SUMMARY: It is the end of 1941. Edward Masen is a Private First Class in the Army, along with Jasper Whitlock and Emmett McCarty. Bella Swan is the love of Edward's life who fears for his safety, but believes him when he says that he highly doubts the war will come stateside. What happens when it does exactly what he doubted, and he is sent to Europe with the rest of his unit to fight against Hitler and the Nazis? Will their love survive? Will he? Unless otherwise noted, all Bella POV.
DISCLAIMER: Stephanie Meyer owns all things Twilight. I'm just borrowing for a bit.
SHOUT OUT: To my fabulous beta, bronzehairedgirl620, who took on this story even though she has so much going on, and for getting it back to me so quickly. You have no idea how much I appreciate you!
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1941
"Edward!" I screamed as ladylike as possible, my skirt rustling around my ankles as I raced across the lawn. I leaped into his arms, ignoring the exasperated sigh of my mother behind me.
"Bella! You're a lady!"
I rolled my eyes and threw my arms around Edward's neck.
"Whoa, careful, love," he laughed, catching me and holding me tight. "Oh, how I've missed you," he whispered in my ear, leaning down to nuzzle my neck lightly. I sighed quietly, feeling as if I had just come home. In a way, I had. I never felt more at home than in Edward's arms.
"Ahem." Renee cleared her throat behind us, reminding me of her presence. I blushed, my cheeks turning a deep red. Edward set me down gently, keeping an arm wrapped loosely around my waist.
"Good afternoon, Renee," Edward said quietly. Renee just smiled.
"It's good to see you, Edward. How are things on the base?"
Edward was a Private First Class in the Army. He trained Monday through Friday, leaving Friday night through Sunday for us to be together. I lived for the weekends.
"Slow," Edward grimaced. "We're preparing for a war that isn't likely to happen."
I exhaled, grateful that we lived so far away from the fighting. I didn't like to think of him that far away from me, let alone think that something might happen to him. Though Edward was nothing if not smart, he was also loyal and brave, and I knew he would put himself in harm's way to save someone in his unit. Every one of them was like a brother to him, and he'd rather die than let any of them face detriment.
But I knew that Edward itched to join the fighting, just like every other man in the service, and if the time ever came, he would volunteer in a heartbeat.
I prayed that day would never come. And thus far, my prayers had been answered.
"Charlie will be home soon. I should go and start supper." Renee's voice interrupted my thoughts. "Will you be joining us tonight, Edward?"
"If it's not too much trouble, I would love to," he replied, grinning.
"Of course it's not," Renee answered. "I'll leave you two be. Supper's at seven. And Bella," her voice took on a warning tone. "Please try and remember that you are a lady."
I ducked my head sheepishly. "Yes, ma'am."
Renee made her way back towards the house and I lifted my head, grinning wickedly at Edward. "I'll race you!"
I didn't wait for his answer; I just took off in the direction of our meadow. I heard him laughing as he came up behind me, lifting me into his arms. I giggled as I buried my head in his neck.
"You are trouble, you know that?" He asked me fondly as he set me on the ground.
"Yes, but that's why you love me," I replied.
"Yes," he agreed. "One of many reasons." My heart started to race as he leaned down to kiss me gently, his soft fingers intertwining with mine. All too soon he broke away, brushing my hair off my face tenderly.
He sat on the ground, tugging my arm lightly and sitting me in his lap so I wouldn't soil my dress. I tucked my head beneath his chin, enjoying the sound of his steady heartbeat.
"Edward?"
"Yes, love?"
"Do you really think it's unlikely that America will join the war?" Though I knew he would never lie to my mother, I needed to be reassured. Just the thought of him leaving to fight made my pulse quicken and my stomach turn.
I heard him sigh wistfully. "Unless something drastic happens, I don't think we will ever join the fighting. The Allies seem to have it fairly controlled. Even if they didn't," he continued, his voice becoming slightly bitter, "President Roosevelt would never sanction fighting a war that isn't directly causing us any harm. So no," he finished softly, kissing my hair. "I don't think there is any reason for you to worry."
I smiled slightly. He knew me so well.
Edward had been the object of my infatuation for many years, ever since we were children in school together. Though he was three years older than me, I would still see him in the schoolyard. He was shy, always preferring to sit under the shade of a tree to read than play baseball with the other boys. I fell in love with him the first day I saw him, and that love had grown every day since then.
He started courting me when I was 16, the proper age in my parents' eyes. We quickly realized how compatible we were, and had been as close to inseparable as his schedule allowed us ever since. The weekdays were always hard for me, but as I was still in school, it was bearable. I shuddered to think what I would do with my days after I graduated in June.
"Have you given any more thought to University?"
It was as if he could read my thoughts. I shrugged lightly.
"Not really. I'm not really sure if University is for me." That was a lie, and he knew it. I loved school, and I yearned to continue my education. But the thought of leaving him was so physically painful that I couldn't consider it for any length of time.
He frowned. "Please don't be dishonest with me."
I sighed. I could never deny him anything. "Yes, I want to continue with school. I just…don't want to be away from you," I admitted, tears pricking my eyes at the thought. His frown deepened.
"Do not let me be the reason you do not pursue your dreams," he ordered, his voice harsher than normal. I flinched. "Please," he begged, his voice softening. I squared my chin.
"What if my dream is to be with you forever? Nothing could be stronger than that. University pales in comparison to a future with you." I knew I was being brazen, but I couldn't help it. He kept pushing for University, dismissing all my arguments. I knew I was preying on his weaknesses, but I was out of reasons and desperate for him to understand. I wouldn't, couldn't, be away from him if I could help it. He was my life, my future. Without Edward, my life had no meaning. He sighed unhappily.
"What if I told you that I won't marry you until you complete University?"
I gasped in surprise, my head jerking up.
"But that's four-and-a-half more years!" I protested. His jaw was set.
"If that's what it takes to make you follow your dreams, then so be it."
I jumped up off his lap, infuriated. "That is beyond unfair, Edward Masen!" I fumed, stomping back toward the direction of the house. I heard him get up quietly to follow me.
"Bella, please wait," he pleaded, attempting to grab my hand. I yanked it from his grip. "Bella!" He said more forcefully, his tone taking me by surprise. I stopped, turning to face him.
"What?" I snapped, still angry. He approached me carefully, taking my hand softly in his. I held it rigidly.
"I don't want to wait that long," he admitted softly, looking deep into my eyes. "But if that's what it takes, I will. You are far too intelligent to spend your life as a housewife. I know you say that's what you want," he said before I could protest. "But I think you would find yourself bored to tears. And I don't ever want you to resent me because you didn't follow your heart," he said quietly, looking at the ground. My heart squeezed at his pain.
"Edward, please look at me." I tugged on his hand gently. He looked up, his beautiful green eyes shining with anguish. "I could never resent you. I'll make you a compromise. I will really, truly think about going to University if you will really, truly think about marrying me sooner. I don't want to wait four years to start our life together," I said softly. He smiled my favorite crooked smile.
"I can live with that."
I smiled back at him, happy our argument was behind us. Our hands still joined together, he pulled me to him, hugging me tightly.
"If only you knew how much I love you, Isabella," he said, using my full name as he often did when expressing his emotions. Though I truly disliked the name, coming from his lips it sounded like a precious gem.
"You cannot possibly love me more than I love you," I argued playfully, kissing his throat lightly.
He groaned. "Please don't do that. I don't want to lose control."
I giggled. "What, this?" I asked innocently as I kissed him again. This time he moaned, his arms tightening around my waist to pull me even closer. I loved that I had this effect on him. It was, after all, only fair, since he could look at me and my legs would become unsteady, smile and my heart would race.
"Don't do anything you will regret," he warned me breathlessly.
"What makes you think I will regret this?" I asked him, pressing another kiss to his throat.
"Oh, I know you will," he growled, giving me no warning before he swept me off my feet and laid me on the ground, his body a weight on top of mine. When he was sure I couldn't move, he started to move his fingers to my ribs, tickling mercilessly.
I shrieked and tried to roll away from his insistent fingers but he had anchored my body so I could do nothing more than kick my legs in the air. The assault lasted for a full 30 seconds before he finally stopped. My giggling quieted as I met his smoldering eyes.
He trailed his fingers up my body, lightly caressing every exposed inch of skin. I shivered when he brought his fingers to my face and traced the outline of my lips tenderly, his green eyes locked with mine. I lay still, not wanting to do anything that might cause him to stop. It was so unlike Edward to be the instigator. Usually reserved and quiet, always making sure not to take things too far; that was Edward. But today was different somehow. Almost as if he knew there was something happening soon…
I tore my mind away from the unpleasant thought and focused on enjoying the moment.
Edward's hand abruptly stopped its movement, coming to rest on the side of my face. His breath was ragged, his eyes searching mine, though I couldn't be sure of what he was searching for. Surely he could see the unveiled passion in my eyes, the flush of my cheeks. Surely he could hear the rapid pace of my heart, the staggering of my breath. Surely he knew the effect he had on me.
He slowly, gently, lowered his head towards mine, stopping inches above my lips, his eyes probing, asking for permission. I nodded slightly, used to his peculiar ways. Always the gentleman, he never wanted to do anything to make me feel as if I was being taken advantage of.
His lips came down on mine tenderly, causing my heart to again start its unsteady rhythm. I fought to hold onto at least one coherent thought, but as always, I could think of nothing but the feel of Edward's lips moving confidently against mine. My hand went up to his face, my fingers lightly tracing his cheekbones, then entwining in his hair. I was fervently praying that just this once, he would allow his passion to lead him just a bit further, but it was not to be.
I growled in frustration as he ended the kiss with a sigh.
"I know it frustrates you, Bella, but I will not be intimate with you until we are married. It's not proper."
I pouted, but I knew it was of no use. Edward had made up his mind, and he was even more stubborn than I was.
He hoisted himself to his feet, offering me his hand in assistance. I took it, enjoying the warmth, and was dusting myself off when I groaned.
"Renee's going to kill me," I moaned, gesturing toward the large grass stain on the side of my skirt. Edward chuckled softly.
"She'll reprimand you, that's for sure, but I'd never let her kill you." I glared at him.
"Gosh, you're a regular Prince Charming."
He laughed louder at my annoyed tone. "Come on, Cinderella. Let's get you home in time for supper," he grinned, tugging on my arm. I followed him, picking stray blades of grass from my hair as we went.
We approached the house leisurely, teasing each other as we strolled hand-in-hand. Renee was standing on the porch, a look of disapproval on her face.
"You're late," she frowned when we were within hearing distance. Edward rearranged his features into an apologetic angel.
"It's my fault, Renee. We went to the meadow and were talking about the war. I was assuaging Bella's fears and we lost track of time. I'm very sorry for my rudeness. I do hope you'll forgive me." He smiled his crooked smile at her, knowing she couldn't resist.
She melted on the spot.
"Of course you're forgiven, Edward. Thank you for putting Bella's mind at ease. She has been worried sick over this war, and nothing her father and I say seems to make her feel any better."
I narrowed my eyes at my mother. I didn't appreciate her speaking to Edward about our private conversations. I didn't want him to realize how utterly petrified I was that the war would find it's way to us.
Edward glanced at me curiously but didn't press the subject. I breathed a quiet sigh of relief for his gentlemanly ways. He wouldn't push; he knew I would talk to him when I was ready. I let him lead me into the warm house, saying a silent prayer that Renee had let the grass stain slide.
Friday nights after supper were always my favorite time of the week. Edward and I went out every Friday with two of his friends from the Army and their significant others. Jasper Whitlock and Emmett McCarty were Edward's closest friends in his unit, and I was eternally grateful to them for their friendship towards him. Edward was quiet, so it could be difficult to get to know him. The fact that these two had been accepted into Edward's life outside of the Army meant that they had really put an effort into breaking down Edward's carefully built wall. I knew they made the days away from me easier for him.
I was also eternally grateful to them for introducing me to my two best friends. Alice Brandon was Jasper's fiancée, and the closest thing I had to a sister. Rosalie Hale McCarty was Emmett's wife who lived in an apartment just off of the base.
Every Friday the six of us went out, whether it was to see a picture show at the cinema or dancing at one of the various nightclubs in the area. Tonight we had decided on Cocoanut Grove, a rather large dance hall about a half-hour from the base, which was known for playing the most recent jazz and swing music.
I hurried to get ready, shedding my stained dress and throwing it over the back of a chair. I would work on getting out the grass stain in the morning. Right now I was much too excited to give it a second thought.
I danced to my closet, humming quietly to myself, and took my favorite dance dress off the hanger. I slid it over my head, enjoying the sound of the rustling material as I secured the dress in place. The black fabric felt wonderful against my bare skin.
I took my hair out of its pins, enjoying the feel of the curls cascading down my back. I clipped a white gardenia into my hair, knowing the scent of it would drive Edward mad. Finally, I filled my lips in with red lipstick, desperately hoping that I looked glamorous and not as foolish as I felt.
With one final glance in the mirror, I left my room and hurried as gracefully as I could down the stairs, taking great care not to trip over my heels. Edward was in the kitchen, deep in conversation with my father. They were speaking in low voices, which concerned me, but not enough to find out what they were talking about. I would find out tomorrow. Nothing was going to ruin my night.
"Ahem," I coughed softly, not wanting to be rude. Edward turned to look at me, and the look on his face told me that I didn't look foolish in the least.
"Bella, you look absolutely stunning," he breathed, raising himself off his chair to take my hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it softly. I blushed and looked at the ground.
"I feel slightly foolish," I admitted, my cheeks coloring to a fierce red.
Edward chuckled softly. "Bella, you couldn't look foolish if you tried," he assured me, pulling me into him to kiss me lightly on the forehead. I smiled and stepped away from him, not wanting to share this intimate moment with my father.
"You do look beautiful, Bella," Charlie complimented, his voice gruff. Charlie was as uncomfortable giving compliments as I was receiving them.
"Thanks, Dad," I answered shyly, looking again at the floor. Edward pulled a pocket watch from the pocket of his uniform, snapping it open and looking at the time.
"If you'll excuse us Charlie, we should probably get going. We're due to meet the others in about 45 minutes."
Charlie nodded. "Make sure you tell Alice and Rosalie to come by sometime, Bella," he requested, grinning. I grinned back at him. He was forever asking me to have the girls come by the house. I think he had a small crush on Alice, but I would never say anything to embarrass him.
"I will, Dad. Please tell mother I said goodnight."
"Absolutely. Have fun tonight. Be safe." He clapped Edward on the back. "Always a pleasure to see you Edward. I'll see you next week, I presume?"
"Yes, sir, if it's alright with Bella."
I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes. If I'd had my way, he would with me every night of the week.
We made our way out to the driveway where Edward's Cadillac sat waiting. He had just purchased the vehicle the month before, and was still ecstatic about owning his first car. He would talk about it with a reverence, and I would bite back an indulgent smile. He was so animated when he talked about it, I couldn't tell him that I had no interest in the car talk. Admittedly, it was an attractive car. Black, with a white detachable hood, it was long and sleek, and very obviously well cared for. The interior was soft tan leather, so comfortable that at times I had to fight to stay awake while riding with him. Tonight, though, I knew I would have no problems staying awake.
Edward opened the passenger door for me, helping me into the car so I wouldn't trip over my own feet, as I often did. I smiled at him in thanks as he closed the door gently behind me, making his way around to the driver's side.
The car started with a purr so soft I could barely hear it, riding so smoothly that if I had not been looking at the passing scenery, I would never have known we were moving. The drive to Cocoanut Grove passed quickly, Edward and I teasing each other the entire way. We pulled up to find the rest of the group waiting for us.
I stepped out of the car, my skirt rustling around my knees. I suddenly felt incredibly plain, as I always did when standing next to Rosalie and Alice.
Alice was dressed in a strapless pink dress, its full, frilly skirt blowing in the slight wind. The fabric gathered at her chest, simultaneously looking untidy and elegant. Her short hair was dressed in glitter, her eyes bright with excitement. She seemed taller than her five feet, compliments of her silver stiletto heels, and she danced slightly to the music that could be heard coming out of the dancehall.
While Alice looked breathtaking, Rosalie was gorgeous. Dressed in a simple fitted black dress, it showed off her tanned legs, resplendent in black heels. Her golden tresses were piled on top of her head, and her eyes, too, sparkled with excitement.
"Bella!" She greeted me enthusiastically as we approached them. "You look absolutely stunning!" She gave me a warm hug, sniffing appreciatively at the gardenia in my hair. I smiled as I returned the hug. For someone as beautiful as Rosalie, she was one of the warmest people I knew.
"You look fabulous as always, Rose," I complimented her.
She let go of me with a smile so I could greet Alice, who had made her way over to us while the boys were saying their hellos.
"Bella, I love the dress!" She squealed, throwing her arms around me, nearly knocking me off balance. Luckily Edward was behind me to place a restraining hand on my back, helping me keep my balance. I laughed as I pulled out of her embrace.
"You look wonderful, Alice." She laughed her tinkling laugh and went back to Jasper's side, looping her arm around his waist.
"Hello, Bella," he greeted me formally. I just smiled.
"Hi, Jasper. How are you feeling? Edward told me you haven't been feeling well."
"I'm feeling much better, thank you. I have my own private nurse to make sure I stay healthy," he teased, pinching Alice's waist. She giggled and snuggled closer to him. I beamed at them. They were truly in love.
Someone cleared their throat behind me. I turned sheepishly. "Hi Emmett," I said meekly, lowering my head to conceal my grin.
"You forgot all about me, didn't you?" He asked, feigning hurt.
"Emmett, I could never forget about you!" I gasped in mock horror, raising my eyes to his. He was grinning from ear to ear as he swept me into a bear hug.
"It's good to see you, kid," he laughed as he picked me up off the ground.
"You too, Emmett," I wheezed, trying to catch my breath.
"Emmett, put her down! She's starting to turn purple," I heard Rosalie call. Emmett sighed hugely and set me on the ground. The cold air rushed into my grateful lungs.
"You know, Emmett, it wouldn't hurt you to remember how strong you actually are," I teasingly reprimanded him. He just snorted and went to Rosalie's side, taking her hand and spinning her to him.
"Show off," I heard her murmur. Emmett smirked.
"Alright, let's go dancing!" Emmett's voice carried through the parking lot, causing other couples to turn and look at us. Emmett just ignored them and threw an arm over Rosalie's shoulder, leading us into the nightclub.
Music blared from the stage, the atmosphere energetic. Couples danced around us as we made our way to a spare table. Emmett immediately ordered a beer for himself and Jasper, Edward politely declining. I knew he didn't like to drink in my presence. Though it wouldn't have bothered me, he said it made him feel like less of a gentleman.
Though she was of-age unlike Alice and I, Rosalie declined Emmett's offer of a drink, something fairly uncharacteristic of her. She typically had a glass of wine when we all went out, so her new behavior was puzzling. Before I could say anything, though, Edward grabbed my hand and led me to the dance floor. I groaned as we walked. Though I loved to dance, I was extremely uncoordinated and always tripped over my own feet.
I had been holding onto the futile idea that Edward would just want to sit and talk to his friends tonight, but I could see my hope was wasted.
Edward moved fluidly, his body in perfect time with the music. He held me close, keeping me steady as I moved clumsily with him, feeling embarrassed and out of place. Jasper and Alice danced up next to us, Alice's lithe body moving in unnatural ways as she let Jasper lead her around the dance floor. I sighed in envy.
"What's wrong, love?" Edward whispered in my ear, taking my hand and spinning me around slowly. I smiled at him. It was obvious he had seen my expression when watching Alice and Jasper, and he took it upon himself to remedy the jealousy. "You can dance just as well as she can. The only difference is I'm the only one that gets to see it." His green eyes sparkled as he spun me again, this time slightly faster. I felt my feet tangle together and lost my footing, pitching backwards into Edward's strong arms.
"You actually believe that?" I asked him wryly. He chuckled.
"Yes, I do. You can do anything you set your mind to," he assured me, helping me upright as the music changed from a jazzy swing tempo to a slow waltz. He pulled me tight against him, one hand firmly on my waist, the other entwined with mine, leaning between us against his heart. He sighed contentedly.
"I don't know what I would do without you, Isabella Swan. You are the love of my life."
I smiled into his chest, his words filling me with pure joy. What I did to deserve a man such as Edward was baffling to me.
"I love you, too, Edward Cullen. And one day I will marry you," I whispered, knowing he could hear me. He laughed quietly.
"Yes, you will, Bella. One day, after you have enrolled in University and begun to follow your dreams." I sighed heavily but did not press the issue. The night was so perfect; I didn't want to spoil it with arguments.
We continued to dance until the song ended, then Edward led me tenderly back to the table where Emmett and Rosalie sat cuddling. Rosalie smiled at me as we sat down.
"So are you ready for next week, Bella?" I grinned at her.
"Absolutely! You think Alice would allow me not to be?" We laughed together, knowing that I spoke the truth.
The annual Army Ball was to be held the following Saturday, at the Ambassador Hotel. Though I had been to the last two, I was never fully prepared for the formality of it all. Alice had helped me to pick out a blue silk dress with matching shoes, knowing it was Edward's favorite color on me. It was beautiful, but I knew I would once again be plain in comparison to my two best friends.
"If you think Alice is bad, you should see what it's been like around Rosalie every night for the last month. It's all she's been talking about," Emmett teased his wife, kissing her cheek as she pouted.
"Is it my fault that the Army Ball is my favorite time of the year?" She asked, pinching his arm playfully. Emmett laughed and lifted her to her feet.
"Come on, Rosie. Let's go practice!" With that, they moved gracefully onto the dance floor, Rosalie's peals of laughter floating back to us.
Edward looked at me, compassion in his eyes. "You know you don't have to go if you don't want to," he assured me.
"Oh, come on, Edward. You know Alice would cheerfully murder me if I didn't go. Besides," I added, stroking his cheek with my hand, "It's important to you. If it's important to you, it's important to me."
Edward's smile could have lit up the room. "We'll have fun, I promise."
"As long as I'm with you, I don't care where we are or what we're doing." I was going to continue, but Edward's kiss stopped me.
"How did I get so lucky as to find you, Bella?" He asked me, pulling my head against his chest so I could hear his rapid heartbeat.
I giggled. "I was asking myself the same thing earlier about you."
His sigh was content. "I guess we did something right in our past lives."
I closed my eyes, happier now than I had been all week. "I guess so."
We didn't move the rest of the evening; we just sat, holding each other close.
A/N: A few things you should know:
*Every place mentioned here was a real place in 1940s Los Angeles. I've just toyed with the geographic locations a bit.
*No, it's not a typo. It is really spelled Cocoanut.
*Links to pictures of the dresses and car are on my profile.
*The next chapter will be the Army Ball. After that, the real fun begins.