The Coming From the Shadows Series
A Family Trip
Introduction:
30th of July, 2014
The summer of 2014 was like the beginning of shimmering oasis for Raven; a welcome chance to escape the parched landscape of her recent school year – Blackpool, usually vibrant and bustling with tourists felt even more alive this summer, the salty air carried the usual scent of fish and chips with the sounds of the distant cries of seagulls.
Though, for Raven the sunshine held a deeper significance for her – it was a refuge from the whispered slurs and pointed fingers that had followed her since her relationship with Yasmin had become public knowledge.
Now, in the sanctuary of her bedroom; she was bathed in the warm afternoon light as she hummed away softly, packing a suitcase – the thoughts of escaping Blackpool, even if for a short time filled her with a nervous excitement; Spain beckoned, it promised sun-drenched beaches and a temporary reprieve from the prejudice that clung to her like the damp sea air.
Her reverie though was broken by the chirping sounds of her mobile as it began to ring; Raven’s heart skipped a beat when she saw it was Yasmin; without hesitation she grabbed the phone to answer it “Yasmin” she breathed, she was clearly excited
“Hey!” Yasmin’s voice crackled through the speaker, she was well aware from Raven’s tone how happy she was to hear her voice “Guess what?”
Raven’s eyebrow raised, curiosity spiked immediately “What?”
“I’m going to be coming over tonight” Yasmin told her; this news confused Raven though, she was happy, but, the news was simply bewildering, how could Yasmin be coming over; she and her family would be leaving in the early hours, it would be pointless for her to stay over, Yasmin sensed this confusion and simply giggled
Raven was quiet as her eyes were now scanning her calendar; no, everything pointed that it was definitely the Thirtieth; there was no mistake “Uh….” Raven hesitated “But.., we’re going to be going to airport tomorrow though”
Yasmin still just giggled at Raven’s confusion “Well…, I guess I will have to enjoy what little sleep I can get tonight eh?” Yasmin knew Raven wasn’t quite clicking with the news, or why she would be coming over
Raven started scratching her head; she was just utterly confused – but that confusion would be left to simmer, until Yasmin finally came around to the Wright household – when Raven came down, she saw a suitcase with Yasmin – it clicked “Wait…” Raven felt her excitement building rapidly
“Yes; I am coming with you Raven” Yasmin smiled
Raven was practically giddy with excitement; she would get a chance to spend a holiday with her girlfriend away from prying eyes, away from the judgemental whispers of their peers, in the setting and privacy of a Spanish villa.
Chapter 1:
The Clock read; 04:00 A.M. – the sky was a canvas of deep indigo; the seaside town slept, unaware of a flurry of activity within the walls of the Wright household.
Raven though; she lay cocooned in her duvet, she was oblivious to the early hour, or that Yasmin had moved from the bed; she was still stuck within her dreams; her breathing gentle.
Then; a gentle weight settled on the mattress beside her “Raven” Yasmin whispered; her breath warm against Raven’s cheek “Wakey, Wakey”
Raven began to stir; groaning softly as she tried to burrow herself deeper into the covers; Yasmin perched above her, her dark hair cascading down around her face, gently falling against Raven’s face – Yasmin giggled “Come on sleepy head” she said softly “We’ve got a plane to catch” gently, she traced her fingers to the curve of Raven’s neck
Raven mumbled incoherently; her eyelids fluttering; Yasmin, emboldened by Raven’s near-awakening, leaned her head down; she pressed a soft kiss against her neck; it sent a shiver down Raven’s spine “Yasmin….” She murmured; her voice thick with sleep
Yasmin continued; peppering Raven’s neck with kisses “Are you going to get up; or, am I going to have to resort to tickling” she threatened playfully
The thought of Raven’s ticklish fingers on her ribs jolted Raven awake; she stared upwards, her silvery-grey eyes still clouded with sleep, she found Yasmin grinning above her “I’m up, I’m up” she conceded; a reluctant smile played on her lips
Downstairs, the kitchen was a hive of activity; Eliza, Raven’s older sister, a whirlwind of energy, even at this ungodly hour, was frantically checking the contents of her backpack while simultaneously attempting to devour a piece of toast – beside her, leaning against the kitchen counter, Tyler calmly ate his cereal; watching her with a playful smile “Need a hand Eliza?” he asked, a teasing glint present in his eyes
Eliza shot him a harried look; the toast in her mouth though, prevented her from answering him without the risk of dropping it.
Tyler chuckled at her; his eyes though shifted when he heard someone jumping down the stairs; a small figure in a pair of dinosaur themed pyjamas – Eliza and Raven’s little brother; Dylan “Morning Dylan” Tyler greeted “Ready for Spain?”
Dylan nodded enthusiastically “Will there be any real dinosaurs there?”
Tyler chuckled “I don’t think so laddy; but, we can definitely look for fossils” he winked “And, if we can’t go digging, I can always teach you some cool moves”
Dylan’s eyes lit up “Really?”
“Sure” Tyler nodded his head in confirmation “After all, you need to be able to protect yourself from your scary older sisters” Tyler joked; Eliza, returning her attention to him shoved him playfully
Outside was far less harmonious; Jenna, her faced etched with weariness and determination supervised Philip as he struggled to load suitcases into the boot of the car “Philip; watch what you’re doing” she cautioned “You nearly scratched that cars paint, we don’t want to be paying out for other peoples repairs”
Philip grumbled under his breath “Well…, maybe, if the plonker hadn’t parked so damn close, I would have more room” he finally managed to get the suitcase inside, it had been a desperate struggle avoiding the car behind him; then, he slammed the boot shut, using an unnecessary amount of force
Jenna sighed; she knew that this was more than just a cramped parking spot.
Chapter 2
At 07:00 A.M. the Manchester Airport was a buzz of frantic energy with morning travellers.
The Wright Family, Tyler and Yasmin navigated the throngs of people, a colourful caravan of suitcases in tow.
The initial excitement of arriving at the airport though had begun to wane as the news of a delayed flight was announced to waiting passengers; Raven and Yasmin, walked hand-in-hand, they trailed behind the rest of the group – their faces, a mixture of disappointment and boredom “This is going to be boring” Raven sighed
Dylan though saw an opportunity, perked up by Raven’s irritation he smiled “Hey; can we go and play games” he queried his older sibling, tugging on her sleeve as he drew Raven’s attention
Raven thought for a moment; she glanced to Yasmin who just smiled, then returned her gaze to Dylan “Sure pipsqueak; let’s go kill some time”
The arcade was a cacophony of flashing lights and electronic sounds; Dylan, his eyes wide with excitement, raced for the nearest game; Raven and Yasmin lingered nearby, watching him “Want to try that one?” Yasmin queried, indicating towards a dancing spot
Raven shook her head, a blush creeping up her neck “No…, no, I would make a fool out of myself”
Yasmin grinned mischievously “Come on Raven; don’t be chicken”
Before Raven could protest; she pulled Raven with her; once there, she glanced at Raven before moving onto to the platform; as she turned, she gently pulled Raven beside her, her smile unwavering.
In tune with the music, Yasmin’s lithe body began to move with a surprising grace, she kept in rhythm with the music; Dylan momentarily became distracted as he looked towards the two – Raven, felt her cheeks burn but she began to dance as well.
Across the concourse; Eliza and Tyler sat leaning against one another in the airports lounge; Eliza had gotten comfortable with her position, her eyes closed, her breathing peaceful – but, Tyler knew she was fully awake.
This peace though was broken when Jenna and Philip came sitting down nearby, despite their calm voices they were in the middle of an argument, one that Philip was clearly losing.
Eliza, opening her eyes now; watched her mum and dad with a raised eyebrow – then she caught it, what the discussion was about, as Philip made mention of Raven, he was once again commenting on Raven’s relationship with Yasmin, something that had been met with opposition in the family – Philip was the only one that was against Raven coming out as a Lesbian – he’d made things tense since Raven announced that She and Yasmin had begun a relationship “Do you want to piss off with that” Eliza said coldly
Philip and Jenna shifted their attention towards their daughter; Philip narrowed his eyes a moment.
“Back off would ya; Yasmin makes her happy, in fact; Yasmin has made her happy since they first met in nursery, they have always been close; this was the obvious outcome, and your ignorant little views aren’t going to change that” she told her father; her tone icy
The animosity between father and daughter was very obvious; Eliza had always clashed with her dad, and it had only become worse when Raven’s relationship was announced, Eliza like her mother, stood by her sisters decision; she had been the one to support Raven when she was confused about her feelings – the one Raven had confided in first out of fear; that bond between the Eliza and Raven was very strong.
“You’re the only one who can’t seem to be happy” Jenna comments, bringing a plastic cup up towards her lips, sipping at her cup of tea; she could smell the sweet scent wafting from it beneath her nose
Philip shook his head, but said nothing further.
Written By: Westley H.
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