Saving Alicia

Brooklyn

9:00 pm

The city was dressed in the finest winter and the snow sparkled in the chilly night breeze. Snowflakes kept falling from the sky. Brooklyn was seen covered in a serene white glow. The air dazzled with the sounds of carolers, the jingling of sleigh bells, and the distant honking of cars making their way through. It was Christmas Eve, the festive season, where families and friends merry in glad tidings.

The festive spirit spread throughout the city.

Right in the heart of Brooklyn, twinkling lights framed around Alicia's window as a group of friends and family gathered around the crackling fireplace. The fresh aroma of baked cookies filled the room. The Christmas tree glittered at the corner. The entire household was merry and the atmosphere filled with laughter. Some sipped on hot cocoa while others shared Christmas stories.

Alicia Evergreen locked hands with her boyfriend, Dylan Campbell, her eyes filled with tears as he serenaded her with a bright smile on his lips.

Everyone watched the beautiful couple except Liam Smith, her childhood bestie who loved her so much. For some reason, he never liked Dylan for Alicia. Of course, Alicia has had other boyfriends in the past, and Liam had his shortcomings with them, but his hatred for Dylan was over the roof.

Liam looked away and sipped his hot cocoa while the rest of the guests admired the couples.

No one knew what Dylan had prepared for Alicia. Only Alicia's mother knew exactly what was about to happen.

Soon, the music came to a stop, and Alicia pulled away in an attempt to leave the room but was stopped by a smiling Dylan, who gently gripped her soft hand and planted a kiss on it.

"You look so beautiful," his words sent butterflies inside her belly.

"Awww!" The entire guests voiced out, but Alicia buried her face in his broad chest out of shame.

Her cheeks flushed red from the embarrassment, and she stylishly pulled away, turning around to leave, but Dylan's words echoed softly through the room, making her halt with tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Alicia Evergreen, my beloved, my beautiful Barbie doll. The one who makes my heart beat... I would be damned if I said I don't love you. I fucking love you, babes." Dylan declared his love for Alicia looking deep into her eyes like some priceless jewel. "Alicia, you are the love of my life, you are my best friend and the best thing that has happened to me. You love me for what I am and not who I am. You made me the man I am today and fought for me when others didn't see the light in me. I am glad you are mine and I am so fucking proud of calling you mine. But..." Dylan's sigh broke through the room and Alicia stood in a state of panic.

Is he breaking up with me? Her heart pounded without a care. No...no...no, you can't do this, babe.

As her mind wandered in a state of panic, her eyes suddenly widened in shock at seeing her boyfriend kneeling before her. Her body shook to the point she could no longer control her emotions and held her mouth tightly to hold back the screaming.

Dylan smirked at her reaction and took a glance at the room.

His girlfriend was not the only one stunned. The room was buzzing with whispers.

"Say yes, say yes, girl..." Everyone except Liam screamed with excitement.

Liam's eyes shot red and he tilted his head to hold back the tears. His heart shattered into a thousand pieces and the lump in his throat grew thicker that he could choke on it. His cup of hot cocoa fell to the ground and he dropped his gaze to embrace his sad reality.

"Alicia Evergreen, I want you to be the mother of my children. I want a family with you. I want to grow old with you and behold that beautiful face beside my bed till my last breath. Will you marry me, babe?" He popped out the long-awaited question.

"YES! YES! YES! Of course, I will be your wife."

Alicia screamed in excitement and jumped all over Dylan the moment he slid the ring into her finger.

"Let's get married tomorrow, what do you say?"

"Perfect," she replied.

"I guess my work here is done," Mary, her mother, said and hugged the couple affectionately.

"You fucking knew," Alicia glared coldly at her mother but burst into tears and pulled her closer for a warm embrace. "Thank you so much, Ma. I love you."

"It's okay dear," Mary patted Alicia and flashed a smile at Dylan.

"Congrats, babe," her BBF jumped on Alicia.

Since they were little, the trio always tagged along and supported each other. Liam, Violet, and Alicia have been the best of friends. But when other boys came into the picture asking Alicia out, Liam started acting weird.

If not for Violet, Liam wouldn't have made it here with Dylan around.

Everyone joined in her joy, but when Liam stood up from his seat, the entire room was filled with awkwardness, and everyone took a step back nervously.

"Shit!" Violet cussed under the skin. "Not again. Cheer up! You have to be happy for her." She ran to Liam and pulled him closer.

"And who says I'm not?" His dreadful voice struck and Violet stepped aside.

"Congratulations, Alicia," Liam said with a smile on his lips. "If this makes you happy then I am happy."

"Thanks, Liam," she replied and rubbed her head anxiously. "Thanks for coming."