My Dawn

Chapter 40

“Are you okay?” Jessie asked.

The ride attendant and Mark were running to Dawn.

“Forget about me, help them before it takes off again.” Dawn said.

Everyone heard her. They walked closer and tried encouraging them to hurry before the ride takes off. The attendant turned the key to shut off the ride. Jessie took his new jacket off to cover Dawn.

“We need to get you to a hospital.” Mark said.

Dawn stepped back, unaware she was on video.

“No, I need to make sure they are okay.” Dawn said.

Jessie lifted up Dawn’s hands.

“Mark.” Jessie said.

Mark’s eyes went wide, Dawn’s wrists had burns and been cut from the belts and bits of red like parts of her skin was removed to cause her to bleed more around it.

“I’m fine, they need the help.” Dawn said.

Dawn went to walk away. Jessie picked her up and carried her to Patrick.

“Keep her safe Patrick. Dawn, I will help them. You stay out of harm’s way.” Jessie said.

“BTL!” Dawn screamed.

“YOU HAVE!” Jessie screamed.

He walked close and kissed Dawn.

“You have, now let you shine from here. I will BTL to them.” Jessie said softly.

Mark raised his eyes at their words. He remembered BTL from high school. He looked like he saw a ghost. Jessie ran to the roller coaster and started climbing it. He climbed underneath on the flat poles like it was a ladder. Jessie reached a man and offered to help him down. The man nodded. Jessie had each person climb on his back as Patrick had Dawn crying on his shoulder. Her arms wrapped around Patrick. Scott and Lucas noticed the wrists and they hugged her as well.

“How bad is it?” Derek asked.

“Her body is like her wrists.” Mark said.

Mark walked to Dawn and turned her face.

“BTL, where did you learn that?” Mark asked.

“Why do you look like you saw a ghost?” Lucas asked.

“Shut up Lucas. Now Dawn, where did you hear that?” Mark asked.

“Henry taught me, he said it was a club that my mother and father were in. Their motto was ‘Always be the light in other people’s darkness’. BTL means Be The Light. It means always help others, no matter what.” Dawn cried.

“I know the BTL club. I also know what it means and their motto. Mr Purkles was a member?” Mark asked.

“He was. He joined after they helped him. He was being beaten as a kid and they saved him.” Dawn cried.

“The BTL club was active when I was in school. It was really good but there were so many incidents where the members were nearly killed. Tell me you haven’t started the club again.” Mark said.

“No. I do it personally. Not publicly for recognition.” Dawn cried.

“Dawn, if what you say is true, I used to date your mother.” Mark said.

Dawn looked shocked at Mark, Laura and Patrick looked shocked as well.

“What? How? When? Why? Tell me if you did anything there was protection.” Dawn said.

“Let’s not discuss this here. I will talk about it after you go to the hospital.” Mark said.

“I won’t go to the hospital unless you promise to not stop me from living their lifestyle.” Dawn said.

“Dawn, I won’t let you risk yourself. Especially considering now I know there’s a slight chance I might be your dad.” Mark said.

They all looked shocked at Mark.

“Oh, get over it, I was drunk at the 5th year reunion. And I woke up with Miriam in a hotel room. And then again at a holiday celebration. Look we need to get you to a hospital because I need to make sure you are okay and I need a DNA test.” Mark said.

“When?” Dawn asked.

Jessie was almost finished with the last woman. He noticed everyone looking at Mark and was hurrying.

“When did you?” Dawn asked.

“They were both 16 and 17 years ago.” Mark said.

Dawn stepped back.

“The holiday, what was it?” Dawn asked.

“It was boxing day, we were all at a resort from Christmas to the 1st. And it was a few sneak aways then.” Mark said.

Dawn’s eyes open wide.

“That’s 9 months before my birthday.” Dawn said softly.

“I know, we need a DNA test.” Mark said.

Dawn shook her head. She stepped back as Jessie ran up.

“What’s going on?” Jessie asked.

“Patrick might have another sister.” Lucas said.

Lucas gestured to Dawn.

“What’s Lucas talking about?” Jessie asked.

“Mr Bridge was unfaithful and slept with Dawn’s mother and just realised after you mentioned BTL. She was born 9 months later. He wants a DNA test.” Derek said.

“What? You, her?” Jessie asked.

Jessie went pale.

“Whatever the answer is, I won’t let it stop me from spending as much time with Dawn as possible.” Jessie said.

“I won’t do the test. Not until I am 18. I don’t want any complications during school and studying.” Dawn said.

“I won’t get the test done if you promise to go to the hospital.” Mark said.

Dawn looked behind her.

“Is everyone safe?” Dawn asked.

“Yes, they are down and hugging family.” Jessie said.

“Mark, I will get a lift to the hospital. If I go with you, I won’t know if you sneak off to ask for a DNA test.” Dawn said.

“I can take her. I will keep you updated. We will call Tate.” Jessie said.

Mark nodded.

“Dawn, we need to talk about this.” Mark said.

“No. I’m not needing the distraction right now. Please.” Dawn said.

Tears were forming in her eyes.

“I’ll give you time. But I want to at least do the test and then wait until you are 18 to open them.” Mark said.

Dawn nodded.

“We will discuss it. But we won’t do it until I am 17. Because otherwise it is going to be torture knowing answers are close and resisting a long time.” Dawn said.

Mark nodded.

“I knew you looked familiar when I first saw you.” Mark said.

Mark looked at Laura.

“Say what you came here to say.” Mark said.

“I’m sorry Dawn. I didn’t mean to hurt you repeatedly. I didn’t mean to spread lies and hurt the both of you. I hope we can be best friends still.” Laura cried.

“You’re right Mark. I can’t always BTL.” Dawn said.

Mark raised his eyebrow confused as Dawn turned her head to face Laura.

“Laura, I can’t forgive you. I can’t be your friend. Not any time soon. You have lied, manipulated, abused and mistreated multiple people. Because of your actions, I can’t forgive you. Not now. You need to turn a new leaf before you can ask for forgiveness.” Dawn said.

Mark smirked.

“Those exact words, without Laura’s name. They were used against my brother by your mother. You really are like her.” Mark said.

“Stop talking about her, it’s creeping me out.” Dawn said.

Dawn shivered and stepped back.