“It's nice. But it's far from here, so I can't visit my cousins often. I get lonely. I'm just glad they don't live in Texas anymore. That was too far, even though we always visited them at the Cullens' anyways.” she said, shrugging and looking more relaxed.

“How long have you known Edward?” I asked.

“About five years. The first time we got to actually come out to the Cullens' was the year before Jasper and Rosalie moved up here.” she said, blushing at the sound of his name.

I smiled at her, the way an adult does when he or she sees that a little girl has a crush on the little boy sitting only a few desks away at school, but is too afraid to admit it.

“You're lucky.” she said, twiddling her thumbs, not meeting my eyes.

“I know. But someday you'll meet your own Edward. You'll be just as happy as I am. Heck, you probably won't even remember Edward, you'll be so in love.” I said, rolling my eyes and laughing lightly.

She laughed with me and met my eyes.

“You really think so?” she asked.

“Yes. If it can happen to me, it can happen to anybody.” I said, giving her a wink.

She rolled her eyes and smiled at me.

“Anyways, so you said you get lonely up in Alaska. Have you ever thought about asking for a sister?” I asked her.

There was a sharp intake of breath behind me. I immediately knew it was Edward and I slapped my hand over my mouth, not knowing what I had said wrong.

“It's okay Edward. She—she didn't know.” she said looking down and sounding sad.

“I didn't mean to upset you.” I said, slowly taking my hand away from my mouth.

“I had a sister. Irina. She was my twin. She died when we were two. She had been weak since birth and lung complications finally did it.” she said, looking solemn, unable to make eye contact.

“Oh. I am so sorry. I didn't know.” I said, looking down at my own hands.

“I know. That's why I don't mind telling you. But hey, let's not make this visit sad. It's about meeting new people and visiting old friends.” she said, wiping her eyes that had grown watery.