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Before The Summer I Turned Pretty's Belly, Conrad and Jeremiah, there was Bella, Edward and Jacob - a real love triangle for the ages. Like most of Gen Z, I spent a good chunk of my

pre-teens in heated debates about Team Jacob and Team Edward. As a proud member of the former, I had no doubt in my mind Bella should have married the werewolf. While I can't recall why

I loved Jacob so much, I'm _sure _I had better reasons than his six pack. Debuted in 2008, the Twilight saga quickly became a huge phenomenon, catapulting the careers of Robert

Pattinson and Kristen Stewart. Based on Stephenie Meyer's fantasy novel series, the romantic dramas follow teenager Bella Swan (Stewart), who enters into the dangerous world of vampires

after falling for Edward Cullen (Pattinson). Edward hails from a family of blood-suckers, but Bella, being a smitten high school student, isn't scared of her new beau. In the

background of her romance with Edward, Bella's friend Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) has a not-so-secret crush on her. Thus, the love triangle is born. Although this franchise isn't

exactly Oscar-worthy, I revisit the entire series every year. I can't pinpoint exactly when this tradition started, but I become more boggled by my teenage self with every rewatch.

Because, and I can't stress this enough, _how_ could I have ever supported Team Jacob? I would chalk my support for the werewolf to my huge celebrity crush on Taylor Lautner, but Jacob

had so many red flags that even a pre-teen should have spotted. My biggest issue is that he did not value Bella's autonomy. I understand the power of a teenage crush, even Bella made

questionable decisions because of her obsession with Edward. However, Jacob's persistence often veered into creepy territory. The biggest of many red flags comes in The Twilight Saga:

Eclipse, when he overhears Bella vowing to marry Edward. He is naturally upset by this and storms off. When Bella chases after him, attempting to remedy the situation, Jacob threatens to

hurt himself, stating: "Maybe I'll get myself killed and make it [choosing between him and Edward] simple for you." In a desperate attempt to save her friend, Bella then asks:

"Jacob, kiss me." The music swells and we witness one of the most iconic kiss scenes in the franchise. Of course Jacob simply fulfils Bella's wishes here, but he _knows_ that

she doesn't have any romantic feelings towards him. Not to mention, she was just talking about marrying another man. Instead of respecting her feelings for Edward, which are beyond

obvious, he manipulates her into giving him a moment of intimacy. This is the routine of Jacob's relationship with Bella - he ignores her rejection and steals moments of closeness

whenever he can. Later in the franchise, Jacob imprints on Bella's half-human daughter Renesmee - in other words he has a supernatural connection to her, which will eventually turn into

a romantic partnership. Most fans cite this disturbing bond as the character's creepiest moment. I have to agree, but the films emphasise that he doesn't choose who he imprints

on, it's one of the perils of being a werewolf. However, his unsettling behaviour before Renesmee is even in the picture is absolutely a choice. I blame Lautner being shirtless in every

other scene for clouding my teenage judgement. But, as an adult, I can firmly say I am Team Edward - although he isn't exactly Prince Charming. _THE TWILIGHT FRANCHISE IS AVAILABLE TO

RENT IN DIGITAL STORES_