This Will Be a Whole New Life

At twenty, Emily Parker had no idea what life had in store for her. She was studying at university, deeply in love with her boyfriend Daniel, and already dreaming of their weddingafter all, theyd been talking about it for months.

Daniel was older, having finished his military service before they met at her schools autumn ball. Shed never forget the first time she saw him. Theyd grown up in the same town, even attended the same school, though hed graduated years before.

“Blimey, whos *that*?” Emily thought, spotting Daniel across the room.

He strode in, scanning the crowd for familiar faces until his gaze landed on hersand then he smiled. That was it. She was smitten. How could she not be? He wasnt like the other lads.

“Hi, Im Daniel. And you are?” he asked, sauntering over. She blushed furiously. “Fancy a dance?” He took her by the waist, and they spun across the floor.

“Emily”

She barely felt her feet touch the ground. Daniel led with such confidence, his every move effortless, and she melted into the rhythm.

“Emily, then. Youre a natural,” he grinned.

He didnt leave her side all evening. By the end, theyd agreed hed walk her homeand they lingered for hours, neither wanting to part, though Emily knew she had to get back before her mum worried.

Daniel never let life get dull. After school, Emily started university in their hometown while he worked. He was the kind of bloke who could light up a room, his infectious energy drawing everyone in. They went to weddings, gatherings, and cosy little cafés. Even in the dead of winter, hed surprise her with roses. Every date felt like an adventure.

When Emily was in her third year, he dropped the bombshell.

“Ive booked us a trip over the Christmas holidaysskiing in the Alps! Theyve got brilliant instructors. Youll be flying down those slopes in no time.”

“Oh my God, Dan, youre *amazing*!” She flung her arms around his neck, then suddenly pulled back. “WaitIm *terrified* of heights! You *know* that!” She burst out laughing.

The trip was unforgettable. To her own surprise, Emily took to skiing like a duck to water. It was over too soon. Then came Mothers DayDaniel arrived at her house with *two* bouquets.

“Happy Mothers Day,” he said, handing one to Emilys mum and the other to her. “These are for you, gorgeous.” He kissed her cheek, leaving her glowing.

“Dan, this is too much,” her mum fretted. “They mustve cost a fortune.”

“Its fine. Jack and Liam are heading up north for workhigh-voltage line repairs. Theyve roped me in. The pays fantastic. Ill save up for the wedding. Maybe even a car.”

“I dont *want* you to go,” Emily protested.

“Its just three or four months. Well call every day. I *want* to give you the wedding you deserve.”

“Id marry you in a registry office tomorrow,” she said softly. “I just want *you*.”

But Daniel had made up his mind. He left with his mates. The money *was* good. They called often.

Then, one day in class, Emily felt a sudden, inexplicable dreadbut it passed. Theyd spoken the night before, so she wasnt expecting a call. Still, by evening, her heart wouldnt settle. She tried his phonenothing. Five times. Silence.

Panicking, she rang Liam instead.

“Liam, wheres Dan?”

His voice was hollow. “Dans gone.”

“Gone *where*?” The line went dead.

“Mum!” Emily screamed, collapsing in tears.

The next few days were a blur. She learned Daniel had been electrocuted on the job. His mother, Margaret, was a shadow of herself. His father and younger brother, Oliver, went to bring him home. The funeral was a waking nightmare.

Emily was numb. She visited Margaret often, sitting in silence or accompanying her to the graveside. Oddly, Margaret clung to herbegged her to stay close. They even went to church together.

One day, Margaret suggested, “Lets go to the seaside, love.”

Emily agreed, though she didnt know why. Her own mother had urged her to move on. Still, they wenta week in Brighton. Mornings on the beach, afternoons resting in their room. Margaret seemed calmer now.

One day, while Margaret napped, Emily slipped out to the pier. The sea stretched endlessly, gulls screeched overhead, laughter and chatter surrounded herbut she felt utterly alone.

“Stunning, yet so sad,” a voice said beside her.

She turned, ready to snapbut hesitated. There was something about him something that reminded her of Daniel.

“Beautiful people arent meant to be happy, apparently,” she muttered.

“I disagree,” he said firmly. “Im Gabe, by the way.”

“Emily.”

They exchanged a few words before she walked awaybut he watched her go. Hed noticed her days ago, always shadowed by that older woman.

With two days left, Margaret dozed after lunch. Emily nipped to the shopand bumped into Gabe. He snatched her bags before she could protest.

“Let me help. Fancy a chat?” He nodded to a nearby café.

She sighed. “Fine.”

“I leave in three days,” he said. “You?”

“Tomorrow night.”

He grinned. “Brilliant. Where dyou live?”

She named their town. His eyes widened.

“Me too. Small world.”

Gabe had graduated from her uni and now worked at the councils planning office. Single, after a messy breakup. Hed come to Brighton to clear his headthen spotted Emily.

She told him about Daniel, about Margaret. He frowned.

“Thats odd. Usually, parents dont stick around like that.”

“I dont get it either,” she admitted.

They swapped numbers, promising to meet back home.

When Emily returned, Margaret was frantic. “Where *were* you?”

“Just shopping.”

But Emily was starting to chafe under Margarets grip. Her own mother had warned her*Shes dragging you down.*

That night, as they packed, Emily tentatively said, “When we get back I think its time I moved on.”

Margarets face darkened. “A new life, then. Well, youre young. I just thought I hoped you might be carrying Daniels child. And Olivers still herehes a good lad”

Emily recoiled. “*What?* No! God, no!” She burst into tearsthe first real cry since the funeral. And suddenly, she felt lighter.

The decision was made. *Home,* she thought. *And maybe meeting Gabe was a sign.*

The new term began. Emily and Gabe grew close. One day, she visited Daniels grave alone.

“Goodbye, Dan,” she whispered. “Thank you for everything. I have to live now.”

She walked to the car, where Gabe waited.

And so she did.

A year later, she married himand soon, they were expecting a baby boy.