SCREAM - THE GHOST OF LONDON

CHAPTER THREE

Stepping off the train and onto the bustling platform, Charlie took a moment to orient himself. He slipped his phone into his pocket and started making his way towards Kit's place. The streets were alive with the usual hum of the city, but his thoughts were elsewhere.

As he walked, he couldn't help but notice the sky. Above him, thick clouds were beginning to gather, the kind that promised a heavy downpour. In the distance, a wall of grey loomed ominously, slowly creeping closer. It was the kind of weather that made you want to hunker down with a good book and a hot drink. Charlie quickened his pace a bit, hoping to beat the rain to Kit's door. The cool breeze picked up, rustling the leaves on the trees lining the sidewalk, and he pulled his jacket tighter around himself. The city's usual vibrancy seemed dulled by the impending storm, giving everything a muted, almost eerie, quality.

The streets were bustling with people going about their daily routines. A group of teenagers laughed loudly as they crowded around a food truck, while an elderly couple strolled hand in hand, seemingly oblivious to the changing weather. A street musician strummed a guitar softly on the corner, his case open for tips. The aroma of freshly baked bread wafted from a nearby bakery, mingling with the faint scent of rain in the air.

As Charlie walked down the street, he glanced across to the local movie theatre. The large, illuminated signs displayed the latest blockbusters in bold, colourful letters. He couldn't help but smile at the sight, a brief escape from his heavy thoughts. But his smile faded when he saw the title "Stab 3 - Hollywood Horror" glaring back at him. His heart sank, the memories rushing back unbidden. He frowned, shaking his head slightly, and turned away, pushing the unsettling thoughts aside. He kept walking, his pace steady, determined to reach Kit's place before the storm broke.

Charlie pulled his phone from his pocket and quickly sent Kit a message, letting him know he was close by. He looked both ways before crossing the street, then jogged across the road and approached the large hotel. As he stood nearby, scanning the area, he heard a whisper, "Charlie, over here."

He turned and spotted Kit hanging out of the fire escape door, waving him over. Kit's medium-length hair was tousled by the breeze, and he sported a slight stubble that added a rugged charm to his face. He wore a black shirt that contrasted with his blue jeans and white sneakers, looking effortlessly cool.

Charlie smiled, glanced nervously at the street, and hurried off, hoping the paparazzi and fangirls outside wouldn't notice. But one of them did. As Charlie reached Kit, she began screaming. Kit grabbed his arm and yanked him into the building, shutting the door tightly behind them.

"Sorry about that!" Kit said, a bit breathless.

Charlie chuckled, shaking his head. "Just happy it's not me being chased this time."

They shared a laugh, the tension melting away as they caught their breath inside the safety of the hotel.

Charlie and Kit entered the elevator, and Kit reached out to press the button for his floor. The elevator dinged softly, and they began their ascent.

Charlie was silent for a moment, watching the numbers light up as they climbed. He then turned to Kit. "How are you doing? How's the movie going?"

Kit just shrugged, looking a bit weary. "I'll be happy when it's over. It's exhausting."

"What's this one about?" Charlie asked, genuinely curious.

"Oh, it's the Heartstopper movie," Kit replied, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Ah, Mr. Nelson breaks hearts again," Charlie said with mockery in his voice, grinning.

Kit laughed lightly, shaking his head. "Yeah, something like that."