Destined ~ Volturi Kings ~ (A Twilight Fanfic)

Chapter Three

*Addi's POV*

"Okay. First question: Can you name the four chambers of the heart?" Esme asked, as she was quizzing me on the structure of the heart for my Anatomy class at the dining room table. "The left and right atrium are at the top, and the left and right ventricle are at the bottom," I answered, as I was trying to recited the information by photographic memory from my notes.

"Great! Now, can you tell me what separates the chambers?" She prompted. "The septum!" I replied quickly. "It's the wall that divides the left and right sides of the heart." I explained. Esme nodded, with her smile widening. "Excellent! Now, what's the primary function of the left ventricle?" She asked the next question. I paused for a moment, recalling my notes. "The left ventricle pumps oxygenated blood to the rest of the body." I answered. "It's the strongest chamber since it has to push blood through the entire circulatory system." I concluded.

"Very good!" Esme said. "Now, can you explain the difference between oxygenated and deoxygenated blood?" "Oxygenated blood is bright red and carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, while deoxygenated blood is darker and returns to the heart to be sent to the lungs for oxygenation," I explained, feeling increasingly confident with each question.

Esme leaned back and said, "You're doing a wonderful job, Addi. I'm impressed with how well you've grasped these concepts." I couldn't help but beam at her praise. "Thanks, Esme. I really enjoy learning about the human body. It's fascinating how everything works together." "Exactly! And understanding how the heart functions is crucial for grasping the overall workings of the body." She said.

"You don't feel uncomfortable talking about the human heart? I mean, since you're... well, you know, a vampire?" I questioned, curiously. Esme looked at me, thoughtfully, as she considered my question. There was a calmness about her that always put me at ease, and I appreciated that she never shied away from discussing difficult topics. "Not at all, Addi." She replied, with her voice being warm and steady. "In fact, I find it quite fascinating." She told me. I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her response.

"Really? I thought it might be...I don't know, strange for you." I spoke. She shook her head slightly, with a gentle smile playing at her lips. "Being what I am doesn't change my appreciation for the human experience. The heart is a symbol of so much—love, compassion, resilience. It's not just a physical organ; it's a representation of what makes humans unique. I may not have a human heart anymore, but I still understand its significance." She said.

I listened intently as my curiosity piqued. "So, you don't feel like you're missing out on anything? I mean, since you don't have a heartbeat or anything?" Esme chuckled, softly, before she responded, "Not in the way you might think. I've had the privilege of experiencing love and family, even if I can't feel it in the same way anymore. The memories of those moments are etched in my heart, and they remind me of what it means to be alive, even if I'm now part of a different existence."

Her words resonated with me, and I found comfort in them. It was a reminder that despite the complexities of our lives, love transcended everything—vampires, humans, and the spaces in between. "I'm glad to hear that." I said, with my heart swelling with admiration for Esme. I, then, resumed back to my notebook to take more notes on what she was teaching me about the structure of the heart.

Esme's gaze softened as she studied me, with her brow slightly furrowed with concern. "Addi, are you really okay? I noticed you seemed a bit distant during the drive home, and your question just now... it feels like there's more on your mind." She asked, softly. I took a deep breath, feeling a lump form in my throat. It was as if all the emotions I had been holding in were finally bubbling to the surface. "I...I guess I've just been thinking about how people see you all." I admitted, with my voice barely above a whisper. "Earlier at the diner, I overheard some patrons talking. They were saying things about this family. One person even said, 'strange having another Cullen around' and I'm sure he were talking about me." I explained.