Buried Secret

My eyes roamed around the "ancient" building meant to be my new home. I call it ancient because it looked really old and kind of creepy...

This is so bad!

How will I cope living in this kind of house? What next...?

"Ariel!" my mum called, distracting me from my thoughts.

I shifted my gaze to her. She was setting up the dining table in its space.

"Don't just stand there, assist with something," she instructed, and I scoffed.

"Assist? And what is there to assist with? This building looks so outdated!" I remarked angrily.

"Stop that, Ariel!" my mum warned. "This is your new home and there is nothing you can do about it," she finalized.

New home my foot! I retorted angrily.

"Oh come on, Ariel. This is going to be so much fun!" my little sister Kamara joined in the conversation.

She was jumping around the sitting room in excitement...

I huffed.

Fun? This is a nightmare I really want to wake up from...

Climbing up the old-looking stairs, it led me to a short passage with four rooms.

I pushed the door to the first room open and quickly banged it shut when I saw a king-size bed in the room.

"That must be my parents' room," I muttered.

Walking towards the second room, I noticed the door to the opposite room was slightly ajar, so I walked towards it instead.

I peeped into the room and huffed when I saw my dad setting up my bed at a corner.

"Oh yeah! My room at last!"

I opened the door wider and walked in.

"Seems like someone is trying to change this old box room to a princess room," I said while looking around, and my dad looked up at me.

"Hey princess! When did you get here?" he asked with a smile.

"Not quite long," I answered with a frown, and he nodded absentmindedly as he was still fixing my princess bed.

"But Dad, this is just not right! I mean, out of all the houses, why must it be this old one?" I started.

"Because I needed a house urgently, and this was the only one available," he answered, and I scoffed.

"But is it a must for us to move here? Why didn't we just stay over at the former house?" I continued, and he chuckled lightly.

"You know I just got a transfer here and considering the distance, it won't be possible!"

Whatever, I muttered with an eye roll.

He stood up from the floor when he was done fixing the bed and moved closer to me.

"Ariel, I know you are not happy with the whole idea of staying here, but I can assure you that you will love it later."

"But how, Dad? I left everything I cherish most. I left my friends, my title as the 'most popular girl,' I left Jayden... I f-----g left everything!" I yelled and broke down in tears.

"Oh Ariel," he exclaimed, pulling me into a hug.

"It's gonna be alright," he assured. "And I believe you'll get over it once you start school," he added, and I pulled out from the hug.

"School? And when will that be?" I asked.

"Tomorrow," he answered with a wide grin.

"But Dad, isn't it too early? Can't school wait?" I asked with a frown, and he shook his head.

"No, princess."

"But Dad, it is-" I tried to say, but he cut me off.

"Go freshen up and come down for dinner," he instructed and walked out of the room.

School? Tomorrow? Is he for real?! Why can't he and Mum just let me be?

I sighed in anger.

Taking a few steps to the bathroom, a shiny object hidden behind the cracked wall caught my attention.

What is that? I wondered as I moved closer to it.

I pulled it out. It was a golden chain with the letters D2 inscribed on it.

I stared at it in awe-it was made of pure gold.

Who would have kept it here? I wondered. Probably the previous owners... But how is it possible? The chain still looks new...

Well, I really don't care. It belongs to me now.

I tossed it on the bed and walked into the bathroom to shower.

Returning to the room, I walked over to a corner where my boxes of clothes were kept.

I opened one of the boxes and searched through it for comfortable pajamas. I soon found one-

It was pink with floral designs, and I hurriedly put it on.

I was about to leave the room when I remembered the golden necklace. I went over to the bed and picked it up.

I stared at it in admiration. I bet it would cost a fortune.

Putting on the necklace, the light bulb flickered off and then turned on again.

I scoffed.

Even the light bulb is fake.

Oh! Lest I forget-let me introduce myself.

I am Ariel Winter, an 18-year-old high school student.

I'm white, with blue eyes, black hair, average height, curvy, with a big ass which I'm very proud of.

I have an annoying 8-year-old sister named Kamara who is sometimes nice...

Talking about my parents-my mum is a full-time housewife, which makes my dad the breadwinner.

Dad works in a big company and has just been transferred. I hope this explains why we moved to a new house...

On getting downstairs, I met my family seated around the dining table.

"Are you done bathing?" my mum asked, and I huffed.

"Isn't it obvious?" I answered with an eye roll.

"Be careful, Ariel," she warned, and I smirked.

"Whatever," I muttered as I sat beside Kamara.

I dished a small quantity of food into my plate and began eating.

"So how do you like your new room?" my mum asked, but I ignored her.

"I'm talking to you, Ariel," she retorted, and I scoffed.

"What do you expect me to say? Just tell me-how will I like an old-looking room with cracked walls?" I fired at her, and she sighed.

"I know your room is kinda old, but I promise it'll be fixed before you get back from school tomorrow," she assured, and I frowned.

"Speaking of school, must I start tomorrow?" I asked with a huff.

"Yes, baby, it is a must," my dad answered.

"But it's-" I tried to say, but he cut me off.

"You are starting school tomorrow and that is final," he finalized, and Kamara chuckled.

I glared at her and she stuck out her tongue.

Spoilt brat!

After eating, I said a silent prayer to God for the delicious meal.

I stood up and was about heading upstairs when my mum called.

I turned to look in her direction.

"Won't you at least bid us good night?" she said with a light smile.

"Good night," I mumbled, and she nodded.

"Good night, princess," my dad bade. "And make sure you wake early to prepare for school," he added.

"Oh yeah," I drawled and headed upstairs to my room.

Entering my room, I collapsed on the bed.

I was really tired and needed a good rest.

I pulled up the blanket and was about to sleep when the chain on my neck shone brightly.

What is this?! I wondered and sat up in fear.

I tried to take off the chain but it wouldn't come off-it was stuck to my neck.

What is happening? Is this... I stopped when I felt a strange presence in the room.

I looked around but didn't see anyone.

A chill of fear swept over me, and goosebumps sprang up on my arms.

"Is anyone here?" I managed to ask, but there was no response.

With my eyes wide open, I laid back on the bed.

I looked around the room again and, as expected, saw no one.

I sighed. It's probably just a figment of my imagination.

I closed my eyes and was about to doze off when I heard light footsteps-

They were moving closer to my direction.

Oh my God! It can't be real. It can't be real. I kept mumbling with my eyes still tightly shut.

"Please help me," a tiny voice pleaded.

No! Go away! You're not real! I said with a trembling voice.

"Open your eyes," the voice said, and when I did-I peed my pants.

Right in front of me was a beautiful girl with long black hair...

I tried to scream, but no sound came out. I was so scared.

"Please help me," she pleaded again.

"Who are you?" I managed to ask, and she smiled.

"That is why I need your help," she answered, and I shuddered in fear.

"Just go away, please," I pleaded, but she shook her head.

"I can't do that because you found me first."

I stared at her blankly, wondering what she meant.

"The necklace you are putting on belongs to me," she explained, and I gasped in shock...