"Mama, may I please say goodbye to Edward

Goodbye

-Bella's POV-

"Mama, may I please say goodbye to Edward?" I asked impatiently.

"I don't know. What do you think, Charlie?"

"It couldn't hurt," he replied.

"Oh, thank you Father!" I hugged him quickly on the way out the door.

I ran to where I told Edward I was going to meet him, but I ended up late because I tripped over my dress. Fortunately, I caught myself, so I only had a small scrape on my palm. I walked up part of a hill, but once I saw Edward, I ran again. I tripped over my shoes, and landed flat on my face. I heard him chuckle. My face turned bright red.

"Did you run all the way here, Bella?" There was a horse standing next to him.

"…not all the way… Why?"

"There are many cuts on your hands. Now I know why you're late."

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be late. I wanted to have more time," I blundered. He put a hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry about it. We have all the time in the world. Right now I need to think about what's coming up for me."

"I don't want you to join the war." He smiled sadly.

"I know, but I turned eighteen a week ago. Our country counts on me to fight. I'll be home soon enough."

"How do I know you're going to even return?" He touched my cheek.

"I will return, Bella," he said with such a fierceness I couldn't doubt him.

"Promise me?"
"I promise."

"Why do you have a horse with you?"

"I need him to get to ship quicker."

"I'm delaying your trip, aren't I?"

"Don't worry about it."

We sat on top of the hill, his arm casually over my shoulders, watching the sun set. "I love you Isabella Swan." I looked up at him surprised. His green eyes sparkled with sincerity. I smiled, this was the first time he had ever said the words 'I love you'.

"I love you too, Edward Masen." He returned my smile with all the warmth of the sun.

"Bella, if I ask you something, will you say yes?"
"Umm… okay?" He gave a soft low whistle. His horse, Midnight, came trotting to him.
"Will you please take care of Midnight? I don't want her to be neglected, and I know you'll take good care of her."

"Of course, Edward, I'd love to take care of her. I'll take the best care of her."

"Thank you," he replied formally. "Since I promised to come back, will you promise me something?"

"What is it?" I looked in his eyes, and seemed to be filled with hope and love.

"Will you take care of yourself? I don't want you to get hurt when I'm gone."

"Yes, Edward."

"Thank you, Bella. I love you too much to withstand ever losing you." I hugged him tightly, and he returned the hug. I felt his strong arms around me, and I felt safe, safe from everything. I herd him sigh.

"You have to go?"

"Yes, I'm sorry Bella. I don't want to leave. I want to live the rest of forever with you." I looked up at his face, and memorized the way his hair shined in the sun, and how his eyes sparkled. "I'll keep in contact with you, I promise."

"Bye Edward. I love you."

"I love you too. Please take good care of Midnight for me."
"I will." He leaned into me, and kissed my forehead.

"Goodnight, Bella." He handed me Midnight's reigns, got up on his horse, and flew into the woods. I thought I saw something glitter on his face. I stood there awhile, sadness slowly filling me. Midnight nudged me.

"It's okay, girl. I'll take good care of you."

She nudged me again. "I know, I miss him too. Let's go home."

I went to bed that night with silent tears streaming down my face.