{Chapter}
~Liberty Point of View~
I groaned as I woke up from a terrible nightmare by hitting the floor hard as hell. I felt sluggish as I pushed off from the ground. I was tired to my bones from weeks of dealing with the night terrors that were shaking me to my core. I knew that I was in trouble, that my past was threatening to overwhelm me. Problems that I didn't even know I had been revealing themselves and nothing I was doing was fighting them off.
"Liberty, are you feeling well enough for school" Virginia questioned the moment I managed to make it to the table for breakfast
"Yeah, I should be fine." I said not even having the energy to force a smile to my face
"Liberty" Virginia said gently grabbing my hand "I know that there is something wrong. I am not so unobservant that I don't notice the growing dark circles from lack of sleep. You have barely been present for training all week."
"I get that you are worried, but I will be fine" I said trying to force a light tone to my voice, failing too actually do so
"I will not pretend to believe you, but I will not force you to talk about it yet" Virginia stated giving me a knowing look that had me sighing
"I will get it back under control" I bit out seriously causing her to give me a sad smile
"I know you will, you are very strong" She said standing up pausing to give me a serious look "But sometimes, it takes greater strength to allow someone to be there when all you want to do is be alone"
"Alone is all I have ever know" I stated honestly standing up grabbing the coffee, which was the problem in the end.
"Whatever it is, I hope you find a resolution. You have lost control of yourself, Liberty" Virginia stated when I was walking away causing me to pause "You know the dangers of your abilities, I pray you find your center before you cause yourself harm"
"I will" I stated shallowing hard knowing that there was currently a greater possibility that I would fail because at the moment it is what I deserved.
"Try to have a good day" Virginia said softly but I could hear her sadness in her voice
"I hope you have a good day" I replied exiting the house feeling my body ache with each step
~Time Lapse
"Here" Alice said as I weakly lifted my head from the table seeing the cup of coffee
"No thanks" I whispered feeling suddenly nauseous over the thought of more caffeine
"Shit, are you dying?" Emmett boomed as I flinched at the sound "Sorry"
"It's okay" I stated trying to give him a reassuring smile "I am not dying, I promise. I am only tired; I am sure it will pass soon"
"So, you are sick?" Rosalie said raising her eyebrow "Because you look like shit, no offense"
"Thanks" I deadpanned as she frowned looking me over "Stop worrying, I am fine"
"You cannot fault us for worrying, we just want to help" Edward whispered as I tensed when he placed his hand on my back
"I know" I said trying to will myself to relax "I will figure it out"
"Is someone messing with you? I can beat them up" Emmett said seriously as I chuckled lowly feeling the action make my chest burn
"Only if you can also hop time and dimensions, because the problem is my past" I said forcing a joking tone into my voice
"Sorry" Emmett said softly looking concern, great now I was causing the happiness vampire to know to man to be depressed
"Try to get some sleep" Edward whispered as I glanced at him hating the pained expression, it wasn't his fault that I was a fucked up
I sighed deeply knowing that it wasn't fair to him. I adjusted myself to lean into his ignoring the aching of my body. I closed my eyes as Edward wrapped his arm around me.
"Thanks" I softly whispered as him relax placing a small kiss on my forehead
"Anything for you" He stated as I let the safety allow me a little moments of rest
~Time Lapse
I was still exhausted but the small nap at lunch helped enough to keep me moving. I paused approaching the others seeing Bella attempting to fix the snow chains on her truck.
"Need help?" I questioned stepping next to her
"Yeah, my dad put them on earlier" She mumbled as I nodded bending down to fix the chains on the tire
"It was pretty smart of him" I commented knowing that she was Charlie's world
"Yeah" She whispered kicking the tire as I stood up
"Have a good night" I said giving her a wave turning to head to the others
I was suddenly sick as the realization hit me, the sound screeching from a car losing control making me recall a detail from the book. I took notice of Taylor losing control of his car and Bella's look of frozen terror at the car coming at her at an uncontrolled pace. My mind went into overdrive as the world slowed around me. My legs pushed me forward as fast I could move. My arms reached out on instinct taking hold of Bella. My only thought was protecting Bella from that car.
My mind willed my body into action using my momentum to spin us out of the way. My legs strained under the force as I propelled up forward. I used my body to shield her as I hit the icy ground hard. The action of the first bounce made me lose my breath. The next hit made my head spin as I struggled to shield Bella from injury. Then my hit something with force as pain erupted through me, forcing a scream from my mouth.
Then the haze of pain and shock forced me under the darkness. The last thing I was aware of was someone screaming my name.
~Edward Point of View~
I allowed a small smile seeing her pause to help the girl from our class with her tires. One of the best qualities she had was compassion. I knew she was feeling slightly better, thanks to her taking a nap at lunch. I had been slowly losing my mind worrying about her, but her allowing me to hold her for a nap was a huge improvement. Especially considering how closed off she had become lately. I watched as waved goodbye to Bella turning to me with a smile.
'I am glad she is feeling better' Alice thought watching Liberty slowly approach from Bella's truck
I tensed when Alice's vision took over drawing me in. I saw Tyler losing control of his truck and Bella standing there wide eyed showing no sign of moving. I immediately began thinking of a quick getaway. I knew that I couldn't manage the smell of blood after the lack of hunting due to watching over Liberty at night. I turned ready to go into the school when Alice's vision changed, this new vision hit me harder than the first time I had smelt her.
I saw Liberty turn at the car losing control. I saw Liberty in the way of vehicle as she took hold of Bella. I couldn't see her surviving, just the wrecked car. I turned seeing events occurring before my very eyes, every with my speed I couldn't reach her in time to stop her. All I could do was think and pray with everything in me that this wasn't happening, it couldn't be her.
"No" Alice screamed out in shock
"Oh god" Rosalie said in horror
"Liberty" Emmett boomed out unable to believe his eyes
'This can't be happening' Jasper thought in disbelief
My siblings' reactions and shock where nothing compared to what I was feeling. My world was ending before me as I heard the most devastating sound ever, Liberty's scream. Even fiber of my being demanded that I reach my mate, that I protect her. The sound of her bone breaking, and that tortured scream would haunt me for an eternity.
I couldn't see anything past wreckage of Tyler's car, but I took off running across the parking lot. It took everything in me to maintain a human speed to reach my mate. She had to be alive, there were no other options.
"Move" I commanded harshly when the crowd of students blocked me
"You heard him, get the hell out of the way" Emmett boomed as I pushed past them uncaring if they were terrified
The sight I found when I finally reached her shattered me. I immediately ran over dropping to the prone figure of my life laying on the cold ground. My whole body shook as I strained to listen for her heartbeat. The relief of finding it was short lived, it was too slow.
"She saved me" Bella whispered as I reached out with shaky hands to touch her face
"Liberty" I begged with a broken voice "I need you to open your eyes"
"The ambulance will be here in two minutes" Alice whispered in pain kneeling next to me
"She is alive right?" Bella questioned as I bit back a growl gently pulling my mate into my arms
"She is alive" Alice said to her
"I let Carlisle know that she is coming in" Jasper stated kneeling at my other side
I nodded needing to keep her in my arms. I leaned down feeling Jasper's abilities surge to give me control. I breathed in her scent, the scent of my reason for existing. I prayed that her powers would save her. I knew that she was a survivor, but I was truly terrified at her weak heartbeat and uneven breaths. I could hear the rattle in her chest with each breath. I could hear with perfect clarity that her body was struggling under injuries I couldn't see.
"Liberty" I whispered into her ear "I need you to fight. I need you to stay alive"
I was aware of sirens in the distance, but I focused solely on the angel in my arms. This woman with sapphire eyes was so many things to those around her. Alice's best friend, the one she always wanted. She was the first to joke with Emmett. She was the one that understood the softer side to Rosalie. She was the one that helped Jasper find his control. But to me she was my everything, my entire reason for existence.
"Please, don't leave me. I need you, Liberty. I need you to keep breathing for me. Just hold on" I pleaded hearing the brokenness in my voice as I felt a hand on my shoulder
"Edward, she will be okay" Alice whispered with a slight tremble 'She has to be okay; this is not where it is supposed to end. She has to survive this'
I could hear that she was just as upset as me. She couldn't loss her best friend, her new sister. None of my siblings wanted to lose this angel. She was just too important to all of us.
"Sir, we need to look at her" A medic stated as he set a bag on the ground 'She looks familiar'
"It's okay" Alice whispered knowing that I was struggling to release her
"Let me get this on her first, then you can lower her to the stretcher" The paramedic stated as I nodded as he moved forward securing the collar "Liberty"
"No way" The other medic said looking at my mate before glancing at me "Don't worry, we will take care of the little hero"
I fought the urge to growl when he thought of my mate in such a way. But I could gather that they were also the paramedics from the day she went into the fire. I listened to their thoughts closely picking up they were worried about her heartbeat and breathing as well. They were more concerned about her head injury.
"We need to get her to the hospital. The sooner we get her there, the sooner she gets the scans needed to make sure she isn't bleeding internally and to grasp how bad her head injury is" The medic explained picking up the stretcher to his coworker
"I am coming with you" I whispered grabbing my mate's hand
"It's family only" The one paramedic stated as I shook my head kissing her hand unable to think of letting her out of my sight
"We are her family" Alice stated as the older medic nodded looking at me sadly
"I don't think anyone will ding us for letting them ride in with us" He said seriously to the other who frowned "But only two of you can come in the ambulance with us"
"I am taking your keys" Alice said handing them over to Jasper "Meet us there"
'She will be okay, Edward' Jasper thought as the paramedics loaded my make into the ambulance
"Please, I love you, my angel. Don't leave me" I whispered broken feeling her much colder skin and it seemed so wrong seeing her in this condition. She had saved Bella when I had the chance to and now, she was badly hurt.
~Time Lapse
I was more tense by the time we reached the hospital. Time always was my enemy and now it seemed to be moving much slower as she struggled to survive. I couldn't see any sign of improvement. She wouldn't wake up and I feared that she never would. I knew from the thoughts of the medics and my prior medical training that it was worse the longer she stays unconscious. That it was likely that she had hit her head so hard that she would lapse into a coma.
"Edward, I will take it from here" Carlisle said the moment she was wheeled into the hospital 'I will keep you updated; she will be okay. Liberty is strong'
"I know" I stated softly placing a kiss on her forehead "I will be here waiting, Carlisle's got you. I need you to keep fighting, to come back to me"
"We need to get scans done immediately" Carlisle directed the nurse as the wheeled my mate away from me.
"How is she?" Esme questioned coming into the waiting room 'I can't lose another one'
"Carlisle is doing scans now; she hasn't woken up" Alice explained as Esme hugged me tightly
"She will be okay" She whispered to me 'I believe that you both deserve more than this ending'
"I failed her" I said honestly knowing that I didn't deserve a mate so good and pure, when I failed to protect her
"Shut up" Rosalie said coming up to us causing me to growl "Any one of us could have stopped it, but Liberty was the one that knew what she was doing. Don't degrade what she did with your guilty, she wouldn't blame you"
"Rose is right" Virginia said coming in taking a seat next to me 'My granddaughter would be beside herself if she knew he was blaming himself. Poor soul, so in love with her. She has to survive'
I placed my head in my hands hating that I didn't know what was happening with her. I didn't like all the thoughts of the others overwhelming me. I needed her, I needed Liberty to be alive and well. I needed her to wake up and smile. I need her to open her eyes so I could tell her that I loved her. I should not have waited this long.
"Bella and Tyler are here" Jasper commented as I glanced up to see them wheeled in
I moved to attack Tyler without thinking. I just knew that if he hadn't lost control of his car that Liberty wouldn't be the one injured. The moment I stood Emmett and Jasper grabbed me holding me tightly.
"He isn't worth it" Emmett whispered seriously 'Think of little flame, she would not want you doing this. Revenge isn't her style man. She doesn't need any more stress when she wakes up because she will wake up.'
'Calm down, Edward. This isn't the way to manage this' Jasper thought hitting me with another wave of calm as I shook them off me
"Those the kids she saved?" Virginia whispered as I nodded in confirmation
"She got Bella out of the way of the car that Tyler lost control of" Rosalie explained staring at the doors clearly waiting for Carlisle to walk through
"I will check on their status" Virginia said standing up walking over the nurse's station to see if she could get answers
I knew she just needed to be doing anything but sitting there in this moment due to memories of the last time she was in this situation. I couldn't pay attention to anything trying to find and listen to Carlisle's thoughts.
~Time Lapse
~Carlisle Point of View~
I rushed the team through the hall as I listened to her heartbeat and breathing. Only with my enhanced hearing could I hear the slight stabilizing of her heart. I hadn't ever heard anything like it. The closest was the way bears were when they hibernate, was it possible that her body was purposely slowing them to heal the rest of her.
I moved to take her blood as the nurse put in an IV in her other arm. The next thing was getting scans of her head and chest. Just as the scans were coming up, I hear the sharp inhale from her. I was immediately at her side.
"Liberty, can you hear me?" I questioned softly as I took notice that she had a tough time focusing on me
"Hey, Carlisle" She stated whining in pain "We have got to stop meeting like this"
"I agree" I replied hold up two fingers "How many fingers am I holding up?"
"Four?" She said after a moment clearly struggling to keep her eyes open
"Do you know what happened?" I asked as she shook her head grunting in pain
"It hurts" She slurred as I smiled sadly reaching to squeeze her hand
"I will have them get you something for the pain" I assured her nodding to the nurse
"Thanks" She managed giving me a smile "I don't like the dark"
Before I could ask what, she meant with that statement the medicine and pain combination put her under. I knew before even looking at the scans that she had a major concussion. I could only hope that the healing ability that she told me would be able to keep her stable. I knew that Edward couldn't survive losing her, especially not after just finding her. I wasn't sure any of us could manage losing her.
~Time Lapse
~Edward Point of View~
I felt like an eternity had passed waiting for Carlisle to return with an update on my mate. I felt like everything inside me was breaking at the possibly that she was dead. I may never have the chance to tell my angel that I love her. The moment Carlisle walked through the doors, I almost tripped from stand so fast.
"Liberty is resting at the moment" Carlisle stated as I tense "She woke up briefly during the scans, which is a really good sign"
"Why?" Emmett questioned quickly
"She does have a concussion, a broken rib, and signs of exhaustion" Carlisle explained softly 'Her abilities are already actively healing her, if she wakes up next time on her own, I am discharging her so she can come home with us'
"Oh dear" Esme said sadly "Is she in pain?"
"We gave her some medication to control it and she is healing quickly" Carlisle replied carefully as I nodded just wanting to rush through the door to hold me mate
"Thank you" Virginia said with a relieved smile 'At least her powers were stable enough to keep her alive, I warned her about the exhaustion. I wish she would understand'
"If all goes well and if it is okay with you, I would like to move her to my home so we can watch over her" Carlisle stated to Virginia who shrugged
"That would really be up to her" Virginia said with a chuckle "She is control of her own life and I am not one to stand in the way. All I ask is that if she chooses to do so, that I be allowed to visit her as well"
"Oh, I can make up a bed for you" Esme said brightly 'I can order a bed and decorate the storage room. It will give the kids something to do to keep their mind off of Liberty being injured'
"I might take you up on that" Virginia stated to her before glancing at Carlisle "Can I see her now?"
"Of course, she is in the same room" He explained with a hint of amusement 'I should just have the room named after her, she is making quite the name for herself here'
I didn't need to be told twice and barely containing my speed to look human when I went to her room. I didn't care who followed or what else was being said, I just needed to see her. The moment I opened her door I was overwhelmed by her comforting scent, so much more of a relief than the last time I entered this room.
I hated seeing her laying there on the bed looking so small and fragile. Despite knowing that she was human, I have never really thought her as weak. My mate was an incredible force to be reconned and I knew that. She had placed herself in danger to save someone else, for the second time. This time it brought the frightening realization that I couldn't protect her enough and seeing her looking so pale and weak reinforced that information.
"I am here, I am not leaving you" I whispered taking her hand kissing it gently taking the seat next to her "I need you to stay with me, Liberty."
~Time Lapse
I looked up from the bed at a knock on the door. I was surprised to see Bella and a male I was assuming her father there.
"Hello, I am Carlisle Swan. I wanted to see how Liberty was doing" He stated to Virginia as he stared at the bed 'That could have been my Bella, if it hadn't been for Liberty and another one of her stupid acts of bravery'
"We are just waiting for to wake up" Virginia explained as Charlie nodding
"She still hasn't woken up?" Bella whispered with a frown 'Shouldn't she be awake? The others said it was nothing serious'
"She was awake, but the pain meds put her back to sleep" Virginia stated smiling at Liberty "She is just taking her time, just like last time"
"Oh, I am sorry" Bella stated shifting from foot to foot "She saved me"
"It's not your fault" Virginia said with a sad smile "That is just who she is"
"We just stopped by to thank her, but we will leave you both alone. I am sorry that she was hurt" Charlie stated as I nodded, and Virginia smiled in understanding "Come on Bella"
"Okay" Bella thought glancing at me 'I don't think I have ever seen anyone love someone as much as he loves her'
~Liberty Point of View~
I had plenty of experience at this point not to attempt to just move my body. I struggled against the haze as I took notice that something was touching my hand. I felt my fingers twitch at the coldness there wondering what was going on.
"Liberty" A voice whispered as something touched my face "Open your eyes for me, you can do this. Please, Liberty"
I took in the voice hearing the pain there, it pulled at my heart. It took more energy than I was willing to admit opening my eyes. I immediately slammed them shut in pain due to the light.
"Liberty" He whispered as hands were on my face as I opened my eyes seeing Edward blocking that harsh light
"Hi" I managed through a hoarse voice as he seemed to let out a choked sob
"How are you feeling?" He questioned as I frowned trying to understand as suddenly the memory of the accident and Bella came to mind
"Bella?" I asked wincing slightly in pain when I tried to sit up
"Relax" He whispered gently stilling my movements "She is fine, you saved her"
"I hear a hero is here" Carlisle says I looked over smiling at the statement
"We have got to stop meeting like this" I joked as he smiled coming closer
"How are you feeling?" He questioned touching my head making me wince "You have a concussion and a broken rib"
"And exhaustion" Edward stated causing me to bite my lip
"How long have I been out?" I asked knowing that the longer I was out the worse it actually was
"Just under an hour" Carlisle stated as I released a breath "You are already healing quickly as well"
"You really scared us" Virginia said from her chair as I smiled sadly at her "I know it is who you are, I just want you to be more careful"
"I know, I didn't really think about it. I was too tired control my body. I just knew that she was in danger" I whispered glancing at Edward who frowned
"I should have tried to save her when Alice had that vision and then you wouldn't be here, I am sorry that I didn't protect you" He stated softly causing me to become confused
"You weren't planning on saving her at all?" I asked before I could stop myself
"No, I was trying to get away when Alice says your decision to rescue her. By then it was too late for me to save you" He stated touching my face looking incredible upset over it "I am so sorry Liberty"
"I don't blame you, this is not your fault" I replied using a lot of energy to put my hand on his face "I am okay, I will be back to normal in no time at all"
"I don't know what I would do without you" Edward said dropping a kiss to my forehead causing me to sigh "I have never been so terrified as I did see you laying on the ground not moving"
"Yeah, I hit the car pretty hard. I tried to fight it to stay awake, I just couldn't" I said trying to reassure him
"I know I can't ask it of you" Edward whispered looking into my eyes as the pain there stole my breath once more "But please try to avoid this in the future"
"I am okay" I stated not knowing how else to reassure him before looking at Carlisle "So, when can I get out of here?"
"Never, we decided that this room is now permanently your room" He joked as I narrowed my eyes at him "I was waiting for you to wake up. We are going to watch over you at the house while you heal."
"Thank you" I said in relief as he chuckled nodding squeezing my hand
"I am proud of you, Liberty. What you did was very brave" He whispered making me smile at him "I am going to get those papers ready and then Edward can take you back to our house"
"I have to work tonight, but Esme has offered to let me stay as well. I will be stopping by to check on you tomorrow morning" Virginia stated softly as I smiled in thanks before, she turned to Carlisle "Let's go get her signed out before she escapes"
"True" Carlisle stated in amusement following Virginia out of the room as Edward placed a kiss on my forehead
"Get some rest" He whispered as I nodded squeezing his hand in thanks
"Don't leave?" I asked closing my eyes knowing that him being there made a significant difference
"Never" He stated as cold lips touched my hand in a gentle kiss as I slipped back off into sleep
~Time Lapse
~Edward Point of View~
I gently lifted Liberty into my arms careful not to wake her to carry her into the house. I didn't know what was planned, but I knew that she was going to be staying in my room. I was not surprised that Alice was in my room when I entered, had been expecting her to hover. I was surprised that Jasper was there.
'I am here to assist controlling her pain, just to put her back to deep sleep after you doing to check' Jasper explained as I nodded in understanding lowing her to the bed
"Liberty" I whispered kneeling at the side of the bed "I need you to wake up"
"Tired" She stated blinking her eyes a few times
"I know, but you have to answer some questions" I replied as she frowned struggling to keep her eyes open "Do you know where you at?"
"Bed" She mumbled still clearly unfocused
"What room are you in?" I questioned as she glanced around quickly
"Yours" She confirmed as I smile placing my hand on her cheek
"Do you remember what happened?" I asked as she nodded wincing slightly "You need to tell me"
"Tyler lost control of his car and I dove in the way to save Bella" She experience grimacing in pain
"Who am I?" I questioned as Carlisle entered the room
"The idiot keeping me awake" She mumbled unhappily as I frowned "Geez, your name is Edward but if I say you are my best friend, I know Alice will kill me"
'She isn't wrong' Alice thought letting out a giggle as I sighed placing a kiss on her forehead
"Jasper is going to help you back to sleep, we need to wake you up every few hours" I explained as she flinched trying to move
"Can you stay?" She questioned softly as I nodded moving away as she grasped my hand "Here"
"Liberty, I don't want to hurt you" I stated softly as she winced when she tried to move again
"I'll sleep better" She said honestly, so honestly that it stole my breath at the vulnerable look in her eyes
I moved slowly to the other side of the bed. I was sure if my heart could beat, it would be pounding out of my chest. I had wanted this option, to hold her when she slept, for quite some time. I never imagined it would be with her being injured.
"Thanks" She whispered wincing when she moved to my chest
"Careful" I murmured running my fingers through her hair as gently as I could nodding to Jasper
'I will keep a watch on her state and come back when I sense she is in pain again' He directed me
"Thanks" I whispered for him to hear as Alice grabbed his hand skipping out of the room with him
'At the rate she was healing, she should be healed by morning' Carlisle thought taking the time to set up an IV bad 'Just keep her as still as possible, the exhaustion is what worries me the most'
"I will" I promised low enough not to disturb her
I breath in her scent knowing that in no time at all I would have to wake her again. I was just enjoying that she here, that she would be okay in the morning. I knew that the first thing I needed to do was be honest with her and tell her how I feel about her. I knew that today I could have lost her, and she never would have known. I could no longer accept that.