So Sorry about the delay. Unfortunately my life is picking up accordingly with summer. To try and make up for my absence I am going to post a chapter today, Sat., Sun, and Mon. After that there's no guarantee. :(

I was woken up to a shrill, demanding ring in my ear. I sat up straight and lunged for the phone. Only one person had this number, only one person would actually call.

"Mom?" I asked breathlessly as I answered the phone.

"Hello darling Bella!" she said enthusiastically over the phone. I groaned internally, did she have to call on my day off? "How are you my dear?"

"I'm okay," I told her hesitating of saying anything.

"Of course you are! And I'm sure you love the new house too. It's absolutely adorable. When the salesman spoke of it, I had to get it for you." she gushed.

"Well, not exactly. I mean it doesn't have that 'homey' feel. Mom, I have to speak plain with you, this house-"

"I can't talk long honey," Renee interrupted. I sighed, I knew what that meant. "I only really called to tell you the news. Phil got signed on! We'll be moving to Jacksonville. I picked out the house today and we're packing up everything. Is there anything you want us to keep?"

"Well, actually there are some things, maybe I could come down for a bit," I started.

"Nonsense! You're too busy with college and being my mature daughter. How about I just pack it up and keep it in the attic for now. Yes, that sounds great." She continued to ramble on about the house and all the things she plans to do.

"Mom, wait, how many rooms in the house are there?" I asked.

"Well, our room and the guest room which I'm thinking about doing in red and gold. It'll turn out beautifully, I'm sure." She paused, someone on the other line was talking, "Oh, that's Phil! Bye, darling, I'll pass on your hello." The line went dead.

I held the phone in my lap, staring at it, processing the information. I would be a stranger in my parents' house, not worthy of calling a room my own. Five minutes with my mom and I felt as if somebody punched me in the gut. I looked around the room, feeling as if I didn't really belong anywhere.

After the phone call I attempted to continue cleaning the house. It was looking better and I had clean water. Most of the rooms were not uninhabitable anymore. Unfortunately the phone call had set off my mood for the day. I could not find the energy need to work on this decrepit home.

Sometime mid afternoon the doorbell rang. I went through a mental checklist in my head to see if I was expecting someone. I frowned and opened the door.

"Lizzy?" I asked dumbstruck. When did I tell her where I live?

"Heya Bells! How's cleaning the house?" she asked, chipper as usual. I laughed, feeling immensely better.

"It's okay," I said as I showed her in, "Although I find myself very unmotivated today." I didn't tell her about the conversation with my mother that caused me to feel bitter and dejected.

"Good thing I stopped by then!" She said happily, sitting down on the couch facing the TV. "Looks nice. You've done wonders if it was half as bad as you said it was."

"Worse," I replied, joining her on the couch. "What brings you over here?" I asked; I knew she lived on the other side of the city. It wasn't a short drive.

"I was at Theo's when I realized I've never seen the infamous Swan residence." She laughed, "I don't envy you."

I laughed as well. I knew there was something in her life that made her want to get away but I didn't push her. We didn't know each other well enough to open up. "Glad to be of service. How are you liking the estate, madam?"

She relaxed on the couch, "I wouldn't mind owning my own house if it looked this well. Although the porch is a sight."

I smiled sheepishly. I hadn't gotten to the porch yet. It was still in shambles, although I had created somewhat of a walkway to the front door. "It wasn't high on my to-do list when I got here."

Then the doorbell rang again and I nearly jumped out of my skin. "Well, if this keeps up, people might think someone lives here," I mumbled. Lizzy laughed.

I opened the door and was face to face with Edward Cullen. The day had turned cloudy and the wind was tousling his hair. I gaped as my mind raced. Was it that time already? I looked at the clock and calendar on the wall. 4:00 Saturday. I had completely forgotten.

"Edward," I squeaked, "I'm so sorry, I forgot you were coming."

He smiled crookedly and my knees threaten to give out, "Should I come back at a more convenient time?"

Lizzy had come up behind me, still laughing, "Of course not! I was just dropping by. Come in. I'm Elizabeth by the way."

Edward stepped into the house and I managed to find the use of my mouth, "We were just talking. She startled me when she came by."

Edward smiled politely at Lizzy, "I wouldn't want to interrupt your conversation."

She backed away towards the door. "Don't be ridiculous, you aren't. I was one my way out. My parents will be worried where I am soon."

Another wave of dejection hit me as she mentioned parents. I tried to shake it off and gave Lizzy a hug, "Be careful. And don't be afraid to surprise me more often."

She smiled brilliantly and ran to her car. The weather had taken a turn for the worse and seemed to threaten rain. She waved as she pulled away from sight.

I turned towards Edward and sat down across from him. He had the journal in his hands and was flipping through it, smiling absentmindedly. "I didn't really get to read it," I confessed, unsure if he would leave or not.

He looked up, his eyes bright with some emotion, "Would you like me to read it to you?"

I thought about it and nodded enthusiastically. I leaned forward on the table, resting my chin in my hands. He began to read:

"February 8th, 1917

Dear Journal,

I am beginning to wonder if the United States of America will stay out of this war. It seems too big not to join into. Despite people being unwilling I am ready to make any sacrifice needed to keep my land safe. I have even heard that William plans to join the army, before a draft is set in place.

Speaking this to my mother I found she was adamant that I would not be going. She did not think her son should be 'sent to death or worse' in her words. It was the worst argument we have gotten into in a long time. I am still angry as I write this.

I suppose I am not angry at her or father but it seems that they do not understand the need to go. If this war is still going on when I reach the age of manhood, I do not believe I will have a choice.

I shall go apologize to mother. She means well and I am her only child. She shouldn't have to go through my anger, even if she doesn't understand.

Edward"

Edward stopped reading and looked up at me. I was stunned. Edward brought the story to life. I could almost see Edward Masen scribbling this down in a furious haste. I bit my lip and looked away. Reality came back hard. My mother didn't seem to understand either.

"Bella, are you alright," Edward asked, concerned. I desperately tried to hold back my emotions. I knew I was failing completely.

"I-I'm fine, it's just my mom. She called this morning." I blubbered through the conversation. My emotions came out raw and tender.

Again he stroked my cheek, although this time was more out of comfort. I sighed. "Bella, it's okay."

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to get you into this." I mumbled. "It kind of ruined the day." I straightened. It helped to get this of my chest. I felt immensely better. "I'm much better, thank you for listening."

He smiled tenderly. "Anytime Bella." He looked outside as if someone had called out his name. The sky was dark and pouring. "Although I think I must get home."

I led him to the door and watched him as he went to his car, the wind whipping at his clothes and hair. I smiled. It felt so nice to talk to him, almost natural. Despite my uneasiness to confide to in someone, I was glad I talked to Edward. I shut the door, sighing in contentment.

Aww, poor Bella. She is falling hard for edward. :)