{Chapter}
~Liberty Point of View~
I took a breath as I pulled my car to a stop trying to gather my wits at coming here like this. I knew that the rest of them would think I was crazy for doing this, especially considering the rest were hunting. I knew that Rosalie was at the house alone, having had a new part for an engine she was working on arrived today. I was well aware of how her hatred upset the rest, so today I was going to take a chance to build a bridge between us.
"You are stupid to show up without them to protect you little human" Rosalie said with a sneer grabbing me by my throat
I stayed still trying to keep my instinct from attacking her. I could feel my power there trying to protect me. I tried to remain calm looking directly into her eyes, I refused to be seen as something I was not. I was not weak despite being human.
"You wouldn't kill me" I said sternly knowing how she wouldn't risk upsetting her family
"You seem so sure that I wouldn't snap your neck right now" Rosalie stated leaning forward tightening her hand slightly "I would kill anything that threatened my family"
"I am not a threat to your family" I said pushing her away as I could see her eyes widen at my show of strength "I would never allow anything to happen to your family. I am not stupid to reveal secrets to anyone else. You may not know me well enough to trust me, but there is nothing that anyone could do would make me betray your family's trust in me. If you are worried about the Volturi then don't, I would cut a deal with them to keep your family safe"
"You really think that you have anything to offer them?" Rosalie questioned with narrowing eyes
"Without a doubt" I said with a dark chuckle "I am from another world, was a soldier for years, and many talents that none of you are aware of. Aro respects talent and I am someone who even as a human memorizes everything I read, hear, and see. If I offered it, he would take me for his guard in exchange for the safety of your family"
"You would give up your human life to serve Aro for eternity in order to protect us?" Rosalie asked with a strange light in her eyes
"In a heartbeat" I said honestly without pause "If I can't defeat them then without question, I would join them in exchange for your family's safety. Granted, I would run down every option given the circumstance because that is who I am"
"Why?" She whispered looking at her like she was seeing me for the first time
"I have a lot of darkness in my life, it made me hardened against trusting others easily. I haven't had that problem with your family. I trust them with my life, with everything I am. For that, they gain my protection and respect for life. I will do anything for them, because in my mind you are all family" I stated honestly as she nodded still frowning slightly
"Why is it so important to you? That I get along with you when I have done nothing to suggest it was possible?" Rosalie questioned softly after a long moment
"I have spent most of my life being around people that didn't want me around. Everything you have done is nothing compared to what they had done to me" I whispered honestly before taking a breath "I think we are a lot alike in some ways and opposites in others. I know what it is like to be in some of the same situations and survive it. Even if you do hate me, I don't hate you. I understand where your anger comes from. For what it is worth, I never thought you actually hated me. I think you just dislike that I am choosing to be around you, that I am not choosing a normal life"
"You could still have a normal life" Rosalie whispered as if pained by the memories in her mind
"As much as I want to say that I could, I know better" I said shaking my head "I wouldn't even know how to be a normal teenager, to live a normal life, or even dream of the standard American dream. I wasn't exactly looking for that in my world and it is most definitely not a possibility in this"
"Why do you think that?" Rosalie questioned in confusion as I smiled in amusement
"For one, how would I ever explain my true past to someone that is normal? Hey, just to let you know I am actually a woman that is thirteen years older from another world" I stated with a chuckle shaking my head at the thought of it "I was pretty messed up before coming here but now that this is my life, there is absolutely no way that I could have a life without your family's support."
"You know that can still get married and have children" She said to me with a broken look
"I understand that is something that you really wanted when you were human, that feeling became worse when you found out it will never happen the natural way" I said crossing my arms over my chest leaning on the wall "But for me, I never even thought of having children"
"What do you mean?" She stated in clear disbelief
"My life growing up wasn't good" I said softly "It was better than some, but worse than most. My mother was someone who like to use her words and her fists to make me see just how worthless I was. My siblings were no different as we got older. There were people who did the worse things possible, because my mother made it very clear that I was nothing to her."
"A child doesn't deserve that" Rosalie said with a growl as I shallowed thickly nodding in agreement
"But that type of treatment, it messed me up for a very long time. I may have come to terms with a lot of things in my past, but I never thought I would be a good mother considering her. I hear that is normal actually. However, considering that I never even felt much want for a relationship, marrying, or settling down. I never gave much thought to have children and I sure as hell don't see myself ever getting married" I explained softly as she continued to look at me letting her anger fade to understanding
"You might" Rosalie said to me with a strange look of acceptance "I believe that you will find that there is someone that will love you and will want a future with you"
"Like you and Emmett" I stated glancing at her softly "I don't know if I will ever find that, you two are pretty perfect for each other."
"He completes me; it is hard knowing that I will never be a mother, but Emmett has made this life something special. I can't imagine my life without him in it" Rosalie said softly, and I placed a hand on her shoulder
"You never know" I stated gently as she looked confused "I think you would make a good mother. Perhaps you could adopt on day like Esme. I know it isn't the same, but I could see you two having that in the future"
"I don't think so, but thank you for stating it" She said with a chuckle shocking me when she bumped my shoulder "You really are unique"
"Thank you" I said in amusement "But then again, so are you"
"I mean it, Liberty. Everyone is afraid of me and yet you aren't afraid to come here alone and face me" She muttered looking at her flawless nails
"I have seen pretty much anything that life can throw at someone. When you survive that much, it shows you that there is nothing really left to fear. I knew that you had your reasons, ones that I couldn't but understand. I just needed to wait for the moment that I could approach you alone and talk with you about it" I stated honestly giving her a small smile "I know it isn't easy, but I would like to consider us friends one day"
"You want to be friends?" She questioned me with a confused look
"If you want to be, just know that I will be your friend when you want to be" I said seriously causing her to give me a half smile
"I think that we could be friends" She muttered, and I smiled back at her in relief
"So, friend, do you need any help?" I questioned motioning to Volvo she was working on
"Do you know anything about cars?" She questioned, and I nodded chuckling slightly
"I kind of had to know at least something, I learned how to hot wire a car and everything in the middle of those plains" I joked as she smirked shaking her head at me
"Let's see what you know about cars" Rosalie said in amusement
I honestly didn't know what to expect when I came here but this was not it. I had fun as Rosalie, and I talked about cars and everything she needed to do. I helped her make the tune ups to the cars for the family. She was fun to be around once the air was cleared and I could see us being good friends in the future. She seems ecstatic to teach me the things I didn't know and happy that someone understood what she was talking about. Mechanics were a passion of hers and I could relate to that.
I let her play around with my baby and enjoyed the time I spent with her. I learned more about her relationship with Emmett. I could see that she really did love him completely. I knew that they were portrayed as just sexual, but I saw the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about him. I saw the look of complete love in his eyes when he looks at her. They were so completely and totally in love that I was jealous. I wanted that all-consuming love, but I knew that I would never have that.
"You know the others should be back soon enough" Rosalie said as I opened the fridge in looking for a bottle of water "Speaking of others"
"Yeah?" I said mindlessly taking a sip pausing when I turned seeing the look in her eyes
"What do you think of Edward?" She questioned as I blinked in confusion "Edward clearly likes you, surely you had to have noticed that"
"I notice a lot of things" I replied as she narrowed her eyes on me "I know that Edward is a little awkward in his attempts to become my friend, but he doesn't have to worry"
"Edward likes you, as in not a friend way" Rosalie said rolling her eyes at me causing me to shallow in surprise
"I know" I said honestly as she tilted her head "I know that he thinks he likes me because he isn't used to being friends with anyone else. He will realize how foolish it is in a few weeks"
"You mean the other singer?" She said wisely as I sighed before nodding "You believe that the events in the story will occur?"
"I don't know and that is the problem, I am barely getting use to my current situation and have enough on my plate learning what the hell I am" I said honestly taking a seat "I can't take him seriously until I know that I am not going to become involved in some fucked up situation, I know I can't handle anymore at the moment"
"So, you do notice his interest in you" She said in surprise as I smiled amused
"I am a trained soldier, of course I know that his awkward attempts and overly concerned moments are signs of attraction. I won't deny that your brother is very important to me" I whispered taking a breath "Edward is easily one of the best things that ever happened to me, he is one of my best friends. I just can't think of more than that when I am struggling with everything"
"You don't seem to be that upset anymore" Rose stated concerned as I chuckled lightly
"Your family helps a lot more than I would be able to repay. I know that I can be myself here, with each of you. But there are a lot of things that even just being this age makes me remember, I have good moments and bad" I explained softly breathing out harshly "I just need more time"
"I can understand that" She said nodding in understanding "Just don't hurt him"
"I am really trying not to" I stated shallowing thickly "I am trying to save us both a lot of heartache"
"I can respect that" She said with a stern nod before suddenly grabbing my hand "Your nails need redone"
"Okay" I said in surprise not really seeing any damaged
She nodded again before disappearing from view leaving me confused. I jumped when she suddenly reappeared with an arm full of supplies. She picked up a bottle showing me a pretty sapphire colored nail polish.
"I was thinking this one" She said shaking the bottle slightly
"That is a really nice color" I stated honestly knowing it was more my style than what Alice put on my fingers before class a few days ago
"It matches your eyes and will be perfect for you" She commented absentmindedly
"Thanks" I stated a little surprised at the comment as she began cleaning off the other polish
"Tell me why you are concerned over this other singer" She commanded softly
"I really can't, there isn't any good telling you anything about her" I stated honestly as she frowned deeply
"When is she supposed to get here?" Rose questioned causing me to bite my lip
"In about a month and a half, right after the start of the next semester" I explained softly sighing "I haven't actually heard anything about her. I even met the man that is supposed to be her father and he never mentioned having a daughter my age. But that doesn't actually confirm that she exists"
"What was Edward's reaction to her?" She asked never being one to pull punches
"Not as severe as the one he had to me. I never quite understood why the difference was so strong. Edward would have attacked me if not for Emmett. Meanwhile, he managed to control himself being literally right next to her" I explained some of my honest confusion
"There are different types of singers, his reaction to you happened for a different reason. Carlisle or Edward would be the one to explain that to you if you ever want to question them on it" She stated looking at my now finished nails "Just remember that no matter your concerns that Edward would never cut you out of his life. You have changed him, and everyone has seen it"
"I will try to keep that in mind" I said not surprised that Rose figured out one of my concerns "I didn't really do anything for him. Edward was always this way; all I did was point out that he wasn't a monster"
"You will understand the impact one day" She said in amusement "I have that new Die-Hard movie that Emmett said you wanted to see, would you like to watch it?"
"I do love those movies" I said in amusement nodding in agreement
"Come on" Rose said walking off to the living room with ease that I was slightly jealous of as I followed
The moment I entered the living room walking to the loveseat she rolled her eyes pulling her to sit next to her. It appeared that my friendship with Rose was going just fine so far. We had barely started the movie when the front door banged open, and a concerned Edward was looking for hands on my face.
"Are you okay?" He whispered looking me over pausing on my throat "Rose"
I was suddenly alone on the couch on Rosalie was being held by the neck by a growling Edward. I realized that there must be some bruising from my earlier conversation with her. I heard Emmett's loud growl as I bolted to Edward not fearing him harming me. I wrapped my arms from behind him.
"Please don't" I whispered softly feeling him still "We sorted everything out, she won't do it again unless I give her a reason to"
"She hurt you" He stated seriously, and I could practically see the rage in his aura even without my training
"I don't feel hurt, my power protected me from damage and is already healing me. Please don't harm her" I pleaded softly knowing that if anyone can get him to listen it was me
I felt him move slowly to wrap his arms around me. I could hear him breathing in my scent, a thing I had noticed a lot more recently. I could feel him shaking slightly as I tightened my arms around him in an attempt to calm him down.
"I am okay" I whispered softly against his chest
"What were you thinking?" He questioned pulling back and looking at me in concern
"It needed to be done, now we can become friends and it won't hurt the rest of you that she hates me" I said honestly knowing the weight of that on their minds
"You are sure that you are, okay?" He asked as I smiled pulling back to show him my nails
"Yep, all good. Rose even painted me nails" I stated knowing that was her way of bonding with me
"You are going to be the death of me" He whispered finally releasing me as Emmett suddenly hugged me
"Little flame, you did the impossible and got my mate to like you" He said with a booming laugh as Edward growled lowly "Oh, calm down. I am not hurting her"
"Teddy is fine" I said in amusement as Emmett released me "See unharmed"
"Yeah, she is strong" Rosalie said as I chuckled at the look of surprise on his face
"How was your hunt? Did you catch a mountain lion?" I questioned him causing him to look so stricken that it made me frown in confusion "Edward?"
"You shouldn't be okay with this, Liberty. Why don't you find this disgusting?" He questioned me with that self-deprecating look causing me to roll my eyes
"I eat meat; I eat dead animals as do most humans out there. How can I judge you for drinking animal blood when I eat meat? I see nothing wrong with what you or your family does to survive Edward. I think after all of this time you would realize that I don't care that you are a vampire" I said seriously upset that he was thinking this
"I wish all humans could be as accepting" Carlisle said softly looking at me with some sort of awe, but I was focusing on Edward
"Edward, I don't understand this. Do you think that I am naïve or selfish? Do you think that I would accept you for what and who you truly are then judge the way you feed?" I said seriously upset with the judgment on me
"No, I don't think that" Edward said after a moment staring at me softly "I just didn't expect you to be so open about our lifestyle"
"Why wouldn't I be? You care about me and my eating habits, even ensure that I am eating most days honestly. In my eyes, your hunting is just you are eating. I don't know how many times I have to say it, I do not care what you are. You will always just be Edward in my eyes. I understand the difference, the dangers, and everything you could say to dispute me. But despite that you are someone that I trust and care about, that is ultimately what is important to me" I stated honestly as he got this strange smile on his face
"You are important to me too" Edward said to me drawing me into his arms and holding me to his chest "I am sorry Liberty. Forgive me?"
I nodded into his stone chest at his whispered apology showing him that it was okay. I didn't know why I was so upset at his reaction, but it felt better to get that out in the open. I knew that I cared for him more than I cared to admit, and I knew that I shouldn't but there was something that drew me to Edward. I felt like part of me needed him in my life, that was slightly terrifying for me to admit.
~Time Lapse
~Edward Point of View~
"You really just showed up to talk to Rosalie?" I questioned softly as she sat on the ledge of the cove
"Yeah, I needed us to reach a common ground and that needed to be between just the two of us" She explained with a shrug of her shoulders
"You are truly remarkable, Liberty. Do you know that?" I asked pulled her closer smiling when she relaxed after a moment.
I knew it was a struggle for her to be comfortable touching others. I knew that from watching how she interacted with others, especially the other students at school. She was comfortable around me most of the time, there were a few times she would tense or shy from my touch. It was worse for others that she didn't trust at all. She on instinct elbowed Mike last week for trying to hug her making Emmett and I howled with laughter. It was important to me that she was getting comfortable enough near me and my family. She barely flinched when Alice or I would touch her nowadays.
"I am glad that it went as well as it did" She said causing me to growl recalling the bruising on her neck that had already healed "I like to think that Rose and I have quite a lot in common"
"I will never be okay with you placing yourself in danger. Your powers are controlled enough to defend against her if she wished to truly kill you in that moment" I explained feeling panicked over the thought of that happening.
"Hey, I knew she wouldn't actually try to kill me" She said looking at me "I know that I have a lot to learn still, but I am getting back at the defensive tactics. Virginia says that it is my instincts that make it easy to defend rather than attack"
"I am glad that it seems to be going better. Jasper said that when he was observing you that you seem to be meditating easier as well" I pointed out as she nodded in confirmation.
"It is getting easier; I still have a way to go" She whispered honestly before smiling "But I knew today that it was enough. I couldn't have her continue hating me. It couldn't have been easy for you to deal with that"
"It wasn't" I said softly recalling some of those thoughts and plans she had against my angel "But I would have protected you from anything she would have ever attempted to do"
"I am aware that you want to protect me. But when it comes to your sister? I never wanted to put you in that position. I promise that I can take care of myself" She whispered as I opened my mouth to protest causing her to chuckle "But I am grateful to know that someone has my back should I need it"
"I always will" I stated softly knowing that she was right, Liberty could clearly take care of herself. I just wanted to be the one to protect her and support her.
"Thank you" She said before smiling "You never did answer my earlier question, did you catch a mountain lion today?"
"I do not, I did manage to find a moose though" I stated honestly watching her reaction closely still a little surprised when all she did was smile "Emmett didn't even manage to find a bear today either"
"That is a shame, perhaps next time you will get your mountain lion" She stated with a chuckle "I know that I can't be near you when you are hunting, obviously since I am human. Well sort of human, I guess. But I am always a little curious about the rest of your vampire abilities"
"You mean like how you laugh when I showed you my skin the first time?" I questioned with a raised eyebrow causing her to chuckle as she recalled that moment.
"What did you expect from me when you stepped into the light? I knew you sparkled from the information in those books but damn it was like you rolled around in glitter and didn't know how to get it off" She whispered sheepishly biting her lip to no doubt keep from laughing more "I couldn't help that I laughed at first, it isn't exactly something that you see every day. You aren't really still upset about that?"
"Most people would think it's dangerous, not make a joke that I wouldn't need an engagement ring because I am a diamond" I said seriously causing her to snort as she covered her mouth to try to contain it.
"I am really sorry. But If it makes you feel better, even with all that sparkle that makes you look like a piece of jewelry, you are still just Edward in my eyes." She stated looking up at me softly causing me to smile in amusement.
"It never upset me" I whispered honestly running my fingers through her hair "Your reaction just intrigued me. I didn't expect that you would react like that, even being as out of this world as you are."
"I keep telling you that normal is overrated" She said with a smirk as I shook my head in amusement "You wouldn't have me any other way"
It was this moment that made me love her even more. When she looked at things that others would fear or find disgust in, and only be fascinated by the aspects of my nature. It felt freeing to be able to talk about anything without her ever looking at me different. I had never known what it was like to be accepted completely until today when I realized that she truly didn't see me as a monster. She has proven it many times, but I just realized it.
"I wouldn't change a thing about you" I told her honestly as she smiled softly with the moon reflecting in her eyes, memorizing me.
"I wouldn't change you either, Edward" She replied in amusement patting my face causing me to chuckle.
"Even if I worry too much?" I questioned in a whispered as she seemed to let out a breathless chuckle at the question.
"No, I would even think of changing that about you. I adore that you care enough about me to worry about me as well. I am unuse to people caring as much as you and your family does, but I would never consider that to be a bad thing." She stated with a fond smile that had me relaxing more.
"I am glad that you feel that because I doubt that I would be able to change that" I said honestly causing him to chuckle in amusement.
"Then I guess it is a good thing that I am rather fond of you the way you are" She said in a joking manner, but I could tell the complete honesty in the statement.
"I am rather fond of you as well" I whispered pulling her close into her eyes as she shivered slightly from the cold air "We should get you back, it is getting late"
"Okay" She stated with a chuckle as I picked her up "Are you going to carry me, again?"
"Yes" I simply stated knowing that I preferred to run with her this way, getting the feeling of holding her close to me.
"Cool" She whispered yawning slightly "You going to take me home or am I going to wake up on the couch in your room again?"
"Do you mind sleeping in my room?" I questioned in concern as she chuckled tiredly
"No, I know you worry about me driving home when I am tired" She said in amusement showing
"Sleep, Alice will let Virginia know you are sleeping over" I whispered as she nodded into my chest
I smiled as she fell asleep. I knew that I shouldn't allow this to become a routine, but I had been happening quite a lot these last few weeks. I spent most days at school, she spent time training with Virginia after school, and after she would want to often go to the cove. More often than not, she was so exhausted from her morning runs, training, school, and just spending time with the others that she barely managed to stay awake to drive home.
I gently entered the house already knowing that Alice would have notified Virginia. I entered my room laying her down on the new bed against the wall in my room. I had agreed with Esme when she suggested getting on with how often she had been sleeping on the couch. I set her down carefully removing her coat to tuck her into the blankets. She sighed as I touched her face longing to know what it would be like to lay in bed with her. I knew that I couldn't do that, so I stepped away to pick up a book on king Arthur that I began reading to watch over my angel.
I could hear my family moving around and not too long ago in moments like this, the loneliness would consume me. Now, I was content to watch over my mate as she slept. There were still many things that I longed for, that I didn't know if she was ready for. I wasn't sure if Liberty felt the same things that I did. I just knew that I needed her in my life, even if it was just a friend and a silent protector at night.