AN: Here's another chap. all disclaimers apply. The next few chapters are going to be E & S's history. please dont get bored.
Chapter 12: 1918- Spanish Influenza (Se & Ed's POVs)
1918:
(Selene's POV)
"Selene, darling. The Masons are at the door. Be a dear and answer it will you?" My mother called to me from her bedroom, where she was getting ready for our Sunday dinner with Edward and Elizabeth Mason and their son, Edward Mason the Second.
I stood from my position on the sofa, placed the book I had been completely lost in on the side table, smoothed out my simple Sunday dress and went to answer the door. I never bothered to get all dressed up, not even when my fiancé, Edward, was coming. We had known each other our whole lives and he knew I hated dresses. But my mother had insisted that I at least put something presentable on.
The door was easy to open and I placed a huge smile on my face to welcome our guests in with.
"Mr. and Mrs. Mason." I nodded to each of our family friends as they walked through the door. "Edward." I said his name with a hint of adoration. I flashed him a small smile as I took his parents coats.
"Hello Selene. Thank you," the Mr. and Mrs. replied to me. I ushered them into the living room. Once they went, Edward and I were the only ones in the entryway.
He wrapped me into a loving hug and kissed my hair. When he did this, I never had a doubt that he and I belonged together. Then he kissed my cheek, my forehead and finally my lips. The kiss was short lived because we could hear my father's footsteps coming down our stairs. I sighed and led him into the living room.
My mother was passing around tea. Edward and I took up spots on my mother's favorite love seat. I sat as close to him as possible, without being rude. This was going to be a fantastic evening.
(Edward's POV)
Sitting next to Selene was grand. The only thing that could have been better was if her and my parents hadn't all been breathing down our necks. I rarely got any alone time with her, but just seeing my girl was always a privilege. We had eaten dinner already and now our families were sitting around talking. It was time I told them my choice.
"Mother. Father. Mr. and Mrs. Doyle. Selene. I have something I need to tell all of you." I addressed all of them, and they all turned their eyes on me.
I fixed my gaze on Selene's dark chocolate eyes. They shone even with the curiosity playing on her face. Her eyes were my favorite part of her face; you could get lost in them, and it was almost as if they could pierce through your soul and always know what's on your mind.
Just like always, she did know what I was going to say. She blinked and turned her eyes to the ground. I sighed and began to say what I was going to. But nothing ever came out, because, just then, my father clasped. My mother was in a panic and Selene's father was already at the phone.
"Edward!" my mother was screaming, trying to get Father to come around. I looked to Selene, but she was almost to the kitchen already. She looked back and gave me a sympathetic look, then disappeared into the kitchen.
(Selene's POV)
Edward was just getting ready to tell us that he had decided to join the American Army and go off to fight in the World War. I couldn't look at him; to try and imagine my Edward in the heat of the war hurt just to think about it. I would have to be strong though. This was what he had wanted to do since the war had started. So who was I to stop him from leaving?
He never got to announce his decision though, because Mr. Mason fainted and as soon as that happened, everyone was in motion. One look and I knew he had the Influenza. My father went to call a doctor, while I went to go get some water for him. I turned around just before going into our kitchen, because I felt eyes following me.
Edward was watching me go. A strange glint of fear was seen in his always-brave eyes. I knew he knew what was wrong as soon as I looked into those soul piercing green irises. He knew his father had the Spanish Influenza and he knew we had all been exposed.
*************
Tears were streaming down my face. We would be leaving, and just when our friends needed us. Mr. Mason had already passed away of the influenza within a couple hours of fainting. Now Mrs. Mason and Edward were both in the hospital. My parents wanted us out of Chicago within the week to lower our chances of succumbing to it as well.
I didn't want to leave though. My fiancé was in the hospital, and my family was going to make me leave? That shouldn't be right. It had been three days. Mrs. Mason looked worst off, but she was trying to nurse Edward as well, so that was draining her.
I walked into the hospital to let them know I was leaving that day. I wiped the tears away so I could appear brave for Edward. Their doctor walked out to greet me. He had been keeping tabs on them for me and updating me on their conditions.
"Dr. Cullen." I nodded to the man.
"Miss Doyle," he replied and then began leading me up to their room. I was trying to restrain myself from the flood of questions, but it was very hard.
Dr. Cullen opened the door for me and told me I could only stay for a few minutes. This was going to have to be a short good-bye then.
As soon as I walked in, Edward's face lit up as much as the illness would allow. I gave him a halfhearted smile and went to the chair next to him. I took his hand and refused to let go.
"You're leaving today. Aren't you?" he asked before I could say anything. All I could do was nod. I couldn't leave. I just couldn't. But I had to go with my parents. I wasn't a legal adult yet.
We sat in silence for a while, but after some time, I knew it was time for me to go. I kissed him in the cheeks and forehead before saying goodbye.
"I'll call Carlisle as soon as I get to Sacramento. I promise. And you promise to hold on as long as possible. You promise?"
He nodded in response. I was about to leave, but I figured that it didn't matter because the Spanish Influenza already contaminated me. So I turned back and planted one last kiss on Edward's lips.