A/N: Here we go with Ch 3 and their Friday together. I love so much hearing from you guys and you make me smile with every review. Thank you to everyone reading and following. Enjoy!

Bella POV Friday morning

I awoke early the next morning, and Alice was already up. She only went to school Monday through Thursday but she still felt the need to wake up early on Friday. I looked at my bedside table and there was a delicious cup of herbal tea and a note from Alice which read:

I called my therapist and she agreed to see you after school on Monday. I can go with you if you like. I'll be back home later. Have fun with Edward. Love ya girl xoxo- Alice

I smiled at the letter and how she still put a heart over her i's. I looked at the clock and it was nine-fifteen. Crap! I downed the warm tea and rushed through my shower. I blow-dried my hair to get it to stay straight. I dressed in the outfit that I knew Alice had left out for me. It was cute, but practical for a day of running around Seattle. It was a light blue sweatshirt and a pair of cute embroidered jeans. It was all topped off with a cute pair of black ballet flats. I grabbed my bag, left the house, then got into my car. I had traded in my red Chevy for a blue Prius before I moved to Seattle, after several tantrums from Charlie. He didn't think my truck was reliable enough. I gave up trying to fight for my truck and let him help me pay for the new car. I drove the short way to the SUB on campus. I saw the shiny Volvo in the parking lot and remembered it from six years ago. Stupid shiny Volvo owner. Edward was so smug the day he got it. When Em and I were in middle school, Edward was given the task of picking us up from school. The day he picked us up in the Volvo everyone stared and started labeling Emmett as a rich stuck up kid and me as someone trying to get money by association. Never-the-less, it made me and Em closer than we were with any of our other friends. I'd do anything for that man, and he the same for me. It actually had caused some issues for his relationship with Rose, but only in the beginning. He was actually the only person, aside from Alice, that knew what happened with Riley, and he was the first person at my dad's house after it happened. I showed up at the coffee shop and almost missed Edward because of my musing. I saw him wave, and I walked over to meet him.

"Hey there, were you thinking?"

"Always, lots of stuff up here," I said tapping my temple.

He smiled at me. "Care to share, or is it personal stuff?"

"Just thinking about the past. Seeing your Volvo out front reminded me of when Em and I were in middle school."

He actually cringed and looked guilty. "Yeah, I remember Em being mad at me for that. I was kinda a jackass when I was seventeen."

I laughed. "I think we all were Eddy. You ready to go now?" He nodded and gathered his stuff up. We went to the parking lot and he stopped at my car. He raised his eyebrows at me. "What?"

"A Prius?" He asked doubtfully.

"Hey now, don't be snotty. We can't all be Volvo owners."

"But it's a Prius."

"Yes. My dad helped me pick out this car and I probably save more gas money in three months than you do in a year. Plus it's green, I'm saving the environment. Are you gonna get in the car?" He shrugged and got in. I shook my head at him and got in too." Was that so hard?" I asked, starting the car?

"No, I guess not. So what's the plan?"

"Well, since it's a nice day and your new to Seattle, I'm gonna show you the beauty of the city. We're gonna start with the park, Warren G. Magnuson Park. It has a beautiful view of Mt Rainer and the ocean."

We got out of the car and decided to go for a walk around the park. We were quiet for a while and Edward's face looked troubled.

"Penny?" I asked and he looked at me and smiled.

"I'm just worried about last night. I really enjoyed the kiss, but when I told Em about it, he really flipped out on me. I was kinda confused."

"Em is overprotective. He and I are very close. About a year ago something really bad happened, and he was the first one to be there for me. I know you wanna know, but no one aside from him and Alice know. I'm just not ready to talk about it. I will tell you someday though."

He nodded. "I get that you don't wanna talk about it, and that's cool. But let me ask you something. When we were younger and you were still scared of the dark, or you were freaked out by a thunderstorm, whose room did you always run into and forced to let you sleep with them?"

I smiled at the memory. "You."

"Exactly, so please don't ever feel like you can't come to me with something. Six years is a long time apart, but nothing could break that deep of a bond."

"That's true. The only person I've known longer than you is Em."

He put his arm around my shoulders. "That's right, Bella boo. You're not getting rid of me."

"Oh my god, you did not just call me that! Now I don't feel bad for calling you Eddy, or for tickling you." He tried to get away from me but he wasn't expected. I started tickling him. He twisted away from me and took off. I ran after him but somehow he got the surprise on me and ended up tickling me. We chased each other back and forth awhile until we finally agreed on a truce. We sat down, both out of breath. I looked at my watch. "You hungry?"

"Starving."

"Great. Let's go." I grabbed his hand and drug him with me to the car. We got in and drove to a small restaurant. It looked normal and uninteresting from the front, but I knew the magic was out back. There was an expansive lawn and a beautiful outside dining area. Edward gave me a questioning look, and I grinned like an idiot. We went inside and I told the waiter we wanted to dine outside. He nodded and led us through the restaurant to the outside area. Edward looked surprised, and when we were seated he spoke.

"Wow, Bells. This is awesome."

"Did you doubt me?"

"I should know by now not to, but I was a little weary."

"We have a lot in common Edward, don't doubt. I'll try my best not to lead you astray." He nodded. The waiter came by and got our drink orders. We talked casually as we were going over the menus. The food was awesome and we were comfortable with the occasional silences. We finished eating and headed back out to my car. We drove by some of the museums and visitor places making plans to see them another day and getting out and taking pictures of the prettier places. He especially wanted to make a whole day event out of the space needle, which made me laugh. "So, do you wanna come over and hang out for a little bit?" I asked after we had been driving around for hours.

"Yeah. Absolutely."

At that point, I got a text. It was from Em.

Has he tried to kiss you again? –Em

No, and might I remind you that I kissed him back, Em? –B

So, my brother can be very persuasive when he wants. –Em

What is that supposed to mean? That I'm some vapid airhead that can be pushed to do things? –B

You don't know what you want. I'm just watching out for you. –E

Well, stop worrying. It's Edward, Em. You know, your brother! –B

"Everything ok?" Edward asked looking concerned

"Emmett's just being his overbearing, overprotective self! He drives me crazy sometimes."

"Try living with him sometime."

I scoffed. "You'd have a dead brother. I don't know how Rose does it sometimes. I love the boy, but damn… Do you want me to take you to get your car first?"

"Yeah, that way you don't have to bring me back later." We headed towards campus. We got to the parking lot and to his car. "So, I'll just follow you?"

I nodded, and he got out. We headed towards my house. I saw that Alice's car was still gone. I wondered why. We got inside and I told Edward to make himself at home, and that I needed to call Alice. We both sat on the couch while I did so. I was about to hang up when she answered.

"Hello?"

"Ali? Where you at? Is everything ok?"

"Sorry, Bella. I was about to call you. I won't be home tonight. Jasper broke his arm earlier today, and he needs some help doing stuff. I can call someone to come stay with you, 'cause I know it's hard for you to be alone there."

"No, it's ok Ali. I'll take care of it."

"You sure? I'm sorry."

"Don't be, Ali. Go be with Jazz and take care of him. Tell him I said get better."

"Ok. Later, Bella."

We hung up and I looked at Edward before I could hide the panic I felt. He caught onto it immediately.

"What's wrong?"

"Alice won't be home tonight. Jazz broke his arm earlier today, and I can't stay here alone. I gotta call Em."

"Bells, I can stay here. If you're comfortable with that?"

"Are you sure? I don't wanna..."

"Bells," he said cutting me off. "Really, it's ok. You got comfy couches and that works for me." I started giggling. "What?"

"I'm not gonna make you sleep on the couch, Eddy. We've slept in the same bed before, and that's no way to treat a guest."

"I appreciate that, but do you think that's such a good…"

I started pouting. "If you're uncomfortable with it you can sleep down here if you want. Don't wanna upset you."

He looked defeated. "No, it's fine. Your bed is perfect."

I perked up. "Awesome. You hungry?"

"Yeah, we did skip dinnertime." He followed me as I headed to the kitchen. I started pulling stuff out for pasta. "Did you want some help?"

"Can you cook?"

He smiled that boyish smile and I almost melted. "Of course, my mom taught me how. You know that."

I did remember learning how to cook with his mom. "You seemed more against it, so I didn't know if it ever really stuck with you."

"It did. So, what are we making?"

"We are making chicken fettuccine alfredo. Will you help me by cutting the chicken and I will get the sauce together?" He nodded. We worked in silence for a few minutes. I set him up with a skillet to cook the chicken in. When the sauce was done and the noodles cooked, Edward mixed everything together. I got a salad ready and then warmed up some garlic bread from last night. We sat down to dinner. I noticed he kept stealing glances at me. "What's up, Edward?"

He shook his head. "Nothing."

"You wanna know, don't you?"

"It's none of my business."

I sighed. "I understand you wanna know 'cause you're concerned. It's not that I don't want you to know, or I don't trust you. I just can't explain it without becoming a complete mess and having nightmares. After how great today was, I don't want to mess it up."

"It's ok. I understand. Today was pretty great wasn't it?"

"Yeah. It was so much fun. We need to do it again soon."

"Absolutely. We have lots of time to catch up on."

After dinner, we sat on the couch and watched a movie. At some point during the movie, I fell asleep, because Edward woke me up saying it was after midnight. He helped me lock up and turn the lights off. We headed upstairs and went to my room. I changed while Edward went to the bathroom. We got into bed and said goodnight to each other. It wasn't long before I fell asleep again.

I woke up screaming. This time, I felt a completely different set of arms around me than the ones I expected, but I still felt safe and comforted.

"Bells?" It was Edward's sleepy voice. I felt mortified, Shit! "Are you ok?"

I turned to face him "Yeah, I just had a nightmare, it happens."

Edward was silent for a moment. When he spoke it sounded hesitant. "Bella, have you tried getting help?"

"No. Alice and I already had this conversation. I decided a year ago to deal with it on my own, and it's not working. So, Alice set me an appointment for Monday." I saw him rub his face in the dark.

"I think that's a really good idea. I noticed today that you act normal and like everything is fine, but even though it's subtle I've seen the panic and pain on your face Bells. Now this, you scared the shit out of me. I've never heard anyone scream like that before."

I cringed. Somehow, it hurt me that I had worried him. I never saw it that way with Alice, but the fact that he wanted me to get help; it made me want to get help even more. He saw me cringe and gathered me up in a hug. "I'm sorry."

"For?"

"Scaring you, and upsetting you Edward. I hate being this way." He pulled back to look at me.

"What way?"

"Broken, damaged."

"You're not damaged, and someone as strong as you could never be broken. You just have issues you need to deal with so you don't have to be so scared." I don't know what possessed me to do it, but I found myself leaning into him and pressing my lips gently to his. He froze for a moment and then he got into the kiss. He pulled away after a moment. "Bella…" he whispered

"I'm not scared with you, Edward. I never have been," I whispered back.

"I don't want to take advantage."

"You're not. I started it."

"I can't, Bella." I pulled away from him feeling rejected. He looked pained like maybe he didn't want to say no. "I don't know what happened, but when I kiss you, it makes me want more and I don't think either of us is ready for that."

I frowned at him. I wanted to be upset and tell him he was wrong, but I knew he wasn't. I nodded. "Ok. I understand. Let's go back to sleep." We lay back down. He actually put one arm across my waist and I quickly fell asleep and was nightmare free the rest of the night.

I woke the next morning to an empty bed. I looked at the clock and it was ten. I heard laughter downstairs, so was out of bed and halfway through the hallway, before I heard talking. I stopped at the top of the stairs landing.

"How is she?"

"She had a nightmare last night. It scared the hell out of me Alice. I've never heard anyone scream like that. She won't tell me what happened and it frustrates me. I mostly just want her to be ok. She may not realize it, but I can see her panic and pain. It kills me that I can't help."

"I understand, Edward. That helplessness is what Em and I have dealt with for more than a year. I just got her to agree to see someone for help. She will be ok, but it'll take time. Now, more than ever she's gonna need us. I'm glad you're back in her life. You're just what she needs, and you may not realize it, but she is what you need. Everything will work out."

"I try not to think about her Alice, but I can't help myself. I don't know what's going on."

Alice laughed, her tinkling laugh echoing from the kitchen. "What am I gonna do with you two? You'll figure it out, Eddy."

"Oh no, Bells is the only one who can get away with calling me, Eddy. It's Edward." I smiled at this comment. I walked down the stairs.

"Yeah, back off my kool-aid, Ali. I have annoying nickname rights." They both jumped, surprised by my entrance. I smiled with satisfaction. That's what they got for talking about me, even though I was eavesdropping.

"Bella!" Alice squealed. She gave me a huge hug. I hugged her back. When we broke away I saw there were pancakes on the counter. I raised my eyebrows at her. "Right, please. Edward made them."

"They look good." I said giving him a soft smile. He gave me a warm smile back. I grabbed a plate and a few pancakes. "So, what happened, Ali? I thought you'd be home later."

"Oh, I had to get out of there for a little bit. Boy's houses are so gross, and I'm not really that good at taking care of people, so I needed a break. He's sleeping now."

"Poor guy. How'd he break his arm?" I felt bad for Jazz. He was like a brother to me, and unlike me, I knew he was usually fairly graceful and coordinated.

"Oh, that stupid man. He tried a skateboarding trick he didn't know how to do and was showing off. You know guys and their egos. No offense," She added to Edward.

He just smiled and shook his head. I laughed at Alice. She was so exasperated by Jazz, but I knew she loved him with all her heart. I finished my pancakes and rinsed my plate off in the sink and turned to Ali and Edward. "I'm gonna go upstairs and get dressed."

Alice and Edward both said ok. I headed up the stairs and was almost to my room when I felt someone's hand wrap around my wrist. I spun around to face that person and jerked my wrist away, my eyes wide. It was Edward. He put his hands up in surrender. "Wait. Are you ok, Bella?"

"Yeah. I slept fine the rest of the night. If I had any dreams, I don't remember them."

He smiled. "You dreamt. You talk in your sleep."

Oh god! I blushed and covered my face. "Oh, no. What did I say?"

"Wasn't really clear, mostly just mumbling. I did hear my name and happy. Other than that, not too sure." He uncovered my face. "It's adorable, Bells." I smiled and looked at him. Damn, there were those eyes again! I could stare into them forever. I mentally shook myself,

"I gotta take a shower and get dressed." I walked away from him and walked into my room. I stood by the closed door, glad to get some relief.

Monday afternoon- Bella POV

"So, you sure you don't want me to come, Bella?" Alice asked me for what had to be the 50th time.

"I'm sure, Ali. It's not gonna be pretty, and I know how hard it is for you to see me like that."

"Bella, this is not about me!" She was getting ready for a rant. Evasive action, stat!

"Ali," I said cutting her off. "I know very well who it's about. It will make ME feel worse for making you feel bad. I don't want to deal with that on top of everything else."

"Ok." She put up her hands up in surrender. "Just think that it might be a good idea..."

"Alice! Stop, I know you mean well. I love you, but I'm freaking out so I am not in the mood for the banter.

Alice came over and gave me a hug. "It'll all be ok Bells. How about we go out and eat some major fat and carbs afterward?"

"Oh, Ali, I'd love to but I have plans with Em and Edward after. Em is all butt hurt about me hanging out with Edward more than him, and it's only 'cause Rose is out of town."

"Ok, another night then." She smiled.

"You're not getting away that easy. You promised fat and I intend to hold you to that. We need to have a sugary dessert binge."

"Ok. I will go shopping. Pre-made or are we baking?"

"Duh, we're totally baking." Alice squealed and clapped. I smiled. "Well, I gotta get going. Bye, Ali." I gave her another hug trying to absorb all the comfort and courage I could from her.

"Bye, Bells. You can do this. We all believe in you. Call me if you need me." I left to go get in my car. I drove to the office of Victoria Foster. I was glad that it was a girl at least. I pulled into a spot and got out of my car. I let the lady at the front desk why I was here and she told me to have a seat. While I was sitting waiting I got a text from Edward.

Good luck Bells! You're strong and Dr. Foster will help you. See you afterward –E

I smiled at his words of encouragement and replied.

Thanks, Eddy. xoxo See you soon! –B

When I got done sending that text, I heard a voice like a tinkling of bells say my name. I looked up to see a tall thin woman with hair the color of flames, and piercing green eyes. Despite her wild features, she smiled warmly and I felt calm when inside her office.

"Hello, Bella. I'm Dr. Foster. I hear Alice referred you to me?"

"Yes, that's right. She thought you could…help me." I said trying to search for the right words.

"Absolutely, that is what I do. Why don't you start by telling me how you feel."

I was caught off guard. "You don't want to know what happened?"

She smiled warmly. "We will get there, Bella."

"Oh, ok. Um…I feel scared, anxious, tired, and on the edge of a breakdown."

"And what brings on those feelings?"

"This. Having to deal with and talk about what happened. I've been trying to pretend like it didn't happen for so long that most of the time mentioning it, or talking about it about sends me into hysterics." I heard my voice break and the tears welling up fell over.

Dr. Foster handed me a box of Kleenex and smiled reassuringly at me. She studied me thoughtfully. "I hate to do this so early in any Dr. /patient relationship Bella, but it's very clear to me what's going on. You have what people call post-traumatic stress disorder. Let me guess, you have nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety attacks, withdrawal from dealing with your feelings?" I nodded. It was kind of a relief to know I wasn't crazy, at least not all the way. "It's very common in traumatic events when the issue is not dealt with. You trying to internalize it, actually made it worse. I'm not going to lie to you, Bella. This is going to be hard and it's going to take some time. If you're honest with me, and we work together, you will be able to not forget but to move on without this looming over you. Now, I'm going to prescribe you something for anxiety. It will help with all the stuff we're going to be dealing with. I need your agreement to take them as I prescribe them." I nodded.

"Yeah, absolutely, the panic attacks are horrible"

She smiled warmly and handed me a prescription note. "Get these right after we are done here. So, would you like to tell me more about what happened? Alice gave me very little, basic information."

I nodded and took a breath. This was gonna suck.

A/N: Well she is finally getting some help. The next chapter is going to get a little bumpy so fair warning now. Again, thank you so much for your kind reviews. Hearing that you guys love this story makes my 3 do a little dance. Love you all!