US Rating: PG13

Main Characters: Edward, Carlisle, Tanya

POV: Edward Masen/Cullen

CHAPTER 1: Edward Masen

I was young, awkward, and had just turned seventeen. I got my quiet nature and tall lanky body from my father, Mr. Edward Masen. We were rural farmers just outside of Chicago. I admired many things about my father but did not aspire to be just like him. He worked his farm with a strong hand, yet still maintained a loving heart. My mother, Elizabeth Masen, was just as reserved. We kept to ourselves mostly on our large piece of farmland in Westchester, Illinois. Chicago, just 10 miles east from us, was on a growth spurt and my parents chose not to be apart of it. So we shopped and I attended school in Bellwood, less than 2 miles away.

Saturday, September 7, 1918

I took a deep, long breath before diving head first into the creek. It was colder than I expected and my body naturally reacted. The cold water seemed to take my breath so I pushed back towards the top. The air sliced down my throat as a groan escaped from my lungs. My chest above water again sent my wet body into a shivered. I felt foolish now for diving into the water. I brushed the water drops from my brow. My hand shook like an old man's. It was a semi-warm day, just not warm enough for a swim. Goose bumps appeared across my arms and chest. I am so utterly pale, I thought to myself. So wrapped up in the surprise of the cold water, I didn't notice Jenny at first. It was her waving scarf in the wind that caught the corner of my eye. As if I was in a slow motion film, I turned my face towards her. I watched from the water as her scarf bounced from her walk and the bell shaped bottom of her dress swaying with the back and forth movement of her legs. Her arms crisscrossed against her chest and her soft white hands clasping a hard, flat notebook. She carried it with it her everywhere and I wondered what secrets it could tell.

"Jenny." I whispered to myself through my shivering lips. Her long brown hair swayed just slightly from the force of her steps. I couldn't help but stare as she passed unknowing of my presence. I watched her walk to school many times with her little sister. She was like a little Mother Hubbard bossing her sister about everything from buttons to wrinkles in her dress. Henry, my best friend, and I followed the girls just a few feet behind every morning. Jenny was the most beautiful creature God has ever created. I loved her blue sparkling eyes and her velvety smooth skin. She always looks so soft I want to just reach out and take her hand. I have never had the courage to do it. I keep my feelings for her a secret, denying it every time Henry accuses me of being in love. I wasn't quiet sure what this was, but I knew I loved every minute of her presence, even now I struggled to control the shivering as she passed.

It was her quick glance in my direction that caused me to dunk back into the cool water. It was like the whole world suddenly slowed. I replayed her head turning in my direction seconds before I went back down. Had she seen me? What if she comes over here? I don't have a shirt on. Thoughts raced in my mind. I forced myself to calm down or I would run out of air. I visualized Jenny coming over to the pond out of curiosity. I imagined her seeing me just under the water and then her feared expression on her face. She cried out my name as she leaped into the water to save me. Her jumping into the water was without hesitation, not even taking her leather boots off. I imagined her soft arms wrapping around my chest from behind and her breast against my back as she pulled me from the water. I blushed as I saw her wet clothes clinging to her chest and legs. I suddenly felt ashamed thinking of her in that way. My embarrassment brought me back to reality and the ever-present danger of drowning for real. Once again I was scrambling back up for air. This time I expected the sting of the stale air in my lungs. To my luck, she was not standing by the waters edge staring at me confused or fearful. I looked back down the road each way. I felt relief and disappointment by her absence. I could see the movement of my father at a far distance. He was working in the field as expected. Glancing at my father once more I knew it was inevitable. I had to get back to my chores.

"Idiot." I said aloud shaking my head in disgust. Jenny deserved more than some pervert. I pushed the thoughts from my head as I slipped out of the frigged water. I ran home quickly to keep warm but mostly out of habit. The one thing I truly enjoyed was a good, long run, no matter the season.

The weather was changing day by day. The leaves loosing there green color and the grass growing less and less. This would be the last weekend I could brush off my duties until later in the day to enjoy a swim or read a good book. Dad knew I was dependable. I knew exactly what I had to do and when it was expected. In that respect, my life was somewhat dull, predictable. Everyday, before suppertime, my chores would be complete. I would help clean up the dishes and then take a bath. Just once would I like to take my bath and then eat, or do a chore later in the day just for a change. But I never complained knowing good and well things could always be worse.

My friend Henry had it a little harder than me. His father forced him to get up in the wee hours and begin his chores. As a result, he would struggle to keep his head up as he sat at his desk. Quite often I would pass him my notes on our walk home so he could read about the lessons from that day. He didn't seem to have much interest in school really, but I knew if he ever wanted out of this farmland, he'd have to get good grades to graduate. It was only more chores for him at home and his father clearly had no intent on college. His future was predetermined and he would have to fight to leave this place when the day came. I did not have to worry about that. My father told me since I was in diapers that I could do whatever I wanted as long as I remained an honest young man. So I worked hard on the farm and kept good grades. His lenience about my chores only went so far though. I knew what he expected of me and made sure not to cross his line.

Now that I was seventeen, I was thinking more and more about college. I knew my interest and that it would not be cheap. The time was coming so fast, I was not prepared for my future. If I had my first choice, I would attend any law school that would take me. On the other hand, the idea of being a doctor was also very interesting. I didn't think about college much between school and the farm. It was not until last summer when my cousin, Jonathan, and his parents visited that I seriously considered my future. Jon was a sophomore on his summer break from Washington University in St. Louis. He told Henry and I all about college girls, parties, and working a real job in town part time. His family being the rich owners of the button factory in Chicago, he rubbed our farm life in my face. My father said he was less than an honorable man, but I knew he was just different. What he told us about college life sounded unattainable, a fantasy. At the same time, I could not wait. Jon worked as a bus boy in a local restaurant. His tips became his spending money. I was not sure how Henry and I would pay for college, but nothing was going to stop me. All week Henry and I stayed up late listening to Jon's stories about the city and the girls. I couldn't help but picture Jenny next to me, hand in hand, going to class. She was the smartest in class by far, so I knew she would be successful. I wondered to myself if she had even considered college. I was determined to get Henry through this school year with passing grades. If I'm lucky, this time in two years, I will be working on a law degree or maybe even a physician.