A War On My Heart
The Draft
We were sitting together on the couch, my fingers laced with his. The lights were off and the only light in the room came from the TV. We were watching the news as we did every night, the sound up as loud as we could make it to ignore the sounds of screams and gunshots outside. We weren't paying attention to the news of the latest death toll or who was the new suspected leader of the rebel group. No, we were waiting for the draft call. This was the sixth year of World War III. It was the year 2078 and fifty years ago the world split into two groups: the rebels and the followers. In 2020, a man called Carl Henson came up with the idea of a utopian society, one that the world could conform to in reality. He soon met with all the world leaders at a UN meeting and it was decided. From 2020 to 2025 the world became what was supposed to be a utopia. All currency was destroyed and The Ordinances became law. There was no act done in the name of a sacred being, or in the name of a certain religion. Trade would become currency. All people were educated and assigned to jobs that best suited their talents and desires when they turned twenty-one. At first, it seemed wonderful. Wars ceased and for a while people seemed to thrive with the idea of a perfect society, but then in 2028 the second group emerged: the rebels. These were the people who believed the new society was wrong and brainwashed citizens. After the murder of Carl Henson on December 17, 2028; the world exploded in anger. It was small at first, a bomb to the Statue of Libery in America, another to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Then, America retaliated bigger. Hostage camps of suspected rebels began there, and soon the idea spread all over. Now, the world is in turmoil. Constant crime is all we hear outside and the danger of simply going outside is enough to keep most people inside their homes. Education was pointless now, children were afraid to go to school. Edward and I were lucky. Carlsile, his father, took it upon himself to make sure we learned our history. For two years, I've been coming to his house every morning and leaving after the news every night. So far, Edward hasn't yet been drafted. I felt y chest clench with the thought of him going away to war and I squeezed his hand, looking for comfort.
"Bella," he whispered softly, "it's alright. They say soon there might be a break in the drafts to leave some men home."
I just shook my head and squeezed his hand again. we both knew he was lying. I heard a familar sounds of pings and I looked at the TV screen to see a dark-skinned woman behind a desk, smiling as if the world was in perfect order.
"Welcome to Channel 10 news. I'm Jackie Kelsing and here's the latest news of rebel attacks with John Harver."
The picture changed to a man with glasses and mousy brown hair.
"Thank you Jackie. The rebels are fighting for the land in Canada now as a way to push themselves into the United States. If they succeed in infiltrating our country, the president has been heard to say America will cease to be as we know it. The president has also made a statement, saying the draft will continue on. With the draft dates, here is Michelle Brinkley."
The picture changed once more to a small Asian woman. She looked truly sad as she reached into the paper and pulled it straight, reading the date.
"April 7th."
I heard a soft exhale. I turned to Alice and she gave me a tiny smile. She was worried for Jasper, just as I was terrified for Edward. Many rebels and followers had both come to Jasper, wanting him for his size and strength. I looked at Rosalie and Emmett who were cradling a tiny child. Emmett wasn't paying attention but I knew Rosalie was. Her eyes flickered to the screen and she seemed to hold her baby girl tighter. The woman on the screen pulled another piece of paper and read the second date.
"January 21st."
Emse wimpered and I turned to see her holding Carlisle's arm. He wouldn't be drafted. He was needed here, as a doctor for injured citizens. I knew within a week a letter would come telling him to stay. He kissed her hand and whispered to her, telling her he loved her and that he knew what a close call it was. My hand tightened on Edward's and he turned my head from the screen, putting his forehead on mine.
"Don't listen."
"I have to Edward."
"They won't call me."
"Don't jinx it."
He took his hands away from mine and put them over my ears, his eyes boring into mine. I sighed and he kissed me lightly.
"Let go for me Bella."
I looked into his eyes and kissed him back, my heart tight in my chest as I heard the barely audible sound of the woman's voice. The hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I turned to see his family staring at us.
"W..why are you all looking at us?"
Esme was the only one who spoke, her voice shaking.
"June 8th. Edward."
I stared at him, my mouth open.
"No."
He didn't speak, but took my hands in his and put them to my sides.
"No dammit!"
"Bella," he said softly.
"Don't. You said they wouldn't call you. You promised you wouldn't leave me here..."
I pulled my hands from his and put them to my eyes trying to stop the flow of my tears. The sob in my voice grew as I spoke.
"You can't go. I just can't let you go."
I was in shock, I could feel it. Carlsile came behind me and I screamed, latching myself to Edward.
"No!!"
I felt cold on my hair and I looked up to see tears in Edward's eyes.
"I'm so sorry Bella."
He moved his arms and Carlisle detatched me from him, pulling me to the couch. Alice, Rosalie and Esme and gathered around me, expressing their sadness Edward had just been drafted.
"No, no no. He's not going, he's not."
A water bottle was shoved into my hand and Carlsile was staring at me, feeling my head.
"Drink it."
"I can't," I whispered feebly, trying to see Edward over their heads. Esme took the bottle from my hands and opened it, putting the water to my lips. I put my mouth around it like a child and she tipped the bottle, letting the cold water flow down my throat.
"Edward, please come here."
He appeared by my side and took my hand in his, rubbing it gently.
"I might not have to go. I have two weeks to get ready and report. If I don't have to go I'll get a letter next week. I'm studying to be a doctor, if I can prove to them I'm good enough, they might let me stay."
I downed the water and kept my eyes down for fear if I looked at him I would start crying again.
"It will be alright Bella. I'll come over tomorrow to get you alright?"
I nodded and stood up trembling. Edward's hand stayed on mine and we walked to the door. I felt a hand on my shoulder and I turned to see Alice.
"You're my sister Bella. I'm gonna take care of you too okay?"
I nodded and hugged her tight with one arm, my eyes filling with tears again. She moved away from me and Edward opened the door, revealing his neighborhood. Glass littered the streets and a woman's scream echoed through the night. A gunshot, then two. Edward put his hands over my head and we ducked down as we went to his car. We were more safe inside there. On it was a symbol of a star inside a heart, the symbol of those who were neutral. It was made from neon tape so it could be seen even in the dark. Still, he insisted I lay down in the backseat. I took my place and he got into the driver's seat, starting the engine. We started driving and I held my breath, my way of prayer for luck. We made it to my house with no warning shots, something unusual. He walked me to my door and kissed me passionately, his hot tears against my face.
"I love you Bella."
My heart clenched inside my chest and I felt tears fall down my cheeks again as I held him tighter.
"Edward, oh Edward I love you too."
I heard Charlie's heavy footsteps and Edward kissed me again.
"I"ll come back early," he whispered.
"I love you," I said again, not wanting to let go.
Charlie opened the door and Edward put my hand on his arm.
"Bye Bella," he said softly.
He took a step to his side and then started walking to his car. I waited until he left our street and was out of sight, and then I sobbed into Charlie's arms.
"He's leaving... they called his birthday."
"I know sweetheart."
He hand rubbed circles into my back but I just cried, my body feeling like it was on the verge of collapse.
"I need to lay down."
Charlie lead me inside to my bed on the couch and I pulled the covers over my face, not bothering to change. The phone rang and I groaned, pulling my pillow over my face.
"Bella? It's Jacob."
I sat up and took the phone from him, whispering into the phone.
"Bella? I just heard, I'm so sorry."
"I know."
My voice was meek and sorrowful and I held the phone away from me as I sniffled.
"Bella?"
"Hm?"
"Can I come see you tomorrow, at his house?"
"I don't know... Edward likes his time alone with me."
"Can I come to your house tomorrow night then? I really want to see you."
"Yes," I whispered.
"Thanks."
"Bye."
I hung up the phone and put it on the table next to me. I slowly untied my shoes and Charlie trudged up beside me.
"How you holding up?"
"I'll be fine. Jacob wants to come over tomorrow."
"He's more than welcome."
I nodded and slipped off my socks.
"Night, Dad."
He kissed the top of my head and spoke softly before walking to his room down the hall.
"Night, kiddo."
I pulled off my jeans and laid back down on the couch, pulling the blanket up to my shoulders. I rolled to my side and rubbed the fabric against my cheek, inhaling the scent again.
"I love you Edward," I whispered to myself.
Eventually, I fell asleep. When I did, I dreamt of Edward, the war, and our deaths.