Jasper's eyes said that he got it. But Emmett and the rest did not.

I folded my napkin in my lap, looking at it instead of my friends'.

"We can only guess what happened. I mean, he never wrote back after that. We had no contact of him whatsoever. My aunt, who was quite wealthy but an adventuress, said that he only dropped by once. He said he was considering joining the army, no confirmation though. About a few weeks his stay, he bid good-bye. His excuse was that he 'intended to tend to business'. 'Monkey Business' my aunt referred to it. But that's all." I had finished folding and re-folding my napkin.

"Poor you. And think about your poor mother! That must have been awful!" Alice exclaimed while Rosalie nodded her head.

"It was awful, life changing." I sighed. "After we read the letter, my mother locked herself in her room the rest of the day. Father drove to town and made arrangements with his job. He is a General, but he won't fight or do anything near or the affairs of the battlefield. He's more of. . . associating with things at home. His more. . . political than a soldier." I explained.

"Exactly like Jasper." Alice said. "Although, I had experience in battle before." Jasper added. If he had experience in battlefield and the army and such, I might have a glimpse at what my dear brother had to go through. I thought. "Jasper, do tell us about the battlefield." I urged him. He took on a solemn look, almost grave.

"It was terrible. People were screaming when we got there. The opposing parties never really discussed to fight in an open field without people. Anyway, people were screaming. It was cold and bitter, a terrible night! Our coats didn't seem thick or warm enough. I longed to be home. And I couldn't believe I was pushing people out! It looked hard, and all for a job! I told myself that if they won't let me not fight, then I would resign." he said the last part sadly.

"Good thing he didn't resign though, Jasper was very well with strategies. So they put him in that area. And now he is agreeing to his career." Alice added smiling up to Jasper.

"Before we go back to Forks though, I want to go to this store. Its just right around the corner. " As Alice said that the boys all sighed. "We won't take long, I promise."

"Hmm..." Alice pondered. "For Bella, the blue one with the white. . . yes. Precisely that one. Rosalie would look wonderful in that one..." Alice touched a garment and another. As we were about to pay for our purchases, the bell in the door sounded.

"Why, fancy meeting you here." I heard the most sickening sound from the most narcissist person. We all stiffened and turned towards her. "Ms. Mallory, indeed what a surprise it is." I said. Jessica was beside her. And behind her, a red head poked out. "Mrs. Whitlock! Mrs. Cullen! Or rather Rosalie and Alice! My, my!" She addressed them informally in her high-pitched, squawk-like voice.

I heard Jessica Stanley, beside her squawk a giggle too. "Mrs. Cullen and Mrs. Whitlock too you. And yes, isn't it a surprise to see you here." Rosalie said. The titles sounded so old for there young, beautiful, faces. Of course they were only couple of years older than me, but they were beautiful, adding to their youthful appearance.

I wondered why they bothered coming here. After all, this was a shop for special occasions, but Alice insisted and Rosalie and I agreed reluctantly, without a choice.

Lauren Mallory, then produced the most evil smirk at me. "What brings us here is a special wedding gown for my new sister-in-law to be!" The girl then stepped forward.

"Victoria Lyle." She had flaming red hair, pale and freckled face but in an almost sweet way. We looked about the same height, but I was glad that she was not as beautiful as Rosalie. For even if I envy such beauty, at least I could brag to everybody she was my friend, the beautiful Rosalie Hale.

"Please to meet you," she said in a high-pitched voice. I was slightly taken aback. Her tone was not as sickening as Lauren's, but high, and I dare say it, like a blonde. No, not blonde's in general, but giggly, schoolgirls. I smiled at her, or at least would look like.

"Same. So you must be the Victoria Lyle, then?" I asked in the sweetest voice I could muster. It was so sweet both of her comrades twisted their faces in disappointment and disgust.

I will not let the tear escape from my eye. I will not submit to my emotions, raging inside me. We are equal. None more prettier than the other. I WILL act civil. Lauren and Jessica will Not have there way! I thought it like a mantra, again and again in my head.

"It was nice seeing you ladies, but I'm afraid we have to go." Alice said as Rosalie gave them a slight nod. "Have a good day." I said as I walk briskly out the door.

(A/N: Sorry this chapter took sooo long! School started and...argh! When it really gets serious, I don't know how to manage. Anyway, this chapter I think was a little longer than the others. My friend helped me last night to come up with ideas. I now have an outline for the story! That means, I only need words and little details. Anyway, do you guys know of a Beta? I'm not sure if I need one, but I need someone to share ideas with me. Thanks.

Disclaimer: It really is too bad that I can't own Edward. Or Bella. Or the whole Twilight. Yep, the usual blah blah blah. No copyright infringement and stuff. All these belong to their respective authors)