TWO: Holy Crow

Um, so, this is just a re-post of the original second chapter. Thanks to a review from Charlee, I realized that Edward's human last name is spelled 'Masen' and not 'Mason' as I'd originally thought (What kind of Twilight fan am I?! Haha...) So I wanted to fix that. Also, after a bit more research about 1918 Chicago, I found out that the city didn't officially declare a flu epidemic and didn't start closing public places such as theatres down until October. Toward the end of the chapter, when Bella and Edward were walking in the park, I mistakenly wrote that it was September, so I wanted to change that as well. So, I fixed Edward's name and corrected the name of the month. The rest of the chapter is the same. Sorry for the mistakes. Everything from here on out should be fine. Thanks to everyone who's been reading! -Sarah

As Bella slowly regained consciousness, strange, impossible images swirled dizzily in her aching head. She'd had the strangest dream that she'd gone back in time, to 1918 Chicago, and that a beautiful boy with a smooth, velvety voice and captivating green eyes had saved her from being run down by an antiquated automobile. She moaned quietly as her head, which was nestled against a very fluffy pillow, throbbed with the effort of remembering. She realized she was on a bed, tucked snugly under several layers of blankets, and she was extremely hot. She moaned again, louder this time, as she struggled to open her eyes.

Quick, quiet footsteps clicked rapidly across the hardwood floor. A chair creaked as someone sat down beside the bed. A moment later a hand that felt much too big to be a female's cautiously slipped over hers, completely encasing it and softly squeezing.

A terrified gasp ripped itself from Bella's dry throat when, upon finally managing to force her tired eyes open, she found herself in a strange room. The walls were a crisp white; a wardrobe, which was crafted of glossy cherry-colored wood and embellished with intricately carved decorative detail, stood against the wall across from the bed. On the wall next to the wardrobe was a spotless looking glass in a gilded golden frame. On the right side of the bed, a large window hung with white lace curtains revealed that it was dusk. Panicked and disoriented, Bella shot to a sitting position. The hand that was holding hers moved to her shoulder. She snapped her head around and found herself looking into Edward's reassuring green eyes. He sat beside her in a white dress shirt and gray slacks; his suspenders were still hooked around his broad shoulders. His bronze-colored hair was slightly mussed, like he'd been dragging his fingers through it.

"Steady now," he murmured, tightening his fingers around her shoulder when she swayed. "You're all right, don't be frightened."

"Where am I?" she rasped, her words trembling.

"This is my home," Edward explained. "I didn't know where else to take you," he shrugged, letting his hands drop to dangle between his knees and lowering his eyes to his feet when she pulled away from his touch. "I wasn't about to just leave you unconscious in the street."

Bella lowered her eyes as well, trying to keep from going into a state of shock, and found that she was wearing a long white nightgown that was just a little too big on her. She fumbled with the blankets, trying to cover herself as her cheeks burned red. Edward, who was peeking at her from beneath carefully lowered lashes, also blushed.

"I would introduce myself, but it seems as though you already know who I am." Edward finally spoke again after a brief but awkward silence, raising his head to focus his full attention on his peculiar guest.

Bella struggled to find words. It was very difficult for her to concentrate when he looked directly at her; his eyes were so beautiful and magnetic— they just pulled her in.

"Um… what?" she stammered at last.

"You called me by my name this afternoon, just after I pulled you out of the street." His eyes, which still held hers, narrowed marginally, flashing with curiosity. "I've never met you before in my life," he said, speaking with calm certainty. He leaned forward in his chair until they were practically nose-to-nose; his eyes, prying but still gentle somehow, gazed searchingly into hers. "How do you know my name?" The soft, velvet huskiness in his voice made the question sound frightening and alluring at the same time.

Bella blinked, stuttering incoherently as she desperately tried to remember how to speak. He was even more excruciatingly handsome up-close. Even if she could remember how to use her words, she doubted she'd be able to explain to him what had happened. He'd probably think she was an escaped mental patient.

"Miss!" Edward sputtered, catching her when she drooped and fell sideways. She'd lost consciousness again, but she recovered quickly this time.

"I hope you're proud of yourself," she grumbled groggily, glaring up at him through tired brown eyes as he continued to hold her upper-body against his chest.

"I beg your pardon?" Edward furrowed his eyebrows at her to show that he had no idea what she meant.

"You made me faint," she pouted.

"I made you faint?" he repeated indignantly.

"Isn't that what I just said?" Bella huffed. "I mean, what's with the interrogation, huh? I've had a very rough day, and then you come in here bombarding me with questions and… and dazzling me with your gorgeous eyes and…!"

"All right, all right, I'm sorry," Edward interjected; he could see that she was getting worked up, and he wanted to calm her down lest she faint a third time. "You're absolutely right, I was very rude."

"Oh." Bella blinked at him, clearly caught off-guard by his polite apology. "Well yes, you were, but I accept your apology."

"Thank you," Edward replied, biting back a smile. "I simply wouldn't have been able to go on living if you hadn't." He laughed when Bella scowled at him and disentangled herself from his arms. "Oh, come now," he said, tilting his head to one side and crinkling his brow contritely. "I was only teasing."

Bella huffed again and turned her face away from him.

"So… I have gorgeous eyes, do I?" he snickered after a long pause. She didn't look at him, but he noticed that her fingers tightened around the top of the blankets, squeezing wrathfully. He chuckled boyishly and pulled his fingers through his hair; he was surprised at himself, because he was usually so well-mannered and proper, but he couldn't seem to be that way around her. There didn't seem to be much of a point, because he had the strangest feeling that he knew her-- really, truly knew her-- without ever having seen her before. What was the use in being composed, polite, and reserved-- which was basically what was expected of a well-mannered, well-brought up young man like himself-- when he was so completely and incredibly comfortable around her? He felt inexplicably free to be himself with her, without having to worry about following the protocol that high-society people like him were expected to follow.

"You know," he tried again after another long stretch of silence, "you may think I'm rude, but I'm beginning to think the same of you."

"What? Why?" she demanded, whipping her head in his direction.

"Well, I did save your life," he reminded her with a shrug. "And you've yet to thank me." He watched her fair cheeks burn a divine shade of humiliated pink, and a trace of a smile brightened his eyes.

"Thank you," she said softly and sincerely, blinking her wide, childlike brown eyes at him.

"You're most welcome, Miss…?" he trailed off, trying not to appear too eager as he waited to learn her name.

"Swan," she flashed a small, almost timid smile. "Isabella Swan. But people usually just call me Bella."

"Miss Swan," he smiled. Bella. A lovely name for a lovely girl.

"Mr. Edward!" a dismayed female voice gasped from the doorway.

Edward immediately got to his feet and spun toward the door, where a tall, wiry middle-aged woman in a maid's uniform was frowning at him disapprovingly. "Nell--," he tried to speak on his own behalf.

"I won't hear a word of it!" Nell silenced him with a wave of her hand; she had a thick Irish accent. "Alone with a young lady! Why, she's not even decent, Mr. Edward! She's in her nightgown!" she scolded. "One would think you'd been raised in a barn! Out with you now, before your mother catches you. Go and change for dinner," she commanded, raising her arm and pointing emphatically out into the hallway.

Edward glanced over his shoulder at Bella and mimicked Nell's angry expression. He barely managed to contain his laughter when she began shaking with silent, hysterical giggles, hiding her smile behind her hand. He bowed his head to hide his amusement as he strode past Nell and out of the room.

Nell promptly closed the door behind him and, grumbling under her breath, turned to walk to Bella's bed; the hem of her long black skirt swished against the floor with her movement. When she was standing next to the bed, her expression became kind and warm.

"It's good to see you've come around, miss," she smiled. "Come now, let's get you up and dressed. You'll be wanting some supper by now, I'm sure, and Mr. and Mrs. Masen are eager to meet you."

"Who? Hey!" Bella yelped as Nell stripped her of her nightgown. She stood awkwardly in only her old-fashioned underwear as Nell retrieved her dress.

"You've never heard of 'em?" Nell seemed very surprised. "Why, Mr. Masen is one of the most prominent lawyers in Chicago."

"Oh, the Masens. Yes, of course," Bella nodded, pretending she knew who Nell was speaking of. She assumed the Masens were Edward's parents.

EXBEXBEXBEXBEXB

After Nell had finished helping Bella dress and fix her hair (an experience that had left Bella somewhat traumatized), the good housemaid led the young girl down a grand spiral staircase and into a huge, immaculate, extremely elegant dining room which boasted a large arched window, a gleaming crystal chandelier, and a long dining table of polished mahogany with matching upholstered chairs.

"Here's the young lady Mr. Edward rescued this afternoon," Nell announced, giving Bella's shoulders a squeeze as the girl looked around her in wide-eyed amazement. Edward's parents were loaded! Everything about this house was gigantic and luxurious.

"We're very glad to see you up and about my dear." The woman who spoke to Bella now was sitting at the far end of the vast mahogany dining table. She was unbelievably beautiful; so much so that Bella stared at her open-mouthed. She had to be Edward's mother; they looked so much alike, she had his fair skin, his green eyes, and the same copper-colored hair. She wore an impressive gown of soft green, which complimented the color of her eyes, and her red hair was pulled up into a very fashionable twist. "Aren't we, darling?" the woman shifted her attention to a tall, strapping man in a dark suit with dark hair, gentle hazel eyes and a very neatly trimmed beard who sat at the head of the table, scanning an evening newspaper.

"Hmm?" the man raised his eyes and smiled dotingly at his wife. "Oh yes, very glad indeed."

Bella took another moment to gape at Edward's father. No wonder Edward was so good-looking! Unbeknownst to her, she was also being watched: by a mesmerized Edward.

"Oh, Eddie, put the paper aside for now," Edward's mother pleaded sweetly with her husband. "You know I don't like it when you read at the dinner table."

"Yes, darling," Edward's father smiled again and obediently laid his paper on the nearby sideboard.

"Edward," Mrs. Masen spoke to her son in a chastising tone.

"Hmm?" Edward came out of his trance with a jolt and turned startled green eyes to his mother's frowning face.

"Aren't you going to offer our guest a chair?"

"Oh. Yes," Edward flushed as he got to his feet. He pulled out the empty chair next to his and said, "Would you care to sit down, Miss Swan?" He had changed into a more formal black suit complete with collar and bow tie. He looked sort of like a red-headed, 1918 version of James Bond.

"Yes, thank you," Bella murmured; she felt her cheeks get hot as her lips curved into a smile. She circled around the table to get to her seat, and just as she was about to sit down, she tripped and began to fall forward. She threw her arms around Edward's shoulders, just to have something to hold onto, and she felt his arms coil tightly around her waist. Their bodies were pressed closely against one another; they could feel each other breathing. They stared into each other's eyes, and the rest of the world seemed to just fall away.

"A-hem," Mr. Masen cleared his throat when his son and their accident-prone dinner guest remained locked in their tight embrace.

Bella released Edward and sank awkwardly into her seat, which Edward politely moved closer to the table for her. She flashed him a grateful grin when he returned to his own seat beside her, and he grinned back; they were both red in the face.

"Are you all right, my dear?" inquired a concerned Mrs. Masen.

"Oh, I'm fine," Bella reassured her with a wave of her hand. "I just tripped over this dress. I'm not used to wearing anything so elaborate. And I've never been very good at walking in heels," she stuck her foot out from under her skirt and frowned at the high-heeled satin shoe that would undoubtedly cause her to sprain her ankle. She was unaware of the shocked looks her host and hostess exchanged when she bared her ankles, which was unseemly and something a proper young lady would never do, especially in front of total strangers. Beside her, Edward's eyes grew round and his cheeks flamed a bright red at the sight of her smooth, ivory-colored skin. From what he could see, she had beautiful legs. "I'll take a comfy pair of blue jeans and an old pair of sneakers over a dress and heels any day. Ooops." Bella realized too late that she'd said something that probably made absolutely no sense to these people. Her suspicions were confirmed when she looked around the table and found three pairs of confused eyes looking back at her. "Ha," she laughed nervously and twirled a loose tendril of hair around her finger. "I'm sorry, I don't think I introduced myself," she quickly shifted subjects. "I'm Bella Swan. I really can't thank you enough for allowing me into your home, which is absolutely beautiful by the way."

"Oh," Mrs. Masen slowly began to smile. "You're quite welcome, darling. I'm Elizabeth Masen. That's my husband, Edward Sr.," she gestured to her husband, who nodded a how-do-you-do to Bella. "And of course you know our son," she smiled fondly at Edward Jr.

"Yeah," Bella mumbled, glancing shyly at the stunningly handsome boy who was sitting beside her. He glanced over at her in the same instant, their eyes met, and they both looked away again as swiftly as they could.

"Oh, wonderful. Here's the first course," Elizabeth smiled as a short, plump woman with graying hair bustled into the dining room with a tray of steaming soup bowls, the contents of which smelled absolutely scrumptious. "Thank you, Martha," Elizabeth offered her cook a heartfelt thanks. "It looks delicious."

"You're welcome, mam," Martha murmured respectfully before she waddled back to the kitchen.

"Bella?" Elizabeth spoke to her guest again as she took a dainty sip of broth from her silver soup spoon.

"Yes?" Bella sat up straight in her seat, focusing wide eyes on her hostess.

"Where do you live? We have a horse and carriage and our driver would be more than happy to take you home. After you've eaten, of course."

"Why don't you have Ramsey take the automobile?" Edward Sr. suggested.

Bella glanced back and forth between Mr. and Mrs. Masen. She supposed Ramsey was their driver, but that didn't really matter, because she was too busy panicking to care. What was she going to say?! She couldn't exactly tell them that her home was about eighty-seven years in the future!

"Edward," Elizabeth frowned at her husband. "I know how fond you are of your new little toy, but I still say those automobiles are dangerous. I'm certainly not going to send this poor child home in one."

"Um, actually," Bella's voice shook nervously and she could feel beads of perspiration roll down her right temple. "I'm kind of… between homes right now." Oh! Why did she have to be such a terrible liar?!

"What do you mean, dear?" Elizabeth tilted her head and her eyes narrowed with confusion. "What about your parents?"

"They're… far away," she stammered.

Elizabeth's eyes grew wide with shock. She sat up in her seat and pressed one hand to her mouth. "Oh, you poor darling!" she gasped, her eyes filling with tears now. "Were they lost to the influenza?"

Influenza? Bella's thoughts were bewildered. What was she talking about? Her history lessons came back to her and she realized that Mrs. Masen was speaking of the Spanish Influenza Pandemic that devastated the entire country in 1918.

"They… they were." Bella felt terrible for lying like this and taking advantage of these nice people, but what else could she do? She couldn't tell them the truth.

"Oh," Elizabeth sniffled, dabbing at the corners of her eyes with her linen dinner napkin. "You poor dear! You must stay with us. Mustn't she, Edward?" She turned her tearful green eyes on her husband.

From his seat at the head of the table, Edward Sr. opened his mouth to respond, but Elizabeth continued speaking without giving her husband a chance to say a word.

"Of course you must. This house is entirely too big for just the three of us. You're more than welcome to stay here my dear."

"Thank you," Bella said quietly, bowing her head as her cheeks flushed red again. She was going to be sent to Hell for this, she was just sure of it. She could feel Edward Jr.'s eyes on her, along with the compassion and sympathy he exuded for her.

Yes. She was definitely going to Hell.

"Elizabeth, darling, may I speak to you privately for a moment?" Edward Sr. dropped his fork and knife onto his china plate with a clang and pushed himself back from the table. Elizabeth followed him as he tromped out of the dining room; their footsteps clicked rapidly against the polished hardwood floors.

Bella cautiously turned her eyes to Edward and found that he was already looking at her. "Am I in trouble?" she asked, nibbling anxiously on her bottom lip.

"Why would you be?" Edward spoke gently to reassure her. Then he grinned crookedly. "I think Mother's the one who's in trouble. Don't worry," he said when he saw a flash of guilt spark in her eyes, "she won't be for long. Father adores her and always lets her have her way." He smiled again, encouragingly this time, picked up his soup spoon. He made a show of slurping the broth to let Bella know that it was very good and that she should eat, too. After laughing at Edward's antics, Bella picked up her spoon as well.

"Bella?"

The soft way Edward spoke to her, the kindness in his voice, made Bella's heart burn in her chest; the way he said her name was like music. It was the first time he'd called her by her name and not 'Miss Swan'. She barely remembered how to swallow, and breathing was always difficult when he was nearby. She turned wide, starry brown eyes to his curious and concerned face.

"Have you been completely alone since you lost your parents?"

"Oh," Bella stammered. She felt herself blush; her entire face felt like it was on fire. She couldn't keep up with all of these lies! It felt so wrong, especially now, looking into Edward's kind, compassionate eyes. She opened her mouth to speak again, blinking back tears.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," Edward reached for her hand when one tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. "I shouldn't have asked you that. I didn't mean to upset you."

"No, you didn't. I mean, it wasn't you--." Bella tried to explain.

"I just can't imagine what it must be like to be so young and suddenly find yourself alone," he interjected, eager to comfort her. "That's the only reason I asked. I wanted to try and let you know that you aren't alone any longer. You have no need to worry and you have no need to fear. You're safe now."

Bella's mouth fell open just slightly, and she couldn't close it again; she could only sit and gape at Edward. He was every bit at as wonderful as she knew he would be when she found his picture at the antique shop-- which seemed like ages ago-- but she was still in awe of him. Even though she'd only known him a few hours, she was sure that she'd fallen in love with him. There was absolutely no doubt in her mind.

So she had somehow traveled eighty-seven years into the past and met a boy whose picture she'd bought for ten cents at an old antique shop; and as if that wasn't bad enough, she was now completely in love with him. Bella knew she should have been panicked or hysterical or… something, but all she could feel was an incredible calm inside herself, a deep peace, because she was safe. She was with Edward. New tears, happy tears of relief, stung her eyes and she blinked to keep them back. She raised her hand and gently placed it against Edward's face as she softly whispered his name.

Edward's eyes widened; he seemed to be a bit startled for a moment. She touched him and talked to him intimately, as if they'd known each other all their lives. He should have been shocked, but he wasn't. He couldn't shake the strange but undeniable feeling that he knew her and belonged with her, and he found that he didn't want to. All he wanted was to be with her. He reached up and covered her hand with his, molding her palm to his cheek.

Approaching footsteps signaled the return of Mr. and Mrs. Masen, so Edward and Bella quickly disentangled their hands and moved their chairs away from each other. They were both eating their dinner, wide-eyed and innocent as a couple of angels, when the adults re-entered the dining room and returned to their seats. Mr. Mason looked resigned and Mrs. Mason was smiling victoriously.

"Bella dear," Elizabeth said to her young guest, "you're going to stay here with us for as long as you'd like."

"Or for as long as you can stand us," Edward Sr. piped up, his hazel eyes shining with brief amusement.

"Thank you," Bella said sincerely. "Thank you so much to both of you."

"There are a few stipulations of course," Elizabeth explained.

Mr. and Mrs. Masen spent the rest of dinner making sure that Edward and Bella understood the new house rules, most of which were designed to keep the two young teenagers from engaging in any behavior that would… compromise their virtue.

EXBEXBEXBEXBEXB

When Bella awoke the following morning, she could tell by the sunlight streaming in through her window that it was nearly lunchtime; she'd overslept. How embarrassing. She moved quickly to the door and poked her head out into the hallway. Coincidentally, Nell was just passing by and they startled each other, which made them both laugh. Nell showed Bella to the bathroom, and after Bella had bathed, Nell helped her dress and style her hair, just as she had the night before.

When she was fit to be seen, Bella descended the grand, spiraling staircase and followed an enchanting melody that she vaguely recognized into a luxurious parlor that was on the right side of the first-story hallway.

The floor of the parlor was covered with a large rug that was obviously very fine and probably very expensive. A large picture window that provided a view of the impressive front lawn was hung with rich, dark green drapes; and a white marble fireplace was the focal point of the room. The furniture in the room consisted of a high-backed sofa and matching chairs which were upholstered in fabric that matched the drapes. In one corner stood a fancy Victrola, camouflaged in its cabinet of dark wood; it seemed to silently invite Bella to come over and play a record. An impressive grand piano sat in the far corner of the room, angled safely away from the fireplace. Edward was seated at the piano, his back to an open-mouthed Bella, as he lost himself in his music.

"Debussy," Bella murmured to herself when she finally remembered the composer of the piece Edward was playing. She recognized the music as Clair de Lune, which was one of her mother's favorite pieces of classical music.

Edward startled at the sound of her voice and twisted around on the piano bench. He smiled when he found Bella standing in the parlor's doorway.

"I'm sorry," Bella quickly apologized, wringing her hands. She felt horrible for ruining such a beautiful moment. Edward was magical when he played; he truly had a gift. "I didn't mean--."

"It's perfectly all right," Edward hastened to reassure her. "Did you sleep well?"

"Very," Bella nodded. "I think I slept a little too long, though."

"Nonsense," Edward chuckled.

"But it is late, isn't it?" Bella's nose scrunched up in a very cute way when she asked the question.

"Well, yes," Edward admitted with another chuckle. "But that's partly my fault, I think. Nell wanted to wake you hours ago, but I wouldn't let her disturb you."

"Oh." Bella wasn't sure why, but Edward refusing to let Nell wake her made her smile. Then she frowned. "Your parents weren't upset?"

"Father went off to the office early this morning; and Mother's been out running… errands," Edward reported with a mischievous grin. He was facing her full-on now, sitting the wrong way on the piano bench with his hands on his thighs; he had amazing posture-- so regal.

"What kind of errands?" Bella grinned back at him, intrigued by the way he'd said the word.

"Oh no," Edward continued to grin as he wagged his finger at her. "I've been sworn to secrecy."

"Are they… errands for me?" Bella smiled. Edward was silent, but his shoulders shook with soundless laughter. "You can't give me a hint?" she pleaded cutely.

"My Mother has taken quite a liking to you, Miss Swan," Edward smiled. That was all he said.

"What about your father? He's a lawyer, yes?" Bella remembered Nell mentioning that to her the night before. "I'd hate to be on his bad side."

"He is a lawyer," Edward nodded. "One of the best in Chicago."

Bella tilted her head and her pretty brown eyes narrowed into a curious squint. Why did he sound so angry when he spoke about his father's profession? "His work must keep him very busy," she ventured to say; thinking the reason for Edward's irritation was the fact that his father was so often occupied with his work.

"He works hard, but he's always been a good father to me," Edward became defensive. When he saw the saddened look on Bella's face, he expelled a long breath and raked his fingers through his hair. "I'm sorry, Bella," he apologized. "I shouldn't have raised my voice to you."

"No, it's all right," Bella assured him. "I shouldn't have pried. I was rude."

"You weren't," Edward shook his head. "My father's profession isn't something I enjoy talking about."

Bella sensed he was giving her an opportunity to ask questions, so she cautiously said, "Why is that?"

"I'm going to graduate from high school this June. When I do, Father expects me to go to law school. He wants me to be a lawyer like him," Edward replied gloomily.

"You don't want to," Bella's words were a statement. It was clear from the tone of Edward's voice and the expression on his face that he'd rather walk across hot coals than become a lawyer. She walked toward him slowly and carefully sat down beside him on the piano bench.

Edward had dropped his head, his chin on his chest. When Bella took a seat next to him, he felt her arm brush his and he raised his head to look into her eyes. This was strange… in a good way. He wasn't accustomed to having someone his own age to talk to. Having Bella as a confidante was a nice change.

"I have absolutely no interest in studying law!" He finally admitted the truth out loud, which was a huge relief; his shoulders sagged as the weight of his silent burden was lifted.

"You want to be a pianist?" Bella asked softly.

"I would love that," Edward murmured; a trace of a smile brightened his face. "Mother supports my love of music-- she gave me three different sets of sheet music for my last birthday-- but Father thinks it's just a waste of time. Do you know what he gave me for my birthday?" When Bella shook her head Edward dryly said, "A set of encyclopedias." He moved his shoulders, like he was trying to shake off everything he'd just said. "It doesn't matter. As soon as I turn eighteen, I'm going to enlist and fight in the war," he said with passionate conviction. When Bella opened her mouth to respond, Edward got to his feet and said, "I think I've talked enough. Let's do something else now."

"Such as…?" Bella prompted, getting to her feet as well.

"Come to the park with me," Edward suggested eagerly with a boyish grin.

"The park?" Bella repeated uncertainly. She and the outdoors were not a good mix; she was much too accident-prone.

"We could go to the theatre if you'd prefer." Edward's forehead furrowed with thought for a moment before it smoothed out again and his eyes flashed apologetically. "Oh, I'm afraid we can't do that actually. It's closed."

"Closed?" Bella echoed perplexedly.

"It's been closed temporarily because of the influenza epidemic," Edward explained; he spoke easily, like he was discussing the weather, which surprised Bella.

"Maybe it would be better if we stayed inside," she suggested nervously.

"Oh," Edward frowned cutely. "Don't be a spoilsport, Bella. There are plenty of safety precautions that can be taken. Besides, I refuse to live my life in fear. Tomorrow's Monday, which means I have to go back to school, and I don't intend to waste one moment of what's left of my weekend."

"Not even if it means you catch a deadly case of the flu?" Bella asked with an arched eyebrow.

"Not even then," Edward declared. "I'm going to the park with or without you, but I'd have a much better time if you were with me." He tilted his head and crinkled his brow in a pleading expression.

Bella blew out a shaky breath and tried unsuccessfully to keep from smiling. He… was… so beautiful! The risk of coming down with a deadly virus would be a small price to pay to spend the afternoon with Edward. "All right, you win!" she exclaimed with a laugh. Edward grinned victoriously and offered her his arm. Bella laughed again as she slipped her arm through his and said, "You're too charming for your own good." They both laughed together as they exited the parlor.

Edward briefly left Bella at the foot of the stairs to race up to his bedroom. He was toting a wooden bat, a baseball, and two gloves when he stampeded back down the stairs a few moments later.

"Another birthday present," he grinned at Bella's confused expression.

"You're not… expecting me to play baseball with you, are you?" Bella felt her stomach flip. She was lethal when she played any type of sport-- and not in a good way.

"Of course I am," Edward chuckled. "I can't exactly pitch to myself, can I?"

"Edward," Bella fretted, chewing on her bottom lip, "I'm horrible at sports."

"Well, I'm not," Edward grinned again. "I'll teach you."

Bella groaned silently as Edward took her arm again and led her toward the front door. It was obviously pointless to try and explain that teaching would do no good. He'd just have to find out the hard way.

A stout, suit-clad balding man with a well-manicured moustache bustled toward the two teenagers; he was obviously the butler, and he looked nervous. "You're going out, sir?" he asked, the words thick with a pleasant British accent.

"Yes, Collins," Edward flashed a winning smile.

"Oh," Collins stammered. "But, sir, your mother's out and… and I'm not sure she'd approve of you going out alone with our… our… guest." Collins's blue eyes flicked to Bella's face and back to Edward.

"I appreciate your concern, but I can assure you, Collins, that it is unnecessary," Edward replied.

"Yes, sir," Collins mumbled. He moved to the heavy, ornately carved mahogany front door and pulled it open. He bowed to Edward and Bella as they stepped out into the sunshine.

EXBEXBEXBEXBEXB

After a pleasant walk through Edward's picturesque neighborhood, they arrived at one of the most breathtaking places of outdoor recreation that Bella had ever seen. The park, which Edward had called Lincoln Park, was vast and green. Tall trees with thick boughs of changing autumn leaves and bunches of colorful, fragrant flowers dotted the landscape. The sky stretched on forever above their heads, cloudless and perfectly blue, and the air was full of birdsongs. It boasted fountains and charming walking paths and sculptures galore.

Bella and Edward claimed a spot in an open field. Bella gulped as she waited for Edward to pitch to her. The bat she held in her hands made her extremely nervous.

"Now, remember to bend your knees!" Edward shouted to her. He was a few paces away, preparing to throw the first pitch. "And hold the bat up! Don't let it hang!"

A young couple who was taking a leisurely stroll along a nearby path glanced skeptically at Bella. Baseball was a man's sport.

Bella made the proper adjustments and Edward threw the ball. She squeezed her eyes shut and swung the bat. Not only did she miss the ball completely, she somehow managed to whack herself with the bat. She ended up in a heap on the ground. Edward dropped his glove and sprinted in Bella's direction.

"Bella, Bella, are you all right?" he panted, dropping to his knees beside her.

"I told you I was horrible at sports," Bella pouted, allowing Edward to pull her to her feet.

"That was only your first try," Edward comforted her. "Surely you're not going to quit already." He saw Bella open her mouth, but he spoke before she could. "Let's just put the bat aside for now. Why don't we try pitching instead?"

"All right," Bella grumbled. "But before we do that, I'm going to get out of these shoes." She stepped out of her heels with a groan of relief. She briefly considered asking Edward to help her unlace her corset, but she decided that might be taking things a bit too far. She moved to stand across from Edward and held her glove out, waiting for his pitch. With a snap of his wrist he sent the ball speeding through the air. It collided with the inside of Bella's glove with a snap!

"Holy crow!" Bella exclaimed, gaping in amazement first at the ball in her glove and then at Edward.

Edward burst into uproarious laughter; he was doubled over with his hands on his knees. "Holy crow?" he repeated when he was able to speak again. "You certainly have a strange way of speaking, Miss Swan. But I like it," he smiled at her. "All right, your turn," he said, getting back to business. He readied himself to catch her pitch.

Bella lobbed the ball back to him, but she aimed a little too high and Edward had to duck to avoid being struck in the head.

Edward stared at her, his eyes wide. All he said was, "Holy crow."

"Oh," Bella frowned, blinking back tears of embarrassment. "I'm so sorry."

"No, no. You are not to blame," Edward said, ambling toward her with a masculine, confident, and athletic stride. When he was at her side, he gently put his hand on her shoulder. "After all, you did try to warn me."

"Well, that's true," Bella sniffled.

A soft chuckle rumbled in Edward's throat. "I have learned my lesson," he promised. "I will never ask you to play baseball with me again. But I'd like very much if you would watch me play from time to time."

"Okay," Bella agreed with a small smile. Watching she could do.

"Splendid," Edward smiled back at her. "Come now, no more tears," he said, wiping the few droplets that had fallen onto her cheeks away with the pad of his thumb. "Would you like to take a walk with me?" Bella couldn't speak. Edward was touching her face! She managed a slight nod. Edward smiled again, gathered up all of his baseball equipment in one arm, and offered the other arm to Bella.

The two seventeen-year-olds meandered along one of the many dirt footpaths, enjoying each other's company and the beauty of the October day. Edward silently untangled his arm from around Bella's and reached out to pluck a beautiful blue flower for her. They came to a brief halt so Bella could slide it into her hair.

Bella's heart was racing in her chest. Her desire to kiss him was slowly driving her insane. She wasn't sure if girls were supposed to make the first move in this century, but she was long past the point of caring. As soon as she was able to get the flower to stay in her hair without falling out, she was going to do it. She was going to kiss Edward.

Edward watched her struggle with her flower with smiling eyes. Then his expression became very serious. "Bella?" he murmured uncertainly.

"Yes?" Bella stopped fidgeting with her flower long enough to look into his eyes. When she saw the anxious expression on his face, she became worried. "What is it?" she asked.

"I hope you'll forgive me for being so forward; I know we've only just met, but…." Edward wrapped his hands around her upper-arms and slowly bowed his head until his lips touched hers in a gentle, almost reverent, first kiss. When he pulled back, she was staring at him with awestruck eyes and her mouth was slightly agape. "I've wanted to do that since I pulled you out of the street yesterday afternoon," he confessed in a whisper. "Do you think me a terrible brute?"

"Uh-uh," Bella mumbled, dreamily shaking her head back and forth. She stood on her tip-toes and lifted her chin until their lips touched again.

The second kiss was short, but it was powerful. It was bright, and white-hot, like lightning. Edward and Bella both felt the power of each other in that kiss, felt the connection that had somehow brought them together. It was as though their souls recognized each other and were celebrating finally being able to be together.

Bella dragged her mouth away from his, but Edward (who had dropped his baseball things thoughtlessly to the ground) reached up to cradle her face. He nuzzled his forehead against hers and they smiled into each other's eyes as they struggled to catch their breaths.

Bella's smile slowly vanished as guilt about the secret she was keeping crept into her heart. "Edward," she said softly.

"What is it?" he murmured back to her, closing his eyes and breathing her in.

"I have something to tell you, but I'm not sure how to say it…."

"Then don't," Edward whispered; his eyes were still closed and he continued to nuzzle her forehead with his. "Not now," he pleaded, the words unintentionally seductive. He could tell by the tone in her voice that whatever she wanted to tell him was unpleasant, and he didn't want to hear it. He didn't care. All he cared about was her. Nothing else mattered.

"Okay," Bella whispered a reply. When Edward slipped his hand underneath her chin and lifted her face up for another kiss, her heart danced. Even though this was only their third kiss, she already knew that he was the one she wanted to love forever. When they kissed, there were none of the traditional fireworks or loud, crashing drums. It was just quiet. It was just her and him. That's how she knew without a shadow of a doubt that she belonged with him. And somehow, for whatever reason, the universe had pulled her back eighty-seven years into the past to show her that.

When the third kiss finally ended, Bella's head was spinning and her knees were weak. She slipped her arms around Edward's broad shoulders and just hugged him, waiting for the wonderful dizziness to pass. She felt his strong arms encircle her waist and pull her closer to his body. So this is what love feels like Bella thought to herself. A smile turned up the corners of her mouth and she sighed contentedly as she nestled her cheek against Edward's chest.

"Holy crow," she mumbled blissfully. She felt Edward's chest vibrate with a soft chuckle, and the sound of it echoed against her ear.

Phew. I finally finished the second chapter! Sorry it took so long. My Internet has been very naughty lately, and my e-mail is still down; but I'll still be able to communicate with you through the site, I just won't be able to receive any PMs.

Moving on to the most important part: you guys and your utter awesomeness! Thank you for sending me such great reviews for the first chapter! It really motivated me and made me excited to write the second chapter. See? Feedback is important, so please be kind and write me a review. They don't have to be long or anything. Just let me know what you think. I'm open to anything.

Okay, so for the next chapter, Edward's parents are going to find out about his romance with Bella. His father will not be happy about it, and Edward is going to do something drastic to keep from losing Bella. Then the flu will hit. Hard.

All right, that's all for now. Again, thanks to every one of you for being so kind and reviewing. Please don't be shy about sending me a message. I love hearing from you. –Sarah PS: Less than two weeks 'til Breaking Dawn! Eeeppp! Hehe…