I do not own Twilight or its characters. Stephenie Meyer does.

CH 8 Walking (BPOV)

I could hardly believe that I had been here a week. The days have seemed to fly by. It made me nervous, and yet I was enjoying the time as well. I really enjoyed my time with getting to know this Edward. His mother seemed to be a sweet lady and his father seemed to share Edward's sense of humor and gentlemanly qualities. Maria was a godsend. She saved me a few times from making a fool out of myself and helped guide me into the right.

Since that first morning I woke up, it wasn't odd to find notes with either flowers or small pieces of candy. The gesture was surprisingly sweet. These small gifts that were beginning to mean a lot.

At the moment I was in my room sitting on the window seat reading. I couldn't help but keep watching out the window where Edward using a cylinder lawn mower to cut the grass. The sun was shining and Edward had his sleeves rolled up to the elbow. I could see his firm muscles flexing from here as he pushed the machine around. He would pause every so often to mop his brow. I knew I shouldn't be ogling him like this, but I couldn't tear my eyes away either. Suddenly, Edward looks up and catches my eyes. I gave him a wave, which he returned. His face lit up with a smile that I couldn't help but to return. I hoped he couldn't see me blush. Edward resumed cutting the grass; then I got an idea.

I put my book down on the seat and hurried from the room. I had barley entered the kitchen when Maria handed me a tray with two glasses of lemonade and a small plate of cookies.

"Here you go, dear. I saw that you needed this," she said cheerfully. Her readiness reminded me of someone else.

"Thank you." I told her politely.

"Go on then. Do not bother wasting time talking with me. There is a young man out there who could use this." She shooed me to the door. I stepped out carefully and moved very slowly. I was nervous about dropping the tray. By the time I got to the bottom step, Edward noticed me and stopped mowing. I looked up at him and the way his shirt was clinging to him right now made my insides flutter as I fought the urge to drop the tray in the grass and jump him. I have always found Edward attractive, but seeing him like this only heightens my desire for him. I tried to clear my head as I cleared my throat.

"You looked hot out here working so hard. I thought you might like something cold to drink," I told him shyly. Edward walked towards me and took the tray.

"Thank you, Bella. That was very thoughtful of you. Are you going to join me?' He smiled back at me with expectation.

"I was hoping to. Shall we go sit in the gazebo?" I bit my lip and Edward's eyes followed the action. He then nodded and gestured for me to lead the way. I walked in front of him and take a step inside. Edward placed the tray down in between us. I picked up the glasses and handed one to him. Our fingers lightly brush as he accepted the glass from me. He brought the glass to his lips and drank about half the glass in one movement. I watched as he licked his lips as he sets the glass down. I had to glance away and inwardly sighed. It has been far too long since I have been kissed by Edward. My whole body craved his touch. Being so close to him, but yet keeping a distance, was driving me nuts. This Edward probably didn't want those things, even if it was demeaned okay for this time.

I took a sip from my glass before looking back at him. He was watching me with curiosity.

"Have you tried the cookies yet? Maria made them this morning?" I found something to say to end our silence.

"No, not yet. I am sure they are good. Although, they probably could not hold a candle to your pie." Edward winked at me while he took a cookie.

"Well, I will have to make you another pie, someday?" I smiled back.

"Cherry?" Edward asked with a hopeful smile on his face.

"I will see what I can do." I smiled back at him. I watched as he finished the lemonade.

"I should finish up before it gets much warmer. My mother wants this done before tomorrow." I nod as I finish mine and start to pick up the tray. Tomorrow was going to be my first tea at a couple houses down. To say I was nervous was an understatement. So far I have only interacted with Edward's family.

Before I reached the house Edward called to me.

"Bella, do you think that this afternoon that you might want to take a walk with me?" Edward brushed his hair back with his fingers.

"That would be nice, I would like that." Edward's face broke out into a huge smile.

Later after lunch, Edward and I left the house. Without hesitation, I took Edward's arm as he led us down the street. The sun was shinning and there was a light breeze.

"I thought we could go to the park," Edward suggested.

"The park would be nice." I squeezed his arm gently.

I gazed around in wonder as we walked, taken in that this was where Edward had grown up. Kids were playing on the street while mothers sat on most porches to watch. A ball got away from a group of kids and came to a stop at Edward's feet. He picked it up and threw it back to the boys playing.

"Thanks, Edward. Are you joining us today," a young boy called. He looked about Edward's age, if not a little younger. Edward gave me a glance and then turned back to the group.

"Not today," he called to them.

"I am not keeping you from joining the game, am I?" I asked, hoping that he wanted time with me and not that he felt obligated.

"No, Bella. You are not keeping me from anything. I wanted to go for this walk." Edward placed his freehand on top of the mine that was holding his elbow. I glanced back at the group of the older boys who were staring at us. The younger boys looked bored and were trying to get the others to resume playing. When I looked back at Edward he was scowling.

"Are they mad that you are not joining them?" I asked feeling the eyes boring into me. It was making me feel uncomfortable. Edward started us walking down the street again.

"No. They are not upset about the game." Edward answered rather bluntly.

"Well, what has them staring at us like that then? Did I do something wrong?" I asked glancing over my shoulder where they finally went back to their game.

"I am sure that they are wishing that they were the one with a beautiful girl on their arm," Edward informed me. I rolled my eyes.

"There you go, trying to flatter me again." I glanced up at me. Edward rolled his eyes and smirked a bit.

"I was only speaking the truth," he announced, then looked at a cart just before we entered the park. "Would you like an ice cream cone?" Edward asked.

"That would be nice, thank you." I welcomed the distraction. Edward walked over to the cart. After the man hands us the cream cones Edward paid him. I had chosen chocolate and was trying to be careful not to get it on the dress. Edward had chosen strawberry.

We walk for a bit before stopping and sitting on a bench in the park. We were by the water and we could see the boats as well as people passing by.

As we were sitting a few men in military uniform passed us. They lifted their hats to us and I just nodded and went back to my ice cream. Edward's eyes followed them as they continued on.

"Next year that will be me," Edward declared. I frowned. I had forgotten Edward wanted to join the war. Luckily, I knew that wasn't going to happen.

"Why?" I asked. Edward turned to me exasperation.

"To prove I am a man and fight for our country?" He told me with vigor.

"I do not think going to war proves to anyone that they are a man. I think to do what is your personal best for your country is. The men who stay at home being police officers, doctors, lawyers, or any other workers makes them no less than a man than those willing to go to war." I told him. He scowled a bit.

"I was not trying to imply that. I am strong and young enough to go to war and fight for our country. That is what I feel like I should be doing, fighting for our country's right to stay free. I do believe that those who are willing and able, should fight. Can you not see that?" Edward explained waving his ice cream about a bit.

"I see your reasoning now. It does make more sense than just to do it because you are a man. However, at the same time, I hope the war is over before than. To hope we stay at war, just so you can go seems wrong to me." I replied back while taking a lick of my ice cream cone.

"You sound like my mother; she does not want me going to the war." Edward sighed heavily.

"I can see why. I am sure the thought of someone shooting at you or throwing bombs at you would not make her happy. I am sure she would be worried about you the entire time you are there and if you would be coming back." I said softly, frowning at the idea.

"Would you be worried?" Edward asked softly.

"Every second that you were away," I told him honestly looking at the ground.

"Would you write me?" was his next question.

"If you wanted me to, but you would have to write me back." I looked up at him and our eyes lock.

"Bella…" Edward started then stops. He looked nervous.

"Yes," I encouraged.

"We should probably head back." Edward cleared his throat. He stood up and offered me his hand. I take it and he pulled to me to my feet. I spotted a fountain a short distance away. Edward saw me looking at. He grinned; then pulled me in the direction of the fountain. The fountain was marble and stood probably 7ft tall. The center had angels holding jars that the water was tumbling out of into a pool. The pool was filled with coins. Edward dug in his pockets and pulled out two pennies. He handed me one. He closed his eyes briefly than opened them.

"Kiss the penny for good luck. A kiss from a pretty girl will ensure my wish to come true." Edward held the coin out to me. I raised an eyebrow, but leaned forward anyways and kissed the coin. My lips brushed Edward's fingers and I see his eyes darken slightly.

He took the coin and tossed it in the shallow pool.

"Your turn. Make a wish?" Edward prompted. I closed my eyes. I wish that somehow that Edward and I will be together forever. I opened my eyes and gave it a kiss and tossed it into the pool.

When I turned, Edward was staring at me.

"Are you ready to go home?" He asked offering his arm.

"Yes," I smiled as I took it again with a smile.

We walked silently for awhile, then Edward cleared his throat. He looks very nervous.

"There is a picnic and baseball game next weekend. May I escort you to it?" I could hear the nervousness of his voice.

"I would like it very much if you would escort me there." I squeezed his arm affectionately. Edward beamed at my acceptance.

"A bunch of the area families get together for it. There's tons of games for younger children. We all then eat lunches on blankets in the park. Maria usually makes the best basket of food for us. Afterwards, there is a baseball game all the men and boys play in." Edward started to tell me excitedly. It pleased me to see him this excited.

"It sounds like it would be a lot of fun. Thank you for inviting me."

The rest of the way home Edward talked about past picnics and baseball games.

When we got to the front walk of the house he stopped.

He ran a hand through his hair and turned to me taking my hand in his.

"Thank you for joining me." Edward appeared to be a bit hesitant. Very slowly he brought my hand to his lips as if he was gauging my reaction. Very tenderly, but firmly, he placed a kiss on my hand, my cheeks turned pink. I realized I must have been in this time too long, when I felt slightly lightheaded and he didn't even kiss my lips.

"I had fun. I hope you ask me again," I replied. Edward's eyes seemed to dance with joy and his face broke out into a crooked grin.

"I will have to do that." Edward said softly before offering his arm again as he led me into the house.

A/N: So the subject of war had to come up at some point. I do respect and am thankful for those who fight for our country. I hoped to keep fairly light. Bella is going to get her first interaction with people outside the Masen household in the next chapter.

Preview:

"You made the pie, Becky, how quaint?" Jessica smirked at me. I didn't miss her purposely messing up my name.

"Yes, Bella makes wonderful pies. Mr. Masen and Edward adore her pies. Come Bella, we must be going; we will see you ladies later." Elizabeth took my elbow to guide me away.