My Dawn

Chapter 24

“Jessie, how did you know she needed new clothes?” Patrick asked.

“Because I made a promise to be honest to Dawn and she promised to be honest back. Her clothes don’t fit her much. It’s why I gave her some of my shirts.” Jessie said.

“I thought that the shirts were familiar.” Patrick said.

“Dawn didn’t ask for her body shape, but that doesn’t mean she should have difficulty breathing because of it. When we are at the shops, we will grab some more clothes for you.” Mark said.

Dawn nodded. She looked down. Jessie cut another piece of pancake and offered it to Dawn. Dawn took the bite.

“You keep feeding Dawn with your fork.” Laura pointed out.

“It’s easier than swapping between forks.” Jessie said.

Mark arched his brow as he watched their interaction. He could tell Jessie was being attentive to Dawn and that she trusts Jessie.

Jessie wouldn’t hurt her. Jessie has proved it time and time again. The park, running after her, helping her every way possible. He noticed Jessie had been working out more since Dawn made the jelly joke and he knows it’s because he wants a compliment from Dawn.

But is Mark this blind? How has he not noticed Dawn was always slightly flushed near him. How could he not notice that Laura was getting jealous of what she was watching. He decided to test if they had real feelings or if it was just because of appearances.

“You boys will stay here with Laura to get ready. I will take Dawn to get her outfit. We will message when we are heading there.” Mark said.

“Okay.” Laura and Patrick said.

“Yes sir.” Jessie said.

“Stop calling me sir. You’re like a son to me. Call me Mark or dad.” Mark said.

“Sorry.” Jessie said.

Dawn was about to stand up. Jessie’s jacket fell from her waist. She bent to grab it and her pants ripped. She turned red and embarrassed as everyone heard the rip. They laughed except Jessie. Jessie helped cover Dawn and lead her to the stairs. Dawn was picked up by Jessie to walk up the stairs quickly. He walked her to her room and shut her door. Jessie walked down the stairs while Mark was watching from the doorway separating the dining room and the main room near the staircase.

“God, he’s a puppy.” Mark laughed.

“What do you mean?” Patrick asked.

“He doesn’t know he likes her. He is like a lovesick puppy. He just carried her up the stairs and put her in her room then shut her door so she didn’t risk flashing anyone. He’s protecting her dignity from showing herself to anyone.” Mark said.

“He likes her?” Laura asked.

“He won’t admit it, and he denies it. But it’s obvious. Look at the evidence. He just fed her. And then went to assist her to do something she can do herself.” Mark said.

Mark chuckled as Jessie walked back in. Jessie pulled Dawn’s chair in then sat down at his seat. He continued eating. They all watched him.

“Care to explain your reasoning to carry her to her room?” Mark asked.

He had a cheeky grin.

“Dawn is slow up the stairs. I’d be embarrassed if my pants split. So, I helped her. One of your rules, don’t make her uncomfortable.” Jessie said.

“You’re good, for a man in denial.” Mark said.

“Not in denial.” Jessie said.

Jessie took the last two bites of his food.

“You do realise you denied being in denial. When you are clearly in denial.” Mark said.

“Mr Bridge, I am not in denial. I am just Dawn’s friend. I am not anything else than a protective friend.” Jessie said.

“It’s Mark, not Mr Bridge. And I doubt you understand the feelings you are feeling. Look, clearly you like her in some way.” Mark said.

“As a friend.” Jessie said.

Jessie got up and grabbed Dawn’s plate and his own.

“You never pick up your own plate. Now you are picking up two plates.” Patrick pointed out.

Mark opened his mouth and laughed. Jessie noticed it looked odd.

“We are in a rush to clean up, Dawn needs new clothes.” Jessie said.

“Keep denying us boy. You will cave in soon. She will be eating away at you until you end up wanting to see her more and more. Then you will be unable to resist the feeling of holding her, kissing her, and even wanting to be with her like a married couple.” Mark said.

He was smirking at Jessie. Jessie was at the sink in the kitchen shaking his head.

“No, I am just her friend. You all are reading too much into something that isn’t there.” Jessie said.

“Jessie, if you like her, then tell her. She isn’t going to be single forever. The older she gets the more attention guys give her.” Mark said.

“Mark, I don’t like her that way.” Jessie said.

“You are doing dishes because you’re nervous. Your secret is safe with us Jessie.” Mark said.

“I’m not nervous. Just trying to help clean up.” Jessie said.

“You’re determined to deny this. It’s cool. I’ll tell her you don’t like her then, you don’t want her. I might tell her you don’t think she is beautiful.” Mark said.

Jessie knew he was trying to trap him.

“I do think she’s beautiful. But I also think every girl is beautiful. I like her as a friend and I want her as a friend. Mark I won’t admit to feelings that I don’t have. Dawn is a great friend. She’s my best female friend. But I don’t like her as in dating, marriage in the future or a family.” Jessie said.

“Alright, deny it. It’s going to eat away at you. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.” Mark said.

Jessie walked away to go to Patrick’s room. He saw Dawn on the stairs in his shirt and wearing a skirt with it.

“Enjoy your breakfast?” Jessie asked.

“Yes. It was yummy. Thank you for the banana slices.” Dawn said.

Jessie smiled and hugged her. Dawn hugged him back.

“I have to get ready for lunch time.” Jessie said.

Jessie moved his arms from Dawn. Dawn handed his jacket back to him.

“Keep it. I left something in the pocket for you.” Jessie said softly.

He noticed Dawn’s face light up. He saw her smile and her eyes look like they were going to water.

“Thank you, Jessie.” Dawn said.

“No thanks needed.” Jessie said.