Chapter 6- The nightmares

Bella's POV

I had awoken after what had been my worst nightmare yet. As he had promised Edward was right by my side. I cried into his chest until he pulled me away. I could see the worry and pain in his eyes as I looked up at his face. Edward urged me to tell him what was wrong, but I didn't want to. He then asked me whether it was him that had scared me. I quickly answered by shaking my head. When I saw him let out a sigh, it made me laugh I knew he was joking, so I made him promise not to laugh or get angry if I told him. Of course he agreed to listen. I was just being stupid. I let Edward pull me closer and then started to retell my nightmare.

"I was in the clearing and it was night, Mike was there and he was attacking me. I thought I was going to die. B-but then you turned up, and you were different. Stronger, angry I could tell by the way your mouth was pulled back and the way your fists shook as they were clenched. I watched you attack the other men, but I wasn't scared I knew it was to save me. But then Mike was in front of me again. He put his mouth to my face and whispered in my ear. H-he said "he would never go away as long as I was still alive and that I was his" then he must have stabbed me, everything went blurry. I saw you come to me, I felt you next to me and then you were gone. You were stood holding Mike, at first it was as though you were kissing him but when I looked properly I could see the terror on Mikes face and realised you were biting him. Everything went dark again. Normally I wake up, but today the nightmare carried on Mike got up from the floor and started coming towards me again. I tried to run but I couldn't he just kept coming at me, he kept trying to bite me, all I could see was his face and then I woke up"

I finished telling Edward. He tried to comfort me but I was crying again. "I'm sorry I didn't listen to you, before when you warned me about Mike" I sobbed. "it's not your fault, I understand the only one who did anything wrong was Mike and I never anticipated how dangerous he was" Edward said holding me tighter. "what are we going to do about Mike?" I asked suddenly curious. Edward sighed deeply "The school and his family has noticed he's missing but they don't know he was with you. I am almost certain he will never be seen again." Edward explained. "What do you mean almost certain, you killed him, didn't you?" I stammered confused. "Well I thought you were going to die so I never finished killing him, I saved you instead. When I left Mike he was still just alive, my venom may have spread turning him into a vampire. I sent Jasper and Emmet off to finish him off when I got back, but they couldn't find him. The only way Mike could have moved was if someone helped him, he would have been in too much pain." Edward said pinching his nose.

"So Mike still out there, and a vampire" I gulped. "Maybe, I think another vampire must have been in the area. It's the only way, no one else would have been able to touch him, and if he was still in the area we would have heard of killings on the news by now. He must have been taken by another vampire, who may have finished him off or kept him, to be part of their coven. Jasper and Emmet didn't pick up another sent anywhere near though, so at least he's far away. I promise he will never hurt you again, no one will" Edward said holding my head between his hands.

It was at that moment I realised truly how much I loved Edward. I had always known I loved him and couldn't live without him, but now everything seemed so much more real. He would never leave me again. Our life together was only beginning, and I knew that right now I couldn't be happier. We could worry about Mike later if we ever needed to. All that mattered now was that we were together. I pushed my head to his and let my lips touch his. However this time I didn't move, we just held our positions, until I needed to breathe again and pulled away. Edward smiled and let me get out of the bed. He helped me up and escorted me downstairs. I was stiff from all the laying down and wide awake. Edward laughed as I stretched, and before I could make a remark he lifted me onto his back and jumped through one of the open windows. I had to fight back the scream trapped in my throat. We were travelling so fast and I was afraid of hitting the trees that flew past with every half second.

Finally Edward slowed down and let me off his back. It took a while for me to focus in on my surroundings. But when I looked I could see the most beautiful meadow I had ever seen. It was a circular clearing in the forest, covered in thick grass and small blue flowers. It was beautiful. Edward sat me down next to him. At first we were quiet, then we started talking, about everything. I was so engrossed in Edward and the conversation. I didn't notice the sky getting darker. It was only when Edward got up that I realised the moon was now shining in the sky. "We better get back, the others will be waiting for us, Carlisle is probably already annoyed at me for wearing you out today" he joked pulling me back onto his back. This time I braced myself for the speed and closed my eyes.

When I opened them again we were back at the Cullens house, stood at the door was Alice and Carlisle both ushering us inside. Alice looking relieved and Carlisle concerned. I jumped down from Edwards back and followed the others inside. They went into the living room, where all the other Cullen's were sat, waiting. Edward pulled me on his lap and Alice sat down with Jasper. Only Carlisle stayed standing. I felt Edward's arms tense and looked up at his face. He looked slightly afraid, and sat staring straight at Carlisle. What had happened? What was Carlisle going to say? I gripped Edward's hand and waited for the news, that I was sure Carlisle was going to deliver.

Edwards Pov

I knew immediately something was wrong. Alice was trying not to think, instead she was reciting numbers in French, and Carlisle was trying to usher us inside quickly. I listened carefully to Carlisle's thoughts as I sat down in the living room where the others were waiting. Carlisle thoughts were rushed, panicked which was unlike him, normally he was calm even in the most serious situations. I waited for Carlisle to talk but before he opened his mouth, suddenly I heard. It's Mike, Alice saw him returning to Forks, with someone else, another vampire, he was searching for someone desperately. I'm worried, I don't want to panic Bella, she's already been through so much, but she has a right to know. My whole body tensed as I heard what Carlisle was thinking. Bella was in danger, because of me… again. I realised Bella had noticed me increase the hold I had on her, as she turned to look at my expression. I gave Carlisle a small nod in silent agreement, and waited for him to break the news.

Carlisle and Alice explained everything, Bella tried to hide how scared she was, but I could see through the front she had put on for the others. I noticed the way her fingers gripped harder around my arm, and the way she started to fidget frequently, I could see the way she gulped silently as Alice told what she had seen. Bella was quietly terrified. I told Bella that we would sort this out, that there was nothing to worry about, but deep down I was slightly nervous too. What if everything wasn't ok, what if like Carlisle thought, that this other vampire was dangerous, experienced, had a special skill we weren't prepared for? But like Esme said we would outnumber Mike 7-2. We had to stay positive and find out as much as we could.

I promised Bella I would never leave her side unless it was absolutely necessary, or for her own safety. I didn't care about anything other than keeping Bella away from that monster, who had already caused her so much pain. That night I stayed with her and only left momentarily to discuss things with Carlisle. Carlisle said that Bella would be safe to go home tomorrow and return to school, she would be safe there where we were always around to help. We also talked about how to deal with Mike. Jasper had earlier suggested we find him first, before he reaches Forks. But Esme thought we should wait for them to arrive first. She didn't think it was right to go looking for the fight. But truthfully I didn't know what to do, I couldn't think straight, all I could think about was Bella. My beautiful Bella who was now scared stiff about the future. Only a few hours ago we had been happy, with little worries at all. Things changed so quickly from good to bad. Tomorrow we would definatly have to make some decisions.

Bella's POV

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Nothing was ever simple, especially throughout the last year, it was just one thing after another. I finally had my Edward back and now I was being hunted down by one angry vampire and his newly acquired accomplice. I tried to hide how petrified I was, I knew it would hurt Edward to see me in such a state. But I was sure Edward could still see through the act I was putting on. Edward took me upstairs to bed after a while. I would need my strength for tomorrow, so that Charlie would be convinced I was ok and nothing had happened. However how I looked wasn't what worried me. It was the fact that I hadn't gone a night since the attack without having the awful nightmare that always left me screaming. Something told me that Charlie would be more than slightly panicked when I started shouting the house down in my sleep every night. But all that could wait till tomorrow, right now all I wanted to do was close my eyes.

Edward stayed with me as I slept. I was aware of him slipping out half way through the night as I was no longer cold. But without his stone cool touch I felt alone, scared, not able to control my feelings anymore. Tears rolled down my cheeks, and my breathing quickened. Terror washed over me, but before I could completely lose it I felt Edward's stone cold arms wrap back tightly around me. "Every things going to be ok Bella, I promise I won't let Mike touch you" he said close into my ear. Before long I was asleep again and I wasn't aware of Edward leaving my side for a second time. He was still in the same position when I awoke in the morning.

There was so much I would have to face today. First school, then Charlie and whatever else life decided to throw at me. I moaned as Edward woke me up and made me get ready, I didn't want to go back to school and face everyone. There would be so many questions and then everyone talking about Mike, when it was only me and the Cullen's who truly knew what had happened to him. I made myself get out of bed and eat breakfast. Carlisle had already left for work, but I thanked Esme for everything before leaving with Edward and the others in their shiny Volvo.

When we arrived in the parking lot, it was as though nothing had changed, I braced myself for the stares I would receive when I got out of the Cullen car, side by side with Edward, one thing was for sure today wasn't going to be pleasant. (Too much attention and too many questions that I didn't want to answer.) Edward saw my deep sigh and pulled me into his arms, before kissing my forehead. "Everything is going to be ok, just keep to the story, and everything will be alright, I'll be by your side all the way Bella". Edward opened the car door and quickly made his way around my side to let me out. We walked into the school, and I was suddenly aware of the many eyes following us, whispering. Edward squeezed my hand tightly and whispered in my ear. "Don't worry , just ignore them, they'll get over us soon enough". I couldn't help but smile at this, it was true the gossip changed and travelled fast in Forks.

I made my way to Biology with Edward and we sat in our usual seats. Every single pair of eyes in the classroom sat watching us. I just bowed my head towards the table letting my hair fall across my face. I hated the attention. But gradually as the lesson wore on the heads started to turn back toward the front of the class. I couldn't help but notice Mike's empty seat when I felt safe enough to lift my head back up. I cringed and turned back to face Edward who gave me an encouraging glance and squeezed my hand tighter underneath the table. A small tear rolled down my cheek which I hurriedly wiped away with my free sleeve.

The bell rang for lunch and everyone packed away there stuff and left for the canteen. Break. Even more eyes were heading our way. As Edward and I entered the canteen, a sea of heads turned to look. Edward pulled me towards the Cullen table and sat me next to him. Before long most people went back to eating and chatting with their friends. At first watched Edward and a couple of times I swore I heard him let out a small growl. People must be making comments about us, I managed to conclude. I placed my hand on his knee to calm him. I ate my salad that Alice had already brought to the table for me and when I had finished I started to scan the room. Before long I noticed Jessica, Angela, Ben and Eric also accompanied by Lauren sitting at their usual table (the place I used to sit was empty along with Mikes vacant chair).

I was aware that both Jess and Lauren were staring this way, but I could not take my gaze from them. Jessica looked unhappy and almost upset. I had forgotten that her and Mike were sort of close, if only she knew what he was truly like, or did she? I winced and then looked again at Lauren who was staring straight at me, her angry eyes boring into mine, There was utter dislike in her face and to be honest the feeling was mutual.

Angela sat side on from the Cullen table and she paid no attention to us, until Lauren obviously made a comment, to which Angela shook her head looked up and smiled at me. I managed a smile back before turning towards Edward again. I had always liked Angela, she was someone who seemed to understand how I was feeling and what I wanted. If I needed quiet time she wouldn't pressure me to talk. I hoped I would get a chance to speak with her in Spanish next. But Jess was also in that lesson and I was pretty sure she would want to know everything. Why I had been away so long? Why I had turned up with Edward Cullen? And What I knew about Mikes disappearance? I was sure if I said I didn't know anything she would fill me in herself, and that was my plan 'all I know is that he disappeared one night and hasn't come back'. The bell rang for class and I made my way to the language rooms. I was one of the last to enter the room and took my seat in between Angela and Jessica.

Edward's POV

I knew today was going to be difficult for Bella, and all I could do was try my best to help her through it. Maybe going back to both school and Charlie in one day was too much for her. I wasn't sure, but perhaps the sooner it happened the better. Once everything was out of the way we could start getting back to normal (as much as possible) and then focus on keeping Bella safe. Alice was keeping an eye out for any new information, while Emmet and Jasper went over different tactics and plans for us to consider, when we needed to. Mike had caused so much pain and had made everything so much more difficult than it should have been for Bella and I.

I made sure I got Bella to school on time and I tried to comfort her as we got out of the car. I could tell Bella was aware of the many eyes staring at us, and I could see it made her uncomfortable. So I took her inside quickly and offered words of support. In Biology Bella had sat with her head down so I had held her hand underneath the table. I was beyond caring whether anyone noticed or not. All that mattered now was that Bella was ok. I caught her looking over at Mike Newton's empty table and I saw her wipe away a couple of tears and clutch at the scar on her body.

I couldn't help but imagine if it was Bella's empty seat and not Mikes, how this picture would be so different. If I hadn't got to Bella in time, it would have been me grieving next to Bella's vacant seat with Mike sat across the room sneering at me. It made me so angry, how much Mike had hurt Bella, she shouldn't have to feel scared, why couldn't I have just finished him off properly when I had the chance? Or even better not let it get that far in the first place and protected her from the start? I squeezed Bella's hand even tighter and watched her as she looked deep into my eyes.

Break was just as bad, even more pairs of eyes. It didn't help that I could hear every comment they made and every thought that came into their heads. What's Cullen doing with that freak? God Bella looks a mess, and since when has she started hanging around with Cullen by the looks of it, it hasn't done her any favours. What, she blew me off for Cullen, Mike's gonna be gutted that Cullen got their first, that's if he ever comes back. I hated the way they said Cullen like I wasn't a real person, but worse than that I hated the way they thought of Bella. Some of their comments dirty, some rude and some just down right disrespectful. I had to hold my breath to stop the low growls in my throat escaping. How could people think of someone this way when they had done nothing wrong, how could people think of Bella like this, my Bella who had already been through so much. This was the last thing she needed right now and I was glad she couldn't hear what I could.

I watched Bella as she scanned the cafeteria and focused her eyes on Jessica Stanley, Lauren, and Angela. I saw the guilt and awkwardness flash across Bella's face as she made eye contact with Jess. I knew Bella found it difficult and felt responsible for Jess's sadness, but she shouldn't. If anything the terrible thing that had happened to Bella had saved the Stanley girl from an unwanted future. I wanted to kill Lauren as she glowered at Bella. It was just jealousy, Lauren didn't like the fact that all the boys had fancied her when she first arrived in Forks, and she liked her even less now she was hanging out with me. Lauren was just shallow and I was happy to see Bella's resentment flash across her face towards her. It was nice to see that Bella felt the same way about Lauren as me.

Finally I saw Bella turn to look at Angela. A small smile spread across Bella's face, something I was all to happy to see. I knew Bella liked Angela and so did I, she never had a bad word or thought to say about anyone. She was a good friend for Bella to have and I let out a small chuckle when I saw her roll her eyes at Lauren. It was nice to know Bella had another friend who would look out for her, (who was human). This made me feel more comfortable leaving Bella alone for her next lesson as I knew she shared it with Angela and Jessica, and I was sure Angela would help save Bella from any of Jess's awkward questions.

I kissed Bella on the forehead goodbye and promised to meet her outside her classroom as soon as the lesson was over. I watched her walk away and then made my way to my next lesson. I wouldn't be paying attention to the teacher though, instead I would be listening to Jessica and Angela's thoughts to make sure Bella was ok. This way I would be able to go and rescue Bella if she needed me, just by asking to go to the school nurse (I had a way with words that the teachers just couldn't object to). But hopefully it wouldn't come to that. Bella wouldn't like me listening in on her conversation but it was only a one off and it was to help her. I sat down in my seat and braced myself for the lesson ahead.