Part 3
2015 A.D.
Blackpool, Lancashire
A rain-drenched gloom settled over the seaside town of Blackpool; it seemed quiet than usual, and this endless drizzle seemed to dampen the spirits even more; the sounds of the raindrops splattering across rooftops accompanied by the natural rhythm of the day; and on this particular grey afternoon, within the a small flat existed a warm and tranquil atmosphere.
Raven had been spending a lot of time at this particular flat, she could still go home at any time she wanted too; but, it was here, with Yasmin she was feeling at her safest and most comfortable; in the recent times, she had under gone so much, it had a long lasting impact on her mentally and physically, her mood often dropped in an instant, her emotions could quickly overwhelm her.
Raven was at present curled up on Yasmin’s old and worn couch; a blanket was draped around her like a cocoon; her hair, slightly damp from earlier framed her pale face, she traced invisible patterns on her knee with her finger.
The sound of rain pelting against the window was soothing, rhythmic; like a lullaby she couldn’t help but listen too.
In contrast to the outside grey world; the flat was bathed in a warm orange glow of the floor lamp; Yasmin, was at present in the kitchen, humming along to sultry soul music playing on her old-styled radio that was playing softly; she fumbled about for a moment with the kettle as a faint scent of ginger and honey wafted; it was something that Raven had picked up as an acquired taste as of late; Yasmin’s attention to detail was one of those many reasons that Raven simply felt safest with her.
After going through so much in the past few months, Yasmin had built a fortress of calm around her; brick by loving brick; even now as a crack of thunder rolled faintly in the distance, Raven could feel the warmth of Yasmin’s presence like an anchor, keeping her grounded “Got you your tea” Yasmin called out gently, she balanced two mismatched bugs in her hands
Raven glanced up, a faint, tired smile tugging at the corner of her mouth as Yasmin made her way to her; Yasmin set the two cups of tea down onto the small table in front of the couch then plopped herself onto the couch beside Raven, it caused the cushions to shift “Thanks” Raven murmured, she then started moving to begin reaching
“Hey, hey…” Yasmin smiled “If you want it; let me get it for ya” she said with a smile; Raven looked at her with a raised eyebrow “Come on now; you know were this is going surely” she chuckled in response, Raven simply rolled her eyes before smiling; Yasmin then picked the mug up; then waited as Raven nestled against her shoulder before she passed the mug over; Raven let out a slight chuckle as she raised the mug towards her lips
As Raven took a sip of the warm liquid, she felt a spread of warmth, it felt comforting around her chest “Ginger and honey” Yasmin said quietly “Just as you like it” she smiled; her voice was soft and easy, like the rain outside; her free arm would find its way around Raven’s body, gently pulling her closer
“You are spoiling me as of late” Raven whispered, her voice barely audible over the rain
“Someone has too” Yasmin teased lightly; she shifted a little, turning her head as she pressed a gentle kiss against the temple of Raven’s head; Raven could feel a flicker; like a delicate spark that seemed to crack through the dense clouds that were present in her mind, allowing the sliver of light to seep through, Yasmin’s efforts mattered, and Raven was grateful in the way one could be when words were insufficient
As time slowly ticked away, Raven would find herself laying back down, her head resting in Yasmin’s lap; their eyes had become focused upon the glow of the television, watching whatever had come on; while the sound of a storm continued on outside; they had settled quiet peacefully into their evening; as Yasmin placed her mug down to the table nearest to her, she began to run her fingers through Raven’s hair, gently detangling it with a soft, methodical motion.
It had become normal pattern now, Yasmin acknowledged all how fragile and delicate Raven had become, and she made every effort to help her, so much so, that she tended to do things that would put Raven at ease.
Raven closed her eyes, her breath evening out as she just sank into the safety of Yasmin’s embrace; every touch was intentional, every gesture steady and reliable; Yasmin radiated the kind of love that didn’t ask for anything in return, and it was that which kept Raven from falling apart entirely in her darkest moments.
Memories would repeat frequently in her mind; so many things had happened, so much in such a short space of time; it had been one thing after another; from trauma to the appointment she had recently undertaken; the weight of a choice that she was now repeating in her mind, it had felt impossible yet necessary.
Raven swallowed hard, her throat tightening as a familiar dread was creeping up on her; it came when she felt still, as if her mind was trying to claw her back into the storm, she hadn’t realised it but she had begun to tremble, then Yasmin’s voice broke through “Ravie?” she said with a soft tone
Raven at first didn’t acknowledge what was said, she’d never heard Yasmin use any kind of nickname; it was only when it was repeated, she got a confused expression; the name started running through her head, and she couldn’t help but answer “Yeah?”
Yasmin smiled softly, she knew that would gain her attention; but she knew something was wrong “You with me?” she asked cautiously, her hands never once stopped their soothing rhythm through Raven’s hair
Raven slowly nodded her head; she felt a lump present in her throat “I’m still here” she said softly “Just…, the usual thoughts again…”
Yasmin slowly nodded her head, she knew what that meant, what was haunting her; she wouldn’t force Raven into battle with them, she instead would cradle her in the light, taking a deep breath, she smiled softly “The rain is heavy today, hm?” she said gently “So much for putting clothes out to dry” she added with a playful scoff, it was an obvious attempt to light the mood
Though that single line at the end, made Raven chuckle in amusement; Yasmin grinned in response
As the two continued their peaceful evening together; they would be blissfully unaware that observing them, would be the ghostly presence of Lydia; a smile curved her lips as she watched the two; she could see that Yasmin was the one for her granddaughter, it made her proud.
Written By: Westley H.
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