Coming From the Shadows Series
Yasmin’s Predicament
A giggle escaped Yasmin’s lips as she finished talking with Raven on the phone “I love you too” she whispered into the phone, their call was coming to an end “I’ll call you tomorrow, I promise” she told her with a smile; she couldn’t help her giggling, when the call did come to its end that moment of happiness she felt came to an end – a door downstairs slammed.
The eruption back with a bellow of her father; Steven, his voice with the slurry of alcohol “Where is that little freak!”
Yasmin’s blood ran cold; she knew what was coming, her father’s rage was a familiar monster; a beast that was fuelled by cheap alcohol and a deep-seated resentment that seemed to find its focus on her.
Tonight it was her relationship with Raven that had triggered him; she could hear him ranting about being ‘Unnatural’ and ‘Disrespecting the Family name’
He was getting closer, each angry stomp on the stairs shook their small house; Yasmin scrambled to her feet, her heart ponding against her rubs – she knew what was coming, the shouting, the insults…, she’d experienced it all before.
The door of her bedroom crashed open; splintering its already weakened frame – Steven stood there, a hulking shadow filling the doorway, eyes bloodshot and wild “You disgusting little…” he began, the insults were vulgar and laced with hatred
Yasmin recoiled, her voice barely a whisper “Dad…, please…, I haven’t done anything”
“Haven’t done anything?” he snapped “You bring shame on this family, you and that…, that girlfriend of yours!” he suddenly lunged at her, his hand raised
Fear propelled her into action; she managed to dodge him; scrambling towards the door, her mother; Molly, stood in the hallway, her arms crossed and her face, a mask of indifference “Mum…, please…, make him stop” she pleased
Molly’s eyes flickered with something that might have been pity, but it quickly vanished “You brought this on yourself Yasmin; perhaps if you wasn’t so stubborn..”
Her words hit Yasmin harder than any physical blow; the realisation set in that her mother wouldn’t protect her; she was actively choosing to stand by and watch, it sent a wave of despair crashing over Yasmin.
“Declan!” she cried out; turning to her brother, he emerged from his bedroom, he looked to his siter, his face etched with a mixture of fear and helplessness; he went to open his mouth to speak, but then, closed it and retreated back into the perceived safety of his room
Yasmin was alone; utterly, devastatingly alone.
Steven grabbed Yasmin by the arm; his grip was like a vice “Get out!” he snarled, shoving her to the stairs and causing her to fall down several of the steps as he followed behind her before shoving her forcefully at the front door “Get out and don’t you dare come back here!”
Molly had followed, but her expression was unchanged, even as he threw Yasmin out into the streets; Yasmin looked, the door slammed in front of her, a sound that echoed in the sudden silence.
She stood there a moment, stunned, the cold May air biting at her skin, all she had was the clothes on her back, a few pound coins and her mobile; her home, the only place she had ever known, was now a fortress that barred her entry.
With nowhere else to go; she walked, walked to the promenade, the familiar scent of salt and chips doing little to sooth the pain she was feeling, the bright lights and surrounding laughter just seemed to be mocking her misery.
She found an empty bench overlooking the dark expanse of the Irish sea and sank down; curling into herself for warmth – the wind howled, it mirrored her turmoil astears streamed down her face, silent and unstoppable, she thought of Raven – she wanted to ring her, but she also did not want to be a burden to her, she choose instead to stay where she was.
The hours just crawled by; the last of the night time stragglers disappearing into the night – and very slowly, as the time ticked away, the town would slowly begin to awaken; the sky begin t brighten, painting the horizon in hues of grey and pink, Yasmin though remained motionless, her eyes were fixed on the distant horizon.
The first rays of sunlight touched her face; while her thoughts kept drifting to Raven, she also kept telling herself that she shouldn’t disturb her, should wake her with worries about what has happened, she knew Raven would worry about her, but it was meant to be the other way round; she was the protective one, the one with the fiery spirit – she wouldn’t let Raven have to worry, she was already struggling with worries about college.
To add what has happened during the night to Raven’s mind would distract her, Yasmin didn’t want Raven being distracted – she had to work this out on her own, fix things before Raven realised she had been thrown out…, but how?…, she was on the streets with nowhere to go.
She finally moved her hand, moving it into her pocket; gripping the mobile device in her pocket and pulling it free; she could hear the morning chirps of the birds as her eyes landed on the screen of her phone, she checked the time – then, as she moved, her eyes drifted to a building; the Avise Centre – it wouldn’t be long now before its doors would be opening.
Maybe…, just maybe that is were she could get help; a ray of hope to those in need.
As she tucked the phone back into her pocket, she got up to her feet; that is were she intended to go, she would make her way slowly, as to provide it enough time to open its doors so she could seek help.
Written By: Westley H.
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