Edward grew up poor and never knew what it was like to have designer clothes, satellite TV or iPods. Despite the circumstances, his home was clean and well-kept, his family close and tight-knit and what they lacked in material possessions, they more than made up for with love.
Bella grew up rich and had the trendiest clothes, the most up-to-date electronic gadgets and a Lexus IS C hardtop convertible. Her parents were warm and generous and taught her the value of money, to be respectful of others and the importance of hard work.
They met in high school biology, where they shared a lab table and a love of science. They quickly became friends, despite the protestations of a few of her so-called "friends". Bella knew differently—she'd been raised better than to judge someone because of their perceived social status.
Edward was sweet and kind and protective of her. Bella was encouraging and affectionate and defensive of him. They were a perfect fit.
Their friendship grew into something deeper and they eventually fell in love. They shared their first date, their first kiss, their first awkward teenage fumblings in the cramped backseat of her car. They laughed together, they cried together, they shared everything with each other.
Including their virginity.
They were both nervous, but Bella was especially fearful. Edward was gentle and patient and whispered tender words to her, making their first time together an unforgettable experience.
Edward worked hard throughout high school and was rewarded with a full scholarship to a prestigious university. Bella also did well and her parents wrote out a check to the very same college.
They lived in the same dormitory and took many of the same classes. They were inseparable and fellow classmates would rarely see one without the other.
He graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering; hers was in Medical Technology. Bella's parents held a big party for the two of them and it was at that party that Edward got down on his knee and asked Bella to be his wife.
She accepted.
They both secured well-paying jobs and forged out successful careers. After 5 years of wedded bliss, they welcomed their first child, a boy. He was joined several years later by another boy and shortly thereafter, a beautiful baby girl entered their lives. Their happiness was complete.
Until that one fateful day.
It was the 20th anniversary of the day they met in biology. Edward was driving home from Bella's favorite jewelry store, a simple, platinum infinity charm bracelet tucked in the pocket of his jacket.
A drunk driver ran the red light and went sailing through the intersection.
He didn't stand a chance.
Bella put on a brave face for her children, but inside, her world had crumbled. When the coroner handed her the bracelet and the card that was found on the floor of his car, she collapsed in grief.
"To my darling Bella…our first 20 years have been nothing short of heaven. Looking forward to the next 20 and beyond. I love you…forever. Edward"
She never fully recovered. The absence of him in her life was like a gaping hole in which she frequently wanted to jump. Her children were the only thing keeping her in this world.
The years ticked by and while time did not completely heal all wounds, the raw ache and longing faded. Once Bella's children were grown and out on their own, the loneliness returned in full force. She sought comfort by joining a bereavement group and to her complete surprise, she met another man. Sharing a common bond, they grew close and eventually married. While she never stopped thinking of Edward, her new husband was sweet and kind and they spent the rest of their days in quiet contentment.
Time finally caught up with her and one night, as she lay in bed, she closed her eyes and conjured up a memory of him.
He was sitting down next to her in biology for the first time, his green eyes warm and bright. She smiled widely and extended her hand to him.
"Hi, I'm Bella. Looks like we're going to be partners this year."
"Hi, Bella, I'm Edward. It's nice to meet you. I'm looking forward to it."
Their hands connected and enveloped each others as they stared into each others eyes in wonder.
Returning to the present, she opened her eyes and suddenly he was there at the end of her bed, young and beautiful and holding his hand out to her.
"Bella," he whispered.
"Edward," she breathed. Reaching out to him, he leaned forward and took her hand. Pulling her to him, she reveled in his embrace.
"I've missed you. So much," she sighed.
"I'm here. You're with me now and nothing will ever separate us again," he replied. He smiled down at her, fingering the infinity bracelet that never left her wrist and started to back away, into a great wall of light and warmth.
"Forever?" she asked, holding tightly onto his hands, ready to follow him anywhere.
"And beyond," he assured.