My Dawn

Chapter 31

Dawn put everything down on her bed and grabbed some clothes to change into. She grabbed some fresh pyjama’s out of the new bags. She was humming as she took off and twirled her way to the bathroom.

They watched her from below with a confusing look on their faces.

“What happened?” Jessie asked.

“Mr Purkles is her godfather.” Patrick said.

Jessie’s face went white.

“And he strangled his goddaughter until he noticed she looked like her mother.” Mark said.

“And she hates her birthdays because it’s the anniversary to when they died. She found them on her birthday.” Patrick said.

“And Mr Purkles makes a strange meal which Dawn loved.” Tate said.

They laughed at that.

“It’s food. Dawn will love it.” Laura said.

“Jessie, we need to have a chat.” Mark said.

Mark walked to his office with Jessie.

“You know she isn’t going to trust you now.” Mark said.

“What do you mean?” Jessie asked.

“We overheard her talking to Mr Purkles and she said you didn’t even tell her you planned on leaving for college. She said she realised you weren’t planning on telling her which broke her heart. And then he said if you couldn’t tell her, then you aren’t worth it. He convinced her to forget about you two. And I think that might be part of why she is happy.” Mark said.

“So, she kisses me, I don’t get a chance to explain things, and I’m the bad guy?” Jessie asked.

“The way he worded it, yes.” Mark said.

“I’ll keep my distance from her then. It’s pointless trying to argue to win her back if she’s going to believe a vicious old man over me.” Jessie said.

“She’ll believe him because he was her godfather. He had answers for her that none of us could offer.” Mark said.

Jessie was angry.

“I think it’s best I don’t stay here tonight.” Jessie said.

“If you think that is best. I think you should stay though to show her what she’s missing. She will come to her senses.” Mark said.

“No, I won’t do that.” Jessie said.

Jessie walked out and went to Patrick’s room. He opened the door to gather his things. He heard humming and turned around to see Dawn twirling back to her room as she hummed the song from Julie and the Phantoms ‘perfect harmony’.

Jessie realised the song but didn’t say anything. He gathered all his things from Patrick’s room and carried them down in his bag.

“What’s going on?” Patrick asked.

“Jessie’s going to stay away for a while. It was his decision.” Mark said.

“I’ll call you tomorrow to hang out at mine.” Jessie said.

Patrick looked shocked.

“Is this because of Dawn?” Patrick asked.

“It doesn’t matter what it’s about.” Jessie said.

Jessie sighed before walking out to his car. Patrick and Laura ran out after him.

“JESSIE!” Laura screamed.

Jessie ignored them and started his car. He took off and went home. Dawn was sitting in her bed, music playing on her stereo as she listened to the radio. She put her mother’s photos next to her on the bedside. Then Dawn was about to open the letter but was interrupted by Laura.

“How could you!” Laura cried.

“What do you mean?” Dawn asked.

“You made Jessie leave.” Laura cried.

“Jessie’s downstairs.” Dawn said.

“No, he was packing his things when you got out of the shower. He left because of you.” Laura cried.

“It’s not my fault. I didn’t say a word to him.” Dawn said.

“That’s why he left. I saw you both today. He wanted to follow you when you left but dad stopped him. Dad said you needed fresh air. And Jessie was crying while we waited for you to reply. He cared about you and you let him leave.” Laura cried.

“Isn’t that what you wanted? You wanted him to hate me?” Dawn asked.

“I, it’s not about that.” Laura said.

“You knew I liked him because I saw you read it, then you told me you liked him which means I wasn’t allowed him. But then I found out he was already asked out by you and you been got turned down. So, if he doesn’t like you, you shouldn’t have made it sound like I was after your man. I overheard you on the phone last night. And If I avoid him and he leaves, doesn’t it show he is only here for one person’s attention right now?” Dawn asked.

Laura froze she was about to snap. Mark walked to the door. Tate had left when Jessie did. Mark walked to Dawn’s room to explain why Jessie left but he overheard Dawn serving a platter to Laura for the accusations Laura gave her. He saw Laura raise her hand and hit Dawn across the face hard. Mark went in and pushed Laura. He dragged her out of the room and to hers. Mark pushed Laura in her room.

“Keep your hands to yourself!” Mark shouted.

Mark slapped Laura across the face back. Laura cried as Mark left her room and shut her door. Patrick was standing near his door.

“Say something and I hurt you too.” Mark said.

“I heard the things Laura said last night, to be honest I expected Dawn to snap and slap her. I’m amazed she didn’t.” Patrick said.

“Laura slapped her for Dawn calling her out on it.” Mark said.

Mark walked into Dawn’s room where Dawn was holding her cheek still.

“Relax Dawn, I’m just here to talk.” Mark said.

Dawn nodded.

Dawn watched Mark closely. Mark sat at the end of her bed.

“Truth is, we were there when we saw you were asleep on his couch. Tate overheard him saying you looked like Miriam, and Tate said we had to leave you until you were ready to leave. We overheard the conversation with him about you and Jessie. So, I told Jessie you weren’t going to trust him now. I told him how he couldn’t tell you his future plans, and how after you both kissed, how he should have said it still. But he was upset and he took off. He said it would be best if he kept his distance for a while. You did nothing wrong. It’s my fault for repeating a private conversation. But the intentions I had were pure. I didn’t want him to break your heart when he left for college. Can you forgive me?” Mark asked.

Dawn was already on the verge of crying. She nodded.

“Are you hungry or thirsty?” Mark asked.

“Can I please just be alone?” Dawn asked.

Mark nodded. He left her room and shut the door.

Dawn locked it behind him.