Author Notes: Sorry for the short chapter this time. Next chapter will be better, promise.

Chapter Nine

"NO! NOOO!" Bella screamed in her sleep, tossing, and kicking off the covers. Nightmares back, her parents being ripped to shreds. Only this time it wasn't her biological parents. It was Carlisle and Esme. "Daddy! Mommy!" Her dream held her captive, her mind unable to wake up from the horrible images that danced through her head.

Everything felt real. The emotions, the smells, the sounds and sights. It all felt real. Her heart raced, breath quickening, almost causing her to gasp for air as her dream self took an unconscious step back. Her dream self was older - a teenager. A man, pale skinned, blood-red eyes, visible and invisible scars covered his body, came towards her. Hand reaching out to grab her. She stepped back, looking past him and at the fallen bodies of her parents. She saw more bodies - her brothers and sisters.

Her breathing became labored, coming out in short gasps, unable to draw in the air she desperately needed in order to survive. Her family, dead. Gone. She was an orphan once again. But it wouldn't last long as she dropped to her knees, unable to move, frozen in fear. The man rushed towards her and snapped her neck.

Her eyes snapped opened and she screamed, hands going to her neck. She looked around wildly and her eyes landed on Carlisle. Her eyes came into focus and she launched herself on her father and buried her small face, crying. He held her close, rubbing her back soothingly.

It was still dark out, 3 in the morning. Carlisle knew she had to back to sleep. She had a busy day ahead of her. "S…stay with me daddy." She murmured. Carlisle covered her up on her bed and laid beside her on top of the blankets. Bella snuggled as close as possible.

"Want to talk about it, sweetheart?" He asked, looking at his young daughter. Bella shook her head fervently. There was no way in hell would she tell him of her latest nightmare. "Alright then. I'll stay with you until morning." He promised and Bella relaxed and he could hear her heartbeat go back to the normal, steady rhythm it should be at.

Edward, can you bring me my book on my desk in the office please? He thought and Edward appeared at Bella's door a few seconds later. He tip-toed in and handed Carlisle the book. Promised her I would stay until morning. Need something to do. Did you get anything from her? Edward shook his head. He had to be in the same room as Bella to pick up the images from her dreams. Did Jasper feel anything? Edward nodded. Why are you silent? Did you get jinxed into silence again? Edward nodded and Carlisle shook his head. Talk to me later? Edward nodded and left, no doubt trying to get someone to say his name to un-jinx him.

Last time it took three days to un-jinx him when a teacher called on him. He was never so grateful in his life to answer a question of a teacher.

Carlisle settled in and read his book, a medical mystery book about weird and unexplainable illnesses people have. It was all very fascinating to him. A doctor at the hospital in Forks recommended the book. He went out and bought it immediately and fully immersed himself in it.

The next afternoon and Bella forgot all about her nightmare and bad night as she sat in the living room, surrounded by presents and a small cake. She didn't know what she wanted first. Presents or cake. Presents or cake. Presents or cake. She repeated that in her head over and over trying to decide and she started to crouch down like a lion ready to strike it's prey. Her mind made up, she was going for the sweet stuff first. She eyed it and her mouth watered. She fought the grin trying to go on her face as her family watched her.

Bella pounce from her spot over to the cake, eyeing it. "Yum! Cake!" She said suddenly, and happily. "Now." She demanded and looked at her family. They laughed and allowed her a piece of cake. And never in their lives have they seen a child eat a piece of cake so fast that she had to guzzle down a glass of milk to wash it down.

"Alright-y, Miss. Hyper one!" Emmett said, "Present time." He picked her up and sat her on his lap as Jasper handed her the first present.

She took it and ripped the wrapping off and grinning. It was Ken, the male Barbie doll dressed up in a homemade Confederate uniform. Everyone laughed and Jasper ducked his head down, to hide his imaginary blush. She unwrapped Edward's present. A CD of his composers, including one just for her. He even made a cover and back with the songs.

Bella continued to unwrap presents for a while. From Rosalie and Alice she got stuffed animals and clothes and a new pair of sneakers Bella was eyeing a few weeks ago on one of their outings. Esme got her a child appropriate cookbook and a gift card for Target to pick out whatever she wanted. Carlisle got her an All About Your Body book for kids and a play doctor set. Emmett got her a jeep. You know the type for kids to drive. He also got her a Build-A-Bear gift card. She gave everyone a hug and said thank you.

"Edward, play this please."

Edward dropped to his knees and held his arms up to the high heavens. "YES! I CAN TALK AGAIN!" He jumped up and put the CD on. Bella giggled.

"He's so funny." She declared.

To Be Continued

Notes: I know I said there would be a few days in between this chapter and the last, but I got started on this last night and couldn't stop until I was literally falling asleep. The things I do to please you readers. Review please.