The Coming From the Shadows Series
Previous Instalments:
- CFTS: A Family Trip – Awakening Love: A Family Trip to Spain
- CFTS / A Family Trip: A Summer Interlude – Exploring Relationships: A Summer Family Holiday
- C.F.T.S: Isolation at the Hotel – Strangers and Secrets: A Tense Family Getaway
Coming From the Shadows
Family Trip: Strangeness in Spain
Back Ground:
In the morning of August 1st – the Wright Family along with the two Guests; Tyler and Yasmin decided to split up, while Jenna and her Youngest; Dylan would go and find a place by the hotel swimming pool; Eliza, going with her boyfriend Tyler, along with her younger sister; Raven and her partner; Yasmin – would venture from the hotel to visit markets and get as good look of the beach during their explorations.
Eliza – born in 1992, was Jenna’s eldest daughter, and the more fiercely independent daughter, she inherited her mothers long dark brown hair, but had also inherited her blue eyes from her Great-Great Grandfather; Thomas Davidson – marking the only significant difference between them, aside from the eyes, Eiza, like her sister; retained the same physical similarities to her mother – her fierce nature a product of her childhood training in Martial Arts – having been taking part in Tae-Kwon Do since the age of 7 – it was through this sport she met and befriended her eventual Boyfriend; Tyler – Tyler proved just as much of a fierce competitor as Eliza, fighting on the same team as they both entered local to regional and eventually international competitions.
Raven meanwhile was the second born child of Jenna and Philip, born in 1999 – she retained much of her mothers physical similarities like her elder sister had; sharing the same long dark hair, though Raven’s tended to be much longer, often stylized in a ponytail usually hanging limply over her shoulder, deliberately pulled to the side of her head, she also inherited the same Silvery-Grey eyes as her mother a trait inherited from their Great-Great Grandmother; Lydia Langdon – unlike her older sister, Raven was much quieter, often passive and typically shy – she was the exact opposite of her girlfriend Yasmin – Yasmin who was a year older than Raven at 16 was much more boisterous and chaotic – but with Raven’s more tender personality they balanced one another out, developing their initial friendship in nursery it set a strong bond that would eventually turn romantic that year in 2014 – in Tossa De Mar, on their first day – Yasmin would initially jokingly present a Velvet Black Choker to Raven suggesting it would be perfect for her.
In a strange twist; Raven actually declared she liked it, twisting the usual dynamic between them, even if briefly, where Raven displayed a rare assertiveness with a playful ‘I am Yours’ comment – the Velvet Black Choker would subsequently become a symbol of their relationship.
Then, there was Dylan – Dylan being the youngest was a whirlwind of chaos for Jenna – he retained many similarities of his sisters to their mother, but also inherited the brownish eye colour similar to his father – despite his mere eight years, he provide to be just as receptive as his older sisters – taking notice of his mothers panic when she began to display signs of fear at the hotel lobby, here, he realised they the reason behind their sudden departure from the swimming pool was actually due to a strange man stalking them.
Introduction:
1st of August, 2014 A.D. – Afternoon
Tossa De Mar
Terror clawed at Jenna’s throat; she felt as though things had suddenly become a massive struggle just to try and composure herself.
She’d reached the safety of the hotel room, kept her son safe and managed to get in touch with her daughter; Eliza – but, that strangers eyes still burned into her psyche; she had 10-Minutes to wait, or that was what she hoped it all it would be, Eliza did say ‘Ten Minutes’ and she would be back at the hotel.
Each creak of the hotel though seemed to be amplified; each muffled sound from out in the hallway sent a shiver down her spine; she couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched, taking a deep breath, she looked towards her son “Dylan” she called; her voice a hoarse whisper
Dylan, usually boundless with energy and mischievous was now uncharacteristically quiet; he had stood still watching her – his mother was never usually like this, he had only ever see a woman that was always calm, collected and regardless of the situation maintained an air of control, he was vaguely aware of her regaining control over the finances, it was something he had heard Eliza speak about.
He didn’t understand it – all he knew, was she was a strong individual that rarely cracked, when she called; he didn’t hesitate, he rushed to her side.
Jenna enveloped him into a tight hug, burying her face into his soft hair “I’m sorry sweetheart” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion “I just didn’t want to risk something happening back at the pool”
Dylan gently moved back, tilting his head to look up at her properly, his small hands clutching her arms “Are you okay mum?” he asked, his brow furrowed with concern
Nodding “Yes sweety” she lied, forcing a smile “Mummy is okay” she had no intention of letting something endanger her child; she would do anything to keep him safe, she was hoping this in itself was the right course of action, she just needed to wait with him until Eliza came back.
Chapter 1:
Hearing her mothers tone during the conversation on the phone; Eliza knows something isn’t right; deciding to return to the Hotel, she had declared that they will be back within 10-Minutes, at the end of the call, Eliza shifted, urging Tyler to move “Come on”
Tyler found himself to be up last, glancing about a moment as if still process things; Raven equalled the same sense of urgency as her older sister – as for Yasmin; the very idea that the woman that had not only welcomed her since her childhood when she first befriended Raven, she had proven a caring and maternal figure for Yasmin which provided the warmth and security she lacked from her own abusive parents, Yasmin tightened her grip gently into Raven’s hand, giving a gently squeeze of reassurance as she kept pace, she could see it in Raven’s expression the sudden shift from passive happiness that was usually displayed to a sudden state of concern for Jenna – she shared that same sense of urgency as her girlfriend; Raven – Raven shifted her eyes a moment, feeling Yasmin’s hand gently squeeze her own, she gave a soft smile.
The foursome had abandoned their meal to begin the returning trip to the hotel; urgency was now pushing them onwards.
Within the hotel lobby; the stranger, the very man that had sent Jenna into a panicked flight fidgeted in the lobby, his eyes fixed on the very numbers displayed above the lift – he realised that he wasn’t going to be able to track her from the lift as there was no clear indicator of which floor she most likely stopped on.
Turning, he made his way towards the front desk; its polished surface gleaming under the soft light.
Cautiously, he leaned over, looking for sighs of anyone behind the desk; seeing no one, he tried to get a glimpse of he computer screen, he had hopes he might be able to see some indicator of the room number, hoping there would be something displayed – with the lobby so far empty, it was a chance he couldn’t pass up.
But, as he was leaning, craning his neck to look at the screen – trying to find information about the woman ‘Jenna’ a voice startled him “Can I help you sir?”
Stumbling back, he looked to see a young receptionist; she had just emerged from the back office, her expression was polite, but questioning “Uh…, No…, No” he stammered his eyes flitting around the lobby “I was just looking for some brochures; just wanted to know about the area, you know?” he gestured towards the empty stand nearby
The receptionists brow furrowed, but she nodded “We have some just over here” she said, gesturing towards a display near the entrance
Quickly, he muttered his thanks before hurrying away; his heart now pounding in his chest, he needed to be more careful, he couldn’t cause unwanted attention
Upstairs in Jenna’s hotel room; Jenna felt a physical manifestation of her stress and anxiety culminating into a painful headache, moving her hand to her forehead, she shifted her gaze a moment towards the television “Dylan; do you want to watch the television”
Dylan tilted his head for a moment, observing his mother carefully, not wanting to provide additional stress, he simply smiled, turning the television on, but putting the volume as low as possible, it would provide him a momentary escape through the colourful animations and silly voices, even if he couldn’t understand what was being said.
Jenna would collect a cold cloth before laying down on the couch gently pressing it to her forehead, sending a shiver down her body for a brief moment – at this stage, the headache had taken root, her head throbbed as she simply led on the couch in silence.
Chapter 2:
Girona, Spain
Miles away in Girona; Philip and his Archaeological team had come to an agreement following their previous meeting earlier that morning with a mysterious ‘Benefactor’ – as they returned back to the very same office within the museum they had been earlier that morning, they found him still sat, completely unaffected by the blistering heat within the room – as they took their seats, Philip smiled as he leaned forwards against the table “After careful consideration” Philip announced, addressing the impeccably dressed individua at the head of the table “We’ve decided to accept your proposal; the potential rewards are simply too great of an offer, the very possibility of receiving funding that could push us to new heights, we can’t miss this kind of opportunity”
The ‘Benefactor’ simply let his lips curve into a smile – a predatory glint within his eyes as he looked at the team in front of him “Excellent; I am pleased to heat it” he said “I shall notify the other team to expect your arrival, I suggest you begin travelling as soon as possible; time is of the essence”
Philip nodded “I shall need to collect a few things and to also notify my family; we shall be ready to depart by tonight”
Tossa De Mar, Spain
Entering into the hotel lobby; Eliza looked to her sister as they finally set out from the lift, making their way towards the hotel room – Raven brought out her key, but, when she tried to push it into the lock, she found it wouldn’t enter all the way, preventing her from turning or unlocking it “That’s weird” Raven said with a frown
Yasmin approached, her eyebrow raised as she watched Raven keep trying – it was clear though, no matter what angle she tried, it wasn’t going to work “Huh…, do you think she left the key in the door?” Raven queries
Eliza looked at her sister carefully before bangs her hand against the door “Mum!, Mum it’s us, open the door”
There was a tense silence that followed; before there was a subtle movement on the opposite side of the door; the door slowly pulled back, creaking as Jenna peered out cautiously; “Eliza…, Raven?” she said with relief flooding her voice, she opens the door fully, ushering them all inside before quickly closing the door again
Within the hotel room; Jenna returns back to the couch, collecting the cloth she had been using as she sits back down, placing it back against her forehead as Eliza, Raven, Tyler and Yasmin follow her inside – Eliza’s eyes drift to her younger brother a moment, smiling as he continues to watch the television.
Tyler decides to sit down nearby at the table – Eliza, turning her attention to her mother finally breaks the silence “What happened mum?” she asked her voice tight with concern
As Jenna took a moment, she began to recount the days events; Yasmin eases Raven back with her, as she sits down on the arm of the couch, gently wrapping her arms around Raven’s waist, they begin listening as Jenna tells of how the man had begun watching her by the pool, how she had noticed his intense stare – Jenna’s voice trembled as she described how, in an attempt to dissuade or embarrass the man due to his constant staring, she looked towards him, but he simply locked eyes with her.
Eliza listens intently, her eyes narrows in concentration as her mother explained further how she began feeling a sudden sense of being threatened, that she was not safe and was compelled to flee as quickly as possible, fearing something could have happened, despite people being nearby.
Jenna described how after she and Dylan came back to the hotel lobby, the feeling only intensified, and she realised he had followed them into the hotel.
Tyler furrowed his brow as he listened “People have bee going missing recently; it has become more common as of late” he said quietly, clearly thinking aloud, he noticed Eliza look towards him
“What do you mean?” Eliza queried, her eyes displaying a mix of concern and suspicion
Being well versed in the darker corners of the internet, he explained about people going missing, particularly in tourist hotspots for nefarious activities, and it was on the rise rather rapidly in the past few years “We should have a look around the hotel” Eliza said, her jaw hardening with determination “Can you come with me Tyler; Raven, Yasmin; stay with mum and Tyler”
Chapter 3
While Eliza and Tyler would go to explore the hotel; Jenna would lay bac down again, her hand resting over the cloth on her forehead – with Dylan sat quietly in front of the television, Raven and Yasmin made sure the door was locked before retreating to their own room for the time being, leaving the door open so that they could see out into the main room, purposely ensuring they could keep an eye on whatever is going on even while they were enjoying the partial-privacy of their own room.
Laying down on the bed; Raven furrowed her brow as she stared upwards, thinking one everything that been said; feeling the subtle movement of the mattress, she felt Yasmin lay beside her “Don’t worry” Yasmin said softly “We are right here, no one is going to get inside this hotel room without us knowing” Yasmin told her, Raven shifted her gaze towards Yasmin, smiling at her softly
“I know” Raven said softly “See Mum…, like that is a surreal experience, I have never seen her scared before”
Yasmin slowly nodded, gently tracing her fingers along Raven’s face “Sometimes we can’t help it; if something overwhelming happens, we’ll just show it”
Raven smiled, finding the gentle caress soothing, Yasmin’s fingers felt so light and soft, she moved her own hand up; copying Yasmin’s actions; Yasmin simply smiled in response.
Later into the evening; Philip finally made his appearance to the hotel, he had noticed a previous missed call from his wife, but mostly shrugged it off – believing it would have been unimportant, once the car was parked into the parking spot in front of the hotel, he looked at the young man beside him “I’ll be back in a moment Kyle” he said as he opened the door “I’ll just go and collect what I need, then we’ll catch up to everyone at La Jonquera”
Lyle gave a quiet nod as he looked around the illuminated park, as Philip left, Kyle let out an irritated sigh as he leaned back in the chair, with little else to do, he just looked around, though, he noticed a strange solitary figure moving around, it was obvious this individual hadn’t even noticed Kyle in the car, as he was trying to get a good look upwards, eyeing the balconies for something, Kyle simply raised his eyebrow, but waved off the oddity of the stranger as someone who was drunk.
In the hotel room, Philip let himself inside – as he strode in, he noticed it wasn’t only Jenna sat at the table, but Eliza and Tyler as well as Raven and Yasmin with Dylan “I would have thought you five would have gone downstairs to the party scene” Philip commented “A lot of young people down there enjoying themselves”
He ignored Jenna’s attempts to get his attention as he pushed further, turning his eyes towards Raven specifically “Could go meet some lads your own age; maybe even get a boyfriend”
Raven’s eyes narrowed; Yasmin could see the sudden frustration show in her expression, she gently squeezed her hand, drawing Raven’s attention towards her instead – it wasn’t missed by Philip who shook his head “Honestly, you should both be downstairs”
“Philip!” Jenna snapped finally disrupting him; her temper had flared “Philip, enough of that; I need to talk to you about what happened today….” She said with an urgent tone that caused her voice to tremble
Philip raised his hand, cutting her off “I don’t have the time Jenna; I am needed at a dig site, it is very important and requires my immediate attention, work comes first”
Jenna stared; she was stunned, in disbelief “A dig site?” she said quietly “I was talked, someone followed me and Dylan, we felt threate…”
Philip again waved his hand dismissively “I’ll listen to your stories late Jenna; right now, I have far more important things on my mind, I need to get this funding” he said as he disappeared into the bedroom; there was an awkwardness that slowly settled in; a cold feeling created by Philip’s uncaring attitude, after a moment Philip reemerged and didn’t say anything further as he vacated the room, leaving his family in a stunned silence.
Eliza felt a protective surge of anger – she had been the first to witness her fathers absence since she was a little girl – she was present for the births of both of her younger siblings – her father had never once shown up – she remembered both of her mothers reactions on the days – in 1999 when Raven was born, she remembered how upset Jenna had been and then again on 2006 when Dylan had been born – while Raven was unuse to seeing Jenna’s vulnerability – Eliza had seen it many times in the past.
She narrowed her eyes in contempt “And yet he still doesn’t grasp why he is hated” Eliza commented quietly breaking the silence, shaking her head
As the evening wore on; Eliza and Tyler would leave Jenna hotel room; but specifically made clear that if anything happens, she is to come straight to get her, she stated she did not care what time it was, only that if there was even the slightest feeling of their safety threatened, they were to come and get her and Tyler.
Jenna would spend the quieter part of the evening in her bedroom with Dylan, watching as he slowly fell asleep – she had purposely had him come into her room for the night, being the youngest, she wanted to make sure there was nothing threatening him, and just next to her room, she was aware of Raven and Yasmin’s movements, the subtle creeks that emanated from the wall.
Chapter 4:
2nd of August, 2014 A.D. – The Early Hours
Girona, Spain
Sat within a lavish home, the mysterious ‘Benefactor’ that had met with Philip and his archaeological team, sat quietly, leaning back in his chair, resting on the desk beside him was a mobile phone, as if on cue, as he reached for it, it back to vibrate, indicating an incoming call “Speak” his voice was smooth, but authoritative
“I can confirm the Wright family has accompanied Philip to Spain, I was unable to reach them, Jenna Wright became aware of my observations and unfortunately retreated to her hotel room” a voice said, a submissive tone emanating from the phone
There was a pause; a long pause, it created an awkward moment for the caller as the ‘Benefactor’ processed his thoughts, but this wasn’t an unusual occurrence – his affiliation to the ‘Imperium’ often involved complex decision making on how to proceed with plans, finally, he spoke “The husband will be travelling to the dig site, there doesn’t seem to be any delays, either Mister Wright is not aware, or perhaps, he is far more interested in completing his job”
“Do…, you want me to continue with the job, or…, no?” the confusion was clear, despite often taking up jobs from the secretive ‘Imperium’ organisation, not once had any single job actually been explained in a coherent way that made sense – the money that was paid was enough of an incentive, despite it all though; the confusion was palpable, and the curiosity to understand was there
“No; observe for now” the ‘Benefactor’ said “I shall wait on the results of the dig site, if Mister Wright takes a sudden change, perhaps discovers something that makes him reevaluate his assigned task, then, an incentive will be required”
Before anything further could be said the ‘Benefactor’ simply ended his call, placing the device back down on the table, a smirk curving his lips – Philip had so far displayed his greed, while there wasn’t any reason t believe Jenna had stayed silent, he suspected that Philip most likely showed no care, the lack of delay indicated as such – greed, as usually, proved to be the most effective tool at the Imperium’s disposal.
Tossa De Mar
Back at the hotel; Raven struggled to fall asleep, Yasmin could feel her tension and worry; easing herself as close as she could get, she wrapped her arms around her and pulled her gently to her – Raven, surrendered to the action immediately, there was no hint of resistance or confusion – she knew what Yasmin was doing, then there was a gentle humming that made Raven smile “Thank you” Raven whispered
Yasmin smiled “For what?”
“You know what” Raven shifted her position, managing to turn in Yasmin’s embrace, Yasmin only loosening her arms to ease her movement before pulling her close again; now facing one another – Raven locked her eyes with Yasmin’s and smiled at her; Yasmin simply smiled in response
They then heard movement; it sent them into silence; intently listening to where it seemed to emanate from, the doors were moving quietly, clearly someone trying to be quiet; Yasmin quickly moved, as Raven sat up – before Raven could move further though, Yasmin was already at the door, peering out through a crack in the door, though she let out a sigh of relief when she realised who was moving, opening the door she looked to see Jenna making her way bac down the hallway “Are you okay Missus Wright”
“Hmm?” Jenna murmured, shifting her attention towards Yasmin, nodding her head “Yes dear, don’t worry about me, just a bit restless is all”
Raven shifted to get off the bed, moving up near Yasmin and looking to her mother “Do you want us to keep the door open?” she asked softly
“Don’t be silly” Jenna let out a soft chuckle “Everything’s fine; go back to bed both of you” she said with a light smile “Go on” she gestured to them to go back to bed before she quietly returned back to her own bedroom – the two girls exchanged looks before doing as instructed
As they moved to close the door though, there was a subtle creak within the hallway causing them to reopen the door – though as they stared out, it was obvious the hallway was empty, the subtle illumination of the moonlight providing a dim light across the hall, no one was there, yet, there was a strange feeling of someone standing directly in front of their doorway – Yasmin raised her eyebrow before looking towards Raven.
Raven simply shrugged, there wasn’t anyone there – they put it down to increased tension from everything that had happened; Raven and Yasmin moved back to the bed, returning to the close embrace as they led back down.
Unseen, stood by the door staring as if the physical barrier didn’t exist was a woman, she stood on the opposite side of the veil – long since dead, she observed the two girls carefully as they tried to go to sleep; her ethereal form slowly moved towards the next room, her silvery-grey eyes locked onto Jenna carefully, watching the unease in her face, the concern and worry Jenna displayed.
Chapter 5
The following morning, Eliza and Tyler were up bright and early; they had foregone breakfast in order to get up as soon as possible to her mothers hotel room, gently Eiza knocked on the door – it took a moment before the door open slightly, the small form of her sister appearing in the gap before the door fully opened, she held a sleepy smile on her expression “Morning” she mumbled rubbing her eyes
“Morning sleepy” Eliza said, stepping into the room, Tyler closing the door behind them “Where’s mum?”
“She’s in the bedroom” Raven replied “She hasn’t slept very well; Pipsqueak is having his breakfast”
Eliza smirked ‘Pipsqueak’ her sisters nickname for their younger brother “Alright” she said softly, following Raven into the main room where Yasmin came up to them, unlike Raven, Yasmin was much more alert and already fully dressed “So, she hasn’t slept well then?” Eliza looked from her sister and towards their younger brother as he ate
“No” Yasmin chimed, she glanced bac a moment “I heard her moving around a lot during the night” she added “I did check on her a few times, we talked briefly”
Eliza nodded; looking at Tyler, she smiled softly “I’m going to go check on my mum” she told him, moving forwards and proceeding towards the bedroom while Tyler went to sit at the table on the balcony, joining Dylan for his breakfast – Yasmin and Raven had also gone to the same table
Eliza – she went to the bedroom, gently knocking on the door before entering, she found Jenna sat on the edge of the pain pulling her shoes on, but, her expression seemed almost blank “Mum; are you okay?” she asked softly, sitting beside her
“Not really” Jenna answered, shaking her head “I’m…, just stunned” she admitted “Despite everything, despite all of what has happened within this marriage, they constant absence, the control he exerted, all of it, I still find myself surprised…, and I don’t even know why” she said “Do you know how foolish I feel…, everyday”
Eliza watched her mother carefully; but stayed quiet for the moment, letting her mother continue “I got married to him based on lies” she said, her eyes still fixed forwards “Yet I knew they were all lies, I was drawn to him, and I can’t even explain why; it only changed after Raven was born…, it was like the fog finally started lifting that day” she went silent again, thinking on things, it was clear in her expression “He didn’t care; didn’t care that I felt frightened, didn’t care that someone was stalking me and his child, didn’t care about anything I wanted to tell him”
Eliza gently put her arm around her mother, offering a comforting squeeze “I know mum” she thought for a moment, then took a deep breath in and glanced towards the door before looking back to her mother “Do you want to book a plane back to England” she asked “Do you want to go back home to Blackpool?, me and Tyler can go get everything arranged”
Jenna thought for a moment before shaking her head “No” she said “It would be unfair on all of you, unfair to let this…, ruin things, this is meant to be an escape from all the stresses back home; you came to enjoy a holiday” she told Eliza, letting out a sigh, a flicker of determination “Let’s just try and bring back some normalcy”
Eliza raised her eyebrow a moment “How?” she asked softly
“Let’s go to the beach today; there will be a larger crowd, and we’re all together, less likely for a repeat of what happened yesterday”
Eliza hesitated a moment, uncertain “Are you sure mum?”
Jenna nodded slowly “I’m not entirely sure, but it might be a step in the right direction”
Eliza gave her mother a reassuring smile “Okay mum” she said “Let’s go to the beach then”
Eventually the group would emerge from the hotel – the sun momentarily blinding them as they began the trek from the hotel towards the beach, passing by various groups of other tourists and Spanish locals before they were finally met with the pleasant scent of the salty sea air and sounds of crashing waves – it was a much more welcoming atmosphere compared to the claustrophobic feeling that had taken root since the stalker incident.
As they began to spread their towels on the sand, Jenna’s gaze fell onto the black velvet choker Raven was wearing “Where did you get that sweetheart?” a tone of curiosity present
Raven smiled, a blush rising on her cheeks as she gestured towards Yasmin “Yasmin bought it for me” she said, her eyes sparkling with affection “It was initially meant to be a joke, but, I liked it”
Yasmin smiled as she hugged Raven from behind “I did try to warn her about what things claim it to mean online…”
“Like I said though; it doesn’t necessarily mean anything; it’s what you and I make it stand and represent; and I see it simply as a declaration” she said softly, leaning herself back as Yasmin embraces her “And even if it did mean anything; I am yours anyway”
Jenna smiled, her hearted warming at the sight of her daughters happiness, finding the interaction endearing – Eliza and Tyler momentarily disappeared, returning back with some ice-cream, sharing them out amongst the group.
Eventually Dylan would begin to happily build a sandcastle with Tyler, while Eliza led on a towel to capture the rays of the sun – despite Tyler’s presence, Jenna still kept her eyes locked on her son.
Raven and Yasmin, they settled on the same towel, basking in the warmth of the sun; Yasmin felt Raven’s fingers intertwine with her own; a silent expression of love and support.
La Jonquera, Spain
Far to the north; Philip and his team had met with the first team sent to investigate the dig site along the Spanish-French Border – here, just like they had been told by the ‘Benefactor’ the information they received from the second team served only to confused with claims of its ‘inhuman’ nature – Philip began to wonder exactly what he’d gotten him and his team involved in.
Written By: Westley H.
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