“I couldn’t believe I’m saying this, but I like you. I really do.” I say to Dawn, brushing her hair out of her face. “You’re my best friend, and you make me so happy, Dawn.”
“You mean that?” She asks, her voice having an echo layering it slightly. That confused me because we were outside, in the meadow we first met. I couldn’t understand why our surroundings were echoing.
This was our fifteenth time being here since we met when I was 12, and it was so peaceful every time. There was a tree we loved sitting by, the same tree, in fact, where we had lunch together for the first time. My mom always brought out some sandwiches. This time was no exception. She never bugged us, or hovered. She trusted that Dawn wouldn’t hurt me, and I loved my mom for being able to trust us enough to leave us alone.
“Yes, of course!” I say, my voice not having the same echoing effect. “I mean everything I’ve ever said to you. When you were happy I met Jackson, I felt bad for you. Because I knew seeing me with him was hurting you. And I’m so sorry.”
“You didn’t hurt me, Dakota. You have never hurt me.” She smiles, moving my hair out of my eyes. “I really want to do something right now. Please be very still.”
I nod, suddenly nervous. She smiled, leaning closer before our lips touched. Something inside me suddenly grew, as if the love I had for my best friend ignited a flame inside my chest.
I pulled her closer, tugging on her deep, purple flannel, pulling her on top of me. It was exactly how I remember, like my life was suddenly playing on repeat. I remember her hips on mine, pushing me into the dirt slightly. I remember laying against the tree as we embraced. I remember leaving my thoughts behind, just following my instincts. I remember paradise.
I pull away, breathlessly. “I love you, Dawn Jasper.”
“Dakota Raye,” she says, smiling, “I’ve waited 5 years to hear you say that to me.”
I blush, holding her hand in mine. “I wish I didn’t have to make you wait any longer.”
“I know,” she says, putting her hand on my cheek. “But it’s okay. You have Jack, you shouldn’t think about me right now.”
I nod, smiling. “Okay. I can live with that.”
79Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEJfLS3Rwxb
**Chapter Break**
Dawn parked in front of Jackson’s house, and I was nervous as ever. “You ready?”
I nod, blushing. “Y-yeah, I’m ready…” I say, shaking with nervousness.
She put her hand in mine again, and that made the nerves fade away. “He’s waiting,” she whispers, nodding towards the house.
“Okay,” I say, not afraid anymore. “I’m ready.”
I weakly get out of the car and slowly walk towards the house. When I get to the door, I lightly knock. Behind me, I heard Dawn pull away from the driveway and leave me to face my fears alone. What if I’m not good enough? What if I ruin something? What if I hurt him?
These are thoughts I had while I was waiting for the door to open. When it does, my stomach turns in my stomach, seeing the guy who I willingly gave my heart to.
“Hey,” he says, brushing my hair out of my face like Dawn did, but not as gentle, which I instantly regret letting him do.
“Hey,” I say, kinda uncomfortable. I could taste the wine on his breathe, slightly covered by the mint texture layering it. “You look good.”
“T-thank you,” I say, hugging him to cover up the nerves.
“Yeah,” he says, pulling away. I noticed that his eyes were dilated and red. He was all fucked up, wasn’t he?
I let him take me inside and I sat on the couch, quietly. “I love you, Dakota,” he says, popping a pill into his mouth.
Shivers in disgust when I see him pop a pill and say I love you. “What’re you doing?” I ask, revolted by his drug addiction. I knew he did this daily, and I loved him too, but I wanted to distance myself slowly before I did something I’d regret.
“Do you want one?” He asks, to which I instantly declined.
“No. I’m not going to get high with you, Jack.” i say, crossing my arms and legs.
“Is something wrong?” He asks, popping another pill.
“Yes!” I say, outraged. “Something is definitely wrong! You’re sitting there, drunk and high, and you’re trying to pressure me into the same fate!”
“You think I’d hurt you, Dakota?” He says, innocently.
“I don’t know anymore,” I say, standing up. “I need something to drink.”
“I’ll get you something…if you’ll let me,” he says, quietly.
I nod, and he leaves the room, returning a few minutes later with a glass of water.
Taking the glass, I hesitantly take a sip. Not feeling any affect like I expected, I down the rest of the water, sighing in satisfaction when I come up for air.
“T-thank you,” I say, not noticing that the words were slightly slurred.
“How do you feel?“ I heard an echo bang in my head. Grasping my skull, I cry, falling to the ground.
“G-great…” I mumble, laying on the ground, motionless, watching him step closer to me.
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