Super Glitches 3: Stranded

Park Fights

I opened my eyes, yawned and stretched out my arms. The duvet slipped off me and I grinned, warm American sunlight a welcome change to the dull British mornings I'd gotten used to. 

I swung my legs out of bed and stood up, flexing my shoulders to be rid of any aches. I wandered over to the window and looked out, hands on the sill, smiling at the street below. Hundreds of people bustled about on the pavement - or rather, sidewalk - just going about their daily business. I undid the sash and leaned outside, sighing as the sun's rays hit my bare shoulders. I glanced to my left, looking along the street and spotted a small park. My face lit up and I held a hand in front of my eyes to block out the sun. That done, I grinned. I love parks. Always have, always will.

"George?" I shouted, hammering on the girl's door. I'd run out of my room a second after spotting the park and only paused to put on a shirt. I stood there in barefoot but wearing the same outfit as yesterday. One thing that my shadows can't be guaranteed to make is clothes and I wasn't going to risk it. 

"Go away," a voice groaned back. I stopped for a second before knocking quietly. The door flew open and Georgina stood in front of me, arms folded with a very grumpy expression on her features. I smiled and ducked past her into her room to cries of protest. I skidded to her window and threw it open, pointing eagerly at the park. Georgina walked to the window slowly, confused as to what I was doing. She looked left and spotted the green space. She sighed and shook her head.

"Please?" I begged. "I'll stop flirting with people."

"You'll never stop flirting with people, Shaade," she replied. 

"I'll try," I wheedled. "Please? I love going to parks, with all the trees, and the grass, and the dogs and little children being happy..."

"I think I should probably call the police on you," she said uncertainly. "You have the makings of a pyschopath, a paedophile and someone who indulges in bestiality."

"What?"

"Basically, get out of my room." She shooed me away, pushing me out of the room. I stopped in the doorway and spun on my heel, smiling hopefully.

"But can we go to the park?" I asked, tilting my head and giving her puppy-dog eyes. "Please?"

"Ask Rebecca and Sophie," she grumbled, starting to shut the door. "Or just go yourself."

"Yay!"

*

I bounced down the stairs, sliding down the banister gleefully. The three girls walked down the stairs a little more normally, trying to avoid the stares I was gaining. I skipped along happily, smiling at everyone and spinning in circles every three feet. I followed my shadows, sending out tendrils of darkness to lead the way to the park. I giggled and jumped into the air, clicking my heels together.

"Shaade, please," Sophie moaned, "you're acting like a three year old."

"A three year old on drugs," Rebecca added. I shrugged and continued my happy walk, shadows flicking out from my joints and curling around street corners. I spotted a flash of green and sprinted forwards, slowing to a stop in front of a gigantic set of wrought iron gates. The metal twisted and turned, curling into grand patterns that stretched far above my head. My mouth fell open in joy and I barely controlled a squeal of happiness. I whirled through the gates, laughing my head off. The girls followed me as if they were my carers, keeping their distance yet watching me closely. I tripped over my own feet and sprawled against a tree, still laughing manically. People skirted the paths nearest to me, odd glances being shot my way. 

"Are you on drugs?" a voice drawled. Three boys approached, older than me and armed. My shadows deserted me and I cursed inside. I shouldn't have drawn so much attention to myself.