NEVER GONE SEASON 1

CHAPTER 7

DWAYNE'S POV:

I just don’t understand what’s going on with Dawn. Is she jealous that I spent my recess with Brittany?

Dawn and I have always been close. We’ve never had issues like this before. She’s not the type to get jealous, I’m the clingy twin, always wanting to be around her. So what could have caused this sudden change?

I stood alone in the room after she walked away. My mind raced with confusion, and I couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that I had done something wrong. I always try to make sure Dawn knows she’s important to me, but today... I must’ve messed up somehow.

I picked up the key to the wardrobe, my hands slightly trembling. Opening the wardrobe, I quickly changed into my casual clothes, trying to shake off the unease in my chest. Once I was done, I walked downstairs, hoping a warm meal would settle my nerves.

As I reached the dining room, I couldn’t help but feel the silence in the house. The soft hum of the refrigerator, the clink of silverware on plates, it was all so ordinary, yet everything felt off.

“I’m famished,” I said, trying to sound casual as I sat down at the table, hoping to distract myself.

“Are you?” Molly replied sarcastically, glancing up from her phone with a raised eyebrow. “Don’t you always eat like you’ve just come off a hunger strike?”

I chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. “Stop it, sis,” I said, grinning as I helped myself to a portion of pasta.

Dawn, who had just walked in, looked distant as she sat down and quietly began eating. There was a heavy silence between us, one that made the usual clatter of the forks and plates sound strangely loud. I tried to break it, to reach out to her, but she just stared down at her plate.

“Hey, Dawn, how are you?” I asked, giving her a gentle smile.

She didn’t look up. She just picked at her food, a sad expression lingering on her face.

“Don’t talk to me,” she muttered, her voice quiet and distant.

My heart sank. I had never seen her like this before. Dawn was the twin who could always count on me to make her smile, to bring her out of a bad mood. This... this felt different.

I put down my fork and leaned forward, feeling the weight of her sadness pressing down on me. “C’mon, Dawn. You know I can’t stop talking to you, you’re my favourite person in the world,” I said, hoping to break through the wall she’d put up.

“I thought that was James?” she asked, her tone sharp, but still tinged with hurt.

“No, you’re my favourite person, sisi,” I said, emphasizing the word. I was being sincere, but it seemed to only make her withdraw more.

“Whatever,” she said, scoffing, and her voice was full of hurt now. She looked away, clearly struggling with something.

I felt a twinge of guilt gnaw at me. What had I done?

“So, tell me, what’s the matter?” I asked softly, my voice full of concern.

Dawn paused, her fork still in her hand. She finally looked at me, and the sadness in her eyes was unmistakable. “You made me feel unwanted today, Dwayne,” she said, her voice breaking. “You spent all your time with that new girl, Brittany. You forgot about me. You didn’t even go to the café with me today, all because of her.”

I froze. I hadn’t realized how much she had been hurting. Why hadn’t I noticed? I thought to myself, feeling my chest tighten. How could I have made her feel so alone?

I put my hand on hers, trying to offer comfort, but the guilt that hit me was overwhelming. I had unintentionally hurt her, and I hated that.

“I’m so sorry, Dawn,” I said, my voice full of regret. “I didn’t know you felt this way. I never meant to make you feel neglected. You know I’d never hurt you intentionally.”

She didn’t say anything for a moment. Then, with a sigh, she finally spoke, her voice softer now. “Okay, fine. I forgive you.”

A wave of relief washed over me. I had been so scared of losing her, of pushing her away, and hearing her forgive me made everything feel just a little bit better.

“Thanks, sis,” I said, pulling her into a hug. “You’re my happy place, and I love you so much.”

Dawn wrapped her arms around me tightly, and for a moment, the world seemed right again.

“That’s better,” Molly said, breaking the moment of quiet.

“Molly!” Dawn and I yelled in unison, and we all burst into laughter.

Dwayne’s Internal Monologue:

I can’t believe I did that. How did I let Brittany, Brittany-make me forget about my sister? We’ve always been so close, so why did I let her slip through the cracks? I should’ve known better. Dawn’s my twin, my best friend. How could I have been so selfish? I never meant to hurt her, but now I’ve made her feel neglected. What kind of sister does that?

It’s true I’ve been caught up in meeting new people, but I should’ve made sure Dawn know she’s still my number one. She’s been with me through everything, and I owe her so much more than this.

I’m glad she forgave me. I know it’s going to take time for things to be normal again, but I’ll do whatever it takes to make it right. I don’t ever want to see her hurt like that again.