MOVING FORWARD

(Edward's POV)

My experiment with Bella's collected blood was incredibly intense. It brought the monster in me roaring to the surface. Frightening and unbelievably powerful.

I had to stay away from Bella for a few days because of it. I was so afraid that I would harm her if I smelled that heavenly aroma directly at the source. Just imagining being able to drink a full volume of that euphoric mix. Ohhhh...pace myself...calm...order...control...Ah!

When I finally did allow myself to see her again, I brought Jasper and Emmett along, just for safety. Alice came as well - I let her drive with Bella in the front, while I sat between my brothers in the back. We had a fun night out, watching a concert at the park. By the end of the evening, I was comfortable with Bella wrapped in my arms again. She was certainly pleased to see me trying to be myself.

Now that I had tasted la tua cantante once more, my animal blood diet was supremely disappointing. Turned my stomach to contaminate my body with that muck. But, this was the choice I had made long ago, when I forsook my vampire tendencies for human blood. I've always known that it is the right thing for my peace of mind. I refuse to let the monster rule me.

Since my appetite was not completely satisfied during our experiment, we have determined that I will need several pints of Bella's blood for my trek through time. Especially since Bella will be in my arms during the journey. It would be disastrous for her if I was still hungry for her blood in THAT situation. Ten pints should be sufficient. So, this means that it will take almost a year to collect all the blood I will need. Time for us to graduate high school. Time for Bella to come to terms with leaving her family and friends. Time to tell that werewolf Jacob "Good riddance!"

(Bella's POV)

Edward and I have decided to take the trip to the past, and I'm nervous about it. I mean, I really have NO idea what life will be like in 1917. Edward says that I will be just fine, but he doesn't really know what I will be having to deal with. I mean, I'm a girl. What did girls use back then during their period every month? What kind of clothes will I wear? And I don't know the first thing about etiquette or manners back in 1917. Won't I embarrass him with my modern mannerisms?

I've looked on the internet, to see what I could learn. But, most of the stuff I find is so limited and confusing. I found an image of an old 1917 magazine online the other day, and the advertisements in it were hilarious! Maybe I can get some advice from Esme and Alice. They lived in that time period, but I wonder how much they really remember.

But, those are just surface things. My main concern right now is how to say goodbye to NOW. My dad and mom. Whoa. How can I deal with THAT?! I guess I'll just do my best to spend some quality time with them both, letting them know how much I love them. Lots of people leave their parents, and make a life for themselves away from home. But, they usually come back to visit. I won't be able to do that. I will be gone forever.

So, Edward and I are trying to come up with a way to tell them I am leaving for a very long time. Or maybe, we will plan an "accident", so that I disappear entirely. This will probably be the best way to handle it.

Now, about Jacob. That's a sticky issue. I'm still trying to figure that one out. I sure can't tell him that I am traveling back in time with Edward. He'll think I'm insane!

(Carlisle's POV)

Bella's blood collection is coming along nicely. It's good to know that it will work for Edward's journey. I just hope that he is able to control himself with Bella in his arms when he arrives. But, he will be turned back into a human by the time he arrives, so it's probably not an issue. We've decided to all be together when they make their trek. We will say goodbye as a family, and be there to help if something goes wrong.

It is so unbelievable to me that I am actually planning a time travel journey for my son. I would have considered this to be science fiction a few months ago. But now, it is undeniable reality. The subject has my full attention now, since I'm acting as a sort of apprentice to Plessario for this particular trek. Perhaps I will continue studying the art, and make some journeys of my own, with Esme. Intriguing thought...

Edward spent the next few months, planning the steps he would take when he arrived back in 1917. He had already figured out that he would need to meet Carlisle, convince him that he was from the future, and get him to agree to claim Bella as his daughter.

His next goal would be to share possible cures for Spanish Influenza with historic Carlisle. The flu would be a major problem in 1918, and the information in the current medical journal could be the perfect solution. Edward longed to protect his family, as well as others all over the world. He only hoped that the earlier Carlisle would trust his advice. He read the medical journal over and over again, memorizing the antidotes.

He also planned on finding Rosalie, and protecting her from being attacked by that group of intoxicated men. Rose offered some advice on this situation, giving him the names of the men, as well as their occupations. Edward's main concern was that he didn't know if the earlier Rosalie would listen to him when he tried to keep her away from her fiance. He didn't really know the best way to go about working that situation, especially since he would be a human. They would need to continue discussing this.

Emmett gave him the full story about how he came upon that bear that attacked him. Edward just needed to find a way to prevent that disaster. They discussed how the area was laid out, where the bear was located, etc.

When Edward went back to 1917, his body would be 16 years old again, and that would make Bella two years older than him. She wouldn't be too happy about that, but he figured that with time, it would no longer be a problem. The hardest part would be having to endure school back in 1917 again, and living under his parent's roof for those few years. But, it was a small price to pay for having an intact soul inside a human body again. He just hoped that Bella would still want to be with him in his human form. What if she lost interest? Sometimes, he feared that she only loved him because he was an immortal vampire. He hoped that was not the case.

One day, while Edward was studying his plans, Carlisle had a disturbing thought. What if Edward didn't remember all these details when he went back? Right now, he had a perfect vampire memory, but back in 1917, he would have a normal human mind again. They decided that Bella should be included in the plans, so that maybe between the two of them, they would be able to recall everything.

So, the next day, Bella came to the Cullen house for a briefing on the 1917 - 1940 mission. Her intelligence carried her through, helping her understand Edward's intentions for every part of the plan. She offered some insight of her own as well, which gave them more options for getting everything accomplished. Edward beamed with pride, seeing her bright mind going to work on the issues. They were already acting like a married couple - they would make excellent, powerful partners in life.

Every day, they quizzed each other on dates, names, events, and plans. After a few months, they were sure they had it all memorized, and felt confident about their goals.

In the midst of all this planning, Bella and Edward grew even closer. Their love seemed to know no end. One day, they were resting in their meadow, watching the clouds overhead, with their arms around each other. Reluctantly, Edward ventured with his fearful question, "Bella, do you think you will still love me when I'm no longer a vampire? I'll just be a normal 16 year old boy when we go back." His eyes were pained, and he held his lips tightly closed, as he waited for her answer.

Bella took her time with her reply, as she gazed at the clouds floating by. "Edward, do you remember when we first met? How I was nervous about why you weren't talking to me?" Edward offered, "Vaguely. I was a little distracted by your scent at the time, trying to fight the monster in my head."

She continued, "Hmm...Well, I was already falling for you, and I had no idea that you were a vampire. You were already stealing my heart. Once you got past your animal tendencies, and you spoke to me so kindly, I was touched by your personality. You treated me like a lady, and your voice was so gentle and sweet."

Edward considered this, then turned to her with a quiet smile. "Really?"

"Definitely. I'm sure I will love the human you, and I can't wait to see your green eyes," she gushed. "You'll probably steal my heart all over again."

Edward sighed with contentment, pulling her into his arms. "Well, I'm still a vampire NOW, so let's go for a run!" Swiftly, he swung her onto his back, then took off toward the trees, laughing and singing with glee. Bella shrieked a joyful cry of excitement, and held on tight.