A/N: So sorry that it has been awhile. I got sick, but better now. Here is the Thanksgiving chapter that I mentioned. This is a super long chapter. It is easy to see the real Bella here. Hope you enjoy!

Keep holding on Cause you know we'll make it through Just stay strong Cause you know I'm here for you There's nothing you can say Nothing you can do There's no other way when it comes to the truth So, keep holding on Cause you know we'll make it through- Keep Holding On by Avril Lavinge

Bella POV

Edward and I were in his car driving to Forks. It was early Wednesday morning; we didn't want to travel on Thanksgiving Day. Nothing really happened since that night with Riley, and it made me think that it was the calm before the storm, so I was happy to get out of Seattle. Edward and I had gotten in a fight the morning after the Riley mess. He wanted to go to the police and I didn't, my dad was chief of police in Forks so I knew what would justify calling them. This was not it, because before they could do anything they needed proof. We had none; all we had was some half-assed threats. I knew Riley and he was holding back. This was the wrong thing to tell Edward. He stopped arguing, but also wouldn't talk to me the rest of the day. The next day he apologized and we made up, twice. Today though he seemed thoughtful like he had a lot on his mind and it made me curious. I put my hand on his thigh and looked at him. "You're so quiet. Is everything ok?"

"Yeah, just thinking. Still not fully awake." I looked unconvinced. He grabbed my hand and kissed it. "Really love, I'm ok. We're ok."

"Do you need some caffeine? We can stop, or I can drive." He scoffed. "You're such a guy."

"I would hope so, and we can stop. Are you hungry?"

"Yes, sir, I am." We stopped at a little restaurant outside of Seattle. Edward headed towards a booth in the corner by the windows. I picked the menu up and started deciding. Edward didn't pick his up. I just rolled my eyes. I could feel Edward staring at me, but I decided to ignore it. The waitress came by to get out orders. Edward got toast and coffee, I got a breakfast combo with extra crispy bacon. With the menu out of my hand, I didn't have anything to distract me from him staring. Finally, I snapped. "Why are you staring, Edward?"

"Just thinking."

"BS. About what?"

"It's not important."

"Yeah, it is cause you've been thinking about it all damn morning. Why are you trying to lie to me?"

He hesitated and looked pained. I pursed my lips and raised my eyebrows. "I don't want to upset you."

"I can handle it."

"What did you mean when you said Riley was holding back?" he said in a rush.

I threw my hands up. "Jesus, Edward!"

"I need to know what he is capable of, Bella." He interrupted me. "I need…"

"No," I cut him off. "You know what he is capable of Edward. Do you want a review? He wanted something, I wouldn't give it to him, and so he took it in a rather violent way!"

"I told you it'd upset you." he murmured.

"Well, gold fucking star for you!" I knew I was being mean, but I was pissed. "Why wouldn't I be upset? My boyfriend who makes me happier than I've ever been is alone with me, and we are talking about my ex who ruined my whole damn life! I'm ecstatic!"

"Bella, I'm not trying to make you mad. I'm trying to keep you safe."

"Well, I think that you can figure out what he's capable of. Look what he did to me. I was just trying to convey that something is up his sleeve, but I don't know what." At that point, the waitress came up to our table with our food. She left, and we didn't pick up our conversation again. I felt bad for unloading on Edward, but we'd talked about the Riley thing more than I liked. We finished eating in silence, paid, and headed back to the car. Edward followed me to the passenger side of the car. He trapped me between his arms and the car.

"I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to upset you." He kissed me slow and soft. His hands went to my hair and I held onto the back of his head. I didn't care that it was cold or that we were in a public place. His lips were on mine, and it was heaven. He pulled away first and gave me his crooked smile, and kissed my nose. I smiled back. He opened the door for me and I got in. We got back on the road. We had about two and a half hours left to go, so we'd be there a little afternoon. At about eleven I got a call from Rose.

"Hello?"

"Hey, how far out are you guys?" She asked

"We still have a little over an hour."

"Really? We've been here for half an hour."

"Yeah, you guys left at seven, and I know Em. He won't stop for anything." I said. I lovingly referred to him as a road trip Nazi.

"I know I had to pee so bad I was afraid to move." We both laughed.

"Well, we left at eight and had some breakfast. We're not in a hurry."

"Yeah, Em's parents went to the store for some stuff so we're here alone, and he went straight for the video games."

I giggled. I could almost hear her eyes roll. "Why can't you just call them Carlisle and Esme?" No matter how many times they told her to call them as such, she couldn't do it. She was raised that you never use your elder's first names; it was always Mrs. or Mr. They hated it though, so she called them the Cullen's or Em's parents.

"It's a hard habit to break, and my mom would slap my mouth if she knew."

"What she doesn't know won't hurt her. If she knew what you and Emmett did she would make you come back home and lock you up."

"No shit, right." I heard Em yelling for her in the background. "Shit. I gotta go. He still thinks I quit smoking."

I rolled my eyes. "Bye sweets. Love your guts."

"Love your face, Bells." I hung up and smiled. Edward looked at me.

"Rose?"

"Yeah. They made it to Forks already. Carlisle and Esme went to the store, so Em went for the games, and now she's bored. She started smoking again, so I'm sure they'll be fighting when we get there."

"Lovely."

Just as I had predicted, when we arrived at the Cullen's house in Forks, Rose and Em were fighting. Luckily Carlisle and Esme had returned home, so it was a silent fight. Esme wasted no time in hugging me and telling me I was getting thin. Carlisle gave me a warm grin and a hug as well. Esme stole me away to the kitchen as soon as she could to chat with her while she made lunch. She kind of knew what happened with Riley, but she was more interested in me and Edward, naturally.

"Good, a little confusing with all the new stuff, but good," I said while I helped her make sandwiches.

"And, how is Edward treating you?"

"Oh my goodness, he is amazing. He definitely has your kind heart and patience."

"Oh, you're too sweet Bella, but I believe he gets the patience from his father. I always hope you two would get together. You always had a crush on him, and he was always so protective of you. Then you and Em got so close and I thought maybe you and him, but no, I'm glad it was Edward."

I started laughing. "I could never date him. He would probably end up dead. I have respect for Rose's patience."

"Hmm. He was the same as a child. He was always very…enthusiastic." We finished with the sandwiches and she turned towards me. "Edward was always more curious, but cautious unless it had something to do with you. You remember?" I nodded. I did, the Cullens and Jasper were all I remembered as a child before Rose showed up in sixth grade. Emmett came into the kitchen.

"You guys are done? Great! I'm starving." He went to grab a sandwich and Esme smacked his hand.

"I know you're not thinking of eating until everyone else is seated at the table." Emmett looked like a kicked puppy, and I smiled at him sadly.

"Of course not, Mom."

"Good. Go get everyone and tell them it's time to eat." Em slumped out of the kitchen. Esme rolled her eyes and shook her head; I had to stifle the hysterical giggles that escaped my mouth. We sat the sandwiches, chips, a fruit platter, and drinks on the table. At that time everyone came into the dining area, lead by Emmett. Edward came over to me and put his arm around my waist, and kissed my cheek. Esme's smile got impossibly wider, and it made me smile too. Edward noticed and looked at his mom. He chuckled, looked down, and shook his head. We all sat down and ate.

Edward POV

We all went to bed early that night. There was a lot to do tomorrow. At my parent's house, everyone pitched in to make Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone would be given a dish to make tomorrow. Bella and I also had to go get Charlie, her dad, as he was coming to Thanksgiving dinner here. Bella and I were in the room I had as a child getting ready for bed. I was just watching her get changed, not realizing I was staring. She looked at me and just smiled.

"Would you like me to go slower?" She asked, seductively. She giggled and I playfully pulled her onto the bed with me.

"I love you."

"I love you too." She smiled a radiant smile at me. I just kept staring at her and tucked her hair back behind her ear. I pulled her to me and kissed her hard and deep. I couldn't get enough of her. She was so beautiful and tasted so sweet. "I mean it," I said looking her straight in the eyes.

"I know, Edward. So do I." She said, seriously. She kissed me, and I was lost in her again.

I was woken up by Bella jumping on my bed. "Come on sleepy head. Your mom wants us downstairs pronto."

I answered her by throwing a pillow in her direction. A few seconds later I felt a pillow smash into my stomach.

"Aw. What the hell?"

"Payback's a bitch, ain't it?"

"That wasn't a pillow. That was an anvil."

"You're so whiny in the morning. Your mom has coffee and homemade sticky buns downstairs." She finished in a sing-song voice.

The fact that there was fresh, hot coffee downstairs is what got me out of bed. I almost crawled back into bed when I saw it was 6:30 am. Holy crap, no one was up this early. "Why so early, Bells?"

She grabbed me by the waist from behind and helped usher me out of the room. "Cause we have a lot to do today. Eddy." She said sweetly. It amazed me. Here I was whining away and she was being awesome.

"Have we gotten our dishes yet?"

"No, Esme is waiting for everyone to come downstairs. She told me she's making it easier this year. Told me last year was a disaster."

"Yeah, she gave Em the turkey." She busted up laughing and I smiled. I loved her laugh.

"That is too funny, and also insane."

Rose came running up to us. "Bells, I need your help."

"Need to tip the bed?"

"I'm thinking we're gonna have to," Rose confirmed. I had no idea what they were talking about until Bella gave me a kiss on the cheek.

"See you downstairs." She then ran off with Rose to Emmett's room. Suddenly I understood. Emmett was always really hard to wake up in the morning, and they were gonna tip his bed. I walked down the stairs laughing. I gave my mom a kiss on the cheek as I walked into the kitchen. I made myself a cup of coffee when I heard a thud from upstairs and Emmett yelling "Rose!"

"Why is he yelling?" My mom asked.

"Cause they tipped his bed over with him in it," I said. Carlisle chuckled.

"Well, he needed to get up." Mom said. We heard giggling and the girls rushing downstairs, with Emmett following them angrily stomping down the stairs. He came into the kitchen looking surly. He gave my mom a kiss and she handed him a plate of breakfast. He went to the table and started devouring it as we all joined him with our plates. My mom looked so happy to have us all here, including Bella. I was glad that we could all be together as a family this year. My mom had never liked Kate and I knew she would never be rude enough to say so, but she did not enjoy spending time with her. Looking back on it, I should have taken that as a sign. But I was with Bella now, and I couldn't be happier.

"Ok, so I have decided the dish assignments. So, since Bella and Edward have other things to do today they will do the stuffing and the gravy. The stuffing needs to be done right before I put the turkey in, and gravy right before dinner is served. Emmett and Rose will have mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. I have turkey and pies. I need to put the turkey in at 9, so you two have till then." My mom hurried to the kitchen. Rose followed Esme. Em wandered in the direction of the TV room. Bella said she needed to ask my mom a question and my dad said he wanted to speak with me. I told her I'd be in my dad's study. She kissed me and hurried off to the kitchen.

Bella POV

I was heading to the kitchen when Emmett caught me. "Bells." I turned around

"What's up, Em?"

"How are things? We barely talk anymore." He looked a little upset, so I hip bumped him.

"I'm doing well. You ok?" I asked concerned.

He hesitated then answered. "Yeah, I'm fine." Em and I were close enough that I knew he was lying, and a little upset about the fact that he was.

"Bs, Em. What's wrong?"

It's Rosie. She's still smoking."

"Why does it bother you so much?"

"I can't tell you." I was shocked to hear him say that. He never kept things from me. What was going on? "It's not that I don't want to tell you. I was just sworn to secrecy. Maybe Rose will tell you."

"Ok. Are you gonna be ok?"

"When she stops smoking, I will be. I'll be happier than ever." I gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

"It'll be ok, Em." He nodded and nudged me towards the kitchen and he kept walking back towards the TV room. I got to the kitchen and Esme and Rose were talking. They noticed me and kept talking but involved me in their conversation. Esme was making pies and we offered to help her and she said we already had our dishes so it was ok. She was making cherry and pumpkin. When she put them in the oven it was 8:30 and I said that I needed to go get Edward to make the stuffing. Esme said she had to go upstairs to get something so she'd get him. When Rose and I were left alone, I pounced.

"What's wrong with Em?"

"What do you mean?"

"He said he's upset you're still smoking, but it's never been a huge issue before. He wouldn't tell me why he was wigging about it, but he never keeps secrets from me."

"I told him that he couldn't tell anyone. Not yet. I'm sorry, Bells. I love you and you're like a sister to me, but this is my choice and it's not his to tell you. I'll tell you, I promise. Just give us some time."

"Ok. That's all you had to say. I understand." I knew all about needing time, and I knew she'd tell me when she was ready. She smiled at me and left the kitchen. Edward came in a few minutes later. I had already chopped the celery and onions. I was putting them in a skillet to sauté when he came in.

"Hey, love."

I looked up at him. "Hey, how'd it go with your dad?"

He started taking out the ingredients for the stuffing. "Fine. I just wanted to know how things are going. He's a Dr. so he knows how hard the schooling is."

"That's cool."

We cooked in silence for a while when Edward spoke. "I'm so glad you came, Bells. My parents adore you so much."

"I'm glad I came too. I missed your mom, and I love spending time with you."

"You excited to see your dad?" I grimaced. I was, I just wasn't excited about going to his house.

"I'm excited to see my dad. I miss him. He's excited to see you. It's been too long. He wants you to meet his girlfriend, Sue, soon."

"Is she coming?"

"No, she's staying on the reservation with her kids. Her daughter is home for the holiday."

We fell into silence again. Edward's mom came into the kitchen close to 9.

"Mmm. Smells good in here guys."

"Yeah, we just finished. You want me to stuff mom?"

"No, honey. That is my job." She looked at me. "You still like crunchy, out of the bird right?"

I was kinda stunned she remembered. "Yes, I do."

"Ok. We'll leave a dish out, and put it on the oven later to cook and crunch up. Now shoo you guys. Go have fun."

We decided to go up to his room and maybe take a nap. I set my phone alarm clock so we could wake up to get Charlie. We lay down and we fell asleep with my head snuggled into his chest… I must have been having a nightmare because I woke up crying, and Edward's panicked yells for me to wake up. When I was fully alert, I burst into tears. He pulled me into his arms. I don't remember what the dream was about, but I remember who it was about. I hated this! I hated that, even though I was with Edward, he still had so much control over me. I hated that Edward was comforting me over another guy. "Edward, please let go of me." He sighed and did as I said. I got up and went to the bathroom, still crying. I locked myself in there and sat on the edge of the bathtub. After a few minutes, I had calmed down. Edward knocked on the bathroom door quietly.

"Bella, please come out." I sighed and got up from the tub. I slowly opened the door, looking at the floor the entire. I felt his hand on my chin and he forced me to look at him. He just looked at me intensely and I knew he wanted an explanation, but I wasn't giving him one. I just shook my head, to let him know. He sighed. "Let's go get your dad."

"Let me freshen up."

He nodded. "I'll see you downstairs." I gave him a short kiss and nodded.

When I met him downstairs, I was in a much better mood and looked decent. We headed out to his car, and when we were on our way. I turned on the music before he could assault me with questions. I started singing along to the song. I don't have a horrible voice, but it's not like Christina pretty, so I have to be comfortable with someone to sing in front of them. Edward I had known my entire life, and he has seen me naked, so I could sing in front of him. He always enjoyed it, saying I had an awesome voice.

My eyes are open wide

By the way, I made it through the day

I watch the world outside

By the way, I'm leaving out today

I just saw Haley's Comet, she waved

Said, "Why are you always running in place?"

Even the man in the moon disappeared

Somewhere in the stratosphere

Tell my mother, tell my father I've done the best I can

To make them realize this is my life, I hope they understand

I'm not angry, I'm just saying

Sometimes goodbye is a second chance

Edward turned the music down and looked at me pointedly. "What was the dream about, Bella?"

"I don't remember, Edward. I forgot the minute I woke up." He looked at me unconvinced. "I honestly don't remember. I can guess who was in it but really don't know."

He just looked at me. I knew he didn't believe me. I also didn't care because I knew I was telling the truth. "Ok. Fine." I was not in a mood to deal with surly Edward, and I was not looking forward to being at my dad's. We pulled onto my dad's street, and when the house came into view I automatically tensed. I started taking deep breaths trying to relax. We pulled up into the driveway and I just stared. Edward turned off the car and turned towards me. "I can just go get him if you want."

I shook my head no and got out of the car. Edward grabbed my hand as we walked to the door. Edward knocked and I almost held my breath waiting for the door to open. My dad opened the door. He saw us and was instantly I was gathered in a huge hug. He and Edward shared a guy like hug. He invited us in and we came inside. I decided to sit on the sofa with Edward while he and my dad caught up. I kept glancing towards my room upstairs.

"I'll be right back. I'm gonna go upstairs for a minute." Edward went to get up. "No, I'll be fine." He nodded and sat back down. I headed upstairs towards my room. I stood in front of the closed door for a good minute or two until I pushed myself to open it. "Come on you big coward. Just open the door." I told myself. I opened the door and stepped inside. I was hit with a barrage of images from that night. I closed my eyes and forced myself to keep going. I sat on my bed and opened my eyes and saw my room how it looked in the present, normal, safe. I realized I had tears rolling down my cheeks but I didn't care. I had come back and I was ok. It gave me a sense of accomplishment. Edwards came up a few minutes later.

"You ok?"

"Yeah, I am. It's not so scary anymore. It just looks like my room."

"Good, I'm proud of you." He gave me a hug and wiped the tears from my face. "Charlie's ready to go, you ready?"

"Yeah, let's go." I got up and went back downstairs. Charlie smiled at me and I gave him another hug. "Ready to stuff yourself, Dad?"

"Yes, I am." We went to Edward's car and I gave my dad the front seat. We headed to Edward's house. We all chatted conversationally until we got to the Cullen's. Charlie was warmly welcomed by Carlisle and Esme. Carlisle and Charlie joined Emmett in watching a game. Ed, Rose, Esme, and I all chatted about other things. Esme had set out some appetizers because dinner wouldn't be for another two hours. Edward got up and put a bunch of different things on a plate. He brought the plate back and he, Rose and I all nibbled on some of the stuff. We wandered around the house watching TV talking with my dad, Emmett, and Carlisle. When Esme pulled the turkey out we went to the kitchen to make the gravy. By the time the turkey was carved and ready to serve, so was the gravy. We all sat, and Carlisle said grace, then we all dug in. The conversation flowed easily. I was so happy that my family, Charlie and I, and Edwards's family melted together so well. When everyone was stuffed Esme and I cleared the plates and brought out the pies. After dessert, there was another ball game on TV and Charlie stayed for it, but around 5 said he had to be home soon because Sue was coming over to see him. Edward and I took him home. I walked Charlie inside while Edward stayed in the car. Charlie said he wanted to talk to me.

"How are you doing Bella?"

"I'm ok. A little rough from day to day, but I'm making it. Edward is helping a lot."

"He's a good guy. I'm so proud of you, Bella. You bear a lot of weight and you're so tough. I love you, baby girl." Charlie was a man of few words and never showed his feelings, so of course, that made me cry. He gave me a hug and I hugged him back.

"I love you, dad. I miss you. We'll have to come back for Christmas."

He smiled his crinkled eyed smile. "I'd love that."

I said goodbye to my dad and walked out to the car. Edward started to drive back to his house. "You look happy."

"I am. I had a great day and was surrounded by people I love. I almost don't want to go back."

"I know what you mean. I feel like maybe this is the calm before the storm." I nodded. We sat in silence for the rest of the ride back. We went inside to find Em and Rose in the TV room. I was shocked to see Rose actually playing a video game with him. It was Rockband, and Em invited us to play. I took the microphone because I could never get those stupid guitars down. Rose stayed on the guitar, with Edward playing the bass, and Em playing the drums. We played through several songs by which time I was beet red from all the compliments on my voice. Em and Rose got tired around ten. They were going home tomorrow first thing in the morning. Rose had to be at work in the evening. We were leaving tomorrow after we had lunch with Charlie and Sue. We put a movie in and just snuggled in his room until we both fell asleep.

A/N: Song in the middle of the chapter is Second Chance by Shinedown. One of my favorite bands if I'm being honest. So, a lot of stuff in this chapter. Bella was able to face being in her childhood home again, which was a big deal for her. Also, this chapter shows a lot more of Bella's more playful and happy side. She really needed this time away. Thank you so much for everyone that is reviewing, adding, or even just lurking. I am honored you take the time to read my words. Next chapter they will be back home, and have some more fun before getting back to reality. Til next time. Love you all!