So... I figured since I wasn't able to update for the last 2 weeks that I would hit you with 2 chapters!
BPOV
I rose slowly from bed and looked around. My bedroom was still in a state of partial disarray. No doubt I would have to finish getting things in order today. I had no friends or engagements to speak of that would occupy my time so putting things in order seemed to be all that I had to pass the day. Based on the reception I had received I did not expect to make friends any time soon. When father had mentioned the Masen's son was near my age I had immediate hopes that we would become friends, especially as I knew our homes to be very close. But after spending the evening dining in their home I was no longer sure if friendship was a possibility. Edward was rather quiet, not unlike myself, but he seemed to watch me like I was a science experiment that he couldn't quite figure out. And it's not as if he would need friends, much less a friend who was a girl. I'm sure he had his hands full with all the girls in this city who were surely after him. With looks like that; those intense green eyes and the slightly mussed bronze hair that couldn't be controlled by pomade they would be fools not to pursue him. "Good job Bella" I mumbled to myself. Here I was infatuated with Edward Masen already and not even in the city for three whole days. And it was obvious he thought me some spoiled brat that her grandparents had shipped off, unable to tolerate any longer. He seemed uncomfortable in my company. There were the makings of a friendship like no other, I chuckled. Fortunately my internal prattling was interrupted by a low knock on the door and our maid Annie's voice
"Miss Isabella if you are ready your father would like you to join him for breakfast."
"Yes, Annie, please let him know I will be down shortly."
I washed up quickly, pinned my hair up, and put on my most comfortable light blue day dress. With a final glance in the mirror, and a slight pep talk I was ready to face the lonely day.
EPOV
I bounded downstairs with a purpose earlier than I had awoken all summer vacation, but my mother didn't seem all that surprised to see me when I found her in the kitchen.
"Mother, I believe you need some things from the market and a few errands run. I was thinking that perhaps I could help you out with those today."
She raised her eyebrow at me, "Why this sudden interest in helping out, darling?" I could hear the smile in her voice.
"Well I also thought that I could ask Miss Swan to accompany me. That way she can get to know the city a little better."
Her level gaze saw right through me but I refused to back down. "And this wouldn't be a ploy just to get to spend some more time with the young lady, would it?"
I could feel my cheeks burn, but I tried to keep my voice steady. "Of course not, Miss Swan would get to know the city a bit better and it would also be helping you, would it not?"
"Yes, it would. And I think it's an excellent idea. Let me just get a list together of what I would need." She began bustling around. "Oh, and Edward?"
"Yes?"
"She's a lovely girl." With a smile she was through the door and comprising her list.
As I stood at the front door the Swan's large house I felt my stomach churning. Maybe this was a bad idea. I hadn't knocked yet, I could bolt and grab my mother's things and be back at my house with no one the wiser. "Don't be a coward," I whispered to myself. I wanted to see her, had to see her. And if I didn't do this now what would happen when the other neighborhood boys met Bella. Surely, they would chase her. Of course I thought them all fools, but unquestionably they would not be blind to the angel that was Bella. Even worse, what if she was interested in one of them? That thought was the only motivation I needed and I rapped sharply and seemingly confidently on the door. A middle aged woman with harshly pulled back hair but kind eyes opened the door.
"Can I help you?"
"I'm Edward Masen, my father is friends with Mr. Swan. I stopped by to see if Bella is available."
She eyed me keenly, but pulled the door open further. "Wait here please." She turned and disappeared up the large staircase.
"Edward!" Ahh, to hear my name from an angel's lips. "What brings you here this morning? I'm afraid my father isn't available if you were looking for him." If possible she looked even lovelier today, in a deep blue dress that set off the cream of her skin.
"No, I'm not looking for him. I was actually hoping I might have a word with you, if that's alright."
"Of course, come have a seat." She turned to lead me to the parlor and I felt the housekeeper's eyes on me. Clearly she was already very protective of Bella. Good, I thought, the better to have another pair of eyes watching for the snakes in the grass.
"What can I help you with, Edward?" I was silent for a heartbeat, momentarily stunned from hearing my name fall from her lips again.
"Well my mother sent me on some errands today," just a tiny white lie, "and she thought that perhaps you would like to accompany me to become better acquainted with the city."
"Well…" I held my breath. "I don't really have anything pressing to attend to. As long as Mrs. Sheehan doesn't need my help with anything I would love a walk. And it would be a good chance to see some of the city. Are you sure you don't mind?"
Mind? Why would I mind? If I minded, I wouldn't have cooked up this half-wit scheme to spend time with her. But of course she didn't need to know that. Better to let her think that throwing us together was my mother's idea.
"Of course not, it would be my pleasure to show you the sights."
"Okay then, let me just check with Mrs. Sheehan and get some things together and I'll be right back."
I almost relaxed. That had been easier than I had anticipated. Bella seemed to almost want to spend time with me. Or at least to want to see some of the city with me as her guide.
I was glad I hadn't relaxed fully when Mrs. Sheehan entered the room. With a hard look at me she spoke, in a more commanding voice than I would have thought her capable of, "Miss Isabella has just run upstairs for a moment. But while she is gone let me warn you. She's a good girl, and a sweet girl, I don't know you well but Mr. Swan speaks well of your father. Just know that if you should hurt her, or even make her unhappy, you will wish we had never met."
"I- I have no intention of hurting her," I stammered, utterly terrified that this woman would make her threats come to pass.
"Good. Just mind your manners is all."
"I'm ready," Bella practically bounced into the room.
I offered her my arm and we made our way outside, all the while I could feel the stare of the housekeeper on my exiting form.
We walked in silence for several moments before Bella spoke. "Edward, you don't have to do this you know."
"Don't have to do what?"
"Take time out of your day to show me around. Go out of your way for me. I'm sure you could complete your errands much more quickly alone."
Was she just being polite or did she really think that she was a burden I had allowed to tag along for my mother's sake? Or worse yet, was she unhappy to be alone with me?
"What if I told you I wanted the company?"
"I would ask if you were feeling well."
I couldn't help it, I really couldn't. I didn't want to her to think I was laughing at her but the sound bubbled from my throat anyway.
"Do you really think your company is such a burden, Isabella?"
"It's Bella. And no, it's not that. I really think that your mother asked you to show me around but I'm sure you would rather be spending time with your friends instead of the awkward new girl."
Awkward? She thought herself awkward? This was astonishing to me. I felt like a bumbling idiot while she had been nothing but quiet and self composed.
"Well then I suggest we take this time to get to know one another better. For example you would learn that I don't have many friends. I have found that I prefer my own company to that of others of my acquaintance. You would also learn that I find your company quite pleasant and not awkward in the least. And I would learn that you…" I trailed off giving her the opportunity to reveal some of herself to me.
"You would learn that I also have few friends as I am new to the city. Actually, I have few friends at all. I've never seemed to relate well to others. I generally spend my free time reading." She offered me a shy smile.
"Now that wasn't so hard was it?" I flashed her grin. "So what exactly do you like to read Bella?"
Her face lit up as she spoke "Oh, anything really! In my spare time I enjoy the works of Jane Austen, but I would like to go to college so I will read anything I can get my hands on. Of course it is not so difficult now that I'm away from my grandmother. She would have a fit if she even heard me breathe the word college."
"Really, you would like to go to college?" This surprised me. Most young women in her position would be trying to catch a husband, not trying to continue their education.
She blushed a brilliant scarlet, but her voice was strong as she answered my inquiry. "Yes, I would like to go to college. And before you can say anything else I will tell you that I don't think it's fair to expect me to tie myself down with a family. If I had been a boy no one would think twice of my wanting to pursue an education. In fact it would be expected. I don't see why that should change because I am a girl."
"I wouldn't dare question your desire for higher education," I informed her honestly. "But, I do admire your strong opinion." She looked flabbergasted that I had acquiesced so easily. "And what would you like to study?"
"Well, as to that I'm not really sure. My friend Dora thinks I should be a teacher but I don't think teaching is for me. I do find medicine interesting, but I am truthfully bothered by the sight and smell of blood, and that might be a problem."
This woman was utterly amazing. Everything she said shocked me while making her all the more alluring.
"Well then, I'm sure you have had enough of me prattling on. What would you like to do with your life, Edward?"
"I know that my father wants me to be a lawyer, to take over his practice when I finish school. It's not something we have discussed, but rather his plan for me from birth. I don't find the law to be overly interesting, though I suppose it would be a tolerable profession." Why was I telling her this! I had never told anyone that I wasn't interested in being a lawyer and here I was spilling my secrets to a girl I hadn't even known for a full day! Moreover, this was a girl I found myself wanting to impress, a girl who in such a short time had consumed my every thought. Surely she didn't want to hear me sob like a child about my father's plan for me. No, any woman would want to know that I planned for a successful career, a career where I could provide for her, as my wife. My wife! What was I thinking? I barely knew this girl. And I certainly had no idea what she thought of me.
A crease had formed between her eyebrows. "I'm sorry," I apologized quickly, "I didn't mean to burden you with my pitiful story of my father's plans for me."
As she looked up at me I couldn't quite place the emotion in her eyes. Sadness? Pity?
"Don't be sorry. I was just thinking that it seems terribly wrong to force you into something that you find merely 'tolerable'. Isn't there anything you truly want to do with your life?"
"I don't really know. I want to go fight in the war. There is talk of lowering the draft age, so I could go as soon as I turn 18, there will be time for me to figure out what I want to do."
"You want to go to war?" She seemed alarmed by my declaration.
"Yes. I want to fight. I want to serve my country. And the men who did fight will be glorified when this war is over."
"But Edward you could be killed!"
Her sudden display of emotion stopped me in my tracks. We stood there staring at each other for a moment. Why did she care what became of me, she barely knew me. But, if I was being honest with myself I didn't even wish to go war anymore. As soon as I had met this woman she had taken over my every thought. My daydreams had changed from being a soldier for my country to thinking entirely of Isabella Swan.
In an attempt to lighten the mood of the moment I simply answered her, "Well then I suppose you wouldn't have to worry about me dragging you all about the city on my errands then, would you?"
BPOV
When he tried to make light of the situation I was floored. How could it be that I found myself caring for Edward so much, and he held so little regard for his own life? I wanted to reprimand him, to stand and shout that he simply couldn't go to war, that I needed him here with me. But instead of standing tall and being bold and commanding I did what I usually do. I tripped over my own feet. Or more appropriately, I tripped over nothing at all. It seemed just looking into his mesmerizing emerald orbs had me weak in the knees. This was not good. This was VERY not good. Truly, what was wrong with me? I had never had the least interest in any of the young men I had met. Why did everything with Edward feel so different?
He caught me with his free hand and stood me up on my feet. "Are you feeling quite well?" Was I mistaken or did he actually seem concerned? I could feel the blood rushing to color my face.
"Oh, I'm perfectly fine. Just clumsy." If my face grew any hotter it would surely burst into flames. "Believe me, if you spend any time at all with me you will find that I am possibly the clumsiest person in the world. It's a miracle that I have managed to live to the ripe old age of 16. I'm practically a magnet for accidents."
His answering crooked grin made my heart lurch. "I hope to spend enough time with you to be able to catch you from all your falls." My heart stopped completely.
"I'm sorry, have I made you uncomfortable? I shouldn't have said that." He looked downcast.
"Oh no, not at all. But let's continue or we will not have completed your errands by nightfall."
We continued on to pick up a pair of boots that had been repaired, and get lettuce from the market. When we finally stopped at the bookshop to pick up his mother's order he watched with amusement as I browsed the shelves with wide eyes.
I finally pulled my eyes from the tomes sadly, but I knew we had to be on our way.
"Would you like to have tea with us this afternoon?" He asked suddenly, surprising me.
"Oh I don't want to intrude, and I'm sure no one is expecting me and that wouldn't be right."
He chuckled under his breath and muttered "Oh, I think my mother saw you coming."
"Excuse me?"
"Umm, I just meant that my mother is very intuitive. I think she knew from the moment we met that we would be…friends. So really I'm sure she does actually expect you and it would be no intrusion at all."
We would be friends! But he had hesitated before calling me his friend. It was just as I suspected, he was going out of his way to appease his mother. I got the impression that even if Edward found my company repellant, he would spend all him time with me if it pleased his mother. I caught myself realizing that I wanted to be his friend. Actually, if I was honest with myself I wanted to be much more than friends. I scoffed at my own thoughts. Of course this charming, beautiful boy would have no interest in me, especially as more than friends. Why would he ever be interested in plain old Bella? He must have misinterpreted my sigh of disappointment because he quickly added, "But, if you would rather not, I mean if you have other things you must attend to I wouldn't want to tie up your whole day."
"Of course not. I'm new here so I obviously have no prior engagements. I would love to join you for tea if you don't mind having me." I tried to smile reassuringly.
The look that came over his face was radiant as we continued to his home.
"Bella, I'm so happy to see you again." Mrs. Masen greeted me as Edward and I made our way to the sitting room.
"It's lovely to see you again as well ma'am. I appreciate you welcoming me on such short notice."
"Oh dear, it's nothing at all, it is a pleasure to have you here."
She was so very wonderful. I barely knew the woman and I felt as if I could wrap my arms around her in a hug. I thought if my mother was still alive she would be something like this. I smiled to myself to watch the obvious love she had for her son.
"Edward darling, you look flushed, why don't you go wash up a bit." She watched him disappear up the stairs before turning to me. After appraising me for a second she beckoned me to come to her and wrapped her arms around me in the very hug I had found myself imaging earlier. She smelled lightly of perfume and a homey, motherly smell I couldn't quite place. As she released me she seemed a bit embarrassed.
"I'm sorry dear if that seemed out of place, but as you have seen we don't do things very formally around here. And I must admit I feel a connection to you."
"I feel very connected you and your family as well."
"Very good," she beamed at me as Edward entered the room again and we all sat down.
"So Bella," she asked me as we all took our cups of tea. "How are you finding Chicago?"
"I like it very well so far. Though I must admit that I'm still rather shocked by how flat everything is!" I left out that my favorite thing about Chicago was that Edward was in it.
"Yes that does take a bit of getting used to."
"Are you not from Chicago, Mrs. Masen?"
"No, I actually grew up outside of Boston. I met Mr. Masen when he was studying law there. I have a few distant relatives in the area still but nothing to hold me back when he wanted to move back to Chicago. And here I am, but I certainly understand what you mean about the change in scenery."
"But I do enjoy how everything seems so wide open and free."
I figured now was the chance to tactfully call her out on having Edward escort me.
"It was very thoughtful of you to have Edward take me with him today so that I might see more of the city."
"I'm sure he was more than happy to do it," she replied smugly, cocking her eyebrow at her son. His face flushed bright red again and he looked a little sheepish. "It was certainly my pleasure," he said before casting his eyes down, avoiding my own.
I'm sure my face must have betrayed my confusion at the exchange but thankfully Mrs. Masen took it upon herself to nimbly change the subject.
"Bella, I'm surprised you came out here this summer. Won't you miss your friends when the school term starts? Or had you ended your schooling?"
"Mother, Bella plans on going to college, of course she hasn't ended her schooling." Edward interjected before I could form a response.
"College? Well that is certainly admirable. Perhaps you can talk Edward into staying here and going to college rather than joining up with that abominable war."
"Ummm…"
"Mother don't harass poor Bella, I'm sure she doesn't want involved in this," he ground out.
"Well I certainly don't like the idea of anyone going to fight in that horrid war, but I think Edward will find what he wishes to do in time." I hedged. "Besides the Allies are making progress. The war must end sometime. And I hope it will be sooner rather than later."
"Thank you Bella. Hopefully the war will end shortly."
"But I don't think I will have the opportunity to talk Edward into staying here, when I'm not sure how long I will be staying myself."
"What do you mean?" Edward nearly shouted.
Why did he look so upset?
"Well I have been attending an academy for young ladies in New York the past few years, and unless I can convince my father to allow me to continue my schooling here, I'm afraid I will end up back there as soon as the school term starts."
"Well certainly you miss your friends from school. I'm sure you would like to get back to see them this fall." Mrs. Masen suggested.
At first I thought to merely agree, but I was too comfortable with this family and instead blurted out, "Not really. I rather abhor that school and I don't seem to fit in amongst the other girls. I don't really have any friends to miss." Oh goodness! I had never meant to reveal how much I loathed that pompous school that my grandparents had sent me to. The spoiled 'young ladies' and I really did not get along and most of them desired only to be finished properly so that they might meet a suitable, wealthy, young man to marry. What I wanted was so very different that we found little common ground to develop friendship. And of course they found me rather strange. I was not interested in dresses or young men or parties. I had my nose stuck in books and they were engrossed in fashion magazines. Furthermore, it seems I had indeed found a suitable young man right here.
I'm sure I blushed down to the tips of my toes but Mrs. Masen seemed to barely notice my outburst.
"Well then Bella dear, we will just have to find a way to make your father see the merits of public schools in Chicago."
"Really? You would be willing to help me convince him to allow me to go to school here?"
"Of course dear. After all Mr. Masen would hardly allow Edward to go to the public school here if it was in any way deficient."
Edward, who had remained rather silent, finally spoke up. "Of course, Bella! And I would be there to show you around and help you get settled. It really is the best solution."
"Now don't be hasty Edward darling. And don't make too many plans Bella. I will propose the idea to Mr. Swan, but it is his decision to make." Mrs. Masen settled our enthusiasm a bit.
I would swear I saw her wink at Edward, but it happened so quickly that I was sure I must have been seeing things. "Bella, I'm sure Edward has mentioned that his birthday is on Thursday. Do you think you will be able to make it to the small party we had planned for him?"
I was sure he hadn't mentioned it for a reason. Of course he didn't want me there ruining his birthday. "Well…I would hate to intrude."
"Nonsense Bella, you must come."
"Yes, Bella, please say you will come?" When Edward said 'please' my heart and my resolve melted.
"If you are sure then I would be honored to be here for your birthday Edward."
He smiled brilliantly and stood. "Allow me to escort you home then Bella."
"Of course. Thank you."
EPOV
We walked to Bella's home in near silence. I was lost in my thoughts. My 17th birthday may be a sign of good things to come if I had Bella with me. At least my mother's hasty invitation had cleared one thing up for me. She wanted me to invite some of my 'friends' from school. I had no desire to invite any of the fools I was trapped in that school with, but I had thought to invite them all over anyway, to appease my mother. But now that Bella would be present there was absolutely no way I was introducing her to those vultures. If she was able to stay and go to school here that was one thing. But I would never willingly subject her to the sure attentions of those fools. If my mother could convince Mr. Swan to allow Bella to attend school with me I might actually have a friend in that school. I almost couldn't imagine attending school with someone whose company I actually enjoyed rather than simply abided. And it was already becoming quite clear that I didn't only think of Bella as a friend. I wasn't sure what it was that I felt, but I knew I had never felt it before. And I didn't think I would feel it for anyone else ever again.
BPOV
"So what did you do all day Bells?" Charlie questioned me at dinner, "I hope you weren't bored alone here all day."
"Well actually Edward stopped by and I accompanied him on some errands."
"Edward Masen?"
"Yes, of course. He is about the only person I know in this city."
"Well yes." He looked thoughtful.
"I'm sorry Father I didn't realize you would have a problem with me going to the market with Edward. I wouldn't have gone if I'd thought you would mind." I had just come to this city; I didn't wish to give my father cause to send me back so soon. Especially now that I had met Edward.
"Oh no, it's not that I mind." He still looked lost in thought. "I just wonder how this all came about."
"Oh, Edward said that his mother had some errands for him to run and thought that if I went along with him I could see some of the city." I explained.
"So this was Elizabeth's idea?" He prodded.
"I suppose so, why?"
"Just thinking." I could tell I would get no more from him on this subject.
"Are you upset that I went today?"
"No, not upset. I think it's a good idea for you to get to know Chicago a bit better. And I'm glad that there was someone to protect you and watch out for you."
"But?"
"I wonder that it shouldn't have been me. I'm afraid that I'm being a bad father."
"Of course you aren't. I knew that you would be working when I came out here."
"I just worry sometimes."
"Well you shouldn't. Everything will work out." I smiled tentatively at him.
"It really is great to have you here Bells."
"Thank you. I really am happy to be here. Before I forget, Edward and Mrs. Masen invited me to Edward's birthday party on Thursday but I won't go if you don't think I should." How unlike me, actually wanting to go to a party.
"Of course you should go; it would be a good chance to meet some other young people."
