My New Years Resolution? Figure out a better way to thank SimplyDazzling for her betaing! What's yours?

I was just finishing my letter to Edward when my phone rang. I was getting him all the information he needed to book a flight to and from here. There wasn't much to write other than that, so I felt the need to ramble mindlessly. I hoped he didn't care that the letter had no interesting content.

Sighing, I folded the paper to fit into the envelope and answered my phone. I knew it was Rose calling. She was borrowing her mom's sleek little black car and picking me up to go shopping in a few minutes.

"Get your ass outside, darling," she demanded before I could so much as speak. I rolled my eyes and pushed myself off the plush carpet in my bedroom. We had some serious damage to do and Rose did not take a thing like this lightly.

"Coming, coming," I told her, exasperated. I was already halfway down the stairs when I snapped the phone shut. I slipped into flip flops and opened up the heavy front door, grabbing my purse on the way out.

Unfortunately, it hadn't really occurred to me that normal teenagers that were in a relationship actually went to prom. . .as it turned out, it was kind of expected. So, as a result of my misfortunate thinking, I was being dragged out a week before prom to find the best possible dress available.

Rosalie, however, was extremely smug about the fact that her mother, an extremely gifted seamstress, had been working on a dress for her for quite some time. Neither of us had really talked about going, so I did not have a dress and Rose now had a use for the dress.

I really wasn't going to go at all – have my tonsils removed or something of that nature. But that wasn't going to work for two reasons. . .One, Carlisle wasn't working prom night so he was unwilling to perform a surgery. And two, Esme went all Yoda on me and somehow convinced me that I would regret it if I didn't go. Even now I snort.

Don't get me wrong, I have wanted to go prom forever. I used to look at my babysitter's pictures and dream about my day. But I would enjoy going with an actual boyfriend. I still had senior year, which was why I wasn't crazy about going this year.

"Alright, let's tear up this mall!" Rose exclaimed enthusiastically as I slid into the car and she peeled out. I struggled to get my seat belt to click. Loved Rose to pieces; hated Rose's driving to bits.

"There is going to be nothing there!" I complained while trying not to glance at the speedometer. There was a reason Rose didn't have a car yet. Her mom, while amazing and totally fun, didn't trust Rose's driving. . .at all. She trusted Osama Bin Laden to drive her somewhere more that her daughter.

"You'll get a bubble gum colored dress or nothing." I would definitely be better off with the nothing.

As it turns out, I was painfully right. There were absolutely no prom dresses left. Well, okay. Yeah there were the usual slutty ones. Then some animal print ones and of course, bright, freaking fairy pink ones. My frown was just getting deeper and deeper with every store we went to.

After two hours we were both getting desperate. We had one last store left to go to and I was extremely nervous that there would be nothing.

"How opposed are you to ruffles?" Rose asked as we divided and looked on each side of the metal rack. I raised an eyebrow at the poop colored dress in front of me.

"How ruffly?" I asked her, peering over the metal hangers clinking back and forth.

"Really fucking ruffly." I sighed. The awe in Rosalie's voice was somewhat comical, actually.

We continued for a few moments, hearing nothing other than the clinking of hangers meeting and the usual elevator music this store offered as a playlist.

"Oooh! What about this?" For a second I thought she might have actually found something. Then she shoved Cookie Monster in my face. I'm talking some extreme, stringy ruffles complete with the signature bright blue color and even eyes! There were giant googly eyes that were placed quite provocatively over the general midriff area.

"That's a winner." My sarcasm was so powerful that it came out in a monotone. Rosalie rolled her eyes dejectedly and went back to her side.

After we looked at every possible surface that held a dress, I had two to try on. The first one was too skinny and displaced my breasts better than that creepy Cookie Monster one because it was really tight. Rosalie didn't even get to see it on me.

Finally, I tried on the last one. It was a light yellow one with silver beading designed along the bodice. For lack of a better description. . .I looked like melted butter. I grudgingly had to admit that it was unfortunately the best one I had tried on.

"I look like corn on the cob!" I complained loud enough so that Rose could hear. I swiveled in front of the full length mirror to see how it would look.

"Yeah and my dress looks like a psychedelic pumpkin. Show me the damn dress," she demanded, irritated. Over the years, Rose really had not built up the stamina for more than two hours of shopping.

Frustrated, I stepped out of the dressing room and stood in front of Rosalie. I had to give her credit, for as opinionated as she was, she was definitely doing a damn good job of hiding her thoughts as she examined the dress with a thorough eye.

"Well. It'll have to do." No need for flattery; really, Rose.

"Can't believe I'm spending money on this. . ." I muttered under my breath as she dismissed me back into the dressing room. I grumbled the entire time I was purchasing it.

Luckily, Rose and I had learned from our winter formal fiasco. This time I got the tie and matching vest I needed in about seven minutes flat. Rosalie had opted to make her date Luke – the very same one that took her to the winter dance – wear a bright orange bow tie and vest. Feel the pride, my man. . .

Rosalie was busy prepping me on prom day as we made our way back out to the car. "My mom's friend Brunico is thrilled to be able to get his hands on your hair. He can be at you house at 11 in the morning." Brunico was the extremely not straight friend of Rose's mom. He was a stylist at the most popular salon in the city. "He said not to bother planning your style; he knows exactly what he's going to do for both of us."

"I made appointments for our nails and toenails to get painted. That's at 9 in the morning. After we are all dressed and ready we'll go off to the gardens for like two hours and do pictures. Then the basketball team and dates have reservations at some restaurant." Oh my damn. I would be asleep before the actual dance started. It seemed like girls objectified themselves way too much for these occasions.

"How do I not know this until now?" I asked her with utmost curiosity.

"Simple. You've been in your own little bubble since our meet last week." I grinned at her answer. It didn't exactly take a detective to figure out why I was so happy. Rose hit the nail right with the hammer so to speak. Edward's phone call had made my entire week.

When I didn't argue with her answer she looked over at me, still keeping both hands on the wheel. She glanced at me with her eyes shining and a knowing, simple smile graced her lips.

Prom day came along no faster or slower than any other day. I was throwing myself into my school work with finals approaching rapidly. But along with that, I was immersed into the golf meets and practices. I was having my best season ever and concentrating really had at practice. I really wanted to play for a college team in a couple years.

Any spare time I had from studying and practicing I was thinking about Edward's arrival. So far I had a pretty hefty list of things I wanted to do when he got here in a couple months. It was hard to day dream about someone when you didn't even know what they looked like, but impressively I managed.

I was also anxious about Alice coming. As it turned out, Sergeant Whitlock had a dad that lived about 20 minutes away from us. Alice didn't have a family that I knew of, but she did have the same leave as Jasper, so they were going to be at his dad's house for the duration of their leave.

I didn't want to steal any of their alone time. I knew they really didn't get much, if any, at base and this was their vacation. But Alice and I had discussed getting together and being able to meet. I wanted her to come up to the cabin with me, and maybe even Rosalie. But I left that up to her.

Alice used email much more than Edward did. Not that I minded. I preferred letters over emails much more, just like he did. One time he had said something about delayed gratification. I wouldn't say that I'm all for that, because let's face it, patience is a virtue I sorely lack in, but I'd admittedly been getting better. Alice and I no longer even sent letters to each other – we just corresponded with one another through computers.

So when I unknowingly let it slip out that I was going to prom a few days ago, she wanted to see a picture of my dress. I learned that Alice had a bit of a knack for clothes and sort of liked keeping up with fashion trends. She wasn't a big fan of the color army green, but she was very proud of her uniform from what I had gathered.

After Rosalie and I got back from our pedicures and manicures, we had a little time to ourselves to eat brunch. We were munching on something Esme had made in the dining room while I had my laptop next to me and was scrolling through some things before I checked my email. I had an email from Alice. . .and Edward.

Delayed gratification my ass, Sergeant.

I smirked.

Cautiously, I glanced at Rosalie. She was texting rapidly and thoroughly distracted. I let out a silent breath of relief at the all clear sign. Rose could read me like Seventeen Magazine.

I didn't know what the occasion was for me to be graced with an email, but before my thoughts could head down the lovely worry lane I clicked open. I got the impression that Edward only used email when it was pretty important. And by opening it quickly, I wouldn't have to fret any longer than a few seconds. I couldn't allow myself to think about him being hurt.

From: Sergeant E. Masen
Subject: Off to the Ball
Date: 19, April 2008, 10:33 AM
To: Bella Swan

Alice tells me you have quite the day planned out. I wish the best.

I never really did the whole prom experience. Tuxedos aren't really my thing. I much prefer my issued military blues.

Do I get a picture?

Grinning, I clicked reply. So there wasn't really a reason for his spontaneous email. I was glad.

From: Bella Swan
Subject: Glass Slippers?
Date: 19, April 2008, 10:36 AM
To: Sergeant E. Masen

Yes, we've already been to the nail salon and are anxiously awaiting the arrival of the man who's going to make my hair look gorgeous.

Strange. I definitely pegged you as a typical prom man. I can't say the same for dressing up as you though. I somewhat enjoy it. Except when I look like corn on the cob. . .

Hmm, I'll think about the pictures. But I think it'll give you too much hope seeing me all glammed up. You'll be thoroughly disappointed when you realize the real deal isn't as nice as the pictures.

After I pressed send I went back to my salad. I really wasn't a salad person. I wanted a stack of warm, buttery waffles.

I wondered who Rosalie was texting. I cleared my throat and she looked up. She raised her eyebrows in expectancy. I gestured for her to explain.

"What? Oh, just making sure Luke got the corsage."

"You guys have been getting along," I commented while picking up my glass of ice tea. Rose's eyes narrowed in the slightest.

She was quick with a defensive retort statement. "So have you and Elliot." Idly, I wondered why she was defensive about that in the first place.

"Actually, I think we're done. I mean, in a couple weeks that is." That was nothing new to Rosalie. Elliot and I had talked about it when we went golfing last weekend. We mutually decided that as soon as school got out, we wouldn't keep up the dating pretense any longer. There was really no need; I didn't see a lot of the people from school in the summer anyways. Well, not the ones I disliked at least. . .

I really thought Elliot deserved a good girlfriend. That entitled someone who was actually interested in him. He was a good guy, and it would have been awesome if we actually were attracted to each other.

"Going to stage an overly dramatic screaming fit as your final act?" she asked with amusement.

"It's a possibility. . ." I smirked at her in response. My laptop dinged to alert me that I had another email. Rose went back to her cell phone and continued to text at an impressive speed.

From: Sergeant E. Masen
Subject: Glass Was Not Intended for Footwear
Date: 19, April 2008, 10:42 AM
To: Bella Swan

Did you get black nails?

That's always a very pretty feminine touch to add to a yellow dress. I'm sure you'll be the most appetizing looking girl there.

Disappointed? I sincerely doubt that.

You going solo to this event?

Hmm, I dare say that the Sergeant was flirting with me. I had to say, this email thing was a hell of a lot more fun. In letters, I got Edward's deeper side – the more thoughtful and intense part of his personality. In emails he was much more playful and. . .flirtatious? That was such a lame word.

From: Bella Swan
Subject: Fan of Corn?
Date: 19, April 2008, 10:46 AM
To: Sergeant E. Masen

Unfortunately I have a pretty self enforced policy against colors on my body that are also colors of olives.

So as a result, there were no black nails for me.

Speaking of sincerely, why the loss of the prominent signature? I was growing rather fond of it.

Solo? No, not quite.

From: Sergeant E. Masen
Subject: The Best of All Vegetables
Date: 19, April 2008, 10:51 AM
To: Bella Swan

What did the color green ever do to you?

As it so happens, that would be the color of my eyes and I'm now wounded.

I suppose you paint your nails brown, just because it's not a form of olive?

I've decided that particular signature serves a stronger purpose in the letters I write. I come off as prominent? Interesting.

So who's the lucky little ass who gets to escort you?

From: Bella Swan
Subject: Carrots Are Better
Date: 19, April 2008, 10:54 AM
To: Sergeant E. Masen

Well. Our stylist Brunico has just arrived. I have to be off.

And no, I was not aware that you had green eyes. And I don't paint my nails brown.

The color green has never personally offended me. I just have an immense distaste of olives and their colors in general.

Prominent indeed Sergeant. I'm off, talk to you soon.

P.S. He's not an ass.

From: Sergeant E. Masen
Subject: Would you Prefer Jackass?
Date: 19, April 2008, 10:56 AM
To: Bella Swan

Have fun my little kernel.

From: Bella Swan
Subject: No, I Wouldn't
Date: 19, April 2008, 10:58 AM
To: Sergeant E. Masen

Stay safe please.

From: Sergeant E. Masen
Subject: Always Am
Date: 19, April 2008, 11:01 AM
To: Bella Swan

I thought you had to go.

From: Bella Swan
Subject: Smirking Are We?
Date: 19, April 2008, 11:03 AM
To: Sergeant E. Masen

I do. BYE.

From: Sergeant E. Masen
Subject: Am I That Obvious?
Date: 19, April 2008, 11:05 AM
To: Bella Swan

Still going to call you kernel...

I smiled as I closed the laptop. Esme had gone to get the door for Brunico and was talking to him excitedly about life, and Rosalie stacked our dishes before bouncing eagerly to greet him. I walked over and gave him a hug and we headed upstairs to my room. Apparently we had quite a lot of ground to cover in the next couple hours.

Brunico sat me down in front of the mirror in the large bathroom and took out his assortment of hair products. He started right away, because I guess we had no time to lose. While he was chattering away about Pairs Hilton in his adorable Australian accent, I watched what he was doing in the mirror. When he looked up, I noticed that Brunico had green eyes.

I drowned out Brunico and contemplated that little tid-bit I had just learned about Edward. Hmm, green eyes. Maybe he was Irish? I tried my hardest to create some type of image of what he looked like. Now all I just pictured as was a set of green eyes.

"Something on your mind, my dear?" Brunico asked when he realized I wasn't paying attention to his chatter. I cleared my thoughts and smiled reassuringly at him.

"No, I'm just excited," I lied with an amazingly false grin. He smiled back at me and went back to doing whatever the hell he was doing with my hair. But really, to think of it, I was excited. I was just excited for June 20th, not prom.

Two hours and a lot of hair tugging later, Rosalie and I were ready. I was in my yellow puff dress which I admittedly was starting to grow the tiniest bit fond of and Rose was dressed in her orange floor length psychedelic orange gown. She sure as hell didn't look like a pumpkin; she looked like the goddess of fire.

Elliot and Luke, along with Rose's mom, showed up a little after we were dressed and ready. Esme was excitedly snapping pictures as we got our corsages. We went outside to take a quick few pictures of the couples before actually heading to the local gardens where literally the whole school would be.

"You look awesome," Elliot grinned at me as he placed his hand on my waist and I stepped in closer to him. I was pretty relieved he didn't put it on my ass, I'd tell him off of course, but I really rather did not do that on prom night.

"I'm glad one of us can pull off the yellow," I smiled back gesturing towards the tie and vest. Elliot rolled his eyes but didn't respond because Esme was taking another picture. Then she had just me and Rose take a picture together without the guys. If it turned out well I would probably have to go buy another frame for it.

"That's the one you have to send to Edward and Alice," Rosalie grinned at me as Esme handed me the camera so I could see the picture. I looked at her in surprise. Damn she was intuitive.

"And Emmett," I added, giving her a teasing elbow in the side.

And then, one of the strangest phenomenon's I'd ever witnessed took place. I looked on in absolute awe as a soft red blush coated the cheeks of Rosalie Hale. She saw my eyes widening and narrowed her sky blue ones right back at me, daring me to call her out. I just grinned.

Going onto AnySoldier months ago, I had no inclination that my life would soon shift as a result of it. But somehow, over the course of events, Rosalie and I had found ourselves totally wrapped up in the world of our soldiers, and they found a place in our minds for constant thought.

Pick your heart up off the floor
Leave good intentions at the door
Is she gonna say yes?
Is she gonna say no?
What's she gonna say, day, way
Am I moving too fast?
Am I thinking too slow?
I just wanna know Ohh
Stupid Love Letter, The Friday Night Boys

-Do you guys like the emailing? Flirty Edward is out to play (:

-The results for the Titanic vs. Remember Me debate are in. I learned about a lot about you guys from your answers, and it was fun to read them all week. Thanks for so much your help! (IN YOUR FACE SimplyDazzling.)
Unresolved: 11
Remember Me: 19
Titanic: 22
Up: 1

-So, guess who just got exactly 100 reviews for the last chapter? And guess whose on cloud fucking 9? Yeah. That'd be me. I tried to respond to all the reviews, but I just ran out of time with Christmas. Speaking of which...favorite gift? I got the Mamma Mia DVD. So I'm just a happy camper(: