𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐀 𝐒𝐔𝐑𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐄
flawed and still worthy

MADDIE WOKE UP, feeling like a different person.

Well, not really.

She just had a good dream where her and the Winchester brothers were living in a big house along with her father and sister. The pack was there too. They were having a big celebration about something she had achieved. There was a cake, streamers, and balloons. Everyone was happy and alive.

That was the first good dream she's had in a very long time.

And maybe that has to do with her finally graduating high school. Which is something she never thought she would do. But, she's proud of herself for going through with it since she arrived in Forks.

She just wishes Sam, Dean, and Bobby could be there to cheer her on.

"WHEN WE WERE five, they asked us what we wanted to be. Our answers were things like astronaut, president, or in my case, a princess," A chorus of laughter filled the crowd as Jessica Stanley read off her valedictorian speech.

Maddie sat beside her sister, wearing a red robe instead of their signature blue. The principle had pulled her aside to complain about it, but the redhead has simply rolled her eyes and walked off, knowing that they couldn't do anything about it.

"When we were ten, they asked again. We answered, rock star, cowboy, or in my case, a gold medallist," the crowd laughed again, before quieting, "but now that we've grown up, they want a serious answer. How about this? Who the hell knows?"

Maddie cheered with the rest of her class, because who the hell did know?

"This isn't the time to make hard, fast decisions. This is the time to make mistakes. Take the wrong train and get stuck somewhere. Fall in love... a lot."

The first person to pop in the redheads mind was Paul Lahote. The slightly older boy has been there for her since day one, which was something she greatly appreciated. But, she doesn't know if she has feelings for her. She knows there is some kind of connection between them, something unspeakable, but she doesn't think that it's love. Time would only tell.

"Major in philosophy, because there's no way to make a career out of that! Change your mind, and change it again because nothing is permanent. So, make as many mistakes as you can. That way, someday, when they ask what we want to be... we won't have to guess. We'll know."

Everyone cheered as her speech ended. Even Maddie did even if sometimes the redhead wants to rip the other girls hair out, she has to admit that Jessica nailed the speech

One by one the student were called up to get their diplomas.

Bella went before Maddie, and the redhead made sure she was the loudest in the room cheering for the brunette. Charlie being the first, he was whistling and smiling proudly at his eldest daughter. Edweirdo smiled and clapped for his girlfriend while Emmett whooped.

When Madelyn's name was called Charlie rose to his feet once again and clapped loudly while whistling, Bella standing up as well and shouted, "I'm so proud of you!". Emmett whooped and clapped for her, as well, which only made the redhead roll her eyes.

She held up her diploma with a very Dean-like smirk. "Peace out, bitches!" She shouted and quickly scurried off the stage when the principle stared at her with wide eyes. She giggled under her breath as she took a seat beside her sister who was giggling under her breath as well.

It was done.

She had graduated, which was something she thought she would never do. Hell, she didn't even want to go back to school, but look at her now.

Now, it was time to move onto the next part of her life.

And things were only going to get more interesting from here on out.

AS THE SWAN family walked out of Forks High School, Charlie had his arms around his daughters shoulders, telling them how proud he is of them. The Cullen family was right behind them, listening to the conversation and making sure there was no danger lurking about.

Maddie shook her head and smiled at her fathers words as she looked forward, making sure not to fall down the concrete steps that led out. But, as she did so, her eyes instantly locked onto a familiar car.

A black 1967 Chevy Impala.

Leaning on the car was a tall guy with long hair, his soft hazel eyes immediately latching onto her. She's sucked in a breath and froze.

"Maddie what's wrong?" Bella gently asked and went to grab her sister hand, but pulled back quickly when she squealed loudly and ran toward the strange man.

Charlie went to grab and stop her, but Bella — who had caught onto the fact that this must be one of the Winchester's — grabbed her fathers arm and shook her head at him. The Cullen's watched on as the redhead Swan jumped into the tall man's arms and laughed as he twirled her around.

"I can't believe you're here right now!" She exclaimed and practically jumped up and down in her spot as she craned her neck to look up at his face.

He smiled and chuckled softly. "I wasn't going to miss your graduation." He laughed even louder when she pulled him into another hug, her arms wrapping around his waist. He leaned his head down and placed a delicate kiss on the crown of her head. "No matter what you think, Maddie, all I wanted was for you to be happy. That's why I haven't visited a lot. Wherever I go, pain goes. I just—"

Maddie looked up at him with watery eyes. "For a little while, yes, I thought you hated me for forcing me to come back here. But... I met some people and they made me realize a lot of stuff about myself. So, I am trying to become a better version of myself, and let all my anger and grudges go." She swallowed thickly. "I have missed you so much, though."

"I missed you too, kiddo." He used his thumb to wipe away a fallen tear on her face. "I have kept an eye on the school system, making sure I knew exactly when you would graduate so I could be here for this milestone in your life. And just like this one, I'll be there for the next one if you decide—"

"I'm not going to college, Samuel, if that's what you think," she told him through narrowed eyes and grinned when he laughed.

"Okay, okay." He held up his hands in a defensive stance before shaking his head at her. "I am sorry for not being here as much... I really am."

She shrugged and glanced back at her family and sent them a small smile to ease their worries. She then rolled her eyes at the Cullen family who was watching her as well. She turned back to face Sam, sighing. "I just wish Dean was here, too."

He looked down and nodded. "Me too." He cleared his throat and laid his calloused hands on her shoulders. "I got a present waiting for you in your bedroom... just a small graduation gift."

"You didn't have to get me anything," she told him before frowning as she noticed the saddened look on his face. "You have to go... don't you?"

"Yeah, I have... something... to do. But, I am really proud for how far you have come, and I know Dean would be, too. I love you, kiddo." He gave her another kiss on the head before getting into the drivers seat of the Impala. He leaned his head through the open window and gave her a peace sign.

"Bye... Sammy." She gave him a small smile and a peace sign, and stayed in that same spot as he left the parking lot.

THE SWAN'S WENT back to their house — the girls getting ready for the graduation party Alice was throwing.

As Maddie walked into her bedroom, she closed the door behind her and almost immediately, her dark brown eyes zeroed in on the small box wrapped in some old wrapping paper with a small bow on top.

Taking in a small breath, she made her way over to the bed, picked up the present, and began to open it.

Her heart ached and her breath catched as soon as the pulled open the box that had the present hidden in it.

There was an old switchblade that Dean had practically worshipped when she was growing up. It was faded and had his initials carved in the handle part.

She sat down and ran her thumb over his initials, allowing a few tears to escape. "I miss you so much, Dean. I wish you were here to make some stupid high school jokes and cheer me on." She closed her eyes tightly and allowed herself to just pause in her grief, and feel her emotions the right way instead of lashing out.

And then she got up, wiped away her tears, and got ready for the party.

MADELYN WAS WEARING a bright red dress that clung to her curves, reaching mid-thigh with a heart neckline. Her long luscious red locks flowed down her back in curls, half of which was pulled up in a braid that was formed in the shape of a heart. She has a small handbag in the shape of a cherry, and black platform heels with spikes on them.

And beside her was none other than Paul Lahote. He didn't dress up, but he did wear clean clothes — yes, even a shirt — and new shoes that she had gotten him.

"Maddie!" Angela shouted as she and Jessica made their way to the redheaded swan. They then stopped right in front of the pair and blushed heavily under Paul's gaze. "You — you must be Paul," she stuttered out as Jessica tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"Yes." Paul simply nodded, looking confused. Then, his expression turned a little smug as hd glanced to Maddie who bit down on her lip. "You talked about me?"

"Sometimes," she told him quietly, trying to not look embarrassed that the fact that Angela basically called her out. She straightened her shoulders and looked to the two girls, "your boyfriends are probably wondering where you at." She grinned when their eyes widened and they stopped ogling Paul before scurrying away.

"O!" A group of boys shouted and they ran towards her, pulling her away from Paul, and group huffing her.

"Hey!" Maddie laughed loudly and hugged them back. "What are you guys doing here?" She pulled back to stare Jared, Embry, and Quil in the eyes.

"Wanted to see congratulate you," Embry told her with a small smile.

"You didn't have to," she told them with a big smile. She couldn't be happier sight now. She is friends with Quill and Embry again, Sam visited her, she has a piece of Dean with her, and Paul is by her side. Everything seems to be looking up.

Of to the side, Jasper and Alice had been dancing, but then turned around after hearing the wolves shout. They were surprised to find Paul standing really close to the redhead, hand on the small of her back. Sure, they had seen the Swan girl run and hug the wolf, but they seemed to be closer than they had thought. Alice turned to glance at Jasper who's eyes twitched at the sight in front of them.

"We're your friends, of course we had to!" Seth — who seemed to appear out of nowhere — exclaimed and smiled at Maddie.

"You shouldn't be here," Paul told the youngest member of the pack with a raised brow.

He narrowed his eyes and pouted. "I'm sixteen!" He reached up and slapped Embry's hand away when the slightly older boy reached over to ruffle his hair.

"You're still a baby compared to us," Maddie retorted and giggled when the boy turned to glare at her. "But... even though you're the youngest in the group, how about a dance?" She held her hand out to Seth who blushed and took her hand.

"Can't deny what a girl wants," Seth stuttered out and Maddie laughed as they walked into the room where everyone was dancing in.

"Better keep your hands north of the equator!" Paul shouted and Maddie sent him a wink over her shoulder. "That girl is going to be the death of me," he mumbled to himself and his friends laughed.

"You just need to grow a pair and tell her about the imprint," Jared stated with a shake of his head before running onto the dancing floor.

Paul rolled his eyes but watched as Maddie and Seth did some stupid looking dance moves, laughing and having s good time. He shook his head before joining in.

"OKAY, WHAT'S GOING on?" Maddie questioned as the Cullen's and the pack stood around in the living room. They all had had hard expressions on their features.

"Remember the newborn that was in you house?" Carlisle asked rhetorically as they all glanced at her and Paul.

The redhead clenched her jaw and nodded. "Obviously."

"We're not going to Seattle?" Esme asked, and Alice shook her head.

"No, they're coming here. They'll be here in four days."

Bella crossed her arm as she made her way over to Maddie. "Do you know who's behind it?"

"It has to be Victoria," Maddie spat out in disgust and anger, and Paul ran his hand up and down her back, trying to calm her down.

"Whoever it is, there isn't enough of us to protect this town," Esme stated with a frown.

Maddie scoffed and rolled her eyes which made everyone turn to her with raised eyebrows. "I have fought against a lot of things. Hell, I aided in taking down Laurent when he showed up after you pathetic vamps took off." They all dropped their jaws in shock at the news. "You didn't know?" She scoffed again and shook her head. "How do you think I got those scars on my wrist? It's fingernail imprints, dipshits."

"Laurent did that?" Carlisle asked as his eyes zeroed in on said scars. He had been wondering how those happened.

"I just said he did, didn't I?" She retorted and only took in a breath to calm herself down when Paul moved his hand from her back, to her shoulder to squeeze it. "Yes, he did. I took a good few shots at him, even stabbed him, which distracted him and slowed him down enough for Paul to literally tear into him."

They all stood in silence, looking between Maddie, a smirking Bella, and Paul.

"Hold up." Jacob suddenly stood up and turned to look at Alice, "What damn army?"

"Newborns, our kind," Carlisle answered.

"What do they want?" Jacob asked, scared he already knew the answer.

"They were passing around Bella and Maddie's scent. A red blouse and a black crop top," Alice explained, and Edward tensed as his golden eyes found Bella's form.

"So, what are we gonna have to do?" Bella questioned, her arms wrapping around her waist, worry on her face.

Maddie pursed her lips. "We're gonna kick some disco ass!"

Paul sniggered and the wolves tried to not laugh at the faces the Cullen's were making.

"What?" She asked with a raised brow. "It sounds like a good plan to me."

The wolves couldn't hold back their laughs anymore, and soon Maddie, Bella, and Paul followed.