Edward Cullen, a teenage vampire, sits in the cafeteria of Forks High School with his adopted siblings. At first Edward tries to ignore the tedious human thoughts, which he can hear, and which are abuzz with news of a new girl. He begins speaking with his sister Alice about her partner, his adopted brother Jasper, who struggles as a vampire to maintain control around humans. The thoughts of a human girl named Jessica catch Edward’s attention. As Edward listens to Jessica speak to the new girl, Bella Swan, he realizes that he cannot hear Bella’s thoughts. This is the first time Edward has encountered a human whose thoughts he cannot hear. Jessica’s thoughts toward Bella are mean-spirited, despite her outward friendliness, and Edward begins to feel an urge to protect Bella. When Bella walks into Edward’s junior biology class after lunch, Edward catches her scent and freezes. He immediately craves her blood and begins to plan how to get it without bringing attention and harm to his family, who hide their immortal identities. A brief wave of unscented air brings a reprieve to Edward, clearing his mind so he can think.