Dawn Of Twilight

Chapter 13 : Friday Frenzy (Part 1)

Dawn was in a rush. After oversleeping-again- rushing into the car with her father, she bit into a piece of toast while mumbling apologies. They reached school, only ten minutes before class, she was power-walking through the open corridor when her eyes landed on a peculiar scene.

Erevin was exiting the library, clutching a small stack of books awkwardly against his chest with one hand. His other hand, however, was being held in a possessive grip by Amelia. The way Amelia strutted through the hallway, chin high and smile wide, made it seem like she owned not only the space but Erevin himself.

Dawn slowed her steps, her eyebrows furrowing. What does she think she's doing? Holding his hand like that in the middle of school?

Is this a date thing? No, Erevin wouldn't agree to that... would he?

She glanced at Erevin. His discomfort was written all over his face-his jaw clenched, his gaze glued to the floor, his grip on the books tightening. He wasn't pulling his hand away, but Dawn could tell it wasn't out of affection. He's probably too polite to let go, she thought, her irritation growing.

As they approached, Dawn noticed him adjusting the books against his side, struggling to keep them balanced with just one hand. She sighed, stepping up beside him and effortlessly taking the books from his arm.

"There," she said casually, flashing him a quick smile.

Erevin glanced at her, startled. "Uh, thanks," he mumbled.

Amelia's eyes narrowed, but her smile didn't falter. She stopped walking and tilted her head toward Dawn. "Oh, Dawn! You're such a dear. Carrying his books for him-that's so... sisterly." Her voice was as sweet as syrup, but the edge beneath it was unmistakable.

Dawn ignored the sugary tone and smiled faintly, keeping her voice light. "And that's a very sisterly way of holding hands, Amelia. Definitely gives off 'siblings bonding' vibes."

Amelia laughed, the sound light but clearly calculated. "Of course, we're just friends. Nothing more! By the way, how was your date yesterday, Dawn?"

Dawn raised an eyebrow, her smile unwavering. "Oh, it was lovely. But, you know, I think Erevin prefers quieter company. Less... overwhelming."

They continued their discussion. Erevin walked between them, his ears burning as half the hallway stared at the three of them. Students whispered and giggled, and he was certain some were already concocting rumors about him. The sight of one girl holding his hand and another carrying his books made him feel like a walking spectacle.

By the time they reached the classroom, Erevin was desperate to sink into his chair and disappear. But, before he could, Amelia gave his hand a light, lingering squeeze. She leaned in, her voice low and teasing.

"We should spend more time together," she said, her tone dripping with innuendo. "I loved it in the library. You're so good... at this."

Erevin's face turned crimson as Amelia turned and slowly walked back to her seat in the front row, leaving him standing there like a deer caught in headlights.

Dawn placed the books on Erevin's desk and sat down next to him, her expression unreadable. As he dropped into his chair, he blurted, "We were just studying in the library. Nothing else! I-I have no idea why she said it like that."

Dawn turned to him, her tone light but her words sharp. "Why are you explaining it to me? Did you enjoy holding her hand?"

Erevin gawked at her, unsure how to respond.

Dawn continued; her voice tinged with something that stung more than anger "Don't worry-you can hold her hand all you want. Just call me when you need someone to carry your stuff for you."