Adam drove Dawn home, the hum of the engine filling the quiet between them. When they pulled into the driveway, Dawn hesitated a second before inviting him in. He followed, and the moment the door swung open, the smell of polished wood and homey warmth hit them. Jason and Leslie were crouched over a chessboard on the living room floor. Dawn blinked.
"Are you guys okay?" she asked, eyebrows raised.
Leslie shot her a look. "We aren't fighting, are we?"
Jason shrugged, not looking up. "We're not friends, we're just… bored."
Dawn chuckled, Adam smiling softly beside her. Jason and Leslie's faces softened too, and suddenly Adam found himself invited into the game. He sat down, trying to follow the rules as Leslie leaned toward Dawn.
"I can see you're happy," she whispered, eyes bright. "I'm happy for you too."
"Thank you," Dawn said softly, her lips tugging into a small smile.
"So… when are you getting married?" Leslie teased, a sly tilt in her voice.
Dawn rolled her eyes, though she couldn't hide the curve of her lips. "I knew this would lead to nosiness. Stay out of my business."
"Fine, fine. Just write it in your diary then," Leslie teased again.
"You… read my diary?" Dawn asked, wide-eyed.
Leslie smirked, shrugging. "I couldn't help it." Dawn rolled her eyes, muttering something under her breath.
Soon, Adam stood, murmured his goodbyes, and left. Jason and Leslie started their teasing chant, "Adam and Dawn, sitting on a tree…" Dawn bolted upstairs, cheeks hot, heart racing.
"Who won?" Leslie asked walking back to Jason.
"Me! No one beats the champ," Jason bragged.
Leslie glanced at the board, unimpressed. "Please. You let Adam win. Full of talk." She walked off, Jason following.
* * * * * *
Adam reached home to find Daphne in the middle of a conference call. He tried slipping past the living room, but she called after him.
"I didn't want to bother you," he said quietly.
"I know, but it's fine. How are you?" Daphne asked, warm but worried.
"I'm fine, Mom."
"Can you handle tomorrow?" Her voice carried concern, just beneath the words.
Adam exhaled, leaning over to kiss her forehead. "Even if I can't… it'll still happen. I'll try."
Daphne watched him go upstairs, whispering to herself, He'll be okay… he'll manage.
* * * * * *
The next morning, Dawn was in the kitchen, stirring pasta in the boiling pot, her mind elsewhere. She packed flasks for her siblings, warning them about spills, messes, the usual. Once they left, she grabbed her bag and dashed to the pizzeria, heart half on Alex, half on the plan she had for Adam.
Pushing open the door, she froze. A stranger stood behind the counter.
"Excuse me, where's Alex?" Dawn asked.
The girl shrugged. "I don't know her."
Her stomach dropped. She turned to leave, then bumped into someone she recognized—an old friend.
"She quit," he said, matter-of-fact.
Dawn's chest tightened. Quit? Why? She tried calling Alex, number straight to voicemail. Panic pooled in her stomach, mind spinning. Where… where had Alex gone?
* * * * * *
At the Manchesters', Daphne was dressed and ready for work.
"Where's Adam?" Dawn asked after a quick hug.
"Today's his and Ava's anniversary," Daphne said softly. "He doesn't… celebrate."
Dawn's chest squeezed. Yesterday, he'd been so full of laughter, and now… quiet, heavy. She promised she'd try to do something. Daphne smiled, gratitude soft in her eyes, then left for work.
Dawn went upstairs and knocked lightly on Adam's door. He opened, tired eyes meeting hers.
"Bad day?" she asked.
"Would've been good if Ava were here," he said, voice low, weighed with grief. Dawn's heart twinged, part sympathy, part jealousy.
"You're not going anywhere?"
"No."
"What if… we met at the hospital?"
Adam blinked, surprised. "For what?"
"It's a surprise. Noon. Be there." She left, small smile ghosting her lips. He stayed in the doorway, puzzled.
* * * * * *
Back at home, Dawn's worry for Alex clung to her. She focused on Adam's surprise—until Tara appeared.
"Do you not knock anymore?" Dawn snapped, spinning around.
"What are you two up to?" Tara asked, smirk sharp, sly.
"What do you mean?"
"Since you'll pretend anyway, I'll just say it—I saw you at the pizzeria. Looking for Alex. You found out, didn't you?"
Dawn's hands clenched. "Did you have anything to do with her quitting?"
"No. But I bet she's staying away. How could you? You couldn't trust your friend."
"Tara, why are you doing this? I thought it was Peige."
"You want to know why?" Tara's smile dropped. Pain flickered in her eyes. "Because you ruined my life. Stole my childhood."
"Me? Don't blame me for your mother. She destroyed your life."
"She wasn't the one who told Dad the truth," Tara hissed.
"You'd rather live a lie?!" Dawn shot back.
"If it meant keeping my family… yes!" Tara's voice cracked, fragile under anger.
"I was a child, Tara! I didn't know!"
"Don't act innocent! Because of you I suffer! Now—I'll make sure you suffer too. Adam… he'll be mine. Just watch."
Dawn's jaw tightened. "I'm not afraid. I'll fight you, like I fought your mother."
Tara's gaze flicked to the surprise Dawn had packed. "Ohhh… planning something for him, aren't you?"
"Get. Out." Dawn pointed, voice low but firm.
Tara raised hands in mock surrender, then snatched the keys and bolted, locking the door behind her.
"Tara! Open the door! Tara!" Dawn pounded, frantic. She searched for another exit. None. Her chest tightened, tears slipping. Adam… he'll think I abandoned him.
Then—a click.
The door creaked open. Dawn looked up. Breath caught. Eyes widened.