Hello again my dears! From here on out, we'll be reading either letters only, or action on Bella's front. Dates are important... And history buffs, little nuances are laid out within the text and story in respect to the time period. Hope you enjoy!

Now the letter...

~~oo~~

February 10th

Dear Miss Swan,

I was not sure I would answer this letter, but I rationalized my trepidation was undoubtedly less than yours for writing to a stranger. It takes great courage to offer a bit of oneself in order to perhaps bring a little happiness into another's life. You took the time to do this for us, so it is only right that I answer in the best way I can.

My name is Edward Masen.

I am a Corporal in the 1st Battalion, 502nd Infantry Regiment of the United States Army. I've been in the Army for over two years now, and have been here for almost a year. We spend an inordinate amount of time drilling, sometimes in the most foul weather, but it is a test of our perseverance they say. I still would like a day when my socks aren't damp or my knapsack isn't drenched.

I don't get much news from the States. Both of my parents died shortly before I joined so I can simply say that getting a bit of news from stateside is a luxury I have not had in some time. Receiving your letter was a very pleasant surprise.I didn't realize how much just a simple piece of paper with writing on it could mean so much. But it did, so thank you for finding the courage to do so.

I hope you will continue to write. I will try my hardest not to bore you.

I am originally from Chicago, but joined the Army on my eighteenth birthday, knowing it was my duty and an honor.

I wanted to fight for my country, especially after Pearl Harbor, but I was too young then. It seemed the logical step with my family gone. But to say that I am made for this war would be a terrible lie, and since I do not know you, I would not devalue our first encounter with deception. Joining was a means to leave behind my life, but that is perhaps another story for another time. I am a patriotic person, just lost in a foreign country missing the comforts of home.

You said you were living in New York. Are you from New York? I only saw it in passing as we shipped out. They crammed thousands of soldiers on a gutted luxury cruise liner. But I can tell you it was far from luxury. I have never seen so many people in one place. But maybe New York is like that? Full of people? More so than perhaps Chicago and certainly more than it is here where I am stationed. Do you have many friends where you are?

You also wrote that you worked in the library. Do you like to read? I am fond of the classics myself. Tennyson, Whitman and a great number of poets. I know that sounds odd, coming from a soldier. But like I said, I am not made for this life. When this war is over, nothing would make me happier than to spend some time reading in the peace and quiet of the library. We don't have the luxury of carrying books with us in the field. I miss the quiet and the smell of books. Everything here smells like dirt or sweat, or artillery rounds.

Do you like music? Most of the music here is a few years out of date, or only popular here. It's strange to know that just the simple span of an ocean can change everything. I miss my piano. When we found an abandoned village with one, it was so very tempting to sit and play, but you can't without risk of alerting the enemy. At least that's what our commanding officer says. Do you play an instrument?

Do you go dancing with your girl friends? I hear the city has many clubs where you can go dancing and listen to good music. I miss that as well.

If you feel inclined to write again, perhaps you could tell me a little about yourself? Having written this now, I can honestly say that you have brightened my day with your words and support. I hope to hear from you again soon. I have no idea how long letters take in transit. But I will read your letter again and again until the next one.

Thank you for taking the time to write. This soldier appreciates it greatly.

Yours truly,

Cpl. Edward Masen

AN: More soon. Will try not to make you wait too long. :) I promise to be faster than the APO back in the 40's. Can you imagine having to wait months to get a letter from home? And sometimes never getting it because it was captured in transit?

MWAH!

steph