Summary: Edward ran away from his mistakes, and is trying to find the road to redemption. Bella buried her past, and is on the road to righteousness. Two people looking for the exact same thing, can they find it together? This story has religious themes. E/B/AH/M.

Disclaimer: I do not own Twilight. Stephenie Meyer and Summit own the right. I just play around with the characters.

A/N: This story involves Christianity and faith themes. It also mentions sensitive subject matter. If this isn't your cup of tea, then please don't read. I will stress that although this story has religious themes, it's not my intention to open up discussions on faith etc. This is a work of fiction and should be treated as such-a work of the imagination.

AcrossTheSkyInStars beta'ed this. She's awesome sauce!

SoapyMayhem made the banner. It's on my profile if you want to take a look. :)

A Courtly and Principled Romance

EPOV

I looked at the immaculate, spotless white building. Building wasn't the right word for it. No, spiritual institution was more like it. Restored Life Church stood proudly in the Port Angeles air. The church looked like a spacious office building with its numerous windows, non-chipped white paint, and flawless landscaping.

I frowned, not wanting to actually step foot inside the church. I had to, though. I was here for two reasons.

I sighed as I thought to what had led me here. My old church had been great, but after that thing with Victoria, I had to get away. I couldn't take the evil glares and questioning stares anymore. It was either tough it out in Seattle, or move. I choose to move. Perhaps it was a cowardly choice, but I saw it more as self-preservation. Besides, the Bible told me to Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.

I was trying my best to turn away from the evil and go back to God.

I moved from Seattle to the smaller town of Port Angeles. It was far away from Seattle, yet close enough to maintain a relationship with my parents and sister. Although they didn't want me to move, they had accepted why I choose to. There was just too much drama and pain in Seattle. I couldn't take the sadness of my parents and sister. They tried to understand and be supportive of me, but I could tell I was causing them more harm than good. I had to go, it was better for everyone.

All these negative thoughts were putting me in a bad state of mind. I had focus. I was here for an opportunity, and I was not going to pass it up.

I took a breath and let it out slowly. I felt like I was walking to my execution rather than meeting my new boss and fellow church community.

Come on, Edward. You can do this, I told myself.

With one last final prayer, I walked through the double doors and braced myself for the onslaught of introductions and questions.

I was at this particular church for a job. I was the new elementary music teacher at the church's sister school – Jubilee Elementary – which was located right next to the church. I had a background in music and teaching. I used to be a physical education teacher in Seattle, and I taught music on the side as a personal instructor. I was also a church musician, having played in the Sunday choir and other church venues.

This job was really Heaven sent. It came at a time I really needed it. I was blessed to be here, but still wary. The school's principal and head pastor knew of my situation back home, yet they hired me anyway.

To say I was surprised they treated me with respect and hospitality was an understatement. I was pleasantly shocked when I walked through the double doors to be greeted by the principal.

Emmett McCarty was friendly, approachable, and professional. He had an easy-going aura and a hearty handshake.

"Are you sure you want to hire me?" I asked, not really understanding why he was so accepting of me. He did read my file, and I had told him everything. It just didn't make sense.

Principal McCarty smiled. "We're all sinners here. Not one of us is perfect. I don't judge my teachers on their past or future sins. It's not my place to judge, its God's."

And just like that, I had a new job at Jubilee Elementary School. I couldn't believe it.

After that, Principal McCarty called in Pastor Ben Cheney, and after introductions were made, I was told to fill out the necessary paperwork. I filled out my background information and their Faith Agreement. I promised to teach the Word of God to the students and to conduct myself in a Christian manner at all times. Growing up, my parents put me and my sister through Christian schools. I knew how things worked, I just hadn't stepped foot in one since my high school graduation. I was raised in a Christian home, but I didn't consider myself as hardcore as my parents. Sure, I went to Sunday services and had volunteered in the church, but that didn't mean I led a Christian lifestyle. I still cursed and drank and had a bunch of meaningless sin-filled relationships. But after my thing with Victoria, I vowed to go back to God.

"The children have Friday chapel services. You will need to help out with each one of them since you're the children's choir director," Pastor Cheney said.

Whoa! I was the children's choir director?

"I beg your pardon? I did not volunteer for that," I explained.

"As the music teacher, you are also the children's choir director," he said. "Surely, you knew that when you agreed to teach here?"

Umm, no.

I guess I'd have to do it, though.

"I didn't know," I said honestly. "Although, I will do my best.

"Your resume said you were involved in the choir both when you were at school and later on in your church. You're very qualified. Our last choir director didn't have as much experience as you. Truthfully, I'm quite excited to have you here with us. We're in dire need of an outstanding choir."

"I'll do my best," I said again, feeling an insane amount of pressure to be outstanding.

He chuckled and said he would go over the equipment and music with me at a later time. He bid goodbye to Principal McCarty and then left.

"Well, Edward," Principal McCarty began. "I believe you're going to fit in just fine here. I can tell."

"How can you tell?"

"It's a feeling," he said vaguely. "Now why don't I show you around? You'll be starting in a week, but I think it's better to ease you in, let you see how things work around here."

"I agree. I'm thankful for this job, Principal McCarty."

"Please call me Emmett. Only the students refer to me as Principal McCarty," he said, laughing.

He led me out his office; we walked down the hallway, where we passed other offices. He showed me the copy room, the teacher's lounge, and the main front office. I met the Vice Principal, Angela Webber, who I later found out, was the wife to Pastor Cheney. Emmett took me to a couple of the classrooms. We didn't go inside, but I was able to see the teachers and students because of the windows.

"These are the kindergarteners. Since we're a private school, our classes are just one class per grade," he explained.

We were standing outside on the playground. Little children were running around everywhere, screaming and laughing.

"Smaller classes are better. The child gets more one-on-one time with their teacher. It helps them," I commented.

"Exactly," he agreed. "We range from kinder to eighth grade. Bella is our resident kindergarten teacher. She's fairly new, only been here a year. The children love her; she's a big hit with them."

I scanned the playground for the teacher.

"There she is!" Emmett exclaimed. He pointed to a young woman standing at the foot of the slide. Not only was she young, but she was small and dressed conservatively. She had a long dress and a sweater that hid her arms. She turned around when a child tugged on her hand. I studied her face. Her skin was on the pale side and she didn't wear any makeup. She looked like she was eighteen.

"She's young," I blurted out.

"Yeah, I think she's younger than you." I was twenty-four. That was still young, I thought. This woman must be about twenty at least.

Bella noticed us and waved politely before turning her attention back to her class.

"That's about it," Emmett said. We walked back inside, where I picked up my paperwork before leaving.

Emmett shook my hand and gave me a hearty clasp on the back. "You've seen our curriculum and we'll give you plenty of time to prepare. In the meantime, I hope to see you on Sunday at the morning services. My wife and I are hosting a luncheon at our house. It's casual, so don't worry about dressing up. You should join us; most of the teachers will be there."

A social gathering seemed nice, but I was more of the loner type. I hadn't gone to a Christian party since high school.

Forgive me, Lord, if I seem hesitant.

"Thanks, I'll see you on Sunday," I said, accepting the invitation. I left the church with a sense of peace and hope.

Once I was inside my car, I pulled out my cell phone to call my sister. Alice was only a year younger than me. She and I had been very close growing up. We drifted a little when I left for college, but we still stayed in touch.

"You got the job."

"How do you know that?" I asked in bewilderment.

I could practically see her smirking. "I knew you'd get it. They already wanted you to go out there and have an interview. It was pretty obvious."

"I don't even know why I got it, considering everything else."

"The Lord helps those who help themselves. You're a good person, Edward. Sometimes, good things happen."

"Alice, good things don't happen to bad people. It shouldn't," I argued lightly.

"When are you going to stop blaming yourself for something you had no control of? It was her fault, Edward. She choose to go down that path, you were trying to help her."

Memories of finding Victoria all sprawled out on the floor, lifeless and pale, came flooding back. I had gone to her house because she had called me over. She said she needed me, and as her friend, I went to help her. I'd never thought I'd find her dead.

"I can't help it, Alice!"

"Stop being so scrupulous; you have to learn to forgive yourself."

This was a regular topic between us. She claimed I did nothing wrong, and I still felt like a piece of shit for not being able to help Victoria.

"That may take a lifetime," I muttered.

"So, did anything else happen?" she asked, changing the subject.

"Well," I said, "the principal is really nice. He invited me to Sunday morning worship, and then to luncheon at his house."

"That's great news! You have to go. Even if you don't go to church, you must go to the luncheon."

I chuckled. "Are you really telling me not to go to church?"

"No! I just know you haven't gone to church since…you know. I wouldn't blame you if you didn't feel comfortable."

I sighed heavily. I was going to church. It wasn't that big of deal, anyway. I'd already told Emmett I'd be there. If there was one thing I was good at, it was keeping my promises. "I'm going. I think I have to, you know?"

"I think I do," she said understandingly. "You're a good person, and a good brother, too. Sometimes," she added with a giggle.

"Gee, thanks Alice."

"Anytime big brother, and don't forget to call Mom. She's going crazy because you haven't talked to her in days." With that, she hung up.

I chucked my cell on the passenger side, deciding to call my mom later. I loved her, but she got on my nerves because she worried too much. I drove back to my apartment, ready to decompress from the day.

The town of Port Angeles was nice. Though I'd only been here for a few days, I liked it. The apartment I rented was good. I felt like I was starting over, and in a way, I was. This wasn't the first time I had been away from home. I went away to college, and then moved back after I graduated for financial reasons. I preferred to live on my own. I liked my privacy and wasn't that sociable, anyway. That didn't mean I couldn't be sociable, I just liked to keep to myself.

This starting over period was important to me. No one knew me or what I had done in my past. I was free to be a brand new person, so to speak. That was what I was aiming for. I saw this opportunity to redeem myself. I needed this, but like Alice said, the first step was to forgive myself. Too bad I had a difficult time doing that.

BPOV

"Goodbye, Miss Bella!"

"Goodbye, Eric!" I called. I smiled as I watched my last student leave with his mother.

A typical school day consisted of out of control children who screamed and squirmed half the time. They were a handful, but I wouldn't take them any other way. I enjoyed my job and I loved the children.

"Well, I'd say that was another successful day, Ms. Swan."

"Hello, Principal McCarty," I responded.

"How was your day, Bella? Did you catch me and the new music teaching spying on you?"

I laughed. "It's not spying if you get caught. Yes, I saw you guys."

"Well, what do you think?"

"About what, Emmett?"

"What do you think about the new music teacher?"

I shrugged. "I haven't formerly met him yet. I don't have an opinion of him."

"But from what you've read and from what you've seen, what do you think?"

"I think I shouldn't have seen his resume," I retorted.

"Hey, that was an accident and you know it!" he exclaimed, laughing.

I rolled my eyes. Emmett had asked me to look at something for him. I thought he wanted me to look at one of my student's progress reports. I didn't think he wanted me to look at a resume for the music teaching position. I asked him why he wanted me to look at it, and he said he and Angela trusted me, and perhaps I could empathize with that particular applicant. When I read the resume, I gasped in horror. I could indeed relate to the applicant.

"Don't joke around about that. It's not funny."

"You're right, I'm sorry," he apologized. "Seriously, though, do you like him?"

"I think he has excellent credentials. He's got a long way to go in his faith, but at least he was honest."

He's not the only one who has a long way to go in their faith, I thought ruefully.

"I invited him to Sunday's services and to our little soirée. I'll introduce you, and maybe you could talk with him."

"I'm not a missionary, Emmett."

"Bella, we're all called to share the Good News with everyone," he stated as he left.

That statement struck a nerve. I knew he was right, but I didn't feel comfortable talking to the new teacher. His resume told a lot more than his work background. As a Christian school, we had to look into the faith background. We needed strong Christian teachers who could lead the young children to Jesus. I remembered when I applied for the kindergarten position. I was a new convert and I wasn't even sure if I'd get an interview here. To my surprise, Emmett not only interviewed me, but hired me right on the spot. I told him and Ben everything, and despite my messy past, they took a leap of faith and welcomed me.

The new music teacher reminded me of myself, and not in a good way. I was sixteen years old when I met my first love, Laurent. He was nearly ten years older than me. I didn't care about our age difference, and neither did he. We met at an eighteen and over club in Seattle. We danced and hit it off. My young, naïve heart believed it was in love with him. Things with Laurent didn't end well. He and I eloped right after my eighteenth birthday, and after moving in together, I found out just what kind of man he was. He was possessive and controlling. He drank too much and beat me numerous times. I spent almost three years with him. I couldn't take the beatings, so I left him. He didn't come after me. Instead, he found a new girlfriend and petitioned for a divorce.

My next relationship was with a guy named James. He was my age and very different than Laurent. He was a slacker that couldn't hold a job. Once again, I thought I was in love with him. Though we didn't get married, we did end up conceiving a child. At nineteen years old, neither one of us were ready to be parents. Although I knew I couldn't take care of it, I didn't want to give it up. However, James urged me to have an abortion. He claimed we were saving the child's life by ending it. I wasn't religious or pro-life, but I still struggled with the idea of an abortion. In the end, I did have it aborted. That was the single worst time in my life. The amount of guilt I felt was enough to consume me. I was wallowing in it. It was so intense James grew tired of me and dumped me.

The abortion and James dumping me pushed me over the emotional edge. I was so depressed and angry at myself. I even contemplated ending my life. I felt like I couldn't do anything right, so it was best to end my life. My parents and I had a severed relationship. I fell out of touch with them after I married Laurent. I hadn't spoken to them in years and I was too prideful and ashamed to go back to them. For a while, I weathered the storm by myself. I found a job at a bookstore and was able to live in a one bedroom apartment in Port Angeles. I kept to myself and tried to turn my life around without anyone's help. It was very difficult, and I soon learned that I'd need help and support from a caring community.

On a particularly depressing day, I walked around aimlessly and literally stumbled into Restored Life Church. I wasn't aware that I had walked into a church. I was so out of it I probably wouldn't have noticed anything if it hadn't been for Ben Cheney. He approached me and ministered to me. At first, I wasn't very receptive to what he had to say, but slowly I began to listen. It was the best thing I'd done because it got me to where I was now.

I was a kindergarten teacher at a private Christian school. I was a practicing Christian, and for the first time since high school, I had genuine friends who cared for me. I had a better relationship with my parents. I was happy, for the most part. I admitted that at times, I missed being in a relationship. After Laurent and James, I felt lonely. It was difficult going from destructive relationships to not being in one at all. I was still learning to adjust.

My past was something I didn't like to talk about. It was a very dark time for me, and I didn't just tell everyone. I had to really trust someone enough to let them in. Even in this wonderful community, I still didn't trust a lot of the people. I trusted Emmett and his wife, Rosalie, Ben and Angela, and my parents. They were the core of my family. Everyone else was just acquaintances or co-workers to me, which was I why felt apprehensive about talking with the new teacher. We had too much in common already. We might end up hurting each other.

"Bella!" Angela exclaimed as she passed my classroom. She backtracked and poked her head through the open doorway.

"Hello, Angela."

She frowned. "You look like you're troubled."

She knew me so well. "Emmett was just here. He was asking me to talk with the new music teacher."

She walked in and set her stuff down on a nearby desk. "I take it that you didn't feel comfortable with that idea."

I shook my head, feeling guilty. "It's just that I can't talk to him about that, you know? We don't know each other. It'd be awkward."

"So get to know him. That's the whole reason Emmett wanted you to talk to him. You're still fairly new here. You can talk about that. You don't have to talk about anything you don't want."

"Did I overreact?"

"No," she answered, smiling. "Emmett is hoping you'll talk to him, but that takes time. He's not a very patient man, so forgive him for his earnestness."

I laughed lightly. He was very earnest about a lot of things. "I know he means well."

"Yes, he does. He just wants everyone to get along. That's all. So, I'll see you on Sunday. I heard the sun was going to come out, so wear a dress," she said, winking at me.

"Thanks, Angela. I'll see you later."

"See you!" she called over her shoulder.

After tidying up the classroom and check out at the office, I went home. My daily routine was pretty boring. I had simplified my life over the past three years. Instead of going out to clubs and partying, I stayed at home and read, I visited my parents regularly, and I volunteered at the church. Although I filled my life with good things, I still felt emptiness. At first I thought I needed to have faith and find God, but that didn't seem to work. I had some faith and I tried to be closer to God, yet I still felt like I was missing something. I was at a loss. Every day I promised myself I would continue searching, and every day I put it off. How could I search for something if I didn't even know what to look for?

Thinking about my feelings only made me frustrated. I prayed I would find something to fill the void in my life. It was the only thing I could do since actually doing something wasn't getting me anywhere.

When I got home, I checked my messages and emails. I fixed a light dinner, and then graded my student's worksheets. The class was learning about fruits and vegetables. We had an apple lesson that I was sure they were going to enjoy.

Teaching kindergarten wasn't something I had wanted to do. When I was in college, I wanted to be an English teacher, or so I thought. I majored in English, but my relationships with Laurent and James had me slacking. I fell behind in my school work, and couldn't keep up anymore. I was able to stay in school, and eventually I changed my major to Education. It was a pretty good decision. I was happy with my class and loved them dearly.

To be honest, I believed I choose Education so I could be around children. Having lost my first baby, I felt like I needed to atone for that sin. I taught because I thought if I could teach and help one child, then maybe one day I could look back at my abortion and be at peace with a decision I made as a child myself. It was something I still battled with, but I was trying to move on.

Living a very different and simplified lifestyle was good. I knew that. I was in a better place than I had been three years ago. I was happier now than I'd had been in a long time. I was grateful to God and the people around me, but like all human beings, I wanted something else. The emptiness in my life was a longing for something more. It was too bad I didn't know what I wanted. It'd make things a lot clearer for me.

A/N: This is going to be angsty, not terribly so, but yeah. Just to be clear, I made up the name of the church and school. The Bible quote is from 2 Timothy 2:22 NIV.

I'm not sure how often I'll update this, but once Soulmate is finished, this story should have regular updates.

Thanks for reading!

Till next time

Tina