Havens

sixteen

On Christmas Morning, the three soldiers came to the palace. I told them the news about the death, instructed them to suspend the dead bodies and officially called off the war.
Getting over the trauma from Christmas Eve was tough, but we still managed to do so.
I was able to make a lot of great changes as the new ruler of the Moon Haven.
I got rid of the Moon Tests and made the laws way less strict than before.
For many of the laws, exile was the punishment for breaking them but since that is no longer an option, there was only suspension. I didn't get rid of that punishment. I know it's harsh but there still needs to be some order around here. I just didn't make that the only punishment. I added community service.
I made attending and passing classes a requirement for attending Dream Wave Academy. And my new favorite addition is Dream Wave University! There for those interested in furthering their education after Academy.
I also met with Astro in the Light Haven. Together we worked on getting the two Havens together and connected by a large tunnel. Inside that tunnel there was a shuttle that transports citizens to and from both Havens in a matter of minutes.
It took months to build but with our people coming together and our advanced technology, it was finished before the summer and all of the friends and families were able to reunite.

It was a regular day in May. Nova, Cari and I were in the Light Haven taking a walk around the Core when we ran into Astro.
"Hey Astro!" Nova waved.
"Good morning everyone! Aria, May I speak with you?" Asked Astro.
"Yea! What's up?" I asked.
Astro smiled. "This has been on my mind for months. Seeing you run everything so smoothly gave me this idea. I want to give you control of the Light Haven." He said.
"Seriously?" I asked.
"Yes. This place has been great, but ever since you've moved everything together, assisted in improving our law system, I figured it would be best if you would just take ownership. We all know you're the better leader!" Astro laughed.
Nova and Cari nodded.
I sighed. "Listen, I would love to, but I've only been ruler for five months now. I'm still new to this, and I'm seventeen. I know I may seem like I've got this all under control but I have a lot on my plate. This is kind of stressful," I said.
"Aria! You are an amazing leader. The best!" Said Astro. "But, I understand if you don't want to take this offer. You guys have a great day!"
"Astro! Wait!" Nova yelled.
"Nova, I can't be in control of both Havens. That's too much for me to handle!" I exclaimed.
"You don't have to do it alone! We know it's a lot and we're here to help you!" Cari smiled.
"Really?" I asked.
"It's us three! Together forever and always!" Cari cheered.
"We can help you. We want to help you," Nova said.
I smiled. "Okay! Astro, I'll do it!"
"Great!" He said reaching into his satchel and pulling out a contract. "Sign here and you will be in control of the Light Haven!"
I signed the paper and tucked it into my pocket.
"Wow, how does it feel?" Nova smiled.
"It feels, crazy!" I laughed.
"I can't believe you're ruler of two space stations!" Yelled Cari.
"Not two, just one," I said.
"What?" Astro asked.
"There's no more Light Haven, Moon Haven. It's just one Haven. One big loving community!"
———
A week later, I had a speech outside of the palace. There were hundreds outside watching. It was being broadcasted so everyone in the Haven was watching.

"Hello and good morning my lovely people. The past few months have been a dream! I made many changes which reunited us all and made us an even more connected community! Not just physically, but literally. I am proud to say that we are no longer two separate Havens, we are one! One big fun and happy family where everyone is treated fairly. Everyone is entitled to an education and everyone must love one another! These are our core values that as space people we must live by in order to succeed! I have the honor of being able to guide this large community with two of my best friends, Nova and Cari! The three of us are the leaders of your new home: Apollo!"
the crowd cheered.

In honor of Apollo, we named the new haven Apollo's Dream. This really was his dream and I wish he was here to see it. After the ceremony was over, everyone all over Apollo's Dream was celebrating and having parties.
We were celebrating our own way.
Cari, Nova and their families all moved into the Palace. After we were all settled, we turned up the music and had our own little celebration. We invited Val, Reign, Max and a bunch of our other close friends we made while at the Dream Wave.
"I can't believe we graduate in two weeks!" Max said.
"I know! I wish you guys were graduating with us!" Val groaned.
"Yea, me too!" Cari frowned.
"Oh! We'll be there!" I smiled.
"We will?" Cari asked. I nodded.
"We will!" Cari exclaimed. The four of us started laughing.
"I'm so proud of you guys! You all are gonna do great things with the Apollo, I know it!" Val smiled.
"Thank you," Cari and I said at the same time.
As the group continued to talk, I noticed Nova sitting on the couch by himself so I decided I would go sit by him.

"Hey stranger," I said. "What are you doing alone?"
Nova gave me a funny look.
"What?" I asked.
"Oh, nothing!" Nova teased.
I rolled my eyes.
"So I was thinking about what you said during your speech," Nova started.
"Did you like it? It was all improve!" I giggled.
"I did, I did! I was gonna say you did great!" He smiled.
"Thank you!" I said.
"No problem," he replied.
"There is just one part I kinda regret saying. I might of told a little lie while up there," I mumbled.
"What was that?" He asked.
"Leading the Haven with my two best friends," I said. "I only want to lead the Haven with my one best friend," I said.
Nova smiled. I think he was catching on.
"Your one best friend...being...Cari?" He asked.
"Yea," I giggled.
"What about me, am I not your best friend?" He mocked.
My smile went away. "I don't want you to be my best friend anymore." I said.
I stared into his beautiful brown eyes. His smile went away too.
"After we broke up, I couldn't stop thinking about you! I was dumb for ever calling it off in the first place!" I cried.
"Hey! Don't call yourself dumb. You're not dumb. You're smart, and extremely talented. Don't ever forget that!" Said Nova.
I nodded. "Nova, I like you. I really like you and I've never stopped liking you. Being friends with you is cool and all, but I want to be more than that!" I rambled. "Will you be my boyfriend?"
"I thought you would never ask!" He exclaimed before leaning in for a hug. I held onto him so tight then pulled back to reach for his cheeks and pull him in for a kiss.

It was the best kiss we've ever had.

So good that I don't really remember what happened the rest of that night.

Just know that we all are living well and thriving on Apollo's Dream.