Welcome to New Haven

by Dawn Doyle

  When they finally made it downstairs, Holly was pulled into a bone crushing hug from Emily and her Nan, then double teamed by her parents.

  “Nan, this is Alex. My Fiancé.” Holly said when they’d finally let go of her. “What?!” Her family chorused, but then they all broke out into huge smiles and more hugs and congratulations were passed around.

  Alex was squeezed hard by all of them. Especially her little Nan.

  “Let me see!” Her Mum squealed as she became emotional.

  Holly lifted her hand to show them the ring and they were speechless. Eventually saying how gorgeous the ring was.

  Alex went out to his car, quickly, to get Holly’s presents. Evie had put them in there for him the night before, when he’d gone to get more clothes.

  When he got back in, he sat down and pulled Holly onto his lap, not caring that her family was there.

  Alex had bought her a platinum bracelet with a jigsaw charm that read ‘You are my missing piece’. She put it on straight away, tears rolling down her face.

  Next was a large crystal cuboid with a 3d daffodil and ‘Holly’ laser cut inside, a white, soul connection dream catcher that connected two people in a relationship. To keep away her nightmares, and have good dreams of him instead. The best present was a large canvas that Alex had drawn on.

  It was a picture of Holly, Emily, and their Dad, James. The last picture of him, the morning before he died. The photo was taken with film but the negative had been lost years ago.

  Holly hadn’t trusted any photo centre to make a digital copy, but Dev had taken a photo of it. She’d showed it to Alex, so that he could draw it for her instead. Holly broke down in tears at the thoughtful gift. Holding onto him tight and not letting go.

  Dev, Ben and the group turned up with their gifts, tackling Holly in bear hugs, then screaming when they saw her finger. Then, Holly screamed when she saw Dev’s. Ben had asked her to marry him the night before and, obviously, said yes. Dev had Abuelo’s mother’s ring. The trick used on her too.

  Dev bought Holly some Acer palmatium red bonsai seeds, a personalised friendship bracelet, music vouchers and a bee hotel with flower seeds, to encourage pollination.

  Holly loved that Dev had listened when she’d been talking about pollination. Though boring for most, Dev had paid close attention. Holly loved her for it. Dev was the best friend she could ever have wished for.

  Four weeks later, Stacey Scutter was found guilty of stalking, harassment, unlawful sedation of her mother, unlawful sedation leading to sexual assault of five people, also kidnapping of a minor with intent to kill. She was sentenced to life in a mental hospital, with no chance of parole, as she had re-offended and was described as a severe danger to others.

  The judge who had mistakenly released Stacey after the break in of Alex and Dev’s house, resigned his position due to ‘ill health’. Although it was rumoured he was forced to quit after his decisions caused the lives of others, especially children, to be in danger.

  Jake was sent to counselling after finding out that he’d been assaulted. He left school and carried on with the rest of his senior year at home.

  He wasn’t seen at any parties after that, so they heard.

  News about the engagements travelled fast around school. Some attempting pregnancy rumours. They didn’t care though. It was only a few weeks until graduation. But, it was high school after all, so they’d probably be already married with another on the way.

  Did I ever welcome you to New Haven? ;)

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