Place of the Lost

A/N: I never planned on writing a story, but this idea has been plaguing me for days. I had to put it on paper. This is my first attempt so be easy on me. The concept is Twilight but Edward knew Bella while he was still human. Later they'll be some Cherokee legends woven in and a taste of the South. Hope you like it!

Disclaimer: Twilight and all of its Characters belong to Stephenie Meyer

Chapter 1: The Best Laid Plans…

EPOV

It was the happiest summer of my life. I turned seventeen, and I was invincible. My future looked brighter than the hot Chicago sun, that threatened to melt the icing on my modest vanilla birthday cake. We sat alone at a picnic table in the park, as I bent down to blow out the single candle on the cake she baked for me. It was just me and the most beautiful girl in the world. My Bella had long brown hair with shiny curls that bounced around her face when she laughed. She never sullied her porcelain skin with makeup; her luscious pink lips were never desecrated with ostentatious red lipstick. Her deep brown eyes were mysterious and soulful. Bella's beauty was so natural; it radiated out from the sweet, gentle spirit within. I often told her how lovely she truly was. She always giggled and rolled her eyes saying, "Edward, I'm plain." Plain! Plain like a rare diamond. Plain like a tropical sunset. Plain like a field of blooming wildflowers. Suddenly her sweet yet distressed voice interrupted my thoughts, "Edward, are you scared?"

"What do you mean?"

In a troubled tone she replied, "Don't pretend, you don't know what I'm talking about. War is serious Edward, men are dying everyday in Europe."

"I won't die in the war Bella, besides it's almost over. It's 1918, for God's sake! The hellish thing has lasted for four years now."

"You don't know how long it will last Edward. I just can't understand why you want to go so badly. You know it's dangerous. It's one thing to be drafted, but Edward why are you going to lie about your age just so you can risk your neck?"

"Of course it's a risk, but without risk there is no glory."

"Glory? Are you serious?" She snorted sarcastically.

"Yes Bella, I'm serious. Don't you see? It's a man's duty to fight for his country, and when I get back I'll be worthy."

"Dear, you're being dreadfully evasive today. What is it exactly that you need to be worthy of?"

"Your hand in marriage." Then we were silent. She smiled and I saw a lone tear cascade down her cheek. I gently wiped it away with my fingertips. She never mentioned my plans to join the military again. I know she didn't care if I was a war hero or a vagabond. Bella would love me regardless, that was her nature. She also understood that this was something I had to do for myself. Deep down, I knew I wasn't worthy of her. I was just a carpenter's son. Maybe if I could risk my life for something bigger than myself, I could be good enough for my Bella.

I wrapped my arms around her as she rested her head upon my chest. I took her chin in my hand and lightly kissed her lips. I tucked my head down into her hair, breathing in her brown curls. Ahh… lavender, her scent was intoxicating. We sat at that picnic table for a long time, just enjoying the summer ambiance. The blue sky turned to smoldering hues of red, orange and pink. We watched the sunset behind the leaves of a towering oak.

When the last rays of the warm day gave way to the shadows, I groaned and began to stand. My legs had grown stiff from sitting so long. Taking her hand, I broke the long silence, "I need to get you home Bella, your father will be worried." I chuckled lightly and added, "Don't want him pulling his pistol on me." I was only half joking, Charlie really was an edgy man, especially when it came to Bella. His wife left the two of them for a baseball player when Bella was thirteen. Charlie saw me as a threat; she was all he had left. His worst fear was losing her… at least we had one thing in common.

Bella took my hand and we started walking the short distance to her house. My heart skipped a beat, every time a street light illuminated her angelic face and revealed her soft smile. Her skirt swayed in the breeze as I lead her up the steps to her door. We stopped in front of the house and she suddenly turned to me. Before I knew what was happening, her lips were pressed against mine with an unexpected intensity. I instinctively wrapped my arms around her as her tongued danced on my lips. Passion stirred deep inside me and her tongue gently caressed mine. A low groan slipped from my throat and she immediately broke the kiss. She looked up into my eyes; her cheeks blushed a fiery red. A giggled escaped from her lips and she whispered, "Happy birthday."

"Thank you for the most wonderful birthday of my life."

She rolled her eyes, "Oh Edward, it was a little cake and an evening in the park."

"I can't imagine a better day. When I'm in Europe in a few months, I'll think of this day." I watched her face turn grim and realized that I just ruined a very special moment with my morbid thoughts. "I'm sorry, we'll worry about that when the time comes."

"Sounds good to me, we'll enjoy this summer while it lasts." she forced a fake grin. "Good night Edward, I love you."

"I love you too Bella. But, good night? How about see you soon?" I stole a quick kiss and watched my favorite wide smile break out on her face. An unexpected noise intruded upon our intimate moment. The heavy wood door creaked open behind us and her father stood on the threshold with a stern look on his face.

"Good night Mr. Masen."

"Good night Mr. Swan." I nodded and smiled at Bella, then turned to make my way home. I couldn't help but smile as I listened to the rhythmic thud of my boots on the sidewalk. The whole day played over and over in my mind. Waking up to find a small box wrapped in newspaper and tied with twine sitting on my bedside table. My father must have saved for months to buy me that watch. My mother cooked my favorite breakfast of eggs, bacon, biscuits and grits, a menu that was a tribute to her childhood in the South. After spending most of the day with my parents, I left the house to visit my girl.

That was the best part of the day, being with my Bella. I've known her for nearly all of my life. We grew up three blocks away from each other. We had been best friends since we were seven-years-old and Michael Newton kicked mud on her dress on the way to school. I gave the little asshole a black eye. I've been her protector ever since and she's been my confidant. I could trust her with my darkest secrets. She never told anyone the numerous embarrassing tidbits I divulged to her; she just listened and shared my silly adolescent burdens. I knew she was a good friend then, but it wasn't until we were thirteen that I saw how truly wonderful she was. Her mother left her but she never cried for her loss. She cried for her father, and she worried about his loneliness. She diligently took over every household duty her mother performed., doing everything she could to make the transition easier for Charlie. Even at such a young age she was selfless. I've been in love with her ever since.

I reached the door to my house and slowly turned the knob. My mother smiled at me warmly. Her forehead was creased with worry, and a low groan came from the living room, "Edward is that you?"

"Yes dad, I'm home. You don't sound well. Are you sick." Truthfully not well was an inadequate description of how my father sounded. Half-dead was probably more accurate but I didn't want to offend him.

"My throat is sore and my stomach isn't well; your mother thinks I have a fever. But you know me, I'm strong as an ox. I'm sure I'll feel better in the morning." Ox? This too was an inadequate description. He sounded more like a dying cow. I lit the oil lamp in the living room and was shocked at what I saw. My father was deathly pale, covered in sweat and frighteningly weak. The sight made my stomach turn. He looked so healthy this morning. The dim light of the drab living room only made the situation worse. His eyes seemed darker than normal and his brown hair looked unusually dull.

"Get some rest dad, I'm going to my room to read."

"Don't stay up too late, I need your help in the shop tomorrow." he groaned.

"I know, Good night." I nodded and smiled at his weak frame sprawled across the brown sofa."

"Good night."

I climbed the stairs to my modest bedroom. The wooden walls did little to keep the cold out in the winter, and the heat could become oppressive this time of year. My twin bed sat in the corner covered with dingy white sheets and a green blanket. My many books lined the far wall. A single window allowed the moonlight to dance across the wooden floor. It wasn't much but it was more than a lot of people had, and it was home. I settled into my bed and lit the oil lamp so I could find my favorite book. I read a few pages of Bram Stoker's Dracula, as I listened for my mother to go to bed. When I was sure that she had fallen asleep, I slowly got up. The bed creaked noisily under me as I slinked to the window. I carefully scaled the terrace and began making my way back to my Bella.

When I reached her house, I picked up a few tiny stones and snuck around to her window. I lightly threw the stones, hitting her second story window. Suddenly the white curtain opened and her smiling face appeared. I heard the window raise and she whispered a hello. The moonlight leapt off her curls and her radiance glowed in the dim light of her room. I burned with desire to touch her but I knew that was something I couldn't risk. If Charlie were to hear me in her room, I wouldn't live to go to war.

I heard her giggle lightly, "What's so funny?" I asked.

"This reminds me of the balcony scene from Romeo and Juliette. O Edward, Edward wherefore art thou Edward? I snorted loudly at her theatrics. "Shhhh..." she cried.

"If only I could be as romantic as him." I mused.

"Edward, if you'll recall Romeo's romantic ambitions killed him." Her stern tone gave me the feeling she's wasn't talking about Romeo anymore. I tried to lighten the atmosphere.

"I blame it on poor planning. If you're going to fake a suicide you really should work out the finer details." She smirked slightly. "Don't worry Bella our plans are better; I'll spend a year or so in the military while you finish school. Then I'll come back and work with my dad in the shop. We won't be rich but I'll make enough to support you and a family." I couldn't help but grin as I talked about our future. The thought of having a family and well… making a family with Bella made me downright giddy.

"I can't wait Edward." She smiled and I longed to kiss those pink lips.

I tried to speak in my deepest romantic voice but "I love you Bella." erupted from my throat in a raspy groan reminiscent of my father's weak voice.

"I love you too dear; are you okay?" She said in a concerned tone.

"I may be coming down with something, my father was sick this evening."

"Oh no Edward, you don't have the flu do you? You know how terrible that is, it's been spreading all over the city."

"Don't worry Bella, I'm sure that it isn't that serious."

"Why don't you go home and rest, the night air will make anything you DO have worse."

"You're right, Good night Bella. Sleep well my love."

'"Good night Edward."

Despite my suddenly aching throat, I walked home completely content that evening. The thought of spending my life with Bella literally made me overflow with joy. I probably could have skipped down the sidewalk but the passing cars may have thought I was insane. Then again being in love was a lot like being insane. I was shamelessly affectionate towards her and would gladly sacrifice every shred of dignity and masculine pride just to make her smile. My Bella, my girl, my everything. I climbed my terrace and tucked myself in under my dingy sheets. I watched the moonlight streak across the wooden planks of my floor until a heavy, restful sleep brought me the sweetest dreams.

A/N: I'd love to know what you think! Please review and tell me if you'd like me to continue.