Rebels With A Cause // Dolan Twins

I N T R O

Colors flew past Millie's face in a blur. As dizzy as it made her, she preffered the blend of browns and blues over the voice of her father. Danny was asleep in the back seat and Millie synced her breathing with his

Inhale.

Exhale.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Millie was 4 years Danny's senior but they were still ridiculously close. Danny and Millie were both academically advanced, involved in practically every committee for their school and always applauded for their smarts. Grandma Audrey even had albums for each of them displaying their report cards and best work. As far as athletics went, Danny was a dedicated basketball player and Millie was the star of her volleyball team. Growing up, they were the kids every parent would tell their child to be more like.

But what people didn't know was that the siblings were poised on opposite ends of the personality spectrum. Danny was the type of kid who never stepped out of line. He was the shy-didn't-really-speak-unless-spoken-to type.

Whereas Millie was pretty rebellious and completely care-free. She was a total extrovert and took things as they came. Lots of people adored her and her humor but most of the time she wasn't trying to be funny, it came naturally.

The car rumbled under them as they hit potholes and rocks. As frustrated and distant as Millie felt, she managed to refrain from saying anything negative.

Aside from the occasional worried glances her father threw in her direction, the drive was surprisingly peaceful.
"30 more minutes 'til we reach Brownsville," he spoke and she hoped he would get the message that she wasn't in the mood to hold conversation; he didn't.

"Alice told me about an excellent literature program they offer for minors at the college. You should look into it. We can find a volleyball team for you to play on. Just because you don't want to attend school doesn't mean you won't be making friends."

She acknowledged his words with a nod. "Look kid, I know you're not excited about this and you're probably mad at me a-and frustrated with yourself or something like that. But you shouldn't continue to close yourself up. I really wish you would just, I don't know, acknowledge my effort here. I mean, sure I wasn't exactly present in your lives as much as I should've been but I accept that mistake. If you keep holding onto the anger and hurt or whatever you feel towards me it's-"

Millie cut him off with anger bubbling through her teeth. "-ENOUGH," after a couple deep breaths she managed to calm down, "Before you think whatever it is you think about me and Danny remember you don't know us as much as you think you do. Taking us out for pizza once a month and sending us money when you can't make it, doesn't exactly cut it as being a father. You're beyond words if you think we can start a family when you don't even know my favorite color."

"Mil-"

"Don't. You'll waste your breath."

They drove past a sign that read WELCOME TO BROWNSVILLE, NEW JERSEY. Population: 1,879.

What Millie didn't know was that this place would give her something that would mean more to her than life itself.