A/N: I apologize for the wait. School ends soon so I should have time to update over the summer. Please enjoy Chapter 26!

Disclaimer: Same as all the others.

CHAPTER 26:

ELLA'S POINT OF VIEW:

As I lay on my bed, I let the day's events sink in. It wasn't long until I was bawling my heart out. I remembered every word that I had said to Dad, and regretted all of them. I had told him that he wasn't my father, but he really was. He was every part of my father except for the biological part. My biological father had never been a father to me. I cried harder as I thought about everything he'd done for me. In the past few hours, I had acted as if it was nothing. I took everything I had for granted. I felt horrible and wretched. I was a selfish brat, nothing more.

I lay in bed for hours, sobbing about what I had done. It was getting dark out and my eyes were starting to dry up. My throat was getting sore and my entire body ached. I didn't need to be carrying on like this, it was all my fault.

"Horrible," I scolded myself. "Wretched, wretched, wretched!"

Not long after that, I heard a soft knock. I didn't need Edward's power to know that it was Dad. He was the only one in the house, the others weren't back yet.

"Can I come in, Sweetheart?" Dad's gentle voice asked.

I was sobbing too hard to answer. He opened my door and came to my side.

"It sounds like you're torturing yourself," he said.

"I deserve much worse than torture," I choked.

Dad sighed and sat down on the bed. He pulled my chin up so that I had to look him in the eyes.

"Ella Dixie Cullen, what could possibly be going through that head of yours?"

I didn't answer; I was too ashamed of myself.

"Ella when I ask you a question I expect an answer," he urged.

"I'm a horrible person. I take everything that I have for granted. I am a selfish brat," I sobbed.

"Ella, you are not a horrible person. There is no such thing as a horrible person. You just made some bad decisions and you were punished for it. You are forgiven, your slate is clean. This will never be held against you," Dad said.

"I'm so sorry!" I cried.

"I know you are. I don't know how to say it more clearly; you are forgiven," Dad said firmly.

"Can I have a minute to pull myself together?" I asked.

"Of course," Dad said. He kissed my forehead and left, closing the door behind him.

Once I was alone, I pulled out my phone and called Dylan.

"Hello?"

"Hey Dylan its Ella,"

"Oh, hi. What's up?" he asked.

"My dad saw us at the diner and got mad. I just finished talking to him and now I feel really sad," I said.

"That's not good. Is he okay with us dating and all?" he asked worriedly.

"Well, he's not exactly thrilled about it, but he accepts it."

"So we don't have to break up?" he asked.

"Were we even a couple in the first place?" I asked.

"Yes. Or at least in my mind we were."

"Thanks. I wasn't really sure what our status was," I said.

"So we are boyfriend and girlfriend. That should cheer you up," he said.

"Yeah, a little bit," I admitted.

It was quiet for a minute.

"Do you want me to come over?" he asked warily.

"Really?! You would?!" It didn't seem real!

"Yes, if it would make you happy," he said.

"Of course! Wait, what time is it anyway?" I asked.

"Seven-thirty," he answered.

"Will your parents let you come?" I asked.

"Yeah, as long as I'm back by midnight."

"Get your butt over here then!"

"Your wish is my command. See you in a few. Can you text me your address?"

"Yeah I will once I hang up," I said.

"I'll let you go then. Bye," he said.

"Bye."

After I texted Dylan my address, I went to Dad's study to tell him that Dylan was coming over.

"Hey Dad," I said as I entered the study.

"Hello Sweetheart, you seem to be better. Is there a reason for that?" he asked.

"Actually, yes. Dylan's coming over for a little bit," I informed him.

It was so quiet that you would be able to hear a pin drop.

"He's what?"

"Coming over," I repeated. "You said that you wanted to meet him anyway."

"I do, but isn't it a little late?" Dad asked.

"No, and he won't stay long. I just told him that I'm said and I would feel better if he came over," I said.

"Fine, bring him here when he arrives," Dad said.

"When is everyone else going to be home?" I asked.

"Tomorrow morning."

"Oh."

I went downstairs and waited by the front door for Dylan. I knew it would be a while, but I wanted to be right there when he arrived. My time with him was limited, and I wanted to make every second count. At eight, the doorbell rang. I flung the door open.

"Dylan!" I cheered.

"Hey Beautiful," he said, pulling me into a lovely embrace.

"I'm so glad you're here," I said.

"Me too," he said into my hair.

We pulled apart as Dad walked into the room.

"Hello Dylan," Dad said.

"Hello Sir," Dylan said.

They shook hands. That was followed by an awkward silence.

"So," I said.

"He has to leave by ten," Dad said before walking out of the room.

"That was weird," Dylan commented.

"Agreed," I said.

"At least it's over with," he said.

"Yeah. Come on, let's go to my room," I said.

I lead him upstairs to my room.

"Your house is so big."

"Yeah, it really is. With a family of eight, you kind of need it," I said.

"You have seven family members?" Dylan asked, astonished.

"Yep, but lucky for you they're all gone for the night," I said.

"Is it okay if I say that I'm relieved?"

"You should be, I have three older brothers," I said.

"I'm scared now."

I smiled. "So here's my room."

I opened the door to reveal the spotless room. Dylan seemed to be in shock.

"It's very you," he said.

"My mother decorated it," I said.

"She knows you well."

Angel came running over to us. She started sniffing Dylan's feet.

"Careful Angel, you'll pass out," I said.

Dylan looked at me. "My feet do not stink."

I raised my eyebrows but let it go. I walked across the room and pushed back the white curtains to reveal the glass doors that led out onto the balcony. I opened them and gestured for Dylan to come. With Angel in his arms, he followed me outside.

The view was of the forest, but all you could see was the silhouette of the trees in the dark. There was absolutely no sound, the most romantic setting. It got just a little bit more romantic when Dylan came to my side and put his arm around me. He passed Angel to me so that I could hold her in between us.

"I love you," he whispered and kissed my cheek.

DR. CULLEN'S POINT OF VIEW:

My first impression of Dylan was that he was a nice boy who was head over heels for my daughter. I thought that maybe, if Ella just had to have a boyfriend, Dylan was the best I could ask for. He had come over when Ella requested, and he did that just to make her feel better. That's exactly what mates are supposed to do for each other. But it was just a first impression. That impression could change.

"I love you," I heard Dylan whisper to my daughter.

It was followed by the sound of a kiss. Being the worried and overprotective father I am, I quickly and silently left my study and went out the door to the side of the house that Ella's room was on. I needed to make sure that their moment wasn't too in the moment.

They were out on the balcony. I wouldn't be able to see what they were doing unless I stood a good distance away, but I couldn't risk them seeing me. Deciding to chance it, I darted across the lawn and into the thick forest to watch them in disguise. Peeking in-between the branches, I caught a glimpse of them. They were standing very close together with Angel in the middle of them. I couldn't deny that it was adorable; because it was. I stood there smiling at the romantic sight when I realized something.

This was a picture of the future.

Suddenly, both Dylan and Ella turned fifteen years older, and their bodies looked fully developed. The house morphed into one of a different size and shape, completely unfamiliar. On each of their hands was a gold ring, shining in the light of the moon. The Golden Retriever turned into a golden-haired child, wearing a white sundress. The moon became bigger and brighter, making the child's hair shine like the rings. The shine was so powerful that it made the scene look like daylight.

I shook my head in disbelief. Where did that vision come from? I wasn't Alice, so this shouldn't be happening. I was starting to believe that my worry was causing me to hallucinate. What scared me most was that scene could become very real. And what if it did? I shuddered, nonsense. With a sigh, I darted back to the house and sat down at my desk. I closed my eyes and held my head in my hands.

Why did parenting have to involve so much worry?

ELLA'S POINT OF VIEW:

"I should probably get going," Dylan said as he ended the kiss.

I sighed. "All right, bye."

He chuckled. "I promise I'll be back."

I walked him to the door and we shared one more romantic moment before he walked outside. I watched his bike disappear into the dark night. I backed away and closed the door. I slowly headed for Dad's office. There was no doubt that he would want to talk. As I shuffled up the stairs, I tried to prepare myself for the upcoming conversation. I honestly had no idea what to expect, I just hoped he wouldn't yell.

I knocked on the door.

"Come in Sweetie," Dad said.

I walked in and sat down across from him. I waited patiently and silently for the ranting to start. To my total surprise, he hadn't said a word yet. I waited a few more minutes, but he still didn't speak. I looked up to find him looking at me with a raised eyebrow.

"What can I do for you, Ella?"

"Don't you want to talk about tonight?" I asked, confused.

"Oh you mean about Dylan? He's a nice kid," Dad said, a genuine smile on his face.

I gave him a peculiar look.

"Really? That's it? No screaming or grounding me?" I asked.

He gave me a strange look. "Do you want me to yell at you?"

"Well that's what I was expecting. Where did this sudden tolerance for boys come from?" I asked.

He sighed. "Ella, I am truly sorry for not trusting your judgment. Observing you two tonight was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. He is a very gentle boy that will grow to be a good man and I hope that you two will be together for quite some time. I realized tonight how lucky we both are for you to have found a boy like that. I guess I should have put more faith in your ability to make the right decisions. All the hard experiences in your life must have taught you that. I'll try to keep that in mind for the future."

I looked at him, shocked. That may have been the most powerful thing that someone had ever said to me! I threw myself into his arms and held back the sobs that threatened to escape. I wasn't sad, I was ecstatic! Dad thought that I had done something right! He was proud of me! When I finally got myself together, I asked him a question.

"Dad, what was your true problem with boys?" I asked.

Confusion crossed his face. "What do you mean? I told you earlier."

I smiled. "Dad, we both know that's not the biggest reason, if that was reason at all."

I had finally gotten through to the truth. His face broke into an embarrassed smile.

"Caught me. The true reason is, our family has always been the only thing you've ever needed. As you got older, you started growing away from us. I've always been the only man you've needed – along with your brothers – and I'd hate to see that end. I've told you this before, but I'm afraid of losing you. I've always been all the support you needed, but now you want someone your age, I get that. Just promise me one thing; promise me that you won't ever try to replace my support for another man's and forget about me," he said.

At that point, I couldn't keep back the sobs anymore. I was sobbing out of control into my father's chest. That was one of the saddest things I've ever heard. I didn't want Dad to be sad for unnecessary reasons.

"You'll always be my Daddy, no one could ever replace you," I cried.

"That's all I'll ever ask for," he said.

We cuddled for quite some time, comforting each other with our presence. It made me feel like a little girl, but that was all right. Sometimes a girl just needs her daddy.

"There is one matter that we do need to discuss," Dad said after a long moment of silence.

"Which would be . . . ?" I prompted.

He sighed. "Let's go get comfortable on the couch."

Once we were settled, Dad started our discussion.

"Honey, I said I was fine with you hanging out with Dylan – which I still am – but there are some things I need you to understand," he began.

"Okaaaayyyyy . . ." I said. I was so confused.

He sighed. "Sweetheart, it is perfectly acceptable for you to have a boyfriend through your school years and –"

"Just get to the point Dad," I interrupted. "And forget the sugarcoating."

"The point is that you are too young to be physically involved with men and –"

I didn't let him finish his statement.

"Whoa, whoa, no! Slow down! We are NOT having this conversation. I haven't even thought about that till now so you don't have to worry," I said.

"Ella, men want one thing, and that's sex. I have every right in the world to worry. And as a father, talking to you about this is one of my responsibilities," he said.

"I can't believe that you're making me say this out loud but, I am a . . . virgin . . . and I have no current plans to change that status," I said sharply. God that was hard to spit out.

"But it will not always be that way. This is a conversation that we need to –"

"No, NO, NO! We absolutely do NOT need to have this conversation. This hasn't even occurred to me so you probably shouldn't get me started. I have a pretty good idea of that whole thing because of my past, and I don't think I ever want to feel that pain again," I said.

This seemed to appease him. He relaxed a little and said, "Good, but just promise me one thing. Should you change your mind fifteen years from now, please get protection first."

"Dad, I can take care of myself," I said firmly.

He made no comment. I turned to leave and almost made it out the door when he spoke up again.

"Ella, there's something I need to make clear to you before you go. Something you said earlier bothers me. Well, not what you said exactly, but what you think about something," he said.

I sighed. "Go on."

"I just want you to know that, when done at the right time with the right person, sex can be a beautiful thing. You're showing your partner that you trust them and love them to the fullest. When it's done that way, it doesn't hurt. I just don't want your past to scare you away from experiences that everyone should have," he said.

"Thanks Dad, you've certainly given me a lot to think about. When the time comes, that is. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get the Hell out of here before I die of embarrassment!" I said and ran out the door.

I just couldn't get out of there fast enough.

It was almost eleven-thirty, but I walked in the direction of the front door with the intent of going outside for a long walk. I needed time to think and clear my head. Dad shouldn't mind; there was no way that I'd be able to sleep anyway. I only got to the bottom of the stairs when my family emerged from the forest. They were running and nearly skidded to a stop when they saw me.

"Ella! What are you doing outside? It's late!" Mom exclaimed.

"Hello to you too!" I said.

She smiled and walked up to me, wrapping her arms around me.

"I missed you," she said.

"God I'm so glad you're home! You won't believe what Dad tried to talk to me about," I said.

"Oh we already know," Rosalie said deviously.

"How?" I asked.

No one moved.

Then it dawned on me.

"Alice!" I exclaimed.

"I'm sorry! I couldn't help it!" she said.

I shook my head but let it go.

"Well at least he can't talk about it anymore," Edward said.

We went inside I told them about Dylan. There was no use keeping it a secret anymore. Alice hadn't seen it in a vision, so that was the only reason they didn't know. How Alice's visions worked with me was strange. Some things she saw and others she didn't, there was no exact pattern. The only people who weren't thrilled about it were my brothers, but it wasn't like they had any say in it. Their reaction wasn't as bad as Dad's, but it was still annoying. When would people stop worrying about me? Oh, right. NEVER.

After talking to them, I went upstairs to get ready for bed. Today had really sucked, at first. It got better once I had some support. I knew that I usually put on a show and said that I didn't need them, but, truthfully, I did. I wouldn't be able to survive if I didn't have my family. They give me so much, that I could never actually return the gratitude. Someday, I would tell them how much I loved them. I closed my eyes and went right to sleep.

In the morning, I regretted staying up so late. I dragged as I got ready for school. The knowledge that I would see Dylan was the only thing that kept me moving. If not for him, I probably would've faked sickness today. I've gotten pretty good at it, and Dad falls for it easily. I almost fell asleep in the car on the way to school.

I met up with Jessica, Lauren, and Amanda. I told them all about my weekend and also apologized for using them to trick my parents. They said it was fine and that they didn't really care as long as it didn't affect them at all. It was tempting, but I swore to never use them like that again. It wasn't right to use my friends. The morning dragged because I didn't get a chance to talk to Dylan until lunch. Usually we ate with the crowd at the table in the cafeteria, but this time we decided that we wanted to be alone so we went and sat in a deserted hallway.

"How have you been?" Dylan asked.

"Okay," I said.

"So did you tell your family about me?" he asked nervously.

"Yeah, they're cool with it," I answered lamely.

"Good."

I sighed. "Dylan, can I ask you something?"

"Sure," he answered immediately.

"I need you to be totally honest with me," I said.

"I will."

"Have you ever thought about . . . sex?" I asked.

"No, not really. Why do you ask?"

"My dad had "The Talk" with me last night. He warned me about men, and I was wondering what your thoughts on the topic were," I explained.

"Well, like I said, I've never really given it much thought. I still don't understand why you're asking me," he said.

I had no choice, I had to tell him.

"Dylan, there's something you should know."

"What?" he asked curiously.

"Dylan, my life hasn't always been gumdrops and lollipops. I have a very, very dark past that I've never told anyone other than my family about. You have to swear not to tell anyone," I said.

"I am sworn to secrecy," he said.

I sighed. "Dylan, my biological father and mother gave me to my grandparents when I was two. All I remember is that they were alcoholics and drug addicts. My grandparents died when I was six. I was left alone to fend for myself up until I was eight, when I met this guy named Riley. He said that he would take care of me, but instead he abused and molested me. And one night, he raped me. I ran away and found Carlisle at the hospital. He cared for me there and then offered to adopt me. Now here I am with a family."

"Whoa, I had no idea. How does this tie in with sex though?" he asked.

"Dylan, I just have to know that you won't try anything. A man has already ruined that part of my life and I can't have that happen again. I want to be able to grow up and have sex with a man, whether it's you or whoever I end up with. I want to be able to be a mom someday and I won't let you get in the way of that," I said.

"Ella, I've said it once and I will say it again. That thought has never crossed my mind and I will never hurt you," he vowed.

"Good, that's all I needed to hear."

The bell rang indicating that lunch period was over. We said our goodbyes and I headed off to my next class. Of course I had to see Bad Boy, and that sucked. It wasn't bothering me too much though. And besides, I wouldn't have to see him ever again after eighth grade ended.

The rest of the day passed quickly and I walked out to Mom's car. We had the usual "How was school today?" chat and arrived home. I did my homework since I didn't have that much and then it would be out of the way. I took Angel for a walk and texted my friends. It was a normal evening and I was able to go to sleep with no problems.

A/N: Sorry, it's not the best ending but I hope you liked the chapter anyway. Please review, favorite, and follow this story. I'll update as soon as possible. I have put my story Legacy on temporary hiatus so that I could focus solely on this story for a while. Oh, and one more thing. Don't forget to vote on my poll. Thanks for reading!