Casters of Oblivion
Disclaimer: I do not own the Twilight Saga or AHS
Chapter 2: Birthday
Ginger's POV
When we got to the school, I felt somewhat nervous. I don't know why, since it's my birthday, but I'm edgy for some reason. Practically coming here changed my life. This is where I met Edward and his family. Thinking about it, we have been dating for about six months. Not many high school relationships last that long.
I mean, Jessica and Mike dated for barely three months till splitting up during the summer. Then, the friendly, whatever kind of romance between Eleanor and Tyler ended the month after Prom when Lauren came into the picture. Luckily, Eleanor is not heartbroken or anything about it. Just irritated by the fake California girl. Eric and Angela are the second-place winners, and they have a long relationship and are still going. Yeah, High school romance can be unpredictable.
Anyway, since we were here early, we walked over to our friends: Mike, Tyler, Eric, Jessica, and Angela.
"Today's the big day," Jessica announced.
"Because it's her birthday?" Eleanor teased, bumping her by the hip.
Jessica chuckled, "No. R and J essay."
"Oh, yeah," I said.
"Wherefore art thou, Ginger?" Mike exaggerated, waving his hand as if he was on stage.
Everyone chuckled at the awkward scene we just witness
"Happy Birthday, Ging," Angela said. Followed by the others, who either handed me cards or a small gift bag.
"Thanks," I chuckled, pulling out my camera. "Hey, can I take a pic? My mom wants me to put together a scrapbook."
They guys said sure as they assembled together. Although Angela was hesitant. "I take them. I'm not in them."
But Eric wrapped his arm around her, "No, no, no, come here."
"You'll photoshop this if my nose looks big, right?" Jessica asked.
"Don't worry, I'm in the picture," Eric assured. "No one will be looking at you guys."
I chuckled, shaking my head as I lifted my new camera and took a picture of them. When I lowered the camera, their faces dropped in dismay. I was confused until Eleanor shuddered. The only thing that makes Eleanor shudder other than the weather is vampires.
"Oh, good," Mike grumbled. "Cullen's here."
"Yeah," Eric sarcastically cheered.
"Well, talk to ya later," Jessica said with disappointment.
Eleanor sighed as she patted my shoulder before joining the others inside. Hardly anyone in our group is a fan of the Cullens. Not that I could blame them since they either want to be them or date them. Edward rejected any girl until I came around. Edward came out of his new black Volvo with a smile. I couldn't stop the grin until he came over, wrapping an arm around my shoulder.
"Happy Birthday," He murmured.
"Thanks," I said. "Though hearing it so many times… I'm starting to hate it. Though, I'm surprised the others didn't drop a tiara on my head or something."
"Mmm," He said, pulling me into a hug. "Ginger, your birthday is definitely something to celebrate."
"I don't know," I teased. "I do look a year older than you."
"Your aging?" Edward chuckled, playing along. "I think eighteen is a little young to start worrying about that."
"But I'm one year older than you, Mr. Seventeen," I murmured.
"No, it isn't. I'm 109." He corrected.
"Wow, maybe I shouldn't be dating such an old man." I joked. "It's weird. I should be repulsed or gaging or something."
"Uh-huh," he breathed, then leaned forward and kissed me.
I kissed back for that mere moment. After the third kiss/peck, he pulled back. I pouted sadly. Somehow, Edward assumed he didn't have enough control to leave first base. There were a few times we makeout, though I was the one in control. But once his hands get experimental on my body, or I press into his form or lick his lips, he'll pull back. I mean, we haven't even French kissed.
"We have to go to class." Edward breathed.
I sighed, "Okay."
Edward kissed my forehead, wrapped his arm around my shoulder, and then led us inside. At least he likes to be close and not distant. We walked inside Forks High School, heading to the destination of our lockers. This year, in senior year, we have the same class except for PE. I took things easy and lightened my load of AP courses to basics. Like my mother said, I need to enjoy senior year. I no longer need to waste it on my studies since I'm in the right graduation year.
"Ginger!" Alice called out as she jumped over the rail and came out of nowhere. "Happy Birthday!"
"Wow, how much Redbull did ya drink?" I teased as she gave me a hug. Afterward handed me a present.
"Alice," I said, holding an expensive wrapped box.
"I already seen you open it, and guess what, you love it," Alice said. "You're gonna wear it tonight. Our place. And don't worry, Eleanor and Zelena got the memo."
"All right, but nothing too big," I warned.
"Great!" she cheered. "I'll see you at 7:00 pm."
Alice cheered as she skipped to her mate/husband/boyfriend, Jasper.
"Happy Birthday, Ginger," Jasper said with a smile.
Now I'm starting to fear what Alice has in store for tonight's party. Knowing Alice, it shall be expensive, rich, and downright elegant. I just hope it is not too fancy. The last thing I want is a ball for my eighteenth birthday. The two walked away, heading to class. Once they were out of sight, I smacked Edward in the chest with the present.
"You can't trust vampires," Edward said. "Trust me."
.o0o.
Today went on like any other day, although several students repeatedly exchanged some "Happy Birthday" with me. But, like any other day in school, time flew by. It was already the last period in Mr. Berty's English Class. What makes this a great Birthday is that he decided to show a film instead of doing his annual lectures on Romeo and Juliet.
Today, we are watching the second half of the tragic play of Romeo and Juliet. Literally, half the class was in tears in the last scene of Romeo finding his lover, Juliet, supposedly dead in the tombs. As Mr. Berty sat by his desk, mouthing each line by heart. I wouldn't be surprised if he played Romeo in a school play in his early childhood.
Edward and I sat in the back, trying to watch the film. Yet, as usual, being so accustomed to such a tragic play seemed dull. Don't get me wrong, I love Shakespeare. I just prefer his comedies, ergo, Midsummer Night's Dream. I mean, a guy is turned into an ass and is smitten with the fairy queen.
"So, how come your family is so excited about celebrating?" I whispered to Edward.
"There are worse tragedies," Edward explained quietly. "I mean, look at Romeo. Killed his true love out of sheer stupidity."
"Thus, making him an idiot," I added with a slight chuckle.
"Though I do envy him on one thing," Edward murmured.
"And Juliet is so blunt that she gives us women a bad name," I whispered. " I mean... she meets the guy, and the next day, she wants to marry him at age fourteen. Who does that?"
Edwards snorted, shaking his head, "As much as Juliet is naïve, I wasn't talking about her. The suicide."
"What?" I asked.
He sighed, "It's nearly impossible for . . . For some people. For humans, a little poison is a dagger to the heart. There's so many different options."
"Why would you say that?" I asked. "Death is not pretty. It is cruel."
"Because I had considered it once." He answered, taking my left hand as he traced over James's bite mark. "I didn't know if I'd get to you in time. I had to come up with some kind of plan."
"And that plan would be?" I asked.
"That I'd go to Italy and provoke the Volturi," Edward answered.
My eyes widened when he said that name. To the Caster Society, the Volturi is like Voldemort. The-group-that-shall-not-be-name. I don't know much about the Volturi other than they are the vampires of the Cold One's council. Throughout history, the Volturi eradicated the children of the moon and werewolves and captured Casters to turn them into vampires to enhance their magic. Unfortunately, when a witch or warlock is turned into a vampire, their magic disappears, and they feel a grave ill of rejection from the earth.
"Now, who'd like to repeat the last few lines of iambic pentameter just to show they were paying attention?" Mr. Berty announced, sounding slightly irritated as he stared in our direction. "Mr. Cullen?"
"Yes, Mr. Berty." Edward inhaled deeply as he stared into the teacher's eyes while the class watched him, waiting for a mistake. "O here will I set up my everlasting rest… and shake the yoke of inauspicious stars…from this world-wearied flesh. Eyes, look your last. Arms, take your last embrace! And, lips, O you, the doors of breath, seal with a righteous kiss a dateless bargain to engrossing death!"
Mr. Berty took a deep breath, adjusting himself. He was probably disappointed that he had just been owned by his student. "Eyes on the screen, people."
He pressed play on the TV remote, and the actor quoted the exact same lines as Edward had just said. How he said it caught my attention. Either he knew that line by heart or read Mr. Berty's mind. Either way, it showed me how much pain Edward felt in his eternal existence.
Although I have a longer lifespan, about three hundred years, and a spell that could make me appear younger. I worry that my death in the future would lead him to such desperate action of suicide…for me? We both agreed that our relationship is in the present, and we ignore the possibilities in the future, for there may be a time when we fall out of love or go our separate ways. Yet, I doubt that is going to happen.
In the end, I worry.
.o0o.
"You know, Edward can be a showoff time and again," Eleanor said as she curled my hair with a curling iron.
We were back home in the Cabin, preparing for my birthday party at the Cullens's house. I sat on the toilet as Eleanor curled my hair for volume. We were already dressed, and I wore Alice's gift. And the pixie was right. I love it. A sexy and elegant cocktail dress with a sheer black overlay and golden undertones, if not a brocade embellishment. Of course, I was going to wear a sweater for the cold weather, but now I love wearing simply the dress. I looked up at Eleanor, who had her hair in a sock bun. Her dress was that of caster society, though with a hint of a normal twist. She wore a black and red ruffled mesh-fitted short dress. It hugged her curves without sleeves and a back keyhole.
"Yeah, being over a century could hold that much knowledge," I murmured.
"True," she agreed. "Though it seemed a bit odd today. As if he had something on his mind."
I decided not to tell Eleanor about the conversation Edward and I had on the idea of him dying if I somehow died. The thought still disturbed me. Let alone I was dead for a quick moment. It was a few seconds before Eleanor exchanged her energy to revive me. But that mere moment was scary. There was no bright light or heaven. It was dark, cold, and nothing
. There was nothing.
When you die, there is nothing.
I've been told that when supernatural beings die, they come face to face with the anchor or enter the other side where other creatures of magic live. A sort of life after death. Yet…I saw darkness. Zelena told me that the black abyss is only a start when someone is at a crossroads. A crossroads of life and death, that if you go straight, you'll die. However, if you turn, you'll come back to life. But you have to make the correct turn, which, luckily, I had. Well, Eleanor yanked me the right way. Otherwise, the opposite turn would have me a vampire.
"So, is there any big Caster celebration that happens to us witches?" I asked.
"Not quite," Eleanor answered. "There are three birthdays we honorably celebrate after the birth that are associated with our magic. The first is thirteen when we take the first coming-of-age test. Then we, being American, are our sweet sixteen, where the magic enhances. And finally, our twenty-first birthday is the final motif. You could say it's graduation day and legal independence."
"Wait, we have to be twenty-one to be legal?" I gasped in horror.
"Sorry, but that's the rule." She chuckled. "At least you get a chance to vote and other stuff."
"Damn, I should have wished to celebrate my birthday in Canada," I muttered.
"Why?" Eleanor asked.
"Because it would be legal to drink," I answered with a grin.
Eleanor sighed to stifle a chuckle, shaking her head as she pulled the curling iron out.
.o0o.
We arrived at Cullen's house before nightfall came. The moment I stepped out the door, Alice came out of nowhere, wrapping a blindfold over my eyes.
"Hey!" I protested.
"No peeking," Alice giggled. "Not for another twenty minutes."
"So, she vulnerable to any torture?" Eleanor asked from my left. "I'll get the sharpie."
"Oh, hell no," I said.
"Girls behave," Zelena chuckled.
Alice chuckled, "No, Edward will be her distraction."
Somebody lifted me up before I could say anything and dashed me inside the house. Though I manage to hear Alice yell, "Don't ruin her hair, Emmett!" It wasn't even ten seconds until Emmett put me down and removed the blindfold. He was laughing with his dimples showing.
"Emmett, since when do you follow Alice's orders?" I teased.
"You kidding me? Alice is scary if things don't go her own way." Emmett playfully said. "Have fun with Edward."
I was going to say something when Emmett dashed off in a blur. A sigh escaped, and I corrected my dress and hair before searching for Edward on the third floor. When I found him, he was in Carlisle's study. Knowing he heard if not smelt me, I walked in, wrapping my arms around him.
"Hello stranger," I murmured.
Edward chuckled, turning around to kiss me on my forehead. "I hope my siblings weren't too rough."
"At least Emmett got me in time before Eleanor drew on my face." I teased.
Edward laughed, "Well, that is out of character even for him."
I giggled, agreeing with him, till spotting one portrait. The one I saw before, though, these men weren't dressed in Greek clothing but in late 17th-century attire on a balcony while people cheered at the ground level. It looks so realistic you consider you're actually there. I've seen countless paintings of these men…vampires throughout Caster Society. A reminder of our supernatural enemy or, in this case, a precaution on who not to mess with. Throughout the millennia, The Volturi have been despised by Casters for what they did to disrupt the supernatural balance both physically and spiritually, from killing werewolves to turning Casters into vampires in hopes of increasing their abilities. Sadly, when a Caster is turned, their magic is severed.
"The Volturi are a very old, very powerful family," Edward stated. "I guess they're the closest thing to royalty my world has."
"And yet Caster society has an oligarchy," I noted. "Sorry, but I've been told terrible things about them."
"I wouldn't blame the witches for their prejudices." Edward agreed.
I paused, seeing a fourth figure in the background, "Is that Carlisle?"
"Yeah," he confirmed and reminded me. "He lived with them for a few decades. Described them as very refined. No respect for human life, of course, but a respect for the arts and the sciences, at least. And the law. Above all, the law."
"Damn, every world has laws," I muttered.
"Not very many." He assured. "And only one that's regularly enforced."
"And that is?" I asked.
"That we keep the existence of our kind a secret," Edward answered. "We don't make spectacles of ourselves, and we don't kill conspicuously. Unless, of course, you want to die."
"Can we mute the conversation on death?" I asked.
Somehow, I'm not surprised that the most feared organization of the supernatural world takes their punishment by death. For the witches…well, in today's modern period, there have been gifted people or simply those who know how to do movie magic post their abilities on the internet. However, the Supremes and Council recommend that witches and warlocks not expose their true magic. Not with Witch Hunters roaming about or seriously deranged Christian worshipers who would kill to purify one's soul. But in the end, with the Caster population decreasing with each generation, the death penalty is when a witch inflicts serious harm or kills another witch. And that punishment involves death by fire, meaning burning at the stake, which hasn't happened since the Salem Witch Trials.
But hearing this day of Edward talking about the possibility of his own death is disturbing. If he was actually human, I would consider him suicidal. "I can't imagine someone or yourself hurting you."
Edward smiled a little. "Ginger, the only thing that can hurt me is you. And I don't have anything else to be afraid of."
"You're forgetting somebody…." I corrected. "James's mate."
When James and his coven hunted Eleanor and me down, one member changed his mind. Laurent warned us not to underestimate James and his mate, Victoria. The vampire with the flaming red hair. Knowing how Cold Ones are the top predators, no one is surprised that killing one's mate will cause an immediate reaction of revenge. Zelena had to add an extra barrier around the Cabin and give us charms to protect us from her.
"Victoria? She'll come for me one day." Edward agreed. "Alice will see when she decides, and we'll be ready. "
"I can protect you," I added. "Like you say, fire is deadly."
Edward chuckled as he leaned forward, kissing my forehead while his arms wrapped around my waist. "Ginger, you already do protect me. You're my only reason to stay alive if that's what I am. But it's my job to protect you."
I sighed. Why is he so stubborn?
"From everyone except my sister." He then added.
"Huh?"
The doors open, and an excited Alice in a black dress skips in. She skipped like a pixie, taking my hand. "It's time! It's time! It's time."
She literally dragged me out of the studies to the second-floor living room where the party was being held. I gawk at the amount of decorations. Never in my life did I have a real birthday party. When I lived with Betsy, she would do mother-daughter celebrations or allow two girls to have slumber parties…but not as festive as this since we didn't live an expensive lifestyle. Nor did my foster family care, except for adding a cupcake. At Miss Robichaux's Academy, Cordelia would give me money as we and some classmates would celebrate in New Orleans and have dinner at a historical joint.
And now, I get to celebrate my eighteenth birthday somewhat like a typical teenager, in a house with festive decorations surrounded by friends. Flowers and candles were lit around the living room, while a table held a three-tier birthday cake and presents. Practically all my supernatural friends and family are here: Eleanor, Zelena, Carlisle, Esme, Jasper, Emmett, and…Rosalie.
I can only assume she's here because she's obligated. Rosalie and I don't get along; we just have bad chemistry. Eleanor is the only other person she gets along with who isn't her family. Both of them agreed that Edward and I shouldn't be together. But at least Eleanor doesn't obligate herself rationally but keeps her opinions to herself.
Anyway, I came downstairs with Alice and Edward, unable to stop smiling. Carlisle came over, giving me a familiar handshake. "Sorry about all this. We tried to rein Alice in."
"As if that were even possible," Esme said, then hugged me. "Happy Birthday, Ginger."
"Thanks," I said, hugging her back.
Suddenly, there was a flash, and I looked up to find Alice with my camera. "Zelena handed it to me. You mind?"
"Dating an older woman," Emmett said out of nowhere. Turning around, finding him next to Edward. "Hot."
Edward shook his head, disapproving at the lame joke. My boyfriend gave his brother an exasperated sigh.
Emmett frowned, confused. "What?"
"You first, Rosalie," Alice instructed, handing Rosalie a small rectangular present. Wow, she bought me a gift. Maybe things are warming up between us.
Rosalie handed me the present. "It's a necklace. Alice picked it out."
Or maybe not. I thought, accepting her gift. "Thanks."
Suddenly, Alice dragged Edward over to me, choreographing us to a pose. I couldn't stop chuckling as she acted so energetic, like a kid high on sugar during Christmas. Edward gave his crooked grin as he wrapped an arm around me.
"Show me the love." Alice sang, taking the picture. "Oh, and there's a cake too."
The cake had three tiers covered in red fondant, black icing vines decorative, and golden edible beads on the base of each cake. Meanwhile, on top was a golden G with the number 18. Oh my god, they outdid themselves.
"You shouldn't have," I said. "You guys barely eat."
"Nonsense, every birthday needs a cake," Esme assured.
"And knowing your sweet tooth, it'll be gone by the end of the week," Zelena added.
I pouted, sticking my tongue out at my mentor, who simply laughed. Though it's true, I have a mean sweet tooth. Need to eat something sweet and fast, or I'll go crazy.
"And this one from Emmett," Alice said, handing me the next present.
I held the very lightweight box. Huh, this is strange. It is usually a present that weighs more than just the box. I shook it in case this was another one of Emmett's pranks, and a gift card or something lightweight was inside the box.
"Already installed it in your jeep," Emmett informed. "Finally, a decent sound system for that piece of-"
"Hey!" Eleanor interrupted. "Don't hate the Wagoneer."
Everyone, minus Rosalie, laughed at Eleanor's outburst. It's true; the sound system was starting to get crappy since we couldn't get on the top radio stations except for Forks. Also, it's mainly on AM frequency instead of FM.
Alice then handed me the next gift, which was more of a card. "Open Esme and Carlisle's."
I took the gift, staring at the couple, who smiled like parents.
Carlisle said, "Just a little something to brighten your day."
"Yes, you've been looking kind of pale lately," Esme added.
I chuckled as I tried to open their gift. It was getting complicated when trying to unseal the wax seal. I found a weak spot and then ripped it, only cutting my skin with a paper cut. I winced at the slight sting. "Ow, paper cut."
"Shit," Zelena muttered, seeing the small amount of blood.
I didn't know what had happened. It happened so suddenly, but I caught a glimpse of Jasper's body tensed while his honey-golden eyes turned black with hunger on his face. The next thing I knew, Edward pushed me aside with too much force. I was flying. Jasper charged forward, except Edward stopped him, shoving him across the room and smashing him into the piano. During the confrontation, I slammed into the wall, falling on the vase as it shattered into my arm.
When I looked up, I found Eleanor and Zelena beside me. Zelena was checking my arm while Eleanor stood in front of us with her arms out. Looking closely, the view around us became slightly hazy, meaning her telekinesis was at work, creating a force field. As this happened, Jasper got up from the destroyed piano and charged again, dodging his family, except the force field blocked him from me.
Luckily, Emmett and Rosalie grabbed him while Alice stood in front of her mate, trying to bring him back to his senses. "Jaz, Jaz. It's okay. It's just a little . . . blood."
All of the vampires turned around to see us witches together. Blood covered the wound on my arm. Their eyes turned black from the intoxicated scent of it. "Blood in the ocean shall attract the sharks," Mr. Banner said in Biology II class. "Including the disruption in the water and panic. WWII sailors discovered that if you stay still and calm, your chances of survival in shark-invest waters increase." So, I remain still, adding more pressure to the wound to prevent more blood from bleeding. Sadly, the shards of glass went deep, causing more blood to seep.
"Get Jasper out of here," Carlisle ordered, zooming in only to be blocked by Eleanor's powers. "Let me in. I can help."
Eleanor turned her head, looking at Zelena. Zelena examined my wound and nodded. For a quick moment, Eleanor lowered her powers so Carlisle could examine my wound before the telekinesis went up. Emmett took Jasper, taking him somewhere far away from the smell. One by one, the others left, unable to control their sudden urges, except for Edward, who looked like he wasn't breathing.
"I'll have to stitch this up in my office," Carlisle advised.
"No, just clean the wound, and I shall heal it," Zelena said.
"Very well," Carlisle agreed and then looked at Edward. "Check on Jasper. I'm sure he's very upset with himself, and I doubt he'll listen to anyone but you right now."
Edward didn't move. I took a deep breath and reassured him, "I'm okay, Edward."
Edward nodded solemnly before walking outside to find Jasper. Something deep inside me told me this wasn't good. That something bad is going to happen after this. This was a mere freak accident. But the look on his face showed me this wasn't a mere accident.
I just hope he doesn't think of the worst.
So, you noticed the beginning is more Ginger. Don't worry. Eleanor will have a few chapters, and then I shall mix the two.
Thanks for reading, and please leave a review.
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