Daphne tried calling Dawn again and again to break the good news but Dawn wasn't picking up. After a while, she gave up. Lunch was served and they all sat down to eat in silence. Adam was the one who broke it.
"Ava, you're moody," Adam said, watching her face.
Ava forced a smile. "I'm fine."
Adam frowned. "No one answered my question. Where is Dawn? I need to thank her for her care and kindness."
Daphne and Ava stared at him, confused.
"What do you mean?" Daphne asked slowly.
"The other day when I went out to clear my head, something happened. I almost fainted but Dawn was there. She helped me and stayed with me. We talked for a while," Adam explained. "She's a good friend, Ava. Don't lose her."
Ava's heart skipped. "So… you're saying… you don't remember Dawn?" she asked, stuttering.
"Remember her?" Adam frowned. "Am I supposed to remember her? You told me she's your friend. Is there something else to it?"
"No," Ava said quickly, relief washing over her face. "Nothing else. She's my friend."
Daphne was disappointed, deeply so, but she was also thankful Dawn didn't answer her call.
* * * * * *
In the school hallway, Leslie was pulling her books from her locker, ready for the next class when Tracy and her minions showed up. Tracy slammed the locker shut, catching Leslie's pinkie.
"Excuse me, what the hell is wrong with you?" Leslie snapped, holding her finger.
"You think you're tough, princess," Tracy said smiling. "From now on you follow my rules or I'll make your life miserable. Do you understand?"
Leslie laughed dryly. "It's not your fault. The problem is your brain. It can't tell sense from nonsense, that's why you're standing here talking rubbish."
Tracy's smile faded.
"I'd advise you stay away," Leslie added calmly, pushing past her. "Otherwise I'll make your life a living hell."
She walked off to class. Tracy stood there boiling, then slowly grinned. She turned to her minions. She already had a plan.
* * * * * *
Dawn finally picked up her phone and saw the missed calls from Daphne. Panic crept in. She tried calling back but no one answered, so she decided to go straight to the Manchester's house.
Alex stopped by just as Amy returned from school.
"Mom, are you okay?" Amy asked, studying her face.
"I'm fine," Dawn lied. "I'm going to the Manchester's house. I'll be back."
She left without waiting.
"You should follow her," Amy said worried.
Alex nodded and left. Amy stood there thinking, fear heavy in her chest, when her phone rang.
"Hello, Jason," she said quickly. "How's school? Where's Leslie?"
She climbed the stairs to her room while still talking.
* * * * * *
Ava sat with Adam, joking and laughing. For the first time in days, she felt safe. Adam still didn't remember Dawn.
Then Dawn rushed in.
"Is everything okay?" she asked, eyes scanning Adam.
"You scared us," Ava said sharply. "So we should be asking if you are okay."
"I'm sorry," Dawn said softly. "I missed Daphne's call and thought something happened."
Adam smiled at her. "You don't always have to worry. I'm fine."
Ava slid her hand into Adam's, on purpose. Dawn noticed. It hurt, but she swallowed it.
Daphne entered. "My dear, you look pale. Are you alright?"
"I'm fine," Dawn replied. "I rushed here because I was worried."
"That's alright," Daphne said quickly. "I wanted to ask about the twins," she lied.
"They're adapting," Dawn said with a small smile.
Ava excused herself to rest. Daphne followed, leaving Dawn and Adam alone.
"Adam, how are you? Does your head still hurt?" Dawn asked, sitting beside him.
"Why do you worry so much about me?" Adam smiled. "I appreciate it though. I'm doing okay."
"I care because… I like you," Dawn said quietly. "And my favorite people are gone. My husband… my children. They're actually my siblings."
"That must be hard," Adam said. "I only had my parents, then dad left. Do you live alone now?"
"No. I live with my younger sister, Amy."
"That's a bonus," he teased. "Can we trade?"
She laughed. "What about your wife? Am I supposed to marry her?"
"I guess so," he laughed.
They talked for a while, but Dawn's smile faded. Memories flooded her. She leaned closer and kissed him.
Adam gently pushed her away.
"What are you doing?" he asked confused. "I'm married."
"I'm sorry," Dawn whispered. "I'll go."
She rushed out, tears falling. Suddenly, someone grabbed her hand. Ava.
"What is wrong with you?" Ava snapped. "Why are you obsessed with Adam?"
"Ava, he's my husband—"
"He doesn't remember you," Ava yelled. "And he never will. Stay away from him."
Dawn broke down.
"You caused this," Ava continued. "You married my husband."
"I couldn't control my heart," Dawn cried. "I needed the money back then—"
"I don't care," Ava cut in. "You deserve this. He's mine now."
She walked away, leaving Dawn sobbing.
* * * * * *
That night, Adam lay awake thinking about Dawn. Why would she betray her friend like that?
His head started aching. Images flashed. Ava in a wedding gown. Then another woman walking toward him, veiled.
He reached out, lifted the veil.
Dawn.
The pain exploded in his head.
He screamed once… then everything went dark.