SWEET CREATURE // Luke Patterson

- flying solo -

As Danielle embarked on her leisurely stroll down the iconic expanse of LA Boulevard towards Julie's house, she found herself enveloped in the upbeat feel that defined the essence of this bustling city. The boulevard stretched out before her like a never ending path of fame , lined with towering palm trees swaying gently in the warm breeze. Their leaves cast shadows on the sun-kissed pavement below.

The rhythmic pulse of life in Los Angeles filters through the air, a constant honking  of car horns, background chatter, and the distant hum of traffic weaving its way through the city streets. Neon signs flickered and shone, casting a vibrant glow upon the eclectic mix of storefronts and cafes that adorned the boulevard, each one placed to perfectly to even think of getting rid of.

As Danielle meandered along the sidewalk, she couldn't help but be mesmerised by the electric array of characters that populated the boulevard. Street performers dazzled passersby with their own twist on a famous track, the sound of their fingers strumming their guitars mingling in the air.

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee interlaced with the tantalising scent of street food, wafting temptingly from the bustling cafes and food carts that lined the street. Everywhere she looked, there was a feast for the senses, from the vibrant street art adorning the walls to the pulsating beat of music drifting from open doorways.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, Danielle found moments of serenity, glimpses of quietude nestled amidst the chaos. She paused her thoughts to admire the glittering skyline that loomed in the distance, a breathtaking panorama of glass and colour that seemed to stretch endlessly towards the horizon.

With each step, Danielle felt herself being swept away by the intoxicating energy of LA Boulevard, her senses alive with the vibrant spirit of the city. Being back felt like returning from a long holiday collapsing on your bed with a sigh of relief. It encased her whole being and made her feel warm and full for the first time in a long time. This place was something you couldn't put into words, and even if you tried it wouldn't do the place justice.

From taking in the walk to her fullest ability, it allowed her to spot a familiar blonde perched on top of one of the various benches littered along the busy street coaching out a smile from within. a bemused expression filtered across his face as he watched a boy skate away, disappearing into the distance perking Danielles interest.

The appearance and disappearance of someone other than the usual trio made her eyebrows shoot up in question as an amused smile met her face. Just taking one glance at Alex she could tell something was a bit more than friendly with his new skater friend as Alexes dreamy expression lingered on the long haired boy.

With a teasing smile played on her lips; Danielle approached Alex, her curiosity severely piqued by the encounter.

"Hey there," she greeted him with a humour laced voice. "Enjoying the show?" she added, nodding subtly towards the direction the skater had vanished breaking Alex away from his stuck position.

Alex turned to face Danielle, a hint of amusement mixed with embarrassment dancing in his eyes. "Oh, definitely," he replied, a chuckle escaping him. As his laugh subtled into a fixed smile on his face, the amused girl took a seat on the bench by his feet to try coming across more subtle to passers by.

"So, new friend huh?" the girl hummed, nudging his legs playfully coaching Alex down from his perched position to sit down beside her in a more comfortable manner. No matter how much he tried to hide it there was no use in lying to the girl. The insistent smile playing at his face told her the whole story.

"He's Willie, he's another ghost.... Which you can apparently see as well." Alex says with a small laugh almost trying to trick himself away from stressing. But the more ghosts Danielle was able to see the more alarmed she was becoming. 3 ghost band boys were enough, she didn't want to start to see the entire population of the undead.