five, family dinner
twilight

The little restaurant the group were in wasn't fancy by most standards, but in Forks, it felt like a big deal. Strings of dim fairy lights hung along the windows, casting a soft glow over the cozy dining room. The scent of grilled steak and baked potatoes filled the air, mixing with the quiet hum of chatter and the clink of silverware on plates.

Clover sat beside her sister, Juno, at the table, the two of them tucked in across from their dad and Bella. Charlie sat at the head, his police badge — having just come from work — catching the light now and then as he leaned back in his chair.

It felt like family, Clover thought. Warm, connected, safe. She liked it. She had hated the idea of moving, she had screamed at her dad for taking away her previous life, but now, she'd thank him for being her here.

"So," Wyatt began, his voice light as he folded his arms on the table. "How's everyone settling into school?"

"Good, I guess," Juno said with a shrug, picking at the edge of the menu. "Math's still math. Hard and annoying." She sent him a look, like she was saying he was annoying for being her math teacher.

Wyatt chuckled. "You'll get there. Just takes practice. I'll help, no doubt, hun."

"Says the math teacher," Juno muttered under her breath, earning a quiet laugh from Bella, who was starting to get into the conversation.

"What about you, Clover?" Bella asked softly, her voice just loud enough to cut through the noise of the restaurant. "You like your classes?"

"Yeah, actually," Clover said. "English lit is amazing. And the kids are... nice." Her tone was careful, hesitant, she was hiding something.

"'Nice?'" Juno repeated, raising an eyebrow. "You mean Mike Newton?"

Clover's face warmed instantly. "I didn't say anything about Mike." It wasn't like she liked him. He was a great kid, and she was already starting to love their friendship.

"But you're thinking it," Bella said confidently, smirking slightly.

Wyatt raised an eyebrow. "Who's Mike Newton, hun?"

"Some guy in Clover's English class," Juno answered for her, enjoying the moment. "He sat with her, said hi. It's true love already."

"Oh! And gym class, where she hit him with the ball." Bella added, eyes twinkling with just a little but of mischief.

Clover shot her a look. "It's not like that. We're just friends, that all I want."

Bella smiled, she wasn't going to push anymore, but she still added for her dad and for her uncle. "Mike's sweet. He's one of the first people who talked to me when I moved here too. He's... kind of the unofficial welcome committee."

"That's one way to put it," Juno said, leaning back in her chair. "But I swear, Clover, if he brings you flowers or something, I'm calling the wedding."

Wyatt laughed, his voice rumbling warmly, and Clover groaned, slumping slightly in her seat. "Can we talk about something else?" she mumbled.

Charlie, who'd been quietly enjoying his meal, looked up and said, "Actually, I've got something." He set his fork down and glanced toward Wyatt. "There's a kid on the reservation, Paul Lahote. He's been struggling with math — real bad, from what I hear. They were wondering if anyone could tutor him. I figured since you're teaching now, maybe you'd know someone."

Wyatt glanced toward Clover, who immediately perked up, a huge change in her mood. "I could do it," she offered quickly.

"I was gonna say your name," Wyatt said with a grin. "But let's start with Juno first. She could use the extra practice."

Juno groaned. "Why am I always the guinea pig?"

Clover smirked. "Because you love math so much."

"Yeah, sure. That's it," Juno replied dryly, though there was a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips.

Their conversation was briefly interrupted by the waitress, a tall woman with dark curls, who appeared to refill their water glasses. "Just so you know, my shift's ending," she said cheerfully. "Your next waiter will take care of you."

A moment later, Mike Newton arrived at their table, wearing the restaurant's black apron and an almost-too-bright smile. "Hey, Mr. Swan, Chief Swan! Hey, Clover, Juno and Bella!" he said, his voice a little louder than necessary, but the family didn't mind and they greeted him back.

Juno hid her grin behind her menu. Wyatt raised an amused eyebrow. Clover, on the other hand, wanted to sink under the table.

"You're our waiter now?" Charlie asked, his tone light. He was kind, smiling up at the kid.

"Yep, just started last month," Mike said proudly, setting a basket of warm bread down on the table. "Best job in Forks, if you ask me."

Wyatt chuckled. "Well, Mike, thank you for the bread."

"Of course, Mr. Swan," Mike replied with a smile before he stepped away, giving the table a huge smile before he found his next seated group.

Clover stared after him, her cheeks still burning. Juno leaned over, whispering, "He totally likes you."

"Do not start," Clover hissed back.

Bella gave Clover a small smile, quietly nudging her under the table with her foot. Clover relaxed slightly, grateful for the silent support.

As dinner wrapped up, the conversation drifted back to the usual topics — Forks weather, the new house, Bella's classes. It felt easy, natural, like they were settling into their new lives in a way that actually worked.

When they left the restaurant, the cool night air greeted them. The quiet of the town was a stark contrast to the warmth of the restaurant. The Swans walked home together, their houses only a short distance away. Clover could see the glow of Charlie's porch light as they said goodnight, their goodbyes warm and simple.

When Clover finally climbed into bed after they had gotten home, the weight of the day washed over her. It had been long, her first day. She curled up under the covers, her thoughts spinning with math quizzes, English essays, and dinner conversations. Replaying her day. Just as she felt herself drifting off, her door creaked open softly.

She blinked sleepily, but she didn't need to see to know who it was. Juno slid into the room, pulling the door shut behind her without a word. She crossed to Clover's bed and climbed in, settling under the covers like it was the most natural thing in the world.

Clover smiled faintly, too tired to say much. "Couldn't sleep?" she murmured.

"Not really," Juno whispered back. "It's weird, being in my own room."

Clover shifted over, making more space. "It's fine. Stay."

Juno didn't need to be told twice. She pulled the blankets up and rested her head on the pillow beside Clover's. The quiet settled around them, warm and familiar.

For the first time in days, Clover fell asleep feeling perfectly at home in a new place.