{Chapter One}

I felt my nose twitch as I took in the city air. I am not use to the thick cold polluted air after months of traveling, spending much of my time in the middle of the desert. I looked around quickly letting a smile form on my lips seeing my sister bouncing at the gate for me. I felt my lips twitch watching her and seeing her jumping excitedly as she saw me. I tightened the strap of my bag and picked up my duffel bag taking off to my sister welcoming the tight hug.

"Welcome home Liberty, I missed you so much" Kelly said happily with a bright smile tightly holding me and I pulled back to look at my sister.

"It's good to be back" I said honestly before releasing her "It has been a long few months this time and I am just glad to be back on US soil"

"Well let's not hang around here and get you home as soon as possible. The family is waiting" Kelly said softly looking at me

I could see the sympathetic look her sister gave me as I flinched at the news of going home, no doubt waiting for the drama and being the sole support of my family yet again. I missed my brother's birthday last week and that would not have gone well with my mother, she never understood that I had obligations to my unit.

"Can't wait" I said pushing aside the feeling knowing that this was what everyone expected of me and knew that it was back to reality

I sighed getting into my sister's cougar while she talked excitedly about the updates with the family. I listened closely to the details of the family that got along without me when they didn't want or need anything. I was after all the supporting role in my family was often their personal punching bag except for Kelly.

"Kelly watch out" I shouted looking at the car swerving towards them before hitting them head on.

The last thing I heard was a earth shattering scream before everything went black. Then I was suddenly felt overwhelmed by a weird feeling, almost like I was floating. It was weightless before suddenly feeling heavy. It almost felt like sleep paralysis, that darkness that faded from your mind ever so slowly. I struggle against it as I tried to remember where I was or what had happened.

"Liberty, you are going to be late!" A strangely familiar voice rang through the darkness

I groaned as I finally managed to opened my eyes blinking to clear the fuzziness away from my vision as the world around me seemed to be spinning. I felt like I was compressed or had been thrown off a cliff falling into dark waters. I was confused as hell, and I didn't like it one bit.

"What the hell happened to me?" I said to myself shaking my head gently in a daze

I was definitely not in the hospital. It appeared that I was in a bedroom that was not my own as the door to the room opened causing me to turn in that direction. I paled in recognition and my heart raced in disbelief at the woman standing the door. How the fuck was this possible?

I blinked suddenly recalling the accident and wondered if this was my heaven. It was the only thing that made sense, this woman had died over a decade ago. I sat there just staring at her in complete and total awe. I had to be dead.

"Grandma GG" I whispered softly as she gave me a confused look

"Liberty child, what has gotten into you? You look like you have seen a ghost" she said putting her hands on her hips in a pose that brought back so many fond memories.

"Am I dead?" I whispered touching my chest feeling the heart beating through it, what was going on?

"Did you have the dream about the accident again?" She whispered on my bed touching my face as I was overwhelmed by the warmth, of a living being.

"Accident?" I questioned in confusion blinking slightly "Did Kelly survive? Is that why I am here and she is not?"

"You are not dead, I am sorry for the others. You are not dead" She whispered in concern taking hold of my shoulder with her soft touch "I know that it was hard, but you are going to be okay. You are all healed, and you are going to school. You start your junior year today, Liberty, you already missed the first month. You need to start living again my dear."

I blinked in confusion before nodding not understanding what was happening to me. She looked at me concerned before sighing leaving the room. I could hear her on the phone as I stood finding myself staring at a much young version of myself, the teenage version of myself. How was any of this possible? Was I in a coma and this was just a dream? It felt too real for a dream, honestly it was almost impossible to believe this was a dream. As much as I loved the woman that loved me when no one else did, I never wanted to relive the worse time of my life. Seeing that face of my younger self, haunted me. So what was going on?

I shivered in confusion feeling overwhelmed as my grandmother entered the room. She sighed seeing that I had barely move before setting out an outfit me clearly showing that she was taking command. I would figure this out, but I could feel this daze setting over me. I knew I needed to let it, it would do no good to panic about this until I had all the facts. I swallowed thickly as she turned on me sighing deeply.

"The doctor said that this may be common after your accident and not to worry about it." She explained as I nodded taking a breath to remain calm "You are in Forks; you came here when you woke up from the coma. I know this is going to be a lot to handle but you all were in a car accident on your way back from here and the only one that survived was you. I know that it is hard, but it is a miracle you survived, you have to remember that Liberty" She explained as I continued to look in the mirror

I was in a car accident on my way home from the airport from Tour and suddenly, I was years younger. Is it possible that I am in another world? Did the shock way of the two accidents allow for this to occur? It is possible that this was the only way for me to survive in this world, so my conscience transferred here. I had read some studies that had suggested it was possible. Did that would mean there was no way for me to returned? That I had to live out my life again, although clearly different then the path that my life took, here in Forks.

"Wait, Forks?" I questioned looking at here and she nodded in confirmation "Forks, Washington?"

"Yes dear, I have lived here for a few years now" She stated touching my shoulder "Are you okay?"

"Just a little shaken, I will get ready for school" I said softly kissing her cheek "Thank you for clearing it up, it will just take some time"

I took a breath shaking my head to calm myself wondering if Kelly had survived the car accident. She remembered shielding her sister before it all went black. I knew that this had to be a parallel world, but the question was it the same one that Stephanie Meyer wrote about? She had stated that she had dreams of this world, did I find myself now living in this realm? I really hoped it wasn't true, chances were unlikely honestly. Even so, there was a good chance that I could go by unnoticed despite my knowledge.

I dressed reminding myself that there was a slim possibility of it happening. Yet, I knew that had been the story of my life for a while. I felt something cold on my skin and looked down surprised to find that my dog tags hung around my neck. Tangible proof that I had lived my other life. I knew that I was not in a coma, something told me that I wasn't because of just the senses around me. Something told me I was not dead, because I this would not be my heaven. So, it was highly possible that I was in a world not my own, and the tags were something that reminded me to remain grounded. I grabbed them taking strength from my years of training as a soldier knowing that in time, I would get to the bottom of it.

"Don't forget breakfast" Grandma called out from the kitchen as I walked downstairs

"Thank you" I said softly seeing the first home cooked meal I had in a very long time

Grandma nodded giving me a concerned look as I began eating the eggs. She told me off my schedule and ensured I knew the way to the school. She reminded that her number is in my phone if I need anything or start feeling dizzy. I doubted that I was still injured if this version of myself was anything like I was in my old world. I helped clean the dishes before kissing her cheek before grabbing my bag to head to school.

"Don't forget your keys" My grandmother reminded still looking overly concerned and I knew why, I had an amazing memory

"I have them, have a good day Grandma" I said picking them off the table going outside surprised to find that I had a nice car

"Drive safe Liberty" Grandma called out from the doorway and I smiled at her before departing for the school.

I pulled into the school staring at the sign and took a deep breath looking over the students in the parking lot. I had to exist here until I could find a way to go home and return to my life. I stepped out of the car finding comfort in the cold air that was so sharply contrasted to the heat of the dessert. I grabbed my bag putting it over my shoulder feeling the eyes as me. I saw the colors that confirmed that in this realm I still had my hidden abilities, somehow heightened in warning.

I walked past the students towards the school to find my first class hoping that I would not have to deal with anything. I went into the class glad that there were very few students and found a seat in the back. I could feel the air change in the room and looked up to find someone walk into the class. He turned towards me, and golden eyes clashed with my blue ones. It took everything in me to control my reaction as I looked down at my desk looking at the bracelet.

He had short dark hair and was built like a tank. I could see that playful aura around him, and I just knew without a doubt that this was Emmett. Years of training surged through my mind and allowed me to regain control of my emotions. I had just confirmed that without a doubt that there were Cullens here but that didn't mean they were vampires. Who am I kidding? They are most definitely vampires and now I find myself sitting next to one. I tensed deeply feeling my lungs constrict painfully as another aura entered the room. I fought so hard not to react as it got closer to me.

"Are you okay?" A soft bell like female voice said and I nodded unable to look up fearing passing out from the panic I felt in the moment "It gets better; new schools are hard"

"That's not it, trust me" I whispered before looking up meeting golden eyes and brown short hair in complete shock knowing exactly who was before me and was unable to stop the name escaping my mouth "Alice"

She smiled as if she knew a secret before taking her seat next to Emmett. I wanted to slam my head into the desk at the look of confusion of Emmett's face as well. I wanted to punch myself for losing control and caving into the shock of it. I wanted nothing more than to scream at the top of my lungs at the heavens for the messed-up situation. Had I not done enough in my life? I couldn't even die like a normal person. No, I had to end up in a world with a lot of fictional characters. My life was full of chaos as it was, it seemed it wasn't over yet.

The next few classes I were bombarded by sensing the Cullens or dealing with the students that treated me like a toy. Angela had the second period class with me and distracted me from the panic I felt, barely but enough to survive. I did manage to spend some time to calm myself and wrap my head around my situation by the time that Lunch rolled around. Granted it was being delayed, the acceptance of this situation was far from done. But it was enough that by the time I found myself being dragged by Ben and Angela to their lunch table I was prepared to face this dreaded conversation. Still the closer I was brought to the table, the further away I wanted to be.

"You must be Liberty, I am Jessica" Jess said happily, and I gave a forced smile in return

"Yep" I said forcing myself to remain in the moment and out of my thoughts glancing in the direction they entered knowing better then to ask

"Those are Doctor Cullen's foster kids. They moved here from Alaska a few years ago" Jess explained while I tried not to glare at her, did I ask?

"They tend to keep to themselves" Angela whispered, and I nodded wanting nothing more to be alone right now

"Yes, because they are like all together, like together together. The blonde girl that is Rosalie and big one is Emmett. They are together, I am not even sure if that is legal" Jess said seriously, and I gridded my teeth together harshly to keep my mouth shut from the remark wanting to break free

"Jess they aren't related" Angela said seriously looking at me with a sorry look

"Yes, but they live together, that is weird" Jess said sharply before looking at my sister "The little dark-haired girl is Alice, she is really weird. She is with Jasper, the blonde one that always looks like he is in pain"

I did look at Jasper, he was the character I respected the most. He chooses to fight his nature for love, and I somehow always thought that Jasper was the strongest of the Cullens. He had the ability to feel emotions and it gave him trouble controlling his thirst because he felt his family's as well. I didn't even look at the next one coming through the door because I already knew. It was the most depressing vampire in history, and I knew that if I ever had the chance to change anyone it would be him.

How can you possibly love someone else if you do not love yourself? I cut off my thoughts knowing this was not the place for me to be thinking these things. I had to keep Edward from knowing that I knew exactly who his family were. I wouldn't care one way or another, but it would put my grandmother in danger, and I would rather die than cause her pain once more. I knew one way or another I would not go down easy. No after everything I had been through, not after the hell I had seen and survived.

"That is Edward Cullen, totally gorgeous but apparently, no one here is good enough for him" Jess said with jealously and I bit back a chuckle "like I care. Seriously don't waste your time"

This time I caught the slight smirk on Edward's face at her words and I fought to hold back the dark chuckle that wanted to escape already knowing what was going through his mind at the statement. I shook my head clear knowing that I had to say something. I wasn't one to sit back for long and I couldn't stand her naïve nature.

"My understanding is that you never actually associated with them or more, so they haven't associated with you. I really don't think any of them are weird, they stick with each other. There could be many reasons for that. Jessica, you really should not judge them when you truly don't know them. I want to like you, but I hate rumors and drama more than anything." I said seriously knowing that most of my life people judged me

"I guess you are right, sorry" Jessica said after a moment of surprise and I nodded "So Liberty? That is a unique name"

"My father named me, he was a Navy Seal and thought freedom was the most important thing" I explained with a smile

"That is pretty good, can we put that in the article?" Angela questioned making me recall that

"Um, is there any way to get you not to do the article? I prefer not to be in the center of attention but if you must because I can imagine in this small town the most exciting thing that happens is the change to the cafeteria menu" I said seriously causing Jessica to laugh

"Good one" she said as Angela smiled as Ben snapped a picture as Mike was messing around as if trying to gain my attention

I blinked at the flash feeling stares hard on my back and turning my head slightly as my eyes clashed with gold. After a moment I raised my eyebrow tilting my head to the side as his widened in surprise. I couldn't help but wonder if this look was because he just confirmed he couldn't read my mind. It sure as hell would make my life easier not having to worry about that aspect, maybe the heavens were on my side a little bit.

I turned from the table knowing that the description of the family in the story didn't do them justice. They were all beautiful and just seemed that while their basic descriptions were spot on, they were otherworldly. The normal reaction was to gawk at them, why didn't I? Why was I so abnormal that I could not even show a reaction towards the otherworldly beings?

I would be lying if I denied that Edward was attractive but still, I couldn't bring myself to allow a reaction to him. Edward looked a lot like Robert Patterson, just more bulk to him. It was like if you took Robert Pattison with Zac Efron's boyish charm and mix it with Gerard Butler's bulk, you would get the true Edward. He had a messy brown hair style with flawless pale skin and those deep golden eyes from the book. If I was a normal teenager, I would be swooning over him.

The bell rang, and I breathed a breath of relief. I sighed deeply fighting the urge to growl as Mike came next to me, I let him lead me to class ignoring his flirting. I was not a teenager and somehow having one flirt with me made me feel dirty. It was as I walked into that class that the realization hit me like a train. I didn't have to look to know that I just walked into a class that Edward was in, and it was very likely that he couldn't read my mind. There was no escaping this, no way of going unnoticed by them. The one Cullen I wanted to avoid because I had an inability to keep my mouth shut. I looked at the teacher and knew where I would be sitting.

"Please have a seat next to Mr. Cullen Miss Hayden" he said in direction

I turned noticing the tense poster Edward held causing something to click in my head immediately, why was my life never easy? I knew without a doubt as I took a seat that he was fighting with everything in him not to kill me. How was this possible? I knew that I was not Bella, but he had the same reaction, honestly from the way he was acting it may have been a little worse than that. I knew without a doubt that there was no way I had went unnoticed by Edward, the fates made sure that I would be noticed by him. But why?

I was not mentioned in the story and Bella was not expected to transfer to Forks for a few more months. Even if I transferred before then Edward would have known what Bella was? It is possible that the story that Stephanie Myers dreamed of came from another reality, but why would I end up here? What role could I have possibly played here?

Thankfully, the bell rang before I could make myself sick with my own thoughts and watched as Edward bolted out of the classroom. My whole body relaxed now that the threat to my life was not near me, there was no doubt in my mind that I would have to come up with a defensive tactic and fast. I was never one to lay down and let life beat me, I fought back and always won.

The rest of the day was the same way and because the fates seemed to enjoy fucking with my life, I had a Cullen in all my classes. I hated that I was in this situation and my mind raced with separate possibilities, I couldn't help Edward and keep my secret. My last class with Alice the idea hits me, and I hoped that she would take the bait, I left my jacket on purpose hoping that she would give it to Edward. If he could get use to my scent, then I wouldn't be in danger and his family would have been saddened by him leaving.

I breathed a breath of relief when Alice took the bait and left with my jacket. I prayed that this would work, and that Edward would not feel the need to leave. Esme didn't deserve the pain that her son leaving. I sighed before walking out of the school to my car to head home to speak with my grandmother. I never lied to her, ever. I walked into the house breathing in the scent that filled the house. My stomach growled knowing that my grandmother was cooking and walked into the kitchen.

"Hello dear, how was school?" She questioned as I kissed her cheek in greeting

"It was great, lots of work and met a lot of new people" I said softly moving to the cabinet to get the dishes

"Dinner should be ready shortly" She directed before looking at me sternly "Go complete your homework"

"Yes Ma'am" I said in amusement heading to the living room to complete the work.

I completed the assignments easy and went down to help her complete the meal. I sat at the table taking a breath wondering how in the world I would talk to her about it. I went to bed after doing the dishing feeling completely exhausted wondering if that deep gold light at the accident anything had to do with me being. Was being here in this world the reason the dim abilities seemed so much stronger?

My grandmother worked at the hospital as a nurse, which meant she knew the Cullens as well. I laid there feeling the comfortable clothes and for the first time in alone time felt home. I sighed fingering the dog tags around my neck. I might not be a soldier, but I had a feeling that I was far from over being a fighter. She would still need to be the soldier above all else or something bad could happen. She wished that someone would just need who she truly was, but the always needed the mask she put on for the world to see. Everyone needed and saw Superman; they never saw Clark Kent.

I was an eccentric woman and a stone-cold soldier, two completely different people. The one the world needed and the one I truly was inside. Still, I wasn't sure I could handle this situation. I paced the bedroom knowing that I would be faced with many things. I didn't know what I would or would not be able to do. Still, I was a teenager again, living with my dead grandmother, and going to school with fictional characters from a novel.

I didn't even know where to begin but I knew I had to come up with a form of protection. I had to come up with a way to defend against vampires and shape shifting wolves. I had to act normal if it was even possible for me to act normal. I had to ensure that my grandmother and myself would not become easy targets of anything. I was used to being in danger, I had never known a life without danger in it.

As I paced thinking of everything I knew about a good defense and offense, I realized I knew their strengths and weaknesses. I knew that the vampires speed was something to contend with, but they had a weakness against flame. I would have to find something easy and explosive with flames. The wolves were a little easier, hurt them and they would fall. They heal quickly though so if it came down to killing one, I would need something with a huge impact. I knew in time I could easily find a way; the problem was there was no way to test it.

I knew that the Cullens would not harm me, Carlisle would not allow it. I knew that when I came to the wolves that I could talk to them. Use my knowledge against them if it came down to it. I may be the Mistress of war, but I still wanted peace over battle. I had fought and kill enough to last a thousand lifetimes. I just hoped that I would not make a mistake. I could not afford to make one single mistake in anything that would come.