"Morning Chief!"

I jogged down the stairs that Sunday morning as it drizzled slightly.

Dad was sat in the living room, a can of beer and a donut in hand and I raised my eyebrow.

"Gee, way to stick to the whole cop stereotype."

He gave me a deadpan look as he looked away from his match.

"Very funny Gabby. Why don't you run along to your little friends?"

"Why don't you get yourself a girlfriend?"

I shot back slyly and he gave me a wry look.

"Maybe I'm not interested in any ladies."

I huffed, crossing my hands.

"Well maybe I'm interested in a stepmother."

"Gabby!"

"I mean, granted she isn't a B-i-t-c-h."

"Just because you spelt it doesn't mean it doesn't count, young lady."

I snickered quietly as I hugged him and straightened back up.

"See you later then dad. We'll discuss your game plan then."

I promised as I walked towards the front door and I heard him shout back.

"There is no game plan!"

"Then I'll plan one for you!"

I swear I could feel him shake his head.

"So which of you losers have a single aunt?... A single, beautiful aunt, to be precise…"

Quil and Embry looked up at me from the rather old and weathered comic book they were both bent over while Jacob was bent over, screwing in some items into his still ongoing car, the bonnet up.

"Why exactly are you asking that?"

Quil raised an eyebrow and I shrugged as I munched on a slice of pizza.

"It's for my dad. I want to set him up. He's been single for more than a decade."

"Poor guy."

Quil said with sympathy and both Embry and Jacob snorted.

"It's not a bad thing. And what makes you think he's even interested?"

Jacob asked me and I paused in thought.

"You know… you're probably right. I should have asked if he didn't mind men either."

"Woah! That's not what I meant—Ow! Fuck!"

Jacob who had rushed to take back his sentence, hit his head on the dusty bonnet and was presently rubbing at his head as Quil and Embry snickered and he threw them a dirty glare.

"Well that's what you get for not supporting me you ass! Where's Billy anyways??"

"Probably sensed your plan in the air and left home so he wouldn't have to deal with you as well…"

Jacob threw her a playful sneer and she gave him the finger while Embry stood up, stretching.

"Oh stop being babies! Ugh! Can't believe this rain spoilt our First Beach plans."

He huffed as he stood at the entrance of the barn, looking out at the rain that had seemingly increased and Quil snorted.

"Yeah well… I guarantee it wouldn't stop Sam and his gang of steroid assed friends."

Jacob snickered.

"You're just jealous they've got tattoos and you don't."

The conversation had definitely caught me off guard though.

"Sam and his steroid assed friends? What's that?"

"You remember Sam Uley?"

I racked my brain for a moment but it came up short.

"Nope. Who's that?"

"Remember the guy that used to hang all over Leah Clearwater back when you still came around Forks?"

Embry asked and I thought for a moment.

Leah Clearwater was Jacob's slightly distant cousin and I remember she used to hang out with Jacob's sisters when they still used to be around.

All three being girly and acting the teenagers that they were, not wanting to be around the 'younger kids'.

From my calculations… she should probably be 19 by now… maybe 20.

And she had this super adorable brother called Seth who looked like an actual puppy in human form… or used to.

He was probably 13 or so at the moment.

But I did remember a guy who used to be around Leah… or rather they'd seemed close enough the last time I had visited dad and there was a small barbecue between him and his friends at the Clearwater's.

He'd had a rather intense face. A Quileute through and through with the long beautiful hair most of the male residents of La Push carried.

"I might remember him."

"Yes well early last year almost at the end of his senior year, something apparently happened to him, we don't know much, but he became all super jacked up in like, 3 or 4 months and then, got a tattoo and began acting all weird and then about 3 months after, he drags someone into this weird group of his and he too got rid of his long hair, became all buff and started acting all off, following Sam around."

Embry nodded.

"Apparently they never even used to be friends before. Jared is currently a senior while Sam's graduated so they were also in different years too."

"Yeah. And then about a month ago before his claws into Paul."

Jacob spat out, a look of anger in his eyes and I blinked in slight surprise.

Paul… Paul… I know that name.

"Paul Lahote? Your cousin, that Paul?"

I asked Jacob in slight surprise and he nodded disgruntled.

"Yeah. Buffed up even more than before, also got the same tattoo as those two and cut his hair too, though it's not as short as Sam and Jared's. But now he's always hanging out with those two, doing who knows what around in the woods."

"And Billy's doing nothing??"

Jacob huffed, a slightly irritable look on his face.

"I've asked him about it a million times already but he keeps saying nothing untoward is happening and for me to leave them be. Whatever. It's not like I care. Paul's become even more of an asshole than he previously used to be. Good riddance to him!"

I exchanged a look with Quil and Embry and I dropped the conversation.

Jacob definitely looked like he cared alright, which was understandable.

If I remember correctly, Paul was Jacob's cousin through their mothers.

I knew they were a bit close though Paul was older and they'd connected more due to the fact that they'd both lost their mothers.

He should be a senior by now. He had always been cool and had this vibe that attracted a lot of people to him.

It helped that he was ridiculously and roguishly handsome.

Yes.

I did find him attractive and used to have a crush on him but people move on, especially having not seen said crush in a long, long time.

He had always been a quiet, broody figure but that didn't mean he didn't use to smile and laugh though.

He was just that slightly mysterious figure who I didn't know much of growing up around here as I had mostly just been around Jacob, Quil, Embry and little Seth Clearwater.

I wonder what happened that made him join some… gang, or whatever.

Clearing my throat, I brought up another conversation.

"So Jacob, have you called your beloved Bella yet to ask how she's feeling?"

Jacob perked up at that and I snickered, even as he ignored me.

"I didn't call her, but dad did call Charlie. He said she was okay. Is she really?"

Quil snickered.

"Geez, worried about your girlfriend much?"

Jacob glared at him, though I knew he would have been red in the cheeks if his skin tone had been capable of changing that way.

"Oh shut up, Ateara! At least I know a girl."

"Hey now! I know girls too!"

Quil glared affronted and Jacob crossed his arms amused.

"Oh yeah? Like who?"

Quil pointed at me and I rolled my eyes, moving closer to Embry.

"I feel bad for you man. All this time, having only these two as company. I'm back though, you're okay now."

Embry grinned.

"My hero."

"Shut up you two."

"Just stick to your work, Black."

The new week came and It was already halfway through February. It's weather being more rainy and cold than the snow that was eagerly being hoped for by not just me, but majority of those around me.

Except for Bella, of course.

Said girl still had a look of a deer caught in headlights whenever someone approached her about the whole accident thing, asking for first account retelling, but all she would say was how Edward Cullen had been the one to save her, even though Angela who had seen the whole ordeal happen, albeit halfway through didn't really catch him at the scene much to Bella's seeming irritation.

Said Cullen seemed to keep to himself now anyways. He and Bella going back to acquaintances or even strangers.

Was that why Bella was being way more moody than usual?

Because her crush was giving her the cold shoulder??

You know what, whatever.

I really shouldn't bother about… whatever that is.

As for me, I settled proper into Forks over the next few days which turned into weeks, even as I kept up with my Ballet once more, even getting to know Kim Connweller along the way.

Things had seemingly begun to stable and February began to end when I saw a poster as I walked into school one morning and a dance was being advertised.

A Girls' Choice Spring Dance, to be precise.

Coming up in a couple of weeks' time.

I was pretty excited but a bit worried too.

This was a girl's choice and with that brought trouble.

If you ended up going with someone your friend wanted to go with, that could break friendships.

And from what I suspected, Jessica would probably want to go with Mike. I don't know about Angela. Maybe Ben or Eric?

I already knew who Lauren would go for. And so, that left me with little options. They were the only male friends I had in school… except maybe Matt.

And I wasn't sure I'd be allowed to bring anyone from out of school, so Quileute boys were off.

And there was no way I was missing this too!

It'll be fun!

I was really looking forward to my first prom! Especially here in Forks… I wonder how it'll be like.

With a sigh, I walked into my music class, a small crease on my head as I sat down next to Angela who gave me a friendly smile which I returned with a sigh.

"Hey you!"

"Hey! Did you see the announcement?"

Angela asked with a grin on her face. I could see she was both excited and nervous.

"Oh yeah, I did. Girls' choice. Wow."

Angela nodded.

"Yeah. I don't know what I'm gonna do about that. Or even who I want to go with."

"Hm… what about Ben? Eric?"

Angela shrugged, a small blush on her face.

"I don't know… I just… I don't even know how to ask something like that! It's so… weird!"

She whispered to me as the class began to fill up and Mike walked into the class.

I giggled slightly, covering my mouth at what she'd said.

"Well you're not wrong. But you're luckier than I am, what with growing up here and knowing practically everyone."

Angela gave me a small look.

"I'm sure you'll have a shortage of boys hoping to go with you."

She said sarcastically and I raised an eyebrow though a small part of my lips was upturned.

"And what is that supposed to mean, Miss Weber?"

Angela giggled.

"Gee, I dunno… maybe the large number of boys who would gladly give a leg just so you could ask them to the dance??"

I opened my mouth to refute her words when Mike rushed over to sit next to me, a puppy grin on his face and looking super eager.

"Hey! Did you see the posters? About the dance?"

A feeling settled in my stomach the more I realized this dance could ruin some friendships I'd been trying to build since I got here.

"Um… yes. Crazy right?"

I forced a chuckle out, turning to Angela who gave me a 'you see?' look on her face even as Mike chattered away about how excited he was about the dance and how he looked forward to having someone ask him.

Forward much?

Also, it would seem he'd finally chosen to stick with me over my more stuff sister… and I was slowly beginning to regret being super friendly with him.

He'd probably taken it the wrong way all this time.

Thankfully though, Mrs. Graham entered before he could make the one-sided conversation more awkward and I eagerly grabbed the violin I'd stuck to since my first day in Forks.

It wasn't like I was good at it or anything, I just loved to make sounds with it and honestly, I wasn't as bad as some of the others.

Most people just stuck with things they thought were either cool, like me, or instruments they could already play, or thought was easy.

Mike was honestly quite good at the trumpet, surprisingly enough, and Angela was proficient at the piano, having learnt it from her priest father as a child.

Being a late student, I hadn't been lucky enough to snag something like a flute or even a triangle and so I had to stick with one of the more harder instruments, a violin.

It was fun to play though, even though my music wasn't 'articulate' as Mrs. Graham had put it the previous week.

Classes went as smoothly as usual and the Girl's choice dance, while talked about incessantly for the better part of the morning, soon died down as everyone went about their way with things.

The dance was still the following month. The 12th, to be precise, and so there was still time for planning and choosing dates. And the theme hadn't even been chosen yet.

Also!

There was still Prom too!

After lunch, I headed straight to Biology class, walking on my own, though a bit uncomfortable.

I had drank too much water and presently felt like I could probably burst.

As I sat next to Matt, I gave him a small smile.

"Hey partner."

I had taken to calling him that now and he seemed to accept it too.

We'd come a long way.

"Hey."

Was all he said as he brought out his textbooks and a sly smile grew on my face.

"So Matt…"

He gave me a wary side eye.

"Yes…?"

"Have you seen the posters?"

At that, he snorted.

"About the spring dance?... Then yes."

"So are you going?? Any secret girlfriends you've kept from your good ol' pal?"

I playfully used my elbow to hit his ribs and he rolled his eyes amused.

"I don't have a girlfriend. I think you very much know I'm a loner."

I huffed.

"I'm your friend! What do you think all my undercover interaction with you all this while has been?"

"Uh, I dunno. Trying to talk to me about your lord and personal savior, Jesus Christ?"

Immediately he said that sarcastically, I burst into a small fit of giggles and some students around me turned curiously, making Matt close in on himself.

Even from the far end of the class, I sported Mike look a bit too intensely at our table.

Bella too, who was sat at the table in front of me turned for a moment and looked back, eyeing her partner just a bit.

"Gee, comedian much?"

Matt only rolled his eyes and looked away but I continued to snicker even as the teacher walked in and we prepared for class.

Finding things to do in Forks was difficult.

Have I said that before?

I think I was noticing this now more than ever because I'd fully settled into Forks and realized I didn't have much to do on weekdays except maybe visiting La Push which wasn't a far drive or exploring the forests which seemed interesting enough for me right now.

Maybe I could arrange a mini hike trip with some friends, perhaps?

Friends that would actually hike and not whine about it.

Angela maybe?

Eric? Jessica was probably a no but I knew Mike would insist on coming which in turn would make the brown haired girl ecstatic and want to join.

His parents did have a store that catered to that, didn't they?

Perhaps I could check it out sometime.

Maybe I could invite Matt too?

Integrate him into the group…

He'd probably reject the offer once he knew what I planned.

Maybe Jacob, Quil and Embry then??

They grew up in La Push and it's been nice seeing and hanging out with them the two times I'd done that.

Perhaps a hiking trip with them would be even more fun, and less problematic than my Forks friends would be.

It was probably a good idea.

I smiled as I read the email my mum sent to me that had been sitting in my mail for hours now.

She really was enjoying herself with Phil, it would seem.

Jacksonville had apparently really attracted her and there was talks about a house on the way?

I was presently doing some little grocery shopping at the local mart.

It was quiet and a bit empty and I was sure we were probably 6 customers in at the moment.

Not that I minded, anyways.

Less staring at the chief's elusive kids this way.

As soon as I was done, I headed straight back home, making some light dinner as well as going back to my email and writing a message back for mum.

She messaged me more often to get information on what Bella and I were doing, mostly because Bella wasn't an interactive kind of person. She was more of a straight to the point kind of gal, you know?

More of the 'I saw a goat, today.' Instead of the 'I was walking down a trail and I saw a man pursuing a goat because he'd just bought it but the man lost control of it and it ran off into the streets.'

She wasn't good with details.

Dad was still at the station and I honestly contemplated going to visit him over there. It's been years since I last went over anyways.

I wonder if I'd be able to recognize any of them.

My mind went back to the spring dance, coming up in a couple of weeks.

The 12th of March, to be precise. A Saturday.

I still needed a date, if at all I wanted to have fun.

Perhaps I could ask Matt?

I mean, he didn't look the type to enjoy such but it didn't mean I couldn't still ask him!

Anyways, there was still time for that.

I heard the door to Bella's room open and close before going back to my message.

She was probably searching out what to eat.

The week came to an end pretty quickly and as soon as school was over that Friday afternoon, I waved my friends and headed straight for Port Angeles and over to Studio180.

This would be my 3rd time at the studio, to be precise and I really liked it.

I got there in a little less than and hour, quickly changing into my practice outfit and doing some stretches.

Looking around, I noticed Kim hadn't arrived yet, even as I spoke to one of the girls about my age though close to a year older.

She was from Port Angeles and so it had been nice to talk to a 'local'. Her name was Anne.

She was a nice girl, if a bit too smug.

Soon enough, Kim rushed in a bit haggard but just in the nick of time, the instructor idly calling her out on it.

"Hey. You look like you ran all the way from La Push."

I said as she stood behind me, rearranging her bun and a small sigh escaped her.

"My mum would practically kill me if she knew I almost missed this."

I snorted.

"Why were you late anyways?"

As soon as I said that, a small blush appeared on her face and a wide grin appeared on mine.

"Ooooh… was it a boy?"

Kim let out an involuntary giggle before she slapped a hand over her mouth as the instructor looked at us.

We went back to following the instructor's lead and soon enough I was lost in the routine.

Ballet really was something I loved doing.

I always felt relaxed whenever I danced and moved. It was so freeing in a way. There was a reason I kept to it even after Bella dropped it, after all.

An hour soon went and we all took a 15 minute break and Kim and I sat next to each other.

I brought out my water bottle, taking a sip before turning to the russet skinned girl who was massaging her toes and a devious smirk appeared on my face.

"Don't think I've forgotten what we were discussing earlier."

If her cheeks could turn red, Kim's definitely would at the moment as she playfully hit me with her elbow.

"I can't believe you still remembered! Oh my God!"

She whispered though a smile was threatening to grow on her face.

"So! Tell me about this boy…"

She bit her lip for a second, not sure where to start before she hesitantly spoke up.

"Um, well… we go to the same school but different years. I'm a junior and he's a senior and I've… sort of always liked him, you know? And then, one day, early January, he just… noticed me? Like, in a new light. Before that, we were sort of, acquaintances but then… it's changed now."

"Aw! That is so cute! You are so lucky!"

Kim's shy smile grew before a look of unsureness appeared on her face.

"I know, it's just… my mum isn't really a fan of him."

I frowned.

"Why?"

"Well, he's… different. I don't know how to put it. But he has an… unofficial job, of sorts… sometimes he has to skip school because of it and my mum, well… she does want the best for me and my brothers and she thinks Jared's just being a delinquent. But he's really not! Promise!"

She looked at me with eager eyes as if urging me to believe her and I couldn't just disappoint the girl.

"It's okay. I believe you Kim. But um, can't he take a break from the job? For a little while?"

Kim sighed, shaking her head.

"No. It's like a community thing and he has to do it."

She fiddled with her hands a bit.

"I mean… I think it's dangerous but… it's not like I can tell him to stop helping people."

I nodded.

I know what it felt like.

Dad's job as the police chief used to scare me when I was younger, thinking he was out and about fighting crime all the time, that was until I realized what a small town Forks was and the crime thankfully wasn't a serious one. The little scrapes he'd gotten into over the years had only caused a couple of bruises except the one time he had to go to the hospital for a dislocated shoulder.

Heroes protected their communities, no matter if they ended up getting hurt.

I smiled at the shy girl, throwing a hand over her shoulders and startling her just a bit.

"It's okay Kim. I'm sure your mum will get over it soon enough. Parents are always worried. Believe me. Anyways! How about we get some sugar into our system after we're done here?"

Kim's eyes widened.

"Really? I don't want to impose, really."

I waved off her concern.

"Please! It's nothing! I'll even drive you home when I'm done. Don't worry, I'm not a stranger to La Push anyways."

Before the girl could speak up, our 15 minutes relaxation was over, and with a friendly pat on the back, I stood up, jogging back to my place, a slightly quiet Kim behind me.

We ended up spending some time not just at the ice cream shop but at a donut shop that sold different delicious sorts of donuts.

This was probably where dad bought them from.

The old man had been holding out on me!

Ah well, the store owner was a beautiful lady in her thirties. Perhaps I could—oh…

I sighed, disappointed.

There was a wedding ring on her finger.

As I drove Kim home that early evening, we laughed at our jokes.

"I can't believe you asked her if she was holding the ring for a friend! Why would she even be doing that?!"

Kim giggled into her hands as I turned down a road and I cackled.

"Hey now! You never know with people! And besides… I was just trying to be a good daughter for my very single father."

"Or you were hoping she really was single and you could convince her to marry your dad and you'd have access to her shop anytime you wanted."

I playfully gasped.

"Oh no! Does that make me a bad daughter??"

Kim giggled as she directed me to stop at a yellowish cream one story house.

It was a bit simple but had a quaintness that was very nice. Some flower bushes were at the front and by the side of the house was an old blue Ford 1970 styled car.

"Here we are."

Kim said quietly as I parked and we both got out and she walked over with a small smile.

"Thanks for driving me. And also for, you know… the talk and all. It was, very nice."

I grinned.

I could tell that while Kim did have friends, she probably didn't tell them about her mum's worries or even about Jared.

Ah well… you know what they say about talking your heart out to strangers.

I wasn't a stranger to her but then again we were sort of just… new friends who met at a ballet studio.

"It's okay. It was fun! We should definitely do this again."

She beamed, about to reply when the front door to her house opened and closed and a tired groan escaped her lips.

"Oh God…"

"Kim dear, I was wondering why you weren't back yet. Oh! Who's this?"

I turned to see a woman who looked like an older version of Kim.

She was slim and wiry just like her daughter but more harsh looking, like she'd seen some hard times before.

Her hair was in a low bun and there was some grey here and there and a curious look sat behind her circular silver glasses.

Time to make a good impression I guess.

Hey!

That way, maybe when Kim wanted to hang out with her boyfriend she could always use my name as a cover up.

I was a bright person and people took to me a lot.

I put up a big grin on my face.

"Hello Mrs. Connweller. My name is Gabby Swan, Kim's friend from the ballet studio. She's told me so much about you."

A curious smile appeared on her face once she heard my surname.

Yes.

That would gain me more creds with the woman seeing as everyone knew my dad and knew he was a good man. And a friend of the reservation as well!

"Swan… any relation to the chief of police for Forks?"

My grin widened.

"Yes! Why, that's my dad! Good old Charlie Swan!"

As soon as she heard that, her grin widened and she clasped her hands together, turning to her daughter who had a wide-eyed look as she watched the scene in front of her.

"It's so good to meet you dear! Kim! You could have told me about inviting her over! I didn't cook enough you silly girl!"

"W-well I… uh…"

Kim stuttered, still out of it and not sure what was going on and I quickly stifled my snicker.

"Oh it was my fault. We both went for a little ice cream after our practice and decided to drive her back instead. I have to go home soon anyways."

I feigned as I looked up at the darkening skies.

"My big sister is probably all home alone and ready to eat dinner. I should go. It was really nice to meet you Mrs. Connweller."

The woman beamed.

"Nice to meet you dear! And you're welcome here anytime as well! Don't be shy to say hi, okay?"

I nodded with a grin as I walked towards my car, turning to wave Kim who had slowly snapped out of it and a look of awe was on her face on how I'd just 'conned' Mrs. Connweller into seeing me as an angel.

Ha!

All in the day's work.

"I'll see you tomorrow Kim! Bye!"

I drove off with a grin on my face.

From what Kim had said about her mother in the short time we've known each other, she was a single mother, Kim's dad having died about 3 years prior. Sort of strict and wanting the best for her children.

So of course seeing her daughter hang around with a chief of police's daughter… someone whose father was a 'good seed', was a good person to be friends with.

She probably hoped I'd dissuade her daughter from dating this Jared person but… no!

I hadn't met the guy yet and I didn't really have enough to have a solid thought on him, but from what Kim had described… well, it was left to the girl what she felt she needed.

And he didn't sound like an abusive berk or something too.

As I left La Push, I thought for a moment whether or not to stop by the Blacks and say hi, but I decided against it.

It was getting darker anyways and I'd never driven around Forks at night.

Better to avoid anything that could cause an accident.

When I got home, Bella was in her room… as usual.

It was getting rather concerning if I was being honest.

She didn't even seem to watch TV or do anything else except maybe read her novels, clean around, maybe do laundry and sometimes we shared the cooking.

Speaking of, dad wasn't home yet. Probably having one of those late nights at the office again.

I really should visit him over there sometime soon.

And that's it!

More Jacob, Embry and Quil. More Kim. And also, mentioning characters in passing too!!

Yes. I made Paul Jacob's cousin too. Damn... The Blacks are related to a lot of people, lol.

Even if she doesn't know he'll be important to her in the long run soon enough, lol.

So what do you all think??

Want some little cute Seth cameo or what??

Next chapter, Gabby will visit her dad at the station... the whole town has to live her after all!!

And then more Spring Dance struggles.

Please like and comment!!

Also, i hope you all check out my new fic called 'Lovecraftian Error' if you're interested in Harry Potter stories, of course.

If anyone is curious about the face I picked for my character, her name is Dina Denoire.

Thank you!!!!