Welcome to New Haven

by Dawn Doyle

  Dev was chuckling and Alex saw her biting her lip to keep herself from laughing out loud. He knew why Holly was reacting that way. He knew the feeling all too well.

  “Since it’s party season, well a lot of parties have been happening, the subject today is alcohol!” said the teacher.

  There were a lot of ‘woo!’ and ‘Yeah!’ comments around the class.

  “Now, you all know the legal age for alcohol. Buying and consumption, here in the US is twenty one. In most countries, it’s eighteen. In Germany, however, it’s fourteen. In some eastern countries, all alcohol is illegal. Who here thinks that the age limit, for the states should be lowered?”

  Most of the hands raised.

  “Any specific reasons?”

  “Cops can’t bust us at parties?” Said a guy in the middle row. That got him a ‘hell yeah’ and some laughs.

  “We can get hammered all of the time.” Said Stacey with a sickly purr.

  “Don’t you mean nailed?” Said another guy.

  “Apparently people need to be hammered to nail her.” Holly said in a low voice.

  Everyone in the class, apart from Stacey, burst out laughing.

  Including Alex.

  He turned to look at Holly and laughed again.

  “You’re just jealous you fucking wallflower.” Said Stacey.

  “Oooooh.” Said the students. Obviously happy that there was going to be more drama.

  Alex’s eyes turned hatefully to Stacey.

  “Oh!” Holly sniffed. “Your words hurt so much!” She said in a mock cry whilst twisting her hands in front of her cheeks, wiping away imaginary tears. The class laughed again, at Stacey’s expense.

  “Boring British bitch.” Spat Stacey. “I bet the only stiff thing you’ll ever get is your upper lip.”

  All eyes turned to Holly. She looked at Alex who was exhuming hatred towards Stacey. As soon as he turned to Holly, his expression softened and seemed to be full of…adoration?

  “Oh really? Whatever helps you sleep at night.” Holly said menacingly.

  “Ok pipe down, people.” Said the teacher. “Let’s carry on with the subject shall we?”

  As the teacher’s back was turned, Alex send a text to Holly.

  A: You’re pretty amazing babe.

  H: You’re not too bad yourself…babe.

  A: Did you just call me babe? :o

  Alex chuckled as he repeated Holly’s question to him.

  H: Yes. Yes I did. XD

  A: Awesome. :) X

  He glanced back…yes, there was the blush. Holly put her hands over her face. Stacey was staring at Alex. He thought he saw something else. Something…unhinged.

  “You’re mine.” She growled.

  “Fuck you.” He replied.

  “With pleasure.” She said with a sly smile as she began to open her legs under her desk. Alex turned away from her before she could go any further.

  The teacher carried on talking at the front. Explaining the alcohol and driving ages in the states. He was saying that there were five and a half years between them so ‘technically’ drink driving shouldn’t be an issue. But of course…it is.

  “In some countries, like England for instance…” He said as he gestured to Holly. The minimum alcohol age is eighteen, and the driving age is seventeen. Only one year difference. I’m not familiar with all of the laws as they have changed somewhat. Holly…”

  Her stomach rolled as the teacher said her name.

  “…Do you know any of the restrictions?”

  Everybody turned to her and she felt uncomfortable being the centre of attention. Dealing with Stacey was one thing, but the solo spotlight was terrifying.

  “Um…well…in supermarkets and off licenses, they have to ask for ID if the customer looks below twenty-five years old. Um…It’s still eighteen in pubs and clubs though.” Holly blew out a breath as she got through her ‘moment’.

  “Thanks, Holly, that’s helpful.” Said the teacher with a smile.

  “Yeah, like she ever drinks. She’s probably a ‘miss-goody-two-shoes’ who waits until she’s legal to do anything.”

  “Shut up Stacey.” Growled Alex.

  Stacey snorted.

  “She probably wouldn’t even sniff a drink incase she was over the limit and killed someone.”

  “Shut your fuckin mouth!” Holly screamed as she stood up.

  “Shit!” someone said from the front.

  “What the fuck do you know? Drink driving isn’t a fuckin’ joke; you whore!”

  “Holly!” shouted the teacher in surprise. “Calm down! Sit in your seat, Stacey…outside.”

  “But she’s the one who cursed!” she pleaded.

  “You’re the one who started it. Now, out.” Stacey left with a huff.

  Alex rushed to Holly’s side. Tears were falling down her cheeks, and she was shaking like a leaf in anger. Alex pulled her to him and held her tight.

  “It’s ok, it’s ok. Sit down.” He said as he pulled back to wipe her tears.

  “I’m guessing you have personal experience.” Said the teacher quietly. Holly nodded as she sat down. “I’m so sorry to hear that. Even so, I can’t have that language in here.” He said softly.

  “Sorry.” Holly muttered.

  She wasn’t sorry. Far from it. She was only sorry that she hadn’t punched Stacey.

  Alex was crouched next to her, holding her hand. His other hand on the back of her chair. Dev held Holly’s other hand in both of hers.

  “What happened?” asked a girl from the middle row.

  “None of your business.” Said Dev.

  “It’s ok Dev.” Said Holly.

  The silence in the room was deathly as everybody stared in shock at Holly.

  “I think we’ve had enough of this subject.” The teacher spoke up, bringing the attention of the other students back to him.

  “Class dismissed.” Nobody cheered that they were leaving early. They just picked up their things and left.

  “Sir. If I see her right now, I’ll hit her.” Holly said. She knew she would. Stacey would probably say something to anger her again, and Holly wouldn’t be able to stop herself from lashing out.

  “Ok. Stay here until I’ve escorted her away.” The teacher left, leaving the group alone. They hadn’t left and looked like they weren’t going to, without Holly.

  Alex stroked his thumb over her hand as he watched her face. Just him being there had Holly’s heart swelling.

  “My Dad was killed by a drunk driver.” Holly said suddenly. She’d told Dev already, about the drunk driver, and the others knew her Dad had died, but she hadn’t elaborated. She hadn’t spoken about the details of the accident since it happened.

  “Oh, sweetie that’s awful! I’m so sorry!” Said Kayla. Alex lifted his hand from Holly’s chair to her shoulder, and she felt the heat, from his touch, warming her.

  “When I was nine…” she began “…me and my Dad went to the cinema at the big estate a few miles from where we lived. There were a few large shops, cafe’s and a pub restaurant. As we were walking back to the car, a girl came out of the pub and got into her car. As she started to drive away, she lost control of the car, hit the corner of the pavement and headed right for us. My Dad pushed me out of the way. He was killed instantly. The driver got out of the car, and she was drunk. She’d just been celebrating her eighteenth birthday.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Alex whispered next to her. His hand rubbing her shoulder and the other holding her hand. Dev, Riss and Kayla all hugged Holly, pulling her from Alex.

  “Oh honey, we’re so sorry that happened!”

  “It’s ok. It was a long time ago.” Holly said. “That…bitch just made me lose it.”

  Ben, Ryan and Kyle waited for them to start moving. Alex was about to walk behind Holly when she took his hand and pulled him alongside her, and he squeezed, smiling at her. He’d rushed to her side when she’d freaked out, and she wasn’t about to leave him behind.

  Or ever.


  “Guys it’s fine…and thanks.” She said as Ben was about to say something.

  “Damn girl.” Said Ryan as he shook his head.

  “Holy shit.” Said Ben as they walked to the parking lot in silence.

  The girls hugged goodbye and left.

  “Catch you later Alex.” Said Ben as he waved. He’d arrived in his own car that day which left Alex and Dev riding home together.

  “Cool.” He still had a hold of Holly’s hand as they walked to Holly’s car.

  “Can I text you later?” He asked as he turned to face her.

  Holly lost her voice for a second as she looked into his amazing brown eyes. She chewed on her lower lip until she saw him smirk a little. Holly smiled shyly and looked down, before glancing to Dev who was looking between them as if she were waiting for something.

  “It’s still early. You could both come to my house.” She said.

  Holly had made sure to say ‘both’. She didn’t want to leave Alex, but she didn’t feel quite brave enough to be alone with him.

  “Really?” He asked with a grin. Dev beamed.

  “Yeah, really.”

  “We’ll follow you.” Said Dev as she pulled on Alex’s arm. “See you there Hol.”

  “Will you be ok?” Alex asked before Dev could drag him to the car.

  “Definitely.” Holly replied. Which had nothing to do with the horrible class they’d just been in.

  Alex and Dev pulled up into the driveway behind Holly as she put her car into the garage. Alex was nervous. He’d never been to Holly’s house and he wondered if anybody were home.

  Is her Mom home? Her Step-Dad? Will they like me?

  “Alex, you look worried there.” Said Dev as they got out of the car.

  Holly turned to him.

  “What are you worried about?” She said with a slight frown, showing concern.

  “Nothing.” He said quickly with a shrug of his shoulder.

  Dev raised an eyebrow at him.

  “Ok, maybe a little.”

  “Why?” asked Holly.

  “I’m worried your Mom won’t like me.” Holly smiled in amusement. “You’ll be fine.” She said as they walked to the door.

  “How do you know?” He asked, getting more nervous the closer they got. “She might tell me to get out.”

  The girls looked at each other in confusion.

  “I think after last weekend, her Mom’ll love you.” Chuckled Dev.

  The pool ‘incident’. Of course. He’d pulled Holly out of the water after Ryan had thrown her in. He supposed her Mom may be kinder to him knowing that.

  “You’ll be fine.” Holly said again and opened the front door.

  They walked through to the kitchen were Holly’s Mom was making coffee. Holly looked a little like her Mom, but her sister, Emily looked more like her Dad.

  “Hiya Mum.” Holly said.

  “Hiya love, you’re early.” She said as she hugged her.

  “The teacher let us get off earlier today."

  “Hiya Dev.” Said Kim.

  “Hi Kim.”

  Kim looked right at Alex and looked him over, making him feel a little uncomfortable. But not for the usual reasons. He felt like he was being judged in some way.

  “Mum, this is Alex. Alex, my Mum, Kim.”

  “Nice to meet you Mrs. Charles.” He said nervously. Kim smiled slowly.

  “Call me Kim.” She said. “So, Alex, you’re the one who saved my baby girl?” she asked, leaning against the counter with her hip.

  “Uh…yeah.”

  She’s now going to warn me away.

  “Thank you.” She said, still looking at him.

  “No problem.” He said, and he swallowed the lump in his throat. Alex was waiting for, ‘but you need to stay away from her’. It never came. Instead, Kim turned to Holly and whispered something in her ear. Holly’s eyes widened as her eyes snapped to her Mom in surprise.

  “Mum!” She said, to which Kim winked and chuckled.

  “Anybody like a drink?” Kim asked as she turned her attention back to him and Dev.

  “No thanks Kim.” Dev said as she rested her elbows against the counter like she was used to being there. She was, of course.

  “No thank you.” Alex said. He looked at Holly and saw that her cheeks were still flushed from whatever her Mom had said to her.

  “Ok then, I’ll leave you lot alone. See you in a bit, love.” She said to Holly as she walked over to the lounge area.

  Kim sat on one of the two large sofas that faced a diagonal corner of the room, in front of a TV.

  “Let’s go outside.” Said Holly as she led them to a set of double doors on the other side of the kitchen, by the dining area.

  “Yeah!” Said Dev, excitedly. “Alex, their garden is soooo pretty. Remember I told you? Well wait till you see it.” Dev gushed.

  “Wow!” Alex was stunned when they walked through the doors.

  The garden looked as though it had been done professionally. Dev had told him that Holly’s Dad had been a professional landscape gardener and she’d learned a lot, but he hadn’t expected anything like he had just walked into.

  The covered seating area, surrounded by flowers and bushes. There looked to be some young trees freshly planted. A greenhouse to the right that had some plants inside.

  He looked to the left and saw the arched pathway that Dev had talked so much about, with the twinkling lights and climbing plants. There was a bench through there, but he couldn’t see from where he was standing.

  Privacy. We could go in there…

  He had images of kissing Holly out of the view of everybody entering his mind.

  He saw the rockery ahead, with lots of different daffodils and tulips among other things.

  “This looks incredible.” He said in awe.

  “Thanks.” Holly said shyly.

  “What did your Mom say to you?” asked Dev as they walked further into the garden and out of earshot.

  “I don’t think I should repeat it.” She said as she glanced at Alex. He had a feeling it was about him.

  “Was it bad?” asked Dev.

  “Erm…from a parents’ view…I guess.”

  “Well that’s not cryptic.” Said Dev sarcastically.

  Holly shook her head.

  “Over here.” She said as she led them to the greenhouse.

  Holly showed them some tulip-peony hybrids that she’d grown.

  She told them about how it took between five and eight years before plants are big enough to flower, when grown from seed.

  “So you’ve been growing these for years? Alex asked.

  “The tulips outside…” she pointed to the rockery “…are grown from seeds from the last flowers my Dad cross-pollinated. These here, are the first seeds of those plants. The daffodils were our favourites though.”

  “Wow” both Alex and Dev said.

  Alex understood Holly’s mood in A.Bio when they were given the flowers.

  “You did all of this…by yourself?” He asked as he gestured around with his hand.

  “Yeah, pretty much.” Said Holly. “Oli helped with some heavy stuff though.” She looked a little embarrassed, and Alex didn’t understand why. Everything was so incredible he couldn’t even begin to think how good it was.

  “Isn’t it awesome?” asked Dev ask she looked around.

  “Yeah it is.” He said, but his eyes didn’t leave Holly’s, and she blushed.

  “This is my Dads” Holly said quietly as she showed Alex the rockery. He noticed the name plaque.

  ‘James Edwards. 12th Sept 1962 - 12th April 2004’

  “His ashes are inside, behind the plaque.” Holly said and looked to Alex as if waiting for a reaction.

  “That’s great what you’ve done for him.” He said as he smiled.

  “You’re not creeped out?” She asked, looking relieved.

  “No.” He said with a chuckle. “I couldn’t move some place without my Dad either.” He said as he took he
r hand. “I bet your Dad’s really proud of you.” He said gently.

  “I hope so.” Holly said as she looked at the plaque.

  “Yeah he is.” Said Dev. “But, remember, you need to be careful with your skills.”

  “Why?”

  “Because our Mom will have you over in our garden, like, all of the time.” She said as she rolled her eyes and Holly giggled.

  “She’s not kidding.” Said Alex. “We’d have to smuggle you out.”

  “Ok, well, enough of being depressed. Let’s go inside.” Said Holly and turned to go back.

  Alex kept hold of her hand, and Holly was bursting; she was so happy. Alex liked the garden and hadn’t been creeped out that she kept her Dad’s ashes in the rockery.

  He’s so perfect.

  Alex suddenly dropped her hand when they walked through the door. Oli was standing in the kitchen and he’d been watching from the window.

  “Oh, Hi Dad.” She said as she realised why Alex had let go.

  “Hi sweetheart.” He said as he kissed the top of her head. “Hi Dev.”

  “Hey Oli.” Dev replied.

  “And you must be Alex.”

  “Nice to meet you Mr. Charles.”

  Holly saw that he was just as nervous with her Dad as with her Mum. Oli held his hand out and Alex took it. They shook as Oli said…

  “Call me Oli. I believe we have you to thank for helping our girl.”

  “It was no problem.” Oli looked between Holly and Alex, then winked at Kim who was sitting on the couch.

  Oh no

  “I just want to tell you one thing.” He said.

  “What?” asked Holly.

  “You’re Mom and me, are too young to be grandparents.”

  “Dad!” squealed Holly.

  Alex was shocked and Dev was laughing behind her hand.

  “That’s what I said!” laughed Kim.