Welcome to New Haven

by Dawn Doyle

  “Where the fuck are you going?” she shouted.

  “I’m done, Stace. You’ve gone too far. You need help.”

  At that moment Mrs Carter, along with two security guards, entered the room.

  “I’m not the one that needs help. She is!” Stacey growled as she pointed at Holly. “When he’s done with you, he’ll come crawling to me. And, when he does, I’m going to take my time getting rid of everything you ever were to him.”

  Holly, again, tried to attack Stacey. But Alex held her back.

  “Don’t you ever speak to Holly again.” He said menacingly. “You have problems. Stay away from Holly, stay away from Dev and stay away from me.”

  “Or what?” She asked, folding her arms.

  “I’ll have a restraining order against you.”

  “Ha! Like that’ll happen.” Stacey said with a grin saying that wouldn’t work. “You know you want me Alex. You’re just using her until you’re ready for me.”

  Holly gritted her teeth.

  “Are you seriously hearing yourself?” Alex asked, raising his voice.

  “You know it’s true.” Stacey replied, flicking her hair back.

  “Go get help, Stacey.” Said Dev. “You’ve gone completely crazy.”

  “I’m not crazy!” she screamed. The security guards approached.

  “Miss Scutter, you need to calm down.” They said.

  “No! I’m not crazy! He’s mine, and I will have him! You’ll see. And when I do, you’ll be fucking sorry!” The security guards each took Stacey by the arms.

  “You need to leave miss.” One of them said.

  “No. I’m not leaving! You can’t make me!” she shouted.

  “Yes we can.” Said the other one.

  “You’re leaving now. They led Stacey out, and they could hear her screaming profanities down the hallway. Alex cupped Holly’s face.

  “Are you ok?” He asked gently.

  “Yeah…I just wanted to kick the crap out of her.”

  “I know. If you did though, those guards would’ve been coming for you and I’m not going to let that happen.”

  “How did you know what was happening?”

  Alex had appeared when Dev had said Holly was his girlfriend. He’d agreed! Holly was a little stunned at that.

  “I sent him a text.” Said Dev. “Stacey looked unhinged and I knew you’d punch her."

  Holly nodded in agreement.

  “I’m glad you did.” Holly said. “She does my head in.” Holly rubbed her forehead and took a deep breath in frustration, and Alex pulled her in for a hug.

  “She’s gone now.” He said, and he took her hand.

  “Hopefully for good.” Said Dev.

  Mrs. Carter came back in, after escorting Stacey with the security guards.

  “Settle down now please.” She said.

  “What’s gonna happen to her?” asked one of the students.

  “Stacey Scutter has been suspended. There were cheers and claps with the news. “Ok, Ok.” She said, gesturing for the class to calm down and sit down. “Just to remind all of you…that behaviour will not be tolerated in this school.”

  The bell sounded for first lesson.

  “Holly, Devon, Alex… Can I see you for a moment?” All of the students left the classroom and the three were remaining with Mrs. Carter.

  “Alex. This isn’t your homeroom. However, considering the circumstances, I understand your presence.”

  “Miss, I told him that Stacey was causing Holly problems. That’s why he came here. He was in his own room at the time.” Said Dev.

  “Thank you, Devon. Now, Alex. I realise that Stacey has developed quite the unhealthy obsession with you.”

  Holly’s jaw clenched, and Alex’s face was in a fierce scowl.

  “I think you should put in a complaint about her. That way we can do our best to move her from your classes. Would you like to do that?” Mrs. Carter asked.

  “I already did…a few times.” Alex said with no hesitation. “I don’t want her near Holly or Dev. I don’t want them to get into trouble if she pushes them too far again.”

  “Girls, you need to file complaints for that to happen.”

  “That’s fine by me.” Said Holly and Alex squeezed her hand.

  “Me too.” Said Dev.

  “I picked these up from the Principal’s office in hindsight.” Mrs. Carter said as she gave them to the girls.

  “Ok, now you need to get to class.”

  The teacher had already been told that they'd been kept back, so nothing was said. A few students whispered.

  “What happened dude?” Ben asked as Alex took his seat next to him.

  “A shit storm.” Alex replied. “I’ll tell you after class.”

  At the end of the lesson, Alex waited at the front for Holly. He smiled and held his hand out for her. Ryan and Kyle walked towards them as they got into the hallway.

  “Oh. I forgot.” Said Holly.

  “What’d you forget?” Alex asked. “I’m helping Ryan with something for free period.” She said as she put her hand across her forehead.

  Alex was disappointed that she would be leaving him so soon.

  “I promised him, on Wednesday.” She said.

  “What is it?” He asked, a little concerned.

  “It’s good.” She said, grinning.

  “Can you tell me?” Holly looked around.

  “Can you keep a secret?”

  “You know I can.” He said with a knowing smirk.

  Holly stood on her tiptoes to whisper into his ear. As she did, his whole body flexed as her warm breath blew across his ear and his pants tightened in the groin area.

  As Holly dropped back down, Alex was staring at her and he licked his lips. He leaned forward and kissed her. Holly placed her soft hand on his cheek as he pulled her towards him by her waist. He gently licked into her mouth, tasting her. He couldn’t help himself. Just a whisper from her had him wound tightly.

  “Holy shit!” Said Kyle.

  The guys hadn’t seen their morning show scene, but they’d heard about it.

  “Oh my eyes…my beautiful eyes!” Said Ryan,

  “Break it up you two before someone catches fire.” Chuckled Ben.

  As they parted, Holly’s legs had turned to Jelly.

  “I think you need to hold her up; Alex” Said Kyle. “She looks a little unstable.”

  Holly’s face reddened.

  “Oh shush.” She said.

  “Ready to go?” Ryan asked. They were putting their plan into action today, so she really had to go.

  “No. But I’ll go anyway.” She said, clearly not wanting to leave Alex’s side. “I’ll see you in a bit.” Holly said to Alex and gave him a quick, yet gentle, kiss.

  “Ok.” He said, reluctantly releasing her. “Be careful.”

  “I will.” She said, and off they went.

  “So what happened in HR?” Ben asked.

  “Stacey lost it.” Said Alex and he told Ben everything that he’s seen and heard when he’d walked in.

  “You need to get that restraining order, man.” Said Ben. “She’s dangerous. How can she possibly think you would ever want her?” He said, clearly irritated by Stacey’s obsession with his best friend.

  “I have no idea.” Said Alex. “She keeps saying that I’ll be done with Holly and then go to her. It’s the way she’s saying it that actually scares me. Like she’s going to so something to Holly.”

  “Well, you’re going to be seeing more of each other now, so you’ll know if she tries anything. Ben tried to reassure him.

  “Yeah, I guess, but when Holly’s at home or anywhere by herself.” Alex felt sick. The thought of leaving Holly…in danger…

  “Man, you’ve turned white. Are you ok?”

  “If she does anything to Holly I’ll never forgive myself.” Alex said, images of Stacey’s crazy contorted face laughing at Holly. “I don’t know what I’d do Ben. I can’t let anything happen to her.”
/>   “We’ll all keep a watch out for anything, you know that.”

  “I know. Thanks” Alex took a deep breath to calm himself down. He wouldn’t let anything happen to Holly. She was his, and nobody was going to change that.

  “So…” Said Ben.

  “How did Holly react when you agreed she was your girlfriend?” He asked grinning.

  “Actually, I don’t know. I was behind her when I said it, and she just turned around when she heard me. Do you think she’ll be mad?”

  “She didn’t look mad to me.” Said Ben, “After what you told me last night, I think it’s kind of a given that you’re together. I mean, everybody saw you staring at each other. I’m just surprised you didn’t notice it sooner.” He finished.

  “I was a bit blind to that.”

  “It always easier to see things when you’re on the outside.”

  Alex’s phone beeped, cutting the conversation.

  H: Hey babe. ;) We’re done.

  A: We’re outside by the big oak tree.

  H: On our way. X

  By the grin on Alex’s face, Ben wouldn’t need to ask who it was.

  “All done?” He asked instead.

  “Yep. She’s on her way.” Alex had butterflies in his stomach as he waited, excitedly for his girl.

  My girl.

  Holly and Ryan appeared, and Alex held his hand out for Holly. She took it and sat next to him. They leaned together for a kiss.

  “Is this what we’re going to be subjected to from now on? Asked Ben.

  “Yes.” Holly replied,

  “Dude, you don’t have to watch.” Said Alex.

  “I can’t help it…you’re right there!” He said with his hands out, gesturing to where they were sitting. Holly and Alex laughed before sharing another kiss.

  “Somebody help me!” Said Ben in a mock plea.

  Walking to Business class, or ‘Bus’ class, They noticed some writing on the dry wipe board in the hallway.

  ‘Marissa Kennedy is beautiful’ it read.

  “Hey look at that.” Said Ben as he pointed. Holly looked up at Alex and smiled.

  “Is this the beginning? He whispered, and Holly nodded her head. Ryan looked a little pink as he walked, head down. As they got into class, the other students were talking.

  “Who wrote that?” somebody asked Riss.

  “I don’t know!” She said as if repeating herself again.

  “Hi!” Said Holly as she took her seat.

  “Riss has got an admirer.” Said Dev with a wink.

  “I wonder who did it?” asked Kayla.

  “I don’t know.” Said Riss, again. Then, she smiled. “It’s nice though, that somebody did that. Well, as long as they’re not creepy.”

  “Yeah” they said.

  Alex turned and winked at Holly. She blew him a kiss and he grinned, before turning back to the front.

  “God he’s so sexy.” She sighed.

  Everybody seemed to freeze and turn to her. Alex turned, slowly.

  “Did I say that out loud?!” Holly asked, horrified.

  “A little bit.” Said Dev, stifling a laugh.

  Holly looked to Alex who was looking at her in surprise. She put her hands over her face in embarrassment.

  Her phone vibrated.

  A: I’m glad you think so. ;)

  H: Sorry! My inner voice apologises also. *0.0*

  A: No need. You’re pretty damn sexy yourself. ;)

  Alex turned around for her reaction. Holly’s cheeks were flaming, and she had her lower lip pulled between her teeth. She now knew Alex liked it when she did that. He would stare at her mouth like he wanted a taste…

  The teacher walked in, and Alex grinned and winked before turning back.

  “Ok let’s get started.” The teacher said as he rolled down the board.

  “Awww.” Said a few girls. On the board, it read:

  ‘Marissa Kennedy has a beautiful smile.’

  Everyone turned to Riss who had her mouth open in surprise.

  “Well I see someone wants to send a message.” Said the teacher with a smile and a quick glance to Riss. “Now let’s get back to work.”

  Roughly twenty minutes later, Mr. Benson, the A.Bio teacher, walked in.

  “Sorry for the interruption. I just need a minute if that’s ok.”

  “Of course.” Said the teacher and gestured to the room.

  “It has come to my attention that messages have been written for a certain student.” All eyes went to Riss. “Well there’s a message I’ve been asked to share.” Eyes went back to Mr. Benson. “Marissa Kennedy had beautiful hair.” Riss’ eyes widened, again.

  “Oh my God!”

  “That is all.” He said as he turned his back to the class to thank the teacher. There was a note taped to his back. It read:

  ‘and an amazing laugh.’

  Holly noticed the recognition on Riss’ face.

  “Do you know who it is?” asked Holly

  “I have an idea but I don’t want to say, incase I’m wrong.”

  “So, moving on…” Said the teacher as if nothing had happened.

  After the class ended, Holly walked to Alex and he took her hand. As they walked out, they stayed behind the rest of the group.

  “Are there anymore?” He whispered. She smiled and nodded.

  “Do you like that sort of thing? He asked. Thinking maybe he should have done something like that for Holly. Although, she didn’t seem the type to want grand gestures where everyone was involved.

  “Goodness no!” She said immediately. “Oh no. I would be horrified. Riss likes that stuff, but it’s not a personal choice for me.

  “So you don’t want me to shout out anything to you in the middle of class?” Alex tried not to smile, but failed, as he referred to Holly’s outburst.

  “No, don’t!” She said. “And I didn’t mean to say that before. It just…slipped out.”

  Alex put his arm around her shoulder in a side hug. He could see her blushing. He chuckled and leaned in speaking in a low tone so only she could hear.

  “Creo que eres increíblemente sexy. Quiero besar tus labios todo el día.”

  Holly melted inside. She was already on the brink of combustion, and Alex almost sent her over the edge.

  “Oh. My. God.” She said in a breathy voice. “What did you just say?”

  Alex grinned.

  “What did you understand?”

  “I heard three words…Sexy, kiss and day.” She swallowed hard.

  Alex grinned again.

  “What did you say? He leant in to whisper in her ear.

  “Use your translator.” He said, and then dropped his arm to take her hand.

  Holly’s stomach flipped, and her parts were tingling. He’d turned her on so much with only a whisper. Holly closed her eyes and slowly opened them.

  “Are you ok?” He asked.

  “Mhmm.” Was all Holly could manage as she flushed. Her breathing heavier.

  As they neared the cafeteria, there was a message on the door.

  ‘Marissa Kennedy is sexy.’

  ‘Wooooh!’ Came from the hallway.

  “Another one!” shouted Kayla. “This is exciting.”

  Riss and Kayla were really alike in their tastes. There was a message on the specials board that had the ‘special of the day’

  ‘A date with Marissa Kennedy.’

  “Oh my God!” squealed Riss when she got close enough to see it.

  Holly couldn’t wait for the end part. She was nervous and excited for Riss. Once they’d paid for lunch and were about to walk outside.

  “Do you know who it is?” asked Ben.

  “How would I know?” Said Dev.

  Ben and Dev seemed to be having a deep conversation, and Holly nudged Alex.

  “Because, you seem to know everything.” He replied.

  “Well not this time.” She said.

  “Damn. Who does?”

  They were so alike. Alex was chuckling under hi
s breath and shaking his head.

  “They both like their ‘details’” he said.

  “Too right.” Holly said in agreement.

  Outside was an A-board with yet another message.

  ‘Marissa Kennedy, I have your favorite cookies.’

  A big grin split across her face. Dev looked to Holly and raised her eyebrows in acknowledgement. Dev bit her lip and did a little excited dance.

  “You know, don’t you?” Ben asked Holly.

  “Know what?” She said innocently.

  “Mmmm.” He said annoyed.

  “Just be patient.” Said Alex.

  “You know?” Ben said. Alex shook his head and rolled his eyes.

  “Come on, babe, let’s sit down.” He said to Holly as they walked to their table.

  On the way over with the group, Riss stopped suddenly and everyone was staring at her. Standing on the table, with a huge card held above his head reading

  ‘Marissa Kennedy, will you go on a date with me?’ was Ryan.

  They could hear the ‘will she, won’t she?’ comments as they waited for her answer. Holly and Alex looked at each other and smiled. Riss was still in shock, but she was managing a smile also.

  “Can you answer? Because my arms are killing me.” Said Ryan making everyone crack up.

  Riss nodded her head, speechless at what Ryan had done for her.

  “Oh thank God.” He sighed.

  He hopped down off the table and picked up a packet. Kayla quickly took Riss’ lunch out of her hands as Ryan approached. He handed her the packet which was, of course, her favourite rocky road cookies. She threw her arms around him, and they hugged. He took her hand and led her to the table. There were claps and they all looked around. Students were watching, as were the teachers and lunch staff who had been involved.

  “You did all this?” she asked.

  “I had some help.” He said as he grinned at Holly.

  “So that’s what help you needed?” she asked.