Title: A Different Time

Author: Bella Katelyn

Rating: M

Summary: With Edward gone, Bella makes a wish which could ultimately change her life for the better. Finding herself in Chicago 1918 two months before the Spanish Influenza epidemic, she sets out to discover everything about his human life, hoping it will give her a way to find him in the future. Follow Bella as she gives Edward the one thing he's always wanted. A chance to be human for her.

Disclaimer: Twilight and its characters belong to author Stephanie Meyer, and are brought to the fandom by Summit Entertainment. I'm just borrowing the characters for my own enjoyment and hopefully yours. With that said I hope you enjoy this story as much as I'm going to enjoy writing it.

Chapter Three

Starting The Memory Album

Chicago 1918

BPOV

It felt like I'd been in 1918 for longer than a few days, Elizabeth and Edward Snr welcomed me into their family with open arms, exactly like Carlisle and Esme had the first Edward had introduced me to them. I looked down at my engagement ring as I started to journal everything that had occurred so far, hoping that it would make the journey back with me. During the first few days I'd noticed subtle differences between this Edward and my vampire however I was starting to see that he was and always had been full of goodness. Edward always insisted that he lost his soul; of course I'd always argued that he had a wonderful soul. Now I was starting to wonder if I was the reason he'd felt soulless all those years. His last human memories would no doubt be of me, and we are soulmates. If I hadn't been convinced Elizabeth had the gift of foresight I was in that moment as she came through our bedroom door. Her soft smile reassured me that she was here to help. I suddenly wondered how much I could tell Edward without changing the future. I was still hoping my vampire would be there when I returned.

"Would you like some help?"

"Yes, please. I'm making a memory album for Edward. Everything I experience with him I want to take back with me. I only hope he's waiting for me when I return. I don't think I could survive if he's still gone when…"

""He's there. I see one of his future sisters also has the gift of foresight, they know you've come back in time."

"You mean he still wants me?"

"Of course he does. I see the way he looks at you; I can only imagine how much his love had intensified since his change."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Anything. I'm always here to help."

"How much does Edward know? Does he know that he gave me a ring in the future?"

"He knows. I told him last night whilst you visited Dr Cullen."

"He felt soulless afterward because he lost me?"

"I'm afraid so. But that's not your fault."

"I know, I just hate he was alone for so long. I got off lightly."

"You want to give him memories from his human life yes?"

"Of course. He's given me so much. I know he blames himself for what happened on my birthday but it wasn't. It's not his fault my blood is stronger to him than the others. If I had a choice I'd be changed, of course I would love for us to me married first, but I wouldn't know how to bring it up with him. He's set in his ways."

"If you could choose your last name would you take Cullen or Masen?"

"Masen, when I look at Edward, when I'm with him, I see passed the vampire and see his soul, his heart. I'd marry him tomorrow if I could, before Edward I never had a boyfriend, before I came here, I was lost. It felt like a hole had been punched through my chest. But now, with Edward here, I feel complete again."

"I'll let you into a secret."

"What is it?"

"Edward came to me this morning whilst you were up here, he confided in me he wants to marry you. Since you already have your engagement ring from the future, he's intending to buy your wedding bands."

"How soon can a wedding be organised I haven't got a dress."

"Leave it to me."

"Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome. Have you eaten again; I know you're working with Dr Cullen tonight."

"Mary brought something for me before."

"I'll leave you to it. I'll search for some pictures of Edward growing up for your album."

"He'd like that."

After finishing of the remainder of my entry, I closed up the album, placing it in the vanity drawer. Now I knew this time's Edward knew my true nature I felt myself relax immensely. I hated lying to him; I was surprised that he hadn't guessed I was lying to begin with. To have Elizabeth on our side meant the world to me, now I could tell Edward what she was like from my perspective rather than just asking Carlisle. So far things were going well. Changing into a fresh dress and chemise I made my way downstairs, stopping suddenly as I noticed Edward at the front door. I hated to leave him but at the same time I needed to speak to Carlisle. Taking a deep breath I walked up to him running my hand down his cheek.

"We can talk when I get back I promise."

"I love you; I'll always love you, no matter what."

"So you don't hate me. Now you know why I'm here."

"Of course I don't. You're saving me."

"You're amazing."

"So are you. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too. Look after my heart; I'm leaving it with you."

Leaning forward, I touched my lips to his, pulling back as I noticed Elizabeth standing behind him, I couldn't stop the blush that rose on my cheeks, giggling slightly as I noticed the pink tint to Edward's cheeks. Before I completely lost my train of thought, I turned to leave, my mind full of everything Elizabeth and I had spoken about. I'd always dreamed of marrying Edward one day, but to marry him in his time, to take his biological name was everything to me. I was so lost in my thoughts; I arrived at Cook County Hospital in no time at all. Thankfully Carlisle was waiting for me at the front of the hospital; the moment I saw him, I instantly relaxed knowing I would be able to speak freely about the rest of the family. Once we entered Carlisle's office I sat opposite him, finding myself almost overeager to share what I knew, from the look on Carlisle's face I knew he understood.

"Before we start working, I can see you want to discuss what will be coming in the next few months."

"From information Edward told me, the Spanish Influenza will begin in September, Edward Snr will pass away first, closely followed by his mother and that's when you change him. You told me it was Elizabeth who changed him but I now know it was me. Elizabeth told Edward everything last night, so thankfully I don't need to hide anything from him. I'm just scared he'll hate me for it."

"From what you've told me it sounds like Elizabeth Masen is correct, Edward could never hate you. There's something else on your mind?"

"Edward's always believed he lost his soul the day he became a vampire, after talking to Elizabeth and writing in the memory album I started, I'm starting to think that the reason he thought that was because he did lose his soul that day, but not in the way he thinks. Now it appears he did in fact lose his soul that day, me."

"I think you could be onto something."

"Edward's birthday is coming up; I want to do something special for him. I was hoping you'd come to the house, Elizabeth and Edward Snr think that you're a friend of my father's. Only if you want to though."

"I'd be honoured to. What day?"

"June 20th this will be the first time I get to actually celebrate his birthday."

"I'm sure he'll love whatever you decide to give him."

"I'm sure you're right. What would you like me to start on first?"

"I need to do my rounds. Would you like to accompany me?"

"I'd love to. Who knows maybe I'll follow in your footsteps in the future."

"I'll look forward to that."

"I bet you will."

Standing slowly, I followed behind Carlisle as he walked the short distance from his office toward the wards. It amazed me how much he was loved here, of course now I knew it couldn't just be the vampire charm. Taking a deep breath I stood by his side as he walked up to a new mother. My heart swelled with joy as I noticed how happy she looked. Suddenly I wondered if Edward and I would be able to have a baby in this time. Birth control was frowned upon and I couldn't think of a better way to honour my time here, Elizabeth and Edward Snr would pass away in the knowledge we would be happy together. I was brought out of my thought by Edward's voice, at first I thought he'd followed me to the hospital, however this voice was musical. My heart pounded in my chest as I watched carefully as the memory played out in front of me, Edward was back in Forks talking to Charlie. I didn't see that one coming that's for sure.

(Memory Via Edward)

"What are you doing back here?"

"I begged Carlisle to bring me home. I've been miserable since we left. I was wondering if you'd allow me to explain."

"You've got some nerve but I'll give you a chance to explain."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet."

Charlie trusted me with his daughter and I broke her heart, I wouldn't blame him if he didn't forgive me, but I knew I could never give up on Bella. Life without her was not worth living, existing whatever you wanted to call it. Once again I was brought out of my thoughts, however this time it wasn't what I was expecting. For only the second time in my existence I was speechless.

"Edward look at me please."

"I'm sorry…so sorry."

"Start from the beginning. Maybe that will help."

"Well it all started while we were celebrating Bella's birthday at our house, Bella got a paper cut opening a gift, Jasper is sensitive to emotions and Bella was panicking, this made Jasper's sensitivity to her emotions heighten and he started to run toward her, I misunderstood what he was trying to do and pushed Bella out of the way, unfortunately I misjudged how much space we had between us and the glass table. After Carlisle patched her up and I'd drove her home, I blamed myself. I thought she would be better off without me. But the entire time we have been away I've felt empty inside, just existing. Bella completes me, I know we're young, but I know I'm meant to be with Bella for the rest of my life. I'm going to do everything in my power to prove myself to her and to you."

"What are you trying to ask?"

"When Alice and Bella return from their shopping trip to Seattle and then Port Angeles I'm going to ask her to marry me, I'd like your blessing."

"You have my blessing. I can see you've suffered just promise me one thing."

"Anything."

"When the time comes for you to go to college and you're married. You stay in contact. I've only just gotten Bella back I don't want to lose her again."

"I promise you won't lose Bella. She doesn't want that either."

"Then I will give you my blessing to propose to Bella. You're a good man."

"Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I should get going now. I need to talk to Carlisle before Bella and Alice arrive home."

"Alright. Oh and Edward."

"Mm."

"Thank you for coming to see me. I know now that Bella is better with you than without you. I never want her to hurt like that again."

"It was the right thing to do. It was my mistake I needed to fix it."

"Welcome to the family son."

"Thank you."

(End Memory)

Shaking my head I locked the memory in place deciding to come back to it later when I was on my own. By the time I realised Carlisle was speaking to me he must have noticed I was spaced out; his knowing smile gave him away. Taking a deep breath I focused on the task at hand again. I needed to keep this job if I had any chance of fulfilling my wish. Everything else would have to wait for now no matter how much I wanted to talk about it.

"I'm sorry could you repeat that I was miles away."

"I asked if you'd like to weigh the baby."

"Of course, I'd be honoured."

"This is Jennifer Lawson and this little on here is Jessica Rose."

"That's a beautiful name."

"Thank you."

"Your welcome."

Holding my arms out I took the baby girl in my arms, carrying her toward the scales, gently placing her into them, I couldn't take the smile off my face as I read the weight, writing it down before carrying her back to Jennifer. Ever so slowly, I laid Jessica into her mother's arms stroking her hair before stepping away. In that one instant I knew I wanted to have Edward's baby. I didn't know whether it would change the future but what I did know is I'd do anything to make it possible. Turning toward Carlisle I smiled finally at peace with the decisions I needed to make I could focus on my job.

"Jessica weights 8Ib 3oz, that's a very healthy weight."

"Well Mrs Lawson it seems that she's taking to the breast well, if she carries on like this I'd say you could be home within a few days."

"Thank you Dr Cullen for everything."

"No need to thank me I was just doing my job."

"I'll be back to check on you later."

"Alright."

Once we'd completed the rounds, Carlisle led me back toward his office so I could start on the filing system. We both knew he could have it done in a matter of seconds however by allowing me to work with him he was allowing me to gain information to bring back to Edward. I no longer worried that he wouldn't be waiting for me when I returned thanks to my conversation with Elizabeth, knowing Edward knew the truth also gave me room to breathe. Just as I finished filing the patient notes I realised exactly what I could do for Edward's birthday, it would take a lot of planning and sneaking around to keep it from Edward but it would be worth it. What better way to celebrate than planning the wedding for that day. As my shift came to an end I realised just how exhausted I really was. Thankfully, Carlisle seemed to realise this, telling me I could leave early for the night, agreeing to walk me home. By the time I arrived home, the only one I wanted was Edward. I was brought out of my thoughts by Edward's arms wrapped around my waist the moment I got through the door. Within seconds I felt complete again. It didn't matter which time I was in Edward would always be the one to make me feel safe and loved. He was my home.