A/N – sorry that this didn't get up yesterday I completely ran out of time thanks to work, son's Christmas play and then my works Christmas party! A nice light chapter before we head back to Pittsburgh and thank you to everyone who recommended some books to me on the chit chat forum I have used a few in this chapter!

Chapter 18 – Books

Three weeks later, Saturday afternoon

Emily had a hold of Kate's hand as they walked into the store, in 24 hours they were flying up to Pittsburgh and Emily wanted to make the afternoon as pleasant as possible for her daughter.

"So are you sure that this is where you want to go to first?"

Emily looked down at Kate as they stood to one side in the large bookstore.

"Yes mom! I want to get some new books to take with me, if that's ok?"

"Of course, what are you interested in? It's a long time since I was 9 years old and we were living in Europe at the time but I remember a few of the classics."

Kate smiled as she squeezed Emily's hand and led her through to the large children's area, the floor to ceiling bookcases causing the girl's mouth to drop open with amazement.

"This is wonderful, look at them all!"

"I knew you liked to read Kate but I didn't realise how much you loved books!"

Emily laughed slightly as she looked at the enthusiasm on Kate's face as they walked over to one of the bookcases and Kate looked up at Emily.

"My mom always used to read to me before I went to bed, even after I learnt to read myself, she made sure that I had a bookcase beside my bed that was chock full of books."

Kate turned away from Emily as she finished, reaching up her fingers lingered on the spine of one of the books.

"She sounded like a wonderful person, so how about we set about re-creating that bookcase?"

Emily smiled as she looked at Kate, she knew that everything physical Kate had had burnt in the fire that had killed her parent's, she could tell that this was a happy memory for Kate and with all that they were heading into Emily wanted to ensure that Kate had as many of those as possible.

"These look good, Lauren was telling me about them at school the other day."

Kate reached up and grabbed the book off the shelf and held it out to show Emily.

"Ramona Quimby, Aged 8...sounds good, how about we get this and another one?"

Emily grinned as she reached up and picked up another book by the same author before she turned her head and walked along slightly until she bent down to reach the lower bookcase.

"But I also must insist that we get some classics that I know!"

Kate eagerly sat down on the floor next to Emily, the two books clasped tight in her hand as she looked at the two books that Emily had pulled off the shelf.

"Charlotte's Web and Black Beauty."

"Yes, at least when I read these to you I'll know some of the story! Now come on there's still a few more things that we need to get before tomorrow."

Kate leant across and embraced Emily before they stood up.

"Thank you mom!"

"You welcome munchkin, so how about now we go and get those clothes?"

Kate nodded as she clutched the four books to her chest, looking forward to losing herself in the story and taking her mind from the hell she was about to encounter when she returned to Pittsburgh.

Emily walked over to the sofa where Kate had curled up, supposedly watching the television but her eyes told a different story as they were cast towards the window. Crouching down on the floor Emily broke Kate's line of vision and smiled at the tired young girl.

"So you didn't eat much dinner, are you feeling ok?"

"I'm fine, just..."

Emily nodded, she knew how Kate felt as she too had forced the food down only trying to encourage the young girl to eat.

"Well everything is packed now."

Kate nodded as she sat up and allowed Emily to sit down next to her, Emily reached across and picked up the remote as she turned the television off, not that Kate minded as neither of them was watching it. Instead Emily moved closer and placed her arm around Kate's back as they both looked out of the window.

"Thanks for today mom."

"You're welcome Kate, it's been good for both of us. You know that I am going to be right there with you every step of the way?"

"I know and I'm there for you too mom."

Emily nodded as she closed her eyes but as she was greeted by visions from the cabin she quickly opened them once again.

"Thanks sweetie, why do I have a feeling that this is going to be a long night?"

Emily forced a smile as she brushed Kate's hair away from the girl's face.

"Could you read to me?"

Kate looked up at Emily who instantly nodded her head.

"Where are your new books?"

"Upstairs beside my bed, ready to put in my bag in the morning."

"Ok your choice."

Emily stood up and held out her hand, wrapping her fingers tight around Kate's smaller hand as they walked up the stairs and into Kate's bedroom.

Emily lay down on the bed and waited as Kate contemplated which book she wanted Emily to read, finally the young girl decided and grinned as she laid down on the bed with her head resting on Emily's shoulder.

"Oh so you decided upon Black Beauty?"

"Yes I thought that you'd like it too."

"Come on then, are you comfortable?"

Kate nodded as Emily opened the book and began to read, knowing that she didn't want to fall asleep and face the nightmares that were certain to arrive but at least she wasn't alone.