My Adventures with the Cullen Family

An Ordinary Day, With a Twist

I remember my old life so clearly. I know that most human memories fade when you change, that they look about as clear as mud. My memories, however, are crystal clear. I remember my life, my family, my near death, and every detail of my transformation. I have been living with these thoughts for a decade, yet have never been able to quiet them.

 I make a mental list, to organize my thoughts. My name is Alisha Caroule. I turned twenty on my birthday, over a decade ago. That would make me over thirty, if it wasn't for the fact that I could no longer age. I am a vampire, drinking blood to survive. Starving myself didn't kill me, only annoyed me, so I consented to drink animal blood. A man, a vampire, bit me on accident. He left without telling me his name.

I broke away from my list. I didn't want to think about it. Instead, I got ready to go to the first of my jobs. Since I've been transformed, I've moved three times to keep people from noticing that I don't age. I don't know why I do it, it's instinct.

My first job is at a general store, selling rakes and food and toys, whatever is needed that we stock. After I leave this job, I will go to the movie theatre, selling tickets until they close at midnight. From there I work until dawn at a store that it always open.

As I change into my uniform, my thoughts wonder along the same path they always do. Why can I remember human memories? Why am I able to tolerate human food? Why do I have so many odd talents? Why am I not like the others of my kind that I have seen?

Sometimes other vampires pass through the town, never staying long. They all have red eyes, while mine are the same blue/green they always have been. Anytime they were in the sun, (in the woods, away from the humans) I noticed they would sparkle. My skin sparkles like diamonds in the sun, but can be dulled at a moment's notice. Walking around like a giant prism doesn't help me fit in.

A customer comes in, causing me focus my attention on her rather than my thoughts. Use work time for work, I mentally chided myself. "Hello, welcome to The County Store. My name is Alisha. If you need anything, let me know and I'll help you."

She smiled gratefully, saying, "Thank you dear, but I'm just waiting for my family. They boys are looking at dirtbikes, while the girls are trying to find a clothing store." She rolled her eyes and I laughed. She sounded like a mother should, kind, affectionate, and loving.

"I don't know how much they will find in the way of fashion," I laugh, adding, "Most people around here buy clothes because they're practical, not fashionable." She laughed too, the sound like silver bells. It was a perfect accompiament to the musical tone that was her voice.

There was something familiar about that voice, that laugh. She was pale as a ghost, with caramel colored hair. Her eyes were golden, with bags under them, indicating she needed some sleep. She reminded me of someone, several someones. I searched my memories while she browsed in the shop. The face, the voice, the perfect grace with which she walked...

VAMPIRE! That's why she seemed familiar. The eyes were gold instead of red or black, but I knew I was right. Should I read her mind? That normally works to confirm my suspicions about someone. I could look to the future, but would I like what I saw. I need to know. Maybe she'll be able to explain things to me. I picked her name from her mind. Esme. Her name is Esme Cullen.

I cleared my throat, getting her attention. "Mrs. Cullen, I have some questions for you about vampires."