Chapter 12

..

"If you need your answer, I want you to follow me," Dawn said, not looking at Ash while saying. Daniel placed a hand on Dawn's shoulder and sighed,"Make sure you take the right decision dear." Dawn just nodded.

Dawn turned again, moving towards the exit. Ash took a last glance at Delia who gave him a small smile, indicating to do what his heart wanted. Gary and Drew gave him a thumbs up where as Leaf mouthed,"Go for it!" May just smiled.

He saw Johanna at the verge of tears, he never wanted this to happen. He ne'er wanted to hurt the one who gave birth to the one he loved. Troy and Samantha were silent, with neutral faces. But Ash knew they trusted him and wanted him to stay happy. He left.

Once Ash was gone Johanna nearly burst out in tears. Daniel placed an assuring hand on her shoulder but she shoved him away."I won't agree for the marriage even if Dawn wants,"Johanna said sternly, shocking everyone.

"But Miss Johanna,"Troy tried to reason but Johanna cut him off,"Serena and Dawn are my daughters, I have brought them up with equal love and care. I can't ruin one's dream while trying to fulfil the other's one."

Delia wiped away her tears and apologised again,"I know what Ash did was wrong but Miss Johanna, won't you destroy Dawn's dream by not allowing her to do what she wants?" Johanna closed her eyes and with profound angst said,"Ash is your only son, how will you know? You never had to choose between your two dearest things on earth, right?"

Hearing those words, a deep sigh or rather a small whimper left Delia. Samantha quickly placed her hand on Delia's hand, sensing her weakness. Delia quietly muttered,"I know how it feels to let go of someone you gave birth to." Samantha quickly ran her hands on Delia's back, supporting her.

~o~

He found Dawn standing beside the fountain. He slowly went there and stood near her. For a minute he was quiet, silently enjoying her presence and ignoring the recent events.

When the silence became unbearable he cleared his throat, indicating his presence. Dawn didn't even stir. Sighing he placed his hand on her shoulder hoping to get some response but got none.

"Dawn," he slowly said.

"You really love me?" Dawn said, not looking at Ash. Her voice sounded broken and shaky. It was obvious that she was crying.

"Do you love me?" He slowly asked her.

"Don't turn the question on me, it is rude to ask a question without answering first," she turned to face him.

Ash was still holding her shoulder, he slowly removed it and held her hands. Bringing it closer to his heart, he placed it on his chest.

"I swear on my everything, I love you, I always will."

Dawn slowly removed her hand and turned away. She wiped away a tear which was rolling down her cheeks. She thanked God as it was night so he would not be able to see her blush due to the contact.

"Please Dawn say something."

"I love you too," she slowly managed to say. Ash wanted to hug her but stopped when she said,"but.''

''But what Dawn?" He nearly broke down again.

"I can't marry you, I really can't."

He was speechless. She said she loved him but could not marry him? His logic was defying him.

"But Dawn," he hugged her from behind, unable to control his emotions any longer. She made no physical signs of being uncomfortable or uneasy. She leaned into him, her back pressed against his chest, sending chills down both of their spine. An awkward but necessary silence enveloped them again.

"Ash, Serena is hurt. If I marry you, it will be more humiliating and insulting for her. I really love you but she is my sister and I don't want to do anything which will ruin what we have."

"Even after what she did?"

"Yes, she is a bit selfish," Ash made a face and she controlled her giggle,"Fine, a bit more selfish. But she is still my sister."

"I understand," he said trying to understand why was she being so difficult. Was she testing his limits? Wanting to see what he would do for her? If it was a test, he wanted to prove he was really worthy if her. She was worth all the trouble.

..

"What's taking them so long?" May asked a little worried. Drew placed a hand on her shoulder and flipped his hair with his other hand unknowingly. May punched him lightly on his arm and giggled,"It is nice to have my old annoying husband back." Drew narrowed his eyes and defensively said,"I will pretend I haven't heard that. And let Ash take some time. He is my brother after all, must be charming the lady!"

Leaf placed a hand on her hips and teasingly said to Gary,"You and Drew are the same, thinking yourselves to be the lady charmer type. No doubt you both are brothers!" Gary and Drew made a face where as May and Leaf high fived each other.

The light fun made the elders smile a bit. Daniel couldn't help but feel blessed and happy for Dawn. The atmosphere at Ash's house was better than he could ever provide at his home. Johanna, being sad about her daughter's loss, decided to stay with her in their car.

Troy noticed Dawn and Ash making their way to them. He signalled Samantha and others to stay quiet.

Once they were close enough, Daniel asked,"What did you decide Dawn?"

"What is there to decide? She said yes of course,"Serena said angrily, coming out if the car.

"If you would have known what type of girl Dawn really is, you would not have been able to do something that awful to her or distrust and accuse her now too,"Ash defended Dawn. Dawn couldn't help but feel warm inside. He was defending her even when she hadn't asked for it.

"Stop it Ash,"Delia warned.

"Dawn?" Johanna looked at her with soft, teary eyes,"Please, tell us your answer."

"No.."

"She is lying!" Serena almost screamed. Ash took a step towards Dawn and placed a hand on her shoulder. Serena cringed on seeing that.

"She told me she will marry me only when Serena agrees, till then, her answer is no."

Serena muttered under her breath,"Drama queen."

Delia and Samantha hugged Dawn and apologized to Daniel and Johanna. Delia bowed her head and said,"I ne'er expected this will happen. We are sorry." Daniel just smiled and Johanna gave her an okay sign.

Meanwhile Gary and Leaf bade farewell to Dawn and they left. Gary was to drop her home. Drew and May were tired too, so with goodnight wishes they left with Troy too. So, only Delia, Samantha and Ash were left to go home.

"I will see you soon,"Ash optimistically said.

"Ash, as far as I know, she will never agree for this," Dawn's voice fell. He placed a finger on her chin and lifted her face up, staring at each other's eye.

"I don't think something that awful will happen, I believe somehow and someway I will find my way back to you."

Dawn smiled a little and opened her mouth to say something. For a moment Ash thought she was going to kiss him. She softly said,"Have a good night Ash, goodbye."

She turned to leave but Ash stopped her in her tracks. He smiled and informed,"I hate goodbyes, I think they are a sign of never meeting again."

...

May be one or two more chapters before they get married! Depends on how things turn out. Serena will change once her partner will arrive(I am still deciding who),But not before doing some major blunder!

(*Spoiler alert*)

Don't worry the story won't end so soon, don't forget, Dawn is a singer and has to leave a mark in the society! Its a journey of her personal and professional life! And, guess what! I found a way to include Paul! I love him so much, I had to add him. (I love Paul but Gary is awesome too. But wait, Drew is so sexy and Ash is so cute. XD I can't decide)

I was watching Frozen (for the first time) and let me tell you, IT WAS FREAKING AWESOME! I can definitely watch it over and over again!

And *sigh* I guess life is sucking all enthusiasm from it, you know why? Because of EXAMS! Seriously, who made this to destroy a student's life?! They should be hanged till death.

I will try to update sooooon, stay tuned...

This is darkestlightofhope signing off!