chapter twenty-six

There were many things that seemed to have an effect on the lives of the demigods. Whether it be the constant fear that their death was around the corner, their lack of parents, or simply their lack of a normal life. It affected who they became and how they dealt with their feelings and their way of living. Some, though, did not fear death. They simply feared for the death of those around them, or at least that is what happened in Este's case. Despite the irony, child of the Underworld.

She wasn't afraid to die, nor had she ever been. She thought that being afraid of the inevitable was crazy. Though, when she was younger she had once had a small fear of dying. Being afraid of closing her eyes and seeing nothing for the rest of eternity. Ceasing to exist, yet, she knew now that wasn't the case. She would be placed into one of the fields of the Underworld like every other mortal that met the same cruel kiss of death in different ways of fate.

All it took was the Fate's to finally snip that gold string of life, and it would all be over as soon as the metal touched the lifeline. Este wondered how her life had yet to be snipped away, but part of her was glad that it hadn't. She wouldn't have been able to live the life that she has and she wouldn't have done the things that she had if her lifeline had been snipped any sooner. Even if part of her longed for the Fates to end her suffering and just cut her thread.

Este noticed when her brother pulled into the parking lot that he wasn't in the best mood. His eyes immediately found her when he got out of the car with the others. Este tilted her head as her expression softened, his expression almost mirrored hers. God what is wrong with me? Este turned and looked at Elyse as she tried to get a grip on whatever was happening with herself.

    Este's first two classes went pretty smoothly. She sat and chatted with her brother before moving around and making the best of her day. For once, she wasn't so tense. No angry snaps or glares thrown around every five minutes. She seemed... eerily calm. It wasn't often that Este wasn't seemingly tense about something. As the clock ticked, she walked through her classes with ease. During one of them, she basically just sat and chatted with Rosalie about anything and everything.

Rosalie didn't comment on the newfound chattiness, though, "I like that theory, but what if the entire reason that Jack stayed in the water was just because he wanted to make sure nothing happened to Rose?"

"Theoretically, that's probably what happened. He assumed that he'd weigh down the wood more after they nearly flipped the first time he attempted to get on," Este conceded with a small nod, "He died to save her, sacrifice for love."

"You seem very philosophical today," Rosalie joked as she glanced over Este, "You can always talk to me, you know."

"We are talking, aren't we?" Este quipped with a light grin.

    It was a very obvious fact that something was slightly different about Este that morning.

    When Este got to the class where she'd seen Isabella Swan the day before, she bit her tongue and walked over to the new girl before Jessica got to class.

"I am sorry for my behavior the other day," Este felt like she was going to explode as she apologized to the girl, "I was having a rough day. Though, that doesn't excuse it. I am sorry. My name's Eurydice Devereaux, you can call me Este," She offered her hand.

    An olive branch.

"Bella," The other dark haired girl shook Este's hand, a slight skepticism briefly going over her features, "You were frustrated, Jessica shouldn't have made those comments."

"I was," Este conceded as she pulled her hand back, "But you didn't do anything so I had no right to take that frustration out on you. I hope we can get off on a... much better footing."

"I'm sure we can," Bella was awkward, that much was evident.

    Este nodded her head before going back to her seat and sitting silently throughout the rest of that class period. Until Bella walked over when the bell rang to ask her a question.

"I want you to know that I understand your struggle," The words caught Este off guard.

"You do?"

"With your parents. It's a tough thing to understand growing up," Right, her dad is Chief Swan so she knows a bit more. "It's difficult, but don't beat yourself up."

Este felt a pit in her stomach as she sighed, glancing at Bella as she managed a small smile, "Thanks."

"No problem."

    Maybe this was the first time in Este's life where she wouldn't be so rough with everyone all of the time. Maybe, just maybe, had Kaz's words the night before... as harsh as they were... opened her eyes about everything else she had been doing.

Well, gotta love that everyone's still going to be upset today, Este couldn't help but think to herself as she walked over to her brother, holding onto her bag that was slung over her shoulder. Pausing as she gave Clark a small smile before looking at Elijah who was gesticulating almost every move he made as he tried to get his point across. Causing Este to raise an eyebrow as she looked at her brother, wondering what was running through his mind.

"Elijah, I think all of those hand gestures are just causing more confusion because we can't focus on your mouth and your hands at the same time," Este joked as she tugged at the straps on her bookbag, "Really, it looks like you are trying to signal down a plane instead of get your point across. You might want to work on that just a little bit," She teased while looking over at her brother, "Still got your knickers in a twist?"

"I don't understand how you aren't bothered by this anymore," Newt simply shrugged as he ran his hands through his hair while looking over at Elijah, "She's right. You do look like you are signaling a plane instead of trying to talk. Just slow your hands down a little bit and maybe it might help us understand," He joked while letting his hands fall to his sides.

"You two are so mean to me!" Elijah placed his hand over his heart, "Can you believe them, Clark? I'm sooo nice to them just for these two right here to shame me. My hand movement has proved rather desirable to many, thank you very much," Elijah smirked before winking over at Elyse who happened to be talking to the new girl, "Don't worry, she's not bringing her over."

"If she did then someone's head would be on a plate," She commented as she looked back at Elyse before looking at Elijah, "I sincerely doubt your hands could do anything desirable to any girl, poor Elyse must have to fake it just to make sure you aren't upset," She feigned a pout before snickering, "You know I've got to mess with you, Eli."

    It's not that Este did not want Elyse to bring Bella over, but she also 100% did not want Elyse to bring Bella over. Mainly because she was worried that she'd end up prying into what they were - even though she tried to convince herself that Bella wouldn't find out. But if Bella did join them, she'd be in danger too.

"I'm going to smack you," Elijah joked as he moved forward before being stopped by Clark, "Oh so you got all of these big strong men to protect you from me?" He joked as he rolled his eyes, "So mean to me, Este. So, so, so mean." He acted as if her words really had any effect on him.

"You're the most over dramatic male that I have ever met," Clark gave Elijah a look as he rolled his eyes, "It's a wonder that you aren't a..." He paused as he thought through the rest of his sentence carefully, "A peacock."

"I mean he does have some sort of pea sized co-" Este felt a hand go over her mouth before she could finish her sentence, attempting to bite her brother's hand as it covered her mouth to stop her from saying what had nearly left her lips.

"What she means is, that he kinda does give off the energy of a peacock," Newt slowly removed his hand from his sister's mouth as he wiped it against the side of his pants leg, "You're disgusting, now I have your saliva all over my hand."

"Shouldn't have put your hand near my mouth then," Este retorted as she rolled her eyes while looking over at Clark, "Don't listen to my brother. I think it was very clear what I was trying to say before I was rudely silenced, by my dear old brother," Este rose up and placed her elbow on her brother's shoulder.

    Este walked away from the group with a wave when she noticed Kaz walking over, only to be met with Alice as she joined the girl's side in an instant. Este looked over at Alice with an amused glance.

"You are going to breathe and you are not going to do anything drastic. I've seen a few different things, your decisions have been all over the place this morning," Alice hummed as she held onto Este's arm, "Nothing is going to happen today."

"That almost sounds like a challenge to make something happen today," Este remarked as she let Alice hold onto her as the two walked, "I won't."

"Is everything okay?" Alice asked as they walked down C-hall, "You just seem... different."

"Kaz said something to me last night, and I guess I realized a lot about myself in a short amount of time," Este shrugged.

"And so suddenly you've completely flipped around who you are?" Alice hummed as she looked at Este.

"Not exactly," Este shook her head, "I've just realized that I act so negatively about everything and everyone. It's not exactly nice to be a bit rude all of the time."

"You've had a tough life. No one expects you to be a saint - don't feel like you have to change yourself," Alice gave Este a soft look, "Being self-aware is not a bad thing."

"I need to channel my emotions at the things that make me feel them. Not people who don't have anything to do with that," Este squeezed Alice's arm, "Thank you, you know."

"You don't need to thank me for anything."

"I do. Because you and Jasper protected me and despite my attitude put up with me. So, thank you."

    Everyone 100% thinks I am going crazy. Or that I'm about to disappear. They might be right.

"You've been through a lot. You're just learning how to manage it all," Alice paused near Este's locker as she now faced the younger girl, "Don't let anyone make you feel like you have to change or that you were the bad guy."

"You need a motivational speaker award. I'll make you one on a paper plate," Este commented as she nudged Alice's arm.

Alice let out a small laugh as she looked at Este, "I'll be looking forward to it."

    Lunch came around pretty quickly, Este split her time between the two tables so that she could talk with everyone. Even if she felt as though she weren't on the best terms with Kaz, he was family.

"Look, I think we need a new cafeteria menu entirely," Wendy commented from Titus' side, "Because I don't eat rabbit food. I like meat."

"Even if the school meat tastes like straight up plastic?" Elyse asked as she scrunched up her nose, "I swear it's not real meat."

"It's probably not," Este laughed at the comment.

"It's futuristic 3D printed meat," Newt joked as he nudged his sister's arm, "We're eating the future."

"Newt, stop it," Este laughed as she shook her head.

"Oh my god, imagine a Victorian child sitting in this lunch room," Elijah randomly commented, causing everyone to fall silent, "What do you think they'd do?"

    Este had to place a hand over her mouth, trying not to laugh at the absurdity of the comment.

"A Victorian child?" Newt questioned slowly.

"Isn't that like... a kid named Victoria?" Titus asked as he looked between the members of the table.

"Obviously the public education system has failed," Este remarked with a snicker, "A Victorian child is a child from 1837-1901. Meaning pre-titanic and a lot of our advances."

"Oh, that's not exciting," Titus scrunched up his nose.

Este shook her head as she glanced at Newt, "The things we discuss," Newt remarks as he nudges her.

"The things we don't know," Este remarks back with a look.

"I think a Victorian child would be surprised that none of us are married with a dozen kids by now," Elyse then responded.

"Now that took a turn I did not mean for it too," Elijah scratched the back of his neck awkwardly.

Este shook her head as she laughed a little at their words, "I can tell," She glanced at the time before she grabbed her bag, "Now, I've got another table to go bother. I'll catch you guys later."

"Have fun," Elyse winked.

Newt groaned at Elyse's reaction, "I'll see you later, sis."

    Este laughed a little at everyone's reactions before she went to sit with the Cullens, making a face at Emmett who held up his bag of hard boiled eggs to her.

"I really question you more and more," Este sat down as she shook her head.

"I can swallow one whole," Emmett boasted proudly.

"Good for you?" Este laughed a little at the absurdity of the statement, before she glanced at Jasper, "Lighten up before you bust a vein. Ha. Get it."

    All of the vampires failed to hide their amusement while Este seemed a little proud of herself.

"Admit it, that was a good one," Este crossed her arms.

"A very corny joke," Rosalie responded.

"It was definitely somethin'," Jasper responded tensely.

"Your welcome for being hilarious," Este hummed.

    The brunette was tired, but she didn't let that weigh her down at the table. She felt out of place, in a way. She noticed the way Jasper's eyes lingered a little longer each time. He was trying to read her, stupid empath. It was one thing that annoyed Este, but she knew he couldn't help it.

    Edward wasn't at school, he'd taken some time for himself with Bella's arrival. So the Cullen's table only consisted of Emmett, Rosalie, Alice, and Jasper with the addition of Este.

    When the bell rang for the students to return to class, Este made a pitstop in the girls bathroom. Everyone's voices fell muted to her ears, and everything seemed to be happening in a blur. Each action seemed so rushed from her perspective, except her own. Her eyes caught something in the mirror as she passed it, causing her to do a double-take and glance back into the glass.

    Her expression dropped as she stared into the glass. Her brown hair was framing her face in a way that caused the shadows to make her skin seem more sunken. Her blue eyes, as usual, looked as if they held no sign of life. The shadows only made the bags under her eyes all the more noticeable. A frown tugged at her lips as she turned away from the mirror, letting out a heavy huff as she went and ran water over her face.

"There's something wrong with you," Elyse's words caused Este to raise her head as beads of water dripped down her skin, "I don't know what it is, but you haven't been the same. Not since Finn. Not since you met the Cullens."

    Este didn't comment as she shook the water off of her face. Her blue eyes casting over the bricks of the bathroom walls.

"You can ignore me all you want, everyone noticed it today. You didn't even come to school with your brother. No one saw you get out of the Cullens car-" Elyse couldn't stop once she started.

Este turned her head over her shoulder as she looked at Elyse, "What do you want me to say, Elyse?" She sounded annoyed, "You want me to pour my heart and soul into you, right here. You want me to sit and paint my nails while listening to you go on and on about wanting to know? It's not me and frankly, right now, I don't know what is." Maybe Elyse needs to find a better friend than me.

    Este kept catching glimpses of herself in the mirror, and she hated it. Each little detail of herself reminded her of her father. The shadows that casted over her features, the sharp and sullen look, the voidness of life. The irony in her eyes. She had her mothers eyes. Her dead eyes came from her dead mother.

Elyse's expression faltered momentarily, "You are hurting, and I get that. We've been putting up with all of this for so long, it's time you get it together. Before you are too far gone."

    The world was overwhelming at that moment. Este wanted to hit her fists against the wall and scream. Yet, she remained silent. Her expression was void of any emotion as she simply stared at the girl across from her.

"I'll see you in class," Elyse backed right out of the bathroom, leaving Este alone.

    Get a grip. What the hell is wrong with you? Este was berating herself in her own mind. She was breathing a little faster than normal as she slung her bag down on the other side of the sink and ran her fingers through her hair. Her eyes screwed shut as she tried to focus on anything that wasn't the urge to lose it.

    Rosalie Lillian Hale. April 13, 1933. Rochester, New York.

    Este's eyes snapped open at the feeling. Her blue eyes darted over to the blonde vampire who had now entered the room. There was a moment of silence, but almost an understanding.
"If you need to get out of here, go," Rosalie told Este as she eyed over the girl, "I won't ask questions. I won't judge you. You don't have to tell me anything. I'll tell them you had a migraine, if anyone asks, you got sick and Emmett is my witness."

    The tension in Este's shoulders lifted ever so slightly. As much envy as Rosalie held towards other mortals - she understood that there was a different circumstance surrounding Este. Sure, she was mortal and had a different life than Rosalie. Yet, Este's life was filled with running and fighting to survive. Something no one should want. Rosalie had Este's back.

Rosalie eyed Este up and down, "Text me when you get back, the calvary might come over to discuss some... changes."

    It was like Rosalie realized Este wouldn't stay above the surface once she left. She'd disappear far below the surface, way down into the depths of the Underworld.

"I look like him," Este commented quietly as she looked at Rosalie, her eyes almost glossed over.

Rosalie's stern expression shifted in the tiniest bit, it was almost unnoticeable. "You only look like Eurydice Devereaux. Not him. Not anyone, but yourself."

"Tell them I'll be back by dawn...please."

Rosalie offered a hand to Este, Rosalie didn't reach out to touch her first. Something that almost confused Este. Then she realized why Rosalie hesitated. She knew that if she touched Este then Este would still feel the sense of death when she was already overwhelmed. So, she gave Este the choice.

"It's a comforting feeling, sometimes," Este took Rosalie's hand and squeezed it, "I'll see you guys soon."

"Soon," Rosalie agreed.

    It wasn't long before Este managed to slip out of the school with ease. Her bag was thrown into her brother's car before she ran towards the woods. The humid air hit against her skin as her shoes padded against the ground. Her arms swinging as she carried herself off into the woods before she just stopped.

    Her hand slipped to her back, grabbing the dagger from her jeans before she looked at the blade in her hand. She held open her other palm, the two charms on her bracelet swaying. Though, the only charm that even seemed visible for anyone to see was the one not covered by the darkness. The skull.

    A sick relief it was, when she dragged the blade against the palm of her hand. She watched as the blood rose to the surface before she bawled her hand up into a fist and let the air suck out of her lungs as the darkness descended over her.

    Taking her away to the end.