Disclaimer: I obviously don't own any of these characters.

Author's Note: Not all of the military information is correct. I've taken a few liberties with it to fit the story. No disrespect intended.

Chapter 10- Breaking

Summer passed by in a blur. Alice, Emmett, and Jasper made sure to keep Bella busy with trips to the beach and day trips to Port Angeles. Bella had never been so grateful for her friends. She knew she would have been a mess and spent the summer in her bedroom had they not forced her out of the house. Still, no matter how busy her friends tried to keep her, there was still too much time to think about how much she missed Edward.

Bella had only spoken to him twice in the almost nine weeks he'd been gone. During the short phone calls, Bella could hear the fatigue in his voice. He never went into much detail about his days. Instead, he wanted to hear about how she was spending the summer. Bella never imagined there would be a day when she would be happy for the school year to begin. On the first day she signed up for as many activities as she could, hoping a busy schedule would give her focus. As the weeks passed, Alice began to worry. Bella barely had time to study and was obviously wearing herself out.

"Bella, we need to talk."

Bella stopped gathering books from her locker and turned to look at her best friend, noticing the serious look on her face.

"Alice, are you breaking up with me?" Bella asked with a smile.

"This is important. You need to drop some of these extra activities," Alice said, her look turning to one of worry. "You're burning yourself out. It's too much for one person."

"I'm fine, Alice, really." Bella's smile dropped as she turned back to her locker. "Not to mention, all of the activities look great on college applications."

"So, you joined the science, math, photography, and debate clubs?" Alice crossed her arms over her chest and raised an eyebrow. "Bella, you want to get a degree in English! Plus, you hate math, science, and arguing."

Bella looked down, unable to make eye contact.

"I know you miss him, but you're going to make yourself sick." She reached out to touch Bella's arm. "You can't keep doing all these activities on top of yearbook and homecoming."

Bella nodded, trying not to cry. She had been doing too much of that lately. Alice was right, she was making herself sick. By filling every free moment, she had hoped she wouldn't miss him so much, but it wasn't working. Her birthday was tomorrow and Edward wouldn't be there to celebrate it with her. On top of that she hadn't spoken with him in three weeks. After the final bell, she went and dropped all of her extracurricular activities except yearbook and homecoming.

Unlike last year, Bella was all too aware of her birthday when she woke up the next morning. School was closed due to a teacher preparation day, which frustrated Bella who was looking forward to the distraction of classes. She hoped she would hear from Edward today. Realizing she had slept in, Bella padded downstairs and into the kitchen, noticing the note on the table.

Isabella,

Happy Birthday, Honey! I had to run a few errands in Port Angeles. Your father will be at the station all day if you need anything. Enjoy your day off.

Love

Momma.

P.S Alice called and insisted you to come over as soon as you woke up.

Bella smiled before retreating to her room to get dressed. A half-hour later she stood outside the Cullen's house and knocked. The door was opened instantly, but Alice was not on the other side.

"Hello, Angel."

Edward stood there,,,, smile on his face. Bella felt her mouth drop open and stood motionless before throwing herself at him.

"Edward," she whispered, tears gathering as she threw her arms around his neck.

"God, I've missed you, Angel." Edward wrapped his arms around her waist as he held her tight, never wanting to let her go. He kissed the side of her neck and breathed in deeply.

"I clearly remember telling you that the sniffing thing was weird," she said, with a small laugh.

"And I remember telling you that I may be weird, but you love me." He replied, pulling his head back to look at her.

"I love you, too."

They stared into each other's eyes, taking in the moment. Bella brought her hand up to rest on his cheek.

"How are you here? I was just hoping for a phone call."

"We finished with basic training yesterday morning. I have two weeks off before we start the next portion," he said. "I got home last night,"

"Wait, you were home last night?" She asked puzzled and a little hurt. "Why didn't you come over, or call me? Why didn't Alice call me?"

"Alice about flew out the door to come get you. I told her that I wanted to surprise you for your birthday. Emmett about had to tie her down.'

"I understand." She said staring once again. She noticed subtle changes. His arms were more muscular. His beautiful hair was cut short, and there were dark circles under his eyes. But he was still Edward. "So I get you here for two whole weeks."

"That you do, my love." He said, flashing her favorite smile.

"Well, I'm famished. Let's go to the diner," Bella said, before raising her voice. "Ali, you can come out now. We're going to the diner."

Seconds later Alice ran around the corner followed closely by Emmett.

"Did someone say something about food?"

After picking up Jasper, they all made their way to the diner. Sitting in their booth, Bella listened as Edward talked about the men in his company. He told them about his friend Seth, whom Edward had taken under his wing. As he talked, Bella looked around at her friends. They were finally all together, Emmett and Jasper were back to their joking ways, and Alice seemed back to her normal bubbly self.

"What's the big smile all about, Bells?" Jasper asked. The others turned to look at her.

"I was just thinking that this is the best birthday ever," she said as Edward placed a kiss on her temple.

Dear Diary,

Edward is back for two weeks! He surprised me this morning for my birthday. This afternoon we were all at the diner and it was as though he hadn't been gone. After lunch he and I went to the meadow. I've missed being able to tell him everything. I know that it's going to be harder when he leaves again, but now I know he is okay. He said that he may be able to call more often now that the basic training is over, , but he didn't want to promise, j, ust in case. I can't wait until all of this is over and he is home for good.

~Bella

9/13/42