Quick note: I know it's been a really really long time. Really sorry about that. . But good news is, I have lots of ideas for the next few chapters. To avoid confusion, this first bit is Edward replying to a letter Bella sent him after Alice's... issue. I hope this chapter makes up for my absence and there should be at least one more, if not two more updates later today.

--

News

My dear Bella,

I'm sorry for all the mail I sent before, I discovered from a newly acquired friend of mine here that the mail is terribly slow.

Now on to business. Bella it is not your fault about what happened. Jacob is responsible for himself and he did a terrible job of it. I'm so proud of you for taking care of everyone so well but my beautiful Bella don't forget about yourself.

I've been promoted again, and now all I do is sit at a desk most of the day with that imbecile that's supposed to be in charge of us. I hope he leaves soon because I'm starting to become rather sick of him. I have to cut this letter short I'm afraid but I love you very much and I hope I see a reply soon.

Stay safe for me Bella.

Love Edward.

I scoffed when I re-read the one sentence that had anything to do with me. I was not irresponsible and I would prove it to Bella somehow. Since we'd gotten here she hadn't spoken to me at all, and barely said anything to the rest of the scumbag's family. I read the letter over one more time and finally an idea hit. Just then, I heard Bella shout at me.

"What are you doing reading my mail?"

"I thought it was from my dad, sorry."

She rolled her eyes and snatched the letter away, tucking it under her pillow.

"Out Jacob."

"Bella wait please.. I need to talk to you."

She sighed softly but nodded and sat on her bed. I joined her and took her hand in mine, rubbing it gently.

"Bella, I feel terrible about what happened. I wish I would've known sooner what they planned to do so I could've protected you."

"Jake, I appreciate that, but it's not really me I'm worried about."

"Well what I'm trying to say is, I know you must think I acted like a stupid kid and I'm sorry. I just wanted you to be impressed with me and I didn't think about what could happen later on."

Well at least the last part was true.

"Jake... you're a good friend. All you need to do to impress me is be you."

I nodded and hugged her tightly.

She pulled away too fast for me, but I wasn't going to push my luck

"Are you going to lunch?"

"I don't think so. I want to write Edward back. I'll hang out later."

I nodded again and left.

-- Bella's Point of View--

I really really didn't like it here. Don't get me wrong, the building itself was nice enough, and there was just enough food to go around, but there was so much sadness here. Nearly everyone here had lost their home or was waiting for a loved one to come back home, like me. For that reason alone, I opted to stay in my room most of the time. Our first few days here it was alright, I could take the women talking about how much they missed their husbands and boyfriends because after all I could understand, but when I heard the first woman cry after receiving her husband's death notice, I tried to avoid all contact with anyone besides my new family, my dad, and Jacob. The dream I'd had that night about Edward had been much too vivid for comfort.

There was blood on the bushes surrounding me, but the fog made it so hard to see the ground. I followed the blood spatters and tripped over tree roots. My heart pounded in my chest and I finally reached him.

"Edward. Oh Edward you're hurt."

He didn't answer, but instead lay numbly in my arms.

"Edward?"

I looked at his eyes and there was no more sparkle. I clutched at his hand and I shook him but nothing woke him.

A headstone appeared at my feet and suddenly Edward was in the ground. I reached down to touch him, and piles of earth rained down. I looked at the headstone, praying he would reappear, but instead I saw the worst.

Edward Cullen

Loving Husband, Brother, & Son.

I woke up screaming.

Needless to say, I'd avoided being around the other women since then. We'd been here 3 weeks now, and I hadn't done anything with the family yet besides discover what they wanted me to tell Edward. Alice had tried to bring me out to be around her, but I'd excused myself by telling her I felt sick. The truth was, I did. I felt awful being around them, knowing that they weren't living in their home right now because of me. I sighed and pulled out Edward's letter, already ready with a response. After checking the pen for ink, I started my reply.

Edward,

I don't mind all the mail, don't apologize. I like knowing that you're doing well. A new friend? He's the first I've heard about, tell me about him.

Edward you don't understand, they were all so disappointed and if it wasn't for my friendship with Jacob, they wouldn't have had to worry about it. Jacob did act like a stupid kid, but he didn't mean to and it's my fault for giving him that much responsibility. I promise, I won't forget about taking care of me too. I really miss you Edward, tell me a joke. Even if it's silly, I just want to laugh.

I'm glad you've been promoted but I'm sorry you don't like the job, but maybe he's training you to take his place? Don't worry about the length of the letter, just make sure you write back soon. I love you, I'm so glad you're doing alright.

Love, Bella.

Somehow, after looking at my responses, I thought my letter was dull compared to Edward's. I sealed it in the addressed envelope anyway. After pulling my hair down in my face, I left my room and moved carefully through the building. The mailbox was right next to the door, if I could get it there, I could go back to my room with no problems.

"Bella!"

I shrieked and dropped the letter as I jumped in the air.

"Alice you scared the hell out of me!"

"Sorry, it's just that you've been hiding out in your room all day and I miss my friend."

I smiled a little and hugged her.

"Can we go in my room? Or your room?"

She frowned.

"What's wrong with out here?"

I picked up the letter off the floor and put it in with the other letters to be sent.

"I'll explain as soon as we get back to my room."

"Let's do my room instead, I have snacks."

We sat on her bed facing each other, legs crossed, and Alice trying to decide what she should eat.

"So, tell me why."

I told her about the dream, and even told her about how I thought it was my fault. I must've really missed my pixie friend because I wasn't normally this talkative around her. She listened and gave me her input at all the right moments, and when I was done talking, she hugged me.

"Bella, none of us are mad at you. Besides, we would've gotten hit anyway. We're just glad you were here to help us otherwise I'm not sure what would've happened. Now stop feeling guilty or I'll annoy you until you're mad at me."

She stuck her tongue out and dipped another chip into the whipped cream. I grimaced.

"Alice that is so gross."

"Tastes good though."

I just shook my head sighed softly.

"A year is going to never end at this rate."

"Well, I have something to tell you that might make it move a little faster."

"What's that?"

"How would you feel about being the baby's godmother?"

"Um... well that would be great."

She squealed.

"Yay!! Oh thank you Bella now we can plan the baby's room and find clothes for it and-" another squeal "Oh Bella it's going to be so much fun!"

I laughed and stole a chip.

"Just please don't make me do anything ridiculous."

She scoffed.

"Like I've ever made you do anything ridiculous."

I raised an eyebrow and she giggled.

"Bella feel my belly. The baby's kicking a lot so it must be really excited about all the stuff we're going to do."

"Joyous," I mumbled.

The feeling of the baby kicking surprised me at first but it was fun after a while. I'd missed time like this with Alice. I'd never ever admit it to her but she reminded me that I needed to have fun. We spent the rest of the day acting girly, eating junk food and talking about our husbands. It hurt a little, but it felt good to talk about him, and laugh about some ahem moments that Alice could understand. Jasper came in eventually though, and I let him steal his wife back. With a promise we'd do it again soon, I went back to my room.

After putting on Edward's hoodie I curled into a ball and rubbed my thumb over the fabric. Maybe I would go hang out in the lounge tomorrow...

--

More chapters coming soon I promise! Hoped you guys liked it, review review review.