I stared at my reflection in the huge gilt mirror - flawless perfection - as it has been, always. I used to revel in my own - gloriousness(?), perfection. I always thought, always believed, this beauty - that I was blessed and cursed with - could give me everything I could possibly wish for. Until Fate proved me wrong, so wrong. I sighed and turned around to face him.

"Is that your new hobby, Edward? Lurk in corners?" I asked haughtily. Edward, arrogant and perfect, stood in a corner.

"I apologize for the intrusion, Rosalie - for lurking as you put it. I wanted to play the piano. Nevermind, I'll play some other time."

I exhaled loudly, repentant at once. Of course, he is not arrogant and he's not intruding. He just can't help hearing my thoughts. It's his gift.

I sometimes don't understand the resentment I feel towards him. He was just so different from me. So much more better than me. Cursed like I am - yet somehow - pure, good.

"Rose..."

"I don't have the patience right now, Edward, so will you stop listening to my thoughts?! Or at least try to do something else, please!" I snapped. He turned to leave.

I winced. Why was I always so obnoxious to him?

"Wait. I'm sorry. Just having...mood swings."

He paused, then shrugged.

I took a deep breath.

"How is he?"

"It's less difficult for him now."

Emmett. If I could only do something to make it easier for him. Our family's way - not feeding on humans- is no easy feat.

"Give him time. He can do it. He's struggling to do it...for you." He added the last two words softly.

Warmth (almost) spread inside my cold chest.

HOPE.

Could he? Could he really love me, accept me, for the real me? Damaged, tainted - ME? Or is he just like the others? Blinded by my beauty that nothing else mattered?

"Try to forget the past, Rosalie." Edward gently said.

I bit my lip. I almost forgot Edward's still with me.

"He really loves you. YOU." He stressed the last word.

"Does he know? Did you tell him about...about..." I couldn't make myself continue.

My ugly past. This perfect angel - as Emmett always call me - is one tarnished beauty, not innocent. Spoiled by ruthless humans..

"Of course not. It's not mine to tell but he sometimes sense, uhm, your mood swings."

My insecurities.

Edward lowered his eyes.

"I'm scared, Edward."

"Rosalie Hale? Scared?"

I let the depth of my feelings for Emmett flood my mind so my brother could understand.

Yes, he could be a brother, a dear one - when he feels like it.

Edward chuckled. "Do you doubt my ability to hear what's going on inside Emmett's thick skull? When it comes to you, the guy's a hopeless case."

I laughed. I'll take my chances then. I'll let him know about me - horrid human past included.

I vowed to be more than a pretty face for him. How I wish to be so much more for him. To be perfect for him.

Edward stared at me, insulting amazement in his eyes.

"What now? Changed your mind about me, dear brother? Not so shallow as you used to think huh?" I made a face and flipped my hair, then headed for Emmett's room.

Edward shook his head and chuckled.