Blackpool
The colourful neon lights lit up the promenade, gently flickering against the backdrop of the nights sky creating a colourful glow; laughter and chatter filled the air as couples and groups of friends wandering in and out of nearby shops and cafes, the sweet aroma of popcorn wafted.
Raven felt a spark of happiness igniting within her as she strolled hand-in-hand with Yasmin; they had decided to celebrate the small victories Raven had been achieving as of late “Do you think I can convince you to try the cotton candy” Yasmin teased, she had a mischievous grin that made Raven feel light hearted; it made her chuckle as she let Yasmin lead her towards the central pier, the blinking lights of the large Ferris wheel created a beacon in the night
Moving between the various stands and shops along the pier, Raven couldn’t help but remember all the past times they had here, the summers past running wild and laughing; it felt so much different now, after some walking, Yasmin looked to Raven “Let’s ride the Ferris wheel” she suggested, her eyes sparked with excitement “You’ll love the view at night”
Raven smiled, nodding eagerly; as they found themselves at the foot of the towering structure that flashed and twinkled above them; she smiled.
As they climbed into the enclosed cabin, Raven could feel a rush of exhilaration mixed with a touch of fear; the world below faded as they began to move higher and higher; the twinkling lights created a dazzling panorama that took Raven’s breath away “This is amazing” she exclaimed, gripping the side of the cabin as they rose higher
“I knew you’d love it” Yasmin replied, gently squeezing Raven’s hand “You’re doing so well, I am proud of you”
As the ride came to a gentle stop at the top; they sat in silence for a moment, taking in the beauty of the night; the vibrant sounds of laughter and music floated up from the ground, blending into a symphony of joy.
Within that moment Raven felt free; free from the shadows over recent events and free to embrace whatever future waited.
However, as they disembarked and made their way once again through the crowd, Raven felt a shiver along the back of her neck it caused her to stop a moment, Yasmin glanced back with a raised eyebrow; Raven could feel a pair of eyes watching her, as she glanced around, she spotted a young man stood not that far away, his gaze fixed upon her, a hint of something unsettling lurking behind his friendly smile.
Yasmin watched Raven for a moment, she hadn’t noticed were she was looking, she just seemed a little confused by why she just suddenly stopped “Want to go get something to drink?” she asked, glancing about a moment
Raven slowly nodded her head before letting Yasmin continue to lead the way.
As they sat on a bench with steaming cups in their hands, Raven’s mind flickered back to the young man “Yasmin” she started “Do you notice that guy over there?” she asked quietly, nodding her head towards the direction that the man stood watching
Yasmin turned her head, squinting into the crowd “The one with the blue shirt?” she queried, Raven nodded, but as she looked towards the man, he seemed to be looking at various different people “I think he’s just people-watching” she said, though she wasn’t certain, feeling her mobile vibrate in her pocket, she shifted her attention a moment, rummaging in her pocket before pulling her mobile out, checking the text that she had received, making an irritated grumbling
Raven looked to her with a curious expression “What’s wrong?”
With a disappointed look, she shifted her attention to Raven “I need to go in to work” she groaned, Raven tilted her head a moment
“I’ll go back to the flat” Raven smiled, Yasmin smiled in response; the two getting up to begin walking from central pier
When it came for them to part ways, the warmth of their evening began to chill; the streets they had come across too seemed so quiet compared to the bustling of activity on the pier; shadows stretched across the pavement as they hugged goodbye “I’ll text you once I am at the flat” Raven smiled, but she felt a creeping sense of unease Yasmin could see it in Raven face
“Be safe” Yasmin said, she looked into Raven’s eyes with a seriousness within her tone; she just seemed to sense something wasn’t right, the way Raven was becoming uneasy, it was visually obvious in the way she was standing, the shifting eyes as she glanced about
Raven nodded and waved as they started going different directions; it wasn’t far for Yasmin to reach her job; but for Raven, she would have a considerable distance to travel, the unease made her want to keep moving rather than standing about near the bus stop; as she walked, the street light created long exaggerated shadows, creating what seemed like a labyrinth of darkness around her; that is when she felt it again, that shiver along her neck – someone was nearby, the footsteps had been unnoticeable, but the softness was now much more noticeable, she could hear them getting closer
Raven quickened her pace; her heart started to thump in her chest; there was a sense to run building, she dared a glance back first; she saw the same young man from the pier “Hey; wait up” he called out, his voice was too cheerful – too eager
“Uh…, I..” Raven stammered as she again quickened her walking, she felt her panic build “I need to go home” she shouted
“Come on, don’t be like that!” he shouted, he was beginning to close the gap between them “I just want to talk”
Raven’s breath came in quick bursts; she was listening to her instincts – this felt very wrong, turning sharply she decided to cut down an alleyway in the hopes of reaching the next street faster and to try losing him, though the echo of footsteps behind her told her she hadn’t escaped him
“Why are you running” he called out, and the jovial tone in his voice twisted into something darker “I just want to get to know you”
Written By: Westley H.
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