Pilot 1X01
Dawn Ellis played by Dianna Agron
Weaving through the crowded corridors of Mystic Falls' only high school, Bonnie Bennett and Elena Gilbert carefully avoided crashing into their fellow pupils as the sound of low murmurings echoed throughout the halls. The two slender juniors giggled as they caught up on the summer gossip that was currently radiating around the small school.
It had been a rather depressing summer for Elena Gilbert, which was expected. Reluctantly, Elena was finally coming to terms with her parents' death. And although it was hard, Elena was trying. But even so, the doppelgänger was grateful that she still had her aunt Jenna and her younger brother: Jeremey.
Glancing around the lean halls, a tender smile graced Elena's lips as a rush of relief pulsed through her veins. Unlike most of the population, Elena Gilbert was glad to be back at school. Being back in school meant that Elena no longer had the excuse to hide away, instead the doppelgänger would be forced to indulge in social activities.
Swaying her head from side to side, Bonnie's rosy lips curled into a repulsed frown as she edged closer to Elena.
Moving her lips to Elena's ear, Bonnie's lips parted, allowing untrue rumours to freely drip from her mouth. "I heard Dawn Ellis doesn't know who the father is." Bonnie informed her best friend, her tone hushed and secretive as the brunette checked Dawn wasn't in sight.
With widened glossy eyes, Elena's jaw dropped in surprise. Everyone in the small high school knew who Dawn Ellis was.
Dawn Ellis was a perky, rather pretty blonde junior who was currently thirteen weeks pregnant. The girl who spent most her time with Caroline Forbes or in the library, was the daughter of the town's pastor: Gabriel Ellis.
Elena had never been too keen on Pastor Gabriel Ellis. Something about him seemed... Off. The seemingly friendly pastor had been outraged by the annunciation of Dawn's pregnancy. Gabriel had kicked Dawn out of the family's two story home, which was ironically positioned besides the church. Matt had conveniently been driving past the Ellis household when he noticed an enraged Shelia Ellis hurling Dawn's possessions out of a ground floor window. Matt had immediately pulled over and tried to help the highly emotional teen, however Dawn had become so flustered she ran away from Matt while carrying a pair of old, mismatched converse in her arms...
The blond football player had been unsure of what to do, so he did the only thing he could: he called Caroline.
Caroline knew Dawn better than Dawn knew herself. So instantly, Caroline knew where Dawn would be. Dawn would be in her favourite place: the book shop. Caroline would often find her in the quiet book shop, reading long- rather boring, in Caroline's opinion- books.
Anyone who knew Dawn knew the girl loved reading more than life itself. Dawn loved nothing more than indulging herself in a good classic book. And although Dawn loved the classics such as Charles Dickins or Charlotte Brontë, Dawn also quite enjoyed more modern books, such as G.R.R Martin or JK Rowling. To say Dawn's tastes were random and unrestricted would have been appropriate.
Mystic Falls' 'it girl' had found poor Dawnie in the bookshop, sobbing violently as Miss Robins, the owner, comforted Dawn and gave her a steaming cup of tea.
The cheerleader had instantly embraced her best friend upon setting eyes on her. Although Caroline had found a positive pregnancy test in her bathroom after Dawn's… Incident. Caroline had been open minded about the test. Just because one pregnancy test was positive didn't mean Dawn was pregnant, it could have just been a faulty test.
But just by the pure trauma on Dawn's face, Caroline knew her best friend was pregnant. It explained everything…
After reassuring a worried Miss Robins that Dawn would be okay, Caroline took an exhausted Dawn back to her own house.
Once Caroline had settled Dawn in her bed, the blonde headed into the kitchen only to find a confused Elizabeth Forbes. After Caroline explained to her mother what had happened, Liz had immediately offered Dawn a place for her and her child to stay. However, Dawn knew her stay wasn't a permanent residence.
Sherriff Elizabeth Forbes had truly felt for the girl who was like a daughter to her and had been best friends with Caroline since kindergarten.
Although Liz didn't particularly like Dawn's father, who was a member of the private council and aware of vampires, Liz had never thought the man would have kicked his own daughter out.
But then again, Liz had never been a fan of Shelia Ellis or her son, Abraham. Dawn's father and stepmother were overly religious to the point that they shoved religion down the towns throat. While Dawn also had a golden boy, older step-brother who couldn't do anything wrong in the eyes of his mother and step-father.
Everyone had been surprised by the pregnancy. Dawn was a sweet girl and had been the least expected to get pregnant. Especially while considering the fact that Dawn's own mother died, due to complications after birth.
The daughter of the local pastor was a pale, blonde girl with skin like clean and polished bone. Dawn's hair was a blonde that radiated like a candle flame and was styled in a short, wavy bob, while Dawn's facial features were delicate.
Dawnie's eyes were liquid gold in colour and surrounded by long lashes that could only be compared to strands of liquorice. The lengthy lashes looked dark as coal against Dawn's fair skin.
Although Dawn wasn't very tall, the blonde weighed little and was reasonably athletic. As much as she resented it, Dawn had a birth mark on her chest, under her left breast. Caroline though had always thought the birth mark was cute.
Dawn truly possessed the sort of beauty that maddened the soul like wine. But even so, Dawn was painfully shy and awkward.
Frowning, Elena wrinkled her nose in disgust.
Apparently Dawn had slept with most men, including the teachers, in the school and wasn't sure who the father of the baby was. Shaking her head, the Petrova doppelgänger frowned.
"I bet its Tyler Lockwood..." Elena admitted as Bonnie nodded in agreement. Tyler Lockwood had a habit of sleeping with a lot of girls!
"Maybe... I still can't believe Caroline is best friends with her..." Bonnie replied, shaking her head as the two girls continued to judge pregnant Dawn.
"Yeah..." Elena trailed off but paused when she noticed Dawn herself, walking through the halls. Elena immediately assumed that Dawn was heading to the library.
The blonde was wearing a caramel skater dress. The open scoop neckline, empire seam, raglan sleeves and gently flared skirt created a feminine silhouette perfect for Dawn's hourglass figure. And although Dawn was only 13 weeks into her pregnancy, her belly had a small yet noticeable bump.
Due to the fact Dawn had been a tiny size six before getting pregnant, Dawn old clothing, most of which was currently still at her father's house, wouldn't fit.
But Dawn still didn't feel comfortable buying maternity clothing, so Dawn had gotten larger sizes in most clothing. However, Dawn did purchase a couple of pairs of comfy maternity jeans.
With her caramel dress, Dawn was wearing a golden cross necklace, a white knit cardigan and a pair of tan leather, wedged boots.
However, neither Elena or Bonnie could see Dawn's stomach, due to the thick, hardback books that were currently shielding the foetus from prying eyes.
Turning away from the blonde, Elena noticed Matt at his locker. Giving him a small smile, Elena waved at the blond football player. But the doppelgänger was met by her ex-boyfriend slamming his locker and walking away.
Glancing back at Bonnie, Elena frowned. "He hates me."
Bonnie bit her lip and attempted to comfort her best friend. "That's not hate. That's 'you dumped me, but I'm too cool to show it, but secretly I'm listening to Air Supply's greatest hits.'..." Bonnie replied, trying to crack a smile out of Elena, however Bonnie failed in that department. Elena's lips were still printed into a guilty frown.
Before Elena could reply, the bubbly blonde known as Caroline Forbes, flounced up to them, swaying her small hips as she strutted through the halls.
"Elena. Oh, my god." Elena's air supply was cut off by Caroline's restricting grip.
Pulling away from the hug, Caroline's bright orbs flickered between Bonnie and Elena. "How are you? Oh, it's so good to see you. How is she? Is she good?" Caroline chirped, a hyperactive smile on her face as she stood in front of her two close friends.
Bonnie stifled a laugh as Elena gave Caroline a small, reserved smile. "Caroline, I'm right here. And I'm fine. Thank you."
"Really?"
Elena gave the girl an unconvincing smile. "Yes. Much better."
"Oh, you poor thing." Caroline cooed, pulling Elena into another tight hug as Elena's words came out in a choked, quiet rhythm. "Okay, Caroline."
Returning to her previous stance, Caroline glanced between the two. "Have you seen Dawnie? I got distracted by talking to the cheer squad about Sadie Harrison's new disaster hairstyle and then she fled!" Caroline exclaimed, her eyebrows raising while her hands wailed in the air as Bonnie chuckled lowly.
"I think she was going to the library." Elena informed Caroline as the blonde nodded.
"Oh! Okay, see you guys later?"
"Okay! Bye!" Bonnie said, as the perky blonde nodded before fleeing down the halls, assumingly searching for Dawn. Shaking her head, Elena turned to Bonnie. "No comment."
"I'm not going to say anything."
...
Clutching the hardback books to her bump, Dawn kept her hazel eyes down as she ignored the vicious rumours and repugnant stares she received as she walked towards her first class of the day: history. Usually, Dawn loved to learn about the past but sadly, Tanner was her teacher. In a mere thirteen weeks, things had changed big time.
Before the annunciation of her pregnancy, Tanner had been relatively kind to Dawn. However, when Dawn found out she was pregnant, her attendance and grades began dropping frantically due to stress, and her father kicking her out just added a larger reason for Tanner to dislike her. Believe it or not, no one wanted to get on the wrong side of the town's only pastor. Stupid, right?
A large majority of the teachers at Mystic High had always been kind to Dawn throughout her academic involvement. But this was because the blondes head was constantly down, her grades were constantly high, her attendance was spotless.
It was rather ironic that before becoming pregnant, Dawn received the 'honourable student' award which was obviously voted for within the teaching staff. Every year the teachers would hand out awards for each grade and Dawn would constantly win the minority of the awards, which was the most embarrassing thing ever.
However due to her dropping grades and spotty attendance, Dawn was pretty sure she wouldn't win the award this year... Which wasn't really a bad thing.
Due to the behaviour of the teachers, Dawn noticed that the teachers were becoming frustrated and raged by Dawn's low effort. It also didn't help that Dawn was constantly late to class, her grades were slipping below the passing line, her attendance was low, she constantly needed to pee and she usually fell asleep at least twice in class due to her lack of sleep.
And even though Tanner did everything he could to make Dawn's life hell, he wasn't the teacher that disliked her the most. Dawn's geography teacher, Mrs Bird, absolutely despised Dawn.
Dawn had expected that the woman who was close to retirement, didn't like her due to the fact she was pregnant. The teacher wasn't able to have kids and wasn't allowed to adopt due to some health condition her husband had. And even though the woman was horrible to Dawn, the pregnant girl felt bad for the woman.
Dawnie was cut of her thoughts by the sound of gossiping students.
"She doesn't know who the father is..."
"I heard she slept with the entire population of the school."
Frowning, Dawn ignored the fake and cruel rumours. Of course Dawn knew who the father of her child was, as she had only had intercourse once.
Dawn was cut out of her thoughts by crashing into a firm, muscular body.
"I'm so sorry." Dawnie murmured as she looked up to find a handsome, muscular man.
The boy Dawn had clumsily bumped into was classically handsome, with a brooding, mysterious and intense aura. The stranger had a tanned complexion, a broad forehead, an angular jawline, deep-set, forest green eyes, a straight nose and a well-formed mouth. The strangers straight, short, dark blonde hair was handsomely gelled.
Dawn tried not to blush at the sight of him.
"It's fine."
With that reply, Dawn quickly scuttled away before the mysterious man could ask her name or introduce himself. And anyway, why would he? Who wanted to be friends with a knocked up, highly religious, preacher's daughter who had been kicked out her father's home and was sponging of her best friend and her best friend mother...
...
As Caroline surveyed the slender corridors for her timid best friend with impatient eyes, the blonde couldn't help but ponder where Dawn was. Caroline had reluctantly checked the library, only to find that Dawn wasn't in there. Caroline had sacrificed her dignity and entered the deep depths of hell. Okay, maybe the library wasn't that bad, but Caroline still didn't like the place. The small library where Dawn spent the majority of her school day, was filthy, stale and smelt like death.
Scowling, Caroline paused and looked around in confusion. Where was Dawnie?
Caroline wasn't foolish. Over a year period, Caroline had noticed the dramatic change in Dawn. At first the changes were subtle, such as the way Dawn began to socially isolate herself.
Although Dawn had never been the most social individual, Dawn began avoiding Caroline, work and even church. But that wasn't the only weird thing, Dawn also seemed more down. Also, Dawn practically avoided any type of physical contact with Caroline any more. At first, Caroline had been worried and confronted her mother. Although Dawn only had Caroline as a friend, Dawn used to speak to people while in the halls, uttering the odd hello to the other outcasts, however now Dawn didn't speak to a soul other than Caroline. But soon enough, Caroline had put it down to Dawn's pregnancy
Perhaps Dawn had been seeing some guy, which would explain her down moods. Maybe Dawn had been having an on-and-off relationship with a mystery guy. Caroline wasn't sure, but if Dawn didn't want to talk about it then Caroline wouldn't pry. Despite as much as she wanted to, Caroline wouldn't push Dawn.
…
Sat in her history class, Dawn sat at the back of the room, tapping her pen on the timber table as she tried and failed to concentrate on Tanner's speech. Sighing, Dawn raked a hand through her short blonde bob and rubbed the sleep out of her eyes.
Dawn was emotionally and physically exhausted. Last night Dawn had a late shift at the Grill and she had another one that night.
Although Liz objected to it, Dawn tried to give as much money as she could to Liz. The blonde officer was doing her a huge favour. Liz Forbes was allowing Dawn to live with a roof over her head and provided food on the table. Elizabeth Forbes was the mother Dawn never had.
But Dawn didn't give all of her tips and salary to Liz, she saved some so she could one day get an apartment of her own.
Sighing, Dawn glanced at Tanner and continued to fight off the temptation of sleeping.
"Once our home state of Virginia joined confederacy in 1861, it created a tremendous amount of tension within the state. People in Virginia's northwest region had different ideals than those from the traditional deep south. Then Virginia divided in 1863 with the northwest region joining the union." Tanner babbled on as Dawn yawned.
How could a man be so boring?!
Looking back at her notepad which had multiple doodles of hearts and faces on, Dawn stiffened when she noticed from the corner of her eye that the boy from earlier looking at her, but Stefan wasn't looking at her, no, he was looking at her stomach.
Although the room was full of dozens of healthy heartbeats, Stefan didn't miss the faint one coming from the blonde's stomach.
Tensing, Dawn looked away self-consciously as Stefan frowned guiltily.
...
Running her fingers across the grave stone of her mother, Dawn took a seat on the dry soil, not bothering that her dress would get dirty. Dirt would wash out and this was a way that Dawn was able to feel close to her mother. Perhaps it was the calming nature around her, but Dawn enjoyed visiting her mother. Unlike most teens, Dawn found the graveyard peaceful and respectable, most people found graveyards creepy, which Dawn would never understand.
Almost automatically, Dawnie's hands found their way to her stomach as she gazed at the cross shaped grave.
'Here lies Joanna Ellis. Mother, Wife and child of God.'
Tucking a loose, short strand behind her ear, Dawn shook her head. "Hi, mama." Dawn murmured.
Unlike most people, Dawn had always felt it was more difficult talking to the living rather than the dead. The dead didn't reply, they wouldn't say cruel things. But people? People were unpredictable. Even God's so called 'children' were unpredictable.
And it also didn't help that Dawn was quiet, reserved and shy, meaning she was the complete opposite of her best friend: Caroline.
Everyone in Mystic High knew who Caroline Forbes was. Dawn's best friend was one of the popular girls at school, the captain of the cheerleading squad and the girl who constantly organised school events and parties.
Beautiful and chic, Dawn's best friend was strong, determined, and much like her mother, Sheriff Elizabeth Forbes. However, despite having a confident exterior and high social prestige, Dawn knew her best friend was very insecure, neurotic and sensitive.
Caroline was beautiful with a pale complexion, big blue-green eyes and medium length blonde hair which she often wore in a variety of different styles. If Dawn tried to style her hair other than curling or French braiding, it would look like hurricane Katrina had swallowed her hair whole.
The perky yet insecure blonde has a slim, toned and athletic figure due to her cheerleading and was rather tall standing at 5'8.
In all honesty, Dawn would have done anything to trade her dull, limp honey blonde hair for Caroline's bouncy, mid-length platinum locks or Caroline's vast, vibrant blue-green orbs for Dawn's boring, hazel ones.
"Today was the first day of school." Dawn admitted, her hands still on her stomach as she closed her eyes, blocking the world out as she focused on her mother.
"Liz has taken me in ever since dad kicked me out. I tried to tell him what happened. What he did. But he didn't believe me, neither did Shelia. No one did." Dawn murmured bitterly, her eyes watering as she gingerly wiped her tears away with the sleeve of her jumper.
"They preach so hard about God, the truth and forgiveness but they didn't believe me. They just kicked me out..." Dawnie continued, rubbing her stomach gently without even realizing it.
"Sometimes... I doubt the existence of God... If God is real, why is the world full of so much suffering and injustice? Why do the good hit rock bottom while the selfish go sky high? I asked dad once... He told me God has a funny way of showing things. But I think that's an excuse..." Dawn trailed off, moving one hand off her small yet visible bump so she could rub the hard grave. Dawn's hazel eyes blinked open as she let out a sigh.
"But enough of the anti-preaching... Liz has been so good and so has Caroline. But I haven't told them who the father is. Only Caroline has asked but I told her I'd rather not talk about it. Everyone thinks I'm a... Excuse my language, mama... A slut. But I'm not. I'm sorry if your disappointed in me, mama." Dawn murmured, her hazel eyes tearing up as she let the tears course down her cheeks and drip into the soil.
But as she did this, Dawn's eyes widened when a white rose bloomed before her eyes.
Glancing up at the sky, Dawn let out a shaky breath. "Maybe you are real..." Dawn murmured, looking back at the rose as she ran her fingers across the smooth flesh of the petals.
Caw Caw!
Jumping, Dawn eyed the large black crow which was currently parked on Dawn's mothers grave. As the crow's blue eyes glared into hers, Dawn smiled and pulled her lunch box out of her bag.
As the crow gingerly eyed her movements, Dawn opened the plastic box and took out the cheese sandwich. Breaking little bits off, Dawn held the crumbs in her palms.
"Here little fella." Dawn cooed, nodding as she encouraged the crow to take the food from her palm. With quick movements, the dark crow darted forward and greedily dug into the crumbs that were currently in the palm of Dawn's hand.
As the crow gulped down the crumbs, Dawn ever so slowly moved her thumb so she could caress the birds head. However, as she did so, the bird jumped but quickly relaxed under her touch. Dawn smiled as the bird let out a strange sound, it sounded like a… Purr? Could birds purr?
Crumbling more bits off the cheese sandwich, Dawn giggled as the crow eagerly ate the bread. "I'm not sure if crows are supposed to eat cheese sandwiches..." Dawn trailed off as the bird continued to eat from Dawn's palm.
"But I'm sure you'll be fine... You're really enjoying that aren't you?" Dawn smiled, caressing the bird's silky feathers as the bird continued greedily peck up the crumbs before demanding more.
Putting more crumbs in her palm, Dawn smiled. "Liz made this for me... But my appetite isn't very high..." Dawn admitted.
Most people ate when they were depressed, stressed or anxious, however Dawn had a habit of avoiding food. But that wasn't the only reason Dawn wasn't eating much, before she had found out she was pregnant, Dawn had been a size 6. But now Dawn had a small rounding belly where her bump was growing, along with stretch marks and bigger thighs. Dawn was also hiding the fact she wasn't eating much as she knew Liz and Caroline wouldn't be happy.
As soon as the words left Dawn's mouth, the crow flew away leaving Dawn alone. Stuffing her lunchbox back in her bag, Dawn zipped the bag up and threw it over her shoulder.
"Rude." Dawn mumbled, her words playful.
Furrowing her eyebrows together, Dawn glanced at the fog that was arising around her. Jumping up, Dawn caught sight of a stiletto stood behind a tomb. As a feeling of dread overtook her, Dawn jumped up, grabbing her bag in the process.
However, due to Dawn's clumsiness, she immediately fell to the ground. As soon as she was about to land on her stomach, Dawn sighed in relief as a figure caught her and pulled her to her feet. Before Stefan could even speak, Dawn yanked herself out of his grip, her figure tense as she trembled ever so slightly. The tremble was barely noticeable, but Stefan still saw it.
As she paled, Dawn timidly glanced at the boy from earlier as her hands automatically landed on her stomach. Although Dawn hadn't been expecting to get pregnant, she was planning on keeping and caring for her child. Her step-mother Shelia, despite Shelia's Christian beliefs, suggested an abortion, which had outraged Dawn. However, when Dawn told her father about Shelia's suggestion, he didn't believe her.
But that wasn't surprising, no one ever believed Dawn.
"T-Thank you..." Dawn mumbled uncomfortably as Stefan gave her a small, supportive smile.
Although Dawn had bumped into the lean boy in the halls, Dawn hadn't noticed the aura around him. He seemed… Unnatural. Dawn hadn't noticed his strange aura in the halls earlier.
Ever since she was a child, Dawn had always been good at reading people. She saw things that others didn't, and not in a wallflower way. Dawn felt people's auras. As weird as that was.
"You okay?" Stefan asked, concerned as the girl nervously tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
"W-Were you following me?" Dawn asked, remembering the figure as Stefan's eyebrows furrowed together.
"No, I-a, uh, I-a just — I saw you fall." Stefan replied, slightly confused as Dawn flustered red. "I-I'm sorry, I just thought I saw someone." Dawn admitted, blushing as she regretted jumping to the conclusion of Stefan following her.
"I-I'm so sorry: it's the fog, its, uh, making me foggy. S-Sorry, I'm Dawn." Dawn murmured nervously, her fingers twitching anxiously as Stefan smiled.
"I'm Stefan."
"I think we, uh, have History together, right?" Dawn asked shyly, her posture tense as Stefan gave her a nod.
"And English and French." Stefan said, giving Dawn a smile as she nodded awkwardly and avoided eye contact. "Right. I have a tendency to daydream in class..." Dawn admitted sheepishly, giving Stefan an apologetic smile as he chuckled and nodded.
Pulling a leaf out of Dawn's short blonde bob, Dawn noticed the eccentric ring on his finger. The rather… Distinctive ring was silver with a large stone which Dawn assumed was… Lapis lazuli? Dawn only knew this due to her father's oh-so-interesting rock collection. Dawn knew lapis lazuli was a bright blue metamorphic rock which was mostly used in jewellery. On the lapis lazuli stone, Dawn noticed a weird symbol, perhaps a family crest of some sort, with the letter 'S' on.
"Uh thanks... Nice ring." Dawn mumbled, mentally face palming. Nice ring? What conversation was that? Dawn mentally cursed herself for being so socially awkward.
Chuckling, Stefan glanced down at the bulky ring. Looking back up, Stefan could clearly see how tense Dawn truly was. The blonde honestly looked as if she wanted to run away from him. "Oh. Um, It's a family ring, yeah. I'm kinda' stuck with it. It's weird, huh?"
Dawn shook her head, "I-I didn't mean it like that. It's different. I quite like different. Who wants to be normal, there's no fun in that?" Dawn rambled nervously as Stefan nodded in agreement.
Before Stefan could agree with her, the strong scent of an open wound hit his nose. Taking a deep breath, Stefan winced but managed to speak.
"Did you hurt yourself?" Stefan asked, frowning as Dawn shook her head.
"Oh, uh, I don't know." Dawn murmured, glancing down at her legs. A frown appeared on her lips as she glanced at the cut that was currently gushing blood. Dawn frowned, she must have scraped her knee while scrambling as Stefan caught her.
"Oh... Ew." Dawn murmured, her nose wrinkling in disgust. Dawn hated the sight of blood, it made her queasy.
As she looked back up at Stefan, Dawn raised an eyebrow to see him looking away. Taking deep breaths, Stefan ignored the scent of blood that was singing to him.
Frowning, Dawn cocked an eyebrow at him. "Um... Are you okay? Dawn asked as Stefan cleared his throat.
"You should go. Take care of that."
Glancing back at the cut, Dawn went to reply only to find Stefan had gone. "What..."
Despite her confusion, Dawn shook her head, assuming that Stefan was also not the biggest fan of blood.
...
Tying the apron around her waist, Dawn tucked a strand of hair behind her as she prepared herself to face the rowdy crowd of the Mystic Grill.
Although working at the Grill wasn't a luxurious job, it payed relatively well. But the only downside was the fact everyone in school hung out at the eccentric restaurant/bar.
It seemed like the Mystic Grill was an averages towns Starbucks, meaning it was constantly full of people. The small town bar had always been a hotspot for teenagers, young adults and couples.
The atmosphere was always loud which didn't suit Dawn. She hated the loud and noisy hangouts such as school, but as mentioned earlier, the job payed relatively well.
Sighing, Dawn pulled her t-shirt down as she tied her apron tighter so it was resting underneath her bump.
Usually, Dawn wore elbow length cardigans and skater skirt dresses rather than jeans, skirts or shirts. Dawn's style was flexible, pretty, but yet simple, meaning she was able wear her clothing through pregnancy, although Dawn did have to get larger sizes now…
Her small bump was currently being hugged by her new long sleeved, red t-shirt, the shirt had been bought by Caroline as a treat. However, Dawn's ditsy best friend had severely underestimated the size she needed and got a shirt a size too small. And Caroline being Caroline, had misplaced the receipt. But the shirt wasn't too bad, it just hugged her bump a little too much for Dawn's liking.
With her red top, Dawn was wearing a pair of maternity skinny jeans that looked like a pair of normal skinny jeans. The dark denim jeans did much for her changing figure and were very comfy. The jeans were definitely worth the money she had spent on them.
And of course, Dawn was wearing her small golden cross necklace, the necklace her mother had bought for her before she died.
Joanna Ellis had been a suspicious, conscious and deranged woman. When Joanna was alive, she would constantly speak of demons taking her daughter and had bought Dawn the necklace for protection when Dawn was still in her mother's womb. Dawn wasn't aware of her mother's previous mental state.
Dawn was also wearing a pair of tan ankle boots along with the black waist apron which she was forced to wear.
Although the Mystic Grill didn't have a strict uniform, Robert, the owner of the establishment, preferred their staff to be 'young and hip' so the restaurant would attract a trendy clientele.
Dawn was pretty sure as soon as Robert learned about her pregnancy, he'd fire her. Who would want a waddling whale working for them? And also he'd have to pay her maternity leave...
Even though she should have told her boss about the pregnancy, Dawn had hidden her bump every time the Robert was in the Grill, which wasn't often.
Sighing, Dawn pulled the small notebook out the waist apron pocket along with a yellow number two pencil that had a red eraser on the end.
Most of the staff could remember the orders off the tops of their heads. But Dawn? She had the memory of a fish. When she was studying for tests, Dawn was a whiz, but remembering meals out of the blue was difficult. Dawn was also paranoid of giving someone the wrong meal.
Dawn was snapped out of her daydream by the sound of someone clearing their throat.
Turning around, Dawn noticed Vicki Donovan, Matt Donovan's drug addict of a sister staring at her with her hands on her hips.
Dawn shook her head at the thought. Who was she to judge Vicki? Here Dawn was, pregnant and practically homeless and yet she judged Vicki for taking drugs? Dawn was as bad as the girls at school... She had no right to judge Vicki as she didn't know Vicki's situation, just like no one knew hers.
Giving Vicki a reserved smile, Dawn waited for the brunette to tell her what she wanted. "Heads up, Robert's coming in later." Vicki told the girl, as she flipped her long brown hair over her shoulder.
Dawn glanced at the Vicki's long hair. Dawn had always wanted long hair but hers practically didn't grow. Eventually Dawn just gave up and kept her waves in a short yet stylish bob.
"Thanks." Dawn murmured, giving the girl a shy smile as Vicki nodded and raised an eyebrow.
"You got any gum?" Vicki asked as Dawn patted her pockets down. When she realized she'd used all of the peppermint gum she had left, Dawn shook her head.
"No, sorry."
Vicki sighed, "Damn... I need some like, right now! Drugs cravings are so shitty." Vicki grumbled, scowling deeply as she ran a hand though her long, tangled locks.
Dawn's eyebrows raised in surprise as she debated on how to answer. "Uh... Yeah?" Dawn agreed quietly, sounding as if she was questioning herself.
Chuckling, Dawn's co-worker shook her head, a large grin on her lips. "You've never had drugs, have you, Barbie?" Vicki asked, already knowing the answer as Dawn raised an eyebrow at the strange nickname.
"Barbie?"
"Yeah, because your super pretty with your wavy blonde hair and big hazel eyes. And of course your like, perfect. -" Vicki replied, giving Dawn a dramatic eye-roll.
Dawn was surprised she hadn't been insulted. As harmless as Vicki was, she often insulted people without even releasing it.
"-And also because you can get them knocked up Barbie dolls." Vicki added as Dawn's facial expressions dropped. Vicki didn't notice this as she laughed.
Dawn spoke too soon...
As her laughing came to an end, Vicki sent the girl a toothy grin. "Anyway, Olivia is at the bar so you're doing tables." Vicki said as Dawn arched her brows.
Robert liked to be organized. He would set up a strict schedule and if you didn't follow it... Well, let's just say he wouldn't be happy.
"Has the schedule changed?" Dawn asked anxiously as Vicki shook her head.
"No, Olivia is being Olivia and wants to be the centre of attention." Vicki said, rolling her eyes as she pointed at the plump waitress who was now behind the bar.
As awful as it sounded, Vicki was right. Dawn had noticed how Olivia liked to make a scene and often, the plump waitress flirted with the drunks at the bar. The thirty-year-old acted as if she was a rebellious high school student...
"Umm. Okay." Dawn mumbled, not wanting to argue with Olivia or Vicki as she got her notepad ready.
Giving the girl another grin, Vicki nodded "I'll get my brothers table." Vicki smirked, noticing Tyler as her eyes travelled up and down his toned, muscular figure.
As Vicki skipped away to get her notepad from the kitchen, Dawn made her way towards a young mother with a one-year-old son and a new-born baby who was dressed in pink from head to toe.
But as she made her way over to small family, Dawn was stopped by a muscular arm. Seeing it was Tyler Lockwood blocking her path, Dawn raised an eyebrow and swallowed her anxiety. Dawn couldn't help but pale as her heart beat picked up. A slight tremble lingered in her fingers as she took a deep breath. She had to be strong. It couldn't happen again. After all, it was all her fault.
"Can I help you?" Dawn mumbled quietly as the smirk sprouted on Tyler's lips. Matt rolled his eyes and silently told his friend to 'knock it off'.
"Yeah... Yes, you can." Tyler replied, his eyes sliding past her slightly noticeable bump to her ass before traveling back up to Dawn's budding breasts. Although she had a small bump, Tyler noticed the girl was curvier than before, her ass was slightly larger and so were her breasts.
Dawn restrained herself from vomiting then and there. Although Dawn knew she was in a public place, it didn't stop the feelings she attempted to lock away, resurface. Matt noticed the tremble and turned to his friend.
"Dick." Matt grumbled under his breath, rolling his eyes as he punished his friend, gently in the shoulder. Tyler chuckled at this but shoved Matt's arm off his shoulder.
"Vicki wants to serve y-you." Dawn replied tensely before removing around Tyler's arm and going towards the family. This time, Tyler didn't try and stop Dawn.
"Dude!" Matt groaned as Tyler gave him a grin. "What?" Tyler replied innocently, a thick smirk on his lips as the blond rolled his eyes.
"She's pregnant, man. She has enough on her plate, she doesn't need your dumb-ass flirting with her." Matt exclaimed causing Tyler to raise an eyebrow in surprise.
"When did you start to fancy our resident teenage pregnancy, aye?" Tyler asked Matt.
Groaning, Matt shook his head. "I don't, man. I just feel bad for her... Y'know. All anybody does is spread rumours about her and her only friend is Care." Matt replied.
Tyler let out a laugh. "Yeah I'd feel bad for anyone who was best friends with Caroline!" Tyler exclaimed jokingly as Matt supressed a laugh and shook his head.
"Seriously, man. I mean... Her dad kicked her out, and he's the town pastor for Christ sake!" Matt replied but was cut off by Tyler's snide remark.
"Don't take the Lord's name in vain... My child." Tyler teased, doing a cross pattern on his chest as Matt shook his head.
Sometimes Matt wondered why he was best friends with Tyler. As much as Matt cared about his best friend, there was no denying that Tyler was a complete and utter douche.
"And her mom died nearly straight after she gave birth... I mean, it can't be easy." Matt continued as Tyler nodded in agreement.
This time Tyler didn't make a snide remark, instead his eyes glanced behind Matt as Vicki walked towards the, a plate of food in her hand as she grinned at Tyler.
Putting the plate in front of her brother, Vicki kept her eyes trained on Tyler. "Thanks, Vick." Matt said before digging into his food, not noticing how Vicki didn't even glance at him.
Looking up, Matt narrowed his eyes as he looked between Tyler and Vicki. Giving him an amorous Smile, Vicki aimed a flirtatious innuendo at Tyler.
"Do you need another refill?" Vicki grinned as Tyler smirked.
"I'd love one."
As Vicki took Tyler's glass away, Matt grimaced and looked at his best friend. "Please tell me you're not hooking up with my sister." Matt stated rather than asked. Judging from the previous encounter between Tyler and Vicki, Matt pretty much knew his best friend and sister were hooking up.
With a straight face, Tyler replied. "I'm not hooking up with your sister." Tyler replied, trying not to smirk and failing as a large, cocky smirk spread across his lips.
Grimacing, Matt shook his head. "You're such a dick."
...
As Dawn gave the family a small smile, she couldn't help but notice Vicki talking to Jeremy Gilbert in the corner of her eyebrow. Minding her own business, Dawn turned back to the family and cleared her throat.
"Hi my names Dawn and I'm your waitress, can I get you guys anything?" Dawn asked as the brunette nodded. "Yes please. George, honey, what do you want?" The mother asked the little boy as he gave his mother a toothy grin.
"Juicee!" The little boy cheered as a petite smile flooded across Dawn's previously tense features.
The mother giggled. "Ask the waitress, honey. Remembering the magic words." The mother said as she reached in her bag and brought out a bottle of milk that had gone slightly too cold.
"Juiceee, please!" The little boy said as Dawn giggled.
"Do you want orange or blackcurrant, sweetie?" Dawn asked the dark-haired child who grinned.
"Orange!"
The mother turned to her son. "The magic words."
Grinning sheepishly, the small child turned back to Dawn. "Orange juiceee, please!" He rambled as Dawn giggled and scribbled the order down.
"Cookiee!" The boy exclaimed, pouting as his mother frowned. "Honey, I haven't been payed yet, maybe another time." The woman replied as the boy frowned.
"Please." The boy begged as the mother shook her head.
"Baby, as much as I crave a slice of devil's chocolate cake, I can't afford it with the other bills." The woman tried. It wasn't easy to explain to a child that the majority of your money had to go to bills so a roof could be over their head. Clearing her throat, the woman turned back to Dawn.
"I'll just have a strong coffee, please." The mother ordered, a frown on her lips as she new-born baby began to cry. Dawn quickly scribbled the order down and looked up to see the woman, who now looked rather stressed.
Noticing her worry, Dawn frowned. "I-Is something wrong?" Dawn asked as the woman gave her an unconvincing smile.
"It's fine. The milks gone cold, but I can feed her when she gets home." The woman murmured as an idea popped into Dawn's head.
"I could put it in some hot water to warm it up in the back... I think that works anyway." Dawn mumbled as the woman's eyes lit up.
Grinning, the woman nodded. "That would be appreciated! Thank god! You're a life saver. She'd be crying through my coffee if not!" The woman said as Dawn smiled faintly.
"It's fine." Dawn shrugged as the woman passed her the bottle.
Peering at the new-born that was strapped in her car seat with a bobble hat on her small head, Dawn gave the woman a smile. "How old is she? If you don't mind me asking." Dawn mumbled, immediately feeling nosy as the woman smiled.
"It's fine, hun. She's only a week old. How far along are you?" The woman asked as Dawn visibly tensed. The woman noticed this and frowned.
"Oh god... Please don't tell me you're not pregnant because if you're not, this is the third time I've done this..." The woman trailed off with wide eyes as Dawn failed to hold back the infectious giggle.
"I am, don't worry-" Dawn mumbled as the woman let out a sigh of relief. "-I just wasn't... Planning it. I'm still in high school." Dawn admitted, waiting for the woman's cheery features turn to disgust. However, this didn't happen.
"Don't worry. Look, it may seem the end of the world if people are being cruel. But believe me. it will be worth it. When this little one pops out with a bright red face, screaming while looking like a little old man, you'll realize that the hell you went through was all worth it." The woman promised, glancing at her boy as Dawn immediately felt relaxed by the woman's words.
"My boy. I had him when I was in college. My parents were really old fashioned and didn't believe in pregnancy without marriage. They were livid, especially when I dropped out of med school to look after George." The woman admitted, running a hand through the boy's curly brown hair as he eagerly waited for his drink.
"I had no money and no family. But we did okay. Money is still tight, but we get around, don't we, huh?" The woman replied, cooing at the end as she tickled the new-borns cheek with her index finger.
"My dad is the towns preachers... He kicked me out. I've been living with my best friend." Dawn admitted as the woman's eyes softened.
"I'm sure it'll all work out for the best." The woman reassured the waitress as Dawn nodded in agreement.
"I hope so." Dawn murmured before going into the kitchen with the bottle.
As she placed the bottle in hot water, Dawn poured a drink of orange juice in a plastic cup before making the woman a coffee. After placing the orange and coffee on the tray, Dawn put some milk and sashays along with a stirrer on the tray.
Cheekily, Dawn grabbed a cookie for the small boy and a slice of chocolate cake for the woman. After pulling the bottle out of the hot water, Dawn made sure the plastic wasn't too hot before placing it back on the tray.
Walking back into the front, Dawn couldn't help but overhear Vicki talking to Jeremy.
"Yeah? What do you want me for?" Vicki snapped. Dawn frowned, she knew better than to get involved in Vicki's business. Dawn had enough stress as it is, she didn't need anymore.
Placing the tray on the table, the woman's eyebrows knotted together.
"I'm sorry, we didn't order the cake or cookie. But thank you for doing my daughters bottle." The woman smiled, pulling out her purse as Dawn shook her head.
"It's fine. And anyways, it's on me. All of your order" Dawn replied nervously as the woman's eyes widened in surprise.
"What?" The woman questioned as Dawn shrugged.
"I've been feeling down about my pregnancy and you really cheered me up. Happiness is worth much more than money." Dawn smiled as the woman smiled brightly.
"Oh hun. You're so sweet!" She exclaimed before engulfing Dawn into a hug. Dawn tensed into the hug but soon relaxed. Hugging back, Dawn noticed the small boy chomping on his cookie.
Pulling back, the woman smiled and pulled Dawn's notebook and pencil from the tray. Scribbling her name and number on a plane sheet, the woman put it back on the tray.
"My names Jeannie, if you need anything, even if you just want to talk. Call me, okay?" The woman smiled as Dawn nodded and took the number. Pushing the paper into her apron pocket, Dawn put a mental reminder up to take the number out before she left her shift.
After bidding goodbye to Jeannie, Dawn headed back to the front only to see Care and Bonnie Bennett sat at a table.
"Dawnie!" Caroline shrieked, seeing the girl as Dawn smiled.
"Hey Care." Dawn smiled and turned to Bonnie. Awkwardly, Dawn gave her a forced smile which was returned in an equally awkward manor.
Although Dawn didn't know Bonnie that well, Dawn couldn't deny how beautiful and attractive the cheerleader was. The brunette could have been classed as an exotic beauty and had an ethereal beauty aura around her. Bonnie's features were soft and gentle, giving her a somewhat delicate appearance.
Dawn had also noticed that there was something dreamy, perhaps even tranquil about Bonnie's physical appearance. The brunette had a heart-shaped face, with full cheeks and a pointed chin. She had perfectly shaped arched eyebrows which frame over her almond eyes. She had clear and soft light brown complexion with long, luxurious dark brown or soft black wavy hair. Bonnie's hair was usually styled in very tight curls and sometimes soft beach waves.
Like Dawn, Bonnie was also rather short, however Bonnie made Dawn feel tall. While Dawn was 5'4, Dawn estimated that Bonnie was around 5'2.
Pouting, Caroline cocked her head to the left. "Why do you have to work so much Dawnie? When you're not working your... Your..." Caroline paused to shudder. Bonnie raised an eyebrow at this.
"Studying!" Caroline exclaimed dramatically as she shuddered. Bonnie chuckled at this.
The perky blonde stood up and engulfed Dawn in an affectionate hug. As Caroline pulled out the hug, Dawn glanced at her clothes. The blonde was wearing a frilly purple top, a blue denim skirt with a pair of purple heels.
Caroline's clothing style was pretty girly, she mostly wore pinks, yellows and excessively bright colours which would draw attention to herself. Dawn liked how Caroline took care of her appearance, always making sure to match her hairstyle and accessories to her daily outfits. Care's accessories were usually eye-catching and consisted of large earrings, small bags, jewellery and hairbands.
And although Caroline wore vibrant colours, Caroline rarely wore blue, due to the blonde complaining that the colour blue made it seem like her clothes seemed a little too tight on her body, however Dawn thought blue looked perfectly fine on Caroline.
"Because Care, I feel bad staying at yours and not contributing to the rent." Dawn admitted as Caroline frowned. "My mom doesn't expect any money of you, Dawnie. I swear. She doesn't mind and like me, she's worried about you... All this working isn't good for you, neither of you." Caroline frowned as she looked at Dawn with sincere concern.
Bonnie frowned sympathetically at this. Maybe Elena and herself had been too harsh on Dawn...
Leaning forward, Dawn pressed a kiss to Caroline's cheek. "I feel bad Care and I don't give all the money to your mom. I'm saving up for an apartment of my own." Dawn admitted as Caroline's smile dropped.
Furrowing her brows together, Caroline frowned. "What? Why?" Caroline asked as Dawn sighed.
"When he or she is born Care, they'll be up all night screaming and soon you'll be sick at the sight of me. And I can't sponge of you and your mom forever." Dawn muttered as Caroline continued to frown.
Bonnie sat in the middle awkwardly.
"You're not sponging and as if I could get sick at the sight of you. Plus I love kids and I am like the heaviest sleeper ever! You know that!" Caroline exclaimed as Dawn nibbled on her lower lip.
"Care-" Dawn began but was cut off by Bonnie clearing her throat.
"So you were talking about Stefan." Bonnie reminded Caroline as the blonde frowned. Was Bonnie deliberately cutting Dawnie out the conversation or trying to stop Caroline from whining?
"I got to get back to work, Care. I'll see you later." Dawn murmured, waving goodbye to her best friend before scurrying into the kitchen.
Caroline sighed and turned to Bonnie. "His name is Stefan Salvatore. He lives with uncle up at the old Salvatore Boarding House. He hasn't lived here since he was a kid. Military family, so they moved around a lot. He's a Gemini, and his favourite colour is blue."
Bonnie's eyebrows raised in surprise. Caroline should be a FBI agent... "You got all of that in one day?"
Scoffing, Caroline smirked at the witch. "Oh, please, I got all that between third and fourth period. We're planning a June wedding." Caroline grinned however her grin faltered when her gaze landed on Dawn who was now putting her own money from her purse into the till.
...
Leaning over the cheap oak table, Matt furrowed his thick dark blond brows at Bonnie as he pursed his lips. Glancing at the coffee in her hand, Bonnie raised a brow as Matt's hard features morphed into ones of a concerned man.
"How's Elena doing?" Matt asked curiously.
Frowning, Bonnie took a sip of her coffee and sighed. "Her mom and dad died. How do you think? She's putting on a good face, but it's only been four months." Bonnie replied, her brown orbs sad as she thought about how much her best friend had been through.
Matt nodded. Clearing his throat, Matt swallowed his nerves. "Has she said anything about me?" Matt asked as Bonnie groaned.
Didn't Matt understand she didn't want to get in the middle of the whole Elena and Matt situation. Over the summer, Matt was constantly asking Bonnie how Elena was and Bonnie had finally thought he stopped asking. He needed to talk to Elena himself, Bonnie was not his messenger pigeon.
"Oh, no. So not getting in the middle. You pick up the phone and call her." Bonnie protested, raising an eyebrow sassily as Matt frowned.
Frustrated, Matt squared his jaw. "I feel weird calling her. She broke up with me."
Smiling sympathetically, Bonnie rested a hand on his shoulder. "Give it more time, Matt."
However, Bonnie didn't have Matt's full attention, he was currently looking at Elena, who had walked through the door with Stefan. Turning to see what Matt's gaze was, Bonnie frowned sympathetically as Matt scowled.
"More time, huh?"
Before Bonnie could reply, Matt had walked over to the two and introduced himself. The group then gathered around a table and took the opportunity to get to know Stefan. From the backroom, Dawn peered out the door to see Matt, Stefan and Elena stood by the main doors of the grill.
"Dawn!"
Turning around, Dawn found Vicki with her arms crossed. "Did you let table three go without paying?!" Vicki demanded as Dawn bit on her lower lip.
Trying to remember who had been on table three, Dawn glanced at the table to see a plate of cookie crumbs, a plate of chocolate cake crumbs along with two empty drinks, one hot and one cold. As realization flooded across Dawn's features, she glanced back at Vicki.
"I paid for them, don't worry."
Before Vicki could say anything else, Dawn reluctantly walked towards the table that consisted of Matt, Elena, Stefan, Caroline and Bonnie. Dawn also noted that Tyler Lockwood was stood nearby, playing pool with a pupil who Dawn didn't recognize.
"Can I take your guys order?" Dawn mumbled awkwardly as the table looked up. Dawn wasn't carrying any menus as she knew people from her school hung out here and often ordered mostly drinks.
As Caroline's face lit up, the blonde gave her fellow blonde a toothy grin. "Dawnie!" Giving her best friend an uncomfortable smile, Dawn gave a little wave as Elena's eyes slid down to Dawn's bump which was now noticeable.
In school Dawn had held her books of her bloated bump, but there was no use on hiding it anymore. The bump would only get bigger. And bigger... And bigger...
"So drinks?" Dawn asked as Stefan gave her a smile.
"I'll just have coffee please." Stefan said as Caroline smirked at this. The blonde had thought Stefan would order coffee, Bonnie shook her head and stifled a laugh at this.
Nodding, Dawn scribbled the order down in her notepad.
"I'll have coffee too!" Caroline grinned as she leaned closer to Dawn. "Black. Like my soul." Caroline whispered as Dawn giggled.
Elena raised an eyebrow at this. Dawn had always seemed so lonely. So sad... Elena felt a streak of guilt run through her veins as she looked at the blonde.
However, Dawn's happiness didn't last long. Her face turned to stone almost immediately when she felt Elena's eyes on her bump.
"I'll just have an orange juice." Elena said, giving Dawn a small smile as the girl nodded.
Clearing his throat, Matt rubbed the back of his neck as tension gathered in the room. "Coke please, Bonnie?" Matt asked, motioning for Bonnie to say her order as the multicolour girl shook her head.
Bonnie sighed and looked at Matt. "No thanks, I'm not thirsty." Bonnie replied, nudging her empty coffee cup forward as Dawn nodded.
Giving the table a small smile, Dawn grabbed Bonnie's empty mug before scurrying away before anyone could say anything else.
As silence gathered in the air, Caroline let out a sigh and pouted. "That's like the first time I've heard her laugh for like... Thirteen weeks!" Caroline exclaimed, sadness laced in her words as she ran a hand through her tousled blonde locks.
It seemed like Caroline was unaware of the amount of people who gossiped about Dawn. Caroline was aware that the sweet blonde was talked about due to her pregnancy and her being a 'good girl' but Caroline wasn't aware that girls such as Elena and Bonnie talked about Dawn.
Care wasn't also aware that the rest of the cheer team would gossip about the pregnant girl when Caroline wasn't in the locker rooms... But if Caroline found out, Bonnie was pretty sure Caroline would go crazy.
Sorry for any mistakes! I have pre-wrote about six chapters and will continue if anyone likes this. Thanks for reading, it is deeply appreciated. I would also just to make a quick warning that there will be some triggering subjects in the future. Also my cover Is made by the amazing itsmari-a on Wattpad. She's so sweet and I cant recommended her enough! Check her covers out as they are literally perfection! Message me and i'll send you the link to her profile.