» For a review of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1," see today’s TGIF.

When asked if she considers herself a "Twihard" — a fan of Stephenie Meyer’s "Twilight" vampire saga — Lori Wright matter-of-factly responds, "I’m definitely far beyond that."

The 48-year-old substitute teacher from Mililani has read "Twilight," the first book of the young-adult series, 14 times since its debut in 2005 and has gone to theaters 105 times to see the film adaptation on the big screen. She counts her at-home viewing in the thousands.

"The kids (in school) know me as the ‘Twilight’ lady, and I tell them, ‘It’s OK, you can like ‘Twilight.’ I’m the freak; don’t worry, you’ll never be like me,’" she said.

While the first installment of the saga is her all-time favorite, she is still psyched that the movie of the fourth and final novel, "Breaking Dawn," opens in theaters today. The last book in the series has been split into two films, with Part 2 scheduled for release in November 2012.

How excited is she exactly?

She and her daughter Megan got tickets for Thursday’s midnight premiere at Ward Theatres and for three more showings today.

So what is it about this vampire-themed fantasy that has captivated millions of fans around the world?

Leeward Community College student Veronica Leigh Paeste, 20, explained that, aside from its mythical aspects, "Twilight" is a "more modernized version of Romeo and Juliet."

"Everyone is looking for romance and searching for the love of their life," Paeste said. "And ‘Twilight’ is one of those good romances that make you believe that there’s someone out there even if you’re a plain Jane, like Bella."

Meyer’s four books — "Twilight," "New Moon," "Eclipse" and "Breaking Dawn" — follow Isabella "Bella" Swan as she moves to the "wettest place into the continental U.S.," Forks, Wash., where she falls "irrevocably in love" with 104-year-old vampire Edward Cullen. As with most teen romances, many complications ensue.

LOCAL Twihard Janalyn Ramos, 24, a cosmetologist, agrees with Paeste that it’s the bond shared by Edward and Bella that initially bewitched her.

"It’s like nothing can tear them apart, and that’s what I love about it," she said.

True fans, Ramos, Paeste and Wright have indulged in "Twilight" memorabilia ranging from jewelry to life-size cutouts of the characters. Paeste, who has read the series 13 times, estimates she has spent about $2,000 on "Twilight" collectibles.

Wright puts her expenditures at nearly $15,000. "Anything ‘Twilight’ I could get my hands on, I would get," she said.

The rooms in her home are decorated in "Twilight" style; she just finished Megan’s room using Bella as the inspiration.

Wright is also the founder of the Twilight Hawaii Fan Club, which has about 300 members. She throws "Twilight" movie nights in her backyard and this past April hosted a mock wedding for Edward and Bella.

"Through ‘Twilight’ I’ve met so many good people and made so many good friends who will always be a part of my life," Wright said.

Wright and about 100 of her "Twilight" friends dressed in wedding costumes for the midnight screening.

Paeste didn’t dress up, but was also planning to line up for the first showing of "The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1."

"It’s bittersweet because the series is almost over, but it’s brought so much joy into my life," Paeste said. "‘Twilight has helped me cope with some personal hardships by just being able to immerse myself in something to get my mind off things, and it’s gotten me back into my passion for writing."