57.
chapter fifty-seven
it is over
for us

SERENA.

"And you said yes?!"

The bluette in front of us winced, hurriedly bringing her finger to her lips. "Shush, guys! I don't want the entire campus to hear that!" She rubbed the back of her elbow, as if admitting to us would be a crime against her being. "And yes, I did!"

I caught Misty's eye. "Well, what's the problem then? Does Paul... y'know, know?" May asked, walking backward to face us.

Dawn shook her head. "No, and that's the problem. He's an absolute menace as is. I don't think I would fancy him getting to know that I am meeting with my ex."

"But he has to," I offered, my mind reeling to the previous night—one which lifted the burden of poor communication from our strained relationship. "One thing I learned by dating Ash for so long is: never to miscommunicate."

Dawn bit her lip while Misty nodded. "I'm not that far, but being a hopeless romantic, I agree with Ser. Do you want us to be with you, Dee?"

The bluette's face lit up. "Yes! If you guys could, I'd treat you to May and Drew's infamous churros! How'd you guys like that?"

May's eyebrows rose, but she didn't comment. Misty, on the other hand, was turning to me. "Why don't you both get to wherever they're selling the churros and send us the location? We'll be there in a few?"

"But I want to help too," I protested, pouting when Dawn shook her head.

"It's your birthday, and since Missus Grace isn't home, we're partying outside. C'mon, and listen to Mist!" Dawn exclaimed, motioning to the other girl to get moving. "We'll be there before you can say, 'churro creams!'"

— xoxo —

DAWN.

This was suffocating—the battle between my past feelings and the present scenario.

But Dawn the Wonder Girl never defined unsettling.

Plastering a smile, I clasped my hands in front of my chest. "He saved me when... you know."

"I get it." Kenny waved it off. But heavens knew he didn't, and was make-pretending. "Nice to meet you, Paul."

My soulmate scoffed, looking away. "I don't do curtsies in vain. Give it to whoever deserves it."

I witnessed Kenny lose his composure for a split second before he smiled again, his bubble straightening defensively. I knew I had to step in before both of them lunged for the other's neck. "Listen, Kenny. I just wanted to apologise—"

"No, Dawn." He cut me short. "I should have had the senses. You only accepted my proposal."

Guilt nabbed at my insides. Before my face could sullen, I piqued. "Not at all. I—"

"If you're going to point fingers, better point to walls too. They've been standing for longer than we were born."

I sputtered, throwing Paul a nasty glare. I didn't ask for him to be here. He had nothing to do with my past. Heck, even with what I felt now. Why'd he make the tougher things harder than they actually were?!

"Maybe he's right. I don't regret it," Kenny cut in, waving a hand. Whether the boy really didn't mind or if he was intimidated by me looking like I was ready to throw fists, I had no clue. "I don't regret you, Dawn."

My attention snapped back to Kenny, then to the faint silhouette of my friend in the shadows. Misty offered a faint smile and nodded. She had been right in predicting this.

"Neither do I you," I replied truthfully, ignoring Paul sulking in the background. "And I wanted this. This closure, too. Thank you for inviting me, Kenny."

It was over.

Those days of bliss, experiencing what we termed as feelings for the first time. Our first time. It was those times when our bubbles didn't obey us, but our hearts yearned for a simple taste.

They were over.

Kenny smiled, the expression melting all over his face like ice cream on a sandy beach. I bit my lip. What was the last sentence I had to tell?

I took a steadying breath. Dawn didn't get stuck. "I'm glad that we met."

Kenny's expression didn't waver—it was like he was holding onto something that was turning too heavy to be carried, but at the same time, was being treasured. A flicker of doubt, before he nodded. "The feeling is mutual. I'm glad we got to know each other. I won't be a bother anymore."

Paul turned to him sharply, but I didn't let him open his mouth. "Are you moving away?" I had nabbing questions of my own, after all. Even if Paul didn't share the sentiment.

"Tch." He shoved his hands into his pockets, eyes glimmering dangerously at Kenny. "Just because something is cracked doesn't mean you throw it out. Fix it, repurpose it, whatever. But standing around and mourning the shards is going to get you nowhere."

Kenny blinked, then chuckled while I wondered what even Paul meant. "Is that your way of saying I should remain friends with Dawn?"

Paul scoffed, turning on his heel. He didn't look back, but muttered loud enough: "You do what you want, but don't expect me to throw a pity party every time someone outgrows their training wheels."

With that, he left me standing confused and mind reeling. My attention was forced back when Kenny fell into a step beside me. "Maybe he's right," he whispered. "Just his way of saying the right things is off."

I tilted my head, my mind a befuddled mess. For once, Dawn was speechless.

"What do you... suppose?" he continued, rubbing the back of his head. "Would you... like to remain as friends?"

My eyes sought Misty's, wanting her to shake no and decide negatively for me—to go against my heart. But she didn't. Paul had given consent. Why would she interfere?

Kenny's hopeful face was cut by the afternoon sun, garish and annoyingly brightening the doomed feeling. I had nothing in my chest to go against it.

Dawn had lost the battle.

"I would love to, Kenny." The corners of my lips seized up, hands having a mind of their own to show peace. "I would love to remain friends with you!"

She lost the battle for her feelings.