BROOKLYN'S EYES remained glued to the TV screen,her mind racing with thoughts she hadn't the courage to voice.The smell of burnt toast lingered in the air,a silent protest to the otherwise pristine kitchen.She had hoped the distraction of her favorite show would ease the tension that had been coiling in her stomach all day,but it remained as stubborn as the grease spot on the counter she had been trying to scrub away earlier.
Dylan cleared his throat gently, his footsteps approaching from the kitchen.He settled onto the couch beside her,setting the can of coke aside,his eyes filled with a mix of compassion and hesitance. "Are you feeling alright ?"
"I am doing just amazing" Brooklyn smiled, although she was actually feeling more perplexed than before.Her dad never was there before but Dylan seemed to be there for her whenever she needed him; he was a really kind and caring man. So why she felt guilty for liking him?
"I heard your dad called you" he began,his voice a gentle rumble that resonated through the room.
"Yeah,he did" She said,her voice barely above a whisper. "He wants me to meet his new kid or more like his only kid." She hadn't seen him couple of months,not since the day he had packed his bags and left for Mary.
"Brooke." Dylan sighed and she chuckled as she fiddled tensely with her rings. "Sorry,i am acting like some spoiled little brat."
"Wanting your dad around doesn't make you a brat." Dylan said, his voice thick with understanding."Your father doesn't see how lucky he is."
"Yeah well his new wife seems to be more important." Brooke she finally said, her voice trembling slightly. "Like always,like he couldn't go to father-daughter dance because Mary was feeling bad."
"I am may not be your dad but i am always here for you." He met her gaze,his own eyes reflecting the tumult of emotions she felt."
With a nod,she stood up. "Thank you Dylan."she said, her voice steady."I am glad my mom chose you"
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THE WILLIAM'S GIRL was running late to meet her friends in The Brew,after her friends went to Harold's office looking for the diary.She quickened her pace,her sneakers slapping against the cobblestone, and burst through the café's door, the tiny bell jingling merrily in protest. The warm embrace of the café's atmosphere enveloped her, a stark contrast to the crisp fall air outside.
The moment they spotted her,a collective sigh of relief and a flurry of questions filled the air. "Where were you ?"exclaimed Spencer,her hair bobbing as she leaned back in her chair.
