Katrina McDonald, Jodi Ryan, and Daisy Mendez had only known each other for less than eight hours, but shared a bond that made them instant best friends.

The three women allow several moments to pass without speaking, each contemplating something to themselves. It is a cold November day. McDonald drapes a fleece Twilight blanket around herself. The screaming and chatter that plagues the growing line behind them hardly distracts the women as they continue thinking.

Finally, Mendez speaks for the group, "We've probably all read the series five to six times," she says. The other two nod in agreement. Ryan chimes in, "Not to mention buying new copies of the soundtrack that we've burned out."

McDonald recalls having to buy a new copy of the first film after it got scratched as a result of watching it so much. The women have been in line at Stonestown Galleria since 7:30 a.m. just so they could be among the first to receive autographed posters from actors Kellan Lutz and Ashley Greene, stars from the latest film installment of The Twilight Saga: New Moon.

The craze and hoopla brings lovers of the Twilight books and movies from all over out to a mall in a remote neighborhood in San Francisco. By 5 p.m., the sidewalk outside of Stonestown is completely consumed by Twilight fanatics, or 'Twi-hards', as they are better known. The mall is buzzing with teenage girls decked out in their Twilight gear, many with their moms trailing behind them. The waiting line is filled with jumping fans.

This pop-culture book and movie franchise has fans 'unconditionally and irrevocably in love' with all things Twilight. With the anticipated New Moon finally in theatres as of November 20, eager fans are hitting theatres to get a fix of their favorite fantasy series.

But what is it about the series that has readers and viewers completely addicted? According to Mendez, many are captivated by more than just the vampire elements. "It's the story and what it represents. It's the new Romeo and Juliet. But with a better ending," she says, tucking several strands of brown hair behind her ears. Fellow Twi-hard Cherisse Ceralde has similar thoughts on the series and fancies the idea that the primary character Edward is such a gentleman that "guys can't live up to that. All girls deserve to be treated like he treats Bella. To me he's the perfect guy."

"It is an escape from a complete reality," explains Tiana Francisco, 31, who has read the saga numerous times just to be sure that she did not miss a single detail. "Everyone loves a romance."

Some Twi-hards are even making their obsession for the books and films permanent by getting tattoos inspired by the series, like Amanda Wilcox. "I got the tattoo because I used to hate reading. Twilight changed that for me though. Now I love reading," she says as she twists her forearm to show that it is adorned with the image on the cover of the first book--a pair of hands holding an apple.

Kellan Lutz, who plays vampire Emmett Cullen in the films, does not hesitate in recalling the craziest thing a fan has asked. Before getting an opportunity to explain, a fan from the Q&A crowd at Stonestown yells, "Father my children." He chuckles at the statement and the crowd bursts with laughter. He proceeds to answer, "a fan asked if they could handcuff themselves to me."

Danielle Piepho, a twenty-five-year-old Twi-hard is on her way to the New Moon midnight movie premiere, driving from Sacramento to Pleasant Hill. "I would never wear this anywhere in public, besides to go watch this movie," she says of her Twilight shirt. She has read The saga multiple times and also pre-ordered Breaking Dawn before it was released to the world.

"The craziest thing that happened to me regarding Twilight is when I had this dream of when I was having sex," Piepho pauses and giggles. "I was having sex with my guy and I was screaming out Edward's name." She, needless to say, is on Team Edward.

Many fans are divided between two of the primary male characters within the saga. While some prefer dedicated vampire Edward Cullen, others like the fun-loving werewolf character Jacob Black. Friendly feuds amongst Twilight Saga lovers are common. However, arguments do occur. Megan Amable, a former Hot Topic employee, recalls some of the various arguments that took place during the special DVD release of the first movie at her store. "They would get into arguments over the book and the movie. It was like...calm down." It is common for many fans to wear shirts declaring what 'team' they are on. "Team Jacob all the way. I don't like Edward. He's sweet, but still," says Autumn Mayberry proudly.

Tiana Francisco, who is on Team Edward, explains why she thinks people "join" teams and why people become obsessed with this romance. "You want your Edward and you want your Jacob," she says.

Although there is a strong following with this vampire phenomenon, not everyone enjoys the films and books. Amable recalls dealing with vigorous vampire zealots on a daily basis. The retail shop is a favorite for Twi-hards looking to stock up on new Twilight merchandise. "It's depressing, not impressing," she explains with a frustrated tone. Amable also remembers the midnight DVD release for Twilight at Hot Topic, which had close to three hundred attendees eagerly waiting to receive their copies of the first film. "We had some fan employees, but even they were weirded out by all of the fans that came out," Amable says.

Werewolf packs, adventure, forbidden love, and glittering vampires aside, fans still love treating their beloved series as more than just that. "Me and my friends talk about how we wish it was real," Mayberry admits. They have allowed their love for the vivid series to become a part of every day conversations and activities.

"I thought Harry Potter was big, but I've never seen anything like this," Amable says strongly. [X]