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TYPING AWAY ON THE KEYBOARD OF HER LAPTOP, DYLAN LAY ON HER BED, RESEARCHING ON THE INTERNET MINDLESSLY. Since her injury, Dylan has been doing everything she could to find a reason why her wounds healed so abruptly. The bruises also vanished a day after meeting the Cullens, leaving her to find the solution to the predicament she's in.

Dylan still wore bandages for the time being, to not spread suspicion. Keeping the act of making everyone believe she's hurt. She wouldn't dare tell anyone, not until knowing the reason behind the mystery of her wounds. Nonetheless, the only person the Swan girl would be comfortable telling is Bella.

Ever since Bella and Edward had gotten together. The older Swan had been less around than she was before. There were moments when Dylan wanted to tell Bella, but it was simply never the time. Bella was mostly gone after school and in the mornings as a result of Edward driving her. Dylan thought Bella and her would become close again, considering the knowledge of Edward and his family. Yet, it only kept them apart, creating a barrier between the two worlds. Making Dylan feel like she didn't belong in Bella's.

The girl still kept her hopes up, thinking if she supported Bella and the decisions she made. Will in time, have everything like it was before and in fact, stay that way.

However, staying positive wore thin as Dylan's finger scrolled on the mouse until the screen landed on the bottom of the page. Leaving her to let out a sigh. She searched for days on the internet and nothing came up. She decided to put the hunt for explanations away and close the laptop. Pushing it to the side, Dylan rolled over to now lay on her back, her sight on the ceiling.

Just as she was about to close her eyes, a small knock was heard from her bedroom door. Causing Dylan to glance at it before responding to the person. Bella pokes her head first before walking in and closes the door from behind. "Hey," She spoke, standing beside the bed with hands in the back pockets of her jeans.

Dylan's eyes opened, seeing her older sister look rather nervous. The girl sat up, with her elbows supporting her. "Did you tell him? What did he say?" She asked, a curious glint shining in her blue eyes.

The older twin breathed out. "I haven't told him yet," Bella responds, looking away for a second.

Raising a brow, Dylan completely sat up, staring at her sister with a smile. "Do you need backup?" Dylan knew her sister well, even though Bella was far more independent, at the end of the day, she still needed her twin's support.

The older twin nodded, pursing her lips. "Will you? Please?" She practically begs and Dylan nods, standing up.

"Of course! I'll always be there for you Bella. Always." She looked at the taller girl sincerely. Bella smiled and let out a short hum as she glanced down at the wooden flooring.

The blue-eyed girl patted Bella on the shoulder before heading towards the door. "Time's ticking Bella, we should tell him before Edward gets here." Dylan reminded, twisting the knob.

"Yeah," Bella nodded urgently in agreement, following the light brunette out of her room and down the stairs. Upon entering the living room, Bella went off the opposite way, heading towards the kitchen. While Dylan caught sight of Charlie sitting at the dining room table.

"Hey Dad, whatcha doing?" She asked, walking up to him cheerfully.

Charlie glanced back from cleaning his gun, "Cleaning the old shotgun here." He answered as Dylan took a seat next to him.

"Planning on going hunting soon?" The girl questions, watching her dad look in the barrel before blowing into it.

"Maybe, I'll have to gather a couple of the boys first." He said as footsteps were heard entering the room.

"Here, got you another one." Bella quickly announced, coming up from behind Dylan. Leaning forward to place a fresh can of beer next to the half-empty one. Dylan sent Bella a raised eyebrow, catching how the older Swan was acting.

"Thanks." Charlie thanked, barely acknowledging the situation at hand.

"I have a date with Edward Cullen." Bella blurted out, settling her hands on the chair Dylan's sitting in. The twins watch Charlie pause his actions, seemingly processing what was said.

"He's a little old for ya, ain't it?" He responded, keeping focus on maneuvering things around the table.

"No, uh, he's a junior, I'm a junior." Bella reasons then looks at Dylan for help.

"We're all the same age, Dad, I've met him before, he's nice," Dylan added, seeing Charlie think for a second.

"I thought you liked the Cullens?" The older twin questioned.

"And I thought you didn't like any of the boys in town." He remarked, taking a sip of his beer. Dylan held back a snicker, knowing this wasn't the right time. However, she knew Bella had it under control and she wouldn't intervene unless she needed her help again.

"Edward doesn't live in town, technically." Bella pointed out, earning a not-so-pleased look from Charlie. "He's right outside." She gestured to the front door.

"He is?" He asked his eldest daughter, surprised, before looking at Dylan who shrugged her shoulders, sharing the same expression.

"Yeah, he wanted to meet you, officially." Bella continues, eagerly waiting for his response.

After further thinking, Charlie nods. "Alright," He flicks the gun closed, the clicking sound stating a point. "Bring him in."

Bella stood up straight from the abruptness of the action and let out a chuckle. Dylan giggled, shaking her head at Charlie's protectiveness. "Easy there Dad, you're just meeting him."

Charlie's lips went into a line, raising his eyebrows. "Exactly."

"Hey, could you be nice? He's- he is important." Bella declared, with pleading eyes.

The man drew circles with his finger above his head. Sarcastically imitating a halo. A smiling Dylan was soon turned into a frown, noticing Bella looking at her with the same intention. She then rolled her eyes and smiled fakely, circling her mouth while doing so. Dylan watched her sister nod, accepting their attempts to be nice before jogging out of the room.

A second later, Edward comes in, his hand latched onto Bella's as Charlie gets up from his spot. "Chief Swan." Edward greeted, before looking at Dylan, smiling at her. "Dylan."

She smiled, turning in the chair to rest her arms on the handle. "Hey, Edward." The girl greeted back, doing a small wave.

Edward then turned to Charlie, holding out his hand. "I want to formally introduce myself, I'm Edward Cullen."

"Hi Edward," Charlie shook his hand.

"Bella won't be out too late tonight, she's just going to play baseball with my family," Edward informed, earning a stunning look from Charlie.

"Baseball?"

"Yes sir, that's the plan." Edward smiled charmedly.

Charlie let out an airy laugh in disbelief, "Bella's gonna play baseball." He repeated Edwards's words before glancing at Dylan who confirmed a nod. "Baseball." She replied.

"Well, good luck with that," Charlie warned, scratching the side of his jaw.

"I'll take good care of her I promise." He stated firmly, before looking at the youngest Swan. "Dylan, you're more than welcome to join us."

Dylan smiles at his offer, "Thank you for offering, but maybe next time." She politely declined.

As Edward is the one to lead Bella out of the room, Charlie stops her as Edward continues walking. "Still got that pepper spray?" He motions with his hand.

Embarrassment clouded over Bella, "Yeah, dad." She whispered and Dylan sent her a wave, mouthing. "I love you, be careful." To which Bella waved back before scurrying off to leave with Edward.

Once the front door shut, Charlie deeply sighed and walked back to sit at the table. Dylan laid a hand on his shoulder, catching his attention. "Dad, she'll be fine." She comforted, sending a gentle pat before retrieving her hand back.

"Are there any boys at the moment, I need to be aware of Dylan?" He questions, opening the new can of beer Bella brought him.

She gave him a look, dragging out the word 'Dad.' Dylan then looked down at her fingers, messing with them as they both sat there in comfortable silence. It didn't take long for her to start smiling again, thinking of a boy who she currently has a crush on. "Well no, not yet at least,"

Charlie nodded as he continued cleaning the weapon. Dylan looked up from her fingers, deciding if she should tell him about Andrew. It wasn't like she was uncomfortable to share the happy news to her dad of her crush asking her to prom. Though, it was unlike them to talk about boys. It was their mother's doing, as she was the one who always asked the twins since they were younger.

Yet, Dylan wanted to change that.

"I did get asked to prom though," Dylan confessed and reached over at the table to mess with the napkin holder.

Charlie's eyes slightly widened, "Oh," He once again stopped his movements and looked over at his daughter, "Who?" Her father asked curiously.

"Andrew Miller. He's captain of the baseball team." She answered, doing a glance to see his reaction.

"Andrew Miller..?" Charlie murmured out loud, deep in thought. "Ah, David's son, went fishing with his dad a couple of months ago. Good man." He shared, pointing his index finger before grabbing the can of beer.

Dylan smiled happily, retreating her hand back into her lap. "So that means you don't have to worry about Andrew then."

Charlie shook his head. "Nope, I'm your Dad, Dylan, I still worry." He admitted taking a swig of the beverage alcohol. The blue-eyed girl's smile dropped, though she shrugged it off, not bothered by what was said.

"It's Saturday, isn't it? Aren't you supposed to be out and about with your friends?" Charlie spoke after he gulped down the liquid. Confused about why Dylan was home, when out most of the time on the weekends.

Dylan grinned, "I figured I spent Saturday night with my old man." She chuckled, seeing him offended by her referring to him as 'old'.

"Old? What do you mean old, I don't look a day over twenty." Charlie expressed, setting down the can. Then pressed his lips in a line, "Dylan, you don't have to spend time-"

The Swan girl interrupted him, putting up a hand for him to stop."No, Dad really, I've been meaning to spend some time with you. Ever since Bella and I moved here. We've barely done anything together besides eating dinner at the cafe." Dylan confessed as Charlie rubbed the corner of his mouth, nodding at her words, knowing what she said was true.

"I'd planned out our entire evening, we'll order takeout, cheeseburgers, or pizza, your choice. Then we'll watch the game until we fall asleep." She rambled, happily, growing excited while explaining.

The older Swan opened his mouth to say something before closing it. Dylan frowned, not knowing why he was hesitant about the idea. Charlie let out a sigh before explaining, "I don't want you ending up being bored-"

"I won't end up bored, Dad," She stated, desperately wanting to convince him.

"Are you sure-"

"Dad!"

Charlie surrendered his hands in the air, standing up from the chair while doing so. "Alright, alright, I'll call in for the burgers."

"Great! I'll be back." Dylan squealed, standing up, and briefly giving Charlie a side hug. Before he could do the same, Dylan was already on her way to the front door.

Charlie opened his mouth, taking a few steps forward."Don't forget to take your pepper spray!" He reminded.

"I never leave without it!" She answered back, leaning in his view to show him.

Seeing him nod in approval, Dylan reached over to the coat rack. Grabbing her jacket and purse before heading out. She shrugged on the brown coat while walking down the steps. After feeling the cool air hit her arms, which were covered with the thin material of her long-sleeved shirt. Closing the truck door after she got in, Dylan turned the key in, making the engine roar to life.

Dylan felt excited while driving into town, listening to some tunes that played on the radio. She didn't mind the static that would interfere; she loved it. Dylan hadn't felt this happy in a while. Even though living with their mother was fine, it had always occurred to her that something was missing. Something that felt like home, where her spirit felt free.

Being here was home, she made friends, was on the school soccer team, and reunited with her childhood best friend. All the people she cares about are here and that's where her home is. And spending time with Charlie was something Dylan always wanted. She never intends to leave Forks, and nothing will ever make her want to.

Pulling up into a parking spot at the diner, Dylan turned off the ignition and got out of the truck. Buzzing of voices was heard from the inside as she walked closer to the entrance. She took a glance at the side window, seeing a filled restaurant of people.

Opening the door, she is welcomed with the strong smell of food, and the chatter of voices grows louder. The diner was busier than usual, every table filled up to the brim. Dylan immediately spots Cora upon walking in, serving an elderly couple in one of the booths. The Swan girl waved as the woman saw her.

"Hey, Cora!" She walked up to the counter, giving the woman her usual cheery smile.

Cora hugged the girl after walking up to her. "Dylan! I missed you the last time Charlie and Bella came here to eat." She said as they pulled away from each other.

Dylan nods knowingly, "I know, I'm sorry, school's been keeping me busy these days." She explained, letting out a half-hearted sigh.

"I figured it was the reason why you didn't come." Cora smiled warmly, before taking out her notepad and pen from her apron. "What can I help you with, sweetheart?"

"My Dad called in an order, I'm just here to pick it up," Dylan responds, and Cora nods. "I'll go check and see if it's ready." She lets the Swan girl know and turns around, heading to the back.

Dylan seated herself on one of the stools, resting her arms on the counter. She glances around before doing a double take across the room. One of the tables contained the baseball team with its leader sitting at the end. Dylan's heart starts to race as one of the team members takes notice and points in her direction, leading Andrew to look her way.

The blue-eyed girl discreetly fixes herself, seeing from her peripheral vision of him getting up and walking towards her. Dylan tries to calm herself as she turns in her seat, welcoming him with a smile. "Hey,"

Andrew smiles back, standing right beside her, looking down to meet her eyes. "Dylan, not surprised to see you here."

She blushed and glanced down before looking at him again. "Well, I am one of their regulars." The girl pointed out, as he leaned on the counter.

The Miller boy chuckled before he spoke. "Are you meeting someone or?" He trailed off, gesturing at the tables beside them.

Dylan shook her head, "Picking up an order, my dad and I are going to watch the game tonight." She explained.

Andrew leaned closer, as it was getting harder to hear from the loud conversations of the other customers. "Baseball right?" He guessed, and Dylan nodded with a smile. "Yeah,"

"Dylan," Cora called out the girl's name, walking up to the counter while holding a brown bag containing food.

She clears her throat and smiles, taking the bag from her. "Thank you, Cora!"

The woman lays a hand on her arm, stopping Dylan from getting up. "I also added an Oreo cheesecake and a berry cobbler in the bag." Cora shared and lifted her hand away.

Dylan stammered through her words, "Oh Cora you didn't have to."

Cora only waved her off, hurrying around the counter as more customers walked through the door. "Dylan, I insist! You and Charlie both enjoy your dinner."

"But Cora-" Dylan tries to explain, but Cora interrupts, "I'll see you the next time you come back!" She bids and Dylan sees her figure disappear through a group of people who are trying to look for a seat.

"And yet I still have to pay for mine." Andrew chuckles, making Dylan softly laugh as she stands up.

Though a worrying frown is displayed on her face as Andrew leads them both out of the diner, "She didn't have to do that, I just hope she doesn't get in trouble." Dylan expressed her concerns.

"I don't think she would've given them to you if she knew that would happen." Andrew reasons, and worry slowly disappears for Dylan, as she nods at what he said.

When she was about to reach for the truck door handle, she remembered something and abruptly turned around to face him. "Oh! I've been wanting to discuss prom details with you." Dylan happily said.

Andrew scratched the back of his neck, and his mood suddenly shifted, seeming nervous all of a sudden. "Funny you say that, I also wanted to ask you the same thing- actually tell you something." He restated, licking the bottom of his lip.

The Swan girl held the bag from the handles in front of her, slightly swaying it, her smile not once leaving her lips. "Okay, so tell me."

A deep sigh left his lips and Dylan watched as he struggled to say the words. "I can't go to prom with you." Andrew finally said, avoiding eye contact.

Her eyes widened in surprise, her soft features expressing worry. "What? Why? Is there something wrong?"

"Yeah- well, a lot of things are wrong." He confessed, now looking at her as she tilted her head to the side.

Dylan walked closer, and a gentle smile was given as she said "I'm sure I can understand if you tell me." She comforted him and that was all it took for Andrew to blurt out the words.

"Cindy and I got back together."

"Oh.." Dylan's face went blank, his words hitting her like a ton of bricks. She avoided his eyes and settled on the outside mirror of the truck, reflecting a girl whose heart got crushed.

Andrew pursued his lips and looked around him. Letting what he said sink in the air. "Look I didn't want to be an asshole and tell you when it was getting closer to prom. I figured if I told you now, you'll still have time to find someone else to go with." He explained as he rubbed his forehead.

The girl swallowed the hard lump that started forming in her throat. Her blue eyes now trailing to the sight of the ground. She couldn't help, but let out a sarcastic chuckle. "Hmm, how considerate of you."

"Do you think any of this was easy for me? I'm not the bad guy here." He started spewing out words to define the situation, but all Dylan wanted was to end the conversation as soon as possible.

"No, no, it's okay, I understand. You should go with someone who you really like and want to go with." She talked over his words, before having the courage to look at him.

The Miller boy deeply sighed, "It's not that I don't like you Dylan, I wanted to be your date to prom, but Cindy and I worked things out and it wouldn't be right if I went with another person than her." Andrew reasoned his voice in a serious tone.

It took Dylan a moment before giving a lined smile. "I understand." She said quietly, before sucking in a breath and reaching over to pull the handle.

The boy watched as she opened the door and placed the bag on the seat. "See you at school?" He questioned while she was halfway in.

She stopped her movements and looked at him one last time. Trying her best to smile. "Yeah."

Once she got in and Andrew was inside the diner, the girl quickly turned on the engine and reversed out of the parking lot. Driving on the way home, Dylan tried her best to not choke out any tears, knowing how puffy her face gets. She didn't want to bare up an excuse for the reason she was crying to Charlie.

Dylan's happy mood is now dim as she drives on the familiar path leading up to the house. With one thought repeating constantly in her head.

Rosalie was right.

𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊

Andrew 👎🏻

Despite what happened, Dylan's relationship with Charlie warms my heart! 🫶🏻

Another long chapter is split in half once again lol. The other half should be out soon!

- M

𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊