Disclaimer: Stephenie Meyer owns all things Twilight, and no copyright infringement is intended. The original content, ideas and intellectual property of this story is owned by FrEeZeGiRL8000 (2010).

You Promised

'Time is the coin of your life. It is the only coin you have, and only you can determine how it will be spent. Be careful lest you let other people spend it for you.'- Carl Sandburg

EPOV

"Cullen," Dr Snow greeted me. "You're in tent seven today with me. Most people here refuse symptomatic treatment but have at least a form of cancer. Let them know who you are, and allow them time to trust you and know who you are. Follow me."

God, I felt like I just landed on Mars. Let them trust me. It was as though the people here in Africa were aliens but I wasn't putting up with racism, or prejudice, or whatever it was over here, or anywhere for that matter.

I put on my white coat, headed into the ragged tent and stopped short at the sight of the people inside. There were around eleven or twelve young men and women, all cramped into a tiny tent, hoping for immediate treatment and care. Appalled and shocked, I sat down next to Dr Snow and a translator and met my first patient.

"Hello," I began nervously, fidgeting with the pen in my hand. "Don't worry about anything. I'm just going to give you a quick check-up and see what is wrong with you."

My first diagnosis was not exactly difficult. Mira was a fourteen year old girl with problems with her liver. Her yellow rimmed eyes and her dull skin already told me she had a liver problem, but I just didn't know how severe her case was. Dr Snow had reminded me that the people here didn't always have clean water and food, or soap to wash their hands. The reservoir was miles away and the people normally had to travel a whole day to collect water in a clay jug to share with their whole family. I felt sympathy for them, and my feelings only encouraged me to immerse myself in the studies of their native herbal medicines and the limited ways I could help the sick recover, or extend their already shortened life.

I wanted to help people. I wanted to save lives. This was why I was here. But I couldn't help forgetting Bella's face when I told her I was leaving for six months, without contact, without any reasonable explanation. Her heartbroken face would forever be burned into my memory.

I decided to write letters to her. I kept them all in my notebook. Everything I saw here, everything I learned, I wrote down to give to my girl when to my girl when I came home. I didn't have that much money to send all those letters through air mail. Life was difficult, and being in a foreign country, being away from Bella, was just the beginning. I had finally begun to realize how highly my father Carlisle regarded me, and why he had granted me such an expensive education.

I could feel the experience here was going to be worth it, but wouldn't be if Bella decided to break up with me. I was scared shitless she was going to go out with someone she realized was more interesting…more giving than me – allowing more sacrifices to be made, but I had to trust her. I knew she wouldn't do that to me.

I worked from day to night, night to day, with only a few hours of sleep each day. I had grown attached to the people of Uganda and I felt connected to them in a distinct way. The people I came into contact with were so poor, yet so hardworking. I watched them help each other, never complaining about anything. Not even each other. They were the people I wanted to become.

I flipped my pen thoughtlessly in my hand, wondering how I could start my twentieth letter to Bella.

Dear Bella

I have missed you in ways you can not imagine. I miss your voice and the comfort it gave me. I have the Christmas present you gave me. I think of you when I see it. I miss your kisses. I miss my Bella.

I wish you were here with me. The people here are so dedicated to having a happy life; they do whatever they can to make sure their children live as easily as possible. That is what I want to do for you. I know it is impossible from where I am, but I hope you understand.

It's been a month already. There are five months left to go. I'm counting down to the minute I see your face.

I don't know what to say and there are no words which would make up for the hurt and damage I caused you, but when I get back, I will do anything in my power to make up for the lost time.

Wherever you are, whenever, remember me and all the special moments I shared with you.

I love you to the moon and back,

Edward

I sighed and rubbed my eyes. I missed her so fucking much.

Not having any comforting thoughts, I put my pen down on the dusty ground, pulled my cover over my body and fell into an uneasy sleep.

"Cullen!"

I shot up, realizing I must have slept past six.

"Sorry, sir," I stuttered. "I will make up for the lost time."

"You'll make sure you do," Dr Snow replied grimly and I grimaced. It wasn't a great start to the morning. "Children today in tent eight."

"Yes, sir."

"I saved breakfast for you. Everyone else is already rolling, except for Ben. He caught a bad flu yesterday."

"Ben?" My eyebrows shot up in surprise at the name of one of my good friends from college. "I thought he was in Tanzania."

"He was transferred. There are more people in need of medical help here."

I nodded to show him I understood. "Okay."

"Get dressed and come with me when you're ready."

"Yes, sir," I responded nervously. There was no way I could get used to the ridiculous formalities – ever.

Children today. Seeing teenagers helpless with illnesses was already difficult enough, and now there were children and infants, too. All the suffering just made me want to stay here more and more, even though I knew there was a place I wanted to go back to more than ever because I wanted to be with Bella. She was my home, but it wasn't just that – I even missed my family.

I ran my fingers through my hair and sighed as I put on my clean scrubs.

"Cullen!" Dr Snow called.

"Sorry, sir."

I ran to meet him outside a large wooden shack.

"Loads to get through today. C'mon," he muttered, looking up and down at my scruffy appearance.

I saw nurses cradling wailing babies, and gulped.

"Injections for flu are in this bag right here. The rest is up to you," Dr Snow informed me. "I'll start with the children first. Watch."

The doctor's hand skilfully gripped the struggling infant tightly and injected the vaccine into his arm as I watched with envy; I was pretty sure I wasn't as patient as him.

I looked around and saw some children in the corner looking at me miserably. With flesh-eating diseases around, this was a tough place to live in. I found myself wanting to treat them, wondering vaguely if there was anything I wondered if I could offer them any sort of comfort. I sighed. If only I had the experience needed…

Dr. Snow cleared his throat loudly, interrupting my reverie.

'Cancum Oris?' I asked Dr Snow.

He nodded slowly. 'Yes, son. It's pretty hands on for a third year student, but we were hoping that you would be able to help anyway.'

"Yes, sir. It's just…it's just…" I wasn't able to convey how I felt.

He suddenly looked at me with a knowing glint in his eye. "Professor Banner told me about the…problems you had. The dilemmas you faced. I'm proud of you, Edward. You must have been brave to endure the past month here."

I shrugged. "I needed this opportunity anyway. I want to help," I insisted, but part of my heart was telling me otherwise.

"Just do the best you can here. It'll save you a whole heap of note taking when you get back to uni." Dr Snow smiled at me at me, winking, and I reluctantly gave a small one in return.

The day went by quickly, in a whirl of childrens' cries and screams. It was as much as I could take in right now. Any more, and I'd be finished.

Four Months Later

I wanted to see Bella, but now, my need for her was more intense than ever. I didn't know what I was doing anymore. I was literally going crazy. Only two more days, I reminded myself. There were only two more days left.

Deciding to make the most of the rest of my time here, I visited the Uri family. They were a family I had become quite attached to.

"Dr Snow?" I asked in surprise, as I walked in. What was he doing in their living room?

"Hello, Edward." He didn't smile and I wondered what was wrong. "Sanja is very sick. She had a high fever last night and it is getting really hot. I'm trying to use their traditional medicine to help cool her down."

"Paracetamol won't hurt her,' I replied, shrugging my shoulders. "Why not try that?"

He smiled. "You're very good, Edward. That reminds me, there is something I have to tell you."

I froze and felt my stomach drop, preparing for the worst. "Yes, sir?"

"Edward. The AMREF are proud of your works here, and have decided to send a letter to Harvard to prolong your stay."

My heart thumped loudly and hard in my chest. "What? But – wait, I can't. I can't. I only signed up for six months."

"You have been granted four more months here, until September." Dr Snow continued as though he had not heard me.

"Sir! You don't understand. I can't stay here for four more months. I have school and family to look forward to tomorrow," I was aghast at the news. Surely he didn't expect me not to argue with him? What about Bella, I reminded myself and felt my heart wrench at the thought. I wasn't so sure what she would think about it this time.

"I know that, Edward. I know it's complicated but you have to do what is best for you," he said to me in an expressionless tone.

I glared at him. "Well maybe not for me, but my family and friends aren't going to be happy with this. They miss me, and I miss them too. D'you think this is just about me?"

"I'm sorry, Edward. If it makes you feel better, there is a phone nearby for emergency calls. Maybe that could help." He gestured towards the AMREF centre.

"Yeah. Maybe it'll just help one fucking bit. There are a million more things in my life that are fucked up because of this," I snarled at him, taking my coat off and throwing it to the ground, heading out the door.

The phone rang once and someone picked it up.

"Doctor Carlisle speaking."

I sucked in a deep breath. "Hi, Dad. It's me, Edward."

"Edward?" he asked, surprised.

"Yeah, it's me."

"Was there something you wanted?"

There was a long pause.

I didn't know what to ask for, or how, but I finally gave in, speaking from my broken heart. "Can I talk to Bella?"

"Sure. I just thought that your calls were always reserved for family. How did you know she was here?"

I froze. How on Earth did I know? "I don't know, Dad. I really don't. I think I'm going crazy right now. I guess it's the term holiday, isn't it?"

"Sure is. Hang on – I'll get her for you."

I waited nervously and impatiently. All the calls I was able to make were strictly for family use and I agreed to the conditions. God, I would trade anything to be in Bella's place right now. I didn't want her to get the impression that I was only calling her because I had to tell her I wasn't going to see her for another four months. I didn't want to hear her upset. It would fucking kill me.

"Edward?" my girl asked, her voice beautiful and sweet, but there was a distance to it, and it made my heart beat fast. Perhaps she re-thought about this fucked up situation and decided to break it off with me.

"Bella?" I gulped and I felt my heart hammering.

"Oh, Edward," She breathed.

I started to gasp and my hands were sweating. I didn't know what to do.

It wasn't long before tears were clouding my eyes. I fucking promised her.

BPOV

I panicked and dropped the cards I was playing with Alice.

"Edward?" I bit my lip. He was coming back tomorrow and everything would finally be normal again. My voice sounded hoarse and weak; like I had just stopped crying for hours.

He seemed hesitant and I could hear distress in his voice. "Bella?"

"Oh Edward," I breathed.

I waited for him to respond, but all I could hear was heavy breathing.

"Edward?" I asked, alarmed. "Are you all right?"

"I…I have to tell you something."

My heart thudded hard. Was he going to break up with me?

"Okay," I said in a small, timid voice, my heart preparing for the worst to happen.

"I…I can't be home tomorrow. I've been given a compulsory four month extension," the words rushed out of his mouth like a waterfall. "Bella, sweetheart, I am so sorry. I don't know what to do at the moment. I've been looking forward to seeing you tomorrow for ages and I can't imagine that it won't be possible.

My stomach dropped. I wanted to offer him condolence and comfort, but it was too much. I couldn't take it in.

"Bella…please…" I heard him beg, and I shook my head, feeling completely ridiculous.

I cleared my throat but wasn't able to wipe away my tears. "Edward…it's really too much for me."

"Bella, what are you saying?" There was uncertainty in his voice and I wanted to shut my mouth – every cell in my body screamed for me to stop – but words careened out of me like a car without brakes.

"I can't…I can't do this anymore," I answered him honestly, but my heart denied it. I wanted him so badly, but this wasn't working. The past six months had almost killed me.

"Are you – are you breaking up with me?" Edward's voice broke and I could hear tears in his voice.

I choked out the hardest words I would ever have to say in my life. "I have to."

"You promised, Bella. You promised!" Edward panicked and I was crying openly now. I could feel Alice and Carlisle eying me suspiciously behind my back, but just this once, I didn't care.

"I didn't mean it in that way. I meant that…when you get back, we can see what kind of friendship we have left and try make it up to each other, but I'm scared, Edward. I…I need to concentrate on college and graduating."

I heard him suck in a deep breath and let it out in a whoosh. "I'm going to protect you, Bella. I'll do anything I can to protect you from hurt. Anything." Defiance rang through his tone and I felt a tugging at my heart, but I knew that I needed to protect my heart. "Even though I'm miles away from you, I'm still by your side. Believe me, Bella."

"Come back, then," I challenged.

He sighed, and I could picture him running his fingers through his hair. "I will."

"Soon," I whispered, almost begging.

"Four months."

My body shook at those words. Four months.

Edward began softly. "I love you, Bella. I love you more than anything."

"I know." I love you.

"There will never be another person for me."

I sighed. "I know."

"I'll see you soon then."

I didn't want to say good bye. "Goodbye Edward. I-I hope everything over there is well."

"I love you."

I waited until I heard the click and then hung up.

"What's wrong, Bella?" Alice asked, looking at my tear-stained face. "Why are you crying?"

"He's not coming back tomorrow," I said blankly. The fact hadn't really set into my mind yet, and that's probably why I couldn't feel the hurt.

Alice glared at me. "I'm gonna kill him."

"Don't."

"I will. How can he do this?" Alice screeched.

"Because he is a brilliant person, Alice. He saves lives. That's what he's doing, and I'm proud of him."

Alice rolled her eyes. "God, you two are perfect for each other. You're never gonna give up on him, right?"

I stiffened at her words. "I-I don't know."

"Really? There are more hot guys out there, Bella. College boys aren't those random high school ones, you know." Alice nudged my shoulder, joking with me.

"Alice…I-I can't really take it in right now," I mumbled, heading upstairs. "See you tomorrow."

"Okay. I'll tell Mom and Dad."

I bit my lip and brushed my tears away. "Okay."

"It's going to be fine, Bella."

"I know it will."

I made my way to my room, which was previously Edward's, and lay on his bed.

Just four months and all this waiting and horrible anticipation will be over.

With that thought, I drifted off into a restless sleep.

"Ang!" I called.

"Bella!" she squealed. "What are you doing here?"

"Picking up Ben with you I guess. You said I could if I wanted to, right? Or was that a joke?"

"I was serious, but I knew you would probably have something else on your mind."

I shook my head. "Nope."

"Thanks, Bella." She hugged me tightly before letting out a high pitched scream when she saw Ben.

I looked away as they embraced warmly and kissed passionately. The moment was too intimidate, and I felt like I was intruding.

"Hey, Bells." Ben grinned at me.

"Hey," I said cautiously. "How is…how's Edward doing?"

Ben laughed. "Fucking brilliantly. He's learning so much and is so eager to help all the sick people there. Amazing."

Wow. That was something. "Really?" I asked eagerly. "What else?"

"If you're asking if he was fucking miserable, he was. Every night before he went to bed, he wrote stuff in his notebook. Whenever I asked him what he was doing with the lamp on, he always said that he was writing to you. He said that even though you may never want to see it, he still wanted to give it to you when he came home."

My eyes immediately teared up. That I was not expecting.

"Oh, Bella, are you okay?" Angela turned around and hugged me.

"Yeah." I mustered up a smile. "Just a little shocked."

"He loves you so much, Bella," Ben said, hugging me softly. "At the end of the day, he's always worrying, wondering about what you're doing right this moment, this second. He wants you to know he cares for you even though he's on the other side of the world. And he wants me to give you this."

Ben dug into the depths of his luggage and pulled out a silver box.

"What's that?" Angela asked Ben.

"Dunno."

It wasn't light and I wondered what Edward was giving me.

"I'll check when I get home."

"C'mon then. Time to celebrate Ben's return." Angela smiled.

My heart was beating erratically as I saw the house approaching.

Angela and Ben dropped me off, wished me good luck with whatever was in my hands and I smiled at them, thanking them for the ride.

I ignored Alice's questions when I got to my room. I slammed the door shut and allowed Edward's scent to embrace me again.

There was a letter and several foreign ornaments he must've made himself. There was a piece of bark with a love heart carved deeply into it and finally, there was a framed photo of me and him together on New Year's Eve from last year. I shook my head and smiled at the picture. How on Earth did he manage to bring that to Africa?

I opened the letter and began to read.

My dearest Bella

The phone call yesterday when I told you I had to stay an extra four months nearly killed me. You had every right to say you didn't want anything to do with me anymore, but you have to realize that there won't be anyone else for me. Ever. There will only be you. There will only be you when I close my eyes before I go to bed every night I'm in Uganda without you.

You cannot believe how much you have helped me with my journey so far. You have taught me to be a compassionate, thoughtful, and fearless person with a good heart. I want to thank you so much for all that you have ever done for me, whether you realize it or not.

You are amazing. And I'm so proud of you for getting your diploma. I wish I had been able to go to your graduation ceremony so that once you stepped down off the stage I could lift you up in my arms and kiss you all over.

I dream about you every night. I think about your missing presence every second I am away from you.

This was written the moment Ben told me he was going back. I will miss having him as a buddy and I am more alone than ever.

I know these coming months will be hard on you, but I'll not give up, Bella. I'll never give up on you.

I love you to the moon and back.

Edward

PS. I sent you some little ornaments some of my younger patients taught me how to make. I told them about you, and they showed me some symbolic meanings of love that can be interpreted through carvings. I have had two photographs with me the entire time I've been in Africa. One of them I decided to give you. Don't ever forget me.

I looked at the little bronze trinkets in the box and thumbed them over in my hand.

He had given me so much, he understood that I needed him when he wasn't here with me, but eventually, it would be worth it. Hopefully.

2 Months Later

"Oh, don't be a grump, Alice!" I whined. She was ruining her special day. "What's wrong?"

"You know what's wrong. There are 145 people who should be here at my wedding, but there are only 144," Alice replied with a frown lines on her forehead.

"Hey. If you're gonna do that, you'll waste makeup," I warned her, keeping her still with my hands as Rose applied her makeup.

She forced a hard laugh. "Hate to say this, but I really wish my stupid older brother was here."

Bingo. Here we go again.

Alice had hit the nerve that numbed me.

I dropped my hands and headed outside the room into mine, ignoring Alice's apologies which were fading into the background.

Just two more months, I reminded myself.

I wasn't sure how much more heartbreak I could stand for.

Thanks to the wonderful people over at PTB for all the help, especially to my lovely betas Sarahsumbrella and blahblahblah.

I appreciate all the readers out there who have stuck with me so far, and to those who have contributed reviews. They have seriously made my day.

xx