AN- I've ended up splitting this chapter into two parts the second part is nearly written and will have it to you the beginning of next week fingers crossed.

Chapter 24 Thanksgiving (Bella pov)

Last night had been tough for all of us. Alice was obviously devastated by what had happened to her, I couldn't even begin to grasp a fraction of what she was going through. I just hoped that id be able to be there for her as much as she'd been there for me.

"Morning gorgeous." Edward told me as he walked into the kitchen completely dressed and ready to start work. He was such a morning person always so happy and lively. He stood behind my chair and wrapped his arms around my shoulders in a signature bone crushing hug. Kissing my cheek he released me and sat next to me pulling the cereal and a bowl towards him.

"Hey, you're in an even more chipper mood than normal. What have you got planned?" I asked expecting he was up to no good.

"Now why would you think that? I'm just glad to have a few days off. Bar a major emergency we both have the next five days to chill and recharge. How can I not be chipper as you put it." He told me with a wink and a crocked smile.

"Yeah I guess your right, five days off does sound heavenly. I can't wait either." I replied standing to clear away my bowl I then stood behind Edward and wrapped my arms around him and kissed his cheek "I love you." I finished.

He dropped his spoon and grabbed my waist pulling me to his lap and kissing all over my face. I couldn't help but giggle and squirm. "Mrs Cullen if you keep squirming like that then we're both going to be late."

I smiled at him before wriggling a little more and standing moving out of his reach winking at him I left the kitchen to finish getting ready and leaving Edward to his breakfast. Twenty minutes later we were both sorted and on time for work. As I was locking the door Edward pulled me to him and kissed me with so much love that my knees went weak and I was breathless. "I'll see you later my love, have you remembered were heading straight over to Esme and Carlisle's to help prepare thanksgiving dinner?" He asked with a quick kiss to my nose.

"no I haven't forgotten, since when have you helped prepare dinner?" I asked teasingly.

"I help by staying out the way." He joked but I knew he was right its was best he stayed out the way.

With a last kiss we parted ways and surprisingly I was on time for work. For the final day before thanksgiving I'd planned an arts and crafts day, allowing the children a bit of fun they'd all be so excited that it would be virtually impossible to get them to do anything anyway. surprisingly quickly I set up all the different activities for them to choose to complete. A bit of freedom didn't hurt every once in a while. They would have lots of fun. Once finished I headed to the staff room grabbed my glass from the dishwasher and filled it with cool water drinking half I then refilled before turning towards the door and froze as I saw Mike stood at the door grinning at me. I didn't know what to do. I didn't hear anyone in the hall.

"So Bells what are your plans for the holidays?" He asked grinning at me. I shivered at the name Bells it was always the name he called me and it still made my skin crawl. "you know we could have lots of fun together that idiot husband of yours wouldnt b hard to get rid of." He took a couple of steps towards me.

I froze with my back against the sink with nowhere to go I could hear my breathing picking up and my hands shaking. I shook my head at him not being able to speak. He grinned seeing my reaction and continued to move closer to me until he was way to close "you know this resistance is hot one day I will have you and nothing will stop me." He growled and reached out a hand and went to touch my cheek. I squeaked and dropped my glass in fright shattering it all over the floor.

"Bella" I heard from the door, I looked up to see Racheal and Lynn stood there staring at me and Mike.

With a last wink he spun and left the room. My knees buckled and I sank to the floor with the pretense of picking up the broken glass pieces. "you ok? You look like you've seen a ghost" Racheal asked calmly as she and Lynn came further into the room.

At first I nodded my head not trusting my voice but both women stared at me until I had no choice but to speak "yeah I'm ok he just startled me I didn't realise he was behind me. I dropped the glass" I told them in what I hoped was a steady voice.

I caught Lynn and Racheal sharing glances "ok if your sure but remember you don't have to put up with it. If he's hassling you tell someone." Lynn told me with a small smile.

I nodded my head at them then excused myself. I headed back to my classroom taking calming breaths settling my stomach ready for the children coming in. Within ten minutes they began to arrive full of life and ready for the holidays. They did the trick in being able to distract me. I got them settled with different activities, the noise a little louder than normal.

Glancing up at Renesmee I saw her keep quiet and she sat slightly apart from the other children. She never really made any friends, the others found her quiet and a little strange and so didn't really make an effort to include her either. I don't think it was something she consciously did but rather a way to protect herself. I understood that completely. When lunch time arrived the children darted back outside to the yard. I turned to see Renesmee still by the sink washing her hands. I generally encouraged her to go outside but she seemed so lost today. I think she might be worried about the holidays.

"Renesmee I need some help cleaning up. Do you want to give me a hand?" I asked her with a small smile.

I saw the relief on her face when she realised she didn't have to go outside "yes please Mrs Cullen. Shall I clear the paint pallets?" She asked.

"that would b great Renesmee thankyou. I'll make a start on the tables" I told her with a smile then leaving to straighten the tables giving her space.

With practised efficiency she began cleaning the paint from the pallets. It was as if shed been cleaning all her short life. I wondered just how much she wad expected to do in her own household. With her helping me the room was clean in half the time and we still had half the lunch break remaining.

"thanks for your help kiddo. You saved me a ton of work. Do you want to go outside?" I asked her giving her the option if she choose to take it.

She stared at the floor not meeting my gaze or answering my question. "Renesmee, come on answer my question just be honest with me." I told her gently yet leaving no room for argument.

It took her a couple minutes to look up at me her eyes big and what looked like full of water. Id never seen her so close to tears before. I took a half step towards her then froze as she stepped back. "urm im sorry can I please stay inside I don't want to go outside." She mumbled barely above a whisper.

I looked at her my heart breaking at the look of total devastation on her face. "honey I was just asking you a question I wanted you to have a choice. Why don't you go and fetch your lunch then we can eat in the classroom and after you can go read in the reading corner." I told her with a gentle smile.

She nodded her head at me "yes Mrs Cullen" she responded before rushing out the door doing as I had asked.

I grabbed my lunch and set it up on one of the tables sitting in a chair just as Renesmee came back in with her lunch box. She hesitated for a second before joining me at the same desk. We ate in comfortable silence for a while. I glanced at what she was eating noting she had a sandwich and a bruised banana. This was considerably less than most of her class mates yet was more than I expected. Looking at my lunch which Edward had made for me today. There was a packet of crisps and a couple of chocolates. I opened the crisps and put them between us. "help yourself Renesmee, Edward packed my lunch and there's way to much for me." I told her smiling gently.

I took a couple myself then left them alone Renesmee had finished her sandwich and still not touched the crisps. She kept glancing at me as if I was going to snatch them from her at any second. Eventually she reached out her tiny hand and took a small crisp popping it into her mouth. Her eyes were wide as she looked at me expecting me to scream and shout I expect. When I smiled at her she seemed genuinely shocked. "they taste good don't they?"

"yes Mrs Cullen the best thing ive ever tasted" she responded with the most convincing voice I had ever heard her use.

Beaming at her in response I replied "Renesmee how about we trade? you finish off those crisps I'll eat that banana of yours then well share these chocolates"

She looked at me a little unsure to begin with then with a cautious smile said "I've seen other children trade at lunch but no one ever wants to trade with me." She told me quietly.

"Well then it looks like this is your first trade." I told her smiling before reaching for the banana, whilst she ate the rest of my crisps. The banana really had seen better days I peeled away the skin on the pretense of eating it breaking of bits to then hide and put in the bin later.

Once we'd finished eating there was about ten minutes of lunch left over before everyone else came back from there break. Renesmee went to read a book whilst i sat and marked a couple of books ready for next week. Glancing up I spotted mike looking through my door a glint of something evil in his eyes. Without knocking he made his way into the room closing the door behind him. He didn't say anything just stood grinning at me. On shaky legs I rose from my chair putting my pen down. "Renesmee why don't we go get a little fresh air before the end of lunch?" I asked her reaching out my hand towards her.

He obviously hadn't seen Renesmee in the corner and spun round to look at her. Renesmee rushed to my side and I guessed he didn't look at her to kindly. Taking her hand in mine I led her to the door and pushed her gently through before following and closing the door behind me.

We headed outside with nothing better to do. I took a few deep breaths to calm my once more rattled nerves. "I didn't like him Mrs Cullen, he has unkind eyes" Renesmee told me quietly.

I turned and looked at her kneeling so I was on her level. "Renesmee you are safe here I promise not to let anyone hurt whilst you are in school." I reassured her. Once we made it outside some of the others came running up to me and I decided to play a couple of games with them. Renesmee decided not to join in and played on the swings instead.

The rest of my day passed quickly. We played games most of the afternoon then talked about what we were all doing for the holidays. Most were spending it with family and a few were going away.

When the last bell rang they all cheered and raced for the door. All except Renesmee, she was unusually slow in collecting her belongings. By the time she came outside most of the others had already left. Rather than walking home alone like normal she came over and waited by me. "is someone picking you up today?" I asked taking her hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"my mommy said she was because we gotta go somewhere" she mumbled not sounding excited at all.

"im sure you'll have lots of fun." I told her with a gentle smile.

By the time she arrived she was over fifteen minutes late. "hello..." I tried to engage her in conversation but she didn't even look at me. Grabbing Renesmee hand she stormed out of the school grounds. Renesmee running to keep up with her fast paced. I sent up a silent prayer hoping that everything was ok for her.

Within ten minutes I'd collected my things together and was making my way towards Esme's house to help with preparations for dinner. I didn't fancy staying in school a minute longer it had been a long day. When I got to the house I saw that apart from Edward and Carlisle everyone else was already here. Grabbing my bag I made my way into the house, the smells of baking hitting me full force. Esme really did love thanksgiving. As expected I found everyone in the kitchen, Rosalie, Alice and Esme were busy making way to many pies, and puddings. Jasper, Emmett and little Henry were all sat at the island drooling at the growing pile of food in front of them I knew it wouldn't be long before Carlisle and Edward sat there alongside of them.

"Hey" I said walking further into the kitchen smiling at everyone.

"Bella thank god you're here, perhaps we will get something to eat. Please, please, please sneak us something were wilting away." Emmett begged while Jasper nodded next to him.

I laughed at their pouting expressions they both looked so helpless "Don't take any notice Bella, they've both had a piece of pie and three cookies each." Alice said glaring at the both of them.

"Well in that case I don't believe you have a leg to stand on. I think you're lucky that you got that much." I giggled heading to the sink to wash my hands so I could start on another batch of biscuits.

I worked quietly listening to the banter of the others around me. It was nice to listen to the carefree talk, no hassle or stress just holiday fun. Alice began yawning with Jasper and Esme ganging up on her to go rest she held up her flour covered hands and surrendered.

"Ok, Ok" She paused to yawn again "I'll go rest but I'm holding Bella personally responsible for keeping Emmett away from my pies. Got it Bella?" She asked pointing a finger at me.

"Of course Alice, I've got a taser in my bag if he tries anything I'll stun him and leave him unconscious on the floor." I replied giggling at Emmet's devastated expression.

"To top that I'll ban him from the bedroom for a month if he touches anything he's not supposed to" Rosalie told him with no hint of humour in her voice. Emmett's face is priceless.

Alice went off to rest taking Jasper with her to keep out of trouble. I'd heard from Edward saying that he was going to be late as one of the doctors had phoned in sick and they needed Edward to cover. I told him that I'd see him at home once he'd finished. Carlisle hadn't come home yet so I assumed that he was also working late. We had finished all the baking for tomorrow's dinner, there was more pies and cookies then we could ever eat yet somehow I knew with Emmett and the other guys it would all be gone by this time tomorrow.

Rosalie and Emmett had taken Henry home to bed. Alice and Jasper were still resting. I gave Esme a hand with the dishes and cleaning the bombsight that is the kitchen.

"You've been awfully quiet tonight you ok?" Esme asked glancing at me as she took the last dish to dry.

I thought over what she had said "Yeah I'm ok, just had a long day and I guess I'm tired." I responded with a small smile.

"Well in that case why don't you head on home everything is ok here. Perhaps take a nice hot bath before Edward gets in." She told me smiling gently.

"Urm yeah I think I'll do that. Are you sure Esme?" I asked not wanting to leave if there was more work to be done.

"I'm sure now scoot. I'll see you tomorrow." She told me with a kiss to my cheek and a tight hug.

Grabbing my bag and jacket I headed out. Within ten minutes I was home. I shot a quick text out to Edward telling him I was home and I loved him. Leaving everything by the door I headed to our room deciding on a shower and not a bath. The hot water pounding out the kinks in my shoulders helped me to relax. After spending way too much time in the shower I got out and dressed in Pyjamas even though it was just after 8.30pm. Not feeling very hungry I curled up on our bed switching on the TV and falling asleep to the sounds of the News anchor.

I found myself in school walking down the halls. It was dark and there was no sign of anyone around. A door banged at the end of the corridor and I headed in that direction. Renesmee stood in front of it.

"Sweetie what are you doing here so late?" I asked stopping in front of her.

"You can't help me. There's nothing you can do." She told me a tear rolling down her cheek. Before I had chance to go to her she disappeared I started running down the hall screaming her name looking for her but I couldn't find her anywhere. Reaching the staffroom I saw Mike who grinned at me stalking towards me. I backed up before running down the corridor. The corridors seemed so long that I didn't know which way to turn every time I started a new corridor it led me back to the staffroom and mike waiting for me there was no escape.

"You know Bella you can run and run but you can't hide. I will get you" He told me then laughed pulling a knife from inside the waist of his trousers.

"Please don't what have I ever done to you?" I asked frozen in place.

"It's more that you are alive." He told me then launched himself at me.

I tried to run but he was faster and knocked me to the ground pinning me under him. I wiggled and tried to push him off me. "No, no, no" I muttered before screaming at the top of my lungs…

"Bella wake up" I heard Edward telling me. but I couldn't see him anywhere.

"Bella you're dreaming just wake up for me, you're at home and safe. I've got you." He told me.

Mike had disappeared and I willed myself to wake up.

Edward POV

I found Bella asleep and thrashing around in bed. She was obviously having a nightmare. I talked to her for what felt like forever and held her to me but she was kicking out pretty hard. Eventually I managed to get through to her and her eyes opened. Tears were streaming out of them big and brown she looked so lost. "I'm here I've got you." I told her and tried to pull her onto my lap so I could hold her but she pushed me away. I didn't force my hold on her knowing that would just make her worse. She jumped from the bed and on shaky legs headed to the bathroom falling in front of the toilet and throwing up violently. I sat behind her holding her hair as she emptied her stomach. Once she finished I helped her to stand and stood behind her as she brushed her teeth.

"Come on let's get you back to bed" I told her my arm wrapped tightly around her waist.

She shook her head and more tears rolled down her cheek. "I can't please…" She began to say.

"Hush ok, let's get on the couch and watch a movie." I placated knowing that it was useless to get her to sleep at the minute yet knowing she needed to rest. She nodded her consent. After we both changed, Bella into a fresh pair of pyjamas. I picked her up and carried her down the stairs settling her on the couch with pillows and a couple of throws. She leant forward and I sat behind her hugging her shaking form to my chest.

"I love you" I whispered into her hair and held her a little tighter, as she clung to me in a death grip.

We sat like this for about an hour and Bella was still incredibly tense. There was no way she was going to get any sleep this wound up. "Huni, you're scaring me. You're really tense. Talk to me, scream, shout, cry please do something."

"I'm sorry I didn't want to worry you. It, it was just so real and there was no one there to help me. It was like… all over again." She mumbled her voice quivering as she spoke.

"No matter what I will always be there for you, whether that be in your nightmares or holding you after them. You're not alone anymore and you never will be again I promise." I told her before moving so we were laying on the sofa.

She may not fall asleep but I'll be damned if she feels alone. Without her even having to tell me what her dream was about I had a feeling that the bastard Mike Newton had something to do with it. If he was the cause of this then I was going to string him up even if it was the last thing I ever do.