Free Out of Towners by Dan Tunstall Page A

Nobody wants to break the spell. In the end, Gemma speaks up.
    â€œWe need to think about getting some sleep,” she says.
    She’s right. While people are struggling to their feet, I help Dylan stamp out what’s left of the fire. When it looks like it’s gone for good, we all trudge up to the prom.
    We take it easy on the walk back. Away from the beach and the sound of the waves, it’s deathly silent. Almost the whole of the sun is above the horizon now. The mist has lifted and the temperature is creeping upwards. The sky is clear and there’s not a cloud in sight. Looking back along Whitbourne seafront, the pier is shining in the early morning light, gleaming white.
    The seafront gradually disappears as we climb higher out of town. I’m walking alongside Steph. Every now and then my arm brushes against hers. I’m wondering how she would react if I grabbed hold of her hand. It would probably be a step too far. Too much, too soon. It’s good enough just being with her.
    Before long we’re coming down the road with the tall trees. Two minutes later we’re at the Wonderland entrance. We trace the bear paw prints through the foyer, cut across the courtyard then follow the path into Blue Zone.
    For a few seconds everyone stands looking at one another, not knowing what to say. There’s a strong feeling growing inside me, like a yearning. I’d do anything to be able to reach across to Steph and kiss her goodnight. But it’s not going to happen. Not yet anyway.
    â€œShall we all get together tomorrow?” Nikita asks.
    I’m in there like a shot.
    â€œYeah. That would be great.”
    Gemma nods.
    â€œOkay,” she says. “We’re all going to need a lie-in in the morning, so why don’t we agree to meet on the beach in the afternoon. Not too early. Say half past three at the bandstand?”
    George gives a sleepy grin.
    â€œHalf three. It’s a date.”
    I look at Steph.
    â€œSee you tomorrow then,” I say.
    Steph smiles.
    â€œYeah. See you tomorrow Chris. Sleep well.”
    My heart feels like it’s going to explode.
    The girls go off to their chalet and we walk the last few hundred metres to the caravan. As Robbie unlocks the door, I take a deep breath. The air tastes good. I just know tomorrow’s going to be a brilliant day.

seven
    I pop open one eye, then the other. Everything is blurred. Somewhere close by, I can hear a shrieking noise. My arms seem to be tied to my sides and I’m coated in sweat. Sunlight is streaming in through a window to my left, between a gap in some curtains. I stare at the brown fabric with chevron patterns on it. A jab of panic goes through my whole body. Where the hell am I?
    The panic rises further. I suppose it’s only a few seconds, but it feels a lot longer. I try to move my arms, rolling my eyes from side to side, looking for something familiar. Things are coming into focus now, but I don’t recognise anything.
    I’m about to start struggling and shouting when it all drops into place. A smile spreads across my face. False alarm. Seagulls are shrieking. I’m wrapped up in my sleeping bag. And I know those dodgy curtains. Robbie’s caravan.
    I blow out my cheeks and feel the anxiety ebbing away. My heartbeat is getting back to normal. I wriggle my arms out of my sleeping bag. Still lying down, I look across to the other bed. Robbie’s not there. I reach over to the bedside cabinet and pick up my watch. Eleven-thirty. Shit. Half the day’s already gone.
    I prop myself up on my right elbow. Without warning, the room starts spinning. A wave of sickness sweeps over me. I rub a hand across my face. My eyes make a squelching sound as I press my fingers into them. I groan and flop back onto my pillow. I can’t believe it. I thought I was okay when I went to bed. But now I feel as rough as a badger’s arse.
    I lie completely still for a couple of minutes as the