Hello my friends! This is a long chapter so hold onto your hats!

Thank you again to Mabinda who tirelessly puts so much effort into my creation!

Disclaimer: You all know that Stephanie Meyer owns twilight, I just want to borrow Edward...for a few nights! LOL!

Bella's Pov.

Where the hell did that come from?

It wasn't there when I went to bed.

I sat up and rubbed my eyes; my back giving a little twinge from the vigorous workout it wasn't used to, and then looked at the item sitting noticeably on my night stand.

My heart pounded with fear and apprehension while I reached for the offending object.

With shaky fingers I slid the envelope open.

Two photographs fell out.

One of me working in the kitchen and one of Emmet and I sitting together in the gazebo, laughing.

What is this all about?

What kind of mind fuck is someone playing here?

I quickly texted Emmet to come over as soon as possible.

While I waited for him in bed, it struck me.......Who ever put this here.....must have done so while I was asleep and I know I locked my door because I checked the windows and door two or three times. I suddenly felt cold and a flicker of fear ran up my spine.

I was trying not to hyperventilate and melt into a pool of hysteria, when I heard a knock on the door, two minutes after I had sent the text.

On shaking legs, I wobbled over and opened the door and let Emmet inside. He said nothing when he saw the expression on my face. Silently, I handed him the envelope with the two photos in it. There was no note this time, just proof that someone WAS watching me.

He opened the envelope, glanced at the two pictures and then looked back to me with a question in his eyes.

Now that someone big, strong and caring was with me, I was able to let it all out. I let Emmet hug me while I cried and let the fear and distress from the day before wash out of me.

After my sobs quietened and I was able to speak without too much trouble, I thanked Emmet for being there for me.

'It's going to be ok Bella. I promise I will keep you safe no matter what it takes ok?' Emmet held my head between his hands, looking directly into my glassy eyes, appearing more serious than I had ever seen him.

I managed to nod at him.

He held me again for a few moments before saying...'I'm going to take this stuff to Aro, ok? Will you be ok here on your own?'

'Yes. I'll be fine. I think I'll have a shower.'

'Ok, well I'll be back soon, and then we'll go to breakfast. Lock the door and I'll knock when I come back.' Emmet instructed me.

'No problem. See you shortly.'

Emmet left and I locked the door immediately, not that that would make any difference to whoever picked my lock to deliver these photos beside my bed.

I stripped off and jumped in the shower, letting the hot spray soothe me. I washed my hair and used a pretty smelling body scrub to try to make myself feel clean.

I was almost finished blow drying my hair when I heard the knock at the door. Emmet was back.

When he walked in, he had a grim expression on his face.

'Aro is concerned about what's going on. He looked like he might have come up with an idea on who it could be, but he wouldn't share it with me until he has talked it over with Jane.'

'Oh, ok then.' I said quietly, feeling a little defeated.

'Are you ok? Is it the envelope or is there something else?' Emmet asked concerned.

'Well, Edward was a real arse hole yesterday. I guess I'm nervous about going to work and who is out there watching me and whether or not it's Rosalie doing this to me to upset me. I know it's a lot, but it's all swirling around in my head!' My voice started rising with distress.

'It is all going to be ok Bella, I promise. You can move in with me if that's what it takes! I just saw Edward heading out for a run actually. He asked if everything was ok. I didn't tell him anything because I was in a hurry. I'll catch up with him later, or you can always tell him at work.'

'Huh...yeah. We will see what sort of mood he's in today I think!'

'You didn't touch his knives did you...?' Emmet asked, trying to be funny and alleviate my upset.

I smiled at his attempt and said 'No, I learnt about that from someone else's mistake when I first arrived remember!'

'Come on then, let's go get some coffee.' Emmet ushered me out of my room.

When we got to the dining room, Alice and Jasper were already there. We grabbed a mug of coffee and some toast, and sat across the table from them.

I had never seen Alice look so happy. She just radiated ecstasy and elation. It was beautiful. Jasper seemed to be a pretty happy guy too, and maybe that was due to Alice. I was so happy for her.

'You guys look like it's been a good morning for you both' Emmet said, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

'Oh Emmet, we haven't gone THERE yet' Alice admonished.

Jasper just laughed at Emmet's incredulous expression.

'Bella, are you alright? You look a bit pale...' Alice was looking at me closely, breaking into the boys banter.

'Yeah, I'm ok I think.'

'She got another envelope. This time there were photo's in it.' Emmet leaned back after saying his piece, slinging his arm across the back of my chair.

'Oh Bella, you should have told me!' Alice looked worried.

'I don't want to upset you Alice, but this time I am a little afraid. They must have come in when I was asleep. I know I locked the doors. You would know how I check them a few times before I can sleep!' I was leaning in, trying to speak softly so no one else could hear me.

'Gees Bella. What can we do?' Alice was mimicking my actions by leaning in toward me too.

'Emmet has already taken it up with Aro and Aro is looking into it.' I whispered, with Emmet agreeing and nodding.

Edward appeared out of nowhere and sat next to Jasper, looking around with a challenging look on his face.

We all sat back and picked at our food and I said to Alice 'Hey, I downloaded some great songs off the net. I can burn you a cd if you want?'

'Thanks Bella, I'd like that...'

We made small talk until Edward turned to Jasper and said...

'Hey, I got an email from our parents. They are thinking about coming over in two months. It will have started cooling down by then...'

'Yes, I received an email too. I meant to mention it to you last night but the subject didn't come up.' Jasper replied.

I couldn't help but take a look at Edward. He sounded so normal talking to his brother. Maybe his bad mood had lifted?

He glanced quickly at me and caught me looking at him. The look in his eyes told me he wasn't over anything. I averted my eyes quickly and got up to leave with Emmet and Alice excusing themselves also.

We disposed of our picked apart breakfast and empty coffee cups and went back to my room to talk about what we could do next about the 'Unwanted mail' I was receiving.

'You could move into my room Bella. Jasper and I aren't sleeping together yet, so that would be fine'. Alice said kindly.

'Thanks Alice, but you need your privacy now that you have a man and I refuse to be a third wheel.'

'You can move in with me. I'll sleep on the couch. It's not like I need any privacy.' Emmet said with a mock scowl.

'Thank you both, but I think I'll be ok. It's not like whoever it is, has hurt me, so let's wait and see if anything else materialises.' I said to them both, thankful they were in this with me.

'Bella, I won't forgive myself if anything happens to you.' Alice said, sounding upset as she launched herself at me for a hug.

'Nor will I' Emmet said seriously and put his big arms around us both for a group hug.

'We had better all get ready for work, although, I have to say, I am not exactly excited to go today after Edward and his horrid mood yesterday.' I said to them both.

' Well, he will probably have gotten over it by today. He looked ok earlier.' Alice said trying to be positive and wiping a little tear from the corner of her eye.

'Yeah, probably.' I said to her while Emmet and I looked at each other out of the corner of our eyes.

We had both sensed Edward's mood earlier.

We all promised to catch up later at some point and the group broke up to go get ready for the day.

I made and extra effort to be half an hour early, even arriving before Edward.

When he saw me, his eyes turned cold and he barked out some orders to everyone.

He put me on crappy jobs again, snapping and snarling over every effort I made.

I felt like an amateur, like I had no idea what I was doing all of a sudden, my confidence totally undermined.

This working environment went on for another week. Each evening, after yet another horrible day, I couldn't leave the kitchen fast enough, shaking with anxiety as I walked away. The strain was beginning to show, and Edward noticed, telling me I was losing my professionalism.

Each night Emmet collected me from work, asking me if I was ok. He had seen my happiness disappear almost overnight. He could tell Edward was being an ass but I didn't let on how much, until about the fifth day of bearing Edwards bad mood, and I couldn't contain it any longer.

'Oh Emmet. Edward is so pissed off at the moment. He is really mean to me at work. I can't even talk to him. When I asked him if he was ok, he told me very coldly, that it was none of my business. Working here has definitely stopped being fun. You, Alice and Jasper make it just bearable though.' I looked up at him, while I was hitting the punching bag at the gym.

'I'll go sort him out for you cookie. Although, I can't promise I won't mess up his pretty little face!' He laughed at the idea.

'No, I don't want you getting into any trouble over me. Maybe he'll snap out of it soon, Maybe he and Rosalie can sort out what ever sort of funk they are in and get over it.' I said hopefully.

'Yeah, whatever. She's been funny toward me too. She will hardly give me the time of day. I don't even want to approach her but I need to, to ask if my massage is still on in a couple of days.'

'Oh, yeah! I'm sure she will. I don't think YOU are the problem with these guys. I think it's ME. Edward was fine until I came along and Rosalie hasn't liked me from the start, so....'

'I don't know the answer Pix. Let's just hope it sorts itself out soon or I'll have to go in physically and sort it out.' Emmet said putting his gloves on, ready for his turn at the punching bag.

'Yeah.' Was all I managed to say.

There had been a few more envelopes delivered to my room, each one progressively getting worse and in more distaste. One even held a lock of my hair which I found very disturbing.

The last straw came a few nights later, after waking just after midnight and finding another photo of Alice and I, this time with blood smeared all over it.

Oh my lord.

I felt like the wind was knocked out of me and I started breathing deeply, trying to stave off the hysteria that was bubbling up in my chest.

It wasn't the time of night that I wanted to call anyone for help and as I curled up on the end of my bed, rocking back and forth, staring at the offending picture, I realised what I must do.

With tears streaming down my face, I typed out a letter of resignation. I was well within my rights to leave when I wanted, because both parties were on probation and I had signed no contracts.

I may have been more emotional than I should have been writing the letter, but I thought it best if I came clean about everything.

It took me over an hour to get everything down, sounding as professional as possible, changing it five times, but I still put in the reasons why I was leaving.

My heart ached at the thought of leaving Alice and Emmet, and especially Edward, but he had hurt me so much and I couldn't bare the rejection and condescending comments from him anymore.

I was also afraid for Alice now. If they are sending me silent threats about her safety as well, well....I needed to leave, so everyone could be safe.

Before I closed my laptop, I checked online for the bus timetable. There was one leaving at 11am, and that is the one I would be taking.

I was really tired by this point, but I slowly packed my suitcase up with all of my belongings. It was hard to fit everything in, but I ended up managing it.

It was early dawn when I trudged out of my room, wearing yoga pants, a racer back gym top and a ballet wrap over the top. I wanted to be comfortable for my long trip. My plan was that I would go stay with my mother for a few days until I decided what I wanted to do.

Aro was just unlocking the office door as I arrived.

'Ahh Bella! What a nice surprise! And you're up early! What can I do for you?' Aro said in his happy weird way.

'Um...I need to...like...print something out. Um... I have just received yet another disturbing envelope and I just don't think it's safe for anyone...well, mostly Alice ... and myself...if I stay.'

'Oh, what a disappointment. We so loved having you here. What would you like to print out?'

'Um...my resignation letter?' I felt so very uncomfortable right now, but it had to be done.

With my heart in my throat, I took my laptop bag from around me, and I opened it to find the document that I needed. I quickly set up the printer, and the printed page was soon completed, with a feeling of finality.

'May I?' Aro politely asked.

'Of course' I said as he picked up the finished page.

He read through it with a sigh and then said...

'Well I am sorry that the kitchen atmosphere was substandard. It does perplex me though...Edward only had glowing praise for you when I spoke to him a mere week and a half ago.'

'Um, yeah....well, I don't think he feels that way anymore. I am not sure why, but I don't think he likes my style of cooking and unfortunately, I just don't think I am the one that suits. Your kitchen is beautiful sir.'

My nerves were still buzzing away inside of me, and I prayed that it would be over soon.

'So, Edward is treating you unwell?' His eyes pierced into mine as he asked.

'Uh, yeah. I uh... think I didn't work to his liking.' I hated telling tales but I was specifically asked by the big boss.

'I am so sorry it didn't work out for all of us my dear. You must come back if you feel differently in the future. You will always be welcome.'

'Uh, thank you sir.' I stammered out. That was the last thing I expected to hear after I was leaving them in the lurch.

'Well, you're all packed then are you dearest one?' Aro said, looking at my bag, while I packed up my laptop and then slung the bag over my shoulder.

'Yes Sir... so... if it's not too much trouble, would I be able to ask a lift from someone to the bus station?' I asked nervously, shuffling my feet.

I hated putting people out, but I felt like I couldn't stay here for a moment longer.

'Of course my dear! Let us go. I shall drive you myself.'

We headed out to the garages and threw my luggage in the back, a deep depression descending over me at how final it all was.

A song from 'The Doors' echoed through my mind...'This is the end...my only friend, the end...'

I tried to hold onto my emotions, I really did, but because of my tiredness that was quickly turning into exhaustion and the fear I had experienced, I started to silently weep. I was deeply worried that whoever was targeting me, would come after my friends. Tears rolled down my cheeks in long streams at the thought of never seeing Emmet and Alice again, and especially for what I felt I missed out on with Edward. He had crushed my fragile heart with his callous fist and I knew it would take a long time to heal, if ever.

As if Aro knew some of my thoughts, he handed me his hand kerchief and said in his oddly cheery voice "we are putting in extra surveillance cameras today, so your friends will be safe if you are worried about them. I always find that when we think something is the end, it is usually the beginning of something else, so if you think that you may never see your friends again, they will always turn up somewhere else, quite unexpected."

'Ok...cool...thanks'. I hiccupped, trying to get myself under control.

The drive felt like it took forever. I watched out of the window as the sun rose, blessing the fields and red mountains with the kiss of a new day. I remembered the special moments that Edward and I had spent on the hill that beautiful, clear morning and a fresh wave of tears threatened. I forced the memory away and tried to distract myself with thoughts of seeing my mother.

We finally arrived at the bus station and Aro helped me with my luggage.

'My darling girl, please let us know how you are going in the future and please feel free to drop by any time.' Aro took my head in his hands gently, and kissed both cheeks, European style.

I felt so guilty about leaving, but I forced myself to look Aro in the eyes and I said:

'I will. I'll call you when I get to my mother's place, and I'll let you know how I get on finding a new job. They may call you for a reference anyway.' I said softly.

'Ah, it will be our pleasure.' Aro said with a little bow.

We smiled at each other and then he added 'And have a safe trip dear child' as he was getting back into the vehicle.

'You too' I called as he started driving off. I didn't know what else to say. I was out of words and out of my depth emotionally.

I was suddenly alone, but I felt alone on the inside too. A deeply empty feeling settled into my chest and it hurt...A LOT.

I sat down on the bench seat provided, next to my luggage, and gave way to my anguish. Huge wracking sobs vibrated through my body. I wanted to curl up into a foetal position, but all I could do was slide to the cement, and bring my knees up to my chest. I rested my head on my knees and let the tears fall freely.

I heard the crunching of tires and looked up to see a dark SUV pull up. I watched in horror as the two people who had hassled me that day by the pool got out.

'What do we have here? A little bird caught in a web...' The blonde haired man took a step closer. 'I think we need to take our little present home...' He said lasciviously.

'Uh, no thanks. I'm going to see my mother...' I stammered out, my tears drying up in this new terrifying situation.

The blonde man squatted down in front of me and ran a finger down my cheek. 'Ah sweetie, don't you want to talk to strangers? My name is James, and this is Victoria. See? Now we aren't strangers. We have come to offer you a job. Our boss needs someone to cook for us at his ranch' He said softly, after pointing to the red haired lady.

'Um, no thanks. I already have a job.'

'So beautiful, but such a bad liar.' James said, looking at me seductively.

'Come on, just get her and let's go. Stop pretending she has a choice.' Victoria finally spoke.

I watched in horror as Victoria walked over and took hold of my suitcase. They were going to kidnap me and no one would ever know where I had gone! I hadn't even called my mother yet and that thought terrified me. Dread gripped me desperately, rendering me unable to speak.

Suddenly there was a crunching of tires and squealing of breaks and a black pickup wheeled in front of James and Victoria's vehicle.

James and Victoria stood and both hissed at what they saw.

A woman jumped out of the pickup with a shot gun, pointed directly at the perpetrators.

'You have five seconds to get into your vehicle and leave, or I will start pulling this trigger, and I won't stop until there are holes through both of you' called out a menacing female's voice.

James and Victoria jumped into their SUV, reversed quickly and wheeled their vehicle around, spinning the wheels as they sped off.

'You're safe now Bella.' The female said, putting the rifle in the back of the vehicle.

I looked up at her, recognition registering and my body started to shake with shock as I remembered the last place I had seen her; working as a waitress in a restaurant in Forks... with me.

'You...' was all I managed to stammer out. It was a slight comfort to see the familiar face with blonde hair and petite features, but shocking also.

'Hi again' she said softly.

'Of course. You're Jane.' I tried to take in a few deep breaths, my head starting to spin.

'I have come to beg for you to come back. I think there has been a huge misunderstanding that is being cleared up as we speak.'

'Ugh, I don't know Jane... What about the nasty things being left in my room?'

'It's being handled' She said simply.

'And what about the situation in the kitchen?' I asked feeling numb.

'That is also sorted. You've had a rough week haven't you?' she said sympathetically.

'Yeah, I guess.' I took a huge breath and let it out slowly. With someone being kind and understanding toward me, I wanted to cry all over again, but I held it in, and uncurled my shaking legs so I could rise up to stand.

'So will you come back? We really need you and the ranch won't be the same without you. If you are truly unhappy after a week, we will re-evaluate the situation' Jane said softly.

I was quiet for a moment, thinking things over.

'Ok'.

I wasn't sure if I was making the right decision or not, but the heaviness in my chest lessened a little with the thought of seeing Emmet and Alice again, and in a way... Edward.

We packed my suitcase into the pickup and headed back to the ranch, and as we travelled, Jane asked a few questions.

'So....You recognise me huh?' Jane began with a small smile.

'Yeah. You own a ranch?' I returned.

'Yes. Aro and I bought it years ago and then decided to do it up and make it into a retreat. I have been out searching for talent in various places to make our place the best.' She turned to me to say: 'That's why we wanted YOU, and why I gave you the fliers for our place while you were still in Forks.'

I was spun out. She was all the way over in Forks looking for talent...and then found me?

'Your idea's and the quality of gourmet cuisine that came from you was quite astounding. I know a good chef when I see one.'

'Wow, thanks, and I guess that's how you found Edward too? He IS incredibly brilliant...and so you just worked as a waitress in different places to head hunt people?'

'Let me just say first that it is a real testament to your character that you can say something nice about someone after they have treated you so abominably. But to answer your question, Aro and I take it in turns finding people and doing various jobs. We have made a few mistakes with some people, but I feel we have got a really great team at the moment, and that's why I'm not prepared to lose you if we can help it.' She turned briefly to smile at me before turning back to watch the road.

The lack of sleep, overabundance of information, stress and fear was catching up with me. My head started to nod and I rested it against the door. My eyes must have closed and I dozed off, because the next thing I knew, we were back at the ranch.

Uncertainty washed over me as I dragged my weary body out of the vehicle.

'Don't worry about your suitcase, I'll send Emmet out for it shortly.' Jane said, gently guiding me toward the retreat.

We walked around the side and headed toward the room I had before.

'Why don't you rest today? Things won't fall apart immediately.' Jane said kindly, taking a key out of her pocket and opening the door.

All I could manage was a nod and a small 'Thankyou' as I sat down on the side of the bed.

'Sweet dreams Bella. Come and see me in the office when you wake up.' She said moving toward the doorway.

'Ok. Thankyou Jane. And thank you for saving me from those people.' I called gratefully to her as she left. I heard a gentle 'My pleasure' before I heard the familiar click of the front door closing.

I wearily reached down and pulled my shoes off, and then slid under the covers. My eyes closed and I sank into a deep, dreamless sleep.

'Shhh be quiet. Don't wake her...'

'I didn't mean to, I'm just trying to make it nice.'

My senses were becoming conscious finally and I could hear some anxious whispers.

I cracked open my eyes a little and saw Emmet and Alice fussing around the place. I opened my eyes a little wider so everything could come into focus better.

'Hey guys...' I croaked out, realising my head was beginning to pound.

'Oh Bella...I'm so sorry we woke you. How are you feeling?' Alice rushed over, kneeling beside the bed.

'Ugh, awful, Like I've been hit by a bus.' My throat was parched. I hadn't had any water since the night before and god knew what time it was now.

'Here...'Alice said, helping me up 'I've got you a glass of water and here is some paracetamol.' She handed me the two white tablets along with a glass of water.

Gratefully, I popped the pills and drank the water down greedily; when I had finished I noticed Emmet standing in the corner watching us with a look of sadness on his face.

'Is everything ok Emmet?' I asked sitting up further, wincing at the pounding in my head.

He moved over to sit on the opposite side of the bed to Alice.

'You were going to leave without saying goodbye...'He said desolately, in almost whisper.

I looked from Emmet to Alice and her expression mirrored his.

Guilt ripped through me, that I could cause my friends so much sorrow after all that they had done for me.

'Oh guys... I am so sorry. I never meant to hurt you. I wanted to leave a note, but I couldn't think of the best way to word it, so when I got to my mother's place, I was going to call you both.' I told them, grabbing onto their hands and looking from Alice to Emmet and back to Alice again, trying to convey my earnestness.

'No Bella, it's alright. We understand. We just thought we might never see you again' Alice said in a small voice.

'Awww, I could never stay away from you guys. I would always make sure that we all stayed in contact. I'm sorry I upset you both. I just...ended up receiving another...'Special delivery'.'

'Aro showed us when he got back from dropping you off. You were running away because you were afraid? We would have protected you from anything!' Emmet said compellingly.

'But I thought they were coming after Alice! I couldn't let that happen! I woke up in the middle of the night to yet ANOTHER envelope, and this time it was really bad. I mean... Blood? If they were coming into my room while I was asleep at night...well, I thought them capable of anything. Edward acting like an ass for ages didn't help either' I was speaking to them urgently, trying to get them to understand.

Alice and Emmet looked at each other briefly before Alice answered

'We're not mad at you Bella. We were just really scared. We didn't know where you went or if you were ok. I mean, with everything that has been going on lately....we were so scared you were in danger.'

They both leaned in and gave me bear hugs and said 'We're just so glad you're ok, and you're back.' They gave me an extra squeeze and moved back, smiling at me.

'Thanks guys, you really are the best.' I said returning their smiles.

'So, are you ready for dinner?'

'Is it that time already?' I asked, shocked that I had slept so long.

'Not quite, but we could get some special treatment I would be thinking' Emmet said conspiringly.

'I need to go see Jane first guys, so I'll meet you in there?' I asked them.

'Sure. What would you like and we'll put an order in.' Alice said.

'Um...Whatever Emmet thinks. I've got some muscles to build!' I started feeling a glimmer of happiness being with my beautiful friends again, and I felt my headache begin to recede.

They left to let me shower and get changed and I noticed then that they had both worked hard to unpack my suitcase and put all of my things away. I felt tears welling up again and I wiped the few away that escaped from my eyes.

After showering, washing and blow drying my hair, and leaving it fall in soft waves down my back, I applied a small amount of makeup to bring out my eyes and cheeks, and then went to the wardrobe to decide on something to wear, realising my headache had completely disappeared.

When I opened the doors to look in, there, hanging in front was the outfit I had bought the day I went shopping with Alice. It had a bright yellow stick it note with 'Wear this PLEASE' written on it. I took it out with a sigh. She's the fashion queen I guess. Something bright caught my eye and I looked down. I bent down for a closer inspection, and sitting there was a pair of black heels with another sticky note attached reading 'For you...Wear these with your thigh high stockings and new outfit. See above' with a little arrow pointing up.

I looked at the outfit after I had laid it all on the bed. It was a bit dressy, like maybe if I was going to a club... I shrugged my shoulders and then slipped out of my robe.

I put the pink bustier top on. No need to wear a bra with this thing, It gave me cleavage for days with a nice shape and I couldn't help but admire it for a moment. It was so pretty, with the embossed design and French lace at the waist. Then I slipped on the short, black, lacy skirt. It too was pretty, and made out of really pretty material. I slipped on some lacy power panties, and the thigh high stockings with a tiny pink bow at the front, and then placed my feet in the shoes.

I stood and admired myself in the mirror. I looked really good! I couldn't think why tonight of all night's Alice would want me to wear something like this. It was beyond me, but who am I to argue?

I grabbed my key and headed out. I walked around the front of the building to enter because I wasn't ready to face the kitchen yet.

I knocked on the door to the Office and heard a cheery 'Come in.'

Jane was sitting at the desk with a smile on her face.

'Ah, Bella. How are you feeling? Have you had a rest and recovered from your earlier excitement?'

'Yes, thank you.' I said thinking that the day had been a little more intense than exciting.

'Well, let me just tell you that you look fantastic, and you'll knock everyone off their feet in that outfit!'

'Uh, yeah...Alice picked it out for me. I'm not sure why, but, I do what I'm told.'

'Good girl. Now, I hope you found everything in order. We didn't terminate anything, so if you'd like, we will just pick up where we left off? You are still due for a week off in a week and a half's time, so you can think about what you would like to do for that week, and you are also most welcome to stay here for that time also, I might just add.'

'Thank you. Do I need to sign anything...?

'Just the police report we made on the multiple breaks and enter and leaving threatening material. The police will be here tomorrow and we will go through all of that then. They have the evidence now and will take it from there.'

I was blown away again. Wow, these people really wanted me here, and were making a real effort trying to get me to stay.

'Um, thank you again. I don't know what to say.'

'Well, I'm going to say sorry...Sorry that this wasn't done when it first started and it had to get to this point before it was sorted out.'

'Oh, that's ok. Better late than never right?'

Jane shook her head slowly 'No, not in this case, but crisis has been averted. You must be hungry; make sure you have something to eat and go and break some hearts.'

I smiled and thanked her for probably the fiftieth time that day and left the office.

As I walked into the dining area, I passed a few men leaving. They cast admiring glances my way and handed me their cards with a quiet 'call me later for a drink'; charming smiles plastered on their faces.

I murmured my thanks to them and kept walking, feeling their eyes on my retreating form.

I entered the dining room and saw Alice and Emmet waving to me from a table. I waved back happily and started toward them.

Suddenly, a huge crashing sound came from the kitchen. I turned quickly, looking toward where the noise had come from, my heart thumping frantically with fright.

From across the room, my eyes locked with a pair of emerald green ones. He couldn't take his eyes off me, and a warm tingle of pleasure ran through me.

I was in no hurry to forgive and forget at that moment so I broke the intense eye contact and sashayed over to my waiting friends.

'Perfect! I couldn't have wished for a better entrance!' Alice said in a loud whisper when I reached them, giving me a huge hug.

'You look gorgeous girl. That gym work is really paying off' Emmet was next in line for a hug. He lifted me off my feet spinning me around in the air. I was fully aware that my skirt had ridden up and my bottom was probably showing, but I refused to worry about it, because there was absolutely nothing I could do about it.

'Phew! Thanks guys. And the table looks great!' I managed after Emmet had finally released me from his firm grip and I had a chance to see the table.

They had decorated a table with some tea light candles, and a mixture of small red heart tinsel scattered over the table cloth.

'Hey, Do I get a hug?' Jasper had arrived and I looked over to Alice for her acquiesce and she nodded to me with a smile.

Jasper gave me a tight hug and whispered 'Welcome back'.

We all took a seat, Alice across from me, and Emmet next to me with Jasper across from him. We had a carafe of iced water on the table and Emmet poured us all glasses.

I could feel attention from all around us; from curious gazes, to male interest, but I brushed it all off. I was with my friends; people who genuinely loved me for me and I had definitely had enough of men and their shitty treatment to last a lifetime.

We had a beautiful dinner and after an hour, we decided to go back to the gazebo, where we could enjoy some quiet time as the busy rush hour had begun and a flood of people had arrived, hungry for their own dinner.

We made our way to the exit through one of the glass doors at the rear. We walked the path that would take us toward the pool, when we noticed someone coming toward us from a different direction.

Rosalie.

All of my former confidence evaporated.

Emmet grabbed my hand and squeezed my fingers, trying to tell me it was ok. But why?

He let go of my hand and went to Rosalie and spoke with her quietly. She looked at me while they were talking, nodded a few times and gave Emmet a brief smile before they both returned to where the rest of us were standing.

'Bella...could I speak to you for a minute.' Rosalie looked directly at me, intensely.

A lump formed in my throat, and emotionally I didn't think I could take another psychological beating at the moment. I wasn't healed yet from the last lot. I hesitated with my answer.

'It's ok. We will be just by the pool if you need us. I promise it will be ok.' Emmet said quietly in my ear as the small group moved away.

I took a deep breath and walked over to the garden seat that Rosalie guided us to; thinking the tapping of my high heels sounded more like the death knell ringing out.

We both took a seat and I turned, looking at her expecting a bitch slap, or a knifing, but what I actually received put me into a state of shock....

Rosalie started off, looking very contrite and obviously unsure about how to begin...

'Bella, I owe you a HUGE apology...'

Sorry, I know it was a long one; But aren't you glad I did?

Next up, Edwards POV and it will fill in some mini blanks...

Sorry for the delay in the update, but RL got in the way. RL sucks by the way.