EDWARDS TRUE MATE
I have contemplated the idea of death several times, not in a suicidal manner, but as a recognition of our human fragility. Eventually, everyone must face their mortality, and I, too, have pondered my own demise. I had formulated certain conditions for my eventual departure, which could also be described as a bucket list. Before I passed away, I wanted to truly live. I desired to explore the world, to love and laugh, and to experience the full spectrum of human emotions. I longed to encounter every facet of human existence, to laugh and cry, and to find happiness. I yearned for both love and heartache, and this relentless pursuit of experiencing all that life had to offer stemmed from my mother's influence.
My mother suffered from a lung disease that confined her within the four walls of our home. I would often find her sitting near the balcony, gazing wistfully at the outside world, unable to partake in its wonders. When she passed away, I made a solemn promise to live vicariously for her. Initially, it was a daunting task. I didn't even want to get out of bed, but with time, I managed to overcome my grief. Now, I perceive life as an ephemeral gift, urging me to cherish every second, for once it slips away, it can never be reclaimed.
That used to be my life until the universe decided to play a cruel trick on me and transport me into the world of Twilight. Seriously, Twilight? I was never a fan of the series. It wasn't that I despised it, but I simply didn't care for it. In my opinion, it was a mediocre creation, serving as Stephanie Meyer's vehicle to fulfill her fantasy of being with a vampire. The plotline was lackluster, and Bella and Edward were the dullest characters I had ever encountered. Their chemistry felt forced as if they were obligated to be together, and yet their love was deemed epic. But that wasn't love; love should be vibrant, empowering, and healing. It should make you a better person.
Edward's claim that Bella was his personal brand of heroin held some truth. I believe he stayed with her because he relished the challenge of being around her without succumbing to his vampire instincts. It was a test of his self-control, and he took pleasure in mastering that restraint. As for Bella, she was a seventeen-year-old girl, overflowing with hormones and lacking a deeper understanding. All she saw was a pretty face and the prospect of an eternity with it, sealing the deal for her. While some people harbor animosity towards Bella, I consider her an okay character. There was nothing particularly appealing about her; her thoughts were shallow, and she struggled to form her own opinions. However, we must remember that she was just a teenager, and self-centeredness is often characteristic of that age. If Edward had not become infatuated with her and frozen her at such a young age, I believe her character could have grown substantially.
Anyway, despite claiming indifference towards the series, here I am ranting about it.
Back to the present:
I find myself in the Forks High School cafeteria, seated next to Jessica Stanley and Bella Swan. When I say I hyperventilated upon seeing Kristen Stewart sitting in front of me, I truly mean it. Oh my goodness, I had forgotten how stunning Kristen Stewart is (she says, lost in a dreamy state). I scan my surroundings, attempting to comprehend how I transitioned from my office, engaged in mundane work, to this cafeteria filled with teenagers. The only plausible explanation that comes to mind is that I must have ingested the wrong kind of mushroom this morning. Continuing to survey the area, I search for the Cullens, and there they are, at the far end of the room, attempting to conceal their otherworldly nature but failing miserably. They all sit there motionless, not even blinking, UNsuccessfully masking their true identities. How they manage to do so remains a mystery to me. I scrutinize the group, and each member possesses an exquisite beauty. However, their allure is almost too intense for the human eye to bear, like staring directly at the blazing sun, compelling one to avert their gaze. While Bella may have possessed an aversion to danger, I do not share that sentiment. My instincts detect something amiss and perilous about them. Upon detecting them, my heart rate begins to spike, and my palms become clammy. Supernatural beings surround me. I know the Cullens adhere to an animal diet, but that doesn't negate the fact that if they desired, they could annihilate everyone in this room in the blink of an eye. They could snap my neck in a millisecond. They are vampires.
Edward's head snaps up, and his gaze locks onto me. His eyes widen with a mixture of anger and fear. Oh, shit. Did he hear my thoughts? Damn it, I had forgotten that he could read minds. Edward glances at his family, and I can discern his lips moving as he shares the contents of my mind with them. Now, five pairs of eyes bore into my skull, attempting to annihilate me through their gaze. Panic surges within me. Oh, God, I can feel a panic attack approaching. I must escape this place. I refuse to combust in front of a room full of teenagers. However, I know that the moment I leave, they will follow. It's a choice between having an attack in front of these teenagers or being killed by vampires, and I choose the latter. I bolt out of my chair, racing through the hallways in a blur of speed. In the distance, I hear my name being called, but I pay no attention. I must escape from here, away from them. I need to return home. How did I end up here? Why am I in this world? Oh, God, I have been thrust into a realm where werewolves and vampires exist. I—a mere human—find myself in a supernatural world. Hyperventilation consumes me; my vision blurs, and each breath becomes more labored. I hear footsteps closing in, surrounding me, and my name being called once more. Then, I feel a surge of tranquility wash over me, starting from my head and enveloping my entire body. My heart rate returns to its usual rhythm, and my breathing steadies. My vision gradually clears, revealing shadows of people standing before me.
The Cullen Clan, with the exception of their 'parents,' stood before me, and it was evident that I needed to disclose my knowledge of their vampire nature or they might kill me. In order to ensure my safety, aligning myself with a supernatural ally was crucial, and I preferred having the Cullens by my side rather than the hot-headed shapeshifters. With determination, I addressed them, acknowledging their probable inquiries and assuring them that I would provide the answers they sought. However, before delving into the details, I politely inquired about the current date and the events of the day.
As my words hung in the air, seven pairs of eyes stared at me incredulously. It was the fairy-like pixie, Alice, who replied in her usual chirpy tone, "It's September 7th, and it's your and Isabella's first day of school. Both of you have been the talk of the town for weeks. We rarely have new students around here."
Ah, so this is just the beginning of the plot, and apparently, it's my first day of school, meaning I am genuinely new here. That's a relief since I won't have to pretend to be someone else. Being new provides an opportunity for me to craft a plausible backstory for my existence. In order to sort my heard I started to speak out loud- a habit of mine. "Oh, okay. So the plot is just starting, and it's Bella's first day. That's good; it means we can control the situation. Edward, you should skip your Biology class. Bella is your singer, and you can ask Carlisle for an explanation on that. In your words, she is like your personal brand of heroin; her blood appeals to you like no other. So, it's best to stay away from her for a few days. Maybe take her scarf to get accustomed to her scent. Once you can be around her without going all Dracula, you can come back to school. Anything else? I guess that's all happening today. Oh, and don't try to change your Biology class; they won't allow it. Bella might get suspicious if she overhears you and thinks she did something to drive you away. Well, she did, but she doesn't need to know that. Um... and you guys are looking at me. Please don't send me to the funny farm. I know it all sounds insane, but hey, you guys are vampires who drink blood, even if it's animal blood. Those poor bunnies, what did they ever do to you guys? And let's not forget Edward's mind-reading, Jasper's emotional manipulation, and Alice's ability to see the future. I'm not the only crazy one here!"
Surprisingly, Emmett chimed in, "She does make a fair point. Let's hear her out before we go all 'Dracula' on her, eh?" My eyes widened in astonishment. Did Emmett say something sensible? He chuckled at my expression and added, "Yeah, I have my moments. I can be sensible too, kid."
Alice interjected, "Let's head to our house; the bell is about to ring."
In the state of calm, I took a moment to observe the Cullens. Jasper and Rosalie were glaring daggers at me, as was Edward, though a glimmer of curiosity sparkled in his eyes. Good, curiosity meant they wouldn't kill me just yet. The quote "knowledge is power" flashed in my mind. Alice gazed at me with her knowing eyes, almost as if she had anticipated my presence, which was a plausible notion. Emmett seemed thoroughly entertained.
With a mixture of relief and apprehension, I whispered to myself, "Great."