My Dawn

Chapter 11

“How come you’re not eating much?” Laura asked.

“I’m full.” Dawn said.

“You only ate two small bread rolls and a small fork of rice.” Patrick said.

“Dawn, what would you normally eat?” Mark asked.

“A sandwich.” Dawn said softly.

“You eat a sandwich every meal?” Tate asked.

“At lunch times.” Dawn said softly.

“Don’t you eat breakfast or dinner?” Patrick asked.

“Breakfast and dinner is for the adults and people who chip in to the bills.” Dawn said softly.

Tate sighed. He looked at Dawn concerned.

“This is why you need to talk instead of bottling things up.” Tate said softly.

“It’s okay. I’m just full.” Dawn said.

Dawn slowly bit her lip out of nerves. She felt everyone’s eyes on her. They slowly looked back at their food.

“Can you try to eat a bit more?” Tate asked.

Dawn shook her head.

“We should get you a proper check up.” Tate said.

“May I please be excused?” Dawn said softly.

“Do you need help getting up the stairs?” Mark asked.

“No, thank you.” Dawn said softly.

Dawn got up slowly and started limping towards the stairs.

“I got it.” Tate said.

Tate walked up behind Dawn and lifted her up. He carried her up the stairs. As he put her down, he noticed what Mark said about her eyes.

“I’ll book you an appointment at the hospital for a proper check-up.” Tate said.

Dawn nodded before she started to limp towards the room. Tate walked back down the stairs. He joined the others.

“I didn’t know things were that bad there.” Tate said softly.

“She seems determined to not trouble people with the knowledge of it.” Mark said.

“She doesn’t open up. Not since her first home. One of the boys tried hurting her. She spoke up and was abused for it. They belted her when she asked them to stop him. She had a cut from the buckle so she stayed quiet ever since. Wasn’t until the cut became infected that we learned the truth. She was told by the doctor that she’d have a scar from it. Which is what also triggered her behaviour. She started realising she was stronger than most the kids. So, she takes the abuse to protect them.” Tate said softly to Mark.

“She’s not going to get abused here.” Mark said.

“She is accident prone though. She is an adrenaline junkie. She tries challenging herself. If you saw the one competition she did. She almost missed the bars but still almost got a 10. She goes all out.” Tate said.

“That’s impressive.” Mark said.

“I took her ice skating on her birthday, it was her first time. She looked like a professional and was having fun. I recommend you take her on her birthday. You won’t be disappointed.” Tate said.

“When is her birthday?” Jessie asked.

“Dawn’s birthday is in September. You have 7 weeks. Her birthday is September 8th.” Tate said.

“Interesting.” Patrick said.

“Shut up Patrick.” Mark said.

“What?” Tate asked.

“That was my late wife’s birthday.” Mark said.

“Damn. This is too much of a strange coincidence.” Patrick said.

“What do you mean?” Jessie asked.

“Her birthday is the same, her hair is almost the same, and from what we saw, she likes causing trouble. Remember when we had a surprise food fight because our mother wanted to make us laugh?” Patrick asked.

“Yeah? And?” Jessie asked.

“Dawn is nothing like her.” Mark said.

“Why do you say that?” Patrick asked.

“Just trust me, Patrick. She is nothing like her.” Mark said.

“Why do you say that?” Patrick asked.

“Your mother wasn’t a fighter like Dawn obviously is. Lilith was more like a puppy. She would cower and roll over in any argument. Even a playful argument. From what I have heard, Dawn helped Laura at school, picks battles she won’t have a chance of winning and still comes out on top with a few scrapes. She’s a fighter and she deserves a break from fighting. So, we are going to give her that break. No one will touch her or hurt her inappropriately. I understand playful fighting and sparring but if any of you so much as go anywhere near her with the wrong intentions I will hurt you.” Mark said.

His voice was cold that it sent shivers down Patrick and Jessie’s back.

“What your dad means, is she was abused because the man she lived with wanted to hurt her inappropriately and she wouldn’t let him. Dawn needs protection and right now, she is acting tough but she is scared. She sought the comfort from the female paramedic as she cried.” Tate said.

Patrick and Jessie looked at their bowls.

“Why would they try to hurt her?” Jessie asked.

“If you haven’t noticed, she is a beautiful young girl. And the eyes being different is really unique and rare. The paramedics even suggested getting her eyes checked because they never heard of it. Her features of her face, brings the worst out in predators. As soon as I saw it, I realised she might be going through hell. That’s why I heard the story before I made assumptions Patrick. Tate will be doing regular check-ups on Dawn until they are fully convinced she will be safe here.” Mark said.

“Probably a little after that as well. Dawn has grown to be like a daughter to me. I can’t foster, or adopt her because she’s one of my charge’s at work.” Tate said.

“You’re welcome over any time.” Mark said.

“Can I make a suggestion for you?” Tate asked.

“Anything.” Mark said.

“Have you thought of getting a large playground in your backyard?” Tate asked.

Mark looked confused.

“Not really, why?” Mark asked.

“If Dawn saw she didn’t have to go to the park to learn gymnastics, she might relax a bit more. She might come out of her shell. She sings and giggles when she’s having fun and I can tell you the singing and giggling is worth it. That’s why we sit at the park for hours so she can have fun.” Tate said.

“I’ll consider it. But what if she gives up on it?” Mark asked.

“You don’t know Dawn then, she doesn’t give up on things easily. She makes sure she gives it her all. She made friends at the park. A couple boys, Scott and Lucas. They make her feel safe, one of her other workers blabbed her story and they have been teaching her to fight to defend herself. You should see it, she knocked one on his ass and he looked scared as hell for a moment.” Tate said.

Tate tried to not laugh.

“Do you trust those two boys?” Mark asked.

“Honestly, they are the first two boys that Dawn has trusted. She knows who to trust and who not to trust. If she trusts them then I’d say they are able to be trusted.” Tate said.

“Well, let’s finish our food before we go to the office. Patrick, can you clear the table after dinner? And Laura can you bring Dawn a drink after dinner?” Mark asked.

“Yes dad.” They both replied.

They finished eating. Tate was led to the office and got the fax number to text to his boss. They waited for the documents and handed a copy to Mark before leaving to get her things with the escort of police.