Chapter Four:

Esme's Request

I was out the door and down the stairs in a flash. As I got to the bottom of the stairs I noticed Esme on one of the couches in the living room. She was reading a large volume book. She looked up from her page as I sat down next to her.

"How was your hunting trip?" She asked in her motherly tone. I knew that tone. We all did. It was the one she reserved for getting us to do what she wanted. I knew I would give into whatever she was about to ask me. Even Edward could not resist her.

"I wanted to know if you would like to go on a shopping trip with Alice and myself?" She asked sweetly. "We were thinking that some girl time is called for. No men allowed."

"Isn't Bella coming?" I asked her skeptically. She hadn't mentioned her. But I was sure after talking to Emmett that she would be coming. "Where are we going anyway?" Not that it mattered. I loved going shopping with Alice. We always had a lot of fun. It was something that could almost make us feel human.

"Alice thought it would be nice to take her shopping in Paris. I wouldn't mind a quick trip out of town either."

"So what does Edward think about all this? I am sure he had quite a few things to say about your plan."

Esme smiled at me "Actually Edward would rather Bella not come. But she wants to. And some sisterly bonding will be good." She said quite pointedly.

I thought for a moment. A shopping trip really would be fun. And I loved shopping in Paris. But I saw right through her attempts. They were just trying to force her on me again. I had to stall. At least for a little while. I had just thought about something else. "And since when does Bella want to go on a shopping trip with us? She always hated it before, when we spent money on her." Esme's smile started to fade. There was something else going on here. I just knew it. I just couldn't figure it out.

"Actually, Bella doesn't know where we are going. She just thinks that this is a bonding trip. So that she can get to know you and I a little better. She and Alice are already like sisters." I knew that she just meant that as a statement. But the remark hurt a little. It was like she was pointing out my reluctance in Edward finding a human mate. I would find a way to get past these feelings. Then I would be able to better describe them to the others.

Maybe I would have to talk to Jasper to find out exactly what it was. But I knew I had to find out so they would leave me alone. I really wanted to be happy for Edward. I just had to find out where my reluctance actually came from.

Esme pulled me back to the present as she started talking again. "Please don't tell her. I made Edward promise too." I still didn't answer her. I was lost in thought again. Emmett. Why did he have to be so right about this? Why this? Now that it was swirling around in my brain I had no choice but to think about it.

They were the chosen ones. We found that spark in them that fascinated and completed us. I would think this through later though. I had to answer her soon. It had been minutes since she had asked her question. I didn't want her to think that I was thinking so hard about weather or not I would tell Bella. "Yes, I would love to come with you. And, no, I will not tell Bella."