by A L Makin
“Oh Willow, please don’t say that. Can’t you see that your life is only going to get better now that you’re away from him and his poison?” Tom replies with sad eyes.
I take in a deep breath and let it out slowly, pondering what he’s just said. “Maybe you’re right. I don’t know yet. I just know that any sort of healing is going to take time … a long time.”
Tom smiles warmly at me as he keeps a hold of my hands. This time he gives me the gentle reassuring squeeze. “And you can have all the time you want and need to heal. You have a home here for as long as you want it.”
With those final words, we decide to drop the subject of Drew. I’ve promised Tom that I’m not going to contact him, and I plan on keeping that promise. A herd of wild horses couldn’t drag me back to him, so he has nothing to worry about. We drink our drinks quickly and get another round in, focusing on having a good evening.
~
In the end, and to my surprise, we have a great time. The night was filled with laughs, jokes and far too many drinks. Tom introduced me to some of the locals in the pub and I was made to feel welcome. By the end of the night when the barmaid called last orders, both Tom and I were drunk.
We stumble out the pub laughing. The sky is pitch black with our only form of illumination coming from the moon and the million bright stars that litter the clear sky. It looks beautiful like someone has sprinkled silver glitter onto a black canvass. It’s another view that I’m not used to seeing with growing up in a busy city that never sleeps.
I pull my jacket tight around my chest as we start our walk home. “I can’t get over how beautiful it is here, even in the dark.” I say to Tom in awe of my surroundings.
“I know. It still catches me off guard with its beauty.” He smiles.
“So how come here?” I ask.
“What do you mean?” Tom asks back confused.
“I’m mean, of all the places where you could have moved, what made you come here?” I ask realising that in all this time, I’ve no idea what it was that brought Tom to Ravenhills.
Continuing our walk back home, he slowly shakes his head. “I don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?” I press further as I link my arm through his.
He takes a deep breath as he shrugs his shoulders. “I mean, all I did was switch on my laptop, searched for remote places to live, and this village was at the top of that list. It was honestly as simple as that. Strange really.” He answers.
“Why‘s that strange?” I ask confused.
“Well, because before moving here, I’d never heard of it before.” He defends.
I laugh at his comment. “You can’t know every place in this country, Tom. Even you’re not that good at Geography.” I smile. “I’m a teacher and even I didn’t know it existed either.”
“Maybe you’re right.” He says, but his tone tells me that he doesn’t quite believe his own words. “Just promise me one thing while you’re living here Willow.”
“Of course, anything,” I reply unsure of what I’m about to promise to.
“Always remember that there is much more to this village than what you see. It may look small and sleepy, but it’s a hive for the weird and wonderful. Don’t ever take anything for granted, or at face value.”
His answer has me confused, it’s like he’s warning me, but what about?
“I don’t understand, what are you trying to say?” I ask confused.
He rubs his stubble covered chin. “Just what I’ve said. This village is different from where we grew up that’s all. The people and the way they do things around here is different. What you saw in Newthorpe, is what you got. But that’s not the case here.”
It’s like he’s speaking in riddles. I open my mouth to ask him what he means specifically, but he cuts me off. “Anyway, we need to get a move on. The clouds are closing in behind us and I think it’s going to rain again.
We walk the rest of the short distance back home laughing about the evening in the pub, while I push what Tom has just said to the back of my mind.
~
Considering the amount of alcohol we’ve consumed tonight, we manage to make it back home in one piece. Walking up the drive, my head begins to spin, and I can’t decide whether I need to throw up or pass out. Tom stumbles into the house, leaving the front door wide open, while I decide to sit out on the grass for a little while hoping that the fresh cool air will help to clear my head.
Feeling light-headed, I drop down heavily onto the sodden grass, sitting cross-legged on the lawn in front of the house. A cold wet patch seeps through my jeans and to my backside. But as cold and wet as it is, I don’t move. I’m too drunk to care.
I close my eyes and take in a deep cleansing breath, letting it out slowly. When my head stops spinning, I open my eyes. The large garden is gently illuminated by little round lights which line up each side of the driveway and up to the front of the house. Peace envelops the garden, and it helps with clearing my head.
I replay the conversation with Tom tonight about Drew. If I’m really going to give my move to Ravenhills a chance at healing my heart, then I need to start as I mean to go on and get rid of anything holding me back in the past with Drew. That means I have no choice but to delete his message, his number and him out of my life for good.
I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone. I’m just about to unlock the screen when I’m disturbed by the repeated feeling of being watched. It can’t be coincidental that it’s the second time tonight that I’m sure I’ve felt someone watching me? I turn slowly and look over each shoulder, but I can’t see anything apart from the dark garden.
Being an empath has its advantages. One of those advantages is being able to tune in on your surroundings and onto anyone that might be there too. I close my eyes and try and focus on my surroundings. I concentrate hard, pushing through the haze of alcohol that’s trying to cloud my ability. Slowly, feelings filter through and I’m able to sense that I was right, I’m not alone. Someone else is here, stalking me in the garden, and it’s not Tom. Feelings of curiosity sprinkle down on me like snow and it makes my skin go cold. I concentrate harder and try to locate where the stalker is hidden. But no matter how hard I try I can’t pinpoint their location. It’s almost like the person is all around me. But I know that’s not possible. It must be the drink hampering my ability.
Against my better judgement, I stand up, ready to search the garden. However, the instant I turn to walk towards the dark trees, the sky above let's go again and rain begins to fall heavily on and around me. Marble sized drops of water hit me in quick succession, and I’m soaked through in a matter of moments. Without thinking, I run to the cover of my brothers’ porch, and it’s as I’m catching my breath that I realise that the rain has probably just saved me from making a massive mistake. Why on earth did I think it would be a good idea to go after whoever is stalking me? I heard Tom’s warning earlier to be careful, and then here I am, about to go purposely looking for danger. Stupid or what!
Stepping in front of the porches white wooden railings, I bend forward and rest on my elbows. The rain continues to pour down, filling the air with the smell of wet grass. Unable to shake the feeling of being watched, I’m surprised to find that the horrid weather hasn’t deterred my stalker. “Where are you?” I whisper to myself as I scan the garden. But I see nothing but trees and darkness.
My brother calls out from the kitchen to see if I’m coming in anytime soon. I only look away for a split second to answer him, but when I look back the feeling is gone.
Chapter Four
I wake with a hangover from hell and a mouth as dry as Gandhi's flip flop. Luckily I brought a bottle of water to bed with me, so I reach out to the nightstand and grab the cool bottle. Unscrewing the cap, I take a large gulp. As refreshing as the water feels, I wince at the throbbing inside my head. Leaning over the bedside, I grab my handbag from the floor. Rummaging around in the large bag, I fish out a packet of paracetamol and pop two into my mouth, washi
ng it down with more cool water. After putting the bottle of water back on the nightstand, I lay back and close my eyes.
I left the curtains open last night, so the room is flooded with bright sunlight. The light and the tweeting from the birds outside my window means it will be impossible for me to fall back asleep, so instead, I enjoy the feeling of the warm sun on my skin and doze for another half hour or so.
The paracetamols eventually take effect, and I get out of bed and into the shower. The warm water feels good against my skin, and it does the trick of waking me up. I step out of the shower and wipe the mist from the mirror. Staring at my reflection, I’m not surprised by what I see. I look terrible - tired and worn down. A combination of the last three months heartbreak and last night’s drinking has made me look rough. Stood in front of the mirror, I make a promise to myself. I promise that from today onwards I will put me first, my happiness first. For far too long I have made other people a priority, neglecting my own dreams and desires. Not anymore. Today is the start of a new chapter, and I decide how the story goes.
With a new outlook on life, I leave the bathroom and get dressed. Heading downstairs, I’m greeted to the smell of Tom cooking a full English breakfast. It smells wonderful and just what I need after a night of drinking.
“Well hello, sleepyhead. I thought you were gonna sleep all day.” He laughs. “How you feeling this morn ... nope, this afternoon?” Tom asks whilst looking at his watch on his wrist.
I walk over to the coffee machine and pour out a couple of steaming hot mugs. “I feel like I’ve been trampled by at least a hundred elephants,” I say to him as I walk over to the dining table, place the mugs down and take a seat.
Tom turns back to the stove and finishes frying some eggs, then adds them to our waiting plates. “Only a hundred elephants?” He laughs while walking over to the dining table and setting my plate of food down in front of me. “So do you feel up to eating all this then, or are you too delicate?”
Stabbing a juicy fat sausage with my fork and waving it in front of his face I reply. “You know me – it doesn’t matter how bad my hangover is, I always have the stomach for food.”
Tom laughs again while settling down with his plate of food. “So, you got any plans for today then?” He asks.
“Erm, I thought I might take a walk around the village. Get to know my new home.” I reply while chasing a stray baked bean around the plate.
Tom shovels a forkful of bacon into his mouth. “I can give you a tour of the village if you want? I’m meant to be packing for California today, but I don’t mind putting that off and showing you around instead?”
I put my fork down and take a sip of hot coffee. “No, it’s ok. I don’t mind having a look around by myself.”
“Are you sure? I honestly don’t mind” He insists.
“Honest Tom. It’s fine. If truth be told, I could do to be left with my thoughts for a little while.” I explain, and he nods not pushing it any further.
~
After breakfast, I nip upstairs to get ready for my trip to the village. Looking out of the bay window I can see that although it’s a dry day, it’s dull with grey clouds in the sky. I hope it’s not gonna rain again, I think to myself. After pulling on a warm hoody, I grab my phone and make my way back downstairs. Opening the front door, I shout out to Tom to let him know that I’m leaving.
“What time will you be back?” He asks as he walks through to the entrance hall.
“I’ve no idea yet. I’ll probably only be a few hours?” I answer.
“Sounds good. It’s not the largest village, but give me a ring if you get lost.” He laughs. “And I thought we could order dinner in tonight if you fancy it? There are a couple of places that do takeaway in the village. I thought we could order from one of those, and maybe watch a movie? How does that sound?”
“Sounds perfect,” I reply. “See you soon.”
“See ya!” He calls after me as I step outside.
Standing on the porch in the light of day, I look around the garden. I can’t sense anyone else with me, and for a moment I doubt what I felt last night. I shrug off the feeling and walk down the porch steps, carrying on down the drive towards the wrought iron gates.
Tucking my hands into my pockets, I turn the same way Tom and I walked into town yesterday. The road goes down a gentle winding slope, and along the way, I pass several paths that lead off in different directions to other homes, farms and fields.
I’ve not been walking long when I come across a dark path to my left that I didn’t notice last night. It’s shrouded by tall thick trees on either side of it. The trees reach high up into the sky, and bend inwards towards each other touching at the top, creating a canopy ... a tunnel almost. I’ve never seen anything like it.
Taking a step closer, I stand in front of the entrance and stare ahead. The thick shroud of trees makes it difficult for light to penetrate through. I squint staring into the dim tunnel, and can just about see the end of the path. It looks like a pinprick of light, making me think that the tunnel must be quite long. Undecided which way to go, I look back and forth from the route we walked last night and the path ahead. Eventually, curiosity gets the better of me. Taking a deep breath, I step inside the tunnel of trees.
I follow the path in the tunnel, the sound of crunching stones and twigs under my feet the only noise heard. I pull the sleeves to my hoody over my hands to try and keep them warm. As well as blocking out light and outside noise, it seems that the tunnel also keeps out the heat too. As I continue to walk along the path, I look to my sides. Thick shrouds of trees line the path making the tunnel seem even darker. An uneasy feeling settles around me, and I start to regret my decision on coming this way. I pull out my phone from my pocket and am surprised to see that I don’t have any signal. What is this place? I think to myself. Instead, I swipe the screen and switch on my torch.
Shining the light in front of me, I look ahead to the exit and am surprised to see that the exit hasn’t got any closer. But surely that’s impossible. With the uneasy feeling stepping up a gear, I change my mind and decide to turn around and go back the way I came in. I’ll go the way Tom and I went to the village yesterday instead.
However, on turning around, I’m horrified to find the entrance I came in through has completely disappeared! I can’t even see where the path I’m walking on, leads back apart from a few feet in front of me. It’s as though a wall of darkness is following me, pushing me to move forward. I’ve no choice but to turn and carry on.
Taking a deep breath, clutching my phone in my hands, I shakily shine the light down to the ground. Every one of my senses is buzzing, while my heart thumps in my chest as panic begins to set in.
With weak legs, I step up my pace. The thumping in my chest is deafening against the vacuum of silence around me. I keep walking while steadying my breathing, trying to calm myself down when suddenly I hear the undeniable sound of twigs snapping behind me.
Without a second thought and without looking back, I pick up my pace even quicker and start to sprint down the path. I need to get out of here … now! There’s no doubt that someone is in here with me. And I know that they could just be passing through like I am, but the overwhelming negative feeling that surrounds me tells me otherwise.
With adrenaline coursing through my veins, I can feel the burn in my calves, and I’m worried my legs won’t have the strength to carry me out of here. But I push on, moving faster. The sound of crunching behind me also speeding up. Whoever is behind me is working hard to keep up.
Looking up I’m elated to finally see that the exit ahead is getting wider and wider with every step I take. It gives me the encouragement I need to keep running, willing my legs to go faster and faster. I’m so close to getting out of here, but the sound of movement behind is gaining momentum. I’m only a few feet away from the exit ... a few feet from the bright light. I reach out trying to close the distance, and it works! I can feel the heat of the sun on the back of my hands. But ju
st as I’m relieved to feel the heat, I’m shocked to feel someone grab at me. Boney fingers dig into my shoulder. The sudden assault makes me scream out, and I pull my shoulder away releasing their grasp. But the surprise insult makes me lose my concentration and I stumble tripping over my own feet. I tumble out of the tunnel and into the open. I land with a heavy thud onto my backside, knocking the wind out of my lungs.
Ignoring the pain I quickly scramble onto my hands and knees and frantically crawl further away from the entrance to the darkness. I only manage to get a few extra feet, until my hands and knees feel raw and I have to stop. So I sit on the ground trying to catch my breath, eyes fixed on the tunnel with my knees drawn up to my chest.
I stare at the tunnel until my breathing settles and my legs stop burning. No one followed me out and I don’t understand why? Surely if you’re chasing someone, then you’d follow them out? I’m beginning to realise that what my brother said last night, holds some truth. There is more going on in this village than what you first realise.
Convinced that I’m safe, I stand up on shaky legs and I dust myself off. I take a couple of cautious steps forward, towards the tunnel and stare hard into the darkness. But that’s all I see … darkness. The light only goes in a couple of feet until it’s swallowed up and ceases to exist. Hindsight’s a wonderful thing, and if I knew then what I know now, I would never have gone through there. And as sure as hell, I won’t be making the same mistake twice. Backing away, I look around and see that I’ve come out to a quiet country lane. Dry stone walls with thin footpaths, run up either side of the lane separating large fields.
I walk to the end of the lane which brings me out to a cobbled road. On my right, the road runs down into the village, but on my left, the road runs uphill slightly where there is a grand looking church at the top. I decide I should go back home and tell Tom about what happened. But I don’t know my way home from here, so I turn going downhill into the village.
It’s a short walk into the village, only taking me a couple of minutes. The streets are quiet, with only a handful of people wandering around, getting on with their daily tasks. It doesn’t take long to recognise where I am, and I easily find the pub that Tom and I went to last night. All that running has made me thirsty, and I decide to nip in for a drink before heading back home.
