{Chapter}
~Liberty Point of View~
I was a little wary as I walked downstair hearing the Christmas music in the air. I hadn't celebrated Christmas with family since my father died. There was a period of time that I celebrated Christmas with my unit, due to Daniel dragging me to the gathering. My best friend was very pushy when it came to most holidays, refusing me to be alone and happily dragging me around.
"Good morning, Liberty" Virginia said with a smile "Merry Christmas"
"Good morning" I whispered looking around thankful that house hadn't become Santa's workshop overnight "Merry Christmas"
"Nothing will jump out at you" Virginia stated in amusement causing me to chuckle
"I am more worried about the Cullen's honestly" I stated with a chuckle "They seem to love going overboard"
"Are you going over to the Cullen's today?" She questioned with a deep sadness in her eyes
"We both are actually" I replied causing her to look confused "I know that this is your first Christmas since the accident. So, they want to do something special for us today. They do want to know you better as well"
"Alice?" Virginia questioned getting a little teary eyed
"And Esme" I confirmed with a soft smile "They are family, and they care about us. Since you have off today, I thought it would be perfect to go over there and spend the day with them. Unless you had plans?"
"No, I did have an invite to my friends' family dinner, but I told her that you were the deciding factor. I would love to spend Christmas with you, at the Cullen's" She said softly pulling me into a hug "Despite everything Liberty, you are my family"
"I know" I said softly hating that my voice cracked slightly as I hugged her back
"Did you go shopping? You did get them gifts, correct?" Virginia asked pulling away after a moment
"Yeah, I got everyone gifts. I went when Edward two weeks ago and Alice again last week to get everyone something. I have something for each of them from you as well" I relied with a smirk as she shook her head in amusement
"You didn't need to do that; I had a gift for them based off how well they take care of you" She said in amusement
"Oh" I whispered in surprise before shrugging my shoulders "You can never have too many gifts, right?"
"Very true, do you want to do gifts here or wait to get there?" She questioned softly as I chuckled knowingly
"If we wait to open presents, Alice will just show up here. She is really excited to be celebrating Christmas" I explained as Virginia shook her head in amusement
"I take it they don't celebrate any holidays" She stated in amusement, and I nodded in confirmation
"No, not really. I don't mind, I haven't been one for celebrations in a long time. With Alice around, I don't know how I got through Halloween and Thanksgiving without her doing something" I replied honestly
"True, just give me a moment to get ready and we can head out" She said kissing my cheek "Coffee is in the kitchen"
"Thanks" I replied as she whistled walking upstairs
I chuckled lowly going into the kitchen to fix some coffee thankful that Virginia was coming with us. She had a large group of friends that would have made sure she was taken care of today. I just knew the power of not having family on holidays, granted for varied reasons, and I didn't want her to think that just because I wasn't her Liberty that I didn't care about her. I owed her a lot of taking me in, training me, and being there for me the way she had.
I picked up my coffee going upstairs to finish getting dressed. I was thankful that I managed to straighten my hair last night before bed, even if my outfit today left a little to be a desired. Alice had made it noticeably clear that I was to wear one of my green dresses. I made it noticeably clear that it was too cold me not to wear leggings at least, ending with a complete look that Alice set aside for me today. I had to hand it to the girl, she definitely knew fashion.
~Time Lapse
I smiled as I pulled up to the Cullen's' house sensing their auras. I chuckled when the moment I stopped the car, Edward and Alice appeared at the car door. I stepped out and was immediately grabbed into a hug.
"I am so excited for today, I never celebrated Christmas before" Alice chirped happily releasing me to hug Virginia gently "Merry Christmas"
"Merry Christmas, Liberty" Edward said drawing me into his arms
"Merry Christmas, Edward" I whispered against his chest hearing Alice begin to walk Virginia into the house "Should I prepare myself?"
"We wanted it to be special" Was all he said in response smirking as he grabbed the gifts from my car as Jasper shook his head grabbing the rest
"Merry Christmas, Jasper" I said to him as he nodded taking off into the house as Edward grabbed my hand with his free one
"Come on, the others are waiting for you. Esme made you both breakfast" Edward explained with a bright smile causing me to chuckle
"Okay" I said allowing him to lead me knowing better than to argue, I stopped eating a while ago when coming over because Esme was going to make food either way
"Merry Christmas, Little Flame" Emmett boomed immediately looking at the gifts as Jasper and Edward set them down
"Emmett" Esme scolding as I stared a little shock at the sight of their house
In less than ten hours, their house had become some winter wonderland. There was a huge tree decorated perfectly with various shades of blue and silver, just a hint of purple. The smell of the tree light in the air as lights lit the room along with the fire from the fireplace. There were candles around, little knickknacks such as reindeer all over the place. I couldn't help but be a little amazed at all the things put together.
"Merry Christmas" Esme said hugging me gently causing me to shallow thickly overwhelmed at the sight of them smiling in a room that was filled with just the feeling of home and Christmas
"Merry Christmas everyone" I said looking around the room squeezing Esme a little tighter
"I made you both breakfast" She stated happily as I smile following after her
"Thank you" I said taking a seat look at the stunning amount of food
"Perhaps now would be an enjoyable time to show them what you have been working on" Virginia said with a chuckle as Edward set a plate in front of me looking confused
"What do you mean?" He questioned as I bit my lip looking at Virginia who nodded
"I may have been working on somethings to make it a little easier on each of you. I know how much not eating affects you at school" I said as Carlisle's eyes lit up
"What have you been doing?" He said taking a seat at the head of the table
"I have a list of things I am investigating. Most are nowhere near ready, but strangely solving the food was pretty easy" I explained as his eyes widen
"Are you saying you know why human food is disgusting despite smelling good?" He questioned as I nodded
"It is the decay; it makes sense with how enhanced your senses are that decay no matter how slight would affect you. I have been working on a way to purify that from the food." I explained gently as they looked stunned "The hard part of finding out a way to help your bodies digest it, I can't really know if I got that right without truly evaluating it"
"That is why you were having me smell things that day" Edward said with a chuckle as I nodded in confirmation "I thought your powers were meant to purify us, wouldn't digest them cause problems?"
"No" Virginia said chuckling "She had the same worry. Our powers are not destructive on instinct, they are based in defense and healing actually."
"I have learned quite a bit about the potential of these powers, it is kind of fascinating everything that can be done because apparently it is largely based off the users will and imagination." I explained reaching forward to touch the plate summoning an exceedingly small amount of power pushing it through the plate
"I will be the test dummy" Emmett said grabbing the cinnamon bun before anyone could stop him shoving it in his mouth
I held my breath with the others watching as he chewed nodding before smirking grabbing another one. I chuckled as the others slowly grabbed it to try it as well. I sat down placing my hand on the table struggling just for a moment to push my powers across it. I took a bite of the ham smiling watching them.
"You are amazing" Edward whispered from my side taking a small bite of the eggs
"I just wanted to give you the option from time to time. Granted, you don't need it to survive. But food has changed quite a lot over the years, and I thought this would be a way to repay you for everything each of you have done for me" I said honestly as he smiled grabbing my hand to squeeze it
"We don't need any repayment" He stated softly as Emmett hooted eating the ham
"This is amazing" He said causing Esme to brighten as I chuckled at them
I knew they were vampires but giving this to Esme was something I would never regret. Esme had unknowingly created a meal for her entire family. I smiled at her when she looked at me softly before I turned to Virginia seeing her watching them with amusement. I knew that she was wary at first of them, but I was happy she accepted them despite the nature of their kind. The Cullen's were good and kind, they deserved everything this life had to offer them because of that.
~Time Lapse
I smiled as I sat down on the couch as Edward took the seat next to me. The Cullen's may have overdone it a little bit, but they enjoyed breakfast. I was slightly nervous at the aspect of the presents. I didn't believe that from the amounts of gifts that they stuck to the price limit that I begged them to stick to. I may not really need to worry about money much, thanks to the miracle that Alice is when it comes to financing.
"Present time" Alice said happily skipping around the room like the normal pixy she was taking a seat next to Jasper.
"This different on you" Edward commented grabbing my now silky strains in his fingers
"Good different?" I questioned as he nodded still playing with my hair
"It looks beautiful" He whispered softly as I smiled in thanks glancing at Virginia who took a seat next to me across from Esme
"So, how do we do this?" Emmett questioned from his place by the presents as I chuckled
"If I may make a suggestion" Virginia stated as we all just kind of stared at each other "We go by person, they hand out all the gifts they got and then move on to the next person"
"Okay, Emmett since you are closest, you can start" Esme said as Carlisle wrapped his arm around her, they were truly adorable together
Emmett smiled happily grabbing his gifts handing them out with a speed that made me slightly dizzy. I chuckled at his happiness as Rosalie rolled her eyes handing at her gifts as well. I knew that they shopped together so it made sense. I moved to open my gifts seeing flashes of lights.
"You got me boxing classes?" I said in awe looking at the boxing gloves and the membership to the fitness center
"We knew that you have been messing some of your sparring from your world" Rosalie said softly as I nodded with a smile
"Thank you" I said to the both of them "I really appreciate it"
Rosalie just smiled as Emmett chuckled pulling her close. I took notice that the others had opened their gifts already as well. I didn't get the chance to really look at what they got before Alice was happily setting a new set of gifts in my hands. I glanced at Edward as he received his causing him to smile at me.
"Open them" Alice pleaded with me clapping her hands causing me to chuckle
I shook my head in amusement wondering what she could have gotten me. I opened the small box blinking at the various tickets located inside. I noticed with my jaw dropping that they were concert tickets to various concerts coming to settle and other areas over the next few months.
"Alice and Jasper" I said looking at them in awe "This is too much"
"Don't be ridiculous" Alice said hugging me tightly "Plus, you can bring people to each of them"
"By people, she means her" Jasper said with a smirk as I laughed nodding in understanding
"That's not true" She said rolling her eyes "Some have enough tickets for all of us and some are music I don't like, so she can invite someone else to the classical concerts"
"Yeah" I said in amusement looking at Edward "I can't think of only one person that would enjoy them as much as I would"
"I would enjoy them" He said with a smile finger finding my hair once more "You will be there"
I smiled glanced back at Alice and Jasper setting the tickets aside. I stood opening my arms as Alice practically drove at me in happiness.
"Thank you so much" I stated softly glancing at Jasper with a smile "Thank you too, Jasper"
"Of course," He said as if it wasn't an incredibly thoughtful thing
"Anything for my best friend" Alice chirped happily releasing me before I sat back down
"This from Carlisle and myself" Esme said handing me a box as I smiled at her "Open it"
"Oh, my god" I breathed in surprise looking at the photobook looking up at them "you did this for me?"
"Yes" Esme said softly as I nodded getting a little choked with emotion
I opened the pages gently smiling at the pictures of me laughing with Alice. I kept turning the precious pages feeling their eyes on me. There were photos of Rosalie and I covered in grease under the hood of the car. Emmett and I arguing over a video game match. Jasper and I smirking at each other playing chess. Esme and I joking around in the kitchen. Carlisle and I at the hospital. Even Virginia and I during training smiling at each other. I smiled at the photos of Edward and I, noticing how happy these photos were. I didn't even know they had taken all of these.
"Do you like it?" Carlisle questioned as I nodded still staring at the photos of Edward playing the piano while I leaned on the lid listening with wide eyes
"It is the best gift" I said softly wiping away a tear "I haven't had any pictures of me in years"
"Oh dear" Esme said coming to hug me gently "You are part of our family, of course I am going to take photos of you"
"Thank you" I whispered smiling at Carlisle as well who smiled in return
"No problem, Liberty" He said gently as I took a shake breath sitting back down next to Edward
"This is my favorite photo of us" I said pointing out the photo of us laying on the couch in his room, my head in his lap, as he read a book to me
"Mine as well" He whispered softly before looking at his parents "Can I have a copy of that for my room?"
"Already done" Alice chipped in handing him his gift from Esme causing him to chuckle
"Thank you" Edward said showing that he had several framed photos of us now, I knew that it met more than I could comprehend at the moment
"Okay, who wants to go next?" Esme questioned looking at the three of us left
"I think I am up" Virginia said in amusement standing up "Although she bought gifts from me as well, she can keep those for herself. I have a family present that I hope you will like"
"Of course, we will" Esme replied brightly taking the large gift from her
Virginia smiled as I watched interested to see what she had gotten them. I was a little speechless when it was revealed to be a large canvas painting. I breathed in deeply looking at the perfect portrait she had painted of each of them, with me in Edward's arms. It was shocking, stunning, and so very overwhelming seeing exactly where she thought I belonged in her perfect image of the Cullen's.
"This is beautiful" Esme commented in awe turning to Virginia "Did you paint this?"
"I did" She said softly as I almost whimpered, the biggest difference between her and my own grandmother was I thought she didn't
"I didn't think you painted" I said honestly as she looked at me concern
"Are you okay?" Edward questioned softly grabbing my hand as I shallowed nodding
"It is beautiful, truly" I whispered to her as she looked confused "I didn't think that you painted, you were a nurse. She was a talented painter, who made a living off it"
"Oh" She stated in understanding "I decided on nursing, she must have gone to art school in Paris"
"Yeah" I confirmed looking at the canvas "You are extremely talented; I don't think anyone else could have done them justice"
"I agree" Carlisle said looking at the canvas
"Everyone is exactly where they are met to be" Esme stated touching the portrait as the statement made me lose my breath again
"Indeed" Virginia stated glancing at me as I smiled at her trying to hide my own doubt at the statement, how could I belong anywhere?
"I believe you also have something for Liberty" Carlisle said as Virginia smile handing me the small bundle of gifts
"I hope you like them" She whispered as I smiled taking a seat again
I smiled opening the small box swallowing thickly when I revealed the custom dog tags with my information on them. I looked at her in surprise when she just smiled motioning to Jasper.
"Thank you, you have no idea what this means to me" I said honestly knowing that I hadn't felt like myself without them, while I knew they weren't mine it was the weight that would comfort me
Virginia just smiled as I moved onto the next package. Inside was a small silver bracelet with various charms on it. I smiled seeing the various charms she had chosen for reading, the USA, and music. I moved one the next package easily knowing they were books. I was unprepared for the name that shined from the cover.
"You always have a head in a book, the girl at the store recommended this one" Virginia explained when I didn't say anything "It's about the friendship and bond between two soldiers"
"I know, Daniel and Liberty" I said reading what was noted underneath the title 'Fighting for Liberty'
"Oh, did you already read it? I can return them and get you something else" She stated as I shook slightly opening the cover to the first page seeing it was from his point of view
"No" I said seriously "No, just a little surprising. But I like it"
"Liberty?" Edward questioned drawing me from my daze as I stared at my story, a published book in this world
"Sorry" I said shaking my head to clear the thoughts, I couldn't deal with this at the moment
"What is it?" He is looking concerned as I took another breath trying to push back the very harsh reminder that I am not from here
"Daniel was my best friend throughout most of my career." I whispered causing his eyes to widen "Can we just move on? I was just a little shocked and not really ready to deal with this yet"
"Are you sure?" Edward questioned and I nodded seriously "Very well, I believe that I am next"
I quickly covered the book the best I could knowing the moment I get home it was going to be hidden from view until I was strong enough to read it. I watched Edward move slower than his family had taking notice of how nervous he appeared to be. He handed me his gift last looking a little sheepish as I took the box.
"I hope you like it" He whispered as I opened the wrapping paper very carefully
I was shocked to the core as I revealed the piece of jewelry in the box. I released a breath staring at the silver chain necklace. The pendant is what stunned me the most, a sapphire diamond shaped like a star. I picked it up with a shaky hand as the words 'My star' were reflected within the diamond.
"Edward" I said looking at him stunned "This is way too much"
"Do you not like it?" He questioned as I shook my head still a little breathless at the expensive piece of jewelry that so clearly reflected how I was his north star, in reference to one of my favorite nights by far among the stars
"No, it is perfect. I love it" I said softly as he finally smiled in relief
"Then it is not too much for you" He whispered touching my face "I knew it would be perfect for you"
"Thank you, Edward" I said leaning forward to place a kiss on his cheek "This is now easily the most beautiful thing I have"
"Your welcome Liberty" Edward stated softly smiling as I wiped some of the lipstick off his cheek
"Can you help me put it on?" I questioned gently holding the delicate necklace
"Of course," He said taking the necklace as I turned slight moving my hair from his way smiling at the family watching us with gentle expression
"How does it look?" I questioned them when he clasped the necklace in pace
"Beautiful" Edward whispered breath hitting my ear causing me shiver
"It makes your eyes stand out" Alice said in approval thankfully interrupting whatever was happening
~Edward Point of View~
I watched as Liberty moved calmly to pass out her gifts to the couples. I knew already that we would be much more slow opening these than we would be opening our own, considering this was for Liberty to feel like part of the family. I smiled seeing the necklace shining overjoyed that she had liked it.
"I hope you like it" She whispered handing me a small package before taking the seat next to me
"Oh, Liberty" Virginia stated as I glanced to see she had gotten a box full of new scrubs and shoes
"They are insanely comfortable" Alice chirped from across the room causing Virginia to laugh
"That will be appreciated, thank you" She said to Liberty as she just smiles
"There is more, keep going" Liberty directed as Virginia chuckled pulling out an envelope from the bottom of the box
"You planned a spa trip for us" She said to her in surprise
"You work so hard, you could use the chance to relax for a few days" Liberty said shrugging her shoulders and I smiled adoring her response, it was in her character to take care of others
"Thank you, dear" Virginia said hugging Liberty tightly "I am looking for it"
"Me too" Liberty said pulling away to look at Esme and Carlisle "Your turn"
"Esme" Carlisle whispered as Esme smiled happily beginning to unwrap the gift
"Liberty" Esme said in surprise showing Carlisle what she had gotten them "This is too much honey"
"Technically, each gift was from two people, so I was able to plan it the way I wanted" Liberty said with a chuckle
"What did you get?" Emmett questioned as Carlisle showed off two tickets
"She booked us a trip in February for Ireland with everything planned out and paid for" Carlisle explained before smiling at her "It was very thoughtful of you, thank you"
"Oh, what did you get me?" Alice questioned looking at the box in her hand causing her to laugh
"I gave them four options to choose from, had to block that power of yours somehow" Liberty said causing me to laugh at her thinking far enough ahead to stop Alice from finding out
"Oh fun" Alice said showing Jasper "We have plans in Japan for the next week"
"Yeah, that was my favorite because of how clouded the weather is the next week before school starts again" Liberty said as Alice dove at her causing me to tense, I hated when she did that
"Thank you so much, we are going to have so much fun. I have never been there before" Alice said happily skipping back to Jasper
"Thank you" Jasper said with a nod as Emmett took the gift from Rose
"Let's see what we will be doing" Emmett said tearing into the present with excitement causing Liberty to laugh lightly
"Thank you, Liberty" Rose said with a smile looking over their travel box
"Where are you two going?" I questioned with interest
"We are going to Paris for three days, there is a ball there that she secured tickets to" Rosalie said brightly as I looked at Liberty in surprise
"Everyone deserves to be a Prince and Princess for a day" She stated softly "I thought they would have fun"
"It will be fun, getting dressed up and going to a ball" Rose said with a smirk as Emmett laughed hugging her close
"And I will have fun taking you out of that dress" He said brightly as I winced at the less than pleasant thoughts I was hearing about his plans
"Edward's turn" Liberty said turning to me ignoring the comment "Go ahead"
I smiled at her opening the box looking over the travel plans. She had chosen for Edinburgh, Scotland in the summer which wasn't a huge concern. I was a little confused why she would choose this place until I discovered the plans she made. She had made the travel plans to attend the three-week festival for Edinburgh International. A festival that including various theater performers, classical music, and even dance from around the world.
"Liberty" I whispered looking at her stunned
"What did she get you?" Esme questioned as I smiled at her
"She planned out and booked me access to the Edinburgh International Festival in Scotland in August" I explained pulling Liberty in my arms "Thank you so much"
"I knew you would love it" She whispered softly wrapping her arms around me "I figured you and someone else would really like it"
"I would enjoy taking you" I said honestly as she nodded swallowing
"If you still decide on me when the time comes, I would be happy to come" She said as I frowned wondering why she would think anything could change my desire to be near her
"Now what?" Emmett question interrupting us as Liberty chuckled looking at Virginia and Esme for the answer
"Why don't we watch some Christmas movies?" Virginia questioned as Esme smiled brightly nodding
"I will make some popcorn" Liberty said standing up as I stood up to follow her "What movie do you think they will choose?"
"I don't know" I replied with a shrug as she shook head bumping my shoulder playfully
"Mistletoe" Alice chirped happily stopping us in our tracks as I paused looking up at the hated plant before looking at Liberty who looked stunned
"Liberty?" I whispered leaving it completely in her court to decide not to do this tradition
"Okay, it's Christmas after all" She stated quietly clearly struggling before giving me a nod in agreement
"We don't have to do this" I said looking at Alice with a glare, she knew how uncomfortable Liberty still was with certain actions and forcing a kiss like this was not honorable
"Edward" She said regaining my attention as I paused at the light in her eyes and soft small on her face "Thank you"
"I would never do anything to make you uncomfortable" I said honestly placing my hand on her cheek enjoying her warmth
I was completely unprepared for when she leaned forward placing a quick and gentle kiss on my lips. I tensed at the feeling of her warm lips against my, soft and firm. It only lasted a second before she pulled away and before I could stop myself, I licked my lip. The taste of her was there causing my head to spin and a low pleased growl came from my chest out of my control.
"Thank you for giving me the choice" She whispered flashing me a quite smile before continuing to the kitchen
I shook at the taste of her and the softness of her lips. I knew I would never forget it, that I would replay that moment until I could claim another kiss from her. I wished I had made it longer, had kissed her back. She had taken me surprise by the most deliberate show of affection she had ever done since I had met her at least.
"Snap out of it" Emmett boomed as I glared at him 'Not my fault you are so much a virgin that a peck on the lips make you turn into a living statue'
"Shut up" I growled turning almost running right into Liberty "Sorry"
"It's okay" She said in amusement holding up the bowl "What movie are we watching?"
"Miracle on 34th street" Virginia responded as Liberty took a sit nodding
"I have never seen it" She said looking up at me as I took the seat next to her "You, okay?"
"Perfect" I stated honestly causing her to smile at me before Esme turned on the movie
I took the chance to gently wrap my arm around her. I smiled as she relaxed after just a second into my hold. I was amazed by this woman, the strength she had. I was happy that she had been here for Christmas. My family wasn't one for traditional holidays, but with Liberty it was an enjoyable experience. I was looking forward to an excuse to spoil her in the future. For now, I was content to be able to take her into my arms and hold her for just a moment.
I watched as she threw a piece of popcorn at Emmett causing me to chuckle when he glared at her. I doubted that Liberty was aware of the true effects she was having of all of us. She made me want to be a better man, to be the person she deserved as a friend. I was more than content to just watch her with my family and observe her in any element of her life. Yes, I knew that there was little that could be done with my growing obsession of her. She had come into my world and changed it with her mere existence. She had changed us all without even realizing how much she had come to mean to each of us.
The gift to the concerts was the most thoughtful gift I had ever received but the sadness in her eyes when I asked her to join me concerned me. I wanted to share my passions with her as I wanted to know her passions. I wanted to share everything with her and know the world through her eyes. I didn't know what caused her doubt in me, in my vows to her, but I was patient and would find the resolution to it one day.
"What?" She questioned seeing that I was staring at her
"You are humming" I said softly having noticed her humming along to the music
"It was a good song" She said with a shrug causing me to smile
"I liked it" I stated running my fingers down her arm
She didn't say another just turned back to the movie. There were rare moments like this where I saw an innocence in her that was rare. Moments where she smiled so brightly over the trivial things like it was the most important thing in the world. It spoke of the darkness she had to of faced that taught her what was enormously important in this world. I wished to know her deepest desired and most hidden secrets.
I wished to know the world she lived in her mind, and I wished to know the person she saw when she looked in the mirror. I wanted, no needed, to know everything about the woman that had unknowingly became a center for my entire being. I doubted that there could ever be another that would ever mean more to me than the woman with fiery red hair and eyes that sparkled with happiness around my family.
Somewhere in the back of my mind and barely contained within me, where three words ready to escape as I stared at her enchanted expression. I knew she wasn't ready for them, so I would have to wait.