Just wanted to let you all know that I will be working on some outtakes form Edward's POV. He will be giving us some thoughts on his reactions to her letters.

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 9

July 28, 2011

Dear Bella:

I can understand why you were hesitant in sending me your photo. I'm glad to hear that you look out for yourself; however, I'm also extremely thankful that you agreed to send one. I now have a face to put with the name, and what a beautiful face it is. I wanted to tell you how stunning you are. I know that we never talked about age, but you look younger than I thought you were. On that note, I'm twenty-eight. How did we talk about so much and never tell each other how old we are?

I wasn't sure what I was expecting, but you are more beautiful than I imagined. I am also including two photos for you. One of my men happened to get a photo of me reading one of your letters, and I thought you might enjoy seeing it. The other is a photo that was taken the last time I went home; it was in one of my mother's many gardens.

I'm sorry about your ex. If you don't mind me saying, he sounds like an ass, and from what I know of you from your letters, it's his loss. I can fully understand where you are coming from. My parents raised me the right way. I grew up watching my dad treat my mom with the utmost respect. To this day, he still opens doors for her and pulls out her chair. It's a shame that something that is so simple, and can make a girl feel cared for, is not done more often. He also taught me some secret, inside lessons. Although I can't share them, (that would be breaking the man code) I can tell you that he taught me to be honest and make sure that I listened when a woman is talking to me. That you not only need to listen to her words, but to hear what she is truly saying. The most important one was to always be there. It didn't matter if they needed a hug, or a shoulder to cry one, or just someone to make them laugh. As long as a man is there to be what she needs, they would always be happy. I have seen that first hand, and Bella, I truly hope that one day you find a man to treat you with the same respect my dad has for my mom. I honestly believe that every woman deserves to be treated that way. I just hope that one day I meet someone that I can love and cherish, and who will love me in return.

You don't know how happy it makes me to hear that you look forward to my letters, and I'm sure your mailman isn't completely freaked out, not yet anyway. I was hoping that it wasn't just me. Some days, I wish I could write more, or write more frequently, but it's hard. I work so much that I swear I'm asleep before my head hits where ever it is landing that night. I think that's one of the things I miss most about home, my bed. There are days that I would give anything to be able to curl up in my own bed and just sleep. I miss the warmth and softness. It's one of the many things I no longer take for granted. It's also one thing I spent a lot of money on. There are so many things I miss from home, but I try not to think of them. There are days, when thinking too much of home can bring a man down, and out here, I need all the focus I can get. You don't realize how many things you take for granted in life until they are gone. Appreciate the little things; it will make your day brighter.

I wanted to address something you wrote in your last letter. I am so glad you wrote it, but I can completely understand what you mean. I didn't say anything about the strange feelings, because, well, I didn't want to come off as some ass of a man that was trying to get anything from you. I assure you I am not that type of man. I agree with you on one thing; I feel it also. I don't know how to describe it. I too feel as if we have known each other for years, and not just a month. I even found myself talking about you in my last letter home. I hope that's OK with you. I didn't even realize it until I was getting ready to send it. I know my mom is going to have a field day with that one.

You described it as a pull, and yes, that describes it perfectly. I want to write you all the time, and hear about your day in return. I look forward to getting your letters and learning something new. What amazes me is that I felt it without even seeing you. I felt a connection through your words. I will admit it is part of the reason I asked for a photo. I had been talking to a buddy of mine about your letters. You will learn that we talk a lot; sometimes that's all there is to do. I promise that it's respectful, and I don't tell anyone what we write about. I had told him that I felt a connection, and he made a joke similar to you, about not knowing who we were talking to. Granted, you could have sent me a bogus photo, but I trust you. I honestly don't think you would deceive me that way. I don't know what this is we're feeling, but I'm not ready to stop writing to you. I know that your assignment ends with summer, but I hope we can continue this friendship.

So how was your day today? Did you do anything fun and exciting?

Goodnight Bella, stay safe and sleep well. If you would like to email me, you can.

Sincerely,

CPL Edward Cullen

A/N:

hope you enjoyed it.