{Chapter}
~Liberty Point of View~
I smiled happily as I opened my eyes staring at Virginia who chuckled lightly. I had spent these last few days attempting and failing to mediate to connect with my powers. Finally, I had managed to understand what I needed to do, and it felt incredible. I managed to relax into the state of mind that I only ever found when running, but instead of blocking out the world I became part of it.
"I haven't ever felt that much peace" I whispered in awe placing my hand over my heart "It felt like there was nothing but light"
"I can understand that" Virginia said in amusement "That is from the level of purity in your powers, you have an extremely pure heart and that shows at the core of who you are"
"I didn't want to come back" I said softly taking a breath "I have not had a lot of peace in my life"
"You mustn't cave to that desire" She said seriously as I blinked in confusion "These powers have the ability to harm you. If you allow the desire to be consumed by it, you will purify your physical body"
"What?" I stated in shock "I could accidently kill myself?"
"Yes, it is very important that you maintain your understanding of the physically world. Your attachment to lives around you is what will keep your powers from harming you" Virginia explained as I shallowed thickly
"I don't really know what to say" I whispered speechless over that information as she stood summoning her powers
"There is nothing to be scared of you are a spiritual of nature. You need only remember that you are not just your powers. When we continue your training, you will begin to understand what you need to avoid" She softly said as her power wrapped around her "You will be able to summon your power, see how it defends those you love, and in turn your soul's connection to them will keep you from being harmed. It will ensure you don't harm anyone else as well"
"I can harm someone else?" I questioned with wide eyes as she nodded causing me to inhale sharply "How?"
"When you lose yourself, your power can either attack inward or outward. If it doesn't get drawn in, it will attack anyone around you without your knowledge" She explained causing me to shiver at the thought of that
"But I am basically a weapon?" I whispered in sudden understanding "I am a weapon now, like my body is literally a bomb"
"No" Virginia said shaking her head "There are always dangers to anything in this world, your powers have many good things that can be done with them."
"Can't I just continue to ignore them then? Then I would not even accidently harm myself or someone else?" I question hopeful that I could just ignore this
"No, it is far more dangerous for someone of your strength to remain untrained. Our abilities rely heavily on our emotions, with the growth you have explained, it is highly possible that your powers would attack if you were to become upset" Virginia explained causing me to flinch "You don't have to fear what you are"
"I think I need to take some time" I said honestly feeling dazed over the information
"I understand, we will continue tomorrow" Virginia stated in understanding as I took a breath giving her a small smile before basically running into the house
~Time Lapse
I was still a little out of it when I went to the Cullens home at the overwhelming dangers of using my powers. I could barely smile when Alice jumped on me hugging me tightly. I pulled back shallowing thickly looking at her happy and carefree face.
"I am so happy to see you" She said brightly pulling me the rest of the way into the house as my heart thumped painfully at the looks on the others faces, happy to see me
"Hey" I said forcing myself to smile "What's the plan for today?"
"I was thinking we could go shopping" Alice said happily twirling around me "You need new clothes"
"Sure, sounds fun" I said forcing a light voice with practice ease
"I am so excited" She said as Jasper chuckled hugging her to hold her in place
"I will make you something to eat, you are going to need it" Esme said with a soft smile as I could feel myself shaking as she is patting my cheek before speeding away
"Are you okay?" Edward questioned looking concern as I blinked out of my thoughts not having noticed that I had zoned out
"Of course," I said forcing my breathing to return to normal as he frowns grabbing my hand
I let him lead me from the room completely surprised at his action. He stopped when he reached his room turning to me with a serious look. I closed my eyes taking a breath trying to calm my mind. My eyes snapped open when I felt hands on my face causing me to stare directly into his eyes.
"What is wrong?" He questioned softly; eyes softer than he ever had before
"Nothing" I said shallowly thickly before taking a shaky breath
"Liberty, clearly something is wrong" He said softly fingers soft on my face as I felt the urge to lean into him
"It's just something I have to come to terms with, nothing new" I said unable to keep the resentment from my voice
"You don't have to do so alone" He stated surprising me further when he drew me into his arms "You are not alone"
Those words were like an arrow to my heart. I had been alone most of my life and no one had really ever pointed out that I wasn't alone. I struggled with a shaky body to wrap my arms around him in thanks. There was only one other person that ever was there for me. The feel of his fingers running through my hair, just content to wait for me to be ready to talk. Edward was willing to be my support system here.
"Virginia explained to me the dangers of my abilities today" I whispered after a moment causing him to still
"Dangers?" He questioned to clarify as I nodded pulling back slightly
"She says that I can prevent it through training, but learning of what my own powers can do to those around me and myself is strangely terrifying" I explained putting my forehead on his solid chest "I don't like being a weapon"
"You are not a weapon" He whispered hand moving to force me to look at him "You can learn to control it; I know there isn't anything that you can't do"
"You would be surprised how wrong you are" I said sighing deep "I am far from perfect; I have to fight so hard for everything. My powers are the opposite, it feels like peace. If I cave to it, desire to remain in that feeling it would be a disaster"
"What would happen?" He asked as I took a shaky breath
"I can accidently purify myself or anyone around me" I said harshly as his eyes widened "I am basically a weapon, a fucking bomb. If I don't maintain control over my emotions, they can lash out at others. I just don't know if I should even be around any of you until I can figure this out. I am not ever sure if it makes it more dangerous, Virginia already stated that my control is maintained by those I am close to"
"You aren't going anywhere" He said shaking his head "You are not alone; we will help you anyway we can. I am not going anywhere. I will admit that it is a concern, your abilities. But I believe in you, that you won't let it ever come to that point. All of us will ensure that you don't get lost in your powers while your train"
"That could be dangerous" I said immediately shaking my head
"The others already agree with me" Edward said seriously "You aren't getting rid of us. You are not alone; we will look after you. I won't let you handle this alone"
I don't know if it was the softness in his eyes or the gently way, he was holding my face, but I truly believed him. I believed that Edward wouldn't let me feel like I was lost in this without direction. I don't even know if he knew what he was doing, offering me an anchor in this confusion. I appreciated it without a doubt.
"Okay" I said giving me a smile nodding slightly "Thank you, Edward"
"Anytime, Liberty" He said returning a smile "Carlisle would like to speak to you about what you learned when you are ready"
"I kind of figured" I returned in amusement "But later, I am pretty emotionally drained and kind of just don't want to think about it"
"Then you most like would prefer not going shopping" He said raising his eyebrow at me causing me to smile
"I think seeing Alice in her element is exactly what the doctor would order for me" I said honestly just thinking of the chaos the little vampire could cause "Are you coming?"
"Someone needs to hold your bags" He replied easily as I chuckled at him
"Such a gentleman" I said patting his face before grabbing his hand "Come on, let's go get this human fed and then let Alice go crazy"
"Whatever the lady wishes" He said with a smile squeezing my hand
I allow the action of him leading me to the kitchen while I kept my mind on the newest strangeness in my life. I didn't feel that uncomfortable at Edward holding my hand. I hadn't exactly ever been comfortable with males, especially not with ones that I didn't know for an extended period of time. Edward was easy to trust though, I knew that he wouldn't harm me with the intent to harm me.
~Time Lapse
I stared in complete disgust at the selection in Alice's arms. I had allowed the dragging me from store to store. I allow the barbie actions of dressing me up in almost everything. I absolutely refused this.
"No" I said seriously narrowing my eyes at the bright colored dresses "I do not wear dresses"
"You would look so nice in them" She said pouting glancing at Edward "Wouldn't she look amazing in these?"
"Edward" I said narrowing my eyes on him enjoying when he swallowed thickly seemingly understanding the dangers of supporting his sister with this
"You look beautiful in anything" He whispered before glancing at his sister "Besides, Liberty hates bright colors. Perhaps she would agree to a few dresses that are green, blue, or black"
"Really?" She questioned me with a frown as I was still looking at Edward raising my eyebrow
"I notice things" He said looking shy again as I smiled at him
"He is right, I don't wear bright colors" I confirmed turning to the pile "I don't wear dresses, but I will wear them on solely special occasions if I get to approve them as well"
Alice frowned as Jasper chuckled slightly before steering her back into the section towards the darker clothing. I shook my head in amusement turning to Edward.
"You are more observant that I realized" I said honestly as he seemed to stare everywhere but at me "It's not a bad thing, I kind of like that I didn't need to explain the reasons for that to her. So, thank you"
"There is a reason?" He questioned as I nodded in amusement at how fast he questioned me
"Ever curious, aren't you?" I joked as he frowned again "I am clearly not an overly happy person; not like she was. She loved bright colors but even in my world, I never wanted to stand out. I am comfortable in very few colors because of it. I even dyed my hair once to blend in better"
"What color?" He questioned seemingly fascinated by that information
"Black" I said in amusement as his eyes widened "I actually pulled it off pretty well, but it was a pain to keep dying with how fast my hair grows so I stopped and grew it out again"
"I can't picture that" He said after a moment of staring me causing me to laugh lightly in surprise
"Maybe I will do it again" I stated in amusement
"Absolutely not" Alice said seriously with an arm full of new dresses "I am choosing your entire wardrobe based off of your red hair and blue eyes"
I rolled my eyes as she shoved me into a changing room. I had already been warned, several times, not to check the price tags. I wasn't being permitted to pay for anything. I sighed picking up the first dress to put it on. The only thing I liked that I wouldn't be actually exiting the room, something about not letting the others see. Out of the twenty dresses, I only relatively liked eight of them. The deep purple one with a flair skirt was the only one that I could say I honestly loved.
"I am surprised you kept that many" Jasper said as I walked out with them
"So am I" I said honestly as Alice frowned looking into the dressing room
"Not the black one with blue accents?" She questioned causing me to roll my eyes again "You are getting it; you look amazing in it"
"Fine" I said caving wondering when the hell I was going to wear nine dresses when I haven't worn more than one in the last decade
"Are you okay?" He questioned as Alice shoved the dresses into his arms
"Yeah, just getting a little tired." I said honestly knowing that I had more clothes than I would ever need
"We can go check out and go get you something to eat" Alice cut in looping her arm in mine
"Thanks" I mumbled as I was dragged to the checkout "Thank you, Alice."
"For what?" She questioned in confusion looking over the jewelry
"For getting me all these things, you really didn't need to do that" I said honestly as she let out a little giggle
"You are thanking the wrong person" She said as I tilted my head in confusion "Edward paid for everything"
"What?" I questioned turning to looking at him waiting with Jasper with our bags outside the store entrance
"He wanted to treat you" Alice explained brightly
"Oh" I said softly feeling a little overwhelmed by the action
"You aren't upset, are you?" Alice questioned worriedly as I chuckled shaking my head
"No, just a little surprised. I am not used to others taking care of me, the fact that Edward seems to actually enjoy doing so will take some getting use to" I said honestly as she smiled
"Edward cares about you and money is no issue for us." Alice stated with a smile "You should really let me take over your accounts"
"Okay" I said as she squealed in excitement causing me to smile amused before I stepped up to Edward
"You are letting her take over your finances?" He questioned as I nodded staring at him "What?"
I smiled at him shaking my head in amusement. Edward was quite a character when you got to know him. I was never one for grand gestures, but I knew that Edward needed to care for others in the ways he was raised. I summoned my courage as I leaned forward watching as he stilled in confusion to kiss his cheek gently.
"Thank you, Edward" I whispered pulled away taking in his frozen shocked expression as Alice giggled "I had fun today"
I fought the urge to laugh to the look on his face. Alice grabbed my arm pulling me along as I looked back to see Jasper have to shove Edward out of his shock. I knew that Edward lacked any friendships in the past outside of his family. I knew there was something else just below that surface that I wasn't ready to deal with. But I knew that Edward would respect that, he would give me time to figure it out. I just prayed that if Bella did arrive that it wouldn't change things between me and the family. I needed them.
~Time Lapse
~Edward Point of View~
I couldn't really concentrate on the pages of the book recalling the day I had spent with Liberty. I could hear her in the distance as Alice attempted to put makeup on her. I agreed with her, that she didn't need it. Liberty was beautiful without makeup. I couldn't help but become amused at her strength to argue with Alice, not just letting her get her way as most of us did.
I couldn't believe how well today had gone. I was able to spoil her, and she thanked me with a kiss to the cheek. I was shocked at the rare show of affection from her. I hadn't expected her to take me buying her things so well. I just wished to make her happy, to take her mind off her troubles. Alice was more than happy to spend the money to buy Liberty things that she needed.
"Edward" Liberty said causing me to look up from my book surprised to see her entering my room
"Are you okay?" I questioned seeing her frustrated look
"Yeah, just if I have to try on one more thing I am going to snap" She said loudly as I chuckled hearing Alice growl from below "Can we go for a walk? Maybe go to the cove for a little bit before I have to head home for school tomorrow"
"Of course, we can go to the cove" I said softly setting the book to the side "Did you want to walk or run?"
"Run" She stated quickly with a smile as I chuckled stepping in front of her
I turned around as she slowly climbed on my back with practiced ease at this point. I knew she loved the thrill of running; she was a dare devil after all. I relished in these moments when I got to hold her close when she was completely relaxed. Today, I got to spend a lot of time close to her with her rarely becoming uncomfortable. I took off quickly knowing that Alice would take my delay as a chance to continue styling Liberty. I couldn't allow my sister to overwhelm her and dampened her good mood.
"We are here" I whispered setting her down as she smiled taking her bag off her back "What did you bring?"
"A blanket this time" She said in amusement as I moved to help her "I wasn't sure with the colder weather if the coat would be enough"
"I wish I would have thought of that" I said honestly knowing that she was human, and I wouldn't want her to get sick
"I did, so it's okay" She said with a shrug sitting down wrapping the blanket around her legs "Come here"
"I don't get cold" I stated softly as she rolled her eyes grabbing my hand and pulling me to sit closely
"Sometimes blankets are also just for comfort" She said wrapping it around the both of us
"I didn't think of it that way" I whispered wrapping my arm loosely around her back feeling her shrug
I smiled at the simple action knowing that was just who she was. I watched she relaxed looking up at the stars filling the night sky. I was more fascinated by the softness in her eyes in that moment. After a moment she glanced at me smiling.
"How about a game of twenty questions?" She questioned me slightly shocking me and she smiled "It will give you the chance to get to know me more"
"What are you thinking?" I questioned quickly as she chuckled looking back at the stars
"The stars are really beautiful tonight" She said softly motioning to the stars and I saw what I have always seen "You most likely don't see it, but I notice when star dies. I find peace in the night, I always have"
"Why?" I questioned before I could stop myself
"After my father died in my world, my home become the place I never wanted to be. I always remembered my father's stories of the stars. I particularly focused on the ones about the North Star. So, when I would lay outside at night before going to sleep, I would look up and try to see the same sense of direction, hope, and inspiration that others found in it. The stars have always been a constant in my life, even on tours. They were my guiding light despite everything I had faced." She whispered softly eyes shining with the light from the sky
I was captivated by the notion of it. Because everything she just described about the North Star, was what I found in her. I found direction in being the male she sees in me. I find hope in her existence. I find inspiration in her strength. Liberty was my anchor and I hoped one day she would understand that, in time.
"You are amazing" I stated in awe as she smiled softly looking at me "Did you always want to be a soldier?"
"No, I wanted to be a doctor" She said shocking me "I met a soldier when I thirteen and he showed up at my graduation. He gave me a choice and I followed it. I never regretted being a soldier but at times I do wonder what a normal life would have been like"
"Why a doctor?" I questioned her as I lead her to a bench
"I always thought my calling was to save lives" She said honestly chuckling "It was but just in a different way"
"What type of doctor?" I questioned her knowing that I had a medical background as well
"I wanted to work in the ER or a surgeon. I actually have a medical background, I trained in emergency field medicine, and I loved it" She said brightly before glancing at him "My turn, you wanted to fight in War World I. Despite only being 17 and not being allowed to enlist until you were 21"
"I did" I said a little surprise that she knew that "I knew that my father would never allow it at eighteen either, so I imagine I would have gone to College until of age"
"What would you have wanted to do? I know the choices were different then, even with the planes just becoming a thing then" She said with interest as I smiled lightly at her knowledge
"I would have wanted to be just a normal soldier on the front lines, maybe a medic" I said causing her to become surprised slightly
"A medic?" She said causing me to nod as she smiled softly "Very honorable of you, it is the most important job and then the rules were so much different for Medics. Now we protect them, then they were right there on the front as well. In the line of sight of the enemy and targeted very often"
"I wanted to assist my country and help save lives, something I imagine you can understand" I said softly as she nodded chuckling lightly
"What would you have done if not become a soldier? Like at college, what would you have studied?" She questioned as I drew her close breathing in her scent
"I would have had to study law; it was my duty to take over for my father" I explained softly as she nodded into my chest surprising me by allowing such an action
"Do you regret it? Not being able to be a soldier" She questioned pulling back looking up at me and from this angle I was overcome with the desire to stare forever into those shining eyes
"No, I would have broken my mother's heart being a soldier. I know this, I was close to her. I loved her dearly." I said surprising myself, it had been a long time since I thought about that time of my life
"For what it is worth, I know you would have made an amazing soldier" She said looking at me with such pride that it filled me with nothing but joy
"What is your favorite color?" I questioned softly after a few moments of silence causing her to chuckle
"That is what you want to know?" She questioned, and I nodded "I actual love colors but I favor army green. I feel like that color saved my lives so many times that I owe it"
"Understandable" I said with a smile "I feel that I would have to honor that as well"
"How about you?" She questioned softly and I smiled looking into the color of her eyes
"Sapphire" I said honestly as she blinked before chuckling lightly sensing the reason for my answer "What is your favorite movie?"
"You wouldn't know my favorite honestly; it is able something that didn't occur here. It was 13 Hours; it is the incredible true story of these contractors for the CIA that were once soldiers that successfully held off and defended a CIA station in Bengasi from basically an entire force until help could arrive without the support of the US. I tend to love true stories; I enjoy action movies as well." She explained, and I nodded not really expecting anything else "Although my favorite you would know about would be Lord of the Rings"
"I have never seen Lord of the Rings" I said seriously, and she looked at me with wide eyes
"No, that won't do. We will need to have a movie night" She said seriously "I can't be friends with someone who does not know Lord of the Rings"
"Okay" I said with a chuckle finding her reaction amusing "What is your favorite movie snack then?"
"Twizzlers, they are amazing" She said with a chuckle "I used to crave them when I was on tour and were always the first thing I got when I came back to the states"
"I will ensure you have them for our movie night" I promised with excitement as she chuckled nodding
"I look forward to it" She said causing me to almost burst with happiness "If you could meet anyone in the world, alive or dead, who would it be?"
"That is a hard one" I said honestly not expecting that "If I had to choose, it would be Beethoven. I always wished to see him perform live. Same question, who would you want to meet?"
"The Marquis de Lafayette" She said quickly as I frowned in confusion "He is noted to be the hero of two worlds, he was crucial in both the American and French revolutions. I always wanted to pick his brain and know everything about his story"
"That would be an amazing story to hear" I confirmed intrigued "What does your perfect day look like?"
"Like this" She stated with a chuckle as I shook my head knowing there was more "It would be pretty close to this. I always enjoy the days where I can just stand still, be in the moment, enjoy the company, and laugh more than I stress. What about you?"
"Showing you my birthplace" I said softly as her eyes widened in surprised "I have given it some thought, showing you around Chicago"
"Perhaps we can do that one day" She whispered, "What is the trait you value most?"
"Integrity" I said softly as she tilted her head in confusion "It is something that all to well rare in this day and age, finding someone that had true integrity. I was born in an age where morals and being honest was extremely important. How about you?"
"I can understand that" She said nodding in agreement "Mine would be honor. Honor is something that is also surely lacking in this time. I always felt that I was sort of a woman without a time, because having a code of honor is extremely important to me. That may be due to how many people that have lacked it in my life"
"I can see why that is also important coming from a soldier" I stated with a smile "Who is your favorite fictional character ever?"
"Sir Lancelot of the knights of the roundtable" She said taking me by surprise "I always enjoyed the tales of King Arthur and the knights of the round table. How about you?"
"Sherlock Holmes" I said with a smirk at her chuckle "I enjoyed those books. The author did an amazing job of bringing Sherlock to life"
"I should not be surprised but I am" She confirmed in amusement "How did your mother and father meet?"
"My father met my mother through a business partner at a gathering. From what I remember, they loved each other despite my father often being more focused on work" I explained as she nodded in understanding "Would it upset you to answer that question?"
"No, my mother met my father when he was in basic training. They did love each other very deeply. They were married quickly, had my brother Jason within a year, I came less than two years late, and then followed up with my sister a year and a half later" She explained in a detached way as I pulled her a little closer to comfort her "We were all happy at first"
"Do you have any phobias?" I whispered softly as she laughed lightly nodding
"I am actually terrified of bees" She explained causing me to chuckle "Don't laugh, they are so fucking tiny and before you notice them it's like boom, they attack"
"I will ensure they never attack you again" I said in amusement as she smiled jokingly
"My hero" She said rolling her eyes "What is your favorite smell?"
"The combination of Honeysuckle, raspberry, and coconut" I said without thought thinking of her unique scent after I got used to the bloodlust
"That is different, but honeysuckle is easily one of my favorites" She stated with a chuckle before sighing "We should head back though, it is getting late, and I should get some sleep for school"
"Very well" I said moving to pick her up in my arms with the blanket around her
"This is different" She whispered looking at me with confusion and I smiled gently
"Warmer" I stated as she chuckled nodding in understanding
I enjoyed carrying her more this way despite me having to use more restraint to ensure I didn't accidently harm her. She wasn't concerned, just relaxed into my hold as I took off into the darkness. I was a little surprised when she actually fell asleep knowing from my observations of her sleeping that it was rarely peaceful. I hated the thought of waking her up.
'I texted Virginia to let her know that she is coming to school with us in the morning' Alice thought happily as I arrived at the house
"Thanks" I whispered careful not to wake her
I went upstairs again wondering if I should just get the bed for my room as I laid her on the couch. I moved to grab my book from earlier content to watch her sleep. I was grateful that she seemed to be at peace in the moment. I just hoped that the terrible night terrors that plagued her would stay away and allow her the much-needed rest. I knew I couldn't ask her about them, as much as I wanted to, as she was unaware that I had been watching her sleep for months at this point