DISCLAIMER: Sadly, I am not fortunate enough to own Degrassi or any of its components.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: The "poem" that Ellie writes in this chapter is really an unreleased song by Evanescence entitled "Before the Dawn," which is what this fic is named after. I do not own it whatsoever. Your best bet of finding the song would be on YouTube or a free music-sharing site, as it is very rare.
Ellie and Ashley were sitting in the Degrassi cafeteria a week from the Friday night that Ellie and Paige's parents found out - their one month anniversary. When Ellie had woken up the morning after the fight with her parents, her phone was gone and parental controls were set on her e-mail. She was also grounded from everything but school. Paige's mom had developed a zombie-like demeanor, coming alive only when the phone rang, wondering if it was Ellie. The two were not out at school and had none of the same classes, so the most contact they were able to have was a few short words in the hall and maybe a quick hug.
A few days before, Ellie told Ashley everything that had happened. Ashley was completely supportive, albeit a bit surprised, but still behind Ellie all the way, which was a definite comfort in her time of need. But nonetheless, all Ellie wanted to do was fall into Paige's arms and have her kiss all the pain away.
Ellie poked at her salad with a fork, not hungry for it. Ashley put her hand on Ellie's shoulder.
"Ellie, will you please eat something?" Ashley asked concerned.
"I'm not hungry," Ellie replied quickly.
Ashley sighed, wanting to be able to do something for her friend. "Well, I told my mom what's been going on, and she says although she wishes she could, she can't lie to your parents about where you are. But, she did say she wouldn't have a problem with you and Paige both coming over and spending some time at my house. Just after this weekend, because we have a ton of family staying with us."
Ellie smile, grateful of how willing Ashley was to help make this work. "Ashley, you're amazing. Thank you."
The two smiled as Ellie began to pick at some of her salad.
In between the next set of classes, Paige opened her locker to find something taped to the inside door. It read:
Before
the Dawn
Written by: E. Nash
Meet
me after dark again
And I'll hold you
I want nothing more
than to see you there
And
maybe tonight
We'll fly so far away
We'll be lost before
the dawn
If
only night could hold you where
I can see you, my love
And let
me never, ever wake again
And
maybe tonight
We'll fly so far away
We'll be lost before
the dawn
Meet
me at the park tonight… same time, same place… I miss you so
much… Love, Ellie
P.S. Happy one-month anniversary.
Paige's eyes slightly misted as she read Ellie's poem, when Hazel came up behind her, surprising her.
"Hey! What are you reading?" Hazel asked, leaning over Paige's shoulder.
Paige quickly crinkled up the poem into a ball and put in her pocket. "Just a bad homework grade. You still need a ride home today?"
"Yeah, that'd be great, thanks. But I'm going to be late for Simpson if I don't hurry. Ciao." Hazel quickly exited down the hall.
Once the coast was clear, Paige took the note from her pocket and did her best to smooth all the rips and folds. She kept reciting Ellie's words in her head until the end of the day until she got home, anxiously counting the hours down until 8:00.
