Hi all! And welcome to chapter 9! This is basically chapter 8 in Edward's POV.

it's also the last chapter I wrote prior to returning to work (my break is over...sad) so it may be a while before I update again...so sorry! Life as a teacher is hectic.

Great hugs and thanks to katmom for being a great beta! Her own amazing story Guarding Edward is sadly at an end! Go check it out now! I'm hoping for many epilogues...

Thanks to all of you who reviewed/favourited/alerted this story! I really do appreciate it! If you leave a signed review I will reply.

If you like you can follow me on twitter (yes, I'm that self-obsessed). http://twitter(dot)com/A_Mayes I update my story progress on it.

Happy reading!

Across the Years - Chapter 9

Edward was staring at the most recent letter from Bella; immersed in a feeling that was rather foreign to him. It was a combination of longing and love that engulfed and had held him since he first set eyes on her. Never having truly been in love before, Edward was at something of a loss at how to handle these new emotions.

Bella consumed his thoughts at almost every time of the day. Often he found himself brooding over whether or not she'd ever become a reality for him. Physically seeing her had definitely been a turning point for him. Not only because of her beauty, but also owing to the fact that seeing her had confirmed that she actually existed.

It was the most unconventional relationship he had ever been in, and yet it was also the most significant one. He twisted his mouth at that sad truth. This woman, who essentially existed only on paper, had become the most vital part of his life.

He took great comfort from the knowledge that Bella appeared to feel the same way about him. It made the situation somewhat more bearable.

He looked at the sheet in his hands. As was his habit, he had read it over multiple times. This letter was one of his most treasured as it showed that Bella reciprocated his feelings.

Edward,

Thank you for going to all the trouble to get

that book for me. I don't know if you've

read it but it's one of my favourites. One

day, I hope I can tell you why. It would take

too long to try and write it out.

You've seen me, and I so wish that

I could have seen you. I have a vague

memory of a man waving a book at me.

I'm assuming that it was you. I couldn't

see your face clearly.

Edward, did you mean everything you

wrote in your last letter? I dearly hope so

because it's the same way that I feel

about you.

My last relationship ended because I

couldn't fully commit to him. There was

always something missing. It was

indefinable but there.

I know we've only communicated

through letters, but sometimes, when I

read them, I feel like you're here with

me. You're closer to me than anyone

I've ever met and at the same time, you're

so incredibly far.

I hope you're right and that we will

meet one day. I'll echo what you wrote

in that I want so badly to be able to talk

with you and feel you beside me.

I can't wait to hear from you again,

Bella

After reading it over one last time, Edward forced himself to put it away in the drawer he reserved for all of Bella's letters. Aro came trotting up to him and laid his head on Edward's thigh.

"You miss her too, don't you boy?" Edward absently stroked Aro's golden head. "Sitting around won't get us anywhere. Ready to go scout out the location for our latest project?" Aro perked up slightly, following Edward out of the bedroom and to the front door.

***********

Needing to pick up a few items from his office, Edward had stopped by, bringing Aro with him.

He was surprised to see a woman, with strawberry blond hair, standing in his doorway. She turned towards him at hearing his footsteps as he approached her.

"Edward!" she cried out, happily. A wide smile appeared on her pretty face.

"Tanya…what are you doing here?"

"You're nearly impossible to get a hold of. So I thought I'd come over to you instead. I hope it's not too much of a bother?"

"No…though I'll be heading out in a few minutes. I only stopped by to pick up some blueprints. What did you need?"

"Remember, I asked you to let me know about the play by Wednesday? That's today."

"Oh, right. I'm so sorry, Tanya. It completely skipped my mind. Is it all right if I take a rain check? I'm pretty bogged down with work at the moment." He felt guilty when he saw her face fall. Tanya was a nice girl, and attractive. She deserved someone who would give her his undivided attention. He wasn't that someone.

"I figured as much, but thought I'd give it a try anyway," Tanya said, her blue eyes filled with disappointment. "Where are you off to?"

"Kitsilano, near the beach. There's a project I'm working on there."

"Would you mind dropping me off then? I'm pretty close to that area."

Seeing as how he'd turned down her offer of the play, Edward decided it was the least he could do.

"Sure."

Tanya smiled then and fell in step with him towards the door.

**************

Edward parked the car at a construction site close to Kitsilano Beach.

"Thanks for agreeing to stop by here first, Tanya. I really needed to get a look at this place as soon as possible."

"No problem, Edward. I don't mind at all." The intimation of her perpetual attraction to him hung in the air, making him uncomfortable.

Edward had barely begun surveying the site when Aro suddenly gave a sharp bark and careened down the road.

"Aro! Get back here!" Edward shouted. Momentarily forgetting about Tanya, he took off after his dog, wondering what had set him off. Aro never ran off on his own.

The retriever kept on running, keeping Edward chasing after him for a good three blocks. Eventually, Aro stopped on the lawn of a brick townhouse. A black-haired man was standing on the driveway, next to a car that contained several cases of beer. He was holding one in his arms.

"Finally!" Edward panted, out of breath as he pulled up beside his dog. "What were you running after, boy?" He leaned down to drag Aro back from the man's feet.

"This your dog?" The man asked, looking admiringly at Aro.

"Yes. Sorry, I hope he wasn't bothering you. He doesn't usually take off like that."

"No bother. Looks like he gave you some exercise. I'm Jacob Black. I should get a dog like that. My girlfriend loves them."

"Edward Cullen. Nice place you've got here. Say," Edward's brow furrowed. "Have we met before?"

"I don't think so," Jacob replied, shifting the box in his hands.

"Need a hand with that?" Edward offered.

"Yeah, that'd be great," Jacob accepted. The two men started up the steps to the house. "So, you live around here?"

"No, I'm around Horseshoe Bay, in a seaside house. I'm out here for work."

"Seaside? Sounds great!" Jacob put his case down in the kitchen with Edward following suit. "Listen, I'm going to give you my card. If you know of any houses for rent around your area would you let me know? My girlfriend has always wanted to live by the sea."

"Sure, of course." Edward took the proffered card.

"Edward! Oh good, I found you." Tanya came running into view, her cheeks pink from running.

"Jacob, this is Tanya. Tanya, Jacob." Edward made the customary introductions.

"Nice to meet you. Say, if you two aren't busy Saturday night, you're both welcome to come to a party I'm planning. That's what all this beer is for," Jacob said, gesturing to all the cases. "It's for Bella's birthday."

Bella. Edward's head snapped up. "Your girlfriend's name is Bella?" he asked, a little too eagerly.

"Yes…Bella Swan. Do you know her?" Jacob asked, looking puzzled.

"No, it's just…a nice name." Edward stood looking at the house with a faraway expression on his face. In a few short days he was going to have the opportunity to meet with Bella, face to face. He could hardly believe his luck.

"Edward, we should get going," Tanya said, disturbing his thoughts.

"Yes. You're right. It was good to meet you, Jacob."

"Likewise," Jacob nodded. "The party's at seven if you're interested."

"Great!" Edward grinned. He was finding it difficult to contain his excitement. Looking at Tanya he asked, "So, are you interested in going to the party?"

**********

The two short days leading to Saturday passed excruciatingly slowly for Edward. Work held no interest for him, and he was really just there for appearances. By the time Saturday rolled around he had taken to looking at the clock every five minutes, willing it to go faster.

He tried different things to distract himself. From jogging with Aro, to working on the designs for his latest project, to watching inane reality shows on TV. Nothing really worked. During each of the activities Edward would constantly be glancing at his watch.

The day dragged on until finally, it came time for him to leave for Bella's party. Having showered and dressed far in advance, he was more than ready to go. He had agreed to pick Tanya up on the way to Jacob's house.

Edward felt somewhat guilty about going with Tanya to the party. But Jacob had invited the both of them, and Tanya had seemed pleased to attend. He worried that she was going to get the wrong idea and that fact didn't sit well with him. Loose ends and grey areas were not things he liked.

However, those troublesome thoughts were easily overshadowed by his anticipation for the upcoming evening. Checking his appearance one more time in the mirror, and frowning at his unmanageable hair, Edward bid goodbye to Aro and exited his house.

Edward focused on not flying down the road, figuring that a speeding ticket wouldn't be the best way to start off the evening. Though he was itching to go faster, he kept himself in check until he rounded the corner that led to Tanya's house.

"Hi, Edward!" she greeted him with enthusiasm as she got into the car. She looked very attractive in a loose fitting top and tight, black slacks.

"Hi, Tanya," Edward returned.

"You look good," she commented. Edward had selected his outfit with uncharacteristic care, not usually being concerned with the latest trends. However, knowing he'd be seeing Bella, he had dressed in dark, blue jeans, and an off-white, long-sleeved ribbed t-shirt. He wore his usual tan jacket over top it all. He had wanted to look casual but presentable at the same time.

"Thanks, so do you."

Tanya smiled. "Glad to have you notice. What made you decide to go to this party?"

"What do you mean?" Edward asked, cautiously.

"Well, it's hard to get you to go anywhere. I'm just surprised you wanted to go, considering you just met that guy."

"I guess I thought it was time I branched out more," Edward remarked, as he parked in front of Jacob's house. "Shall we?"

They walked up to the front door and knocked. It opened to reveal Jacob, who smiled widely.

"Glad you two could make it! Come on in, she should be here any minute." Noticing that the house was rather dark, Edward looked at Jacob questioningly. "It's a surprise party. She has no idea." Jacob grinned.

"That's so sweet!" Tanya exclaimed. Jacob ushered them to the living room where a large group of people were already assembled.

Presently, he could hear another car pull up. Jacob peeked out the window. "It's her!" Steps sounded on the front walk followed by the doorbell ringing.

"It's open!" Jacob called. The door opened slowly. Edward wasn't aware that he was holding his breath as he waited. After some fumbling, the light switch turned on to reveal the brunette Edward had seen at the train platform. She was even more exquisite close up.

"Surprise!" The crowd cried, taking their cue from the brightness that flooded the room. Bella smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. Her gaze roamed over the horde of people, the smile staying glued to her lips. Edward couldn't stop staring at her; his pen pal come to life. When her brown eyes spotted him they widened slightly; a rosy blush stained her cheeks as she continued to look at him.

His view of her was blocked when Jacob stepped forward to wish her a happy birthday. The black-haired man brought her over to Edward and Tanya to make introductions.

"Bella, this is Edward and his friend, Tanya."

"It's my pleasure to meet you, Bella," Edward said, holding his hand out. He had never meant those words more than he did at this moment. Bella put her small hand into his larger one, causing a shock of feeling to race up his arm. Edward saw his astonishment mirrored on her face; their gazes locked once again.

"It's nice to meet you," Tanya spoke up beside him, interrupting their interlude. Reluctantly, Edward let go of Bella's hand, dropping his own down to his sides.

"I met Edward earlier this week," Jacob explained, looking lovingly at Bella. "He said he might have a lead on a nice house by the sea for us."

Edward noticed that Bella's face took on a distressed look as she listened to Jacob.

"Oh, that's great." Bella tried to look pleased but her words sounded faint.

Considering it was something she apparently wanted, she didn't seem thrilled at the news. She glanced at him again, making Edward aware that he had been openly gaping at her. A small smile lifted the corners of her mouth.

"Bella! I haven't had a chance to talk to you at all!" A tiny, spiky-haired girl flitted over to them. "Can I steal her away for a few?"

The question was obviously rhetorical, so Edward resisted the urge to yell 'no'. Instead, he quietly watched the two girls walk off towards the kitchen. Jacob excused himself and went to welcome some latecomers.

"She seems nice," Tanya commented, making him remember that she was at the party too. "They go well together, don't they?"

"I guess. Though she didn't seem too excited about the seaside house."

"Maybe the news just caught her off guard. Any girl would love all the trouble he's going to. She's very lucky." Something in Tanya's voice made Edward look at her. "Edward, I wish you…" she trailed off and shook her head. "Never mind… I'm going to get something to drink, do you want anything?" At his refusal, Tanya went off to find herself some refreshment.

Edward noticed Bella and her friend emerge from the kitchen. Bella went to greet some other guests while the spiky-haired girl scanned the room. Seeing Edward, she smiled and came up beside him.

"Hi, we haven't met. I'm Alice, a friend of Bella's." Her friendly demeanor was impossible to not like.

"Edward. I actually just met Jacob a few days ago."

"Oh, so you don't know Bella?" Alice sounded surprised.

"No…why do you ask?" Edward was curious.

"The way you were looking at each other, it seemed like you had met before. In any case, I get good vibes from you." Alice grinned impishly up at him.

"Thanks," Edward laughed, liking this girl more by the second. "So, did you help set this all up for Bella?"

"No," she said, her grin fading. "Actually, I told Jake she wouldn't want this but, typical man, he didn't listen. Oh!" Alice looked embarrassed. "Sorry, no offense meant. I like to generalize."

"None taken," Edward assured her. "Though why do you say she wouldn't want this?"

"Bella doesn't like being the center of attention. She hates it actually. Not that she's a hermit or anything. Parties are fine, so long as they're not about her. All this," Alice gestured around to the throng of guests, "is probably stressing her out."

"I didn't know that."

"Of course you wouldn't. But Jake should. He-" Alice paused. "I'm not sure why I'm telling you all this. You must be bored with my babbling!"

"No, really. Go on, what were you going to say?"

"He doesn't get her. Bella, like any girl, needs someone who'll understand her and Jake isn't it."

***********

The evening went on with Edward and Tanya making small talk with people around them. Edward was constantly aware of where Bella was, but was unable to get close to her. He noticed that she looked more and more weary as the night wore on until he saw her slip out the back door.

Hastily, he excused himself from his current conversation, not wanting to pass up an opportunity to speak with Bella, alone. He didn't know when he'd have another chance like this.

Edward found her sitting on the porch steps, shivering slightly in the cool night air. Taking his coat off, he placed it around her shoulders. Bella looked up, surprised at the action.

"Sorry, it's just that you looked a little cold," Edward explained, smiling at her. Bella smiled back, with one of the first genuine smiles he'd seen on her face all evening. He watched her put her arms into the sleeves of his coat, feeling immeasurably pleased as she did so. "May I join you?"

"Yes," she replied without hesitation, moving over to make room for him.

Edward sat down and gave himself over to studying her features. Her skin was on the paler side but with a rosy tint to it. Her face was oval in shape and she had full, entirely kissable lips. Her neck was long and graceful. Edward knew she was slender, though it was hidden by his jacket. However, it was her eyes that caught his attention the most. A dark, deep brown…the colour of melted chocolate. He felt himself getting lost in their depths.

He wanted to tell her everything he knew about her; about how they'd met, the letters they wrote to each other, to tell her about how she made him feel alive.

Obviously she would think he was crazy if he told her that her 2009-self communicated with him through a mailbox. So he contented himself with simply being near her.

Bella appeared to be examining him as well. He discerned her gaze go up to his hair at which point he gave a wry grin. "I know, my hair is crazy. I can't seem to do anything to make it tamer."

It brought her eyes back to his face. "I like it," she said, shyly. Then, she ducked her head, but not before Edward saw a blush come over her cheeks. He felt himself falling deeper under her spell.

"Are you enjoying the party?" he ventured. Bella turned to him again with a grimace.

"I'm pretty obvious, huh?" she laughed. The sound of it was like music.

"People usually don't leave their own birthday parties."

"I didn't want a big deal made out of it. Jake…well he's Jake. I know he meant well." Bella's face was expressionless. "I sound ungrateful. It was a nice thing for him to do."

"It would be, if you liked that sort of thing, which you don't seem to."

"Are you really going to find us a house?" The words came out sounding tentative.

"If I can. Jacob was saying how you've always wanted to live by the sea."

"Hmm..." Because Edward was hyper-aware of the woman beside him, he could see and hear the lack of enthusiasm she had for the idea. Strange, considering she that when she had first written to him she had mentioned how much she enjoyed living there.

To change the topic, Edward brought up the book he had found at the train station. Bella appeared amazed by the fact he knew it at all.

"What do you like about it?" he asked, anxious to hear her answer. He hadn't had the time to read the novel or watch the movie based on it.

Bella looked wistful. "There's something so romantic about it. Two people who are meant for each other, but face an almost impossible obstacle."

She could have been describing their exact situation, if only she were aware of it.

"Wouldn't it be easier for them to be together without all the drama?" he pondered, wishing that there were no such barriers for Bella and himself.

"Of course it would. But it would make for a boring story wouldn't it?"

"I suppose so," Edward laughed at her assessment. "So, do they overcome this obstacle?"

"Yes, but they go through a lot of angst in the meantime. I love that they eventually find each other. That it was all worth it in the end."

"That does make for a nice ending." He looked straight into her eyes as he said it. While he had loved the letters Bella had sent, the reality of her was so much more incredible. Everything about her drew him in, her appealing nature, the delicate beauty she possessed.

He didn't want to think about what he would do once this evening was over. If it were a normal situation he would make sure they would meet again somehow, despite Jacob being in her life.

Edward knew that this wasn't a possibility and was trying to burn the memory of her into his mind. He noticed Bella's face seemed flushed under his intense gaze. She touched her neck self consciously as she rose to her feet.

"I should probably go back in," she stated, her voice laced with regret.

Desperate to have more time with her, Edward tried to think of a way to stop her from going back into the house. Then he heard the well-known notes of a popular love song coming from the house.

"Wait…I…this song," he began, stopping when he heard himself stuttering like a fool. Bella had paused and was looking at him with some confusion.

Annoyed at himself, he ran a hand through his already unkempt hair. "Would you dance with me, Bella?"

At his question, Bella looked alarmed. "I can't dance. I…I'm not the most coordinated person."

Edward hid a smile. It didn't matter to him if she spent the dance stomping on his foot. She was so slight he doubted he'd even feel it. Ignoring her stammers, he approached her, taking one of her hands and placing it on his shoulder. He linked his other arm around her waist, delighting in the feel of her body so close to his.

Deciding to make this as easy as possible for Bella, he picked her up and set her on the top of his own feet. "Now you don't have to worry. Just follow me," he murmured into her ear and began moving them to the music.

Bella held herself rather rigidly at first, but grew more comfortable as the dance progressed. Edward could hardly believe this was happening, that she was here in his arms. He had imagined this moment with her for so long.

Gradually, he drew her closer as the dance continued. She felt so right in his embrace, like she was made for him. When she leaned her head against him, his pulse quickened and he could feel the stirrings of desire within him. Edward rested his cheek on her soft, silky hair, noting the subtle floral scent that emanated from her.

The song came to an end too soon and Edward pulled back, intending to thank her for the dance by giving her a friendly hug. Thoughts of behaving himself went out the window when he saw that her lips were slightly parted and her breathing had quickened. Instead, he brought his hands up to touch the smooth skin of her jaw, his gaze fixed on Bella's lips.

He bent down to graze her mouth, suppressing a groan at finally being able to feel her this way. When his tongue lightly sought entrance to her mouth, Bella willingly gave it, at which point a searing heat surged through him, taking with it what control he had left.

Needing her closer, Edward took his hands from her face, clamping one around her waist, while the other held her head to his, as if he were afraid she would fall away from him. He felt Bella's arms wind their way around his neck as he kept on with his attack of her lips. She was intoxicating, her body warm and pliant in his arms. Edward's senses were full of only her. He knew he'd never be able to get enough of her.

"Bella!" The outraged voice of Jacob Black pierced through his consciousness. Bella gasped against his lips, pushing herself away from him. Edward turned to see both Jacob and Tanya staring at them in shock.

Glancing back at Bella, he saw guilt flash over her features as she lowered her head. He wished there was some way to make the situation better, yet knew there was nothing he could do.

"Edward, I think we should go," Tanya said to him. Edward nodded.

"Right…Happy Birthday, Bella." He didn't bother saying anything to Jacob, knowing that his departure was all the other man would want.

Throwing a last glance at Bella, Edward made a swift exit through the back door and didn't stop until he was out on the front walkway.

"Do you want to explain what just happened?" Tanya asked quietly once they were outside.

"No." What could he say that could make the situation any better? Edward exhaled noisily, rubbing his face. "I'm sorry, Tanya. I don't know what to say. Can I take you home?"

"Okay." She sounded resigned.

The short drive to Tanya's was uncomfortably silent. When they reached the house Edward put the car into park.

"I really am sorry, Tanya. I don't know if it helps at all to say it."

Tanya was still, her hand on the door handle. After another awkward pause she shifted to face him.

"It doesn't, but thanks anyway. Edward…" She bit her lip. "I know now why you couldn't love me. You were waiting for her." Tanya looked at him, and Edward could see her eyes brimming with tears. It felt like a punch to the stomach to see her in pain. He hadn't meant to hurt her.

"Goodbye." She leaned over to give him a kiss on the cheek before letting herself out of the car.

"Tanya…" Edward called, starting after her.

"No, it's all right. Don't come out and try to say something nice, it'll only make things worse." She gave him a shaky smile. "Good luck, I hope she's worth it." Tanya whirled about, running to the front door of her house.

Edward stayed where he was, half in and half out of the car, watching until she had closed the door behind herself. Once she was safely inside, he slowly seated himself and began the journey back to his house.

He arrived home, automatically glancing at the mailbox as he got out of the car. The flag was still down. Once inside, he let Aro out and reflected on the evening.

He felt terrible about the way he'd treated Tanya. She didn't deserve what had happened. But he couldn't help thinking about what she'd said, "I know why you couldn't love me. You were waiting for her." Was that why Tanya, or any other woman, had never been able to hold his interest? Had he been waiting for Bella to come along?

His mind wandered back to the party. Bella was truly a beautiful woman. It was a miracle that she wasn't already involved with someone else in 2009. He indulged himself by remembering the feel of her lips, moving perfectly against his.

Why would fate have it so that he would fall in love with a woman he couldn't reach? He couldn't try and pursue her in his time…he wasn't sure what repercussions it would have on the Bella he was writing to. Something told him it couldn't be done.

"Goddamn it!" he shouted, slamming his hands down on the countertop. He needed someone to talk to.

Picking up the phone he dialed and waited. "Hi, Emmett? You got a minute? I have a story you need to hear."

A/N: Thanks so much for reading! Feel free to leave a review...