Chapter 50
Alyssa arrived back at The Cow Shed feeling even more nervous than when she’d first come back to Hartglove, all those weeks ago.
On that first day, she’d been quaking at the thought of seeing Devan and bumping into old faces.
She’d been trying to pretend, quite ridiculously, that she was the shiny, new Alyssa Heart – pink hair, a ton of followers and a snazzy career – and not unlucky-in-love, boring Beryl Bagnor.
Well, that plan had spectacularly failed.
And in truth, she was glad. She was now comfortable with the fact she was someone in between.
She’d grown, as all people do – but she was far from glossy or perfect. And she was done pretending.
This time, as she pulled the key from her pocket, her nerves fluttered because she was desperate for this to work out.
She wanted to see these people. She wanted this.
To be exactly here, in this town where she’d grown up, with these slightly inquisitive but fiercely good friends and their wild quirks that made her own feel quite normal.
And most of all, she longed to be with Devan – if, after all the chaos, he wanted that too.
So this time the stakes were higher than ever, because her heart was all in, like an apple in a crumble.
During the train journey back, her plan for the final love task had slotted into place in her mind.
She knew what was needed. She just had to hope she could round up helpers.
That people would even want to help, after the rumours on social media about her doing a dump and run – like she’d promised Emmalina she wouldn’t – even if it wasn’t quite true.
And she had to hope she could pull it all together discreetly, without Devan finding out about the grand gesture of love.
Alyssa exhaled and gave her body a quick shake, still a tight knot of nerves that Devan might not want her declaration of commitment.
She was about to prepare for a gesture that would involve her finally saying the L-word – in front of everyone.
And he might tell her to bugger right off.
She’d run from Hartglove twice, and who would blame him if he’d prefer a woman who was less likely to leg it?
He deserved certainty and stability, a partner he could trust. She had to make him see she could be that person.
As she bent to pick up the handle of her suitcase, a small parcel near the front door caught her eye.
It had been stashed, not that inconspicuously, behind the large plant pot, where she’d been trying to grow runner beans.
She noticed with a thrill that a few small pods were emerging.
When had she become the sort of person who got excited about vegetables?
She smiled to herself. It wasn’t a bad thing, and they went nicely with a decent pie.
She pushed her suitcase through the door and grabbed the parcel, her forehead wrinkling.
It wasn’t her birthday, and she hadn’t done any online shopping.
Kicking the door shut behind her, she took the parcel to the kitchen and placed it on the table, then filled the kettle.
Not that she had milk, or even cake. Cautiously, she began opening the wrapped box, trying not to think about trolls.
She’d shared Rufus’s confession with the police and his handful of clients, and she wasn’t averse to posting a few juicy clips on social media, once her next secret love task was through.
With the police asking him questions, he’d be far too spineless to make trouble again.
‘Oh!’ Alyssa put a hand over her mouth in surprise as she took in the contents of the parcel.
It was a new sign for the front of her barn, made of wood, and painted a reddish pink.
She wasn’t sure if it was meant to look like a heart or an apple – though now she came to think of it, they were the same shape.
Perhaps apples and love were intertwined, after all. Yes, she liked that thought.
The words The Cow Shed had been etched onto it with a word-burning pen, in large, swirly letters. It had a note inside.
To Alyssa
Mum said you’d gone somewhere, and she wasn’t sure what your plans were, but I KNOW you’ll be back. (We had our deal! Totally trust you.) I made this in my Design and Technology lessons. It’s not quite straight, but you once told me that perfect doesn’t exist and wonky is much better.
Hope you like the other sign on the back, in case you move one day. (Like, if you move in with my dad, I mean. Don’t leave Hartglove. We REALLY like it when you’re here. Missing you.)
Oh, and if you ever change your surname, I can make you a new sign. (Shaw is a REALLY nice surname. Just saying. But, like, no pressure.)
Love Emmalina. XxXxXx
Alyssa beamed. Emmalina was the sweetest, and she was so relieved Rufus hadn’t had chance to cause her turmoil. And the young girl trusted her – perhaps more than she trusted herself. That felt huge.
Alyssa turned over the wooden sign, to read the back.
Home is Where Miss Heart is. Tears pooled in her eyes as she looked around her.
This place was definitely on the wonky side, but with the items that kind locals had lent her, and small things she’d been adding, it did feel like home.
She might even get some macramé plant hangers.
Yet more than any of that, this town felt like home again too, even if she’d never thought it would.
These people had become her people. The ones she couldn’t wait to return to.
She’d missed them – and one in particular.
The knock at the door made her jump. It couldn’t be him.
Could it? She’d updated him on the news with Rufus, but she’d said she was staying in London for a while to think things through.
She hadn’t liked misleading him, but this time, it was for the best kind of reason.
It wouldn’t be a very grand gesture if Devan knew she was back in town.
This was her last clandestine mission. Though she knew keeping a secret in Hartglove might be her biggest challenge yet.
Perhaps it would be Jess at the door. Alyssa had told her she was on her way back, because she’d been stuck with mouse-sitting duties for longer than was fair. And Alyssa had mentioned she may need help with an important project – though not to tell Devan any of this.
When Alyssa opened the door a crack, it was clear that Jess was keen to be more than helpful.
And so was half of Hartglove. Alyssa pulled the door fully open to take in the sight.
There was Jess, carrying a basket of random supplies that seemed to include milk, iced gingerbread people and luxury quilted loo roll.
Her arm was linked with Sylvie’s, who was clutching a huge bag of pick ’n’ mix as though they were still kids.
On Jess’s other side was Emmalina, bobbing up and down like she was desperate to hug Alyssa, but couldn’t, on account of the mouse cage she was carrying.
Alyssa was so thrilled to see them, she didn’t even tell Emmalina she was worried Pikachu might be experiencing an earthquake with all that bouncing.
Behind them was pretty much everyone. Alyssa couldn’t miss Mrs Halfpenny, who was doing a spin in what looked like a newly printed, bright pink T-shirt.
The front said: ‘He’s Shaw Won Her Heart’ and the back asking: ‘Will They Be ’Appy Together (or Two Lonely Old Ducks)?
’ Alyssa couldn’t help a wry smile, especially when she noticed the pile of T-shirts she was holding, which apparently read the same.
Anna Farina was there, with a box of what Alyssa hoped were calorific Italian desserts.
Everyone seemed to be carrying something, from her parents with a tub of frozen stewed apples – in case a girl could possibly run out in this town, to Horace in his bumblebee wellies, brandishing a bottle of alcohol-free fizz and some Vimto.
Though she had no idea what they were celebrating.
‘Jess said there was a project you needed help with?’ said Sylvie, her eyes shining brightly.
‘We love a project,’ Mrs H piped up.
‘And we’re glad to have you home,’ said Alyssa’s dad, stepping forward and pulling her into a bear hug, which felt unusual, but kind of nice. ‘I hope you’ve got the kettle on.’
Home. It felt good to hear that word. She hoped it could stay that way – and this final task would tell.
‘You’ve got too many friends now for a cordless five-cup,’ said Sausage Sandra, wearing a ketchup-stained apron and smelling deliciously like an onion-topped hotdog. ‘I’ve brought the urn.’
Alyssa took a moment to thank them all.
When she’d explained her idea and got everyone to work on their tasks, Jess pulled her to one side.
‘Erm. I’ve got something to tell you.’
Those were never great words.
Though as Jess spilled her story of not properly securing the mouse cage, meaning Pikachu and Minnie had escaped to a new life in the nearby fields, Alyssa found herself strangely smiling.
Their brave escape felt symbolic, somehow.
In a way, she was finally freeing herself from her own cage too.
A place where she’d kept her heart locked, through so much fear and self-doubt.
She’d been desperately lonely when she’d rescued Pikachu in an old shoebox – but she wasn’t lonely anymore, and nor was he.
‘It’s fine,’ she reassured Jess, passing her a cuppa and a biscuit. ‘He’ll be happier now. And I have everyone I need, right here.’
Well, apart from one person. That would be her next and ultimate task.