FAWN 🍂 11
   In the afternoon, exactly at 5 P.M. after the school's preparation for the event.
   There are displays of historical artifacts at the school entrance, photos hanging, and documents showcasing the school's journey over the years.
   The CEO conducts presentations or talks on the school's founding, milestones, and notable alumni who have joined the school anniversary.
   The school also organises alumni reunions to reconnect former students and faculty with the school, and there are a lot of activities. Guest speakers, experts, or alumni share insights on relevant subjects.
   Food stalls feature international cuisines prepared by students and parents who introduce their cuisines.
   There are photo booths, games, or scavenger hunts for interactive fun. There's a lot going on, and we, the dance troupe, are preparing for the traditional dances. After that, there will be music and drama showcasing the diversity of the school.
   When the clock strikes 7 P.M., we quickly head to the backstage of the gym.
   "Dance troupe!!" I stand up immediately as Mr. Damian shouts. "Be ready in a few minutes!" Then he looks at me. "Don't disappoint me, Fawn." I nod at his words.
   Asher pats my shoulder. "I know you won't disappoint our school."
   A few minutes, more like 3 minutes later, we exit the backstage as the lights dim. When the music cue follows and the lights brighten, people watch before us. Different nationalities and cultures eye us as the music starts. I focus on dancing and not ruining everything I've worked hard for days. Dancing is like a comfort zone for me; it helps me ease the pain of what I went through after my parents' divorce. Life was tough when my Russian dad cheated on my mom, and yes, I changed my last name to De Los Santos after the divorce. I want to carry my mom's initial forever. Carrying my dad's initial feels like a curse. I really hated dancing when I was a kid, but I guess everything really changed as I grew up. Not everything in a person's life is permanent. What you thought was a fairytale life where people will stay and things will remain the same suddenly turns upside down one day. Your dreams are crushed in an instant. The person you trusted breaks that trust. The person I loved the most shattered me. My dad...I never forgive him. He hurt not only Mama but also me.
   But I need to be strong for Mama and Arlo. I need to prove to myself that I can finish my education without my biological dad's help. I'm the daughter he denied in front of his mistress's daughter, and I also want to show him that I don't need him in my life, our lives. I never tolerate cheating, although it's unavoidable in a relationship; it's just the kids who suffer in the situation if they are still young.
   "You nailed it, guys!! Good job!!" Mr. Damian looks proud after our performance. We're in the backstage now; I'm still catching my breath when Zev suddenly enters and hugs me. I hear my dance troupe members sigh at what Zev did.
   "You did well back there," he mumbles behind my ear.
   "What the heck? Zev, let me go. I'm sweaty, and my team is looking at me." I try to push him away, but he doesn't want to let go.
   "Hey! It's okay, girl! Just continue, we have no problem with that!"
   "I can't help but want a hug right now!"
   "We'll adjust for the two of you. We will give you guys privacy.” 
   "Let's go. We're causing a disturbance here."
   My eyes widen as my team leaves us alone with Zev. Even Mr. Damian and Asher have left. I pinch his side to finally break free from his hug.
   "Ow! What was that for?" he furrows his brow.
   "You're annoying. Aren't you ashamed of what you're doing?"
   "Why should I be ashamed? I like hugging you." He moves closer as I step back.
   "Hey! We're in school, and I'm sweaty."
   "And so?"
   "What do you mean, 'and so'? I feel embarrassed about what you're doing right now. You're crazy." I lean against the wall as he approaches me.
   "Hugging is normal, there's no malice in that, Fawn. Besides, this school is international, people are open-minded. And I like your sweat." He stops in front of me, very close.
   "Excuse me?" I raise my eyebrow at his last statement.
   A smile plays on his lips at my reaction, "I like your sweat, Liebsti. And your smell..."
   I furrow my brow at his words, "My smell? What do I smell like?" Am I smelly because of my sweat? I sniff myself.
  "Meei," he answers.
   I look up at him. "What are you saying? I don't understand you."
   He chuckles softly and pulls me closer to him. "You don't need to know." Then he kisses my forehead. "But I want you to change first. I don't want you to have skin infections."
   "Skin infections? What do you mean?"
   "Leaving sweat on the skin for an extended period can lead to skin issues."
   I can't believe what he's saying. "Are you a doctor?"
   He laughs at my comment. "You can borrow my shirt if you want."
   In the end, we leave the backstage, and I change into his T-shirt in the cubicle as I didn't have an extra shirt. I don't want to risk getting skin infections as he mentioned. It's expensive to go to the hospital now.
   "Happy?" I ask as I step out of the cubicle and find him leaning against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest.
   He glances at me, or rather stares at me. The shirt is big, but it's comfortable enough for me. I like baggy shirts, so it's no problem for me. I snap my fingers in front of his face.
   "Hey! Stop staring!"
   He stands up straight and chuckles, "I can't help but stare. Are you comfortable?" I nod in response to his question.
   "By the way, have you seen Felly?" Where could that woman be? I haven't seen her since the event started.
   "No. Do you want me to find her?" I shake my head at his question.
   "There's no need for that. Thank you for lending me your T-shirt. I'll return it to you tomorrow. I'll leave you for now; I'll just look for Felly." I didn't wait for him to respond and left immediately.
   I think I've searched every corner of the school, but I couldn't find Felly. I take a deep breath and call her number, which she answers promptly.
   "Dhai, where are you?" I ask irritably.
   "I'm at home. Why? Do you miss me?” I can hear the tease on her voice.
   "What? The event is not over yet. Why are you at home now?"
   "Did you miss me?" again she asked.
   I roll my eyes even though she can't see me. "Don't change the subject, Felizitas," I say seriously.
   I hear her deep sigh on the other line, "Lucas and Anya broke up."
   "..." I couldn't speak.
   "Anya decided to end their relationship earlier, but Lucas doesn't want to."
    "Why did you leave me here? You could've told me you're leaving." I'm not comfortable without her.
   She chuckles softly, "Sorry, dhai, but Lucas needs me now. I'll make it up to you tomorrow, promise."
   I sigh, "I understand. I'm just not used to not seeing you. Okay, make it up to me tomorrow?"
   "Luv you too, dhai."
   "Yeah, whatever." I end the call and put my phone back in my pocket.
   "Hey," I stiffen as I hear Zev's voice behind me. I quickly turn around and see him standing a few feet away from where I'm standing.
   "Have you been here the whole time?"
   "Yeah." He smiles and takes a step closer.
   "So, did you hear my conversation with Felly?"
   He nods, "I did." He then stands in front of me, "Genuine friends are hard to find these days. I'm glad you have one," he adds.
    "She's the only one I trust, Zev. With her, I can be who I am, the real me."
   "I know, don't make me jealous," he pouts.
   I chuckle softly at his remark. "There's nothing to be jealous of, besides Felly and I have been friends since kindergarten. We've been friends for so long."
   "Can you do me a favor?" he asks, and I nod. "When I'm no longer here... always listen to her."
   I am stunned by his first statement. I can be stubborn sometimes and do things my own way when Felly advises me. "You're leaving?"
   "Can you do that for me?" he asks me instead of answering my question.
   I nod slowly, but I can't shake off the thought that one day he will leave. It's like a pang in my heart that I won't see him again. He takes my hand and lifts it in front of his face. "Zev..."
   "Past or present. I always love and choose you," then he kisses my palm gently. My stomach is doing that thing again.
   "Zevadiah..." I'm out of breath.
   "Yes?" he asks while still holding my hand close to his mouth.
   "Don't make me fall. Please, just stop. I'm going crazy with what you're doing to me."
   I glare at him as he laughs at my words, "My charms are working, that's good."
   I try to pull back my hand from his grip, but he tightens his hold even more. "What charms are you talking about? And let go of my hand." I gasp when he grabs my waist with his free hand and pulls me close to him. His grip on my waist is so firm that I can't move. "Zev, what are you doing! We're in an open space."
   "Don't mind the people watching, Liebsti. I want to spend my days with you this close. I want to remember everything about you," he whispers and buries his head in my neck. "I want to stay here with you so bad, but I don't know if this mission will be successful before I run out of time."
   I don't know what to say... I'm at a loss for words to say.