OK, so I am getting back on track, and I managed to write the next two chapters today. Just to let you know, I'm aware of the slip up with Vegas and this being her first time there. I will go correct that. I also want you to know I have no inside knowing of the Marines, so I am sorry if ranking is wrong, or I miss something.

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 17

Vegas has been a blast so far. I can see why people come here. There are so many different things to do, and see. I have only been here a few days, and I know there will not be enough time this week. I wonder if Edward would ever come here with me. That would make a fun trip. Tonight we are going to the Coyote Ugly bar. It's a place I have always wanted to visit. The girls and I leave in about three hours, so I head back to my room to finally check my email.

To:

Subject: Have Fun

Date: 8/17/2011

My dearest Bella,

Please have a great time in Vegas, but at the same time, stay safe. I have been there once, and it was a great time, but there are a lot of shady people there as well, and well, if I can't be there with you… please watch out for yourself. Do me a favor, place a bet for me. I'm thinking Roulette, and place as much as you want on red nine and black 13. If you lose, I'll pay you back. You will also have to let me know how the hotel was. I have always wanted to stay there, but when I went, we stayed at the Palms. It was a great hotel, but if I ever go back, I want to stay some place new.

The Seafair sounds amazing. No, I have never been there. I have seen my share of ships though, as we sometimes travel with the Navy. I love hearing about your outings. It's almost as if I can enjoy them with you. I miss the local fairs. My favorite was always the fried dough. Rides were always a great time too. You are really making me miss home. Please don't take that the wrong way, I really do love hearing about your time, it just makes me think of all the things I want to do when I get home.

Would you mind planning a few things for us? I won't have any idea what is going on, and I really want to take you out; even if it's you that is planning it. I really don't mind what we do. I just want to be able to go out and enjoy each other; hold your hand as we walk down the street. Maybe steel a kiss or two at the movies. OK, maybe I'm getting ahead of myself there, but a guy can dream, right?

I'm glad you had a great time at the concert. I saw her once when she came overseas. She does put on a good show. Have you seen any others in concert? I have been able to see so many shows over here. They always build moral, and we have a great time.

Were you serious about my mom and emails? I mean, I would love for you to get to know her, and I know she can't wait to meet you, but she can get a bit overbearing. Not in a bad way…well, it's hard to explain until you meet her. Just let me know for sure. The guys have been good so far. I did find out that my brother had something to do with Jasper and our date night. Sure, the guys and I goof off, but this had my brother written all over it. Out of any one, it's been my mom on my case more lately. I have never gotten so many letters from her. It seems she writes me almost once a week. She says it's just to say hi, but I know she is looking for dirt on us. God, I love my mom.

I will know the dates of my leave by the end of the week. If you would like to get together with all of our parents, I am down for that. Can we just wait a few days? I would really like to just be with you at first. I know this is so easy on paper and email, and I just want to make sure it's not awkward.

Ok, so I have to run. Know that I am thinking of you, and have a great time. There will also be a surprise for you sometime this week.

Yours,

Edward

I decide I still have time and begin to write him back.

To:

Subject: missing you

Date: August 18, 2011

My dear Edward,

OK, so subject says it all. I just got a few moments and was able to check my email. I was so happy to see yours waiting there for me. I am having a blast, and I promise that I am being careful. I have been thinking of you a lot while I'm here and was thinking it would make a great trip for the two of us some day. I won't be doing any more gambling tonight, but I promise to place your bet tomorrow. Don't think I didn't realize what the numbers were either.

Tonight, we are going to the Coyote Ugly Bar. The girls and I have always wanted to go, and tonight, we're getting our drink on. One more thing I love about Vegas…cabs. No walking tonight for this girl.

Shit, the phone just started ringing; it must be one of the girls. I will try to write more tonight, if I can't, I'll be back tomorrow.

Bella

I quickly hit send on the email and rush to answer the phone before whoever is calling hangs up. I pick the receiver up and place it to my ear as I wonder why the girls called my room and not my cell.

"Hello," I say.

"Hello. Is this Isabella Swan's room?" It's a male voice that I don't recognize.

"Yes, this is she. Can I help you?" I begin to wonder if something has happened.

"I'm sorry to call…" This can't be good. My stomach drops.

"Look, who is this?" I ask. I don't mean to sound rude, but there is a strange man calling my hotel room, and let's face it, there are not many people that have my room number.

"I'm sorry if I scared you. It's me, Edward." My breathing stops. Is it really him? I have dreamt of his voice, and here he is calling me.

"Edward, is it really you?"

"Yes."

"Wow, how did you find me?"

"Well, you told me where you were staying, and I just hoped that there was no one else staying there with the same name as you. Are you upset that I called?"

"No, of course not, it's just a surprise that's all."

"I know we hadn't talked about calling each other. It's just that I missed you, and I had some free time this morning."

"Oh, Edward, I missed you too. I was just responding to your email when I heard the phone ring."

"Sorry to interrupt you. Are you free?"

"I am for a bit. The girls and I are going out tonight, but I have a few hours. How is your day?"

"It's still really early here, so not much to report."

"Is this what you meant by you had a surprise for me this week?"

"Part of it," he says with a laugh.

"OK, out with the rest." I can't believe I'm talking to him. I thought this day would never come.

"I see your eagerness hasn't changed."

"OK, now you are poking fun." I pretend to sound hurt.

"I know you better than that. You dish it out just as much. No, the surprise was that I have the dates of my leave."

"You do? When is it?"

"I will be home September tenth, and returning October first."

"That's amazing. So what are your plans?"

"I will return home at first. That way I can check on my house and catch up with my family. I was hoping that I could meet you after school on your birthday. Maybe if you don't have plans, I could take you out?"

"I think that sounds great. The girls and I plan on going out that weekend; you are more than welcome to join us."

"That sounds great. As long as the girls won't mind that is."

"Of course they won't mind. It will be great to have you there."

"Great. I don't have much time, but I wanted to call you and tell you I was thinking of you. How about you make reservations wherever you want for your birthday, and we will make it a date."

"Sure. I'm sorry you have to go so soon. Do you get much time for a phone?"

"Not normally, and I usually call home, but I needed to hear your voice. I have been dreaming of it and needed to see if it was a beautiful as your photo."

I can't believe his words. He is so sweet, and it causes my eyes to water. I can't believe he used time he could have used to talk to his family to call me.

"Thank you for that. I have wanted to hear your voice as well."

"It is you know."

"What is?"

"Your voice, it sounds like an angel. Better than any dream I have ever had. Bella, I'm sorry. I wish I had more time, but I need to go. I promise to write to you as soon as I can."

"OK. Please be safe, Edward. I will write to you when I get home."

"Have fun, stay safe. I'll be thinking of you."

"You too my dear, oh, wait, let me give you my cell number." I give him my cell number and whisper my goodbye into the phone as I hear him hang up.