My Dawn

Chapter 27

Jessie walked to the counter and got two bottled waters.

“Where did you go?” Mark asked.

“I moved her away to quote some of my poem. She wanted to know who I was. And then she kissed me.” Jessie said.

“You knew it was Dawn?” Mark asked.

“Besides the body shape, the hair and the fair complexion. The second I looked in her eyes, I knew it was her. I was only 90% sure until I looked.” Jessie said.

“She kissed you?” Mark asked.

“Yes. We are on the side of the staircase. You’re welcome to join us.” Jessie said.

Mark nodded. He ordered himself a drink first. Jessie walked back.

“Mark’s coming over.” Jessie said.

Dawn did a nod then sat responsibly.

That evening, Jessie never left Dawn’s side. She was always dancing or talking with him. Even when they went to sit at the tables in the next room for the birthday dinner. Dawn was happy that she had the courage to kiss him.

Dawn kept bumping his foot with hers as she sat next to him at the large rectangular tables. Dawn even held his hand while they ate. Her left hand reached across her to hold his left hand so they could both eat with their right hands. Mark noticed and tried to not laugh.

Mark was on the other side of Dawn. He was happy she finally had someone who cared about her. Laura noticed they kept looking at each other and she was getting jealous.

Mark noticed it and shook his head at Laura repeatedly. The others noticed that Dawn kept pulling faces and acting like a child. Jessie had a chip stolen from his plate. He stole a piece of bacon from Dawn’s and they had a playful food thieving fight. Mark swapped their plates as a joke.

They looked down at the plates then looked at each other’s plates again and he tried stealing some of his chips while she stole her bacon back.

Mark saw they never stopped holding hands and he laughed at their behaviour. Tate noticed it and couldn’t keep his laughter in. Soon enough everyone laughed at their behaviour.

“Happy birthday Dawn.” Mark said.

“Happy birthday Dawn.” Jessie said softly.

“Thank you.” Dawn said out loud.

She squeezed Jessie’s hand. He sighed because he could tell she was getting anxious. He let go of her hand and put his arm around her shoulder. Derek and Patrick watched. Jessie reached for a chip off her plate and she noticed and smacked his hand.

“My plate now.” Dawn said.

Jessie laughed. He still grabbed another chip and ate it though.

“What am I going to do with you?” Dawn asked.

“Feed me my chips.” Jessie said.

Mark and Tate laughed.

“Suffer.” Dawn said.

“I know this is a touchy subject. But I forgot to ask earlier.” Mark said.

He leaned closer to Jessie.

“What are your plans after high school?” Mark asked.

“I was going to go to college, be able to get a job that I can earn enough money to support a family in the future.” Jessie said.

“What about your future plans?” Mark asked.

Mark looked at Patrick.

“I didn’t have any plans. I thought I would just look for work.” Patrick said.

“Either school or work. But school guarantees a better job, more money.” Mark said.

Dawn swapped their plates back and started eating her chicken on her plate. Jessie noticed and tried to hold her hand.

Dawn moved his hand away so he didn’t try again.

Jessie realised he never told her his plans. Now he feels like she’s going to be broken when he leaves.

“What about you Derek?” Mark asked.

“I was thinking of going to Harvard, if I get accepted.” Derek said.

“Well good on you.” Mark said.

Mark high fived him. Dawn slowly ate her food and was losing interest. She looked at Mark and whispered.

“Can I please go for a walk?” Dawn asked.

Mark leaned closer to her ear.

“I’m sorry if I upset you by this topic.” Mark whispered.

Dawn shook her head.

“I just need fresh air.” Dawn said.

Mark nodded.

“Take your phone in case of an emergency.” Mark said.

Dawn nodded. She had her phone stashed in her bra and gestured it was there. Dawn walked out of the room slowly. Jessie’s eyes were watching her closely. He watched her leave but he saw her face as she looked back. She was on the verge of tears. He was about to stand up but Mark put his arm on his shoulder.

“She just needs a breather.” Mark said softly.

“She’s about to cry.” Jessie said.

“Let her. She needs to be alone for a moment.” Mark said softly.

Jessie watched as the attendants took her name badge to place back on the table, she took her mask off and her belt. Dawn left them on the table. She walked out after they opened the door and then she walked outside the main entrance while the large door closed slowly behind her.

Mark saw Jessie looking worried. Mark realised Jessie had it bad. Jessie wasn’t going to be able to be a boyfriend to Dawn while he was studying.

And Mark realised that Dawn noticed this. That’s why she needed fresh air.

Mark looked at the door and noticed the mask and the fabric on the table. He realised she left them for someone else. She wasn’t returning.