{Chapter}
~Liberty Point of View~
I smiled at the cashier in thanks I took my coffee from her. I turned taking a sip almost running into someone causing me to curse lowly. In my own surprise, I barely managed to stabilize the coffee cup from spilling all over the person. I blinked up as I focused on the person finding Chief Charlie Swan looking at me in concern.
"I am sorry, Chief Swan. I should have been paying attention. I was distracted by the coffee." I said softly as he just chuckled rubbing the back of his neck.
"It's okay, Liberty. You were quick enough to save me from the coffee" He replied in amusement as I took notice of all of his bags.
"Shopping?" I questioned in amusement knowing he really wasn't the type.
"My daughter, Bella, is moving in with me. She is around your age actually" He commented as all the breath left me at the confirmation that she exists here "You think she will like these?"
I was pulled out of my spiral to see him showing me all the purple things he had chosen for Bella. I forced myself to smile despite feeling like I was breaking apart again. I could barely maintain my breathing enough and I was a little shaky at best.
"I am sure she will love it" I stated knowing the opposite as he smiled brightly at me "I have to head out, my grandmother is expecting me at home"
"Of course, happy new year Liberty!" He said brightly as I smiled back at him.
"Happy New Year, Chief Swan" I replied giving him a salute trying like hell not to just bolt into a full run out of the store.
~Time Lapse
I felt like throwing things when I couldn't clear my mind to meditated to learn the newest stage. Virginia frowned in confusion as I felt like screaming. I could feel my own aura lashing out in confusion sensing my out-of-control emotional state.
"Perhaps, we should stop for the day" She suggested softly as I growled out "What is wrong?"
"Just my fucking life" I snapped out at her causing her to flinch before I forced myself to relax "I am sorry, I just found out something that is really messing with me"
"Would you like to talk about it?" She questioned motioning to the yard as I took in the burns to the grass around me.
"Oh god" I stated horrified that I hadn't meant to do that.
"It happens, when you are overwhelmed and attempting to internalize something" She explained as I shallowed thickly.
"I ran into someone that confirmed something that I should have been more prepared for. I was so focused on just learning to live here, accept my own situation, that it blindsided me" I stated taking a breath to force myself to remain calm "Now I have to decide if I should tell the Cullens this"
"Does it affect them?" She questioned as I nodded "Do you need to tell them everything or can you just tell them what they need in the moment?"
"I guess I could give a general warning and go from there" I said biting my lip "I just feel like I am betraying my standpoint doing that. I don't want everything to change, I like the way things are"
"Is there something else that will help you find your center?" She asked as I shallowed thickly again nodding with an idea in mind.
"Thank you, I don't think the Cullens are home. I am going to text Alice and check if I can use their music room" I said an idea forming in my mind at something I turn to in my darkness moments since my first tour.
"I hope it helps; I am going to get ready for my shift" Virginia said as I smiled at her.
"Fun night?" I questioned forcing myself to keep up with the steady breaths.
"It's new years eve, it is always a little interesting" She replied in amusement as I kissed her cheek.
"Please be safe" I directed pulling out my flip phone to text Alice praying that it would be okay, because I needed something to recenter me at the moment.
~Time Lapse
I moved through the house thankful for the quiet. I took off the coat quickly adjust my leotard and tights. I removed my boots slowly putting on my pointe shoes and lacing them up. I took a few breaths stretching slightly before removing a CD for Casting Crowns out of my purse walking over to their stereo. I quickly set it to playing 'Praise you in this storm'.
'I was sure by now, God, you would have reached down and wiped our tears away. Stepped in and saved the day. And once again, I say, "A-men" and it's still raining'
The moment the song began I moved from the Assemble position closing my eyes as I moved through the familiar moments. I may not be religious, but I had relied on faith in my darkest moments. As I moved into an Arabesque position, I felt the words of comfort wash over me before my body moved easily into a Brisé.
'But as the thunder rolls, I barely hear your whisper through the rain "I'm with you". And as Your mercy falls. I'll raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away'
I breathed easily letting the worries and concern drifted off of me. I performed a few Chassé in motion with the soft music smiling as my body did it with practiced ease. I hadn't done this in quite some time, it was enjoyable to know that I had muscle memory.
'And I'll praise You in this storm And I will lift my hands For You are who You are no matter where I am and every tear, I've cried You hold in Your hand. You never left my side And though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm'
Allowing myself to drift into a Ciseaux I jumped into the air spreading out my legs landing with grace. I didn't pause as I spun out pausing to lift onto my toes in a Echappé. I smiled softly moving my leg up to support as a Emboité position. I relaxed moving with the Pas de Bourrée steps.
'I remember when I stumbled in the wind, you heard my cry. You raised me up again, but my strength is almost gone How can I carry on If I can't find You?'
I moved to a Coupe' before doing a jump switch to complete a Petit Jeté. I Pirouetted a few times enjoying the movement and ease of the music washing over me. I forgot how much fun I had doing this.
'But as the thunder rolls, I barely hear Your whisper through the rain "I'm with you". And as Your mercy falls, I'll raise my hands and praise the God who gives and takes away'
I felt my body move before my mind could comprehend into a Plié with the music. From the start position I moved to perform a Rond de Jambe slowly along with the music feeling the grace in the action.
'And I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am'
I smiled relaxing before completing a Pirouette a few more times. I moved jumped up performing a Sissonne landing silently.
'And every tear I've cried, you hold in Your hand. You never left my side and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm'
I moved forward in another Pirouette before moving my feet together lifting up to perform a Sous-sus.
'I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth'
I relaxed back down moving into a Pirouette allowing my body to remain in form. I smiled moving into a Ciseaux jumping from the jump.
'I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of heaven and earth. I lift my eyes unto the hills. Where does my help come from?'
The moment I hit the ground I moved to jump in a Ciseaux again before twirling in a Pirouette. I enjoyed this action more than the others as I continued it a few more times.
'And I'll praise You in this storm and I will lift my hands for You are who You are no matter where I am
Every tear I've cried, you hold in Your hand. You never left my side though my heart is torn I will praise You in this storm'
I moved onto my toes just drifting along with the music before following with a Chassé several times. I relaxed into another twirl before sliding into a Glissade.
'And though my heart is torn, Though my heart is torn, I'll praise You in this storm. Praise You in this storm'
With the last of the music filling the air I moved into a Penché before returning to the tips of my toes. The final notes I finished with a Plié, going to the ground before raising up reaching a rest position as the final note of the song sounded.
I released a relaxed breath rolling my shoulders feeling more at ease than I had been in a long time. I didn't even realize how much I need this. I jumped when clapping sounded in the room causing me to twirl and to my own horror, the Cullens were there watching me.
~Edward Point of View~
I paused at the entrance of the room knowing that Liberty has asked Alice to come over when we were hunting. I was not expecting to walk in on such an enchanting image. Liberty's movement were flawless as she moved along with the music, a song I didn't recognize. She was graceful and elegant in a way I couldn't describe that I had only seen in ballerinas that had decades of experience.
It was the look on her face that held me securely focused on my mate. I hadn't ever seen that look of peace on her face. She looked more beautiful in this moment than I had ever seen before.
'She in incredible' Esme thought in awe 'She really is perfect for him; she will bring his music to life'
The thought made me ache for it. I longed for the day I could play her the song I was composing for him. I desired to have this girl dance for me while I played. It wasn't a thought I had before, not knowing that she had been talented when it came to dancing. I knew many things about her at this point, but this had escaped my notice.
'She moves like she was made to dance' Rosalie thought watching with interest, and I couldn't help but agree
'In all my years, I have seen only a few dancers that could dance with such a peaceful look on their face' Carlisle thought as I smiled as she ended perfectly with the final notes
Alice immediately began clapping loudly causing Liberty to jump. I knew from the look that took over her face that this was not something she wanted. Alice didn't pause jumping at her hugging her tightly. Liberty was clearly tense from the action as I growled lowly causing Alice to release her.
"You were so amazing" Alice chirped happily clapping her hands again "Can you do it again?"
"Alice" I warned seeing Liberty looking ready to bolt
"Fine" Alice said rolling her eyes as Liberty took a breath looking at me
"You didn't say you were such an incredible ballerina" I whispered walking up slowly giving her the chance to move away as I pulled her into a hug "Your performance was amazing"
"Thanks, I wasn't expecting an audience" She whispered clearly uncomfortable with the attention
"You are very talented" Esme said softly "You must have been dancing your whole life"
"No" She said stepping away from me "I didn't start dancing until about a decade ago now, I wasn't really permitted to do anything like that growing up"
"Oh, that is really sad" Alice said making Liberty flinch "Why did you start dancing?"
I knew from the look on Liberty's face that the reason wasn't going to be something I would like hearing. She debated for a few moments before biting her lip in the way that make it hard to think.
"The situation that left the scar on my leg" She stated softly as I flinched this time knowing it was the worse scar she had "It took a long time to really get use to everything again after, my balance and ability to walk was pretty messed up. My best friend suggested learning to dance, he chooses to enroll me in ballet classes against my will. I loved it though, it was something that help me find calm in the middle of everything"
"How did you get the scar on your leg?" Carlisle questioned and I narrowed my eyes at him 'I asked before I could stop myself, I had been wondering about her scars for some time'
"I am not sure you really want me to describe that" She said in concern biting her lip.
"It may help me understand your healing ability, you shouldn't have a scar like that with how quickly you heal" Carlisle explained as she sighed deeply closing her eyes.
"I dove on a bomb" She whispered as the words made my head spin, she dove on a bomb?
"You did what?" Emmett shouted with wide eyes 'Did she just say a bomb?'
"Major" Jasper gasped in shock as Alice seemed to be as choked as I was with the information.
"Why would you do that?" I whispered out in question pained over the vision of her diving into danger, that was so much worse than running into a fire.
"Yes, I dove on a bomb as it was able to go off because it was either that or it take out my team." She explained as I placed my hand on her face, I couldn't deal with the panic that consumed me at the thought of a world without her.
"You could have died" I stated shallowly thickly trying to recall the darkness I felt before I met her, how lonely the world was.
"I almost did. I won't lie and say that it was easy to recovery. It took a long time, because even with my abilities as dormant as they were back then, I almost lost my leg. I should have died and without my team fighting to get me to safety after as quick as they could I am sure that I would have." She said softly as I pulled her close before I could stop myself.
"I cannot imagine it, my world without you in it. What you did was brave but I dislike the thought of you not having survived saving them." I whispered gently holding my entire world close to me.
"Hey, I survived. I am here and am not planning on going anywhere" She stated softly wrapping her arms around me taking me by surprise.
"And then you became a talented ballerina" I replied softly releasing her not wanting to accidently push her limits, especially when something seems to be bothering her today.
"I am not technically a ballerina, I just took some classes. I love dances, I won't deny that. I haven't have the chance to do that in a very long time." She replied softly causing me to smile at her, she had no idea how special she was.
"You are very talented, Liberty. I look forward to seeing you dance again when you are ready to do so" I replied as she shook her head in amusement.
"How about I make you a deal? I will dance again for you when I get to hear that secret new song you think that I don't know that you are composing" She stated with a smirk as I sighed in amusement at her antics.
"Is that a promise?" I questioned almost laughing at the look of surprise on her face, she had been trying to hear her song for quite some time.
"Yes" She whispered with a bright smile "I promise to dance when you play me your song"
"I like the sound of that" I stated brightly pulling her close again for a quick hug smiling when she sighed against my chest.
"I think everyone would enjoy seeing that" Esme stated causing me to look at them "You both are very talented, a talent that should be shared with those that love you"
"Thank you" Liberty said smiling at her seemingly relaxed in my hold, I took great joy in her being comfortable.
"I will go get you something to eat" Esme said as Liberty chuckled in amusement 'She is the perfect mate for him, they will be very happy together'
"We need to get you dressed for the party while the others get the place ready" Alice said brightly as Liberty chuckled pulling away from me.
"Your sister" She stated in amusement as I smirked at her
"Your best friend" I replied easily as she laughed glancing back at me as Alice dragged her away
'Go help Emmett and Jasper set up the living room' Alice thought to me as she took Liberty away 'And don't you dare peek'
I rolled my eyes setting off to help them. Despite my desire to remain with Liberty, I knew better than to argue with Alice over something she found exciting to plan.
~Liberty Point of View~
I stared at the room a little awed at how quickly they had managed to do this. The normal room was now covered in streamers and balloons that were blue and silver. Esme has set out more food that I could ever eat. There were games set out and everyone was dressed to the T according to Alice's wishes.
"I seriously don't know how she manages to do this" I whispered a little stunned to Edward who chuckled at my reaction
"She puts the rest of us to work" He replied easily as I chuckled hearing Alice's growl at the comment
I smiled as he led me to sit on the couch. I took a breath hating that I would need to say something that could potentially change the happiness. I hated the thought of anything changing my place with them. I didn't know what would happen with Bella, but I had promised to inform them.
"Are you okay?" Edward questioned easily picking up that there was something weighing on my mind
"Yeah" I said softly squeezing his hand "I just have something that I need to tell you"
"Okay" Edward replied looking concerned as I looked around to ensure everyone was here
"I promised a while ago that if the singer was supposed to show up that I would warn you" I explained as he nodded looking confused "I ran into Charlie Swan today and he informed me that his daughter who is in your grade will be moving here and starting school at the start of the year"
"I am guessing she is the other singer?" He questioned still looking a little confused
"Yes, she is a singer or at least was in those books" I clarified gently
"Are you worried that I am going to kill her?" He asked in confusion as I chuckled at the question, of course he would go there
"No, I know that you won't harm her. You had a much greater reaction to my scent than you had to her. You were even right beside her when you discovered it. I just want to ensure that you are aware that when going to school that you will be near another singer. I didn't want you to be surprised" I replied honestly
"You don't need to worry. I will go there before school with Jasper and Emmett to ensure that I can handle it. I doubt that her scent will be anything compared to yours" He stated gently placing a hand on my face "Your scent is more unique than just being a singer"
"Yeah?" I questioned strangely relieved at that information, I really hated being compared to anyone else
"I promise" He whispered pulling me close as I took a breath letting the stress leave me "You ready for the night that Alice has planned for us"
"Ready as I will ever be" I said in amusement chuckling at her offended huff at my comment
"You are going to get us put on her list" Edward stated looking amused as I was couldn't careless, I was very comfortable to just remain in his arms for the evening
"Let her" I said snuggling into his chest feeling a little affectionate for him, he hadn't responded anything like the book Edward would have.
"Very well, I will protect you" He whispered placing a kiss on the top of my head causing me to smile
"Hey" Alice shouted in offense as Emmett laughed
"Leave them be, Alice" I could hear Esme whisper as Edward chuckled lowly
I was content to just remain there for a few minutes. I knew that the others were giving us a moment. It had been a stressful day and as much as I long to, I knew we couldn't just go to the cove. I loved the Cullens, very much. But there was something constantly lurking beneath the surface that made me closer to Edward than the others. I knew that he felt the same way. I just hoped that Bella wouldn't change that.
"Are you okay?" Edward whispered after a few minutes as I sighed
"Yeah, just enjoying the moment" I said pulling away with a smile "I guess I should make the food edible to the rest of you"
"Emmett will appreciate that" He said in amusement as I laughed nodding knowing that Emmett had been driving me a little insane
"Must keep Teddy happy" I replied walking over to the table summoning my power
"Is it getting easier to control them?" He questioned as I sighed
"At some things, like this is really easy. I can ever form barriers around my scent pretty easy" I explained thinking of Jasper's amusement at me doing that "But when it comes to my ability to purify or control it for offense, it seems impossible"
"What does Virginia think is preventing you from doing that?" Edward questioned softly as Emmett bound into the room grabbing a sandwich with a smirk
"Thanks" He boomed before taking a large bit to my own amusement
"No problem" I said softly glancing at Edward "She thinks that it my thoughts on harming anything with them. Which I agreed with, I was trained to be a soldier and follow a code. I have killed before, but never with just my power. It just feels so much more personally thinking of it like that"
"But it would be defending yourself, no one expects you to go hunting down supernatural beings" Edward stated softly as I sighed smiling sadly at him as the others entered as well
"I will come to terms with it, it just will take time. I have my focus on learning other things anyway" I said shrugging my shoulders
"As long as you know that there isn't anything to fear, they are a part of you" Edward said touching my cheek with a soft smile "You just need to trust yourself and your own judgement, I know that I do"
"You always know the perfect things to say" I stated moving to kiss his cheek "Thank you, Edward, for supporting me"
"Always" He said smiling that special smile of shock that he gets the rare times I kiss his cheek
"Come on, we are starting with a dance party" Alice said happily as I frowned wondering what she was getting out "Rosalie is going to put on a random mix of songs, and we have to come up with dances"
~Time Lapse
I felt a little breathless as I collapsed on the couch laughing at Alice still twirling around like a fairy. I was having so much fun. It was not only a few minutes to Midnight and the others had turned on the watch from Times Square.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Edward questioned as I smiled at him, he had surprised me the most tonight by actually turning out to be a pretty good dancer with the swing style
"I am having a lot of fun" I replied honestly as he smiled pulling me closer to him, it seemed like he was also very affectionate with me today.
"What are your resolutions for the new year?" He asked with interest as I chuckled
"I haven't ever actually made any" I said in amusement "How about you? Making any for the upcoming year?"
"Just one" He mumbled clearly thinking I could not hear him as I saw him shake his head
"I think we should just make this a year to remember" I stated as Alice came up with a tray of champagne
"For us to toast the new year" She said happily as I am placing my hand on the tray pushing out my power "Thanks"
"No problem" I said taking one of the flutes looking at Edward "I never had Champagne before, have you?"
"In my human life" He confirmed as I suddenly recalled that society was something that Edward grew up him causing me to tilt my head in an attempt to see it "What?"
"I am just trying to picture you back in your birth time, all dressed up at a society event" I stated as he chuckled shaking his head
"I wasn't really one for those events. I only went to a few of my father's business parties" He explained in amusement
"Yeah, I can't really see you in that setting. I bet though you were stealing the hearts of all those proper ladies" I joked in amusement
"I never paid it any attention to tell you if I did or not" He said softly as I paused shallowing at the look on his face, I couldn't identify that look no matter how hard I tried to
"It's starting" Alice said happily as I chuckled clinging my glass with Edward as the countdown began
"To a new year" He whispered using his free hand to touch my cheek gently and I smiled at his clear happiness
I paused knowing that the tradition of this time was to kiss at midnight. I knew that it was silly but there was a part of me that wanted to do it again. I knew that I shouldn't, not knowing that my world could very well be turning upside down again. So, I went with instinct.
"Happy new year, Edward" I whispered gently setting my champagne on the table turning to see him looking confuse
I smiled as I placed my hands on his face watching as his eyes widened. I leaned forward placing my lips on his. I didn't find his lips cold, just soft under my own. I smiled against his lips when he stilled again like last time. This time though, I gave him the chance to relax and respond. I wasn't prepared for when he did. He shyly moved his lips as I allowed him the lead. It was gentle, so gentle as I could feel him shaking beneath my hands. I heard glass breaking as I felt him growling in his chest as he pulled away staring at me with a dazed expression.
"Careful of the glass" Esme commented as I went to step back causing me to stop immediately knowing I shouldn't risk getting cut
"Sorry" Edward said still a little breathless as I saw him lick his lips
"Are you okay?" I questioned softly hoping that I didn't push him into something he wasn't comfortable with
"Of course, he is okay, he is just thinking that was the perfect to start the new year" Emmett boomed cleaning up the glass as Edward growled at him
"Am I good to move now?" I questioned gently glancing down at him
"Yeah, you are good" Emmett said after checking the floor on more time as I relaxed
"Thanks" I said going to sit on the couch smiling as Edward dropped next to me grabbing my hand
"Thank you" He whispered after a moment as I looked at him confused "I know that you choose to kiss me because it is tradition"
"Hey" I said softly "I wanted to; it may have been in accordance with the tradition. But if I didn't want to, I know you wouldn't have made me. You were the one that suggest the toasting instead, right?"
"How did you know that?" He questioned in confusion as I chuckled
"I know you" I replied honestly as he smiled "You okay with it?"
"Yeah" He said softly nodding slightly "Alice set aside a set of pajamas in my room for you"
"Thanks" I stated knowing that we both needed a little space at the moment "I am going to change, you okay with me sleeping in your room again?"
"Of course," He responded as I smiled squeezing his hand before walking upstairs feeling suddenly exhausted
~Time Lapse
~Edward Point of View~
I smiled softly as I entered my room to see her asleep with the moonlight shining through the window. I walked forward careful not to make away noise running my fingers through her hair. I knew today was another big step in the right direction. She had stunned me by kissing me at midnight, choosing to do so despite me thinking of ways to get her out of that.
But beyond that, it was the way she handled it that I really appreciated the most. She let me take the lead. She was patient as I moved slowly, careful of my own strength. I knew that breaking the glass meant that should we get to the stage of having a relationship, I would have to be more careful. But in that moment, the taste of her had overwhelmed me.
It was not like adjusting to her scent, the way that her taste was burning into my memory. I knew that she would be understanding every step of the way. She gave me control and as much as I would have liked to deepen the kiss, I had to pull away after a few seconds. I doubted she fully understood and accepted what she meant to be yet. I figured out that it was most likely due to information she withheld from the story.
I wish I knew how to reassure her, that she meant more to me than everything in my world. I couldn't imagine anything changing that.