by A L Makin
Entering the pub, I see the same busty blonde barmaid from last night, cleaning one of the tables. Hearing the door close behind me, she looks up from what she’s doing and smiles warmly at me. There is only a couple of people sat at the bar with the rest of the pub empty, so I walk over to her.
“Hey,” I say as I join her by the table.
She stands up and folds the damp cloth in her hands. “Hey.” She replies.
I smile at her. “It’s Willow. I came in last night with my brother Tom.”
“I remember.” She smiles back.
“Sorry, I’ve just realised that I don’t think I caught your name last night,” I say embarrassed. All that time I spent here and I never even got to know her name.
She laughs. “Don’t be sorry hun. You and your brother drunk so much last night, that even if you did catch my name, I’d have been surprised if you still remembered it today.”
Her laugh is infectious and I can’t help but laugh back. “You know, you’re probably right.”
“I’m Lorna.” She says.
“Well, Lorna, there is one more thing I want to apologise about.” I smile sheepishly.
“Oh yeah – what’s that?” She asks intrigued.
“Last night with Tom and I … when I spilt the vase.” I struggle to find the right words.
“Hey, listen hun. You don’t need to explain anything. I have a big sister, so I know first-hand how siblings can be a right pain in the arse.” She jokes.
“That’s the thing. It wasn’t Tom’s fault at all with the way I acted.” I sigh loudly. “To cut a very long and pathetic story short, I recently found out that my cock-womble of an ex-fiancé, Drew, cheated on me more times than I care to know. So I’ve moved here to live with my brother while I sort my life out.” I pause briefly. “Anyway, when we came to the pub last night, I’d got a text from Drew. He was waffling on about how he still loves me and wants me back.” I say as I roll my eyes. “It just pissed me right off with how he thought he could say all that after everything he’s done. Like it makes up from all the shit he’s put me through, you know.” I explain giving more detail into my life than I needed to.
Lorna nods her head slowly, and I can sense that she knows exactly what I’m talking about. She’s had her heart broken at some point too.
“So anyway, I made the epic mistake of telling Tom that he’d text. He obviously freaked out like I should have expected him to. Worried that I’d get sucked back into all Drew’s drama and bullshit and end up back together with him.” I finish.
“And will you?” Lorna asks honestly.
“What? End up back with Drew? No bloody way!” I shake my head quickly. “That guy single-handedly tore my world apart. I will never go back to someone capable of that kind of behaviour. I mean, how could I ever trust him again … I couldn’t … No, that chapter of my life is closed, forever.” I state.
“Wow …” Lorna exclaims.
“What?” I ask surprised.
“You. You’re so strong.” She smiles. “I know for a fact that I wouldn’t be as strong if I were in your shoes.” She explains.
“But that’s the thing. I don’t have a choice. I have to be strong. As much as I still, unfortunately, love him, I can’t ever forgive or forget what he’s done. I just can’t. I have to put my happiness first. He’ll only ever treat me like shit and make me miserable. Also, he’s made it abundantly clear that I can’t ever trust him again, and without trust, there is only heartbreak.” I finish.
“You’re so right.” She smiles.
“I know … I hate that about myself.” I laugh.
Lorna looks at me and her eyes light up as she joins in laughing. I like her and feel like she would make the perfect girlfriend for Tom. She would help to finally heal his broken heart. But the timing couldn’t be any worse. I’ve only just met the girl, and Tom leaves for California soon, so I’ll have to save my matchmaking skills for when he returns home and I’ve got to know her better.
“Sorry for dumping all that on you,” I say. “But I decided when I moved up here that I was going to change, and live my life differently than I did back in Newthorpe. And this is one of my first changes – to be more open and honest. Even if I’ve only just met the person.” I laugh again.
Lorna brushes her blonde ponytail back over her shoulder and smiles. “Well, anyone who is that open and honest with me, I call a friend.” She smiles. “So, did you only come in here to apologise, or do you fancy a drink? It’s on the house.” She asks.
“I’d love a drink thanks … well, as long as it’s none alcoholic that is.” I muse.
“I’m sure I can sort that out.” She laughs as she turns and walks towards the bar. I follow her and sit on one of the tall stools.
I stay in the pub chatting to Lorna while I have my drink. I don’t mention what happened to me on my way into town. I still need to process what happened myself, before trying to explain it to anyone else.
“So what's your plan for the rest of the day?” She asks.
I think for a moment. “Originally, I planned on exploring the village for a bit. But I think I might just go back home. Tom and I are meant to be getting a takeaway while we watch a movie tonight.” I say.
“Oh, you can’t go home yet.” She protests. “Not if you came out specifically to have a look around. You must go up the street to the church at the top of the hill. It’s a beautiful building, full of history. The whole village was built because of that church.” She explains.
I think for a moment while I consider what she’s suggested. It doesn’t sound like a bad idea, but I’m a bit apprehensive with what happened in the tunnel of trees.
“Yeah, maybe I will. Thanks for the idea.” I answer. I suppose a quick look around the village church can’t do any harm, I think to myself
We say our goodbyes, and Lorna makes me promise that I’ll pop in from time to time while my brother is away so I don’t feel bored and lonely. I like Lorna and can see us becoming good friends.
Chapter Five
Leaving the pub I make my way back up the cobbled street towards the church. Halfway up the road, I pass a little shop called Barb’s Tea Room. The sign on the door is turned around telling the world ‘sorry, we’re closed’. It looks like a lovely little shop and I make a mental note to visit it when I’m next in the village.
It doesn’t take me long to walk up the road, and I’m soon stood outside the church gates. I look up at the large building. Lorna was right, it’s beautiful. With one hand, I push open the wooden gate and step into the grounds. Walking up the pebbled path and standing in front of the closed church, I look up at the grand building. The architecture looks as though the building is at least a few hundred years old, if not older. And considering its age, it’s been well looked after.
The church stands proudly in the centre of about ten acres of land and is circled by a dry stone wall marking its boundary. Graves are grouped in clusters, but on closer inspection, there doesn’t seem to be any order to their placement and they look miss-shaped in their arrangement.
As randomly placed that the graves are, the grounds have also been well maintained with the grass cut short and the flowers in bright bloom. I follow the path which leads me full circle around the church. With morbid curiosity, I inspect each headstone that I pass by. It’s immediately obvious that ancient graves are mixed in with new, confirming the lack of order to the grounds. I continue walking along the path slowly when I pass a double grave. I’ve never seen a double grave before, so and stop to read the inscription closely.
It’s the grave of a young couple. As I look over their final resting place, I wonder what it was that could have caused their unfortunate fate so early in their lives together. There are fresh daisies on the grave and someone has left an old tatty looking teddy bear with a scuffed leather football. They must have meant something to the young couple when they were alive. Standing here I feel as though I’m intruding and an eerie shiver runs down my spine.
>
Time is ticking on and the setting sun in the distance has lit the sky on fire. I’ve never seen so many vibrant colours in the sky before moving here. So I walk over to a bench to take a seat and admire the beautiful sunset before me.
Mesmerised by the swirls of colours, I fail to sense anyone enter the graveyard until I’m suddenly disturbed by the sound of shuffling feet directly behind me. Why does this keep happening to me? I think to myself, as I instantly freeze on the spot, not moving a muscle. The feeling of being watched floods the air and its suffocating.
With my heart beating hard in my chest, I slowly lower both of my hands and grip the bottom of the bench. Securing my feet quietly, I get ready to push off from the bench and sprint away. Now is definitely not the time to confront my stalker.
With the shuffling sound coming ever closer, I waste no time in taking a deep breath and push off from the bench, racing towards the church gate. I know it might seem like a bit of an overreaction to my situation by sprinting away before I’ve even looked to see who’s there. But recent events here, and life back in Newthorpe has taught me that the world is full of the craziest weirdo’s. I need to get out of here … and fast.
As I’m sprinting away I realise I’ve got no idea where I’m going to go. ‘Do I try and run all the way home? Or find somewhere to hide - But where?’ I think to myself.
With the overwhelmingly loud sound of my heart beating, I keep running confused to which direction I should go. This can’t keep happening, I need to see who’s chasing me and find out why. Instinct takes over and I attempt to turn to look over my shoulder. But in my haste, I fail to see the tree root overlapping the path I’m running on. My foot catches it just like a ‘hook-a-duck’ game at the fairground. My ankle twists painfully as I’m knocked down to the ground like a ton of bricks.
I scream as I go down hitting the ground hard. Rolling onto my back with my hands behind me and my feet kicking out, I push myself back trying to get away. Under the pressure, my ankle gives way immediately and I cry out in pain. But I don’t let it stop me. With a limp leg, I keep pushing backwards, not making much distance.
I look up the path I’ve just run down and can see a dark figure quickly weaving its way in and out between the trees towards me. Closer and closer it gets while I continue to painfully push backwards in vain.
Panic rising even further I call out. “Whoever you are, leave me alone ... please!” The end comes out begging. “Please, don’t hurt me ... please.”
The fear takes over as the dark figure closes in and I start to sob as I curse myself for being so bloody stupid.
Whoever it is chasing me, manages to shield their face every time they move. But looking at the figures build and the way that they carry themselves, I’m guessing it’s a man. I stop fighting to get away. It’s pointless. The pain in my ankle is so excruciating that I feel as though I might pass out at any moment anyway. The dark figure stops behind a tree to my right about ten feet away. I tense up waiting for him to strike. I stay waiting for the inevitable attack ... and I wait ... and wait ... and nothing! He stays hidden behind the tree not moving.
Feeling as though he’s tormenting me, I yell out in anger. “I know you’re there. Whatever you have planned, just get it over with already you fucking creep!”
I watch as a set of strong fingers grip and curl around the side of the slender tree.
“I’m not here to hurt you. I want to help you.” A masculine voice calls back to me.
Dumbfounded, I stutter. “Help me? But you were just chasing me!”
Without answering, a tall toned figure of a man slowly steps out from behind the tree and walks towards me. I watch in awe as he approaches. I’m captivated by his beautiful grey eyes, flawless pale skin and bright blonde hair. He looks like he stands over six foot tall, and is dressed in head to toe black. Crouching in front of me he offers me his hand while holding my gaze. His face relaxes with a small side smile. I look between his outstretched hand to his face and back a few times, unsure if I can trust this mystery man or not. I don’t sense any malicious feelings.
Noticing my hesitation and breaking the silence he tries to reassure me. “It’s ok. Take my hand. I promise I’m not going to hurt you. I only want to help such a beautiful woman up off the dirty ground.”
Suddenly feeling embarrassed at the state I must look, I carefully sit myself up and wipe my dirty hands on the thighs of my jeans. An old tear runs down my cheek, but before I manage to move, the mystery man reaches out and wipes it away using the pad of his thumb. His touch is cold and featherlike against my skin and it makes me physically shiver.
“I’m so sorry for scaring you. Trust me when I say that was not my intention. Please, take my hand and let me help you up. My name is Travis” He re-offers his hand while speaking in a low soft voice like velvet.
To my better judgement, I accept his offered hand and he helps me up off the ground. I’ve momentarily forgotten about my sore ankle until I try and rest my weight on it. As soon as my foot makes contact with the ground, I yelp out at the shooting pain running up my foot and into my ankle. I crumble under my own weight. But before I have a chance to hit the ground, I find myself being held up by a strong pair of muscular arms, steadying me on the spot.
“Woah, slow down Miss. You’re gonna do yourself some damage if you rush. Here, hold onto my arm and let me help you.”
I pull back at our sudden closeness as I hobble on my good foot.
“My name’s not Miss, its Willow.” I snap at him with a little more bite than I intended. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to … I mean, thanks for the offer, but I’ll manage.” I say limping, trying not to put any weight on my sore ankle. He looks me up and down, giving me a sideward glance.
“See, it’s starting to feel better already.” I try to convince him through gritted teeth.
He raises an eyebrow at me. “If you’re sure ... But let me know if you change your mind.”
“I will, thanks,” I reply.
An uncomfortable silence falls between us. Well, it’s uncomfortable for me anyway. Travis just stands in front of me tall and proud with confidence oozing from every pore. With a large smile on his face, his teeth standout in the darkening light, bright white in a perfect row.
He just stands there staring at me and I can feel my cheeks start to flush with red hot heat. I clear my throat. I need to break this awkward silence.
“So now the formalities are out of the way, can you explain why you were chasing me?” I ask trying to sound more confident than I feel.
His smile doesn’t falter. “I wasn’t chasing you. I was … hmmm, I was running after you.”
“Chasing, running, and the difference is? …” I wait for an answer.
“Well, chasing you implies that I was out to get you, to hurt you. But running after you … well, that tells you that I was worried about you. Making sure that you didn’t get hurt.” He tries to explain.
“I don’t understand. What would make you think I’d get hurt?”
He sighs out loud while shifting on his feet. He’s not used to having to explain himself.
“You have to see it from my way, Willow. I’m out for a walk and I see this beautiful lady sitting at the bench. I gear myself up to come over and say hello, when all of a sudden, she’s up and off running like a scared rabbit. The way you reacted to nothing made me worried, so obviously I ran after you. It was only ever to make sure you were ok? I wasn’t chasing you, I promise.” His smile has dropped from his face and I can sense that his words are sincere. “Why did you run off like that?” He finishes.
“Honest answer … I panicked. Simple as that.” I reply, trying to steady myself on my sore ankle.
Travis notices my unease. “Come. Let us sit at the bench. You can rest your ankle a little more while you tell me what could have possibly panicked you so much?” He points to a different bench close by and holds his arm out again for me to take. I look down at his arm and back up to his grey eyes. I don’t sense
anything other than a genuine desire to help me, so I take his offered arm and he helps me walk over to the bench, and take a seat.
“So?” He asks again.
“You’re going to think I’m crazy if I tell you.” I try to reason.
Travis laughs, “I’m sorry to break this to you Willow, but with what I’ve seen tonight, I already think you’re a little crazy. See if you can top what’s already in my head.”
“Just remember that I warned you.” I laugh. “For you to know the whole story of why I reacted the way I did, I’m going to have to start with what happened yesterday …”
I fill in Travis about everything … Everything about feeling as though I was being watched when Tom and I went to the pub, to everything about what happened in the garden when we got back home. But it was as I was telling Travis about being chased through the tunnel of trees that I noticed he tensed up. His whole body language changed like he was on guard.
“What’s wrong?” I ask.
Travis thinks for a moment before answering. “Nothing, why?”
“Because … just then. You changed as soon as I told you about the tunnel. You’re on edge. I can see it written all over your face.” I accuse.
“No, I didn’t. I’m fine.” He says failing to convince me.
“Don’t lie to me, Travis. I know I’ve only just met you, but if there is one thing that I can’t abide, it’s lying liars.” I argue. I think back to how many times Drew must have lied to me over the years, all the while cheating on me. And how much of a mug I was for not seeing through all his bull shit. “I’m waiting.” I insist.
He takes a deep breath and leans forward looking me straight in the eye. His cool grey eyes shine in the new moonlight. “Ok then. You’ve been honest with me, so it’s only fair I’m honest with you too.” He pauses. “I’ve never seen you here before, so I know you’re new to town. With that being said, the last thing I want to do is scare you.” He takes another deep breath. All the hairs on my body stand on end at that last sentence. I don’t like the way this conversation is going, but I keep listening anyway. “You have to understand, this village is … different. It’s not as calm and peaceful as it’s made to look from the outside. It has some …” He thinks for a moment. “’ Unique’ characters living in it. Unfortunately, however, a few of those unique characters are not very nice people. They would hurt you just for the fun of it because they can. And unfortunately, I think it was one of those individuals that you encountered in that tunnel earlier.” He finishes.
