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EDWARD'S SILVER VOLVO PASSED BY THE COUNTLESS SCENERY OF EVERGREEN. It was a sight of normalcy as people grew older here. Nobody would think twice about the towering timber, slightly swaying in the wind. They stayed permanently in place, never moving, as their nature was deeply rooted in the earth. Her observation of the giant trunks captured her attention after she left the comfort of her home.

A month had passed since she encountered another world, which she had always thought did not exist. Everything was different now, her life and how she lived it. Normality felt like a joke, but at the same time, it gave Dylan a new perspective. Accept it and try to experience life as much as possible as before.

Her optimism and infectious enthusiasm couldn't conceal how she felt. Isolation scorned her being into a void as she desperately attempted to hold onto what was dear to her. Ebullience was exhausting to obtain, and she often struggled to tolerate it. As before, Dylan typically shares her spirited self and talkative personality with others. Leaving a mark of her unforgettable nature.

Now her spark is somber and dims the person she was before. Dylan struggled to stay positive, and would constantly catch herself staring off into nothing. It was not notable until Jessica pointed it out the other day at lunch. Assuming Dylan was heartbroken about not having a date to the prom.

Of course, Dylan did not say anything, but gave a subtle nod and returned to her compact bubble. The reaction grew worried glances from her friends at the girl's odd behavior, but they decided to say nothing about it and continue with the day. And Dylan was glad they did not press on further about her demeanor.

The concerns did not end there. Later, caught Charlie's perturbed stares, after she arrived home from school with a face full of gloom. She could finally release the emotions she had held throughout the day. The older Swan never asked how she felt, afraid to overstep a boundary. Yet, the man kept an eye close by, thinking of ways to uplift his daughter's spirits.

When it came time for prom, her sapphire eyes reflected animosity towards the fine white line of a bad memory. Nearly dressed and hair in an updo, with a few pieces of hair framing her face, Dylan stood in front of the mirror, joyless and timid. Her makeup was light to the touch, enhancing her soft features.

The line of disfigurement stood out from beneath her thin-strapped dress. Directing out of its jagged flaw. She thought of how the white cast clashed with her turquoise navy blue dress, overshadowing her appearance. Her confidence was slim as she started to feel self-conscious.

Dylan couldn't feel an ounce of content. With no escort and little enthusiasm for the dance, Dylan persisted in attending, hoping to be optimistic about her high school prom. She kept reminding herself as she got ready that no matter what occurred, she was there to enjoy herself- or at least try.

The subtle shift in scenery occurred in a smooth blend as Edward drove up to the parking lot and came to a complete stop. The engine running, Edward clicked off his seatbelt and opened his door. Dylan tugged the sheer fabric of her shawl closer to her while shrugging off the seat belt. She kept her breathing steady as Edward opened the  door for Bella, helping her out of the car.

Closing her eyes for a moment, releasing a breath she held in, Dylan pressed her lips before reaching and pulling the handle. Quickly, Edward appeared at her side, holding out a hand for her to take with his usual charming smile. Dylan briefly grasped onto it- the icy feeling spread goosebumps across her skin as she stood up.

"Thank you," Dylan expressed, catching Bella, giving her a pleased smile.

Edward smiled once more before closing the door. "I'll be right back." He announced before heading back to the driver's side.

Once the twins took a seat on a nearby wooden bench, the car departed and drove further into the parking lot. Silence loomed in the air as Dylan's fingers messed with the hem of her sheer shawl. Her blue eyes took minor glances at Bella, who happened to be looking in the distance, where Edward drove off, too. A light frown settled on Dylan's face, taking notice of the drastic change in their relationship.

Dylan wasn't able to point out when everything shifted from lighthearted conversations to dull, incomplete sentences with one another. From the moment they were discharged from the hospital, Bella kept her distance. At first, Dylan initiated a conversation, bringing up how she felt responsible for everything. However, it was put to a halt by Bella, who disclosed what had happened and reassured the younger Swan that everything was fine now.

After what they both went through, Bella still kept a wall between them, making it clear that it would never fracture like it did before. Dylan assumed it was for her protection, for her own good. She couldn't complain, even though she missed her sister greatly. Although Bella is close to her, physically, it's not the same; it's not the type of closeness two sisters once shared. Dylan could adapt to change; she'd done it before.

On the other hand, with this change, Dylan could not. Bella is her sister, her twin, her other half, and will be damned letting a bunch of vampires take that bond away from them.

Dylan turned to face Bella, "Hey, you copied me." She pointed out playfully. Slightly tugging on the dress the older Swan was wearing.

Bella glanced down at their gowns, noticing the close color difference. A light smile appeared on her lips. "You look pretty." She complimented.

"So do you," Dylan responded, smiling genuinely for the first time in weeks.

It would have seemed that Dylan had regained their old connection; yet, the conversation ended in an ephemeral pause, creating a repeated invisible distance. Dylan eyes the older Swan, hoping for more shared words from her, but nothing occurs. Bella returned her sight to where it was before, looking quite impatient.

Emptiness flooded into Dylan's heart, circulating a ripple effect throughout her bones. Her delicate features were in poignant emotion, and the feeling of tears clouded her waterline. The younger Swan thought she could handle this change; though, she proved herself wrong. She slowly reached out for her sister's arm. Her mouth formed into the older Swan's name, preparing to pronounce it out, before a sudden voice interrupted.

"Bella,"

Dylan glanced behind them, along with Bella, as their vision lay on no other than Jacob, who walked up beside a tree.

"Jacob, hey," Bella voiced, confused.

"Dylan," Jacob smiled at her, before motioning his hand towards them. "You guys look nice."

The blue-eyed girl threw a soft smile at him before looking away. "Thanks, Jake," She responded, lifting a finger to her eye, forbidding any tears threatening to fall.

"You, too. Are you crashing the prom or something? Do you come with a date?" Bella perked up with interest.

Brown eyes flickered to the quiet Swan who seemed to be in her thoughts. Jacob's eyes shifted back to Bella. "No," he hesitated, his lips pressed into a thin line, as he leaned off the tree trunk and treaded to sit next to Bella.

Dylan observed her childhood best friend, anxiously rubbing his hands against the material of his black pants. "My dad paid me to come talk to you." Jacob shrugged, his attention focused on Bella. "Twenty bucks," he said with a following chuckle.

"Let's hear it," Bella asked, her voice sounding eager.

"Just don't get mad, kay?" Jacob asked softly, which made Dylan smile briefly.

"He wants you to break up with your boyfriend," Jacob explained gently, unsure of her reaction. "Just uh he said uh quote "will be watching you."

The younger Swan's hand flew up to cover the involuntary giggle that escaped her mouth. Jacob laughed along with Dylan, feeling absurd at what he said. Bella chucked, knowing the warning wasn't vital anymore. "Okay, well, tell him thanks," Bella said, in disbelief.

"Okay." Jacob continues to laugh, looking at Dylan as she shakes her head with a smile.

Bella glanced over, seeing her date making way. "And to pay up." She finished before getting ready to rise from the bench.

Jacob smiles once more before following her lead. "Oh, let me help you," he offered.

"Jacob," Edward's jarring voice pierced through the air like a vortex. "I'll take it from here." The Cullen boy stood defensively beside Bella, like someone was going to steal her away from his iron grasp.

"He was just helping Edward." Dylan defended, her brows curving downward, seemingly confused by the lack of benevolence he normally displays.

Jacob narrowed his eyes, jaw clenched, as Edward stood towering over, not once taking his sight off the younger teenager in front of him. "Guess I'll see you around, Bella." Jacob bared with a glare thrown at the vampire.

Bella nodded before looking at Dylan, perplexed as to why she was not joining them. Dylan sent a reassuring smile, and Bella took the hint, continuing down the path with Edward, to the entrance.

Dylan kept her eyes glued to the back of Edward. Imagining shooting daggers at his head, "Weirdo." She whispered.

Edward peered back at Dylan as she smiled innocently before settling on Jacob, who took a seat beside her. "Formal shirt and tie. Are you sure you didn't come here with a date?" She teased as his smile resurfaced again.

"I could ask you the same. Why are you avoiding going inside?" He questioned.

"I'm not avoiding going inside," Dylan disagreed, glancing at Jacob, who seemed not convinced.

The younger Swan moved her focus before them. Watching her classmates make their way to the doorway of the building. It wasn't until her eyes widened and her heart raced at the sight of Andrew and Cindy coming into view. The couple's arms linked, and they smiled as they walked ahead of their friend group. Dylan could feel an ounce of jealousy rise in the swell of her chest.

That could have been her, arm in arm with the boy who asked her to prom. Dylan knew she shouldn't dwell on something that can't be changed. Nevertheless, she felt embarrassed, as everyone at school was aware of what had happened. Was she teased mercilessly for what Andrew had done? No, but she could feel the accumulating stares and whispers every time she strode the corridor.

Dylan was stiff, knowing the couple was in there, enjoying themselves, and for she, wasn't strong enough to brace herself if her feelings still ached.

Conversely, Jacob's brows furrowed. Perceiving Dylan's attitude as unusual, he rarely observes her acting this way. He knew from the beginning that something was wrong. It was the way her shoulders slouched forward, and her eyes glistening as she avoided eye contact. A smile that never quite reached her eyes. Her quiescent behavior was something she had never been accustomed to. He found it odd, and a part of him knew why she was in such a dispirited state.

And once he aligned his vision with what stole her attention. His eyes settled into a glare. Deep chocolate eyes follow the tall male whose arm is now resting loosely around his date's shoulders. Jacob could feel irritation rise in him.

"Come on, let's head inside."

Dylan snapped out of her trance and looked up to see Jacob now standing, offering a hand. Her eyes glanced between his warm irises and palm. Contemplating, till Dylan's lips stretched into a weak smile and took the gesture. She then stood up and walked along the walkway that guided them to the ingress.

Jacob's hand still clasped Dylan's as the sound of upbeat music alluring them to a room full of teens dancing freely and lively. Dylan admired the setup as they crossed the threshold and maneuvered their way around. For a moment, Dylan neglected her troubles and focused solely on the environment around her.

The reflection of silvery, scattered dots caused by the disco ball hung from the ceiling. Pirouetting on the shadowy walnut-colored partition and onto the silhouette of bodies. A collection of colorful fairy lights, acting as hidden stars in the shadows, was embedded in the faux shrub. Sparcing in the surrounding areas of the enlarged narrow room.

A setup of a blackjack table could be seen with a group of peers as they shuffle cards onto the green polyester. With a standing roulette wheel in the corner, a few feet away. The sound of chips clashing together in the middle of a bet captures a similar effect to what it would be like in a casino.

When coming close to the sound system, the first person to greet them is no other than a grinning Angela. Who left Eric's side and stepped down off the podium to hug Dylan. "You look so pretty, Dylan!"

Dylan returned affection. "Thank you, Angie, this dress looks even more beautiful on you than the last one! Hey, you remember Jacob, right?" She asked, pulling away to see Angela avert her eyes to Jacob, and nodded.

"Yes, I do, hi Jacob." She acknowledged, smiling politely.

"Hey, Angela." He greets back in a bashful response.

A sudden, rushed-looking Jessica, with a hauled Mike trailing behind her, moved their way through the crowd. "Hey!" She interjected and gave Dylan a quick side hug. "I didn't think you'd make it."The Stanley girl spoke ahead, briefly glancing at Jacob.

"Finally, you got a date! It was so tiring seeing you all sad and depressed at lunch." Jessica expressed in a relief, but annoyed tone.

"Jess," Angela spoke quickly after. She then threw an apologetic smile at Jacob and Dylan.

Nevertheless, Dylan smiled and nodded. "Could say the same with you, too, Jess. But yes, I did. Jacob offered to be my date." She answered, smiling, glancing up at Jacob, who reciprocated.

Angela clapped her hands closely after, catching their attention . "Eric and I are going to play DJ some more. We'll meet back here later for group photos?" She suggested, attempting to end the awkward tension before it escalated.

"Sounds good, hey, I'm trusting you both on your music tastes," Dylan announced loudly, enough for the asian boy to have heard. She narrowed her eyes playfully, pointing her fingers towards her eyes and back to them.

Eric waved her off with a scoff across the DJ ring. "Oh, don't worry, we won't let you down." He smiled cheerfully as Angela went back to her place beside him.

Jessica pointed in the direction behind Dylan, eagerly exhilarated. "Come on, Mike, I just saw Zoe and Edwin arrive!"

The Swan girl chuckled, seeing Mike glance back at her, with a tight-lipped smile. Jacob and Dylan watched the pair leave, heading over to a couple who had arrived.

"Are you guys actually friends or..?" Jacob remarked, looking down at Dylan, who turned to face him fully. He appeared confused at the snarky tone used with one another.

"You mean Jessica?" Dylan snickered. "That's just how we act, no actual harm behind it." She reassured, before leading them both in the middle of the dance floor.

The Swan girl let go of his hand and softly swayed to the music, letting it take control as she did a small spin. She then let out a laugh, seeing an awkward Jacob try to reciprocate her rhythm. "Not like that, you have to feel the music, silly." She teased, a playful push to his shoulder.

Jacob grinned, "I'm more of a slow dance type of guy." He moved closer, wanting to close the gap between them. "Like this." He finished as he pulled her in.

As if on cue, the music switched to a slow-paced song, and the atmosphere became less hectic. Dylan lightly gasped, placing her hands on Jacob's shoulders. Her chunky heels added to her height, making her head level at his chin. "Whoa, okay. How come I'd never known you had those moves up your sleeve?" She questioned in awe.

"Just waiting for the right time to show you." He replied, with a boyish grin as his dark brown eyes locked softly with hers. "My Dad told me that you were leaving for Florida in the summer?"

Dylan nodded as they began swaying. "Yeah, my mom invited Bella and me to go. But, Bella didn't want to leave forks, so I offered to visit." She answered, her mind wandering back to the luggage that was waiting to be packed at home.

He smiled before taking one of her hands and lifting it in the air, twirling her around. "I think it's nice you're visiting your mom," Jacob commented.

Dylan giggled at the action, gradually being brought back to the previous position. "Another good thing about it is that tan I'll be getting." She referenced a conversation they had back at the beach.

"Y'know, since you refer to us as palefaces." Dylan laughed, making Jacob chuckle.

"So what else are you thinking of doing while you're down there?" He asked, once their laughing was settled.

Dylan pretended to be in thought. "Considering it's summer and all, I'm planning on finding a job. Get more work experience. Maybe visit an ink shop."

Jacob's eyebrows quirk up, riveted. "A tattoo?"

Her smile widened. "And I know just what I am getting."

He challenged, watching her with a sly smile. "Oh, really? And what is that?"

"A pirate tattoo," Dylan announced chirply.

"A pirate- that's so random." He said bemusedly, but had a feeling there was a meaning behind on why she had chosen that particular tattoo.

Dylan laughed, enjoying his reaction. "It's for memorabilia." She took a pause, "Who knows when I'll visit my mom again. Maybe this way, I'll always have a small part of her with me." She conceded, looking down at her hands. Her tone sounded sad before shrugging it off.

Jacob frowned, but slightly leaned his head down to the side, meeting her eyes. "No mermaid or seashell that crossed your mind?" He bantered, attempting to cheer her up.

She playfully rolled her eyes. "Sounds ridiculous, I know."

The tan-skinned boy disagreed with a shake of his head. "I don't think it is. A pirate tattoo is cool too."

Dylan shrugged, but was still smiling. She pondered for a moment before gushing out. "When I start working, I can maybe call you during my break shifts if you would like that. So we can stay in touch?" She formulated, and Jacob's face beamed.

"I would. I would like that a lot." He smiled, his face turning warm.

"Good." She stated, smiling brightly.

There was a brief pause as silence was kept between them. It was not an awkward silence, or one where there weren't enough words to exchange. The atmosphere was perfect, and Dylan felt comfortable soaking in the feelings and enjoying the experience. It gave her a chance to glance around before her vision settled on Eric, who knowingly smiled her way.

Her face contorted in confusion before rolling her eyes humorously. Eric pointed at her and Jacob, imitating their dancing pose before reaching over to insert another disk, changing the track to another ballad song. He then pointed at her again and made dreamy eyes, then pointed right back at Jacob.

"Dylan,"

The girl tore her eyes away from Eric to Jacob's worried ones. "Hm," She hummed. She didn't hear him correctly. The humor on her face was now gone and replaced with concern. Jacob suddenly looked anxious.

"I have something to tell you." He reluctantly spoke as he nervously licked his bottom lip.

His statement caught her by surprise, and her body started to tense. "Should I be worried?" She asked, and their swaying came to a halt. Dylan sharply inhaled a breath.

He stammered his words, feeling unsure of his decision. "No, it's nothing bad, I, uh, I actually did come here to prom, with a date in mind."

Her eyes widened, her mouth trying to find the right words to answer. "Oh," She spoke softly, knowingly taking a step away from him.

"Spill it, Black." She demanded an explanation. Her eyes narrowed as she crossed her arms.

Jacob swallowed before clearing his throat. "Charlie told my dad what had happened." He gently began, "Your dad was concerned about you going to prom, knowing how excited you were about going." The boy emphasized, carefully watching her reaction.

"I offered to be your date." Jacob followed quickly after, and Dylan dropped her arms to her sides. She exhaled the breath she had been holding and nodded for him to continue. Her shoulders slowly relaxed.

"It wasn't my dad or Charlie who asked me or made me go, I promise." His eyes searched hers, seeing her face turn neutral. "Please don't get mad, I just wanted to make sure you had a good time, and not worry about anything else."

Dylan's heart began to fasten at his words. He was still the same Jacob from all those years ago. The one who would do anything as long as he saw you happy and smiling. It was all that mattered to him, and Dylan had to withdraw from her self-pity and think about what he did for her.

Her childhood best friend. The one who made everything better, just by being by your side. And boy, did she take that for granted.

"Jake," She started, finally looking at him. "I believe you," Dylan took a step forward. "I could never be mad at you for doing something so sweet as being my date." The girl articulated gratitude and brought him in for a hug.

Jacob sighed, pleased, and circled his arms around her before locking eyes with a pair of hazel eyes who were watching them across the room. The younger teenager stared intensely as he scowled at Andrew, who glared right back. And when Dylan broke the hug, Jacob's attention immediately went back to her.

"Thank you," She thanked faintly, her hands sliding upwards, arms circling his neck.

"Thirty minutes ago, I was feeling sorry for myself because my date backed out. And now I'm here with you, feeling the happiest I've been these past weeks." She began to beam with excitement, forgetting all the hurt that had been inflicted on her in the previous month.

Jacob smiled, relieved. "I should've done it sooner. I would've asked you beforehand. Before anyone else had asked you," He stated as they began to sway to the music again.

"I know, but we're here now. That's all that matters. I wouldn't want to spend prom with anyone else." Dylan reassured, and she meant every word.

Jacob smiled brightly, "Well, as your date, I'm happy knowing you're happy. It's what you deserve to have, Dylan, and some more." He proclaimed, and his heart fluttered, watching her smile grow big. Knowing he was the one to accomplish that.

"Jacob Black, my hero." She giggled, her deep blue eyes sparkled in the dim light. Party lights taking their turn to dance along her pale, soft, and glowy skin.

In Jacob's view, they appeared like glittering Diamonds.

He smiled shyly, a rosier pigment slowly appearing on his tanned cheeks. Their stare continued before Dylan laid her head to rest on his shoulder. Eyes fluttered shut, taking in the moment of dancing with her best friend.

A moment later, she felt the weight of his head rest above hers. At the same time, his hands firmed on her waist, which made a faint smile rest on Dylan's lips. Her composure was now fully relaxed.

Jacob's smile never left his lips as he held her. Feeling warm and fuzzy inside. He then turned his head in the direction beside them, catching Jessica and the others waving a hand their way. "I think it's time for group photos." Jacob chuckled, feeling Dylan shift from where she stood, but never broke away.

"We'll go in a second." She whispered, "I want to be here, just a little longer." Dylan then glanced up, staring at Jacob's eyes as they smiled at each other.

Once she rested her head back onto his shoulder. Her mind drifted to one thing and one thing only.

Jacob Black. Her best-friend. And for him, she was forever grateful.

𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊

Hi everyone! It's been a while since I last updated. This year has been very hard for me and my mental health has not been the best since the passing of my grandpa. I mentioned that situation in the previous update, and I thought I would continue to update chapters frequently, but it's been a while. And I underestimated how low my motivation has been lately.

While I do continue and have a plan to finish this book. Updates may take some time, but not long. I apologize for the delay in chapters and the promise to update frequently.

I appreciate you guys for the engagement and support you've shown for Amaranthine. It truly means a lot to me. Thank you, and I'll see you guys in the next chapter. 🫶🏻

-M

𖡼𖤣𖥧𖡼𓋼𖤣𖥧𓋼𓍊