“Sure!” Esme took Alice’s small digital camera and snapped a photo. “Take pictures all nice! I’ll run out and get some nice paper and things for the scrapbook pages.”

“Thanks, that would be amazing! And we sure will take pictures!” The wheels in her head moved faster when she slipped the camera in her purse. “Lets go!”

She insisted on bringing the Porsche (Bella insisted we take Edward’s silver Volvo to be more inconspicuous, but Alice protested that her “baby didn’t get out much,” and we couldn’t argue with Alice when she put on the pleading face), so Bella and I climbed in the back seat and Rosalie in front. As soon as we took off Bella took my hand firmly. She was still getting used to the driving habits of the Cullens. It didn’t phase me. I’m used to speed.

We were in Olympia in a quarter of the time at a high-end shopping district. Like the Cullens, I had money to burn from all my years on this earth. Never needing food or doctors visits just lets the money pile up. Add that to the fact that I was fairly well-off in life and I had quite the reserve. But I didn’t like flaunting it. Although, like Alice, I liked my designers. But it isn’t like I shop much, anyway, since I’m always on the road. Well, was.

Alice insisted that the first stop be someplace I can get a purse. I agreed, and stopped in a little shop that sold designer handbags. I bought two, a black leather Dior clutch for special occasions (Alice insisted on that one, saying that “you never know when you’ll need it”) and a medium-sized Burberry to match my wallet for normal usage. That was was put to work immediately with a few items Alice and Rosalie bought for me as “welcome to the family” gifts, like a pair of Prada sunglasses and a compact mirror with and “L” engraved on it. I also threw my phone in there.

From there, it was stopping in almost every shop, buying something in each. We treated Bella mostly, but I did get some clothes and jewelry of my own. I went a little crazy in the dance boutique they happened to have there, getting some new warm ups and shoes, as well as a little phone charm with ballet slippers on it. The others got a pair of warmups and shoes each so I could teach them some things. I have a feeling Alice has it planned for later tonight. We took silly “girls’ night out” photos the entire time.

We stopped to get Bella some food (we accidentally caused her to miss dinner) and recoup a little. The stores were all starting to close, anyway.

“It’s nice to be able to hang out, Rosalie.” I figured I could help ease her out.

“Yeah.” She seemed uncomfortable.

“Is everything okay?” I was tired of waiting for her to come around.

“Something just doesn’t seem right.” She seemed distracted. “I don’t know what, but I can’t shake this feeling.”

“I didn’t do anything, did I?”

“No! I actually really like you, Lexy. I’m also getting accustomed to Bella and her choice, too.” She wrapped her arm around Bella. “But still. There’s something in the air.”

“Maybe we need a distraction?” Alice piped in. "Rose, I haven’t seen anything bad happen. I’d tell you if I did.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

We all sat there in silence. We knew what she referred to.

“Lexy, just promise me you’ll be careful, please.” Rosalie’s eyes were pleading more than her words.

“I promise.” I hugged her close. We all piled back in the Porsche with all our goodies (Bella clinging to my hand immediately), and headed home for more girl-time.

But what Rosalie said stuck in my mind the whole time.