2nd place as "Outstanding story" in the Shimmer Awards 2011

It is 1943 and WW II is devastating Europe. Edward Masen is a 23 years old American parachutist sent by the OSS on a secret mission, meant to help the partisans fighting the Nazis in Northern Italy. There he meets a girl concealing a terrible secret. They fall passionately in love and plan to marry as soon as Italy is liberated. However, while going back to the Allied lines and trying to reach Anzio, where the Anglo American forces are struggling to break through Germans’ opposition, Edward finds his nemesis, in the form of two Volturi warriors.

Edward is now a newborn vampire, fierce, desperate and bloodthirsty. Will he succumb forever to his inner monster or will he be able to recover at least some of his lost humanity? Will he see his love again and resist the urge to kill her? 

My parents and relatives told me many times of the day when Rome was liberated, much earlier than Northern Italy, and how joyful they felt. It was June 4th, 1944.

The American troops entered our city passing through Via Casilina and Porta Maggiore. It was a triumph. People cheered, girls threw flowers, kids got rides in the Jeeps. Romans were free, after 20 years of dictatorship followed by Nazi occupation. It was as if a gray leaden cloak had been lifted and everybody could breathe again. I dedicate The Parachutist to those brave, smiling American boys.

It's been 6 years and Edward hasn't returned. Bella is now living in Seattle as a homicide detective. The homicide rate has shot up in Seattle and when Bella's life is put on the line, she sees the person she was hoping she'd never see again. OOC.

Excerpt from Chapter 7:
“I have to get out of here,” I said.
I walked right past Edward but stopped when I felt something cold and hard grab my wrist.
“Don’t touch me.” I said it in a way I was surprised how it came out. It came out in more of a plea.
“Bella, please…let me explain…” Edward pleaded loosening his grip on my wrist.
“No,” was all I said. I started to pull and realized my vision started to blur and I could feel a few tears fall. “Edward, please let me go!”
“Edward. Let her go,” I heard Carlisle calmly say. Edward slowly, and somewhat reluctantly, let me go and I quickly turned around and opened the door.
I ran out and down the steps of the porch.

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.