Thank you to nicoleXben for being my beta! She does such a wonderful job!
This chapter was supposed to be at the end of chapter 2, but I didn't want to overwhelm you with a ridiculously long chapter, so now you get a chapter of just Edward. As a human!
*IMPORTANT!
This will be the last chapter that I update on here for a while. I want to get chapter 6 finished, and hopefully 2 more before Camp NaNoWriMo in April. I am hoping to have this story completed by the end of that!
With that being said, please leave me a review and let me know how you like the story so far!
I will also be seeking a new beta from chapter 4 on. nicoleXben was fabulous, but due to personal reasons, she couldn't beta for me any longer. So if you're an experienced beta, please PM me and we can work out the details!
~~~~~~~~WSI~~~~~~~~
Edward POV 1917:
Something had me off balance when I opened my eyes. It was almost as if something about me was missing. I had a deep ache in my chest; it wasn't painful, but it was depressing. I didn't remember going to bed the night before, but I woke up in my familiar bed. I started to remember the dream I was having just before I woke.
There was a girl. I definitely didn't know who she was, but she was beautiful. She had brown hair and deep chocolate eyes that melted into my soul. Just the thought of her made my chest ache deeper. I felt like I loved her, and I didn't understand how I could love someone who was only in my dreams. The feelings that came with seeing her eyes were strong and unwavering though.
I sat up, desperate to figure out why I would dream of someone I didn't know, and why I would have such strong emotions about her. I must have sat there too long because I heard an angry muffled voice call up to me.
"Edward? Are you awake? You're going to be late again!" My father's demanding tone echoed up the stairs.
Looking at the clock, I realized that I was indeed late.
"Yeah, I'm awake. I'll be down in a minute," I called back down to him.
I got up and quickly dressed. I ran a comb through my hair, but it wouldn't submit; it never did. I sprinted down the stairs where my mother was waiting with a look of controlled patience on her face. She handed me a muffin and my schoolbooks before kissing me on the cheek.
The screen door slammed behind me as I rushed out the door. My father was getting in the car, and he looked up at me with a severe look that was loaded with disapproval. It was enough to make me hang my head. I knew he didn't approve of me being late for anything. I'd say it wasn't my fault, but it was.
I ran through the gate at the end of the driveway and continued down the road. Our house was located in a more wealthy part of the city. On one side were houses, and on the other was Jackson Park. Thankfully I only had to run three blocks from my house to get to school.
I was only slightly winded when I reached the school. I arrived just as my classmates were walking through the doors. Charles, my best friend, was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, leaning against the railing. He was shaking with laughter.
"What kept you this morning, Edward?" The laughter in his voice was only slightly amusing.
"Nothing really. I woke up late." I didn't want to tell him about my dream. He wouldn't understand and would just tell me to get over it and find someone else. There were at least five girls vying for my attention.
Those five girls would never hold a candle to the beauty of the girl from my dreams. I rubbed my chest as the ache was still there. Thinking of the dream made it worse.
"You better take practice more seriously, Edward. Looks like the run from your house may kill you." I was confused for a moment, but then it clicked. Charles thought that my chest pain was from running here. Good, now I wouldn't have to explain it.
I playfully shoved him on my way past and into the school. I made my way to the back of the room and took my seat. It wasn't long before I was zoning out; I couldn't even concentrate on my lessons. Her face invaded my mind once again.
'Who are you? What do you want? Where are you?" My mind was full of questions. I wanted to find this girl. Something told me that finding her would bring me something good.
"Hey, Edward?" Charles brought me out my musings. He was tapping my arm.
"You're awfully distracted, Edward. What's going on? It's time for lunch, by the way." I looked around and noticed the classroom was empty. I stood, shook my head to try and clear it, and followed him out.
I groaned out in frustration when I noticed Regina standing next to the door of the lunchroom. She was a pretty girl, but only from her features. She had blonde hair and blue eyes. She was vile and mean toward others, and that made her ugly to me. I was almost completely positive that she was only interested in me because of my family's money. That was not a trait that I wanted in someone I would consider to court.
"Hey, Edward. How are you today?" She batted her eyelashes at me, no doubt trying to be alluring. I cringed, wishing she would not try to engage me in conversation.
"I'm fine, Regina, thanks for asking." I said distractedly, and went to step around her, a clear indicator that I was not interested. She placed her hand on my arm to stop me.
"Won't you escort me to lunch? Please, Edward?" Her voice made me shiver. It was cold; there was no warmth in her tone. Another thing that told me she wasn't truly interested in me.
I sighed, torn between manners and giving her a clear message that I wasn't interested in her. My manners won though. My mother would be disappointed if she heard of me not being a gentleman.
"I suppose I could do that." I went to pull away from her to walk her in, but she tightened her grip on my arm. It was almost as if she was staking a claim on me. Shrugging her off would have been rude, so I walked her through the line.
I fully intended on just dropping her off at her table with her friends, but she pulled me down next to her. The girls at the table gasped, then immediately started to giggle. I scanned all their faces trying to see if the dream girl was amongst them. I spotted someone with brown hair and instantly became hopeful. Instead of brown eyes, I was met with scowling ice blue eyes. It was Evelyn, Regina's rival. She was another one looking to marry someone with a rich family.
I ducked my head to avoid any more eye contact with the girls who were staring at me with lust. I ate what food I could, though it tasted like cardboard. My mind once again drifted to my dream. I was becoming more unsettled as time went by, and I could feel irritation creep up on me.
"Earth to Edward!" I cringed at the sound of Regina's voice so close to my ear.
"What? Sorry! Yes?" Her eyes widened at my tone. I've always been courteous.
"I was asking if you wanted to go have a picnic in the park with me on Saturday?" No, I definitely did not want to do that.
"I'm sorry, Regina. I have plans with my father on Saturday." She didn't try to hide her disappointment, and that was okay with me.
"Excuse me, ladies." I got up with a nod of my head and threw my uneaten lunch away.
Charles walked towards me, and I scowled at him.
"Did they try to kill you, Edward? You should have seen your face!" He was laughing hysterically on the way out of the lunchroom, and I wanted to punch him.
"You could have come over and helped me escape, Charles." I bit back at him.
"Whoa! What has gotten into you today, Edward?
"I don't know. I can't explain it. But I think I should have just stayed in bed today." I shrugged my shoulders; I really didn't understand it.
"I wish those girls would look at me the way they look at you. I've wanted to ask Evelyn to join me on a picnic, but she looks at you the same way Regina does, so I know my attempts would be fruitless."
"You shouldn't let that stop you, Charles. If you don't ask, you won't know. I have no interest in Evelyn, so please try to ask her. I just don't see the point of courting anyone at this time."
He nodded in response. We were both hoping to join the war once we were eighteen, but our fathers had other plans for us. My father hoped for me to intern at his office, but I had no interest in becoming a lawyer, and the same for Charles, his father was a dentist, and was hoping for Charles to become one, so he could pass the practice to him.
We settled back into our seats for the rest of our lessons for the day. I tried to ignore the eyes that were blocking my view, but they wouldn't go away. Those eyes were so full of promise that my mind was again racing with silent questions.
The day finally ended, and I followed Charles out of the school.
"Come on, Charles. Come over to my house for a bit."
He didn't respond, simply falling into step beside me. The walk home was quite, and I was trying not to focus on my dream. When we got to my house, my mother was sitting in the living room with hot chocolate and cookies. She got up when she saw Charles come in and went into the kitchen to get him a mug as well.
"How was your day, boys?" She asked the same question every day.
"It was fine, mother. I made it just in time this morning. Sorry about slamming the door on my way out." She smiled kindly.
"We really need to work on your lateness, Edward. You know your father disapproves." Her words were not unkind, but it was a clear warning.
"Yes, mom." I bowed my head.
"Charles, how is your mother? I must go visit her this week."
"She's good, ma'am. I will let her know you plan to visit."
We visited on the porch for a while, and then my mom left us to our own devices while she went and prepared dinner.
"Edward? I was really worried about you today. What was going on?" Does he really want to know?
"Charles… I'd rather not talk about it until I figure it out myself." I didn't want to tell him; these feelings were so confusing.
"I'll respect that, but know I'll be here when you're ready to talk. Okay?"
"Thanks, Charles. I appreciate it." I knew he would be there, but I wasn't sure how he would respond.
We stayed outside until my father pulled into the driveway. Charles excused himself to head home for his dinner when he saw my father's car.
My father got out of the car, and walked towards the porch.
"Hello, Edward. Can I have a word with you in my office?" I was sure I was going to get reprimanded about being late this morning, but I followed him inside.
"Have a seat, Edward. I have something important to discuss with you." Okay… obviously this wasn't something I was prepared for.
"You're seventeen, Edward. It's time you start courting someone. I understand that there are several girls at your school who are interested in you. Why haven't you picked one yet?" What? Was he serious?
"I'm sorry, father. Those girls are only interested in financial gain, and I would rather marry for love." He seemed to bristle at my words.
"What? I don't think you understand, Edward. Of course it is financial gain for her. You think your mother was from the same status that I was? No, she surely wasn't. I loved her in time, and our love grew from there. Now, my associate Henry Miller has a daughter your age. Her name is Grace. I want you to meet her."
Why now? What is this really about?
"Fine! Is that all, father?" I said in a low tone. I didn't want to upset him.
"Yes, Edward. You may go." His tone was dismissive, and I was glad for it.
I went out to the kitchen to find my mother. I had always thought that my parents married for love, not financial gain. I found her at the stove, and I'm sure my facial expression showed how confused I was. I wanted to say something to her, but she raised her eyebrow at me.
"Shh, Edward. Meet the Miller's daughter and see what you think of her. You never know; you may feel the spark that you are looking for. I felt it when I met your father, though you know he would never admit that." There was nothing to say. Both my parents have mandated that I meet this girl.
Dinner was a silent affair, at least for me. My parents had no problem conversing with each other. I was sulking, and they knew it. They also knew to just leave me with my thoughts. Every time I thought more about meeting Grace, the ache in my chest would intensify, and those brown eyes would flash in my mind.
~~~~~~~~WSI~~~~~~~~
For two weeks I dreamt of the girl. Sometimes she would walk towards me and smile, and sometimes she would be walking away from me. I couldn't understand it.
Three nights after I had spoken to my parents about Grace, her family came over for dinner. It was a Saturday, and it was too cold to enjoy the outdoors, so we were stuck inside.
Grace was a lovely girl. She had soft features, blonde hair, and blue eyes. But alas, she was not the one I was looking for. And it was obvious I was not the one for her either. We did enjoy the day together, though. I played the piano for her and told her a little about myself. She told me she was in love with another, but her parents did not approve of him. That is why they forced her into my path. We agreed we could remain friends, and set up a time for a few weeks to meet again. Our parents were ecstatic that things seemed to be going well. They could hope all they wanted, but Grace and I knew it would never work between us.
A week after the Miller's were at the house, my father started pestering me about becoming a lawyer like him. It was a constant fight between us.
"Edward, I want you to intern at my office. I'd like for you to become a lawyer."
"Father, my dreams are to go off to war once I'm eighteen. We've been over this. I'd also like to study music."
"Edward, be realistic. The war will end, and then where will you be? Where can your music take you? Being a lawyer is financially appropriate."
I walked away from him every time. There would be no way to agree with him. I was set on my path, whether he liked it or not.
My mother got increasingly worried as time went by. I always listened to them and took their advice seriously. And now, I was being 'difficult' as they would say. Something in those dreams told me that life would be more different than even I could comprehend. I was still confused, but it felt like something big was about to happen.
There was a snowstorm that hit the city hard, and school got cancelled. Charles and I gathered our other friends and had the largest snowball fight ever in the park. It was a great day, and I definitely needed the distraction.
Then there were the reports of the largest streetcar accident in history. The reports said that one of the cars derailed, causing another to crash into it. Only one life was lost, but twenty were injured. Thanks went to Dr. Cullen for his fast arrival to tend to the worst of the injuries.
The night of the crash, I had the most vivid dream. She was there of course, but she was different somehow. I couldn't explain the difference, nor could I really detect it. She was wearing a light lavender dress and white boots. Then all of a sudden, there were a million swans flying all around her. They moved faster and faster, and then she was gone.
I woke to my heart pounding and I was struggling to catch my breath. The ache in my chest was so profound that I thought I was dying. Just as I was about to call for my mother, everything eased back to normal except for the ache. I had become so used to it by now that I just ignored it and went on with my morning.
Everything came into clear focus when my mother stated that she wasn't feeling well and asked me to go to the market near the hospital. It had been a while since I was over near Washington Park. It was the industrial part of town, but my mother swore they had the best meat in that market. I had to take three streetcars to get there, but I went for my mother. I was slightly nervous to be in a car after the crash, but everything was fine. I sighed in relief when I was able to get off, though. If it weren't such a long walk, I would just walk home when I was done.
I walked into the market that was one block down from the streetcar stop, and the air inside was charged, almost as if there was a storm brewing inside. I walked to the meat counter, and the butcher was handing over a package to a girl with brown hair. She was wearing a lavender dress. Her hair was long and left loose to fall down her back. She was absolutely gorgeous.
'Wait… lavender dress? Could it be?'
The butcher was patiently waiting for my order as I stared openly at the girl who walked over to the small case with milk inside.
"Can I help you, young man?" The butcher pulled me out of my staring, which was good because I knew I was being rude.
"Yes, can I please have your largest roast and five steaks please? I'll be right back." I absently told him as I walked towards the girl.
As I walked towards her, the ache in my chest disappeared, and it felt like an electric current was running through me. I stood next to her and was about to reach out and touch her arm to get her attention, when she stood up abruptly. Her eyes locked onto mine, and I heard a crash a second before I felt that my legs were wet. I didn't really register it; I was staring into chocolate brown eyes that melted my soul.
"I'm so sorry!" She said to me, but it took a moment for it to register.
"No worries, I didn't like these pants anyway." I smiled at her in response to my joke. Did I really just say that though? "I'm Edward. Edward Masen." I knew I needed to tell her my name.
"Nice to meet you, Edward. I'm Isabella… Bella for short… Swan." She was stuttering, clearly affected by me, and it gave me great joy. My name rolled off her tongue like she had said it a thousand times.
'Swan… that explained my dream.' This was fate, and I knew it.
I watched her slowly extend her hand to mine, and I waited with anticipation to reach out and hold it.
When our hands touched, an electric current so strong ran through my body, and I could have sworn the ground shook with the shockwaves of it. My eyes widened, and I gasped out in shock. I knew this was the girl for me.
"Bella…" I sighed out her name, and it sounded so perfect coming off my lips.
"Edward." She giggled and it sounded like music. I couldn't stop staring into her eyes.
"Excuse me, sir. Your order is ready now." The butcher brought me out of my trance.
"Please, Bella. Don't leave yet." I begged her.
I went to the counter and paid for my order, and suddenly there was a spark radiating from my hand. Bella had walked up to me and took my hand in hers. I turned and smiled at her as she started tugging me towards the door.
"Edward. I just… I need to see you again… I have to go now, but please stop by the hospital tomorrow afternoon. I'll be there, on the fourth floor, in the surgical wing. That's where I work."
She let my hand go and started walking away.
"Wait!" I yelled out to her in a panic. "May I escort you home?" I wasn't ready to part ways with her yet.
"Of course! It's not that far though." I walked beside her, nervous for some reason to start a conversation. Thankfully, she saved me.
"Tell me about yourself, Edward." She asked with a smile.
I froze. Would she really want to know about my mundane life? She stopped when she noticed I was frozen in place, and a warm smile graced her lips.
"I'm sure whatever you tell me will be interesting, Edward. I know we just met, but I really want to get you know you." Her eyes held a wisdom you wouldn't necessarily see in someone so young.
"Well, let's see. I'm seventeen, and in my senior year of school. I am the captain of the track team. My father is pressuring me into interning at his law firm to become a lawyer like him. My mother wants me to find a woman to court. But what I really want to do is head off to war once I'm eighteen." I watched her eyes turn sad once I mentioned going off to war. The expression only lasted a second though.
"War? You want go over there and risk your life? I'm not trying to put you down or anything. I just don't understand why someone would willingly want to do it."
Just as I was about to respond, we stopped in front of a blue house. It was decent looking on the outside, but it was small compared to mine.
"Well, this is where I live. I should get back inside; it's starting to get cold out. You'll come to the hospital in the afternoon, then?"
"Of course! I'd love to see you some more. I can come over after school."
Bella was about to respond when the door suddenly swung open and out stepped a man with blonde hair. He looked worriedly at Bella, then at me.
"Bella! There you are. I was starting to get worried, and about come looking… oh! Who's this?"
"Carlisle. No need to worry. I'd like you to meet Edward. I just ran into him at the market, and we've been talking while he escorted me home." I noticed that she said my name in a weird way, and the man's eyes lit up when she said it.
He walked down the steps with a smile and extended his hand out to me when he reached us.
"Hello, Edward. I'm Dr. Carlisle Cullen." I reached for his hand and noticed it was very cold and hard. It was a strange feeling. And when our hands touched, I felt a strange sense that he was familiar to me. He seemed excited to meet me.
"It's a pleasure, Dr. Cullen." I smiled at him, though I suddenly felt like I was intruding on their home.
"Well, Bella… I'll go back in and let you continue to talk to your friend. I'm sure I will see you around, Edward." And with that, he went back inside.
"Sorry about that, Edward. Carlisle and I are roommates and co-workers. He is a doctor at the hospital as I am sure is obvious. I'm his personal nurse."
I didn't want to ask because I knew it was rude, but I had to know.
"So are you in a relationship with him?" I cringed as it came out of my mouth, though. I was afraid to offend her and lose my chances at getting to know her more.
She laughed loudly at my question.
"Oh god, no! Edward! Carlisle is my boss! I would never dream of dating him." She was still laughing and I was slightly embarrassed.
"Oh, okay… I just wanted to make sure. I should probably get this stuff back to my mother."
Bella looked sad again, and suddenly I didn't want to leave her. Something was telling me to stay with her.
"So… you'll come see me tomorrow?" Her tone was soft, and her eyes still sad. And I knew I would do anything to see her smile again.
"Of course! I'll be there around three if that's a good time?"
"Three sounds perfect! Maybe I can get out of there early and we can go to the park?"
"That sounds like a good idea! I'll see you tomorrow at three." I waved at her, though I really wanted to kiss her, and turned to head back to the streetcar stop.
~~~~~~~~WSI~~~~~~~~
I smiled all the way home; I couldn't help it. My body still seemed to be tingling from touching her. I knew she was the one. She was, after all, the girl of my dreams. Literally. It was like my whole life changed in an instant, and now I was sure of only one thing: I was going to marry Bella Swan.
I was whistling when I walked into the house, and my mother looked up shocked. She then glanced at the clock and frowned.
"Edward, where have you been?" She sounded slightly upset, but I wasn't going to let her tone bring me down.
"I'm sorry, mother. I went to the market and got what you wanted… I also met someone. A girl. Her name is Bella. I am going to go see her again tomorrow. I escorted her home and got to know her a bit, and I think I'm in love with her already." I didn't wait for her to respond. I took the meat to the icebox and hurriedly went to my room.
I laid in my bed, just picturing the life I would have with Bella. After I came home from war first, of course. I knew that if our feelings were strong enough, she would wait for me. Perhaps we would marry before I went. Maybe we would have a child on the way that I would meet after my return.
The more I thought about going off to war, the more the ache in my chest would throb. Perhaps I wasn't meant to leave Bella. My dreams of war may not happen. I didn't think I would be able to deal with this pain much longer. Now that I thought about it, when I was standing next to her the ache wasn't there. What did that mean?
My mother finally pulled me out my daydreaming by calling me down for supper. She smiled at me as I took my seat.
"Tell me more about this girl, Edward. What do you know about her?"
"Well, like I said. I just met her, and I don't know a lot of details. She has long brown hair and chocolate eyes. She works at the hospital with Dr. Cullen. You know, the doctor who basically saved all those people who were in the streetcar accident? Well I promised to go see her tomorrow at three pm, and then we were going to head towards the park to hopefully get to know each other better."
"Oh, that won't do at all. You must bring her here. I think we should all get to know her. I'll prepare dinner and everything." My mother stated, leaving no room for argument.
"So this girl. You said you met her at the market and she works at the hospital? Weren't you just worried about girls being after you for financial gain? Don't you think this girl might be as well?" My father asked in his surly tone.
"No, father. I don't think that is the case here. I will let you judge her for yourself tomorrow at dinner." I left it at that and finished my meal.
School could not hold my attention as I counted the minutes until I could meet Bella again, but there was still plenty of time for that. My mother was planning on making the roast I got for her yesterday. I hoped Bella would enjoy the meal. When we got home, in order for me to distract myself I played the piano for the entire afternoon. When two o'clock came I headed out to take the streetcar back to the hospital.
When I walked into the hospital, there was a young woman sitting at the front desk. I walked up to her and patiently waited for her to acknowledge me. When she did finally look up, her eyes widened and her mouth fell open.
"Hi, how can I help you?" Her voice was shrill and a little too bubbly.
"Yes, I'm looking for Isabella Swan. She works with Dr. Cullen."
"Oh…" Her tone changed instantly. "Let me call upstairs and see if they are out of the operating room. One moment please." I nodded my head and waited while she made the call. I wasn't paying attention to what she was saying.
"Bella will be down in a moment. I can't let you up there since it is the surgery wing. You can sit over there and wait."
"Thank you very much." I told her as I walked away from her towards the chairs.
"Edward! You came!" I heard her voice from behind me and my heart started to flutter in my chest. I stood and turned around, almost tripping over myself in my haste to see her.
"Of course I did; I promised I would." I took her hand in mine and kissed it. Manners be damned. She giggled at my display.
"Carlisle said I could go. He's going to stay and watch over our patient that just had surgery. If you don't mind, I need to go to my house and take a shower, then we can go to the park."
"About the park, Bella. My mother has requested that we go to my house for dinner tonight, if you don't mind. She and my father both want to meet you." Her eyes widened, but she seemed calm.
"Sure, that sounds great. Let's go to my house first, though. I don't want to meet them looking like this."
I took her hand, and we walked out of the hospital and down the street to her house. We went in after she unlocked the door, and I was shocked to see that they seemed to almost be living in squalor. I have never seen a home so barren before. They only had the basics, and it was all mismatched.
As I was looking around, Bella must have been watching me. She let out a laugh and then walked towards me.
"I know it's not much, but Carlisle didn't see the point in anything more since he lived alone until I moved in with him after I arrived in Chicago. We spend so much time at the hospital that this is really just a place to eat and sleep."
'When she got to Chicago? She's not from here?'
"You're not from around here?" I asked her, surprised.
"No, I'm not. How about I tell you about it at dinner? I'm sure your parents will want to know too, and I don't want to have to repeat it." I started to wonder if she was running from something.
"Oh, okay. That makes sense actually."
"Why don't you make yourself at home, and I will go get ready." I nodded at her as she turned and headed up the stairs.
I walked around the downstairs and noticed that there weren't even pictures on the walls. There was, however, a large wooden cross hanging on the wall above the fireplace. I thought it was odd, but who was I to question it? I didn't know Dr. Cullen that well.
It wasn't too long before I heard Bella's footsteps on the stairs again. I looked up and was stunned speechless. She was wearing a royal blue dress, and her hair was pulled to one side, exposing the other side of her neck. The color of the dress made her skin look porcelain. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.
"You look beautiful, Bella. Are you ready to go? We will have to take the streetcars over to my house." I took me a minute to find the words, and I was surprised that I didn't stutter.
"Yes, I'm ready. I am a little nervous to be meeting your parents, though." All I could do was smile at her. I didn't have a way to soothe her nerves. I wasn't worried about my mother, but my father may be difficult to convince.
~~~~~~~~WSI~~~~~~~~
Bella was quiet on the ride to my house. I figured she was really just that nervous. I held her hand the entire way, and she would smile at me then squeeze my hand back. It was very comforting.
We got off the streetcar at the end of my street, and Bella stared at all the houses as we passed them.
"I haven't had the chance to come over to this side of town; these houses are so beautiful." She stated in awe. I smiled. I knew then that she didn't care if I was rich or poor, and that made me feel lighter. I don't know why I had such a hard time accepting that the girls at school were looking for social and financial status. I just didn't want a marriage based on money.
We got to the gate of my house, and Bella stopped at the entrance. I heard her take a large breath from next to me. She took my hand in hers, and I noticed it was shaking slightly.
"Bella, it will be okay. I am positive that my parents are just going to love you. How could they not?"
"I don't know, Edward. They may think differently after hearing my story." Oh right, I forgot about that. I forgot that she hasn't really told me anything about herself.
"It will be alright, I promise. Come on, my mother is waiting." I pointed to the window where my mother was standing with the curtain pulled back.
We walked into the house, and my mother was standing near the door smiling at us.
"Mom, this is Isabella Swan. Bella, this is my mother, Elizabeth." I introduced them as my mother scrutinized Bella.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Bella. Please, come in."
"Thank you, Mrs. Masen. It's wonderful to meet you as well." Bella's tone sounded off to me, but perhaps it was just her nerves.
"Edward, your father should be home within the hour. Dinner will be served promptly after his arrival. Why don't you show Bella around the house?"
"Thank you, mom. If you need help in the kitchen just let us know."
I turned to Bella and took her hand, pulling her through the house. She didn't seem uncomfortable as I showed her around, pointing out various pictures and antiques. I was worried that with the way that her home was so empty, she would balk at the amount of things we had. But she soaked in all the information that I gave her, and that was enough for me.
I never did get to show her around the upstairs. I was nervous showing her my room. I really wanted to show her me, which is what my room was. My father saved me from that by coming home just as we were heading towards the stairs.
"Hello father. This is Isabella. Bella, this is my father, Edward Sr." I introduced them the same way I did with my mother.
"Hello, Mr. Masen. It's a pleasure to meet you. You have a very lovely home." She said politely.
"Thanks goes to my wife. She is the one who has made it a home. It's nice to meet you as well."
With that, he went into his office to drop off his brief case before heading out to the table where my mother was setting dinner out.
"Edward, Bella, dinner is served." I looked at Bella and smiled. I placed her hand in the crook of my elbow and escorted her to the table where I pulled her seat out for her.
She looked up at me, slightly confused.
"Thank you, Edward." She said, though it sounded like a question.
"Of course." I replied and then took my own seat.
My father served himself, and then passed the dishes off to my mother. The dishes were passed around, and once we were settled in to eat, my mother prompted Bella to tell us about herself. I was grateful for it, as I didn't know where to begin.
"Bella, please tell us about yourself." My mother's tone was polite, yet curious.
"Well, I'm eighteen. I'm from New York, a small town just north of the Hudson Valley. My parents died a year ago. I was planning on living in their home, but it was too big for just me. I decided to sell the home and land before traveling west. I heard that Chicago was full of opportunities so I decided to come here. I lived in a boarding house for a few weeks, and then Dr. Cullen offered me a room in his house. I'm his personal nurse, and our hours are very demanding. He lives a block from the hospital, so it was easier for me to live there than it was at the boarding house.
"Before you ask, no, I did not leave anyone behind. I was not engaged, nor was I courting anyone. I never had time for any of that, nor did anyone ever show any interest in me."
I was surprised that she didn't have any suitors, and I was sorry to hear about her parents. I took her hand in mine under the table and gave it a reassuring squeeze.
"Now that you know who I am, I hope you won't look down on me too much. I am alone, and honestly, I am quite happy with my life." She said in defense from my father's penetrating gaze.
"So, you have no social standing here in Chicago?" My father questioned.
"No, I'm not interested in being a socialite. It seems like too much of a hassle for me. I enjoy working at the hospital with Carlisle."
"If you begin courting Edward, what can you bring to the relationship? Since you are so independent, will you be able to give that up and let him support you in everything?" My father asked.
"I don't know if I could completely give up my independence. I like the things that I do, and I like to work. I'm sure if our relationship progresses, I would quit my job. Though at this time, I do not plan on doing that, just in case things don't work out. I hope you understand." Bella's tone was very confident that she wouldn't just roll over and let me take over. I don't think I would want her to either.
"Very well." My father said to her, and then he continued with his meal.
I looked over to my mother, displaying my confusion. She just smiled and nodded. Then she seemed to take another look at Bella, and her smile got bigger. She looked away quickly after that, and I looked to Bella who also looked confused. I just shrugged my shoulders at her and went back to eating.
It was silent as we finished our meal. When the plates were empty and my mother got up to clear it away, Bella stood as well.
"Can I help you with anything, Mrs. Masen?" Bella asked as she started to reach for my plate.
"Please, Bella, call me Elizabeth. And no, thank you, I can do it. Edward? Why don't you show Bella the piano and maybe play something for her?" It was my mother's way of dismissing me.
"Thank you, Elizabeth. But if you do need something please call for me, I am happy to help." Bella told her as she looked back at me.
Bella didn't see the look my mother gave her. She seemed elated with Bella, which made me happy. At least I had my mother's approval.
"Come on, Bella, let me play for you." I led her to the parlor where the piano was.
"Edward? Can you come into the kitchen and help me for a minute please?" My mother called out to me as I was getting ready to play the piano for Bella.
I walked into the kitchen, and she was standing at the counter with a shy smile on her face.
"Edward, I can see that you love that girl very much. It is apparent that she feels the same for you. I want to give you this, and I hope that you use it right away. I know this is very out of ordinary, but I don't think you need to court her. You need to just propose to her. This situation is very different from a normal one. She has no one you need permission from."
I gawked at her. Was she actually condoning this? Don't get me wrong, I was all for skipping the long drawn out process of courting her.
"Are you sure, mother? Do you think father will approve of this?" I asked out of politeness.
"Do you really need his approval, Edward? I think it only matters to you, and to Bella of course. I don't think she will decline your proposal. Do it today before you escort her home."
Oh… okay… my heart was hammering in my chest as I took the ring from her outstretched hand. I stared at it for a long time. Would Bella like it? It was very delicate. It was oblong with many tiny diamonds weaved into it.
"I hope you both like it. Your father gave me that ring on our first wedding anniversary, and I thought it would be a very fitting engagement ring for you to give her. She doesn't seem like the type of girl to want a huge diamond on her finger." She sounded nervous for some reason.
"Thank you, mom. I am sure she will just love it. I am going to go out there and play a song for her. Would you like to come out and listen too?" I asked her. I think I wanted her to be there when I asked Bella to be my wife.
"Sure, I'll be out in a minute. Go to her." I hugged her before I turned to go back out to the parlor. I was really nervous all of a sudden.
Bella was still sitting at the piano bench, lightly touching the ivory keys with her fingertips.
"Do you play, Bella?" I asked. Maybe we could play a song together.
"No, I don't play. I never took to it when I was young." She sounded sad again.
"Here, let me play something for you. I know just the song." I sat down at the bench and took a deep breath. I began to play a song from my favorite composer, Debussy.
The song was called Deux Arabesques. It was charming and very feminine. I learned to play this song when I was fifteen. It was one of my mother's favorites.
As the song went on, Bella moved closer to me and put her head on my shoulder. Lost as I was in the music, I thought I heard her sniffle at one point. The song went on, and I was truly enjoying playing for Bella. I also enjoyed the contact with her. It was perfect.
When the song ended, I sat there for a few minutes collecting my emotions. Bella lifted her head, and I saw a tear slip down her cheek. I wiped it away and smiled at her.
"Did that make you sad? I thought it was a fitting piece." I told her.
"No, not sad. You play beautifully. It just reminded me of something." Perhaps it reminded her of her parents. I wasn't sure, and I didn't want to pry.
I took a deep breath, steeling my nerves. I knew now was the perfect time to ask her.
"Bella. I know we've only just met, but I already know that I love you and that I will love you forever. I don't want to waste any time with you. Will you please be my wife?" I took the ring out of my pocket and presented it to her.
She put her hand in front of her mouth and gasped, staring wide-eyed at me. Another tear slipped down her cheek. I was beginning to panic when she finally removed her hand and she smiled at me.
"Yes, Edward. I would be honored to be your wife." A tear slipped out of my eye at her acceptance, and my other hand came up to cup her cheek.
I leaned in and kissed her for the first time. It was like magic. Her lips on mine were so soft and smooth, and an electric current ran through me like a jolt. I could stay like this forever; the feeling was euphoric. Sadly, the kiss didn't last as she pulled away and took a breath.
I stared into her eyes for a moment longer and then slipped the ring onto her finger. It fit her perfectly and looked like it has always belonged there.
She looked down at the ring and smiled lovingly, then ran her finger ever so gently over it.
"It was my mother's ring. She gave it to me just now to propose to you. I hope you like it. If not, we can get something different." I told her nervously.
"No, Edward, it's perfect. Thank you. I love you too."
I hoped and prayed at that moment I was fully awake. If this was a dream, I never wanted to wake up from it.
She said yes….
~~~~~~~~WSI~~~~~~~~
I just had to write in that piano scene. It took forever to find a fitting song for it.
I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Thanks for reading!