Lauren

Lauren

The Following Night, Near 8 O'clock…

I rapped diligently on the Swan family's door. I heard singing from within, the happy kind that one doesn't usually realize they're singing until someone points that something out. I knew it was Bella. Isabella Swan was always privileged and perfect, I need no other reasons to make me want to spite her. No doubt she has always acted composed around me though I have tried my hardest to bring out her anger. A vicious attack on the popular Miss Mallory, wouldn't that start a good circle of gossip?

"Yes," Isabella chimed, opening the door with a pleasant smile. Her skin was like a porcelain dolls and her eyes wide and chocolate. Even with my stunning blonde hair and blue eyes this boring girl with pin straight brown hair was always the favorite. She had the look of innocence about her but had the wits of a scholar and the fighting force of a tiger. All in all, Miss Swan would be a tough egg to crack.

Seeing my face her grin evaporated. "Hello, Miss Mallory." She didn't even invite me in, only moving out of the door frame for me to step in.

"Good evening, Isabella-."

"Please, it's Miss Swan," She corrected me bitterly.

"But Jessica calls you Isabella. Why not I? We are friends, aren't we? That wounds my heart!"

"What have you come here for?"

"Call me Lauren, dear. And this is purely a social visit. Can we not come to see our friends? I wanted to make sure you were in better health. You left the Masons party earlier than expected yesterday. Mrs. Mason informed us you were sick. It was a shame, though, your unexpected illness. You missed a splendid party. We had tea and a variety of pastries. And if you saw all those beautiful dresses some of the girls were wearing! I think my dress is permanently stained with green envy!" I laughed heartily at my jest but Bella stood immobile and expressionless.

Her brow furrowed. "I would enjoy spending some time with you… Lauren, but if you haven't noticed I am dressed to leave the house. I have someone coming to call anytime soon. Perhaps you should leave."

I grinned devilishly. "Why? Is this someone that embarrassing that you'd be ashamed if I would see him?" I batted my eyelashes mockingly. "You know I would never tell anyone your secret." Bella is much too polite to correct me on that.

For the first time tonight since seeing me she smiled. "No, he is a much esteemed man, and I am very proud of him. But I don't want him to feel like he's intruding on something if he finds you here."

I examined her outfit: Another short dress, black with a red satin sash tied around its middle. Her shoes were the same shiny dress shoes she wore before with the minimal heels. Her hair was pulled back into a knot and it looked glossier than it usually did, which meant she spent more than enough time brushing it through.

"I think I'll wait here, Isabella. I want to see this man of yours."

"Oh, but you've already met him," She said nervously, glancing back and forth between the window and where I sat. I followed her anxious gaze to see a shadowed figure walking smoothly up the driveway. He had a trim figure, tall and stood upright. He must have good class. This only peaked my interest.

The knocker banged in the silence we'd created.

"One moment," She said, flitting out of the parlor. I didn't wait, I followed my hostess to the front door. She walked haltingly to the door, whether it was by cause of me or jitters from her guest.

And then to my utter surprise, the door pulled back to revealed a finely dressed Edward Mason in slacks, a white cotton shirt, and a black silk vest. In the pocket of the vest was a small red handkerchief.

"Isabella," he breathed with an attractive smile. Jealously reared its haughty head making me clear my throat to be noticed. His head looked up from that stupid girl to see me in all my glory. I smiled coyly. "Evening, Miss Mallory." So he remembered. "You two are… friends…?"

"Y-." I began, ready to boost my reputation before Miss Swan interrupted me.

"She just dropped by a minute ago to see if I was well again. She was, apparently, shocked that I had to leave to quickly yesterday. But that was all, and she's just leaving."

I nodded and gathered my fur trimmed coat around me. "Yes, thank you. I'll be seeing you, Isabella."

"Have a good night, Miss Mallory," She parted formally. Inside I growled. Somehow you will regret ever pushing me away, Bella Swan. And Someday I'll have the suitor. Someday I'll be everything. And then what's left- that's nothing- will be yours.