Brad Thomas is an English author of Horror, Thriller books and short stories. He is also writing his grandmother’s life story. From a young age, all he wanted to do was become an author. Growing up in Tipton, West Midlands, England, he never thought it would be possible, but he never stopped chasing his dream.

You can find out more about Brad’s books and work on his social media: Facebook / Instagram


BE MY VALENTINE

by

Brad Thomas

“Have you ever heard the story of Lilly Crane? No? well you’re about to. All she ever wanted was to be loved, the thing is, she stalked and murdered her lovers. She loved Valentines Day and always said it was her day. She would whisper in her lover’s ear and say the three words that are scribbled on this note.” Tom explained as he held up a small piece of paper.

“That’s bullshit Tom, that’s…”

“DON’T, interrupt me while I’m telling you this story, Jacob. Now let me continue… She murdered her lovers through fear of them cheating and leaving her. She didn’t want to be alone, but if she couldn’t have them, then nobody could. She poisoned her last lover, but also poisoned herself in the process.” Tom continued telling the story to Jacob, while they were sat in the local cemetery. “She was so young, beautiful, blonde hair as bright as the sun. Her eyes were as blue as the ocean. All the men wanted her, but there were only certain men that caught her eye. After she died, there were rumours going around that guys were still disappearing. People say that if you visit her grave on Valentines Day and say this.” Tom hands Jacob the piece of paper. “Say those three words and her spirit will stalk you and then eventually kill you.”

“Is that why you brought me here Tom? What the fuck bro.” Jacob replied angrily, as they sat at the end of a gravestone that read…Lilly Crane.

“What’s up Jacob? Are you scared?” Tom sniggered while sipping from his bottle of vodka that he’d stolen from his dad’s mini bar. They’d been drinking for most of the night, then decided to come for a walk over the cemetery.

“I’m not scared Tom, you’re an asshole you know that?” Jacob replied as he stood up, feeling very nervous and anxious he ran his hand through his long brown hair and pointed to the grave. “Ok, you say it, Tom. Look at the grave and say it.”

“Say what?” Tom answered, as a smirk appeared on his face.

“Say BE MY VALENTINE!” Jacob shouted, as he pointed to the grave. A crash of thunder quickly followed by a lightening bolt lit up the night sky. He dropped the piece of paper to the floor, which did indeed read…BE MY VALENTINE.

“Oh shit, Jacob. You’ve just said it.” replied Tom, as he burst out laughing. “You’re going to be her next lover.”

“Fuck you, Tom. I’m going home. We shouldn’t even be out here this late anyway.” Jacob shouted, as he began to walk away.

“I’m just messing with you Jacob. Wait up.” replied Tom, as he stood up, then began to run to catch up with Jacob. It was freezing cold now and very late, the guys said goodnight and split up. Jacob couldn’t wait to get home now he just wanted to get in his nice warm bed. As he was walking along Oak Street, he had a feeling that he was being followed. He quickly turned around, but nothing was there. It’s probably just Tom messing with me. He turned back around to head home and caught something quickly move out his field of vision.

“Hello? Who’s there?” he shouted out, but there was nothing. He continued to walk towards his house, he felt what he thought to be something breathing into his right ear. Jacob quickly spun around, yet again there was nothing. It’s all in your head man, he thought to himself. He continued his journey home, finally reaching his from door. Just then, he thought he felt a tap on his right shoulder, he spun around again in a panic. Yet again, nothing there. Paranoia began to set in now, you’re over tired man, he thought to himself as he put the key in the lock, then turned it to enter the house.

Jacob threw his keys on to the old cupboard in the hallway, it was 11pm now, he couldn’t wait to get in bed. He headed straight upstairs to his bedroom; he was exhausted from today; Lilly Crane was also playing on his mind. Jacob got cosy in bed, he eventually began drifting off to sleep, then he was startled as he felt something on his chest. It felt like someone was resting their head on his chest, he jumped in fear sitting up in bed. Phew, it was just a dream, He thought as he wiped his brow. As he did this he froze in fear, there sitting on the end of the bed was a young woman. Blonde hair as bright as the sun, eyes as blue as an ocean. This can’t be real, Jacob was frozen, he couldn’t move. He tried to speak but the words wouldn’t come out. He finally managed to force out the name.

“Lilly Crane?”

Right then then young lady locked eyes with Jacob, his body filled with fear and adrenalin, he couldn’t believe what he was seeing.

“You brought me back; you must love me.” She said to Jacob, in an unbelievably soft and delicate voice, while staring directly into his eyes. “My name is Lilly. Be my valentine, then be with me forever.”

The next morning, Jacob’s mother, Stephanie, went to his room as he’d failed to get up for college. After three unsuccessful knocks with no reply, his mother entered the room. She found Jacob laying in bed, white as a ghost with the look of fear on his face, he was dead.

The End