Got to love the mail man. It looks like the mail came early this week

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

~MDE~

Chapter 5

July 9, 2011

Dear Bella:

I could get used to hearing my name when the mail comes. I guess I never realized how much I missed it until I started hearing it weekly. I know I said I see how other men react when they do or don't get mail, but I never thought much of it when it came to me. I find myself looking forward to the mail, and excited to read what you write. Thank you for keeping me company when it gets lonely over here.

I am glad I didn't offend you; I was a bit worried there for a minute. Although, I think I would like to join you on one of these girls' nights. They sound like they could be a lot of fun. I'm sorry about your engagement; maybe one day if you want to share, you can tell me the story. I have nothing but time over here. I'm like you in the relationship department. There is no one other than family waiting for me back home. I have had a few girlfriends though-out the years, but they were never serious. It's hard to find someone that wants to settle down, let alone with a soldier. I see it all the time, and I know that it's not an easy life to live; never knowing when you are leaving or when you'll get back home. It's not like you can kiss your wife every morning and tell her you'll be home for dinner. It takes an exceptional woman to handle that, and, unfortunately, I have seen too many relationships and marriages fail because of this way of life.

I know what you mean about settling. I refuse to rush into something. I believe that you get married to your soul mate, and there is only one of those. Therefore, you get married once, and its forever. I want someone strong enough to love me through everything life can throw at us. I don't want to be over here and wondering what's happening at home, know what I mean. I want the confidence to know that even though it's hard, that my wife is home supporting me, and trusting in us to make it through anything.

My mom keeps bugging me about grandbabies, but I tell her to ask my brother. He is the only sibling I have. Emmett is great, but it will be a while before he has kids. You see, last year my brother came out. I had known for years, but he was scared to tell the family. I was so proud the day he said he wouldn't hide anymore. My family has been great, and we are all supportive of him. The issue is he's not ready to settle down yet. Even if he were, it would take some work for him to bring children into the relationship. So, you see, my mom feels it's my duty to give her tons of grandbabies. It's a joke around the house, but I know that part of her is serious. She knows that when I meet the right one, they will come along.

My family is down to earth and amazing. We are all close, and there are very little secrets between us. We are also one crazy bunch. Sure, we can be serious and all business-like when we need to, but we can get down and crazy when we want to. The last time I was home on leave, we all went on vacation to Texas. We decided to have a picnic, and that lead to mattress surfing. In case you don't know what that is, I'll explain. There were a couple of guys in a big truck, and they had a queen-size mattress tied to the back bumper. So, as you can guess, you get dragged through the mud and muck, and see how long you can stay on. We were all watching it for a while and talking about how fun it looks. Well get this, my mother of all people walks right up to them when they stop, and asks for a turn. Now, what was downright funny is that my mom is an interior decorator, and is always dressed her best. So, there she was, taking off her heals, pulling up her skirt a bit, and jumping right on. By the time she was done, her clothes were ruined, and her hair was full of mud, but I have never seen her smile bigger than she did that day. So, as you can see, we like to have fun. What about you? Are you an only child, or do you have any brothers or sisters? Any funny stories you want to share?

On a different note, I would have to say that my favorite food is anything that you can put in your mouth. I love all food, but I guess if I had to choose one item, it would be spring rolls. There is just something about the way the outside crunches, and the tender veggies inside. The contrast of the textures and all the flavors, I love them. Now I'm seriously wondering if there is a Chinese place around here. Do you happen to know any that will deliver this far out? I guess I know what the first thing I'm having when I get back to the states is. My favorite color is blue. I love all shades, but I'm partial to midnight blue. I like the simple things in life. I miss sitting home on the back deck and watching the sunset. Movies are entertaining, but I love good company. There is nothing better than being with friends and family, eating food, and just laughing together. You know, I bet your friends and mine would get along great.

So you may hate me for this, but last night was slow, I was bored, and, well, I thought of a lot of questions. I have placed my answers below the questions, and if you want, you can answer them in your next letter. Are you ready? Well here you go. You may want to check the level of ink in your pen, or sharpen your pencil; you'll need it.

1. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE?
Yes, my Grandfather's first name is my middle name. Anthony.

2. WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU CRIED?
When I left for my first deployment; my mom can do that to you.

3. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING?
I have always hated it. I would have made a convincing doctor.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCH MEAT?
Pickle loaf.

5. DO YOU HAVE KIDS?
Nope, but I want a big family.

6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON, WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU?
Of course, I think I am a great person to hang around.

7. DO YOU USE SARCASM A LOT?
No way…(did you hear it in there?) *laughs*

8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS?
Yes

9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP?
Yes. Emmett and I did it for his twenty-first birthday.

10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL?
Frosted Mini-Wheat's.

11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF?
Nope, and it bothers my mom something crazy.

12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG?

I would say yes. My job requires me to be fit.

13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM?
Moosetracks.

14. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE?
Their eyes.

15. RED OR PINK?
Red.

16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF?
My feet. I don't know why, but they bug me.

17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST?
My mom.

18. WHAT IS THE LAST THING YOU ATE?

Crackers.

19. WHAT COLOR SHOES ARE YOU WEARING?
Plain old tan military boots. Boy, I miss my sneakers.

20. WHAT WAS THE LAST THING YOU DRANK?
Water. It gets hot here, so I drink a lot of water.

21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
The sounds of men telling stories, and talking about girls. Did I tell you that men over here talk a lot? And most of it is about girls.

22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE?
Cadet Blue. Yes it's a color, well to Crayola it is.

23. FAVORITE SMELLS?
Rain, and cut grass.

24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE?
My Dad.

25. MOUNTAIN HIDEAWAY OR BEACH HOUSE?
Beach.

26. FAVORITE SPORTS TO WATCH?
Football.

27. HAIR COLOR?
I say reddish brown, but my Mom says bronze.

28. EYE COLOR?

Green.

29. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?
No.

30. FAVORITE FOOD?
We already went over this, but it was on my list. LOL.

31. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS?
Anything that is well-written. Shhh…don't tell anyone, but I don't mind a good chick flick every once in a while.

32. LAST MOVIE YOU WATCHED?
It's been a while so I'm not sure. Wow, that is sad.

33. WHAT COLOR SHIRT ARE YOU WEARING?
White.

34. SUMMER OR WINTER?
Summer.

35. HUGS OR KISSES?
Hugs.

36. FAVORITE DESSERT?
Cheesecake.

37. STRENGTH TRAINING OR CARDIO?
Strength.

38. COMPUTER OR TELEVISION?
Computer, there are so many more options.

39. WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW?
No books, but I have reread your letters; many times.

40. WHAT IS ON YOUR MOUSE PAD?
Plain black.

42. FAVORITE SOUND?
Rain.

43. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES?
Beatles.

44. WHAT IS THE FARTHEST YOU HAVE BEEN FROM HOME?
Iraq.

45. DO YOU HAVE A SPECIAL TALENT?
I play the piano.

46. WHERE WERE YOU BORN?
Chicago.

47. WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Somewhere in Iraq. Sorry, I can't get more specific than that.

48. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR HOUSE?
White.

49. WHAT COLOR IS YOUR CAR?
Black.

50. DO YOU LIKE ANSWERING 50 QUESTIONS?
I had to come up with that many didn't I? Well I guess if I get to know you better, than yes, I would do it every day.

Sincerely,

CPL Edward Cullen

letter.

A/N:

Enjoy. Bella's next letter is so far my favorite.