Dawn's heart twisted at the news. She'd prayed so many times for Ava to wake up… and now she had. But it didn't feel like joy. Not really. Instead there was this heavy ache, this jealous, twisting thing in her chest. The house had just been alive, full of music and laughter, and now… it was quiet. Too quiet. Like the weight of something none of them were ready for had just fallen over them.
Adam didn't even bother changing out of his suit. He bolted for the hospital, Daphne right behind him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Are you okay?" Alex asked softly, tilting her head.
Dawn couldn't answer. She just sank onto the couch and let her siblings hover over her. She tried to speak, finally, but it came out barely a whisper. "I… I'm happy for Ava… I really am. But… if she comes back… where does that leave me?"
Alex put an arm around her shoulder. "Adam loves you… don't doubt that."
Dawn wanted to believe it. She really did. But Adam had always… always been about Ava.
* * * * * *
At the hospital, Adam practically ran into Ava's room and stopped dead. She was awake. Her eyes puffy, lips dry, but… awake.
"Ava…" he breathed, his voice breaking a little, and pulled her into a careful, gentle hug. "Don't… don't try to talk. I'm just… so happy you woke up. I've waited so long…"
A faint smile curved her lips.
Daphne slipped in and wrapped Ava in a hug, tears wetting her shoulders. "You scared us, baby…"
"Sorry, Mom," Ava whispered, her voice so fragile it made Daphne's chest ache. Daphne told her everything that had happened while she slept; everything except Adam's wedding.
When Adam stepped out to speak to the doctor, the hope inside him dimmed just a little. The tests weren't done yet. Ava wasn't ready to go home. But she was alive. That was enough.
* * * * * *
Daphne came home and found Dawn pale and tense, Alex and the twins hovering nearby.
"Ava's awake," Daphne said softly, "but she's gotta stay in the hospital for now."
Dawn offered to cook, but Daphne shook her head. "I… I'll make the first meal for Ava myself."
Dawn stepped back, forcing a smile, though inside her thoughts were a tangled mess. She tried calling Adam, but no answer. Probably still with Ava…
* * * * * *
Meanwhile, Adam stayed by Ava's side, making her laugh softly.
"You should rest now," he said, gentle.
"I'm… fine," she murmured, a small smile playing on her lips.
The doctor and nurses came in for more tests, and soon Ava drifted off to sleep. Adam kissed her forehead, silently praying this was just sleep… not another coma.
* * * * * *
Back at the Manchesters' house, Daphne packed some food for Ava. Adam came home briefly, changed into something more casual, then told Dawn he was heading back. Dawn just nodded, hiding the sting.
"Hey…" Alex whispered. "It's… it's gonna be okay."
"I hope so…" Dawn muttered, barely audible.
* * * * * *
Next morning, Ava insisted she could go home. Adam explained the doctor's concerns, but Ava's fear of relapsing won out. The doctor finally agreed but on condition of daily checkups and that she use a wheelchair.
When Adam gently explained, Ava burst into tears.
"It's not forever…" he said, kneeling beside her. "You're just weak… that's all. I'll carry you if you get tired of the chair. I'm not going anywhere."
Sniffling, she nodded, letting him wheel her to the car.
* * * * * *
Dawn had fallen asleep on the couch in her wedding gown, too tired from waiting. Alex and the twins whispered nearby, trying not to wake her. The door finally opened. Daphne came in, then Adam—and Ava, seated in a wheelchair, looking radiant even in weakness.
Ava's eyes widened when she saw Dawn.
"Who is she… and why is she wearing a wedding dress?"
Dawn startled awake. Her heart thumped. No wonder Adam had loved her.
Adam's voice cut through the silence. "She's… an actor. Mom and I wanted to make a short film about a bride… without a groom."
Ava chuckled faintly. "Silly," she said, letting Adam wheel her to their room.
Dawn's chest ached. She understood why Adam couldn't tell the truth. Any shock could be dangerous for Ava. But every seconds felt like a blade. She whispered to Daphne that she'd leave, but would visit often. Daphne hugged her tightly, torn between the two women she loved.
Dawn slipped out, wedding dress still on, forcing a brave smile for her siblings.
* * * * * *
At home, she barely made it to the couch before the tears came.
How could I have done this? she thought. Ava's… alive. I should've never agreed to that deal. I should've just endured Peige's cruelty.
The doorbell rang. Adam's voice called urgently.
"Dawn! Please, open up!"
She froze. Hand hovering over the knob, but she couldn't answer. Ava needed him now, not her. Silent tears ran down her cheeks as Adam's calls faded into the night.