Because the last chapter took a bit longer, here is the next chapter sooner. I will try to get them out to you as soon as i can. My readers are the best out there.

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

~MDE~

Chapter 11

Subject: RE: I hope you are safe.

Date: August 3, 2011

Dear Bella:

It's days like today that it's nice to have someone to talk to. I was just able to check my email, and was surprised to hear from you so soon. It was just what I needed. Your words brought so much comfort today.

God, today was hard. These are the days I wish I had family surrounding me, holding me. I'm not sure how much you know about what I do, but I basically supervise a team of four soldiers. I am the go between them and those higher up in command. These four men are my family here, and my responsibility. We are all close, and look after one another. There is nothing we don't do together. These men are my lifeline, and I am theirs. Today, things changed. One of us was wounded. I promise you I'm fine, but one of my men is not. As you can hopefully understand, I can't get into details of what happened. He will make a full recovery, but it will be a long process.

I have seen men die out here, and to see that, and know there is nothing you can do, well, its gut wrenching, and not fair. I make it my mission to keep my men safe, and I failed him today. I felt so helpless. I know I did all I could, and so did my men, but that doesn't make it any easier, and I still can't help but wonder if there was more I could have done; if I should have done something different. I have never lost one of my men, and that almost changed this afternoon.

This is why I'm here. There is so much wrong in this world. I may not do much, but I do my part to make this world a better place. I can't begin to tell you how incredibly frustrating and angry it makes me when I see some of the shit I see. When I saw him lying there, covered in blood. It was too much. I'm sorry to dump all of this on you, but I needed to talk, I needed to vent, and well, to be perfectly honest (and I hope this doesn't scare you away) when things calmed down, it was you I thought about.

Things can change so quickly out here, and when it does, it really makes you think about what you do and don't have in life. I know I have said it before, but thank you for taking the time to write to me, to keep me company on long nights. I know it's not the same as someone really being next to you, but your words calm me, and keep me looking forward to more. I can't tell you how happy it made me to read that you will continue to write me. I have come to rely on your letters, and now emails as well. I love that we have so much in common, and that we want the same things out of life. I would have loved to have met you while I was in the states. Who knows what could have happened between us. I know we could have been great friends, if not more. I'm sorry that was out of line. Wait, we promised honesty, right? Bella, I like you. I know it's soon, but we have been corresponding for over a month now, and I can't fight the feelings. I still have no clue what they are, or when they developed, but they are there. You feel it to, that pull. How is this even possible? We are on completely different continents and have never met face to face. I really hope this email doesn't scare you off, and if it does, I'm sorry. Today put a lot of things in perspective, and I don't want to fight it any more. When we came under fire so much happened. You don't have time to think, you just react. There was one constant image that kept popping up in my mind. It was your face, Bella. I don't know what it means, was it because you have been on my mind? Or could it be more?

Bella, will you do something with me? Will you go on a date with me? I think I have a way if you accept. This Friday night I have some free time. I was planning on watching a movie. It's something we don't get often, but when we do, I love it. Would you be willing to watch it at the same time? We can even have our email open and talk back and forth, or just watch the movie together, well as together as we can be at this point. Again, I am so sorry if this comes across the wrong way. I'm not looking to offend you in any way. I just want to see where this can go, and if it helps, if I had met you sooner, I would have asked you out on day two. I want to get to know you Bella, even more than I already have. So, what do you say? Will you be my date for this Friday night?

Take care,

Edward

P.S. I can't wait for mail call.

A/N:

Hmmm, will she agree to the date?