Hello everyone! If you are here please let me begin by saying THANK YOU! Watching and reading all of the Twilight books growing up was such a core memory for me. Please share any experiences, or fun memories of movie/book premieres in the comments below! I would love to hear from you. This is first and foremost, a safe page for ALL people. This story is an LGBTQ plus story, so if that bothers you, the little x in the corner of your screen or the back page button are at your disposal haha!
I have always adored Emmett Cullen as a character, and wanted to take my own spin on his story. Barron Cullen is a Draco Malfoy-esque looking character, but without the sass haha! He is the most kind-hearted person in the story, and has a talent for winning even the most cold hearted person over. People tend to fall in love with him instantly because of his almost ethereal looks and magnetic personality. Barron just graduated college from the University of Tennessee near Gatlinburg, Tennessee where the story begins. He will have a special power, but more on that later! All characters created by Stephanie Meyer belong to her. All characters will have the same story other than Emmett Cullen and Rosalie Hale. Rosalie's mate in this story is Demetri who has found redemption from the Volturi with Carlisle's Olympic Coven. Emmett's mate is obviously Barron. Edward will meet Bella later on in the story, and it will all unfold from Barron and Emmett's perspective. All cannon characters are included. I hope you enjoy this beginning chapter! Commenting or liking this, motivates me to write more! Please send any ideas or suggestions you may have! Photo is of the wonderful Kellan Lutz as Emmett Cullen, and Lucas Till circa 2014 as Barron Cullen. Many title names credited to the wonderful and genius-Taylor Swift.
With that we begin...
CHAPTER ONE: FLOORS OF A CABIN CREAKING UNDER MY STEP
A small ray of light peered in through my top-level apartment window. So comfortable under my covers that engulf me, I turn back over and go to sleep.
Suddenly, I jolt awake startled by my phone buzzing and repeatedly going off. I open my silver flip-phone confused.
"Oh no!, Oh fuck," I completely forgot today was our last big trip up to the Smoky Mountains before we graduate from college in three days.
I quickly sit up and answer the incoming call. My heart started to race with anxiety, and my head swirled with thoughts of guilt.
"BARRON? Babe?! Where are you?! Claire and I even tried going up to your apartment to beat on the door! You must be knocked out after this exam week," said Haley, my best friend.
"Hales, fuck, I am so sorry! I set an alarm and everything I swear-"
"Just throw something on and meet us!," chuckled Claire, probably in the passenger seat of Haley's old beat up Toyota SUV.
I run over to my window that looks down into the parking lot. Sure enough they're parked out front. The feeling of guilt makes my stomach drop.
"I was going to finish packing, y'all go ahead, and I'll drive up myself. I'll pack super quick. I know you're meeting the boys, and they're going to be too excited to wait for me to finish getting ready haha!"
"They're ridiculous. Barron it's fine! We're just sad we won't be listening to Kelly Clarkson together up the mountain!" Haley says with a laugh
"We'll check in with the cabin owners to get the key and see you up there, take your time and RELAX, don't worry, please," said Haley.
"Okay...ugh I love you guys, I'll hurry!"
"Love ya, babe," said Haley ending the call.
She knows I'll feel guilty about this the rest of the trip.
I let out a deep breath I didn't realize I was holding.
Looking around my apartment I can't help but become sentimental. Four years flew by. I walked into my little bathroom and start fixing my unruly straight blond hair that looks like I was served the electric chair.
Because of exams I've barely had time to eat or sleep, so my face looked thinner than usual. This trip is just what I need.
I began packing my toiletries and look around for anything else I should bring.
My suitcase is half packed, so I finish throwing in some winter clothes since this weekend is supposed to be chilly the first two days.
Zipping up my suitcase I throw on a pair of comfortable joggers, a black Nike zip up, and some boots.
About an hour later I am heading down to my car. I take in a big breath of spring air.
This is just what I need after all this stress. I am so thankful for my amazing friends. I am also thankful I have a huge gift basket from our favorite Gatlinburg bakery awaiting pick-up. I know they'll forgive me, but I hate holding people up.
I get in my car, and sure enough turn up Kelly Clarkson. Part of me feels happy these four years are ending. Experiencing my first big heartbreak with my ex-boyfriend was hard. Haley, Claire, and the boys Nick and Antoine got me through. Except now I have an obsession with Miss Clarkson.
I start heading up the mountain. The bluish-gray clouds appear trapped by the mountains giving them their famous name. I pop into the bakery, and am greeted by Miss Sylvia. "Goin' up into the mountains today Barron? Where are all your little friends?," she says in her sweet southern twang.
"Yes ma'am…our last one before graduation! They're already up at the cabin…I accidentally woke up late," I say, a small blush heating up on my cheeks at the embarrassment. " I didn't plan to need a sorry gift, but I am glad I ordered this bundle of your famous goodies."
"Oh Barron, how are you graduating already? Class of 2003, huh? Time sure does fly by…You shouldn't have to apologize much after they taste these muffins! Fresh out of the oven for you sweetness!," she says with a wink. "Now go on handsome! You know...I never seen someone purty' as you sweetness. Doesn't matter whether it's a man or a woman. I always am astounded by these heads that turn when they see you. If I was like you...well...I might get away with murder...take out that hellish ex-husband of mine," she says, sliding the baked goods basket over the counter. We both erupt in laughter. "This is on me! A little graduation gift!," she says winking. I laugh more and a deep blush this time fills my cheeks.
"Miss Sylvia…wow…thank you," I say back, accepting the large basket. I knew better than to resist Miss Sylvia's gift. "You know I would argue with you about paying, but I have a feeling you wouldn't let me," I say, chuckling. She pinches my right cheek and smiles.
I start heading up the trail to the cabin. I stop to get gas. Going inside, I grab a Diet Coke, and set it on the register. The cashier looks at me for a moment his red beard below his chest, and intimidating tattoos up his sleeve. I watch as his expression slowly changes to a softer one.
"On the house," he says back smiling.
"No sir, I insist," I set the exact change down on the counter.
"Well...alright," he just laughs and shakes his head.
I begin to replay Miss Sylvia's comments in my head... Did people really think I was that beautiful?
I never thought much about it, but I did always feel that I had great luck. Sometimes it would be annoying in a way. People have always treated me different for some reason. Sometimes, especially with guys, just coming on way too strong, I don't know what it is...but...I just want to be a nice person. Maybe, that is just what it is. It's hard to come by these days.
Getting back into the car my GPS tells me to turn right onto the beginning of a dirt road. Crackling sticks, and leaves become audible inside my car. The road leads up to a clearing with the most beautiful two story cabin. As I head down the long, winding driveway, a mother deer and her babies rush by the path. "Damn," I whisper as I slam on the breaks. The deer look terrified as they disappear into the vastness of the Smokies. I continue driving, relieved now that the deer have passed safely.
Wow, it's even more beautiful than the pictures! My eyes drift over to the little concrete pad to park the cars, and there is only Antoine's car.
"Where are they?," I start thinking to myself.
I park next to Antoine, and get out of my car. I pull my phone out to call Claire since she usually keeps everyone on top of schedule and laugh at that thought to myself.
The phone starts ringing*
"Barron, can you hear me?, The signal is awful We-,"Claire starts.
The call drops*
I stare at my phone in confusion when finally a funnel of texts on my phone because they couldn't come through saying they went down the mountain into town with the boys to get stuff to make Nick's famous chili.
A text from Haley comes through. "The door is unlocked since we knew you were on the way, but couldn't get calls or texts through, and Claire says to go ahead and go inside."
Perfect, that gives me some time to unpack, and set out my basket for everyone.
I open the large oak door, and drag my suitcase behind me.
Walking in, the cabin is absolutely beautiful. I can't believe we got such a good deal on this amazing place. The high wood ceilings, and smell of crisp spring mountain air permeate the open living room framed by a huge sectional couch and fireplace.
I put my surprise basket from the bakery on the big kitchen table, and through the kitchen window I can see a little trail that leads uphill.
Honestly, a little walk sounds amazing. I love to explore, so I put my suitcase in the room where Haley and I are sharing a bed. Claire is so cute, she put little chalkboard signs with our names on our doors for each persons' room.
The bed is so nice, and the decor is like a warm hallmark movie hug. I set my suitcase down, and head back out the front door.
The air is fragrant from early spring. I let out a sigh, and try to relax. Memories of my heartbreak sometimes come flooding back when I'm alone. I push aside my thoughts about my ex.
"Not today. Today is mine. Today is going to be a memory to last a lifetime. That sadness I feel is in the past," I start telling myself in my head while heading up the small trail.
Birds are chirping, and the frost is melting from the long winter in the Smoky Mountains creating a little stream downhill. Everything is so heavily wooded and quiet, it's a reminder how insignificant our problems can be. I head up the trail, and zip up my Nike top a little more.
"It's chilly," I whisper out loud.
I stop to catch my breath.
I am on this little trail that seems to come to an abrupt end. Surrounded by trees, I look around. I was expecting some sort of cliff or clearing, but there's nothing at first glance.
Deeper in the sea of trees I can see a little dilapidated cabin in the near distance. There are small historical cabins all over the Smokies from Irish immigrants, and people who worked on the railroads that are abandoned. Some of them are preserved as small museums–a glimpse at the past.
My curiosity gets the best of me, and I begin to walk into the brush to get a better look at this old cabin.
I love the supernatural and spooky history. I can't help, but get a little scared though because usually I'm with someone else. The sticks crack and snap beneath my feet into the cool damp soil. It's the only other sound besides the faint trickling of a once snowy creek come alive again, and the sounds of birds.
I walk closer feeling relieved when I see there is actually a little plaque covered in dirt that reads McCarty Historical Home.
This was once a little museum of sorts, and probably got neglected after the fires in 1992.
I let out a sigh of relief, and approach the windows. The roof is partially caved in, but the porch and stairs are intact. I stand facing the front door. The home is entirely constructed of wood. Carved into the beam above the door is McCarty.
Something about this place is so intriguing. I can't put my finger on it, but I feel drawn to look inside. I don't feel scared anymore. I feel eerily calm.
I slowly, but surely, walk up each mossy step, careful not to slip. They creak softly beneath my feet. Peering in through the window I can see it is actually pretty bright inside. There are still glass panels up, covering parts of the home to prevent visitors from touching the relics from when it was a little museum open to the public. Everything is laid out nicely. The table is made, and a rustic faded-red table cloth covers it.
Can I get inside? I have to show this to Haley and Claire. They will love it. I press my hand nervously to the brass doorknob and turn.
To my astonishment, it opens after a slight push. Inside is still maintained well. The vintage metal fireplace still sits ready for a warm fire. Above it is a picture frame of a family on a long wooden banister.
I walk over to it. "The ceiling isn't too bad," I think to myself. I definitely feel safe enough to look.
The glass screen protecting items on the banister have been shattered, probably from animals or looters.
I pick the large picture frame up, and before I can get a good look, the back falls out creating a loud thud that resonates throughout the cabin. Dust billows from the small impact on the floor. My heart starts pounding at the shock.
Fuck- that scared me. I turn to leave, starting to feel spooked, but want to put the picture back. On the back of the photo written in black ink is McCarty Family 1935.
I turn the photo back inside the frame so it fits right, and place it back on the wooden mantle. Suddenly, I lock eyes on the photograph with the most handsome man I have ever seen. He has the warmest grin on his face. Muscles protruding through his sweater. It looks like a holiday or celebratory photograph. His hair is dark, short, and curly. His cheeks are dimpled, and although he has pale skin and a boyish grin he looks like he could do some serious damage to someone with solely his own pinky finger.
He has his arm around two younger girls that share a resemblance to him, as well as an older lady who has long whitish-gray hair, and piercing, yet beautiful eyes. On the little girls' dress are clovers probably representing Ireland.
I take my phone out, and snap a quick picture. I want to do some research later. "Why am I so intrigued?," I can't help but think to myself. Clearly I have a little crush on this man. I chuckle looking at the photo for a second longer, and smiling to myself at how kind this man looks with his family. I can't help but wonder what happened to them now that the year is 2003.
I set the picture frame down, and secure the brass links behind the photo to prevent it from falling again.
I turn over my shoulder, and head back outside. Stepping down the stairs, I hear the sound of footsteps.
I have explored all over, and never had such a corny scary experience.
I write it off as being my fear, and begin walking quickly back towards the little trail that leads back to the cabin.
The sound of grunting and a large exhale echos behind me.
My heart drops into my stomach.
I turn around quickly.
In front of me, walking slowly is a nine foot long black bear. Teeth snarled, claws extended, it looks angrily back at me.
Hot tears well up in my eyes. I've lived in Tennessee my whole life, and have never seen a bear like this.
The bear begins to charge at me running at full speed. I break out into a sprint. Running towards the path is not an option because the bear heads directly that way. I turn to go uphill at the last second. Into the woods I yell for help.
"HELP, ANYONE…A BEAR," I choke out between pants for breath.
The bear's teeth are gnashing behind me. My heart is pumping so loud I can hear each beat as it becomes deafening within my ears.
The clearing is here. It is a cliff. I can't run any other way.
This is something out of a horror film.
"This is not really happening…"I think to myself.
The bear charges at me. I have nowhere to go. I inch closer to the cliff. The wet ground gives out beneath my feet.
I gasp for air letting out a blood curdling scream as I begin to fall down the rocky cliff. The rocks slice my arms, as I desperately try to grasp onto them. The bear looks over the cliff at me, and lets out a loud roar as I realize these are my last moments. The pressure of my head hitting rock knocks me out immediately.
The world goes black.
Bright light fills my eyes that barely flutter open.
My eyes creak open. Unable to speak, or move I see the most beautiful girl with golden blonde hair, and amber eyes looking down on me.
I must be dead, I think to myself. I try to hear what she is saying but I can't hear anything at all. She turns to look at two other figures behind her that are blurry until one man becomes visible. My vision goes in and out of darkness.
I am dead. I must be because the next person I see is dead.
The beautiful man from the picture in the old cabin. His dimples evident, and his burly body inches from my face. He looks angrily at the girl, and then back at me. His face softens completely, but is filled with sadness. He yells for another other person. I know from the sound of the yell, it should be much louder, but I can barely hear anything.
Another beautiful man, an angel perhaps, older than him with blond hair comes to his side. At this point my vision and hearing begin fading out again. I try to open my mouth to ask for help but nothing.
My vision goes in and out. The beautiful man scoops up my almost lifeless body, and brings me close to his huge, muscled chest. I suddenly feel like my face is pressed against a ice cold marble slab, I try again to scream anything I can't. Tears fall down my face. He looks down at me and kisses my forehead. He begins to whisper something, but I can't hear what he is saying.
The world goes black once more. This time for good.