{Chapter}
~Liberty Point of View~
I blinked opened my eyes flinching slightly at the brightness of the room. I yawned as I sat up looking around in confusion. I didn't recognize this room right away and I couldn't help but wonder where I was. The last thing I remembered was Edward running through the woods. As I glanced around, I took notice of that enormous collection of music in the room along the walls. I had to be in the Cullen's house.
"Good morning, Liberty" Edward's voice said causing me to turn slightly to seeing him smiling at me from the window.
"Morning, Edward" I mumbled standing a stretching taking notice that sleeping on a couch explained the soreness I was feeling "Where am I?"
"You are in my room; I trust that is okay with you? You had fallen asleep on the way back and I didn't wish to wake you up. Alice reached out to Virginia to notify her that you would be staying with us last night" He explained as I nodded in understanding yawning slightly again.
"That is fine with me, thank you for reaching out to her. What time is it?" I questioned noticing that it was bright, too bright it to be the normal time I wake up.
"Around ten in the morning" He stated as I blinked at the information, it has been years since I have slept in this late.
"I guess I was more tired than I thought last night" I said a little amused knowing that now that meant that I couldn't take a morning run.
"Esme has made breakfast for you" Edward sheepishly offered, he was obvious in one of the awkward nervous moods he gets in.
"Esme really did not need to do that for me. I can just go home and eat." I stated softly still unuse having others take care of me, Virginia was a little much to deal with most times.
"I can assure that she enjoys doing so, attempting to stop her from cooking for you would be impossible. Besides, none of us expect you to leave so soon. Alice has already made it clear that she wants to spend time with you today" He explained as I chuckled knowingly.
"I am guessing that she is just a little offending that I spent yesterday alone with you and denied her alone time?" I stated in amusement as he shrugged smirking at me.
"I am sure you are already aware of it, but there is no use arguing with her" He joked holding out his hand as I tensed feeling him take my hand.
"True" I mumbled trying to relax under the feeling of him holding my hand as he led me downstairs.
I knew that Edward was born in a certain age where actions like hand holding was a gentleman thing to do. I also was well aware that Edward wasn't going to hurt me. I knew that as well as I knew I would never harm him. I thought that it was that reason that caused me to be more nervous from the feeling of comfort rather than from fear.
I have spent most of my life hating to be touched in any way. I spent years suffering from the pain that others could cause with their touch. The years of abuse had instilled a deep-rooted fear that was impossible to fight even years later. I had spent a long time coming to terms with what I had suffered as a child. I was not naïve; I knew without a doubt that it would never fully go away. I would always be mistrustful of strangers and people that I didn't know. Still, I could not understand why Edward's touch caused butterflies in the pit of my stomach against my will. It was a nauseating feeling that wanted to dive out a plane.
"Good morning" Alice cheerfully as she appears out of thin air in front of me.
Alice grabbed me before I could stop her in a hug that had me tensing once more. I knew that I could also trust Alice. Despite being highly unuse to being touched like this, Alice had a strangely comforting presence. While she didn't cause the same feeling of butterflies that Edward's touch did, it still felt strange. I knew that I had to get use to the feeling and action of her hugging me. There was no stopping this vampire from showing affection. Alice liked to show that she cared through physical connection and in over-the-top ways that could not be restrained. But she squeezed a little too tight causing me to wince.
"Alice" Edward's voice growled pulling her off of me allowing me to relax.
Edward quickly turns from her looking me over for any signs of injury. I knew that Edward worried about the human element versus the vampire strength. I could already feel those powers rising to heal the bruises she had caused with her strength. I felt his hand on my face as my eyes widened in surprise at the action.
"Are you okay?" He questioned clearly pained over the thought of me being harmed and it pull at my own heart.
"Yeah, my powers are taking care of it. They seem to automatically respond, I am sure in time I will be able to prevent it all together" I explained honestly causing him to give me a pained smile, no doubt guilty over not pulling her off quick enough to prevent the harm.
"I am so sorry" Alice said looking like a kicked puppy.
"Alice, I promise that it is okay. I know that you could not control it. Just be a little more careful next time you hug me; I know better than to tell you not to" I explained pausing to look at my hand as Edward took it again.
"Are you sure that you are, okay?" He asked softly as I smiled at him hoping it was reassuring.
"Yeah, I am okay. I promise that I am not as breakable as you would think" I said honestly knowing that it was an innocent accident, I had been harmed by worse intentions before.
"Esme's done cooking" Alice said happily as Edward shook his head leading me downstairs as I tiredly followed.
"Good morning, Liberty, how did you sleep?" Esme questioned with the brightest smile I had ever seen
The sight made my heart arch as memories of my own mother's threatened to surge. I closed my eyes taking a breath pushing back the emotions as quickly as I could. There was always a part of me that wanted a mother that looked at me like that. I wondered if the Cullen's knew how lucky they were to have Esme as a mother figure in their life.
"Good morning, Esme! I slept fairly good considering the couch" I said in amusement as she hummed a happy sound of agreement
"I made pancakes for you; I hope these are okay" She said softly setting a plate that was full of food in front of me "I can't tell if I made them right"
"Thank you, Esme. I am sure they are perfect" I said looking at the pancakes as she looked at me expectantly causing me to take a bite
"They are really good Esme" I provided honestly at the sweet taste as she beamed at me "I don't suppose that you have coffee among the things you don't actually eat?"
"Oh, I think we do" Esme said turning to the cabinet as I moved to stand to help her
"Eat" Edward said placing a hand on my arm to stop me "Esme takes joy from caring for others, she wants to take care of you"
I shallowed at the information forcing myself to nod in understanding. I took a bit watching as she seemed to buzz around the kitchen with the same happiness that Alice had when it came to shopping. I knew that she suffered a loss in her human life that was one of the worse a woman could suffer. I wondered by it was her that had to go through that. I never understand why good people loss children while those that don't seem to care get them to begin with. Esme deserved children more than my own mother had for sure.
"Here you go" Esme said setting a cup in front of me with cream and sugar.
"Thank you" I said offering my thanks.
I chuckled at the pride in her eyes as I poured a little cream into the cup. I took notice of Edward watching me closely as I added a spoon of sugar as well. I breathed in the scent of the coffee before taking a sip. I closed my eyes letting out a happy hum. I always enjoyed coffee more than most things in this world, it was an addiction honestly.
"Good?" Esme questioned as I opened my eyes nodding "I never understood why Coffee was such an important thing"
"I hated it when I was younger" I said honestly glancing when I notice Edward leaned forward slightly "It is more for the feeling I get, the comfort I get from it honestly. I started drinking it on my first tour, it helped keep me alert. But I fell in love with the taste of it like this"
"Is coffee your favorite drink?" Edward questioned as I shook my head.
"Sun tea is" I stated as he looked confused "It is just like iced tea, but it is steeped in a glass container in the sun. My grandmother used to make it, so I kind of grew up with it being my favorite drink as well"
"Oh, I have to try making that" Esme said causing me to smile at her in amusement.
"You really don't have to, Esme" I said softly "I can take care of myself"
"You shouldn't have to" She said like it was the simplest thing in the entire world.
The statement though was something I had never been told before. My world spun from the simple statement; I shouldn't have to take care of myself by myself. I took a breath blinking away the tears looking down at the food. I forced myself to take a bite knowing there was no way I could respond to that. I knew that I hadn't ever truly had someone take care of me, even when I was able to depend on those few people throughout my life. It tore at me more than I was willing to admit.
Esme moved around cleaning up at a much slower pace that I expect while I ate. I imagined that she found comfort in an action she couldn't do for her own children. I continued to observe her while Edward seemed content to sit next to me watching me as I ate slowly. It was a lot of food and I had to force myself to finish as much of it that I could. I would have to warn Esme about my strange eating habits if she were going to insist on cooking for me, I didn't need so much food.
"Are you done my dear?" Esme questioned as I sighed leaning back with a nod before I could blink the plate had disappeared from in front of me.
"I could have done that Esme" I said honestly not use to anyone doing anything for me.
"Don't be silly, dear it is no trouble at all for me" She stated waving me off.
"Thank you, Esme" I whispered knowing that I couldn't argue with her about it.
"I was thinking that we could go to Seattle today" Alice said appearing next to me
"That is okay with me, there are a few things that I would love to see there. Including the Benaroya Hall, I hear that place is amazing" I explained a little excited as she rolled her eyes at me
"We are not going there. I am sure you will be able to go there another time. I was thinking that we could get our hair and nails done. No offense, but you need it. I guess I could settle for seeing that space needle as well if you wanted to go site seeing" Alice explained as I sighed knowing I couldn't argue with her either.
"It is fine, I will make another trip to go site seeing" I stated as Edward squeezed my hand gently gaining my attention.
"If you make a this, I will ensure that you get to see everything you wish to see in the city" He vowed as I shallowed knowing that he meant that.
"Thank you" I said giving him a grateful smile before looking at Alice "I am guessing that you are driving, or am I?"
"I will drive, mainly because they will worry too much if it was you driving there" Alice stated giving Jasper and Edward a pointed look.
"You are aware that I can drive at top speed through war zones, right?" I questioned raising my eyebrow as Alice giggled at the Edward frowning at my statement "Fine, we will take Alice's car"
"You cannot fault me for worrying about your safety" Edward whispered to me making me sigh
"There is no arguing with you either" I said rolling my eyes turning to Alice "Let's go, but we need to at least stop at a coffee place there. Seattle is the Coffee Capital after all"
"Of course, I know better than to deny your coffee addiction" Alice stated with a chuckle as I waved goodbye to Jasper reaching to squeeze Edward's hand.
"I will see you later, try not to worry to much" I said as he seemed to sigh at my statement.
"Have fun with Alice" He whispered getting a fond look on his face "I will see you later"
"Come on! Edward, you will see her later. It is my Liberty time!" Alice shouted from the front door causing me to laugh in amusement as I walked away from Edward.
~Time Lapse
I was in a really good mood. I was relaxed sipping on one of the most delicious, iced Carmel latte's I have ever had the pleasure of drinking. This was the reason that I hadn't so much as glared at Alice for bringing me to a place like this. I could tell this place was not a salon, it was a spa. This wasn't just any type of spa either, it was an expensive place that famous people would go to in order to relax.
"So, do they actually cut hair here or was that just to get me out of the house?" I questioned taking another sip of my coffee.
"The salon is going to be after" Alice said happily "We are going to get facials and a mud bath here"
"No messages, right?" I whispered out worried at the thought of a stranger touching me
"No, Edward would kill me" She stated in amusement as I raised my eyebrow "I have a feeling that you would as well"
"Miss" One the woman said coming over to us "I apologize for the inconvenience, but outside drinks are not permitted here"
"Fix this" I growled at Alice holding my coffee closer, it was my happy place
"Here, this should compensate for her being allowed her coffee" Alice wisely stated handing the woman money not letting me see the amount.
"Very well" Stacy, according to her tag, said putting the money in her pocket "If you follow me, I will lead you to the chamber to change into robes for the bathing chamber"
Alice clapped in excitement as I followed her to the room. I wasn't big on the abuse of power or using money to get my way. However, I knew this place would test my patience. So, it regards to being able to finish my coffee it was worth it. Although, seeing how happy Alice was to be doing this, I imagine that I would have been okay either way.
~Time Lapse
~Alice Point of View~
I couldn't contain my happiness as I drove back to Forks. I was able to spend the day with my best friend and didn't harm her. She was uncomfortable at the spa but settled down enough to even laugh with me. She looked beautiful with her new layers and even allowed her nails to be painted a dark purple. I knew that she had agreed for my benefit. She was my best friend and I loved her already, I couldn't wait for the day I could call her my sister.
"Hey, Alice" She said drawing my attention "Thank you for today, I know that it wasn't really my thing, but I really enjoyed hanging out with you today"
"You make me happy" I stated before I could stop myself as she smiled in amusement "I wanted a best friend for a really long time. I wanted to be able to have girls' days and hang out with someone for as long as I could remember. I wanted something that would understand me and not judge me. I know that I can be hard to handle and with my visions it is hard for the others to actually be my friend instead of just my family. I am really glad that you are here and that you are my best friend. I just hope that one day that I am your best friend as well."
"You are" She replied with a smile as I smiled brightly at her beyond happy at the statement "I didn't have a lot of friends growing up. I haven't been close to a lot of people in my life. I have only really had one other best friend and I don't think he would mind you also being a best friend. In fact, I think he would consider you to be just want I need"
"What do you mean?" I asked her confused as she chuckled lightly.
"I tend to forget to live in the moment, I have been that way for an exceptionally long time. I think that while you need me in ways, that I need you to remind me to live a little. I trust you, Alice. That is something that I don't normally do so quickly, but you and your family are especially important to me. I enjoy spending time with you and watching your antics, as much as they drive the others insane. You are my best friend because of who you are" She explained as I felt like crying knowing that I couldn't
"I am really glad that you accept me" I whispered knowing that is something that I needed more than anything "Jasper is the only one to every accept me, but I understood because I could be a little much at time. I am just really happy that you like that about me"
"Of course, I imagine that in time I will be helping your insanity with some of my own" She said flashing me a smirk.
"Oh, do tell?" I stated in amusement causing her to laugh lightly.
"I am not so innocent. I used to get in a lot of trouble with my other best friend." She explained with a fond smile "I once even hotwired a tank on a dare"
"You didn't?" I said with wide eyes before giggling when she nodded to confirm
I loved this woman so much and knowing that she had another side to herself amused me. I knew that Liberty held a lot of secrets and knew that as they were revealed, she would take our family by storm with her. I knew that Edward loved her, deeply and completely. Liberty was harder to get read on, I didn't have my mate's abilities to sense it from it. I just knew that there was a possibility in the future, one that was slowly becoming more stable, that she would become my sister. I really hoped that I got to keep her forever.
~Time Lapse
~Liberty's Point of View~
I smiled as Edward appeared in front of me when I entered the house behind Alice. I watched in amusement as his eyes widened at my new hair style.
"You look beautiful" He whispered gently touching the waves with his fingers
"Thank you" I said fighting the urge to blush under his gaze "I wasn't sure if I could pull off the bangs"
"It brings out your eyes" Edward stated brushing his fingers across them before placing his hand on my cheek "Did you enjoy yourself?"
"I did actually, we went to the spa first for a facial and a mud bath then got our nails and hair done" I explained as he smiled relaxing slightly "Were you worried for me?"
"Of course, I was" He said softly grabbing my hand "I am glad that you had fun with Alice, I know that she can be a little overwhelming to hang out with"
"Not to me" I stated fondly winking at Alice who giggled in Jasper's arms.
"Can you play Red?" Emmett questioned causing me to look at him in confusion and before I could respond he was tossing a remote at me.
"Emmett" Edward scolded catching the remote to keep it from hitting me as I realized what Emmett was talking about causing me to smirk.
"You are choosing Call of Duty II? You better get ready to lose" I said seriously "I am fairly good at this game"
"Bring it" Emmett replied as I chuckled looking at Edward who was really close to me.
"This won't be long, then we can hang out for a little bit" I stated causing Edward to shake his head in amusement as Emmett chuckled pretending to be King Kong.
~Time Lapse
"No" Emmett yelled as the screen showed his defeat once more
"Better luck next time" I stated in amusement tossing the controller to Jasper
"You can't quit now, I still have to beat you!" Emmett protested as I chuckled shaking my head in denial.
"Nope, you will have to wait till next time. Until then, just play Jasper and have him beat you instead" I smugly offered as Jasper high fived me for my statement.
"Jazzy, you are going down! I want to win some love from Red!" Emmett boomed in challenge as I shook my head dropping to the couch next to Edward.
"You are really good at this game" Edward whispered as his arm loosely wrapped around my shoulder making me tense for a moment before taking a breath to relax.
"You should see me with a real sniper rifle, I wasn't anywhere the best. But I trained really hard and was one hell of a shot, the enemy knew that as well" I said in amusement before flinching "Maybe I shouldn't be proud of that fact though"
"You should be proud of that fact, it is a challenging task to excel at" Jasper said not taking his eyes off the game "It is nice to have another soldier around, a southern one at that"
"I bet it is, even if it is from a different time than you are used to" I said in amusement as Edward looked at me in question "What?"
"How long were you a soldier?" He questioned softly as if afraid he would offend me; I knew that he must have noticed that I didn't like talking about my own past.
"Twelve years, six tours and a ton of missions" I answered with a shrug, I was proud to be a soldier.
"What did you do?" Edward questioned shining with curiosity, and I looked at him "Sorry"
"No, it's fine. We are friends. I know so much about your past it is only natural for you to want to learn some of mine" I said honestly knowing that I shouldn't but couldn't help but consider this family my friends "At first I was gunner for about two years, my first tour in Afghanistan"
"We are at war with Afghanistan in your world?" Carlisle questioned coming into the room and I sighed deeply.
"This is hard to explain, extremely hard to explain but we are actually technically at war with several countries" I said gaining the attention of the entire family "Story time Hun?"
"Only if you wish to explain" Edward whispered but I could tell he wanted to know
"I will explain but there are some things I can't talk about" I stated to him, and he nodded in understanding "On September 11, 2001, it is a day that changed many lives including my own. The united states were attacked by terrorist group from the middle east know as Al-Qaeda. They managed to hijack four planes that hit the pentagon, two hit the two towers, and one hit that the passengers crashed in Pennsylvania. It had started a war that is called the war on terror in my world that would be us fighting in Afghanistan, Iran, and Iraq."
"And this is where you fought?" Alice questioned softly as I nodded
"I did six tours in twelve years" I explained honestly taking a breath "I became a Major after the second tour, led my team for the other four, and that was in addition to the other missions we were sent on as well. We were special forces, often tasked with prisoners of war retrieval or tracking influential figures to gain information for the chain of command. I served with a lot of amazing people throughout my service honestly, there was a lot that went on in that war. I know that here it most likely will never happen, but there seems to still be plenty of bad blood between those nations and America"
"I tip my hat to you, Major Hayden" Jasper stated softly in respect, and I smiled nodding to him in respect
"I never would have thought anything like that could happen here" Carlisle said looking thoughtful
"I have always loved history, so when I found the time, I started reading up on things that occurred here. I wasn't truly expecting there to be so many differences between the two realms. The biggest one that I have found so far was actually that World War II history that you would be aware of. You know how we went to war with Japan?" I questioned gaining their attention
"Yeah, it was one the worse wars in history" Jasper said eyes shining with interest "It started when they attacked the United States at Pearl Harbor"
"That was the officially beginning of the United States involvement in my world as well. However, World War II was so much worse in my world" I stated honestly causing his eyes to widen
"How so?" Edward questioned in confusion as I smile sadly
"Because unlike here we weren't just at war with Japan, if anything they were the less brutal enemy to face in many ways" I said leaning forward "You know Hitler?"
"The man who attempted to take over Germany?" Jasper questioned looking like a kid in a candy store much to my own amusement causing me to nod "What about him?"
"He succeeded in my world, took over most of Europe actually. World War II in my world actually started in 1939 instead of 1941 because of it. That one man led to the union of soldiers that became responsible for killing millions of people and causing the largest war in history. That war was so much darker in my world, and people often can't believe it ever happened, it hard to believe that humanity failed completely. He died here before Germany could raise to power and cause the massacre known as the Holocaust" I said honestly
"Millions?" Carlisle said in shock, and I nodded in confirmation
"There were so many deaths, millions in just the camps alone and so many still in my world unaccounted for because many bodies were burned. I have studied everything I could about the holocaust trying to find reason, but I couldn't. It is the one thing where all humanity failed in Europe. When Japan attacked us, Germany, and their allies at the time announced war on us as well. It was and is still it was the worse destruction in history. There is so much more to that war, so much that never happened here that happen just with that simple life being alive there" I explained sadly
"Did they catch him?" Emmett questioned in anger, and I growled slightly
"No, the bastard had killed himself in my world causing the end of the war in Germany. It took several more months before Japan Surrender, but that is another significant difference. In my world, we used the atomic bombs on two of their cities to get them to back down" I explained as softly as I could as their eyes widened
"They were used?" Carlisle questioned unable to help himself and I nodded in confirmation "Fascinating"
"I actually agree with you" I said with a chuckle "But Virginia is expecting me when she gets home, so if you don't mind, I am going to head out to beat her back"
"I would love to continue to discuss the differences at another time if you feel comfortable with it" Carlisle stated seriously as I smiled nodding in understanding
"Of Course," I whispered before waving to them "I hope that you enjoy the rest of your day, I will see you at school tomorrow"
"Wait, what about the guy that planned the attack on 9-11?" Emmett questioned before I could turn to leave
"He was shot through the head actually. That bastard was taken out by a Seal Team on May 2nd, 2011. Almost ten years after the attack on us" I said with pride remembering that moment
"Did you kill him?" Jasper questioned, and I shook my head in denial
"No, the seal that put a bullet in him was one of the greatest men I have even known" I said honestly pushing aside the pain I felt remembering what happened three years ago, to the man I respected and taught me so much.
"Good, I almost wish he was alive, so I could kill him" Emmett boomed, and I shrugged slightly
"The Voltari took care of it" I said causing Carlisle too look at me sharply "His death mystery here. They took care of Hitler as well."
"It seems they have their benefits" Carlisle said softly, and I nodded in agreement, they weren't all bad.
"Power hungry but they ensure the safety of an entire species. They may be responsible for stopping some of the worse events in history in my reality. I have to give respect where it is earned" I said honestly before glancing at the clock
"Come, I will walk you to the door" Edward said softly but I could tell he had many more questions about everything
"Have a good night" I whispered to the rest as Edward began to lead me to the door
"Are you okay?" Edward questioned noticing how quiet I was, and I nodded as he opened the door for me
"Yeah, just tired and talking about my past is never easy" I said honestly causing him to nod still looking concerned
"You know you don't have to talk about it" Edward offered as I nodded knowingly
"I know, Edward. I rarely do things that I don't want to do" I explained honestly causing him to relax
"I hope you have an enjoyable time with training" He whispered as I smiled at him "Have a good night, Liberty"
"Good night, Edward" I said softly getting into my car to go home
Edward nodded as I turned on my car to head home. I could feel his eyes on me as I drove away, glancing in the mirror to see his soft expression. I wondered what was going on with him lately. It seemed like Edward struggled more with interacting with me that dealing with my scent. I sighed focusing my thoughts on what training would be like. I doubted that it would be anything like my military training.
~Time Lapse
"The first step would be connected to your spiritual power before we can learn of your abilities" Virginia explained motioning for me to sit across from her in the back yard of her home "You will begin with meditation, to access the place within your soul that hold the foundation of who you are"
"You want me to meditate?" I questioned in confusion as she nodded "Like the clear your mind and become one with nature type?"
"Exactly, you need to go within yourself to find your center. Finding and maintaining your center will be extremely crucial to access and manage your abilities" She said seriously as I nodded in understanding "Just close your eyes and focus on feeling your power"
"How will I know?" I asked wanting to understand what I was looking for
"Trust me, you will know when you find it" She said in amusement closing her eyes as well
I watched her for a moment seeing how easy she was able to it. I took a breath huffing as I closed my eyes trying to clear my mind. I couldn't understand how this was how I could control my power. I could not say how much time passed as I tried to push back the emotions that always found me when I stood still.
"Perhaps, we should take a break" Virginia's voice said causing me to open my mind "You seem more unsettled"
"Is there another way? I can't clear my mind this way" I said honestly as she frowned deeply
"It is about being able to clear you mind, is there any way that you know of that does that?" She asked as I nodded in confirmation
"Running has been the way I learned to do that. Anytime I run, I can feel the world all away and just focus on the feeling of my body moving forward" I explained as she smiled softly
"It is similar with meditating, next time you attempt it focus on the breath you take or the natural movement of your body. If you focus on one thing, you will be able to reach the state of mind needed to access your soul" She offered patting my knee "It may take so time, but you will get there"
"Ok" I said softly giving her a soft smile as she stood from the ground
I took a breath knowing I could find out a way to make this work. I knew what it was like to put in the work to excel at something. I needed to figure this out because it was uncomfortable having something about myself that I didn't understand. I hated that there were these powers in me that I couldn't control and knew nothing about. Virginia seemed sure that I could do this as well, I just had to believe it as well.