Coming From the Shadows Series
Unwavering
The October wind whipped from the Irish sea stinging Raven’s cheeks as she and Yasmin strolled along the Blackpool promenade; flashing lights cast an ethereal glow on Yasmin’s face, and Raven felt a familiar surge of warmth – they hadn’t been together long, maybe only a few months, but so far it felt like a lifetime – even with all the difficulties, there had only been one moment things nearly came to an end due to Raven’s feelings of guilt for Yasmin.
Despite the joy they had, the realities of life were harsh; whispers often followed them through the corridors of their school; snide remarks were tossed their way, the bullying had become relentless – Yasmin though, was fiercely protective, and that is were Raven’s guilt had nearly brought things to an end, her fears about Yasmin being hurt; Yasmin often got into fights due to that fierce protectiveness; she was often defending Raven and their relationship, Raven hated that – she hated that their love, something so pure would incite such visceral hatred.
“Don’t let it get to you” Yasmin would always say; her voice a low rumble against Raven’s ear “Their opinions don’t matter; only ours do”
Raven squeezed Yasmin’s hand; it drew her eyes to her in response, she couldn’t help but smile – Raven though was trying to ‘absorb’ that strength Yasmin carried; but, it was easier said than done; especially today.
As they were holding hands, walking along the promenade, that is when it happened.
A figure detached itself from the throngs of tourists, blocking their path – he was taller than them both; maybe around nineteen or twenty, with a sneering grin plastered across his face, his eyes already undressing them, Raven felt a knot of dread tighten I her stomach
“Well…, look what we have here” the man drawled, his voice thick with condescension
Yasmin immediately tensed, her grip on Raven’s hand tightening to a point of pain “Walk away” she warned, her voice dangerously low
The man chuckled, ignoring her threat “Holding hands; how cute…, are you putting on a show for the tourists” he leered, his gaze lingering on Raven’s chest “Bet you’re good at putting on a show; why don’t you give us a little performance?, just for me”
Raven felt a wave of nausea wash over her; the man’s words felt like a physical assault, invading her personal space, defiling something sacred; she looked at Yasmin, whose face was a mask of barely suppressed rage “I said; walk away” Yasmin repeated, her voice trembled with fury “Before I make you”
“Ooh…, feisty” he sneered stepping closer “What are you gonna do?; fight me?, I bet I could handle you both at once” he winked crudely, his eyes glittering with malice “Maybe I could teach you a thing or two”
Raven squeezed her eyes shut, wishing she could disappear – she wanted to be anywhere but there, enduring this humiliation; she felt Yasmin shift, preparing to lunge, a silent scream was bubbling in her throat, she knew what was coming, another fight, another bruise – more hateful stares
But.., before Yasmin could react; a voice cut through the air like a whip.
“Oi!; Leave them alone!”
The man turned, startled to see a woman approaching; Eliza – Raven’s older sister, she was striding towards them, her face thunderous, beside her was Tyler; Eliza’s boyfriend, he held an equally grim expression
Eliza and Tyler were known for representing Britain in Tae-Kwon Do; Eliza was fierce, determined and she was certainly protective of her little sister.
“Eliza” Raven gasped; relief flooding through her
“What’s going on here?” Eliza demanded; her eyes a blaze with anger, she placed herself between the man and the two girls; her stance radiating an aura of barely contained power
He was now suddenly less confident, and stammered “I was just having a bit of fun”
“Fun?” Eliza’s voice dripped with sarcasm “Is that what you call harassing young girls?; you think its fun to make them feel scared.., to feel threatened?”
“I didn’t mean anything by it” the man muttered, backing away slightly; but he backed up into Tyler behind him
Tyler’s presence loomed over him “You think you can talk to people like that?” he rumbled, his voice low and dangerous “You think you can just get away with it?”
The man looked from Eliza’s burning gaze to Tyler’s imposing figure; his bravado just crumbled; quickly, he mumbled an apology, his eyes darting nervously
“Get out of here” Eliza spat, her voice was laced with venom “If I ever catch you near them, near my sister; It won’t be police your going to need to worry about, it’ll be me”
The man didn’t need to be told twice; he turned and fled, disappearing into the crowd.
Eliza turned to Raven and Yasmin; her eyes landing on her sister as her expression softened “Are you okay?” she asked, a tone of concern present
Raven nodded, tears welled in her eyes before she rushed to her sister, hugging her; Eliza felt her arms wrap tightly around her as she came down to meet her embrace – Raven buried her face into her shoulder “Thank you” Raven whispered
Eliza held her close; gently stroking her hair “It’s okay” she murmured “I’m here, and so is Tyler; no one is going to be hurting you”
Tyler made a move forward; putting a comforting hand on Raven’s shoulder “Don’t worry Raven” he said gently “We won’t let anything happen to you”
Eliza gently pulled back, her eyes shifting to Yasmin “Are you alright?” she asked softly
Yasmin nodded her head, her face was still flushed with anger “Yeah” she said “Just…, pissed off”
Eliza let out a sigh “I know” she said “It’s not fair; you shouldn’t have to put up with shit like that”
“It’s okay” Yasmin said, scratching her forehead around her eyebrow while trying to sound brace “I can handle it”
Eliza gave a soft smile “I know you can” she said “But…, you shouldn’t have too” As Eliza straightened up, she looked to Tyler “Let’s get them back him; we can order a pizza, maybe watch a move” she looked back to her sister and Yasmin “Take your mind off of things”
Tyler was nodding in agreement as he put his arm around Eliza; guiding her towards the promenade; Raven and Yasmin followed, walking hand in hand.
As they walked; Raven’s eyes landed on her sister, she felt gratitude that she had her and Tyler in her corner; they, like Yasmin were like a shield against the ugliness, a reminder she wasn’t alone.
Back at the Wright household surrounded by pizza and familiar comforts of family, Raven felt the tension ease; she knew that homophobia wouldn’t disappear overnight, but, she also knew that she had people that loved her, who did fight for her – regardless of how she hated that, but they would protect her.
By the evening, she found herself in bed; Yasmin curled up beside her – Raven’s thoughts though had drifted back to that moment on the promenade, his hateful words and the way he stared; she felt a surge of defiance, she wasn’t going to let him win – to steal the joy she felt.
Shifting her eyes, she looked at Yasmin carefully, she moved closer, Yasmin felt the movement and looked towards her, at first confused at what she was doing, but quickly realised she was getting closer and smiled as she opened her arms; Raven gently pressed as close as she could before Yasmin closed her arms around her in an embrace; she rested her chin against the top of Raven’s head, moving one hand and stroking her fingers gently through Raven’s hair.
“I don’t want you to let go” Raven whispered
Yasmin smiled; while Raven couldn’t see her face, she knew she was smiling, there was a subtle movement before she realised Yasmin kissed the top of her head before quietly saying “I don’t think you truly realise just how much I love you Raven, it isn’t just some infatuation, it isn’t teenage hormones” there was a pause “It isn’t because this is still new” she continued “You mean so much to me, as long as you want me to hold you; I will never let go”
Raven smiled softly as she remained snuggled against Yasmin; the gently caressing of Yasmin’s fingers through her hair kept her relaxed, so much so, she fell asleep in her embrace.
Written By: Westley H.
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