Disclaimer: Twilight and its characters are property of Stephanie Meyer...the original plot is mine (Clarissa Frey)

A/N: Just want to make this clear, I am researching the American Civil War as I write this, any mistakes either chronologically or military wise is my own. I AM AUSTRALIAN, we don't learn about the Civil War in history class, cause it doesn't concern us.


Chapter Seven

Bella's World

As much as I didn't want to admit it, I was worried silly after Jasper told me of the whole battle with the North…oh god, I was even referring to the Northern half of America now as the North…

But, I was so hopeful in that he would continue writing to me. Truthfully, I wanted to continue talking to him, but maybe it was because of Jessica saying that she wished to write to him if I didn't.

That, in itself scared me and worried me after his safety at the same time.

Jess also managed to convince me to go to Texas with her and Lauren- as a graduation thing and for a chance for me to find out all about Jasper. She was also gonna detour via Jacksonville so I could catch up with mom and Phil, something I was really happy for, I wanted to see my mother. Lauren wasn't happy that we were going via Jacksonville and I was certain that I would probably murder Lauren by the end of it…which was when Jessica, knowing my thoughts on this, invited Angela along with us.

Now, I was really excited to be going. Furiously, I began writing emails to all the civil war places I could get my hands on in Texas. Eventually, I got an answer, saying they had content on one Jasper Whitlock.

Two days later, in the morning that we were set to leave, I received a letter from Jasper.

Dear Miss Isabella,

Firstly, I would love to offer my congratulations in your completion of your studies and your acceptance into university, that is a great achievement and, I am sure you are celebrating as a result. Your parents, I'm sure are quite proud of you.

Secondly, I have decided that I am not going to gloat at all about the little fact that you listened to advice given from who you once thought was a psychotic nut case who was convinced he were from the year 1861. No, I will not mention that a soldier gave you study advice.

Perhaps, Miss Isabella, I bragged after all?

And, perhaps, I will not mention that you were concerned after my safety and well being either.

But, I assure you, I am quite well. Our surprise attack on the North was successful, we triumphed over this particular battle and fortunately, only few lives were lost.

Thomas, my close friend that (and I may add, persistently) you asked after- I met him when I was transferred to the battalion that I am in now. He is a rank higher than I, meaning that I am his subordinate, but, we remain close friends. It was Thomas that commanded our successful, recent attack on the North.

And, I would love to continue corresponding with you, that is, if you do not mind writing to a nutcase stuck in the year of 1861?

Yours truly,

Jasper Whitlock

It was needless to say that his letter both delighted and infuriated me at the same time. There was no need for a fool to tell me that he was teasing me in his letter. The delight only keyed on after his words that he wished to keep writing.

Never the less, I was getting used to being called Isabella once more. I hadn't been called that since junior school. Glancing at the clock, I saw I had some minutes to spare and I sat down to write a quick reply.

Dear Jasper,

I have nothing to say in regards to the first half of your letter. Though I do thank you for the congratulations.

I'm leaving to travel to Jacksonville with Jessica, Lauren and Angela (two more of my friends) and then, onto the south of America- a graduation thing so to speak. I might call into a war museum and see if I can pull up something on you.

Don't kill yourself until I get back okay? I want to scold you about it before you do it.

Yours,

Bella

P.S: I haven't called you a nutcase in ages, why are you still harping on about it? Geez, you're like a broken record.

Just as I finished sealing the envelope and putting a stamp on the envelope- the address already written, the horn beeped, signalling Jessica and Angela had arrived to pick me up. Grabbing my duffle bag, I ran down the stairs, kissed Charlie on the cheek goodbye, promising to call him when we reached Jacksonville, asking him to mail the letter to Jasper and then, Texas and ran out of the door.