𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐎𝐔𝐑:
Perks of being a vampire
(1965)

"JUST CHOOSE A FUCKING COLLEGE COURSE, CECE," Emmett grumbles as he dramatically plops down the sofa with the loudest sigh. Corazon ignores him as she writes down the pros and cons of what college course to take – again. For the third time.

She's not complaining, of course, not yet anyway. After all, Carlisle has the funds to send them all to prestigious universities, and Corazon was just taking advantage of it; not many have the privilege to study the college course they want or even go to college without worry of college funds.

Corazon loved academia – she loves learning. Something about the pursuit of knowledge, the value of intellectual curiosity, engaging in discussions, debates, and research endeavors that push the boundaries of current understanding is something that she anticipates when it comes to continuous learning. She likes how her brain is challenged in different fields to enrich and immerse herself across disciplines, cultures, and backgrounds.

The second time she went to college, Corazon took an Accounting major. On this demanding yet intellectually engaging voyage, she learned about the precise world of financial transactions, where every figure and entry must be correct. She grew skilled at evaluating data to develop workable solutions, whether for finding inconsistencies, balancing accounts, or coming up with cost-cutting plans. Three months after graduating in 1955, she passed the boards and became a licensed accountant. Now, she's in charge of computing, arranging, and safe-keeping documents, ensuring they are up to date for every property they have acquired. They also follow the mortal laws and the Volturi's to blend in with the humans.

Then, the third time, she was an International Studies major and graduated in 1961. She embarked on a four-year journey of exploration into the diverse cultural tapestry of the world during that period of intellectual openness. She acquired a deep respect for the diversity that characterizes the interconnected world through her studies of languages, traditions, customs, and history. She gained the ability to see problems in a broader light by considering how political, social, and economic events affect the world.

And she couldn't have done it without the perks of being a vampire – isn't it interesting how, being a vampire, their mind can consume and acquire limitless amounts of information? It felt so surreal; it's why she was taking advantage of it all.

When she was human, she didn't finish her studies. Given the circumstances, she was in her third year as a nursing student. Healthcare has always been her interest since she was a child. While studying to be a nurse, she was filled with excitement and eager curiosity.

Corazon remembered entering a summer program when she had her first clinical experience. Something about the practical exposure – especially in the Philippines made her highly disappointed. The healthcare system in the Philippines is nothing but a disappointment; they do not value their healthcare workers, hospitals are underfunded, and healthcare workers are underpaid and overworked.

At first, Corazon needed clarification about why healthcare workers were migrating abroad. She'd read the morning paper that day. When she finally had her first clinical exposure, she got her answer.

"I don't know if I should choose Nutrition and Dietetics or Chemical Engineering?" Corazon asks Carlisle, whom Corazon dragged from his office, to aid her in this crucial matter. Over the years, Carlisle Cullen is something Corazon considered a parental figure. Of course, no one can replace her biological parents. Still, Carlisle was the one who guided them all on how to adjust to their new life, and Corazon deeply valued his opinions.

Also, because he lived for centuries, he acquired wisdom and knowledge throughout his immortal life. Corazon would talk to him for hours about the history and different aspects of the medical field. She is a curious person, after all, and Carlisle is willing to answer every question.

Before he could answer, Corazon added as an idea popped into her mind, "Or! Should I double-major?" Carlisle chuckles.

"I'm quite biased given what field I am in; of course, I vote for Nutrition and Dietetics," Carlisle answers as Corazon taps the pencil on the table, lips puckered to the side as she ponders over the thought of taking the said major, and Emmett rolls his eyes.

"You're seriously the only one taking this seriously."

Corazon raised an eyebrow, "And why aren't you taking this seriously? We're going to study our chosen major for four years."

"It's because we'll graduate no matter what!" Emmett exclaims as if his answer is quite apparent.

"It's not my fault that I want to enjoy the major I'm going to study." Corazon releases a huff. Then, she focuses on Carlisle, who finds this whole ordeal entertaining. When they did this consultation of some sort when Corazon started arranging her first college application, it took her about three months to finally decide. Emmett begged Alice to make the decision for Corazon as they all know Alice had already seen it with her visions, but Alice refused – she wanted Corazon to decide herself and on her own.

"Besides, you're going to study Aeronautical Engineering for the third time. So, sincerely, shut up." Corazon shrugs her shoulders as she gives Emmett a side-eye. She knows that Emmett keeps choosing the major because he can just keep reusing the materials he already had – lazy ass.

"Carlisle," Emmett's eyes widened as he looked at their parental figure and pointed to Corazon with an offended look. Carlisle only grinned.

"Why aren't you considering a medical major? Like Pharmacy or Medical Technology?" Carlisle queries, and Corazon frowns, "You know that medical courses require RetDem that usually involves blood. And the people in the class would find it odd that a needle can't pierce my skin regarding assessments."

That's the cons of being a vampire, indeed.

Carlisle hums with a pondering expression as he places his hand under his chin. Rosalie enters the living room, striding towards her husband. "How is the college-major-choosing going?"

"Boring."

"Quite well."

Emmett and Corazon answered simultaneously. Rosalie released a small laugh as she sat beside Emmett, "Give her a break, honey. You know how much Cece likes going to college."

"Like is an understatement," Emmett grumbles, and Corazon rolls her eyes for what feels like a hundred times.

"You're such a hater, Emmett. Are you sure you're not one of those stereotypical American mean girls?" Corazon asks mockingly.

"More like a stereotypical jock, but I understand what you mean." Rosalie teases as Emmett clicks his tongue on the roof of his mouth.

But before Emmett could remark, Carlisle answered. "I could teach you, Cora. I can be your mentor if you want to choose a medical major. If you'd like?" Carlisle is qualified—over qualified even; he's studied every branch of the medical field over the centuries and is licensed to teach both pre-medical and medical students.

He'd suggested it because he has certain connections even in the field of education that would allow him to teach one student for college; after all, he lived for centuries, and he'd been in the field of academia for so long that he knew other civilized vampires that have been in the field.

Corazon's features brighten at his suggestion. "Oh, you are so going to regret you suggested it because I am going to be relentless."

"I weighed my decisions," Carlisle gives her an amused smile, "I guess being alive for so long, I could take on the challenge of teaching a know-it-all."

Emmett releases a booming laugh that echoes through the walls of the house.

Corazon released a mocking gasp, "I like being a know-it-all, thank you very much. I will take that as a compliment."

"Of course you would!" Edward yelled from his room. Corazon and Edward had an understanding of each other, an agreement. To try not to meddle with their thoughts or even voice it out when he accidentally reads their minds. The incident that happened with Edward reading Corazon's mind resulted in Corazon telling everyone about her human life. Edward has been – well, for easy understanding, sucking up to Corazon. He felt incredibly guilty for what he did until now, and he tried to make up for it.

Corazon has forgiven him – when she threw him out of the house they lived in then, shattering the glass windows that Esme installed. It was a great time. Corazon had never thrown someone out, literally. She was just glad that she had the opportunity.

"Nobody asked, but okay," Corazon says, not needing to raise her voice because she knows he heard it clearly. "So, now I have to choose my medical major." Corazon hums as she writes the list of the medical majors she knows of. Carlisle then looks at the paper while nodding along.

"For fucksake," Emmett grumbles. He just wants it to be over with. "Language, Emmett!" Esme scolds from the garden.

Corazon has been disturbing everyone for months, asking them why they are taking the course they will be taking in a few months and what factors they will benefit from their chosen course.

"Oh! How about a Medical Science major in Anatomy and Physiology?" Corazon eagerly asks Carlisle, and the doctor nods, "I think that's a good medical degree to start with." Knowing Corazon, this will not be her last medical degree.

"That's settled then!" Corazon smiles as she finishes her application.

"Finally!" Emmett exclaims as he claps his hands together; Alice pops out of her room, her voice smooth and cheery; she had seen this already, "Nice choice, Cece. I think you'll do great!" Corazon smiles and replies with a thank you while Rosalie scolds Emmett. Carlisle takes Corazon's application and tells them that he'll be submitting their applications tomorrow – probably to the university's dean they'll be studying at – who they know is a vampire.

Corazon then decided to head to her and Jasper's shared room after the whole Maria fiasco they had moved. The two still decided to share a room. It was a sense of familiarity and comfort that she unknowingly clung to.

Jasper is sitting comfortably on the plush sofa nestled within the intimate confines of their bedroom. His golden eyes, both piercing and contemplative, scan the pages with a quiet intensity as he engrosses himself with a book. The ambient light catches the subtle contours of his pale features, emphasizing the sculpted lines of his face and the tousled waves of his golden blonde hair.

Corazon couldn't help but think that he looked like a divinity that graced the earth. Over the years, being around Jasper, she'd learned how to control her emotions, Jasper had taught her how. He knows how much Edward irked her when he crossed Corazon's boundaries, and Jasper didn't want to make the same mistake Edward did.

Concealing emotions was a difficult ordeal, but Corazon managed. Besides, she never hid her emotions from Jasper. She'd consider him her safest place.

Jasper looked up as Corazon entered the room, and he gave her a small smile, "I heard all of it. Are you happy with the course you're going to take?" His voice is soft, like a velvety murmur with a touch of southern drawl.

"Satisfied more like it." Corazon shuts the door behind her as she sits beside him, inches apart.

Jasper hums, "I'm glad." Corazon purses her lips, contemplating, and Jasper looks at her expectantly.

"Do you think it's silly?" Corazon asks, tone soft as almost a whisper, a hint of insecurity in her voice. Jasper tilts his head, confused with her question. Then Corazon clears her throat and clarifies, "That I'm so meticulous with this? With choosing a college course and this whole ordeal of blending in with humans?"

It was strange that they wanted to blend in with humans in the first place; in the Vampire Community, their coven was deemed odd for wanting to live with normalcy and, of course, their choice of diet. It was unusual, as well, for a coven to have eight vampires that got along well. It was rare. But they don't treat each other like a fellow member of a coven like the others. They treat each other like family – that's what makes a difference.

The Volturi paid them no attention out of respect for Carlisle. Besides, many wanted to adapt their lifestyle because Carlisle greatly influenced their community. As long as they remain careful with suspicions of their kind. The Volturi won't meddle in their lives with their decision to live amongst the humans—they find it curious instead.

"No. You just want to make the most out of our immortality." Jasper simply answers. There's an underlying warmth in his words that soothed Corazon.

"Exactly, I—" Corazon stops as she releases an embarrassed laugh, "I just want to learn everything, to see what this immortal life has to offer. To learn and speak every language, to read all the books in this world, to learn every hobby, play every instrument, to listen to every kind of music, to admire every painting, to learn philosophy, business, politics, literature, the human body–the sciences, I want to be able to answer any question and know the answer right away—just everything!" Her hands were animatedly moving in the air, her tone filled with so much passion and eagerness with a big smile on her face; she didn't notice how Jasper looked at her as if she strung up the stars and gave him the entire universe.

Corazon finally looked at him again, embarrassed. Jasper was looking at her with a grin. "Do you think it's silly now?" Jasper shakes his head and deeply chuckles, saying, "I think it's admirable."

"Really?" Corazon asks with a smile as her eyes soften. Jasper almost melted on his spot. He could feel her emotions, which engulfed him whole, the immense joy, fresh enthusiasm, pure delight, and warm satisfaction. He liked the feeling more than anything. It brought him unyielding contentment.

"I think it's beautiful how you're so passionate about wanting to learn more. How enthusiastic you are about setting out a different outlook for our immortality. You..." Jasper suddenly stops, feeling flustered as he sees how Corazon anticipates and clings to his words.

"I, what?"

"You deserve to be happy. Happiness suits you."

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

━━ I am establishing a new rule that I won't update any chapters until the previous chapter I posted isn't receiving the amount of attention/hype (comments & votes) I would have preferred, so this time I know that ya'll actually want to read my updates. This might get a weekly update if I am satisfied with the feedback!

━━ BE HONEST Y'ALL. Do I belittle you for the rule that I established with the no feedback, no updates? LIKE? Cause this user attacked me on my message board on Saturday, and the thing is, they don't even follow me. They deleted their account already so. LOL.

━━ Also, I forgot to put the link to my carrd in my previous author's note because the chapters I've been publishing are scheduled. So, I'm just gunna put it here: mysticpsyche.carrd.co

+++ I have a discord server link in there, too, so if you want to join my server which, the main purpose of that is for my announcements and stories, def, join! And feel free to chat with everyone! To my filo readers, I highly encourage to interact in english since all of the members in there are from international countries, so we avoid miscommunication!

━━ Ironically, I'm writing a fic about colonialism like it's done when China's preparing to colonize us with the South China Sea vs. West Philippine Sea conflict and the influx of illegal Chinese mainland workers. Like, bro, haven't we been colonized by three countries already give us a break. Y'all know when I don't update for quite some time and check the PH news, if this conflict turned into a fucking war (they're saying it's going to be a war) I'm surprised that this isn't being broadcast on International News because it is pretty big news. But it is not entirely surprising because who would report a conflict that's happening in a third-world country? So, oh well, we are just waiting for the time to stop ticking.

I really am not joking. Check the PH news. Someone get me a visa to Europe, and Imma stay in England or Italy or Paris, where my online friends are at.😭