Disclaimer: All Twilight characters belong to Stephanie Meyers.
Warning: This story contains slash. Do not read if you are under 18 or if this is not your cup of tea (yes, I'm old enough to use a statement like that).
Chapter 1
"Edward Anthony Masen, you are not getting out of this dinner party. I've planned this for too long."
Elizabeth Masen was not a woman to anger. Edward attempted to fix his white bow tie without success. He hated these formal suits as well as the dinners and was not fooled for the reason behind them. Elizabeth playfully slapped his hand away from his tie and proceeded to fix it quickly and proficiently herself. She smiled adoringly up at her son as only a mother could.
" Edward, you are my only son. I just want to see you happy." She wore a determined expression. "Even if I have to force you into it."
Elizabeth walked away in her silk evening dress ready to make sure the final touches for the party were complete. Mary, their maid, had been scrurrying around the house all day, making sure to stay away from the insistent, repetitive questions of her employer. Edward had been watching his mother and Mary with amusement all day. Mary always managed to stay one step ahead of Elizabeth, even to the point of leaving a room before Elizabeth entered.
The house was in perfect order. Fresh flowers were placed throughout. The best silverware and china had been brought out for use and polished until they gleamed. Edward knew he had his work cut out for him tonight.
He had been through this before but it never got any easier. He had pleaded with his father to no avail. His father only hinted to him again that he only had to endure one more year. Once he was eighteen he could be out of the endearing machinations of his well-meaning mother. The draft age had been decreased from 21 to 18 just the previous year. Edward felt that if it could be dropped by three years, why not one more. He was tired of doing his duty at home by helping to sell war bonds, but his mother had threatened him within an inch of his life if he even thought about sneaking off to enlist early.
Later, Edward and his parents were in the front hall awaiting the guests, greeting everyone at the door.
Mr. Charles Swan, his wife Renee, and their daughter Isabella, walked in. Isabella was petite with pale skin and dark mahogany hair. She was a beauty and more engaging than just looks. She was also Elizabeth's secret weapon. Isabella was the same age as Edward and had some of his same interest in literature. She could talk of more than just the latest fashion designer or ball. His mother had a look on her face that practically screamed this is the future mother of my grandchildren, whenever she spoke to Isabella in church.
At times he felt he would suffocate with the expectations of his parents. It did no good to tell his mother that he was not interested in marriage; that he wanted adventure and travel before settling down with a wife and children. If nothing else, he had school to think about. His father had planned to have him intern at his law firm for that summer, and gave him no option of refusing. His father wanted him to have something to fall back on, in case the other ideas in his young mind did not pan out.
The dinner parties were Elizabeth's way of to try to prevent Edward from going to the war by way of marriage. His mother had thrown various girls at him in the past year with the hope that one of them would stick. If nothing else, his mother had adhered herself to Isabella.
"Hello Isabella. It's so nice of you to come."
'It was very nice of you to invite my family to your home Mrs. Masen. And it is such a lovely home."
"Why thank you Isabella. I love my home but I think my garden is my pride and joy. Edward, why don't you show Bella the garden?"
"Of course. Isabella?"
Edward held out his arm and Isabella wrapped her arm around his. They walked toward the back of house to the garden. Edward could hear his mother and father greeting more guests.
Bella glanced around at the opulent but tasteful, furnishings and décor throughout the house as they walked to the exit leading to the garden.
"Are all these flowers in the house from your mother's garden?"
"Yes, my mother..." all of a sudden Edward felt an irresistible pulling from behind him. He abruptly turned around mid-sentence and began to walk back toward the palour. He heard voices all around himself but could discern no words. It was all just noise. He paid no attention to anyone he passed and couldn't even focus, but once he was able he discerned a voice saying, "I'll like you to meet my son. Edward, this is Dr. Cullen I've spoken about to you."
His father, Edward Sr. was trying to introduce him to someone. That's when he saw him. He was the same height as Edward but bulky in contrast to his own slim frame. He was pale skinned, blond, with sparkling blue eyes in a handsome face. The setting evening sun glowed around him from the open doorway, giving him an ethereal glow. Edward felt he was in the presence of an angel.
He reached out his hand and grasped the doctor's in a handshake. He immediately felt a tingling sensation shoot up his arm. Dr. Cullen's handshake was firm and strong. Edward reluctantly released his hand still staring into Dr. Cullen's eyes as Dr. Cullen was staring into his.
"Have we met before?"
"No. I never forget a face," he said. Edward thought he even sounded like an angel.
"Edward, I thought you were going to show me the gardens."
Bella took his hand. "Oh, I'm sorry. Where are my manners?'
Edward turned to look once more at Dr. Cullen and saw an unrecognizable look on his face.
"It was nice to meet you, Sir."
"Likewise. But please call me Carlisle."
Edward led Bella out to the garden again and tried to keep his mind on the conversation, but all he could think about was Carlisle. He would occasionally nod his head or throw in a "yes" now and then, but his thoughts kept drifting back to the man he had just met.
"Edward, you're not listening to a word I'm saying. It's not flattering at all," Isabella said pouting.
"Oh, I'm sorry. I just got so much on my mind right now."
Luckily dinner was announced and they headed back into the house.
The discussions at the dinner table were the most refreshing Edward had ever had. He sat near his father and Carlisle. Conversation flowed effortlessly between Edward and Carlisle. They discussed literature and science as well as many other topics. It was as if we were the only ones at the table.
When the subject of the Great War came up, everyone stopped their private conversations and joined in the greater discussion.
"'A boy doesn't have to go to war to be hero; he can say he doesn't like pie when he sees there isn't enough to go around'," quoted Dr. Cullen, and then looked a little chagrined for having spoken out of turn, and added by way of explanation, "Edgar -"
"Watson Howe! Yes, I know him." Edward exclaimed, staring intently at him.
Dr. Cullen cleared his throat. "What I mean to say that war so often is depicted in literature, poetry," he nodded to Edward, "as a heroic or glamorous event. So few of us have spent time on the battle front. For my part, as a lowly doctor, I am most often confined to the medical centers, patching up the wounded.
"It does tend to skew one's perspective, I suppose, to see so much dying, but I dare say that few on the front will disagree that war is a brutal, nasty endeavor that wreaks havoc and incurs tremendous social costs - human and economic.
"I often ask myself why mankind has not learned from its past experiences and use historical precedent to note that the nation's interests are better served by intelligent discussions and negotiations. Wars are most often initiated by those in power who have nothing to lose for themselves and everything to gain, and fought by those who have everything to lose and little to gain.
"In the immortal words of Benjamin Franklin, 'All wars are follies, very expensive and very mischievous ones'. In my opinion, there never was a good war or a bad peace. When will mankind be convinced and agree to settle their difficulties by arbitration? '"
The table had grown quiet, its occupants tense.
"That sounds almost unpatriotic, Dr. Cullen," Charles Swan pointed out. "Pray tell us what you could possibly mean by such a statement. I served in the Spanish American War. I will admit that it was a terrible ordeal, but if we had responded by turning the other cheek, surely we would have been trampled. We might as well give this country back to the Indians or let the South secede and continue with slavery. Isolationist may feel that they are protecting their own, but what if a foreign power was threating to harm or take something that was not rightfully theirs? What if we simply sit back and let the Germans waltz across Europe! It's all good and well to discuss a 'balance of power', but if one of the parties refuses to comply with the existing treaty are you suggesting that we sit idly by and watch the ruin of our fellow man?"
Carlisle bowed his head and was silent for a moment before he responded. "If I have caused offense with my comment – and please let it be known that none was intended – I am most humbly apologetic. I simply meant to point out the tremendous loss of life and economic destruction caused by modern wars."
"I think back to monarchs of the middle ages, the total lack of consideration for the destruction of their own people in the name of winning a battle, the purpose of which few could recall. Fighting to defend something that is rightfully one's possession or one's family will always be justified, but fighting over a misunderstanding between cultures, or over a perceived slight?"
"Edward believes he's going to enlist. I can only pray that the war is over before he gets a chance."
"Mother I am going to enlist and I don't believe that this war will be over soon."
"Elizabeth, I see nothing wrong with a man serving his country. I think it is the noble thing to do," his father argued.
His mother turned and looked at her husband.
Someone will be sleeping in the spare bedroom tonight.
Edward felt Carlisle staring at him. He got the feeling Carlisle didn't like the thought of him enlisting.
"There are better ways of serving one's country" he stated.
"No more talk of war! I don't believe this topic is good for the digestion and I had a special dessert prepared that deserves attention. I heard that its Bella's favorite. It's called 'Chocolate Mousse."
Edward's mother had effectively changed the subject and bought the attention back to Bella in fell swoop. Elizabeth had ended up keeping Bella engaged as he had felled to do so.
"Bella that is such a beautiful dress. Where ever did you find it? That dark blue looks so lovely against that flawless alabaster skin of yours. Don't you think so Edward?"
"Yes mother you're right. Once again I must say I'm sorry to you tonight Bella. You do look lovely in that dress. "
Bella blushed and looked away shyly.
Dessert, the last course of the meal was brought out.
"Why Carlisle you're hardly touched your food. Edward has kept you talking so much you didn't get a chance to eat," Edward's mother said, glaring at him.
"No, that's fine. I wasn't very hungry anyway. As a matter of fact I should be going. I have work to do tonight." Carlisle excused himself from the table and got up to leave.
Elizabeth smiled politely at him."Oh. But you must come back. We have truly enjoyed your company."
"Yes, she's right. You must come back. Let me walk you to the door. Excuse me." As Edward got up from the table he glanced at Bella who was giving him a disappointed look. Her parents looked simply angry, and Carlisle, he observed, appeared forlorn. He didn't dare look at his mother. Edward felt he was not making a good impression on anyone that night.
"Maybe you should go back. Your girlfriend and her parents did not look too pleased."
"What? Bella is not my girlfriend. She's only a friend."
Carlisle began to smile.
"There's so much more I would like to discuss with you. Can you come back to dinner tomorrow? It won't be a fancy affair like tonight. I promise."
"Would your mother be alright with that, I mean me coming back so soon?" Carlisle asked.
"Yes, mother loves having guest over and I'm sure father would be delighted."
"I could come back tomorrow but don't go through too much trouble. I won't be able to make it till after dinner time anyway."
Edward couldn't understand why, but he had never been so excited in his life. He watched Carlisle stroll gracefully down the street for a while before returning to the party.
When Edward got back to the party, the men were departing to the library and the women to the palour.
"Mother may we go home? I have a terrible headache."
"Are you sure Bella? Why don't I get you a cold compress for your head and you could lie down for a while?" Elizabeth suggested.
"No. I'll feel better at home."
'Well, thank you for coming. I hope you feel better. We're so sorry to see you go. Isn't that right Edward?"
"Yes. You must come over again soon. We have enjoyed your company."
"Really?" Bella looked up at Edward through her lashes.
He started to feel uncomfortable.
"Yes, really." Edward kissed her hand as was expected. Bella blushed and Edward quickly retreated upstairs to his room, hoping he had done enough to please his mother for that night.
