Okay, I didn't mean for it to take this long to upload a new chapter. So sorry! Life's just been busy in the last few years. But I hope you like this chapter.


Chapter Twenty-Eight

Another New Day

Tina parked her car in a nearby parking lot and the small group walked the rest of the way to the fair. The loud music and screams of delight could be heard even before the fair was in view. They walked down a street and turned a corner when the fair came in view. Even from afar, they could see countless people there, playing games, going on the rides and just strolling around. It was hardly any different than it was a few days ago before Edna learned of her friends' kidnappings. But Edna was not going to think too much about this; her friends were safe and that was what matters.
"So, which ride do we go on first?", Tina asked when they reached the fair.
"How about the rollercoaster?", Edna suggested before either of the other two could do as much as open their mouths. The purple haired woman hoped they would agree with her suggestion. She had not been able to go on the rollercoaster for a long time and since it was one of her favorites she really wanted to go on it.
"I don't mind", Alan replied. Tina did not seem so well at the thought, however.
"Rollercoaster are not my cup of tea. You guys can go, I'll just be around", she said with a frown.
"Are you sure?", Edna questioned. "I don't want you to feel left out."
"Don't worry about me, I'm a big girl", the blond replied with a smirk. Edna reciprocated the smirk.
"Well, alright. We can go on a ride you like afterwards. How about it?"
"I like the sound of it."
Edna and Alan parted with Tina, who went to the games, and headed for the rollercoaster. Fortunately, the line was not as long as it was a few days ago when Edna and Alan were here. The two joined the still short line at the rollercoaster. Only a handful of people, all of them adolescents, were in front of them. Behind them, more and more people got into the line until the line's length had doubled by the time Edna and Alan had joined the line. They were among those who could next take a ride on the rollercoaster. As they got into the cars, Edna noticed one of the adolescents in front taking out a stick and attaching his phone to its end.
"What the hell?", she mumbled before remembering that this was a selfie stick. She reckoned he wants to film the ride. She glanced at the youth for a second and then whispered to Alan: "Let's hope he's not losing his grip, though we'd we have something to laugh about when he reacts with a mixture of panic and whine."
"That was a little mean of you... I like it", Edna grinned maliciously while Alan chuckled evilly. The former climbed into one of the cars of the rollercoaster, followed by Alan. Behind them and more and more people got into the empty seats of the cars until it was time for the rollercoaster to start. First, it went slowly, gaining steadily more velocity as it went. The track went uphill and from then on, the rollercoaster sped so fast on the tracks, uphill and downhill, through the loops that everything else was nothing more than a colorful blur. Each person riding the rollercoaster screamed on top of their lungs, though Edna swore she heard a young man yelling "Oh no! No!" in a panicked voice. But she paid that voice no mind; she was too busy screaming in delight with every curve and loop.
All too soon the ride was over. Edna would like to go another round but it would be unfair to the other people in the line, which had increased in length even more while Edna and Alan were on the ride.
"I wouldn't want to stand in that line now", Alan remarked.
"Me neither", Edna agreed. "Come on, let's find Tina."
She took Alan's hand as they started looking for the third member of their small group. They passed the youth with the selfie stick, only he seemed to be upset. A girl, who patted his back, explained to two other adolescents that he lost his selfie stick and with it his smart phone on the rollercoaster. That would explain the panicked voice Edna heard on the rollercoaster. She and Alan shared a look and grinned evilly; it was just like the young woman predicted.
"He sounds like he just learned he has only twenty-four hours to live", Alan remarked, his eyes on the pathetically crying youth.
"Well, seeing that you can do a lot more with phones than just talking and writing with others, it's no surprise", Tina responded, who had appeared while they were talking. "I mean, you can surf the Internet and install a large variety of apps."
Alan nodded in acknowledgement but did not respond. Edna supposed he was silently wondering what Tina was just talking about. As far as she knew, smart phones had not existed yet by the time he ended up in the asylum, or were at least not widely spread. But she could not deny she was amazed at how far technology had come since she lost the connection to the real world. She could still remember video cassettes, tube television and so on.
"Well, now that we found Tina, what now?", Alan asked, looking at his two companions.
"How about just walking around and see?", Tina suggested. The other two shrugged as though they were saying why not. "How was the rollercoaster?"
"It was fun, although not so much for a young boy", Edna grinned. Tina showed curiosity on her face.
"What do you mean?"
"There was a boy who wanted to film the ride with his phone. He lost it", Edna explained. "And now he cries like a toddler."
"And I have a picture of a grown man crying a river and sucking his thumb in my head", Tina responded giggling. Edna could not help but smirk at the image as the three walked through the funfair. Soon they came across a familiar brown haired girl buying cotton candy. Edna called her name and, when she looked in their direction, waved at her. A smile formed on Gabrielle's face as she approached the three.
"Hey guys."
Both Edna and Tina greeted her back while Alan just kept himself in the background. He excused himself, saying he did not want to intrude on Edna's friend, and started to walk away. Edna was not having any of this and went after him.
"What was that about?", she asked as soon as she caught up with him. Alan did not reply immediately, he just kept walking for a while, stopping so suddenly that Edna almost ran into him.
"Sorry, I guess I'm just not used meeting new people, despite having just met a bunch of your friends", he explained. "But that was different. It was more of a rescue mission. This however… this feels so weird after so long."
Edna listened to him, taking his hand. She thought about how long he had been imprisoned in the asylum and been on the run after their escape. He had rarely any human contact, if any, since they last saw each other in that church. She, however, was hiding in a convent school where she was still able to socialize with other people, though it was usually limited to Lilli. Then, after three years of hiding, she had gotten a chance in life and had met plenty of new people since then. She was used to this by now but Alan was not, which she had not considered.
"Hey, it'll be alright. I'm here for you and Tina too", Edna encouraged her boyfriend. "If you'd like me to, I could introduce you to her and you won't have to initiate a conversation with her until you feel comfortable to."
Alan smiled at her gratefully.


Gabrielle, meanwhile, gave Tina a questioning look. The older female pointed at Edna and Alan and then drew a heart in the air with her index fingers. Comprehension dawned on Gabrielle's face and she smirked.
"So, how long have the two been dating now?", Gabrielle inquired while taking a bite of her cotton candy. "Last time I saw Edna, she was still single."
"Since the night before last actually", Tina replied taking out her phone. "I even filmed the moment."
"Really?"
"Uh-uh, wanna see it?"
"Sure thing."
They sat down on a nearby bench. Tina selected the video she filmed that night before and it to Gabrielle, occasionally looking up at the two lovebirds to see if they were returning. The video showed Edna and Alan some distance away from where Tina was; the two stood next to a church, a few tombstones were visible a few meters away from where they were. A voice asked what she was doing only to be hushed. Tina and Gabrielle watched the unheard conversation between Edna and Alan in the video, how she turned away from him and then back to him and how he took her in his arms.
"Wait a minute, they got together in a graveyard and had their first kiss there?", Gabrielle whispered in disbelief as their faces in the video got closer. "Not exactly the most romantic location..."
"I know, I don't even think Edna planned this to happen but all that matters is if she's happy and", Tina glanced back to see if the couple was returning before going back to the video, "I assume she is."
"She certainly looks like she is", Gabrielle responded, now seeing that the couple was on their way back to her and Tina. Gabrielle gave Tina her phone back and stood up when Edna and Alan caught up with them. Edna moved a step forward and gestured at Alan:
"Gabrielle, this is Alan. He is my boyfriend."
The other two girls could see how weird and yet pleased she looked when she said those words. Gabrielle smiled and extended a hand:
"Pleased to meet you. My name's Gabrielle."
At first, Alan hesitated but slowly, he also extended his hand to shake hers.
After exchanging pleasantries, they took on the stands and the games. Tina got some cotton candy for herself too and Edna got a big portion of toasted almonds, which she shared with Alan. Gabrielle tried one of the games and managed to win a stuffed pig. Edna also played one of the games, only to win nothing at all.
"Hey, how about we go on the Ferris wheel?", Tina suggested. They had long since finished eating their snacks and they also happened to be near the ride.
"I like the idea", Gabrielle was the first to agree, although Edna and Alan were also quick to respond with a positive answer.
A short time later, after waiting in a line that was fortunately not very long, they were in two gondolas of the Ferris wheel. Tina and Gabrielle shared one while the other two were once again together. The higher up they went the more they could see of the town and its surrounding areas.
"This would be a romantic place for Edna and Alan if the sun were setting or if it was already night – a starry moonlit night and the town's light dotting the darkness on the ground", Tina remarked.
"You're right but the fair is still here for a couple of more days. The two will have their chance", Gabrielle replied. "And even if they can't, they will be able to next time or at another fair."
"Except that their relationship will be a long distance one", the blond said as she took a photo of the view with her phone. Gabrielle stared at her:
"What!?"
"Yeah, he's moving away soon", Tina confirmed with a nod. "Edna stays here to finish her education before she follows him. But she will probably visit him over Christmas."
"So, they're barely together and he's already leaving? Is there a reason for this?", Gabrielle inquired in a slightly raised voice. Tina bit her bottom lip and her eyes darted around. Should she really tell her the truth about Alan? She had not even known about this until just recently. She had not even known how the man Edna had feelings for looked like until she met him the night before last! Could she really trust Gabrielle and tell her the truth? Was it even her place to tell her? Tina already had the answer; it was not her place. If anyone should tell the brunette the truth, it was Edna herself.
"I think you should ask Edna", Tina finally spoke up. "It's something that matters her and her boyfriend, not me."
"Well, alright. I'm gonna ask her when we're down on the ground again", Gabrielle decided.


Inside the gondola that came right after the one Tina and Gabrielle sat in were Edna and Alan. The latter's thoughts switched back and forth between two topics – one, his upcoming escape abroad and two, his leaving Edna behind for a year. He felt like his time with her was too short. If only he had found her sooner... But waiting for a year did not seem so bad; he knew they could make it work.
"It's a nice view up here, isn't it?", Edna remarked leaning her head against his shoulder. Alan gazed at her and then at the view.
"It is", he agreed as he put his arm around her shoulders. He knew they had to talk his upcoming move as soon as possible, though this seemed to be an inappropriate moment. He opted to speak with her later about this. He enjoyed the view from up here in the Ferris wheel with Edna in his arm, feeling for the first time since he lost his family and girlfriend like a normal human being and not like a psychopath. Amy reckoned he had a split personality disorder and perhaps she was right. It would certainly explain why he sometimes got the urges to kill a person, though this side of him became more and more dormant. Was there a possibility this side of him would never appear again? Alan hoped so. He did not want any more years in imprisonment or on the run...
"I can't believe we were here only a few days ago, just as friends. It kinda feels like much more time has passed", Edna remarked.
"Well, a lot of things happened since then. So, of course you'd feel like more time had passed", Alan replied. He turned his head and gazed at the girl in his arm. "But tell me, when did you fall in love with me? Considering your reaction when we reunited in your house a few months ago, I would have never thought you would develop this kind of feeling for me."
"Actually, I was surprised myself when I realized my feelings for you", Edna admitted. "But I don't really know when I started to feel love towards you or why. I think it just happened when we spent so much time together."
She leaned back to get a proper look at his face.
"What about you? When did you realize you're in love with me?"
"It's actually just like in your case. It just happened over time", Alan explained.
"Do you think it happened because we spent so much time alone together? Or do you reckon we would still have fallen for each other even if we had been among other people?", Edna asked, sounding as though she was unsure about this.
"I don't know. Maybe, maybe not. But...", he removed his arm from around her shoulders and took her hands in his, "we shouldn't think too much about what might have been. We're together now, that's what matters."
The corners of Edna's mouth moved upwards, which formed a joyful smile on her face. He thought she was prettier when she looked at him like this; it made him feel like he sat at a lit fireplace on a cold winter's night. He was about to move his face closer to hers but a quick glance behind her told him they had to get out of the gondola any second now. There were other people who wanted to ride the Ferris wheel and he would prefer no audience when kissing his girlfriend.
"Time to get off", Alan said and a split second later, the gondola door opened for them to get out and for the next pair to get in. Gabrielle and Tina were already waiting for them, so the couple went over to join.
"Had fun up there, you two?", Tina asked and, without waiting for an answer, went on: "Hey, how about we go home? It's slowly getting late and I don't know when Gabrielle here has to be home."
"My parents usually want me to check at home for dinner, unless I'm invited somewhere", Gabrielle replied. "But my ultimate curfew's eleven, though they cut me a break with it's half an hour later. Just as long as it's before midnight."
"So, they'd be okay if we would invite you over to our apartment?", Tina inquired to which Gabrielle nodded. The blond turned to Edna and Alan. "How about it? How about we invite Gabrielle over to us?"
Alan raised his eyebrows, surprised at being asked for his opinion and for the suddenness of the invitation. Judging from Edna's expression as he gazed at her, she was of the same opinion. He saw how her eyes flickered back and forth between the other two females several times before she voiced her answer:
"I see no reason why she can't."
"Well then, it's decided. That is, if you want to, Gabrielle", Tina said.
"I wouldn't mind it. Besides, Heike threatened she would eventually come over to my place and I really don't want to see her anymore than I have to", the brunette responded.
"I see", Tina nodded. "You better phone your parents to ask for permission, though."
The brunette nodded and went to find a quiet spot to call her parents. It just took a few short minutes before she returned.
"My parents say it's alright but would like to speak with you, Tina", she announced, handing the chubby young woman her phone before turning to Edna: "Can I speak to you for a minute? Alone?"
Edna exchanged with Alan a look of puzzlement. They wondered what Gabrielle suddenly wanted to talk to her about.


"Um, okay", she replied slowly and unsurely. Tina was on phone with Gabrielle's parents. The younger girl led the way; Edna followed her until they reached a quiet spot, the same one where Gabrielle was just a few minutes previously. Gabrielle turned around to Edna, looking unsure herself. The former patient of an asylum tilted her head in confusion.
"What did you want to talk about?", Edna inquired after a few moments of the younger girl not saying a word. Gabrielle took a deep breath and began talking at last:
"Up there, on the Ferris wheel… Tina told me something about your and Alan's relationship…"
She trailed off, as though she was unsure on how to proceed.
"And what, exactly?", Edna prodded gently. "Could you please elaborate?"
"Well, she told me he – your boyfriend, I mean – has to leave soon. She didn't tell me why, though. She just said it's your place whether or not you want to. Of course, you don't have to tell me anything, if it makes you uncomfortable. I… I'm just wondering why he has to leave so soon after he started a relationship with you. It just doesn't make sense for me, you know?"
Edna's mouth formed a silent 'oh' as she realized what Gabrielle wanted to talk to her about. The brunette did not know about any of this, she did not know of what just happened the night before last when she was in the asylum to save her friends and about everything that happened before all that. But this reminded Edna of something. On the day when Edna pushed Heike in a pond, Gabrielle did say something about Mattis being a murderer. She had always wondered where she knew this. It was not like Gabrielle had been there when it all happened. She had been meaning to ask the younger girl for some time now, just never thought of doing so before. Now was as good as any. After answering Gabrielle's own question, of course.
"Actually, I would prefer to tell you this somewhere less... public", she replied, glancing at the crowd just a few meters away. "It's not something I'd like to talk about when not in private."
Gabrielle nodded in understanding:
"I see."
"Actually, I have a question to you, too."
"Yes?", Gabrielle now looked curious. Edna fidgeted a little with her fingers. She suddenly felt awkward about this. It was after all a part of her past that still hurt, even if she did learn to live with this.
"Well, you know when I pushed Heike in the pond? When you all insulted me?", she began at last. Gabrielle had an uncomfortable and regretful look on her face.
"Yeah, I remember. And I'm sorry about this. I really should have ended my friendship with Heike long before all this. We had been friends since kindergarten and I guess I just didn't want to throw this away, even after I realized just how toxic she had become."
"Hey, it's alright. At least you had the courage now. Better late than later", Edna gave her a kind smile and patted her on the shoulder. "But that was not what I wanted to talk about. What I meant is what you said that day. You said my father was a murderer. How did you know he was convicted as one? I mean, I don't think you were around when it happened."
Gabrielle thought about this for a minute.
"Oh! Now I remember what you mean!", she exclaimed, thankfully still quietly enough to not draw any attention to them. "Actually, my father heard about this when he was younger. I told him about you as our new classmate and mentioned your name. He was reminded of this case with your father when he heard your last name and told me about this."
"Did… did your father believe all of this?", Edna asked tentatively.
"Well, my father didn't know him that well. But he described him as a quiet, mild-mannered man who wouldn't hurt a fly and – his words, not mine – with the spine of a jellyfish. Whether or not he had killed the child, he doesn't know."
"I'll tell you everything tonight at our place, I promise. I found out what happened and it's kind of a long story."


Back in the asylum, everything was upside down. Guards had been called to the police for questioning, many policemen and women searched for evidence all while the inmates happily ran and played around. Now that Doctor Marcel was gone, the atmosphere somehow seemed brighter, more relaxed, and more joyous. It was almost like Doctor Marcel was a demon that sucked out the surrounding happiness and warmth and one's soul. Still, those employees who were there tried to contain the excited inmates for they were disturbing the police.
"Man, it's like they had a huge amount of sugar, coffee and energy drinks all at once!", Babbitt exclaimed after he failed to catch Petra. He watched her as she danced around, calling for Peter. As soon as she was out of sight, the object of her affection appeared from behind a potted plant.
"Petra's always been so energetic but now she's worse than ever before", he commented, making Babbitt jump. He whirled around, pointed a finger at Peter and yelled:
"Whe-where did you come from!?"
"From behind the potted plant. It was the quietest place until two minutes ago."
Babbitt stared incredulously at Peter, feeling the urge to scream at the top of his lungs. He took a deep breath and instructed Peter to go back to occupational therapy. Luckily, he did so without any trouble.
"Somehow, working as a night guard in a museum or pizza joint sounds like a better option…"


Edna and Gabrielle returned to Alan and Tina after they finished their little talk. Tina handed the brunette her phone back as soon as she saw her. They all decided to call it a day and return to Tina and Edna's apartment. But before going there, they drove to Gabrielle's home to pack some stuff for staying the night. Meanwhile, Tina talked pleasantly with her parents. Edna and Alan just stayed in the car, waiting in silence and just enjoying each others' company. It did not take long for the two females to return. This was the time when they got back to the apartment, where they changed into cozier clothes. Tina went to the kitchen while Edna, Alan and Gabrielle decided to get comfortable on the couch. The youngest of the bunch turned to the purple haired woman:
"Do you think you can tell me everything now?"
Right at this moment, Tina reappeared with a tray and four glasses of iced tea. She set everything down on the coffee table before sitting down herself.
"Tell you what?", she asked, addressing Gabrielle.
"About what happened in my past", Edna replied instead. Tina nodded, breathing a quiet 'ah'. Edna drank from her iced tea before turning to Gabrielle:
"I will tell you everything now. But better get cozy; it's quite a long story."
Gabrielle nodded, shifting in her seat. She looked at the purple haired woman with an interested expression.
"I'm ready."
"Okay…", Edna took a deep breath and began to tell her everything. She began with her childhood, with being neighbors with Doctor Marcel and having to play with his son Alfred, how she accidentally killed Alfred and how her father took the blame for her. Gabrielle listened attentively, her jaw dropping at the part with accident and what followed after. She even exclaimed a big "What!?" when she heard this. Then Edna told her about her being kept in Doctor Marcel's asylum for ten years and being subjected to his correction of character therapy.
"Wait, he basically used you as a guinea pig!?", a shocked Gabrielle exclaimed. "How did you get out?"
"I'm getting to it", Edna said and went on to tell her about the great breakout that had occurred, how Alan was known as the Key Master. This was his cue to tell her a bit about himself, his own past and why he was in the asylum. It was a miracle Gabrielle did not freak out but actually remained calm. She did, however, ask if his presence was safe for them all, which they kind of understood. When they reassured her it was indeed safe, she was satisfied. Edna then explained how she found out the truth about her past and how she went hiding in a convent, her friendship with Lilli and seeing Doctor Marcel again.
"Yeah, and after that Tina was so kind to take me in and I eventually became your classmate", Edna concluded. "And, well, I was reunited with Alan not so long ago, Tina and Lilli were kidnapped by Doctor Marcel, we rescued them, we finally learned Alan's name."
"Alright, so Alan has to leave because… Wait a minute!", Gabrielle only now just realized what Edna had said. "Kidnapped!? Rescued!? What the actual fuck!?"
"Yep, I was kidnapped by Doctor Marcel's goonies as was Lilli", Tina confirmed. "We were rescued the night before last and I tell you, it was crazy!"
"Now that's something I wanna hear!", Gabrielle exclaimed, sounding awed and impressed. The other three told her about everything that happened the night, each one taking turns to tell her what they were doing. Throughout the tale, the brunette listened slack-jawed as if she had forgotten how to close her mouth. After Edna, Alan and Tina were done telling her about the rescue mission, she leaned back and whistled.
"Whoa! That was truly exciting! It was like a movie!", she commented. "I don't think I could have done this without panicking!"
Edna smiled sheepishly, scratching the back of her neck.
"I guess I just wanted to get back at Doctor Marcel", she admitted. "But I would have saved them anyway, no matter what. They are my friends after all."
"But it shows that you're a great friend", Tina pointed out with Gabrielle nodding in agreement. "That you could be a nuisance to Doctor Marcel again was just an added bonus."
"Yeah, I guess. I mean I had no friends for a long time and now I have great friends", Edna replied. "It's not like I'm abandoning them when they're in a bind."
"And that's not something everyone would do", Gabrielle said. "You only know who your true friends are when you're in serious trouble, of any kind."
Edna's smile became even more sheepish. Being praised like this was weird for her. She did not know what to say about it.
"How about a change of topic?", Alan suggested, for which Edna was grateful.
"We could watch a movie", Tina said. There was a murmur of agreement from the other three. She stood up, walked to the shelf and named a couple of movie. In the end, they decided to watch Jumanji. Edna noted how dated the animated animals looked but it did not mean the film was bad. She thoroughly enjoyed it. Edna, Alan, Tina and Gabrielle did not do much for the rest of the evening. They ordered a big pizza and had a Pirates of The Caribbean marathon. They had a lot of fun, laughing and repeating memorable quotes and generally having a good time. However, first Gabrielle, then Alan fell asleep one after the other. Edna also fell asleep at one point as did Tina.


Morning came, they all woke up, one after the other. Both Edna and Gabrielle had to give their testimonies at the police station in a few hours. Hopefully, it would be the last time. Edna was sick of Heike acting like she done nothing wrong. She held Harvey close to her chest.
She gave her boyfriend a quick hug and another one to Tina on the driver's seat. Then she got out of the vehicle and entered the police station.
Gabrielle was already there, having gone on ahead. She sat on a chair, staring at her knees. Edna approached her and when she noticed her presence, she looked up.
"Hi Gabrielle", Edna said and sat down next to her.
"Hello Edna. How're you feeling about this?", the brunette questioned interestedly. Edna shrugged:
"I'm a little annoyed about this, to be honest. Hopefully, it will be the last time. And you?"
"Same here", Gabrielle replied. Both women sat in silence for a few minutes, nervous about the moment they would be called to give their testimonies, which could be any moment now.
"Do you know why we have to give our testimonies again?", the young woman asked.
"Don't know. To see if we'd stuck to our respective stories?", Gabrielle responded. "Or what we said contradicts what Heike and Daniel said."
"Do you think it really is the case?"
"Well, I wouldn't be surpr...", Gabrielle fell silent. She stared with unfocused eyes. Edna frowned at the younger girl, not sure if she should talk to her or poke her. But before she reached a decision, Gabrielle breathed:
"That's what's going on."
"Beg pardon?"
Gabrielle stared at Edna with big round eyes.
"I completely forgot. Heike wanted me and Daniel to say something completely different than what actually occurred. Don't worry, I told the police officer the truth but Heike and Daniel most likely lied, saying you attacked her unprovoked. Perhaps the officer wants to see who told her the truth."
Edna nodded in acknowledgement. She should have suspected that Heike would do something like this. The obnoxious blond was as bad as Doctor Marcel in regards of her hatred for Edna. In fact, she would not even be surprised if Heike would want to rewrite her character if she could and if she were intelligent enough. Minutes passed in silence, which Edna used to reflect the last few days. It felt like so much more time had passed with all that had been going on. She met her old friends from the asylum and her only friend from the convent school as well as new faces and enemies. It also almost felt like the day she broke out of this mental institution so many years ago with all the mayhem she and the other patients caused. Edna smirked at the thought of how it kept every guard who was present on their toes. Served them right in her opinion. A door to her and Gabrielle's right opened and Officer Schmitz emerged through it. She spotted the two girls and approached them.
"Are Miss Hinterwaldt and Mister Tor still not here yet?", she questioned. Both girls shook their heads and Officer Schmitz sighed in exasperation.
"Oh well, you two go to my office. Perhaps the other two will arrive while my colleague and I question you", Officer Schmitz told Edna and Gabrielle and beckoned them to her office. The girls stood up and entered her office, followed by the policewoman. Another officer was also there; a middle-aged man who had something fatherly about him.
"Miss Wilcke, my colleague will question you while I question Miss Konrad", Officer Schmitz said. Gabrielle nodded and followed the other police officer through a second door. As soon as they were gone, Officer Schmitz instructed Edna to take a seat and to tell her what had happened the day she pushed Heike in the pond. The young woman told her, like before, how she sat at the pond and watched the ducks when Heike, Daniel and Gabrielle appeared and mocked her for her rag doll rabbit. She mentioned how she lost her temper when Heike insulted her parents and therefore pushed her in the pond. Basically the same Edna told her some time ago when she was first invited to the hearing. Officer Schmitz did not say anything while Edna recounted her tale and when she was finished, she just nodded and told her she may go. Puzzled about this but deciding not to question it, she got up and, after saying good bye, left the office. She really did not know what to think about this. Just why did she have to give her testimony again? Whatever the reason, she told the policewoman the truth and hopefully Gabrielle did the same. The door opened behind Edna and Gabrielle stepped out too.
"What did you tell him?", Edna inquired as soon as the door was closed.
"Just that Heike provoked you into pushing her", the brunette replied. "Have you anything planned for the day?"
"Not really. You?"
"Me neither."
The two left the building and found Tina's car in the parking lot just a few meters away. Both Tina and Alan waited outside the vehicle for them and when the chubby blond noticed Edna and Gabrielle, she waved at them. Edna hurried towards them, with Gabrielle in tow, and the first thing she did was to give Alan a hug. Gabrielle, meanwhile, smiled at them as did Tina.

"So, what now?", Tina asked after Edna had let go of Alan. "Do you two", she nodded at Edna and at Gabrielle, "talk about your hearing or do you want to do something different?"
"I vote for something different, something fun", Edna replied before Tina even closed the mouth. "What do you think, Gabrielle?"
"Yeah, I'd rather do something other than talking about the hearing", the brunette agreed. "How about we go to the beach? I haven't been there yet this year."
"Oh yes, I'd like that! Last time, it was only Edna and me", Tina grinned widely.
"I like the idea, too", Edna agreed. "How about we invite Bianca, Sebastian, Gregor and Anika, too?"
"I'm on it", Tina smirked, cell phone in hand. She proceeded to text their friends while Edna thought about what Amy had told her, while she had given her, Alan and Tina a ride. The therapist mentioned that they all talked about their plans for the next week at breakfast while she, Edna, was still sleeping. Gregor and Anika would be visiting his cousin in Hamburg for a few days. Sebastian and Bianca were busy preparing their vacation to France with Sebastian's family. The vacation would be starting on Saturday, which the male adolescent had completely forgotten until the half-Italian asked him during breakfast. Edna could not help but to smile in both amusement and exasperation at Sebastian being scatterbrained. He really was in need of someone like Bianca who would make sure he would not forget anything. It might be Edna's imagination but it seemed the two were a couple, or at least sort of. She actually expected them returning from France and announcing they started dating.
"I wouldn't mind the beach", Alan replied, pulling Edna out of her reverie. "I just need swim trunks."
"Well, we could go buy you a pair", Gabrielle suggested.
"Anika and Sebastian wrote back, they said yes", Tina told them and smiled in the round. "Then it's decided. We buy Alan a pair of swim trunks, hope Bianca and Gregor also say yes and drive to the beach."
The four friends got into the car. The chubby blond then drove to Boutique de Vêtement – Clothes For All Occasions while Gabrielle called her parents to let them know where she was for the day, and also asking for their permission. Alan picked a pair of black trunks, which Tina paid for him. While they were in the boutique, both Bianca and Gregor also replied yes. After buying swimwear for Alan, they all quickly agreed when and where to meet and drove to the beach.


Some time later, the group arrived at the beach. Everyone helped getting everything out of the cars before searching for a spot for them all. To say it was easy would be a lie for the beach was quite packed. It took them a while until they found an empty spot big enough for all of them. So, they quickly went to the spot and laid out their blankets. Some of them went to the changing cabins while the others stayed here to save their space. As soon as they returned, the others went to get changed. Gregor started to inflate an air mattress while Anika rummaged through her bag for her beach volleyball after they put on sunscreen. The others returned shortly thereafter. They, too, put on sunscreen.
"Anyone up for a game of volleyball?", Anika suggested, holding up the aforementioned ball. Gabrielle, Sebastian and Gregor decided to join her in a game. They walked away with a 'see you later' to an area where others were already playing.
"Well, I stay here and sunbathe a little", Bianca said, putting on her sunglasses.
"Alright, I'm in the water", Edna replied, sprinting off to the water. As soon as she was up to her neck in water, she turned around to see who had joined her. A while later, Alan swam right next to her and Tina was on the air mattress just a short distance away from them. She waved at them, Edna and Alan waved back at her.
"I actually can't remember the last time I was at a beach", he admitted somewhat awkwardly. "It's been too long."
Edna took his hands and gazed into his eyes with a gentle smile. Until a few weeks ago, she was in the same boat. If Tina had not suggested the day at the beach, then this day would have been the first time in forever for her too. Both of their lives had been destroyed by their time in the asylum, both of them had spent a huge chunk of their lives there. It was difficult to have a normal life after getting out, but not impossible. Edna was sure her support system would help Alan out too. If only his moving abroad had not been suggested. Maybe she should have a word with Amy about this. But for now, they were here to have fun. Her smile turned into a mischievous grin and she lightly tapped his shoulder.
"You're it!"
As soon as those words left her mouth, she swam away as fast as she could. She turned her head to see whether he would be chasing after or not. He had a look of utter bewilderment on his face.
"Come and catch me!", she shouted after him as she kept swimming. A short time later, she felt his thin arms around her torso. Both laughed joyfully when he said 'gotcha'. He let her go and now she was chasing him.


Tina relaxed on the air mattress, every now and then looking over to Edna and Alan chasing each other. She smiled at this, happy for her friend. She had come a really long way since she moved in with her a few years ago. Back then, she used to always leave her bedroom door open, would have hour long conversations with Harvey and simply was not sure how to live. Slowly but surely, Edna would start to spend more time with Tina instead of alone with her rabbit in her bedroom. If Tina thought about it, it probably started one Saturday evening when she watched Ghostbusters on television. Edna had joined her not long after the film had started, asking if she could join. From then on, they hung out more, watching movies, going to places and doing art. Over time, Edna had met the sisters Anika and Amy and their respective boyfriends Gregor and Ben. Now they were a tight-knit friendship group, who would help each other as much as they could. If Tina was honest with herself, she would really miss her friend when she would follow her new boyfriend abroad. She wondered if there was a chance for them to stay here in this country for she reckoned it would be more difficult to get really started in life in another country.
"Hey", she heard a voice say. Tina turned her head to see Anika coming towards her.
"Hi, is your game over?", the blond greeted her.
"Yep, my team won", Anika grinned. Tina chuckled while her friend glanced at Edna and Alan joyfully chasing each other. "They seem really happy, don't they?"
"Yeah, I don't think I've ever seen Edna so happy", Tina responded, also looking over at the couple. Anika nodded in agreement, saying:
"I think I should talk to my sister, maybe there is a way Alan doesn't have to leave. Hm, perhaps I give her a call now."
As soon as those words left her mouth, she swam right back to the shore.
"Hey! Wait for me!", Tina called after her, getting of the air mattress. She quickly grabbed the floating device and swam after her friend. The moment she arrived at their spot, Anika was already on the phone. Next to her were Bianca and Gabriella, trading Pokémon. Tina sat down next to Anika, who was nodding along the things her sister was saying.
"So, there might be a possibility Alan won't have to leave?", Anika said after a while. Silence again as Amy was talking again. "Alright, I'll tell them you wanna look into this again as soon as possible. See you, bye."
She hung up and turned towards Tina:
"Sis reckons there might be a way Alan won't have to leave. However, we all have to work together to make it possible."
"So, what are we supposed to do? We can hardly erase his past."
"You're right but sis plans to go back to the asylum to check Alan's files. She is not entirely sure but she reckons she might find something."
"Let's hope she does."
Both sat in silence, looking off the distance. It was kind of funny how they are basically helping a man they have only known for a very short time. But it was not just him they were helping; they were also helping Edna, their friend they cared very much about. They cared about her happiness and if it meant having her boyfriend with her, so be it. Anika put her phone away and stood up.
"I think I'm going for a swim. Wanna join me?", she said, looking at the sitting Tina. She shook her head.
"Nah, I think I'll take a nap."
"Okay, see ya later."
Anika left, waving after her as she ran to the water. Tina waved back before putting on her sunglasses and lied down. Gazing up to the sky she slowly closed her eyes, just listening to her surroundings. She listened to the sound of the waves, the laughter and annoying screaming of playing children, people talking and Bianca and Gabriella playing Pokémon. At the moment, she was in peace. At the moment, she lived in tranquility.


The day seemed to go by in a flash. Before they knew it, it was already late afternoon, almost evening – time to go home. Together they packed their stuff, got changed and put their things in their cars. The ride home was full of laughter and joking, talking about the day. It was like every one of them had been friends their whole lives. No one, who would see them now, would think some of them only just recently met. It was hard to believe the group was a mix of adolescents and full-grown adults. From the way they all were getting along, they could be around the same age. Life was funny that way, sometimes people who are far apart in age get along much better than people their own age. But in the end, it depends on personality and interests. It was definitely easier to be friends with someone who shared one's interests than with someone one had nothing in common with. Having someone to talk to, to have fun with, were the things that mattered the most and if this person was a friend ten years younger than one self, so be it. This was something Edna had realized over the past few years and was now contemplating about as Tina brought Gabrielle home and Gregor and Anika brought Bianca and Sebastian home. They all befriended her and helped her having a normal life after everything that happened from her childhood on. If she thought about it, she had been talking less and less with Harvey. Was it perhaps because of her friendships? After all, Harvey had been her only friend for so long and now she had an entire friend group, so it could be a possibility. But this would not mean she would forget him. He was a part of her life and will always be, nothing would ever change that.
"Home sweet home", Tina's cheerful voice pulled her out of her reverie. Edna looked out of the window to see they were parked outside the apartment building. She got out of the car and helped Tina and Alan unloading the vehicle. It did not take long for they did not have that much they had taken to the beach, just their swimming gears, a blanket, an air mattress, an umbrella and sunscreen. Edna took their gears, the blanket and sunscreen, Alan grabbed the air mattress and Tina had the umbrella. They went up to the apartment in silence, right now the plan was to spend the evening watching a movie and perhaps playing a video game. As soon as they arrived there, Tina took care of their gears while Edna and Alan decided on a movie. In the end they decided on Beetlejuice. She showed him how to put the DVD in the player and how to generally handle it before they went to the kitchen to get some snacks. After Tina joined them and they all got cozy on the couch, they spent the evening watching this Tim Burton classic.