Missing You

I woke up the next morning to the sound of the phone ringing but I ignored it. I inhaled deeply and stretched, listening for sounds of Charlie being awake. I heard nothing, so I took out the box and took out the card. The tiny plastic bag was like my heaven and I held it to my heart with a smile. The machine picked up the call, but whoever it was hung up. I heard Charlie's bed creak and I quickly put the card and the box away, hiding it under the couch. I turned the TV on to the morning news and lounged against the pillow as my dad came into the living room.

"Feeling better today?"

"Worse actually because I have to actually embrace the fact that's he's not here. Thanks for the reminder."

"I was trying to be helpful Isabella, don't get moody."

I sighed and flipped through the channels on the TV, settling for a romantic comedy. Pans clattered in the kitchen and I knew that he was going to make me breakfast to cheer me up. While Charlie was in the kitchen, I disappeared under the covers and stripped away my shirt, putting Edward's jacket on my bare skin. For a brief moment, it was almost like him touching me. I shivered with the thought and zipped the jacket, emerging from under the covers. I already missed his touch, his voice more than I'd thought possible. I laid back against the pillows on the couch and rubbed the fabric over my stomach, humming softly. I was broken out of my thoughts by a ringing phone. I groaned and reached for it, answering it with a lazy tone.

"Hello?"

"Good morning beautiful."

"Edward?!"

"Don't get too excited. I'm on a pay phone. I only have a little time. I wanted to tell you I love you and I don't know when exactly I'll have another opportunity like this."

I had so many questions, and there was no time to have any answered. Was he alright? Where was he and was it safe? How was he calling me, so much to know, and no time to find out.

"I love you too.. it's okay."

I heard some shouting and stomping and he whispered into the phone.

"I have to go Bella. I love you so much, I'll send you something as soon as I can."

"I love you too Edward... be safe."

"Bye Bella." His voice was careful, but I could hear something behind it- fear?

"Wait don't go!"

"I have to Bella, good-bye."

There was a clicking sound and I set the phone down slowly, my heart hurting. I hoped he would be okay. The smell of eggs wafted from the kitchen and I tried to relax back into the couch. He would be okay, he had to be.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Edward's Point of View-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I stepped off the jeep and onto the ground. This was it, the detention camp. I was already in uniform, the basic army camoflouge. More men stepped down from the truck and joined me on the ground, staring at what we saw. It was different than I thought. There was a payphone next to me, but that seemed to be the only normal thing here. The camp was in Colorado, not exactly what I considered the midwest. It was cold up here, that was for sure. I was amazed at the captives here, from the few I could see outside. They were all so thin, and poorly dressed. They wore brown unisex uniforms of a T-shirt and pants with their warmest clothing being the snowboots provided, I think only to make them work harder. A man came up to me and clapped his hand on my shoulder with a grin, looking at the men next to me. He sounded like a hillbilly would, but ten times worse.

"Welcome to the detention camp boys. You'll be staying in my cabin. Things are fairly easy here, most of the workers don't make a fuss, when they do just knock 'em with the butt of your gun. Now in the cabin, you'll be roomed by ranks, the higher the rank, the better your room. Also, when you've done good, you get to choose from one of the worker girls and play around a little. Now you all get going while I talk to Eddy."

I grimaced internally and watched as around me the rest of the men went away. He grinned at me and I couldn't help but notice he was missing a few teeth as he spoke.

"I heard about you, going in place for your brother-in-law, how noble."

He chuckled and I remained impassive. He reached into a pouch slung across his shoulder and handed me coins with another laugh.

"Make a quick call and report to my room, you'll find it easy enough."

As soon as his back was turned and he was out of earshot I groaned. The coins were heavy in my hand and I looked at the payphone. At least I could surprise her. I put in the coins and dialed the familiar number with haste.

"Hello?"

My heart surged at the sound.

"Good morning beautiful."

"Edward?!"

At the sound of my name from her lips I exhaled softly, missing her touch and face more and more.

"Don't get too excited. I'm on a pay phone. I only have a little time. I wanted to tell you I love you and I don't know when exactly I'll have another opportunity like this."

I hated saying it.

"I love you too.. it's okay."

I knew she was upset, maybe I shouldn't have called at all. Suddenly there were shouts and soldiers marched out with a line of stumbling workers. I took a moment to look at the wall behind them and froze. Bella couldn't hear this, it would make her worry too much about me and I couldn't do that to her.

"I have to go Bella. I love you so much, I'll send you something as soon as I can."

"I love you too Edward... be safe."

"Bye Bella." I saw the soliders take aim and I tried to keep my voice level.

"Wait don't go!"

"I have to Bella, good-bye."

I hung up quickly as the shots fired and the neat row of brown-clad men and women fell to their knees, their screams still echoing in the air. I was very glad for a moment I hadn't eaten breakfast and had to take a moment before I started walking to the cabins below.

---------------------------------------------------------Bella's Point of View---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I barely touched the plate of food in front of me and sighed, turning off the TV. Charlie was back in his room, satisfied at my apology. I felt bored sitting here with nothing to do. The day seemed so empty and meaningless without Edward in it. I sighed again and tried to hum the soft melody he always did for me. It wasn't the same without his voice, but it calmed me just the same. I rubbed the inside of his jacket over my stomach and closed my eyes with a smile. It was almost like him touching my stomach. I could still smell him on the jacket. I inhaled the collar and hugged my knees to my chest, rocking slowly. How was it possible to love someone so much? It hurt to be away from him while I slept and when Charlie kept me home, how on earth would I be able to handle a year? I looked at the window to the outside and saw the red and orange leaves on the ground. It was almost fitting in an ironic sense though, him going away in autumn. While others said good-bye to summer, I was saying good-bye to the love of my life. At that moment there was a quick knock on my door and I groaned, rising to see who it was. There was another knock and I went to the door, calling out.

"Just a minute!"

I turned the knob and there stood Alice, breathless and smiling.

"Did you get the package?"

"Yes," I said with a tiny chuckle, indicating to his jacket.

"Oh," she laughed.

She embraced me in a gentle hug and kissed both of my cheeks.

"Are you doing alright?"

"Sort of. He called me this morning."

She looked very worried for a moment, probably thinking I was losing my mind.

"From a payphone."

"Alright... Well what did he say?"

"Just that he loved me, we couldn't talk for very long."

"I'm sorry hon."

She gave me another hug and I gestured to the couch.

"Do you want to sit down?"

"If it's alright."

We walked slowly to the couch, Alice sat next to me and there was an awkward silence. I wasn't sure if I should offer her a drink, or if I should just wait until she asked. I was so used to Edward doing everything when he came over that without him I felt uncomfortable playing hostess. I'd always thought he'd spoiled me.

"Are you sure you're alright babe? You look really pale."

"Yeah, I've just been thinking a lot this morning. It's so strange not going over to your house with Edward. I miss him so much..."

"I know babe. Is there anything I can do?"

"Not really," I said with a small laugh, "Unless you can somehow bring him back."

She hugged me again and I laid my head on her shoulder sighing.

"I just miss him."

"He'll be back before you know it hon, you just have to be patient."

"I don't know if I can."

"Would you wait an eternity if he meant he'd be at the end of it?"

"Of course."

"There you go."

I smiled at her and got up.

"You do have a point. Want anything to drink?"

"Water if you could. I've been peeing so much lately," she said with a laugh, "I always feel dehydrated."

"Alice," I said bursting with laughter, "Too much info."

She just grinned and I went to the kitchen. As I filled the glass with ice and cold tap water, I couldn't help but wonder why Edward hadn't told me when he first found out about her pregnancy. I would ask Alice, she must know.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Edward's Point of View------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

He was cracking his knuckles and grinning at me, making me wish I could've had a commanding officer that wasn't nearly as disgusting.

"Eddy."

I shuddered.

"Now, I've heard good things 'bout you and I expect them to be true."

"They are sir."

"Good. Well, you'll be getting a fairly easy job Eddy. All you gotta do is everything I tell ya and do the wake-up call for all them stupid rebels and you'll be head of this camp before you know it."

"I'm sorry, what sir?"

"I can't stay here forever. Now you got charisma, you keep them boys charmed, keep them rebels in line and you'll be home free in a year."

"I see. Thank you sir."

"I could see a catch coming, but I kept silent, waiting."

"There is one thing though."

"Yes sir?"

"See the boys will look up to you more if you have a few lays with the girls in camp. Not now of course," he said with a snigger, "but when you move up in ranks."

"Sir, I'm married."

"I know. So am I," he roared with laughter.

"Sir, is it really necessary?"

"Course it is. Now if you wanna be a pansy and not get laid that's fine with me just make 'em spend the night in your room."

"Sir, I don't think my wife would be comfortable with that."

"Isabella Cullen, formerly Isabella Swan. Friends with known rebel terrorist Jacob Black."

I couldn't hide my shocked expression.

"We keep tabs on rebel activity bub. Now, as long as she keeps her nose out of Black's business and you do as I say, she won't need to come here will she?"

"No sir." I said through clenched teeth.

"Now, you aren't gonna tell her and you're gonna have some girls spend the night in your room. It's a small sacrifice for your wife's safety."

"Yes sir."

I could barely contain my rage, my hatred for this man was brewing and I prayed that I would see as little of him as possible.

"Don't look so mad Eddy." He chuckled, "You're the most priviledged soldier here. You get to write letters, you have a guaranteed spot in command, you really shouldn't act so spoiled."

He was laughing harder now, beads of sweat on his forehead.

"Now get outside and look for Lieutenant Collins, he'll tell you where to go and where you're staying."

"Yes sir."

I walked out of the cabin with clenched fists, trying very hard not to punch the side of the other buildings. Apparently Lieutenant Collins was expecting me because I saw him right away.

"Private Cullen?"

"Yes sir."

I saluted.

"At ease."

He paused to clear his throat, then continued.

"You will be staying in cabin E. You will be in charge of waking up the workers and doing nightly checks to make sure they don't escape. Do I make myself clear?"

"Sir, yes sir."

"Dismissed."

I walked to the row of the cabins that looked more well-kept and sure enough, there was a letter on the side of each. I went to the one that said E and slowly opened the door to see who I would be living with for the next year.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Bella's Point of View----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

We'd been watching chick flicks all morning, getting snacks and drinks between the movies, but I couldn't wait any longer.

"Hey Alice?"

"Yeah?"

"How long have you known that you were pregnant?"

"I knew around the month mark, when I took the test to be sure."

"Did Edward know then?"

"I told him right after I knew, to ask whether or not I should tell Jasper."

"What did he say?"

"He said I should tell him, but I didn't. I didn't want to worry him."

"Oh."

"I would've told you hon, but I wasn't sure if Edward already did."

"He didn't... do you know why?"

"I don't hon."

"Alright."

I tried to hide my disappointment, but Alice noticed.

"Why don't you ask him in your next letter?"

"I think I will," I answered softly.

She gave me a gentle smile and looked at her watch.

"Hey Bella? I gotta get home. Thanks for letting me stay over."

She looked apologetic as she put on her coat and kissed me on both cheeks.

"I'll be over to pick you up in the morning alright?"

"Okay."

"Bye Bella."

"Bye Alice."

She left quietly and I sat against the couch for a few minutes. Why hadn't he told me? I sighed and tried to let it go. If he didn't tell me, then he must've had a good reason. I spent the rest of my day watching movies, ending it with a shower and going to bed. I had only one dream, and it was of Edward staying in the army, and me becomming a ghost.

------------------------------------------------------Edward's Point of View---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was hard to sleep in the barracks. I wanted Bella next to me, and I wanted to hear her voice again. There were soft snores around me and all I could do was roll over and try to fall asleep. I closed my eyes and pictured her face, trying to remember every detail of it as I slowly fell into a restless sleep.

I was marching with a line of soldiers, all of us nearly identical in our step. Bella was on the side, trying to call out to me, but I couldn't hear her. I wanted to look back at her, to run to her but I couldn't. My legs would only move forward; left, right, left, right. Slowly, Bella disappeared. It started with her feet and ended with her sad brown eyes staring at me. I tried to call out but my lips wouldn't open. All that happened was a voice that wasn't my own thoughts echoing in my head.

"You work for us now."