Beckoned Through The Dark

30 // Lesego // Warm Welcome

I held my breath as the phone rang a few times, and then it was cut.

“No, please, please answer,” I pleaded as I tried again. It rang a few times before the person answered. “

"Hello? Is anyone there?" All I got in response was heavy breathing. It reminded me so much of when I thought I was seeing ghosts. "I understand that this may seem crazy, but whoever you are, I need you." I said desperately, looking around the empty place. "I am stranded, and I don't even know where I am. I got your numbers from Abigail; she said you'd know where to find me." Still, silence. "Please help me, please." The line remained quiet for a few seconds, and then a sigh sounded from the other end before the line went dead, followed by a beep.

I tried the number again, but it was off. I could only hope that they came for me, because otherwise I would have to join my white family for breakfast. They were a cute and nice family, but I had my own family to get back to.

I walked towards a huge rock a bit far from the phone booth and sat on it, treating myself to the bottle of water Bradley gave me. Hopefully it would last me until my rescuer arrived.

I was so anxious waiting not knowing whether the person was coming or not. Most of all, I was curious to know who Abigail trusted with my life. That thought only, was enough to make me wonder if she was okay.

What really happened in that building? There was something unnatural present there, perhaps even the angel of death. I thought I'd imagined her, but she was so real, her presence could be felt. She had a very supernatural and dangerous aura, which made it difficult to miss her.

A being like that could be anywhere at any time. It scared me to think she could be here or find me. But she liked closed and dark spaces, this area was too open for her, even for me, I felt exposed; like there could be someone watching me, and I wouldn't even know it.

The only thing keeping me at bay was time. It was early in the morning, probably around 5a.m. The sun was just rising, and it was daylight and a bit windy and chilly; I don't know what I would have done without Abigail, hopefully I would get to thank her in person soon.

I stayed there for what felt like three hours before finally seeing another sign of life. At first, I thought I was hallucinating, but a very familiar Ford Ranger approached, and I still couldn't believe it.

I stood up and waited on the side of the road as they drove at leisure speed as if mocking me. The suspense was killing me. There was only ever one person I knew with that kind of car; it was a black Ford Ranger with a customized registration plate – LILN960327. My initials and birthday.

The moment the car pulled up in front of me, everything went still. It was as if time came to a stop. Like the world did not exist and it was just the two of us. We were just staring at each other from behind the windscreen, the both of us struck.

The car door opened, and he stepped out of the car and walked towards me, and then stood right in front of me, leaving no space in between. He looked down on me, assessing me as if he could not believe it was really me.

"Clay," I breathed, tears streaming down my face. I wanted to hug him, but I don't know what was stopping me.

He touched my face, the slightest touch of his fingers sending a jolt of electricity down my body. I closed my eyes and just reeled in the ecstasy of the familiar touch.

He dropped his hands and the feeling instantly disappeared, leaving in its place, a sense of coldness.

I looked up at him and he had so much anger and hatred on his face, mixed up with confusion. "Get in the car," he said coldly and walked back to the car, leaving me behind.

I stood there in shock and confusion. Why did this hurt so much? The sound of the hooter made me jump, and I quickly got in the car.