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.

A/N: This is a special, one-time-only, early update for my pal KatetheGreat13… next week we'll be back to Friday.

Thanks as always to Tiffanyanne3 and Aecarlso for their mad beta skills.

"For this is wisdom; to love, to live

To take what fate, or the Gods may give

To ask no question, to make no prayer

To kiss the lips and caress the hair

Speed passion's ebb as you greet its flow

To have, to hold, and in time, let go."

- Laurence Hope

Chapter 9 – Of Motor Cars and Making Friends

I groaned and rolled over on the grass, pushing my hair out of my face and struggling to free my legs from the burlap sack. I saw the other racers hop by – including Edward, who laughed loudly as he left me lying there.

"Jerk," I muttered under my breath as I finally got to my feet, kicking my sack to the side with a grunt.

Childish? Yes.

I never said I was a good sport.

I watched grumpily as the sack racers crossed the finish line… Edward in the lead, of course.

He walked back over to me, waving his stupid gold ribbon, a smug smile on his face.

"Who's going down now, Miss Swan?" he taunted.

My eyes inadvertently flew to his crotch, as my dirty mind twisted his innocent comment. I blushed furiously and looked away.

Fortunately, Edward had no clue about the true nature of my embarrassment, so he continued his teasing. "It's too bad you fell. This sure is a pretty ribbon." He waved it in front of my face, his emerald eyes glowing with mirth.

Gah. How could he be so hot and yet so irritating at the same time?

"You cheated," I accused crossly.

"Cheated?" he repeated, eyes wide with feigned shock. "Me?"

"You… distracted me," I floundered.

"It's not my fault you have no focus," he said with a pitying shake of his head. "Women are such emotional creatures."

I glared at him and he grinned. He was purposely baiting me.

I turned away silently, determined not to take the bait.

He wouldn't give up however, following me as I stomped to the refreshment table. "It takes logic and determination to succeed in athletics, you know," he advised with a self-satisfied nod.

"A sack race is not 'athletics' Edward," I muttered.

He continued as if he hadn't heard me. "Women just aren't cut out for the intensity of physical competition."

I turned to him, my hands on my hips. "Edward…" My eyes narrowed in warning.

He just looked at me, biting the inside of his cheek, his lips quivering as he fought the laughter.

I rolled my eyes and grabbed the ribbon. "Kind of girly, isn't it?" I asked, examining the ribbon and trying to keep the jealousy off my face. "I mean, gold… and glitter? Not a very masculine prize for such a manly, chest-pounding, knuckle-dragging athlete such as yourself."

Edward burst out laughing. "I'm secure enough in my masculinity to accept it," he said, reaching for the ribbon.

I held it away from him. "You sure? I wouldn't want you to get all emotional and illogical."

"Give me my ribbon," he ordered with a playful glare.

I don't know what got into me.

I ran.

Edward chased me around the yard as I weaved between the party guests, laughing gleefully.

I rounded the refreshment table and Edward faced me on the other side, poised to strike with a huge smile on his face. I feigned one direction and he mirrored my movements. I shuffled the other way and he quickly followed again. I thrust my hand forward, dangling the ribbon over the punch bowl with a wicked grin on my face.

"You wouldn't," he said, the threat evident in his voice.

Instead, I grabbed a handful of popcorn and threw it in his face, distracting him long enough for me to run out from behind the table. He lunged toward me and his fingers brushed my arm. I shrieked, darting between tables, the gold ribbon held high above my head like a banner.

I looked over my shoulder to see him closing in on me, a determined look on his face.

"Can't you catch a girl, Edward?" I taunted, hopping over a small planter and landing lightly on the gravel path to the front of the house. "Where's your focus?"

Something bubbled in my stomach and it took a moment for me to recognize it…

Joy.

For the first time since I arrived in Chicago – actually, for the first time since Edward left me months ago – I felt happy.

I felt free.

I laughed, running around the house to the other side, Edward hot on my heels. As I emerged again in the back yard, I stumbled slightly on a large rock and felt a strong arm circle my stomach, sweeping me off my feet.

"Edward!" I screamed as he spun me around. I still held the ribbon at arm's length, laughing hysterically. "Put me down!" I demanded.

"Give me my ribbon!" he countered.

The sound of a throat clearing loudly drew our attention. I looked up to see Samantha's father standing in front of us, a stern look on his face. Behind him, thirty sets of eyes were on us, wearing expressions ranging from shock to amusement.

Samantha's was neither. Instead, she wore a knowing look… and as I met her eyes she grinned at me saucily.

Edward set me on my feet hastily, releasing me once I got my balance and jamming his hands into his pockets. I blushed of course, then slapped the ribbon on his stomach. He grunted quietly, taking the ribbon and muttering a quiet apology to Mr. Swenson.

"I think that it's time for cake," Samantha's father said pointedly. "Care to join us?" He held his hand out indicating the refreshment table, and Edward and I nodded mutely, joining the rest of the guests. I slid a sideways glance his way and he met it with a wink.

I smiled and joined in with the rest of the guests in a rousing chorus of "Happy Birthday".

x-x

"You really don't have to do this," I told Edward as we walked toward his car. "I can take the 'L'."

"Don't be ridiculous," he replied, running a hand through his hair without meeting my eyes. "It's no trouble."

Tom had abandoned me, saying he'd offered to help Samantha clean up after the party. Ever the matchmaker, Samantha volunteered Edward to drive me home, ignoring my sharp look. Edward hesitated only briefly before agreeing quietly, a faint color touching his cheeks. I couldn't determine if it was from irritation or apprehension.

And he'd once told me I was hard to read.

Edward stepped in front of me quickly, opening the passenger door of his shiny red car. I held up my skirt, stepping onto the running board and sliding into the black leather seat. I watched as he crossed in front of the car, his beige suit jacket over his arm, tie loose and shirt slightly rumpled from our run around the yard.

He may not have had the otherworldly beauty of the Edward I first met, but he still took my breath away.

He climbed in the driver's side, draping his jacket over the seat between us. The front seat was small, so his thigh was mere inches away from mine. The strange current that ran between us intensified, and I felt the irresistible urge to reach out and stroke it.

Or maybe bite it.

I blushed at the thought and looked away sharply, searching for something to dispel the awkward silence between us.

Edward manipulated levers and pedals, finally pressing a button with his foot and the car's engine roared to life. With a quick look in the rearview mirror he pulled out onto the street.

I had ridden in Edward's car before – the night when he'd driven Tom and me back to the boarding house after the movies – but I hadn't really taken the opportunity to examine it closely at the time. I looked it over, marveling once again at seeing history up close. Edward's car was bright red, with a soft black top and shiny leather seats. I sniffed. Hmm… still had that new car smell.

"Is this a Model T?" I asked him finally.

"What?" Edward responded, distracted. "Ah, no," he said with an indulgent smile. "Chevrolet 490."

"Oh. It's very nice," I said politely.

"Thanks," he replied.

Okaaayyy… now what? I scrambled for a topic of conversation.

"What kind of mileage do you get?"

Guys liked to talk about their cars, right? I mean Jacob would go on for hours about that stupid Rabbit.

Edward spared me a puzzled glance. "Mileage? Oh… about fifteen miles per gallon, I'd say."

I nodded.

Silence.

Edward tapped his fingers on the steering wheel and I couldn't help but remember the first time we'd driven together in his Volvo. I could almost smell his scent permeating the air and hear the music filling the spaces in our conversation. Unconsciously, I reached forward, remembering Edward's CD player.

"No stereo?" I asked without thinking.

"What's a stereo?"

Oh crap. "Ummm… I mean… a radio?"

"Radio?" Edward flashed me a confused look. "Like they use on ships? Why would there be a radio in my car?"

"To listen to music?" I felt myself sinking into a pool of oh-shit-what-have-I-done.

"Music? Do you mean a phonograph?"

Yes, Edward. I'm asking why you don't have a record player in your car. Do I look like an idiot?

Well, okay. Maybe I did at that moment.

"No, not a phonograph," I explained, struggling for a way to dig myself out of the conversation. "It was just something I… heard… I guess I must have misunderstood," I said lamely.

"Huh. I guess so." Edward shifted a lever as he turned the corner.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips through puffed cheeks and I looked out the window. I watched Edward through the reflection in the glass and noticed him looking my way several times anxiously.

"I wasn't trying to distract you," he blurted out finally, drawing my attention just as he ran his hand through his hair. He wouldn't meet my eyes though, and his cheeks were flushed with color.

When I said nothing, he shot a glance my way and added, "When I asked you to dinner. I wasn't trying to distract you… well, at least not entirely." His mouth lifted in a crooked grin before he turned again to look out the windshield.

"Oh," I replied, unsure of what else to say.

"I just…uh…" Edward stammered a little. God, it was so cute to see him nervous. "I thought it might be nice to… ummm… get to know each other. For Samantha's sake."

"For Samantha, huh?" I asked, playing along. I was so used to Edward being sure of himself… in charge of every situation. I was the one who was always nervous and unsure. I was the one who never felt like I was really good enough. I had to admit I was enjoying being on a bit more of a level playing field with Edward.

"Well… yes…" he said, turning another corner as his knee bounced anxiously. "I mean, she cares about both of us… it's important to her for us to… get along."

I decided to let him off the hook a bit. "That's probably a good idea…" I nodded. "…for Samantha," I added.

He smiled and shrugged one shoulder. "I mean, who knows? We could be friends."

"Stranger things have happened," I said wryly.

After a moment of silence, he continued, "So what do you think?"

"About what?"

"About dinner sometime," he said in a huff. "I mean, it doesn't have to be dinner… it could be lunch… or a movie…"

Oh God. Not another movie.

"Dinner would be fine," I interjected. "Or lunch… either one."

"All right. Good," he said with a firm nod. "Good. We'll do that then."

"Okay." I stifled a satisfied grin.

Suddenly, Edward let out a low curse and swerved. The car lurched a bit and I slid over, falling into him heavily. He grunted at the impact and I grew lightheaded at our proximity. Somehow, our strange connection was intensified whenever we touched. And the way I fell - leaning into his side all along his body, my hand catching myself by landing on his firm thigh. Well, let's just say it was really intensified. I looked up to see his green eyes mere inches from mine and my breath caught. His lips parted and I waited for him to lean down and kiss me.

Instead he cleared his throat. "Cat," he said in a husky voice.

"What?" I asked breathily.

He squirmed a little and looked back out through the windshield. "It was a cat. It ran right out in front of me."

"Oh… Oh," I said, his words finally sinking into my lust-filled brain. I straightened and moved back to my side of the car, pulling my hand from his thigh like it was on fire. "Sorry." I forced a laugh. "You really need better shocks!"

The confused look was back, and I knew I'd screwed up again.

What? They didn't have shocks yet either? Crap.

Quickly changing the subject, I said the first thing that popped into my mind. "Think I could drive your car sometime?"

A loud laugh burst from his lips. "Ah… sorry… I don't think so," he said with a patronizing smile.

Hmmm… I guess some things hadn't changed.

"Why not?" I asked defiantly. "I happen to be an excellent driver."

"You drive?" The disbelief was evident on his face.

"Yes, I drive," I said, irritated and waiting for some annoying comment about women drivers.

Edward's eyes narrowed. "Well," he began, fiddling with a lever on the steering wheel, "then what's this for?"

I huffed. "I don't know! The car I learned in was… different. But I do know how to drive!"

"All right, I believe you," he said, even though clearly he didn't. "This is the spark lever, by the way. You use it to start the car."

I looked down at his feet. "Then you push that button?"

He nodded and instead of making fun of me, he spent the next few minutes explaining how the various levers and pedals worked.

"Okay, I get it," I said finally. "It's really not that different from what I'm used to… things are just in different places." I looked at him intently. "I could totally drive this."

Edward rolled his eyes. "Bella, you are not driving my car."

"Don't you trust me?"

"It's not a matter of trust," he insisted. "It's a matter of coordination and concentration."

"Let me guess," I huffed, "women aren't focused enough to drive either."

"I didn't say that," he wavered.

"Oh, but you were thinking it," I accused, noticing only vaguely that we had pulled to a stop in front of the boarding house.

"How do you know what I was thinking?" Edward asked angrily. He threw open the car door, getting out and stalking around to open mine. I beat him to it however, climbing out before he reached me. "Why do you have to make everything into an argument?" He scowled, his hands going to his hair in frustration.

"Why do you have to be such a misogynist?" I countered, my voice raising.

"Misogynist? I'm not a misogynist!" He trailed after me as I stomped to the front porch stairs. He grabbed my arm, spinning me around. "I like women just fine!" he bellowed.

"Right!" I yelled back. "Women… just not me!"

"You?" he roared. "You think I don't like you? I… I…" Edward looked around wildly before his eyes came to rest on my face. I felt his hand tighten around my upper arm, his other reaching out to circle my waist, pulling me against him roughly. I gasped, my hands clutching his shirt.

"I don't… know… I can't…" he growled in a low voice, before his lips crashed to mine.

Oh. My. God.

Kissing Edward had always been amazing. One touch of his cold, hard lips… the feel of his chilling breath mingling with mine… and I was lost. I would literally throw myself at him, swept up in passion and lust. He, however, always maintained tight control. Not that I complained... much. I mean, his restraint kept me alive, after all.

But this… this was different.

Edward was completely out of control.

His hand gripped even more firmly on my arm, his fingers pressing into my flesh. His other hand swept up to tangle in my hair, tilting my head as he plunged his tongue into my mouth.

And for the first time, I could return the favor.

Edward's mouth was incredible… hot and wet… still sweet from the punch we'd drunk at the birthday party. As always, my body moved of its own accord, my hands wrapping tightly around his waist under his jacket, fingernails scraping at his back over his shirt. I heard him groan as our tongues twisted together, teeth gnashing as we tried to get ever closer. The hand on my arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me hard against his body.

Oh my.

Apparently Edward did like me – at least a part of him did… a very prominent part, at the moment. A part that I quite shamelessly writhed against with a low whimper.

Suddenly, he broke away. My body mourned the loss of contact as I unconsciously stepped toward him, eyes glazed and lips parted. He matched my movements, still retreating, and I froze as we stared at each other for a moment, breathing heavily.

"Edward, I…" I began.

"I…" he interrupted, stepping back quickly. "I should go." Before I could say anything more, he was back in his car, pulling away.

He didn't look my way again.

I knew, because I watched him until he drove out of sight.

x-x

As I lay in bed that night, I pondered my predicament.

Okay, maybe that sounded a little Jane Austen, but it actually was what I was doing.

I felt optimistic after my little make-out session with Edward. I'd had an epiphany of sorts.

When I decided I was going to save Edward, I really had no idea how I would go about it. After all, the Edward I knew was restrained and responsible above all else. I couldn't imagine what I could possibly do to lure him away from his family… his home. Not that I'd let that stop me from trying, but it still weighed heavily on my mind.

However, I'd learned something as we stood wrapped in each other in front of the boarding house. This Edward, it seemed, was a little different from the one I used to know… and I wasn't talking solely about his chauvinistic beliefs or his rather annoying air of superiority.

It turned out, Edward was ruled by the same thing that ruled most sixteen-year-old boys.

Yeah. That.

And that fact gave me hope.

Because I knew first hand that sixteen-year-old boys were irrational, aggressive, rebellious, raging hormonal sex fiends… and I figured I could use that to my advantage.

Of course, that would mean I'd have to… well… seduce Edward.

Not exactly my strong suit.

But I knew if I could pull it off… if I could get those teenage boy hormones working for me - instead of against me - I could get Edward to do pretty much anything I wanted.

Ethical? Okay, probably not.

But it was my best bet.

Which left me with a bigger question: How does someone who's basically inept at flirting manage seduction?

I'd have to work on that.

A flash of movement caught my eye, interrupting my musings. I turned in the dim light, but saw nothing.

"Bella!" Alice's voice, loud and clear, caused me to look back in the other direction.

I gasped, because suddenly she was there in front of me, more vivid and real than she'd ever appeared. She was still in partial shadow, the only illumination coming from the streetlights filtering through the window. But I could still make out her worried expression as her eyes locked on mine.

"What the hell are you doing?" she asked.

"Alice?" I said tentatively, reaching out to touch her.

She extended a hand toward me, but my fingers grasped at emptiness… and with a shimmer she was gone, the only thing remaining a faint scent of lavender in the air.

x-x

I woke late, after finally drifting to sleep still reeling from my increasingly vivid Alice visions. I was beginning to understand how she felt, seeing things that weren't really there. It was disturbing… confusing… yet I still found it somewhat comforting. To think that Alice was with me - even if it was in a bizarre, eerie way - made me feel like I wasn't entirely alone.

The fact that she hadn't sounded too happy with me was a little weird, though.

I wondered if Alice could see me even over this vast expanse of time… if she knew what I was doing. If so, it appeared she wasn't very enthusiastic about my actions.

The sound of a car door slamming drew me to the window, and I pulled back the curtain to peer down. I scanned the vehicles rolling by and the people on the street, and it took a moment for me to recognize the familiar red car parked at the curb. A copper head, glinting in the sun, popped out of the driver's side and I stepped back a little, surprised.

What was Edward doing here?

He strode purposefully toward the front step, then turned abruptly and walked back to the car. He ran his hands through his rumpled hair, muttering to himself. He seemed to make a decision, clenching his fists at his sides before turning again and walking up the steps. I lost sight of him, but heard a muffled knock on the front door.

A few moments later, I froze as light footsteps approached my door, followed by a brief knock.

"Bella?" Maggie called. "You have a visitor."

I rushed to the door, ripping it open and pulling Maggie inside before slamming it shut once again.

"What is he doing here?" I hissed frantically, catching my reflection in the dresser mirror and scowling at my tangled hair and the sheet marks on my cheeks.

"I don't know…" Maggie watched in amusement as I grabbed my hairbrush, running it through my tangles ruthlessly. "He just asked to see you."

"Great," I muttered, throwing the brush onto the dresser and my hands into the air. "I'm a freakin' mess!"

Maggie grabbed my shoulders, shaking me gently. "You're not a freak dear. Calm down," she ordered in a firm voice. I took a deep breath and she continued. "Now, I'd suggest you get dressed, wash your face, then come down and talk to your gentleman caller."

I nodded. "Okay. I can do that. Thanks Maggie."

"Good girl." She patted my cheek and turned to the door. "Oh, and take your time. There's nothing wrong with keeping 'em waiting a bit."

I returned her grin with a small smile, and as she closed the door behind her I turned to get dressed. I tiptoed to the bathroom, listening for Edward's voice coming from downstairs, but could only make out a muffled conversation. I assumed Maggie was keeping him entertained.

After brushing my teeth and washing my face – rubbing my cheeks vigorously to remove the sheet marks – I tied my hair back into a low ponytail and looked at myself in the mirror.

Okay, I needed a seductive look.

I pursed my lips and lowered my lashes. Half-closed was hot, right?

Hmm. Looked more like I was stoned.

I thought maybe I should try batting my lashes. I fluttered them quickly.

Okay that just looked stupid… like I had some kind of weird facial tic.

I sighed, my shoulders slumping. It was hopeless. I was just… not… sexy.

Maybe I just needed more practice. I was getting ahead of myself anyway. I mean, really the first step was to become friends, right? Then I could work on my seduction skills… or lack thereof.

I made my way downstairs, gripping the handrail, my stomach flipping nervously. I saw Edward sitting on a tufted red chair in the sitting room, Maggie perched across from him on the sofa. A silver tea service sat on the low table between them and a full cup sat in front of Edward, untouched. He spotted me at the bottom of the stairs and stood quickly, his fingers tapping on his thighs nervously.

"Ah, there she is," Maggie said, sipping from her cup then setting it down on the tray. "Come dear. Have a seat. I brought a cup for you." She motioned to the couch next to her and I sat down as Maggie poured a cup of tea, adding a lump of sugar before handing it to me.

"Thank you," I said quietly. Turning to Edward, I added, "Hello Edward."

He seemed to realize suddenly that he was still standing, so he sat back down as he replied with a nod, "Miss Swan." He cleared his throat and added, "You look lovely today."

Surprised, I gaped at him for a moment before answering, "Uh, thank you." I sipped my tea, casting a sideways glance at Maggie.

Geez. It was so Anne of Green Gables. Sipping tea… exchanging pleasantries… not saying what we were really thinking…

How did they not go crazy?

"Well," Maggie said finally, breaking the silence. "I have things to do, so I'll just leave you two." She stood, taking her cup with her. "Edward, nice to see you again. Bella, I'll be in the kitchen if you need me." We both nodded at her, watching as she left the room before turning to each other. Edward's gaze dropped as he swallowed deeply, picking up his cup, then setting it back down a moment later without taking a drink.

Okay, I'd had it. "Edward, is something wrong?"

His eyes flashed to mine and he smoothed his hands down his thighs, finally gripping his kneecaps lightly. "Wrong? Well, not exactly…" He colored slightly, then added, "I came here today to offer an apology."

"Apology? To me?" I asked. "For what?"

Being an ass? Or getting me all worked up and leaving me hanging?

"For what?" he repeated in disbelief. "For… attacking you last night… for mauling you in the street…" He lowered his voice with a furtive glance toward the kitchen to ensure we weren't being overheard. "…for molesting your person so abominably."

My lips twitched. "Molesting my person?"

"It was unconscionable…" Edward continued, seemingly lost in his own self-flagellating thoughts. "…deplorable… reprehensible…"

"Did you consult a thesaurus?" I asked dryly.

"What?" Edward seemed to finally notice I was talking.

I laughed. "Edward, it's fine. Don't worry about it."

He seemed relieved. "I really am sorry, Bella."

I shrugged. "I'm not." Maybe it was time to give the whole flirting thing a try. "I liked it."

He gaped, but his mouth snapped shut quickly as his eyes darkened. Perhaps I was better at this than I thought.

Of course, then I blushed, ruining the whole seductress image. We both looked down into our teacups.

Edward cleared his throat. "I was wondering if perhaps you might be free for lunch."

"Lunch? Sure, yeah… lunch would be nice," I stammered.

"And I thought maybe afterwards… we might go skating?" Edward asked, adding quickly, "I mean we talked about getting to know each other… maybe trying to be friends…"

Friends. Right. Step One.

But skating? Not really a good idea. I started to refuse, but the words froze in my throat as I took in Edward's hopeful gaze. He looked so… sweet.

As a result I found myself saying four words I never thought would leave my lips.

"Skating sounds like fun!"

x-x

What was I thinking?

I sat on a bench looking down at my feet doubtfully as Edward adjusted the straps on my roller skates.

Me + Eight Little Wheels = Certain Disaster

The good thing about the afternoon so far was that Edward and I were getting along. He'd taken me to a restaurant in Little Italy, but a vendor on the street had caught my eye and I nearly erupted with excitement.

"Pizza!" I exclaimed, rushing over to the cart. Several rounds of bread topped with tomato sauce and cheese sat in copper tubs, kept warm by burning charcoal. My mouth watered at the sight and… Dear God… the smell of the delicacy I doubted I'd see again for… well… who knew how long?

No pepperoni, but beggars couldn't be choosers.

"You want?" the vendor, a dark-haired man with a curly moustache and a thick Italian accent approached me with a smile. "You like the pizza?""

I nodded furiously. "I love the pizza," I said enthusiastically.

Edward joined me, eyeing the tubs warily. "Tomato pie?" he asked. "Wouldn't you rather go inside? They have excellent food…" He lowered his voice, turning away from the vendor. "…and I'm sure it's more sanitary," he whispered in my ear.

"Oh, but it's pizza," I said pleadingly. Edward smirked and turned to the vendor, buying two small pies and a couple of Cokes for a handful of change.

We walked through Little Italy, munching on pizza – it was delicious, by the way – and chatting amiably. He asked me about my work at the hospital. I was leery to talk about it, knowing his position on women in the workplace, but Edward was surprisingly supportive. He even laughed when I told him about the unique skills necessary for changing sheets while a bed was occupied. And when I told him about working with Carlisle on his research he listened attentively, with no signs of judgment on his face.

Edward told me about school, the classes he liked, the fact that he was on the track team, and his plans for the future.

"On my eighteenth birthday, I will be on my way to Europe," he said firmly, licking a bit of sauce off his thumb. "I'd lie about my age and join the army now, but it would kill my parents."

"You're really that eager to go to war?" I asked.

"Well, no one is eager to go to war," Edward admitted with a rueful smile. "But it's important. What's happening over there affects the whole world. I want… I need to be a part of that," he said emphatically. "It's my duty. I owe it to my country."

I absorbed that for a moment. I realized then that if I succeeded in my plan to save Edward, I'd have to deal with this desire to join the army. Of course, the war would be over by the end of the year, so maybe he'd change his mind. I hoped so. I really didn't like the idea of him leaving me… again.

"If the war was over," I offered slowly, "what would you do then?"

He shrugged. "I don't know. I haven't really thought about it much. Go to college, I guess." He popped the last of his pizza in his mouth, wiping his lips with a handkerchief.

I finished my pizza and we sipped our Cokes, stopping to listen to an organ grinder on the street corner. He grinned and tipped his hat as he turned the crank, the organ balanced on a long wooden stick. We applauded when he finished, and Edward dropped a coin into the tin cup sitting on top of the organ.

"Ready to go skating?" he asked, turning back to me.

I had hoped he'd forgotten.

We made our way to a skating rink a few blocks away, my stomach churning nervously. I was sure I'd fall and break something… not to mention make a complete fool of myself in front of Edward.

But Edward surprised me once again.

He was encouraging and attentive, helping me to my feet… well… my wheels, and never letting go. He wrapped my arm through his elbow and led me around the crowded rink.

"You're doing fine," he reassured me. "Stop looking at your feet. Look up and relax."

Easy for him to say.

But I tried. And by leaning heavily on Edward I was able to stay upright. By the end of the afternoon I was gliding gracefully beside him. Well maybe not gracefully, but not too clumsily anyway. He pulled my fingers from his elbow, sliding them down his arm until we were holding hands.

"I'm going to try something," he said with a grin. "Do you trust me?"

I smiled back. "Okay."

He swept around until he was skating backwards in front of me and took my other hand in his. He pulled us toward the center of the rink, and I gripped his hands tightly.

"Ready?" he asked with a huge smile.

And my heart flipped.

Because in that moment, I saw an Edward I'd never seen before.

The Edward I knew was frozen at seventeen years old, but he wasn't young. The atrocities he'd witnessed… and committed… over the decades of his life had changed him more than even Carlisle's bite. His was an old soul – both literally and figuratively.

I'd never seen him like this: young… innocent… and carefree.

He pulled us into a spiral, whipping around in a circle, the rink and the other skaters a blur behind Edward's smiling face. He closed his eyes and threw his head back, and I found myself doing the same thing, a giggle erupting out of my mouth.

That was a mistake. Because I completely lost my balance and we fell to the floor, a laughing mess of tangled limbs.

"We were doing so well," Edward said, amusement still lighting his features. He stood easily and helped me up. I fell into him, grasping his shoulders, and he wrapped his arms around my waist to steady me. He looked down at me with his oh-so-cute crooked grin before pulling away to take my hand once again.

"Are you all right? he asked.

"Fine." I smiled. "But I think I've had enough skating for one day."

He pulled me along to the side of the rink. I collapsed on a bench and he bent down to help me unbuckle my skates. "How would you feel about some ice cream?" he asked as he set the skates aside.

"Mr. Cullen." I grinned. "Now you're speaking my language."

A/N: A lot of people have been wondering WTF is going through Bella's mind. Doesn't she realize that if she messes with the past, she'll never meet Edward in the future, so she'll never go back in time? Doesn't she worry about what's happening right now back in the future? How can she so easily fall into this plan, without any worries or cares whatsoever?

Stick with me for the next few chapters and Bella will explain her thinking. Not saying I agree with her, but she does have her reasons! LoL!

Voting is now open in the Fun With Your Clothes On Contest… my entry is All Aboard (see it on my profile.) There are 55 stories entered, and only 15 move on to the next round, so if you like All Aboard, I'd appreciate your vote.

Go to http:/www(dot)fanfiction(dot)net/u/2291087/FunWithYourClothesOn to VOTE!