Welcome to New Haven

by Dawn Doyle

  Stacey picked up her golf club and ran off. “It’s a wonder she didn’t try to disguise herself.” Said the officer.

  “We had this system installed at the weekend. Students were not made aware of the external CCTV.” Said Mr. Lawson.

  The officers asked for a copy of the footage and contact details for Holly and Alex. They were going to have a team sent to take photographic evidence of the car and then transport it to a garage for repairs.

  The atmosphere was tense on the ride home.

  “If she touches you, I’ll have to hurt her.” Said Holly.

  “Me too.” Said Dev. “She’s completely lost it. Who the fuck does that?”

  “Crazy people.” Said Alex, coldly. “How did I not see this coming?” Alex was so frustrated.

  Stacey had been chasing and harassing him for the past two years, since she started at New Haven. She’d moved one from another school after moving from San Francisco and made a play for him straight away. She’d been through the football team within the first six months and that was just what people knew about.

  “Nobody knew, Alex.” Said Dev. “We thought she was obsessed with you, yes, but we didn’t think she’d do this.”

  “But look what happened! Look what she did to Holly’s car!” He said, raining his voice. He took a deep breath to try to calm himself down. There was a long silence in the car.

  “Guys…” Dev said gently, sitting herself in the centre seat, leaning into the space between the front seats. “Please don’t let this split you up.”

  Alex and Holly turned to each other.

  “Never gonna happen” they said at the same time and they smiled as they held hands.

  “Thank God! You guys love each other way too much to let her win.”

  Alex noticed when Holly’s eyes widened at what Dev had said. He thought that Dev had spilled his secret but had she spilled a secret of Holly’s too?

  Does she love me? No, she can’t…Can she?

  “Oh shit.” Dev whispered. “You guys know that’s just a figure of speech, right?”

  “Yeah.” Said Holly.

  “Yeah, sure.” Said Alex as he quickly glanced to the side at Holly. She turned to look at him. He squeezed her hand and gave her a wink.

  Holly masked her smile by biting her lip as she looked away. She adjusted their hands so that their fingers interlocked and squeezed him back.

  Chapter 19

  They pulled up outside Holly’s house, and they all got out. There was no way Alex was going to leave Holly alone to face her parents. He felt responsible because it was he who Stacey was after. He felt sick thinking that Holly could be in danger because of him.

  Holly opened the door and they all went through into the living room.

  “Mum!” Holly shouted.

  “Hiya love.” Kim said as she came through from the hallway. “How was school? Hi Dev.”

  Kim looked to Alex and smiled mischievously.

  “Hello again…Alex.” Kim looked between them all. “What’s going on? Has something happened? Are you ok?” She asked, frantically. Her face paling in fear.

  “Mum, you need to sit down and don’t freak out until I’ve finished.”

  “Holly. Just tell me.” Kim said.

  Holly felt Alex’s hand tighten around hers as she prepared to tell her Mum.

  “Do you remember me telling you you about a girl that was all over Alex and how he didn’t like it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Well…um…” Holly blew out a breath and closed her eyes.

  “Ok, her name’s Stacey and she’s a loon…”

  Holly told her Mum everything from when she started right up until the incident with her car.

  “What?!!” Kim screamed. “Where does she fuckin’ live?! I’m gonna rip ‘er a new one, the cheeky twat! Wait ’til Oli ‘ears about this. He’s gonna go ape shit!” Kim shouted. Her own accent thickening with rage as she paced up and down the dining area.

  “Mum, calm down. The police are going to her house, and I don’t know where she lives. They’re taking pictures of my car for evidence to go with the CCTV. They’re taking it to a garage afterwards.” Holly explained.

  “You’re not having that car. No fuckin’ way. We’ll get you a new one.” Kim said as she sat down.

  “And what if she does it again?” asked Holly.

  Alex shifted uncomfortably at the mention of another attack against Holly. She knew he wouldn’t let that happen.

  “If she comes near you again, Holly, I’ll hunt her down myself.” Said Kim through gritted teeth.

  “It might have even been a one time thing.” Holly said, trying to keep her Mum calm. “She was mad, and she trashed my car. Once the police pick her up, they’ll tell us more.”

  “It doesn’t change the fact that that was what she was willing to do. This is because she’s obsessed with you?” Kim asked Alex.

  Oh no, please don’t.

  “Yes.” He said quietly.

  Kim looked back and forth between Alex and Holly.

  Holly felt sick at what she thought her Mum was thinking.

  “Mum…” She said with a warning tone. “No.”

  Kim took a breath and blew it out.

  “I want you kept safe.” Kim said, and she held up her hand to stop Holly from speaking. “Alex, has this girl ever done this before?”

  “Not that I know of.” He replied.

  Holly was terrified where her Mum was going with this.

  “She doesn’t accept ‘no’.” Said Dev. “She has this delusional sense that all guys are chasing her, and when they say no, she says that they’re in denial.”

  Kim rubbed her forehead, and Holly and Alex squeezed each other’s hand, looking to each other with concern.

  “It’s obviously stupid to suggest you stay away from each other…” Kim said, with a smile. “If I had told you to do that, would you?”

  “Not a chance.” Said Alex at the same time Holly said, “No way.”

  “Good. You’d be giving in to her and she’s not having the satisfaction.” Kim said flatly. “Oli’s going to be home soon. He’s dealt with plenty of cases like this before. I’ll ask him what to expect.”

  “Thanks, Mum.” Holly said as she hugged her Mum with one arm. Her other still holding on to Alex.

  “I’m sorry it’s come to this Alex. I really am. However, I don’t want Holly anywhere on her own, or yourselves. If she’s one of the worse cases, your friends need to take care too.”

  “I won’t leave her alone, Kim.” Alex promised.

  “Either one of us will be with her. If not, the others in our group will be.” Said Dev.

  “You too.” Kim said as she pointed to Alex and Dev. “Nowhere on your own.”

  Holly was happy her Mum hadn’t tried to get her to stay away from Alex. It wasn’t going to happen. No matter what Stacey did, it wouldn’t break them up.

  She’d had started on Holly from day one and didn’t like how she’d had fought back against her. It was only a matter of time before she resorted to some kind of retaliation.

  “So, what are you all doing tonight?” Kim asked.

  “Actually, Alex and I are going… on a date.” Holly said shyly, and Alex blushed.

  “Reallllly?” Smiled Kim. “Well, nowhere too crowded or too remote. Somewhere not too popular where she could guess.”

  “We’ll be safe.” Said Alex.

  Holly cringed when she saw the glint in her Mum’s eyes.

  “More than safe.” Said Kim as she was holding back a grin.

  “Oh, goodness, Mother.” Said Holly with a hand over her eyes in embarrassment.

  “What time are you going out?”

  “I was going to suggest I pick you up at six. If that’s ok.” Alex said, turning to Holly.

  “Ok,” Holly replied as she beamed at her gorgeous boyfriend.

  My boyfriend.!

  “We should go then.” Said Dev. It’s four thirty now and you both need to get chan
ged, so let’s go, Alex.”

  “Oh yeah, good point.” He said. Holly walked them to the door.

  “See you at six, babe.” He whispered as he leaned in to kiss Holly.

  As soon as they’re lips touched, Holly was on fire. She lifted her arms and rested them on Alex’s shoulders, threading her fingers into his hair. He held her close with one strong, muscular arm and cupped her head with the other.

  Their tongues stroked each other gently, and with so much tenderness, Holly’s knees were shaking. Holly pressed closer and held tighter. Wanting more. Needing more.

  “Uh, guys.” Dev said. “I think you need to cool down before this is no longer a family show.” She chuckled.

  They reluctantly pulled apart from each other.

  “Later” Holly whispered.

  “Defo.” Alex replied with a cheeky smile, and Holly giggled at his use of her slang.

  After Alex and Dev drove away, Holly rushed upstairs to shower and chose her outfit for her date.

  Hmmm what to wear.

  Holly smiled as she thought about the track that afternoon.

  “She did what?’ Shouted Evie when Alex and Dev told her why they were home later than usual. “Is Holly ok? What about her parents?”

  “Holly’s fine, Mom.” Said Alex. He told his Mom about the discussion they’d had, and he made sure to emphasize the part that nothing was keeping him and Holly apart.

  “So you’re still going out?” asked Rami.

  “Yes, of course.” Said Alex. “She’s not ruining anything for us. We’ll be careful and go where we can see her coming, if she does.”

  “Like where?” asked Dev.

  “I’m taking her to Quincy’s.

  "Quincy’s was a restaurant that was well known for it’s romantic, yet relaxed, ambience. With candles and rose petals on the tables tops. Quiet booths for extra privacy and soft background music. It wasn’t necessary to dress up formally, and that’s what the customers liked.

  After Phys. Ed, Alex had called up to see, by any chance, if they had any tables and luckily for him, they had a corner booth left at six thirty.

  It must be fate.

  “Oh that’s so romantic!” Said Evie, clutching her hands to her heart. Rami smiled at her.

  “I heard you talking about it so I thought it’d be a good place.” Alex said.

  “Oh she’ll love it.” Squeaked Dev.

  “Here’s hoping.” Alex said before he went to his room to shower and change.

  “I’ll follow you.” Rami said to Alex as he came downstairs. “I want to make sure that she’s not.”

  “You think that’s what she’d do?” Alex asked his Dad. She had wrecked Holly’s car and run. Would she really chance being seen following him too?

  “It’s possible.” Said Rami. “Alex, this girl has been chasing you for two years and, as you said, doesn’t understand the word ‘no’. If she has gone off the rails then I’m insisting I follow you to Holly’s house as a precaution.”

  “We want to make sure you’re safe, honey.” Evie said. “Holly too. She’s a lovely girl, and she shouldn’t be worried going out in public.”

  “Her Mom has asked us to always go out with somebody so we’re not alone. Just in case.” Said Dev. “Stacey looked like a mental patient, Mom. She was screaming at the guards. It was pretty scary.”

  “We should hear from the police soon; hopefully.” Said Rami.

  “Let’s go.” Alex sent a text to Holly before they got into their cars.

  Holly’s phone beeped. Her face stretched into a huge smile when she saw it was Alex.

  A: Hi babe. I’m on my way. My Dad is following me, just

  as a precaution.x

  H: Ok babe. Be safe. x

  Oli had gone ballistic. As a lawyer, and partner, of his USA/UK law firm, he’d seen many cases like this. He’d warned Holly of the dangers of a delusional perpetrator when they’d suddenly reacted that way. It could possibly get worse.

  Holly was worried for Alex.

  What if Stacey came for him as ‘payback’ for having a girlfriend that wasn’t her? Or even for just saying ‘no’ yet again? Holly felt nauseated.

  What about Dev? What if she tried to hurt Dev to get back at them both? Was she really that unstable?

  Holly took a calming breath.

  Let’s not over think. She told herself as she’d begun to panic again.

  Holly had already done that today. The thought of Alex getting hurt pushed her into a panic attack. The police hadn’t called yet, and they would deal with it when they had the news.

  Holly checked herself in the mirror before she left her room.

  She’d decided on her black skinny jeans with a thin, sparkly silver belt. They sat on her hips in a way that showed the very tops of her pelvic bones and her toned stomach. She teamed it with a white sleeveless, fitted, vest top that finished just above her waistband. Together, they flashed a little bit of flesh, just enough to tease. Holly would have normally worn a longer shirt over that too.

  Not tonight.

  Her black heeled boots that Em has brought her from England, went great with the jeans. They zipped up to just above her calves.

  Holly put on the necklace her Dad had bought her for her ninth birthday. It was a platinum belcher chain and daffodil pendant.

  “I miss you, Dad.” She whispered as she held the flower in her hand.

  Holly picked up her black blazer that had a silver diamanté brooch, on the left lapel, in the shape of a rose. Her lip gloss was still shiny and her long hair was good. No tanlges…yet. Holly had worn her hair down. She normally tied it back in a ponytail or braid, but now it was loose; it hung down to her waist.

  Holly blew out a breath.

  “Ready.” She told herself and as she went downstairs, there was a knock on the door.

  Holly’s stomach flip-flopped.

  “Oh my goodness.” She whispered as she froze on the spot.

  “Are you going to answer that? Or shall I?” chuckled Oli.

  “Oh…yeah.” She said as she opened the door…and nearly fainted.

  “Holy Fuck!” Said Holly and then clamped her hand over her mouth.

  She usually saves the expletives for the moments she lost her temper. She couldn’t stop herself when she saw Alex.

  Alex was standing on the step looking so damn sexy; Holly’s panties were practically on fire.

  His black hair was mussed from running his hand through it. The front had fallen forward in that way she liked when strands fell to his eyes. His black v-neck T-shirt fitted where it touched. Not too tight, like those over muscled bodybuilder types. No, his shirt showed off his chest and biceps in a way that made your mouth water whilst tripping over your chin.

  His dark blue, faded, jeans hung on his hips and Holly knew that the way they looked at the front, they would fit amazingly across his perfect rear. Her eyes travelled a little further south and she could see a mound in the front of his jeans that seed to increase in size the longer she stared.

  “I…uh…” Said Alex. Eyes wide taking in the sight before him.

  Holly was unbelievably sexy!

  He could see the curve of her waist and tight stomach with her skin showing about an inch above the waistband of her jeans. Jeans that clung to her slim hips as though they were made just for her. Her thighs were shapely and toned, not stick thin, and they were oh-so-perfect.

  He remembered them being wrapped around him. The memory causing another surge down south.

  As Alex looked back up, he tried not to, but couldn’t miss how her breasts looked in her vest top. Shapely, round, and bigger than they had seemed before. She’d hidden them well underneath her usual baggy clothing.

  Her hair was loose. Shiny dark hair that cascaded down like satin. Alex wanted to touch it…

  “Oh, sorry, come in.” Holly said as she blinked rapidly.

  She seemed to be in a daze of her own.

  Alex swallowed hard and turned to wave to his Dad
as he drove away. Alex entered the hallway and noticed Oli leaning against the wall further down.

  “Good evening, Alex.” He said.

  “Hi Oli.” Alex saw the smirk on Oli’s face and guessed that he was going to say something to embarrass he and Holly both.

  “What, no flowers?” Oli asked with a smile.

  “Dad!” Holly shouted

  “Holly prefers them alive, in the ground.” Replied Alex, smiling back.

  He’s testing me.

  “Chocolates?” asked Oli with a raise of his eyebrows.

  “Holly doesn’t each much chocolate. Until…” Alex pouted his lips as if in thought. “…Another three weeks.”

  Holly gasped in shock and Oli’s eyebrows raised further.

  “Well I guess you know our girl.” Oli snickered. Alex smiled and winked at a very surprised Holly.

  “How did you know that?” She asked.

  “I pay attention.” He replied with another wink.

  “Hi Alex.” Said Kim as she walked into the hallway from the kitchen.

  She was drying her hands as if she’d been washing up. She glanced towards Oli.

  She’s up to something.

  “Where are you taking my baby?” she asked and Holly rolled her eyes. Her Mum was clearly stating that she was still a child.

  “Quincy’s.” Said Alex and he turned to Holly. “If that’s ok with you.”

  “I don’t know what that is but, yeah.” Holly said. She didn’t care where they went as long as they were together…alone…nobody else…

  “I know what that is.” Oli said, interrupting Holly’s wayward thoughts. “I took your Mom there last weekend. Very nice.” He said approvingly.

  “We should go.” Said Holly. She could sense that her Mum, or Dad, were getting ready for an innuendo outburst. They’d been glancing and smirking between them the whole time they had stood there.