Just a shortie for tonight. Hope you enjoy.

Bree pulled my out of my dreaming when I whimpered, and brushed away a tear.

'Bella?'

I attempted a pathetic smile. 'I'm fine; my memories are mine to live with.'

A low murmur of agreement swept through the room. 'Don't we all know about that,' Parker said sadly.

'So, Edward?' Bree urged.

'Is the man who was arranged to marry me. I don't know anything about him, just that I could never love him. I can't do that to myself.'

My heart beat erratically, spontaneously out of rhythm. I sighed to myself, and slowly brought my hand up to press my palm against the skin that covered it. The erratic beating was something I'd lived with for years, and it never ceased to amaze me how strong it felt against my hand. It almost forced its way out of my chest. It was calming now, knowing my heart was strong, and would heal from this hurt.

My sisters could heat my funny heart, and it troubled them. I smiled a soft, reassuring smile to Bree. 'It's fine, it sometimes does that.'

They didn't look comforted, but still changed the topic back.

'Why couldn't you love him? You humans learn to love people all the time.'

'You all heard my heart; it thinks for itself. It gave itself to a man without my consent.' I felt embarrassed talking about all this romantic nonsense; I knew I saw the world different to people. My romantic notion left me red faced and scolded by men and women alike so I'd learnt to keep my mouth shut. But it was eager eyes that were loosening my lips. 'His name was Anthony, that's really all I know of him. But I love him. And I can never have him. Well, he can never have me, because I am engaged to stupid Edward.'

I blushed profusely. 'He was first kiss.' I revealed. A collective awe harmonised through my sisters and I giggled at the childishness of it all.

Bree smiled comfortingly. 'I'm so glad you found love.'

'I wish I hadn't. Life would be so much easier,' I grumbled under my breath, which of course they heard crystal clear.

'No, Darlin', without love, life is nothing,' Bree whispered. 'All of us are only here until we find our Mate, and then start our lives together. Victoria only brings in a new girl when one has left.'

My question was instantaneous. 'Who left?' I asked curiously.

Bree looked to Victoria, who nodded.

'That's the thing, Bella, I think we may know your cousins Mate.'

I took in her words very carefully. 'You said Mate, you know Charlotte?'

Victoria nodded with a sad smile on her face. 'Charlotte was one of my girls, she left us not three weeks ago, told everyone she'd finally found her Mate. Charlotte was always a lost soul, created by a woman who only wanted her to dispose of her. Her disposition was always hard and calculated. In one week, she changed drastically. She smiled all the time, glowed almost. She went on and on about a Peter. We all thought he was one of us, but the night before she left, she came to me asking how to change a man. Then, I knew it was Peter she wanted to change. I'm sorry he was taken away from you.'

My bottom lip trembled. 'No. He was happy when I talked to him about her. In love, I told him to be with her.' I paused. 'Victoria, is there any way I can see him, again?'

Victoria smoothed her fingers over her skin behind ear along her jaw line, thinking and weighing up the possibilities before rationalising with me. 'Bella, he's a new born; I don't know what sort of control he has. Can you let me contact her before I promise anything?'

I nodded; I understood.

And really wanted a new topic.

'Can we finish with the questions for now?' I asked, fiddling with my fingers. 'How can I help around the house?'

Victoria raised her eyebrow, and finally laughed. 'Oh, dear Bella, how naïve you are.' She placed her hand on Bree's shoulder. 'You are showing Bella how we live during the day, Bree. And do not let her clean anything.'

I sometimes finding myself sitting back and imagining myself in Bella's situation... how nice would that be living in a luxurious mansion, never having to lift a finger to do your washing, or the dishes, or cleaning the house... *sigh* which reminds me... Any who ;P