Characters:
· Celine Smith
· Derek Smith (Celine’s twin brother)
· Kate Livingstone (Celine’s best friend and Derek’s girlfriend)
· Red Celestine (the first heir of Celestine’s Empire)
· Stacey Green Livingstone (Kate’s mom)
· Scarlet Green (Kate and Red’s aunt; sister of Kate’s mom)
Red Celestine - the First
Chapter 1
The Intruder
It was Friday afternoon when I was asked by my teacher to return a book in the library. When I was about to enter the library, I heard two voices inside. I thought it was the librarian or some students. But I was mistaken because nobody is inside the library at that time. I was so scared while holding the book, but when I reached the shelf to return the book, I saw something on the floor near the comfort room. Despite being scared, I managed to go nearer to find out what is on the floor, it was a key. It was different from the normal key that I used to see because it was color red. I don’t know what does it mean, but I still kept it inside my pocket and hurriedly went outside, to my surprised I heard someone’s laugh. It was a very quick and weird laugh. And I don’t have any idea what it was.
When I arrived home, I took out the key from my pocket and put it on the top of my diary. I changed my clothes and then I took a bath for a while. While inside the bathroom, I heard some footsteps from my room. I closed the faucet and try to hear who is inside. I called my mom if she was there inside my room, but no one answered me. Then, I continue what I am doing because I am very hungry at that time.
Every evening, I love to eat three pairs of tuna sandwiches and drink either lemon juice or orange juice for my dinner. When I was about to go upstairs and write something from my diary, I heard my mom’s voice and she’s talking to someone. I look for her, and I found her talking to someone at the front door. I can’t see her face but I can hear her voice. She sounds so scared that it makes me feel so scared also. She’s asking for help and according to her, I am the only one who can help her. That was the time I came in and asked her about it.
“What do you want from me?”
“You! You are the one who took it from me!” she shouted with a terrible voice.
“What? Me? Sorry, but I don’t know what are you talking about.”
“How dare you!” she slapped me.
“How dare you too! Who came here in our house, asking for help, and then you will slap me? Who do you think you are?” I replied desperately.
“It is because you took it from me! You took my life, my only chance to live!”
“What? I don’t understand. Will you please try to explain it to me? I didn’t take anything from you.”
She’s going to slap me but here comes the policemen and they try to pull her out, and she kept on shouting my name.
“Celine! You will pay for this! You will die!”
I am so worried about it, even my mom. How did she know my name? I don’t even know her. My mom hugged me tight and that was the time I cried so much because of fear.
I was known to be a simple girl with a brave heart. I can even trade my life just to save my dad but it’s too late, we lost him 2 years ago from a car accident. It was a rainy afternoon, while we are on our way home from a trip; we are being hit by a huge truck. Dad tried to pull over, but it’s too late, I saw a man from the woods holding a gun and he’s trying to kill my dad. I tried to cover my dad, but he pushes me away, that is why we ended up hanging on the bridge. That time when I woke up, I tried to shout for help but no one dares to help us, maybe they can’t hear us because of the heavy rain. My mom opened the window and she tried to push me out, but I told her she must go first. Since she is bigger than me, she can pull me out. My mom agreed but when she was about to pull me out the car moves and my dad shouts in pain. I looked at him and saw a lot of blood on his chest. It was a shot from a gun. We tried to pull dad out of the car, but it keeps on moving. I remembered my phone inside my chest pocket. I called my aunt and asked for help. Luckily, the rescue team came over and help us. We saved dad from being burn inside that car, but we didn’t save his life after that.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” my mom asked.
“Yes, mom. I just remember dad. I missed him so much.”
“Everything will be fine. Just go to your room now and have a rest.”
Every night, I always turn off the light before going to bed. But for now, I don’t know what push me not to turn it off. Maybe because of what had happened a while ago.
Chapter 2
The First
It was already 6:30 in the morning and I am still on my bed thinking about what happened last night. Luckily, we don’t have any classes in the morning. I remembered my diary, I forgot to write my whole day experience because of last night’s incident. I got up and try to write something in my diary, but when I was about to write the date, I noticed that the key is missing. I remembered I placed it here on the top of my diary. I look for it, but I can’t find it. I tried to forget it, but my mom just entered my room.
“Good morning, sweetheart. How are you?”
“I’m okay, mom.”
“By the way, your classmate Trisha came here this morning. She’s asking about her key, the red one. She said you borrowed it from her because you want to borrow her book and you forgot to return it to her yesterday. Luckily, I found it that is why I gave it to her.”
“What! I don’t have a classmate or a friend named Trisha. And that key, I found it inside the library near the comfort room. I don’t even know her mom.”
“Oh, I am so sorry my dear. I know it’s my fault because I didn’t wake you up.”
“It’s okay, mom. Everything will be fine.”
“By the way, I prepare breakfast for you, let’s go downstairs and have breakfast.”
Despite those incidents, I thought everything will be fine. Not until my best friend Kate asked me to go to the school’s cafeteria. While we were at the counter, I can sense that someone is staring at me. I looked around and found a girl with long curly hair, literally staring at me. Her stares make me feel so uncomfortable. So without any doubt, I go nearer with her. I was about to ask her why she is staring at me, but she immediately stood up and went out of the cafeteria. I am worried about it since I don’t have any clue why is it happening.
As usual, I went to the library to study before attending our class this afternoon. Luckily, there were only a few students in the library at that time. While looking for some books to study, I heard a shout from the comfort room. Without any doubt, I hurriedly opened the door. But to my surprised, no one is inside. But when I was about to go outside, I saw a necklace in the sink. It was my best friend’s necklace. Beside the sink, there is a mirror, and I wondered why there were some fingerprints at the edge of the mirror. Those fingerprints look so different. I touched the mirror, and suddenly those fingerprints turn into small cracks. I touched it once again, and then I saw something. I think it looks like a keyhole. How come there would be a keyhole here in this mirror? When I was about to open the door to go out, I heard the shout, the one that I heard when I was outside this room. If I am not mistaken, it was my best friend’s voice. I immediately got nearer to the mirror.
“Kate, is that you?”
I heard nothing until I heard a slap. Then, I started to get worried. Maybe there is someone who is on the other side of this room. I don’t know what to do. I started to get panicked, but I still managed to observe quietly. Again, I heard another slap and Kate’s voice. She sounds so helpless.
“Celine, please leave now!”
“Kate, is that you? Please do answer me.”
“Celine, I beg you to please leave now! It is not safe here. Go out, before it’s too late!”
“Kate, please tell me who’s with you? And who brought you there?”
“Celine, please leave now! Oh, no she’s coming! Leave!”
“Kate!”
Even if I don’t, I left that room. Cause I need to look for help from someone. But no one was inside the library when I finally went out. I decided not to attend my afternoon class because my best friend needs me most. I went to the nearest police station and told them everything, but no one dares to listen to me.
“Okay, dear, you must go back to your school now. You’re just wasting your time. We won’t buy that crap of yours.”
I don’t know what to do. I found myself in the playground, sitting on the ground. I was thinking of any possible things to do, just to save my friend. I heard the laugh again. The one that I heard on the day I took the key from the library. I looked around, and I found that girl who gave me that weird stare in the cafeteria. She ran when she saw me looking at her. I ran very fast, as fast as I could to reach her but she’s too fast. She’s wearing a maroon dress, and now she’s heading to our school. I kept on following her until she entered our classroom, and it is too late for me to realize that she was just tricking me out.
“Where have you been Celine?” our professor asked me.
“I…I just…”
“Just go back to your seat. I won’t buy your excuses.”
As if I have a choice, I ended up sitting on my armchair while thinking about how to go out. Then, I looked outside the window and I saw that girl, she’s staring at me again with a weird smile. I was almost covered with fear, not until I saw something from her chest. The key! The red key!
“So it means…Trisha. She’s Trisha!”
“Excuse me, Celine! You’re disturbing my class. Now, if you don’t want to listen you can go out!”
“With due respect Madame, I really need to go out. Thank you so much for allowing me.” then I went out.
I can no longer find that girl. Until my phone beeps, it was a text message from Derek.
Where are you going, Celine?
What is happening?
Please, do reply. I am so damn worried!
Celine!
Please, let me help you.
If you won’t reply to this message, I’ll find you in my own ways!
I replied to him right away.
I am so sorry, Derek. But if you want to help me, please take my mom away. I want her to be safe. She’s isn’t safe in our house.
But why? What’s going on? he replied.
Just trust me, okay! I’ll be fine. Just don’t tell her about it. Okay?
Okay! Just promise me, if you need my help, I will always be here for you. I’ll just bring your mom to our house. he replied.
Thank you! Just take care of my mom…our mom!
Yes, I will take good care of our mom. Keep safe.
Yes, you heard it right, our mom, because we are twins. He is my long-lost twin brother. When I was three years old, we lost him when our old house was covered with fire. We thought he’s gone and my mom keeps on blaming herself for what happened. Until one day, my dad can no longer hide his greatest secret. He told us everything, and he explained to my mom why did he hide my brother after saving him from being burn. Someone wants to kill my brother, and he was the same person who killed my dad. Now, he’s already dead after he killed my dad. He committed suicide. He was the twin brother of my dad, because of his love for my mom he did all of those things, but we already forgive him.
I found myself inside the library and I saw her again, that girl. I decided to hide behind the bookshelves because she wasn’t able to notice me. She looked around, and to find out that no one is around she opened the comfort room. I went nearer, glad I always bring my mini mirror inside my pocket, maybe I can use this one to see what’s going on inside. I saw her touching the mirror, and she inserted the red key. That mirror and sink was a secret door. When she was about to enter that secret room, she looked around and I immediately grab my mirror, and then she closed the door. I waited for 30 minutes, but she never went out and it’s already 5:55 PM. I need to go back home to charge my phone, but I cannot wait for tomorrow. Until the door opens and Trisha went out wearing the same dress. She looks so tired and mad at the same time. She walked slowly and I followed her. Until, she stopped and looked around, and then when she noticed that no one is there, she walked again. After a few steps, using the baseball bat that I found inside the library’s cloakroom, I spanked her as hard as I could. Then, she fell, and without any doubt, I grabbed right away the key from her chest. I rushed inside the library to the comfort room. I inserted the key and secret door open with a very disgusting smell, a smell of rotten fruit or a dead cat. Despite that awful smell, I managed to go inside just to find my best friend. But when I was inside the room, I heard my best friend’s voice calling out Trisha’s name.
“Trisha, please let me go! I promise I will never go nearer to Celine anymore, just please don’t hurt her! Please, leave her alone!”
“Kate! Are you okay?”
“Celine? How did you found me?”
“I spanked Trisha with a baseball bat, then I took her key, I mean this key.”
“What! So where is Trisha now?”
“I left her outside.”
“Are you, out of your mind? I told you to leave, why you’re still here?”
“It is because you are my best friend! And I want to save you, don’t you get it?”, I shouted.
“I know, but I want you to be safe. She’s crazy, and if she caught you right now she might kill you. Please, leave now!”
“No, I won’t unless you are with me. We will go out together! We will leave this room together!”
“Okay! Okay! Just help me untie this rope here on my hands.”
“We have to leave now before it’s too late.”
And we ran outside that room. When we were outside the library, Trisha is already gone.
“Where did you left Trisha?”
“I left her right here, on this floor after I spanked her.”
“Oh no, maybe she woke up already. We need to hurry. We need to find Red.”
“Red?”
“Yes, you heard it right! Red, she’s the first heir of Celestine’s Empire. She’s the eldest daughter among five siblings; she is so smart, kind, and beautiful; and she owns 10 hotels, 7 ships, and 200 collections of luxurious cars. Each of them owns a very important key. They can be lost everything but not that key. Their parents gave it to them, and their names were according to the color of the keys. Her name is Red Celestine. When they reach the age of twenty, they need to leave their family and lived on their own. They received nothing aside from the key. That is why they need to finish their studies and find a very stable job.”
Then, we heard Trisha’s voice. She was shouting very loud.
“Let’s go, Celine! Did you bring your car?”
“Yes, let’s go this way.”
“And how did you know all about it?” I asked Kate while we were in the car.
“She’s my cousin from mother’s side. Last night, my mom told me that Trisha is my twin sister, which I don’t believe. But still, I need to act as if I accepted her as my twin sister when I am in front of Trisha.”
“But why? You’re supposed to be happy since you found your twin sister.”
“How can I be happy, if I know the truth? She’s not my real sister! She killed the real Trisha. She’s not my sister because she is my crazy Aunt. She wants to use my family so that she can get Celestine’s Hidden Treasure. But I won’t let that happen. I already told Derek about it and he’s with my mom now, together with your mom”
“Wait…what? Derek? You mean Derek Smith my brother?”
“Yes, you heard it right. He’s my boyfriend. I am so sorry I didn’t tell you about it.”
“You don’t have to say sorry. I am so happy for both of you. But, why is it your Aunt doesn’t want you to go nearer with me?”
“It is because she knows that you are the one who can save me from being a killer. She wants to use me to kill Celestine’s Siblings so that she can have all the keys for the treasure.”
“I won’t let that happened, Kate. We will fight this battle together.” then I hugged her tight.
Chapter 3
Burned
I stopped the car at the police station as Kate told me. She said this is where we can find Red Celestine. Is she a policewoman? Maybe she’s a detective. Oh, I don’t know!
“Why we’re here?”
“This is where we can see Red. She’s been caught by the policemen last night, because of harassment. Oh, let us ask the chief.” I rolled my eyes upon seeing who she was referring to, the very arrogant policeman. I bet he’s already a senior citizen, he’s too old for this job.
“Excuse me, Sir. May I know where can we see Miss Red Celestine? I am her cousin, Kate Livingstone.”
“Just give me a moment.” “Okay, please wait for her here.”
“Thank you.”
After a while, I saw a very beautiful lady, with an innocent face. Totally different from what I saw last night, since the light was so dim in our house at that time that is why I can’t figure out how beautiful she was. And she was the lady who slapped me last night.
“How are you…Red?”
“Who are you? How did you know my name?”
“I am Kate Livingstone. I am the daughter of Stacey Green Livingstone, your Aunt.”
“Oh, no! So you are my cousin, the niece of Scarlet Green, the crazy woman?”
“Yes…I mean, she’s also your Aunt. She’s your mom’s sister.”
“Yes, I know! But she’s crazy, and how could she manage to kill your twin sister and everyone?”
“Yes, she’s crazy and evil. That is why we need to stop her.”
“But how?”
“Celine can help us.” Kate looked at me.
“Me? Why me?”
“As you observed, she doesn’t want to go nearer with you, because she’s so damned scared to hurt you. Since she can see your father’s eye in you. She’s still in love with your father Celine. And she doesn’t want you to go nearer with me. You are her greatest fear. So, please help us.”
“Okay, I get it. So, what’s the plan?”
“Wait, let me say something first. I just want to say sorry for what I have done to you last night Celine. You know, that Red key is my life. I am so sorry.” she cried and I hugged her.
“You don’t have to say sorry, people make mistakes.”
“So, you mean, Celine is the reason why you are here in this police station?” Kate asked.
“Yes, but thanks to Celine. If I wasn’t being here, maybe Scarlet caught me already.”
“So, can we stick to the plan now?” I said, with a smile.
“Okay. So for our plan, Red, allow me to give this key to Celine. She’ll keep it for now. Since Scarlet can’t hurt her. And you have to go with me. We will find scarlet, maybe she’s still in the library and we will give her a fake key.” Kate explained.
“What? I won’t let that happen! What if Scarlet will hurt her? What will happen to us, especially me? This plan is so insane!” Red said.
“Trust me! She’s the only hope that we can have. And we don’t have enough time! Remember, tonight is the first-decade celebration of your Grandparents’ Death! If Celine has the key until 12 midnight, then Scarlet won’t be able to enter the dungeon and pass the royal door of Celestine’s Empire just to get and own the first hidden treasure of your family. Since Scarlet failed on her first attempt, she needs to wait for the second-decade celebration of Red Grandparents’ Death, which is too impossible for her to wait that long. I know what you feel right now. But, I want you to trust me. Please!” Kate explained very well just to convince Red.
“Okay, fine. Just be careful, Celine. You are not just holding a key or a treasure, but you’re holding my whole life. If we fail, I need to face one of the consequences, which is killing one of my sisters. And that’s too impossible for me to do; I’ll end my life first. So please, be safe, and don’t you ever try to give it to her no matter what happens.” Red said while crying.
“Okay, I promise,” I replied.
“Ahhhhh!” it was Scarlet’s voice. She’s here!
“We need to go Red! Celine, be careful.” Kate said and she hugged me tightly.
“Okay, I will. I have to go now.” I said.
We’re wearing a cap and facemask. Instead of hiding, I intentionally pass on the side where Scarlet can easily notice me. Then, I drove my car away from that police station. When I reach home, I called Kate to make sure they are safe. I closed the front door, but I didn’t lock it. Then, I went upstairs to my room and locked the door. I went nearer to my window and I saw Scarlet, she’s wearing a very wet maroon dress. I waited for her to look up to my windowpane, and when she already did, I raised the necklace with the Red key shining so bright while I am staring at the mirror as if I didn’t notice her. She keeps on walking back and forth, thinking for any possible idea how she could get this key. I smiled because our plan really works. While she’s no longer looking at me, I look for the tarp under my pillow asking Derek to prepare. I smiled when I found it, then I look at Scarlet, she’s holding her hair while facing our front door. She made a few stepped forward, then she stepped backward again. I pasted the tarp on my windowpane facing outside. It was a picture of mine while holding the red key. Derek is so damned talented when it comes to graphic designing. When someone can see that tarp, they would end up thinking it is real, though it is not.
I did not waste any time, I ran to the backyard and climb into the treehouse. Yes, you heard it right; we have a treehouse in the backyard. It was built by my father when I was five years old. I used to spend most of my vacation time here in this treehouse. Since I love to paint, I did a lot of canvas in this place. It is a perfect place to do the painting because it is very peaceful and quiet.
I saw some of my paintbrushes and palettes. I remembered I hid two boxes of assorted paints. I looked for it, and when I found it, I spread it all over the place. I took one small can of red paint and place it inside my pocket. Then, I went back inside my room. And when I looked outside the window, I can no longer see Scarlet.
“Where is she?”
I detached the tarp from the windowpane, and then I took the paint inside my pocket and went outside from my room. While going downstairs, I heard her scream, maybe because she saw the clock and it is already 11:37 PM. Glad, I was already downstairs and she didn’t notice me while I sneaked forward going back to the backyard. I saw her going upstairs, and she’s holding a baseball bat. Maybe that was the baseball bat I used when I hit her in the school. I went to the tree near the treehouse and I hid there for a while. Then, I saw Scarlet went outside and she’s now in the backyard. I grab a stone then I throw it to the roof of the treehouse. When she heard that noise, she climbs up the treehouse. Glad I already throw down all the canvas that I made. When she’s already inside the treehouse, I spread all over the wooden stairs the red paint I hid inside my pocket. Then, I light up the matches.
“This is for killing your own niece and for ruining our lives.” then I threw the lighted matches to the stairs and the fire starts to grow bigger and bigger following the path where I spread the paint.
I watched the treehouse as it burned together with that evil Scarlet Green. Then, I heard her scream in pain, and the treehouse was covered with fire. I grab my canvas and went inside the house. I need to go to school, but I called first Kate.
“Hello, Kate. I already did it. I’m on my way to school. Are you still there?”
“Yes, Celine. We’re still here and we already locked the secret passage from the library’s comfort room to the dungeon’s hallway.”
“Really?” I replied.
“Absolutely! As in, it is already locked permanently. And only Red can open this one. Actually, we’re heading to the mansion now. Red invites me, I mean us, to her Grandparents’ Death anniversary. We will wait for you there, or do you want us to fetch you there in your house?”
“Will you?” I asked.
“Of course! So, see you!” then I ended up the call.
But before I forgot, I called Derek.
“Hello, Derek. Where’s mom?”
“Hello, Celine. We’re here at Red Celestine’s mansion. We are invited together with our mom. We will wait for you, sis.” Derek said.
“Okay, I’m coming. See you.” I waited for Kate and Red to fetch me up while wearing a smile on my face.
“Beep beep!” “Celine, come hop in!” they’re here.
“Let’s have fun tonight and forget all of those bad things that happen to us this day, okay?”
“Okay!” Kate and I said in chorus.
Update for part 2 . . .
--------------------- Red Celestine’s Mansion -----------------------
“Bang! Bang!”
“What is that?” I asked Kate
“I don’t know. Where’s Red?”
“I am here.” “Wait, it’s that a gun?” Red asked.
“I don’t know. Wait…where is Celine?”
“There she is! Celine! Don’t go outside!” Red shouted.
“Bang! Bang!”
“Mom!” I shouted when I saw my mom shot by a mysterious guy wearing a black suit and a black mask. Wait! He’s the one who killed my dad. I thought he’s already dead.
“Please, call an ambulance! We need to save my mom! Please, help me! Mom, please don’t close your eyes! Please, please!” I cried.
------------------------------ In the Hospital ----------------------------------
“Who did this to mom? He’ll pay for it! I promise!” Derek shouted.
“I think I know him. I thought he’s already dead. How come?” I said.
“Then, who? Please tell me!”
“He’s the same person who killed dad and he is also the same person who burned our house, the person who tried to kill you!” I shouted in pain.
“What?” Derek exclaimed.
The door in mom’s private room opens, and then an unexpected visitor came.
“Derek, Celine, can we talk? Please.”
“You!” Derek and I yelled
------------------------- See you at the next part of The Five Keys -----------------------
To my supporters and readers:
Thank you so much for spending some of your time reading my first ever written story. Hope you like it! See you to the next part of this story to witness Celine’s role in this story.
· Celine Smith
· Derek Smith (Celine’s twin brother)
· Kate Livingstone (Celine’s best friend and Derek’s girlfriend)
· Red Celestine (the first heir of Celestine’s Empire)
· Stacey Green Livingstone (Kate’s mom)
· Scarlet Green (Kate and Red’s aunt; sister of Kate’s mom)
Red Celestine - the First
Chapter 1
The Intruder
It was Friday afternoon when I was asked by my teacher to return a book in the library. When I was about to enter the library, I heard two voices inside. I thought it was the librarian or some students. But I was mistaken because nobody is inside the library at that time. I was so scared while holding the book, but when I reached the shelf to return the book, I saw something on the floor near the comfort room. Despite being scared, I managed to go nearer to find out what is on the floor, it was a key. It was different from the normal key that I used to see because it was color red. I don’t know what does it mean, but I still kept it inside my pocket and hurriedly went outside, to my surprised I heard someone’s laugh. It was a very quick and weird laugh. And I don’t have any idea what it was.
When I arrived home, I took out the key from my pocket and put it on the top of my diary. I changed my clothes and then I took a bath for a while. While inside the bathroom, I heard some footsteps from my room. I closed the faucet and try to hear who is inside. I called my mom if she was there inside my room, but no one answered me. Then, I continue what I am doing because I am very hungry at that time.
Every evening, I love to eat three pairs of tuna sandwiches and drink either lemon juice or orange juice for my dinner. When I was about to go upstairs and write something from my diary, I heard my mom’s voice and she’s talking to someone. I look for her, and I found her talking to someone at the front door. I can’t see her face but I can hear her voice. She sounds so scared that it makes me feel so scared also. She’s asking for help and according to her, I am the only one who can help her. That was the time I came in and asked her about it.
“What do you want from me?”
“You! You are the one who took it from me!” she shouted with a terrible voice.
“What? Me? Sorry, but I don’t know what are you talking about.”
“How dare you!” she slapped me.
“How dare you too! Who came here in our house, asking for help, and then you will slap me? Who do you think you are?” I replied desperately.
“It is because you took it from me! You took my life, my only chance to live!”
“What? I don’t understand. Will you please try to explain it to me? I didn’t take anything from you.”
She’s going to slap me but here comes the policemen and they try to pull her out, and she kept on shouting my name.
“Celine! You will pay for this! You will die!”
I am so worried about it, even my mom. How did she know my name? I don’t even know her. My mom hugged me tight and that was the time I cried so much because of fear.
I was known to be a simple girl with a brave heart. I can even trade my life just to save my dad but it’s too late, we lost him 2 years ago from a car accident. It was a rainy afternoon, while we are on our way home from a trip; we are being hit by a huge truck. Dad tried to pull over, but it’s too late, I saw a man from the woods holding a gun and he’s trying to kill my dad. I tried to cover my dad, but he pushes me away, that is why we ended up hanging on the bridge. That time when I woke up, I tried to shout for help but no one dares to help us, maybe they can’t hear us because of the heavy rain. My mom opened the window and she tried to push me out, but I told her she must go first. Since she is bigger than me, she can pull me out. My mom agreed but when she was about to pull me out the car moves and my dad shouts in pain. I looked at him and saw a lot of blood on his chest. It was a shot from a gun. We tried to pull dad out of the car, but it keeps on moving. I remembered my phone inside my chest pocket. I called my aunt and asked for help. Luckily, the rescue team came over and help us. We saved dad from being burn inside that car, but we didn’t save his life after that.
“Are you okay, sweetheart?” my mom asked.
“Yes, mom. I just remember dad. I missed him so much.”
“Everything will be fine. Just go to your room now and have a rest.”
Every night, I always turn off the light before going to bed. But for now, I don’t know what push me not to turn it off. Maybe because of what had happened a while ago.
Chapter 2
The First
It was already 6:30 in the morning and I am still on my bed thinking about what happened last night. Luckily, we don’t have any classes in the morning. I remembered my diary, I forgot to write my whole day experience because of last night’s incident. I got up and try to write something in my diary, but when I was about to write the date, I noticed that the key is missing. I remembered I placed it here on the top of my diary. I look for it, but I can’t find it. I tried to forget it, but my mom just entered my room.
“Good morning, sweetheart. How are you?”
“I’m okay, mom.”
“By the way, your classmate Trisha came here this morning. She’s asking about her key, the red one. She said you borrowed it from her because you want to borrow her book and you forgot to return it to her yesterday. Luckily, I found it that is why I gave it to her.”
“What! I don’t have a classmate or a friend named Trisha. And that key, I found it inside the library near the comfort room. I don’t even know her mom.”
“Oh, I am so sorry my dear. I know it’s my fault because I didn’t wake you up.”
“It’s okay, mom. Everything will be fine.”
“By the way, I prepare breakfast for you, let’s go downstairs and have breakfast.”
Despite those incidents, I thought everything will be fine. Not until my best friend Kate asked me to go to the school’s cafeteria. While we were at the counter, I can sense that someone is staring at me. I looked around and found a girl with long curly hair, literally staring at me. Her stares make me feel so uncomfortable. So without any doubt, I go nearer with her. I was about to ask her why she is staring at me, but she immediately stood up and went out of the cafeteria. I am worried about it since I don’t have any clue why is it happening.
As usual, I went to the library to study before attending our class this afternoon. Luckily, there were only a few students in the library at that time. While looking for some books to study, I heard a shout from the comfort room. Without any doubt, I hurriedly opened the door. But to my surprised, no one is inside. But when I was about to go outside, I saw a necklace in the sink. It was my best friend’s necklace. Beside the sink, there is a mirror, and I wondered why there were some fingerprints at the edge of the mirror. Those fingerprints look so different. I touched the mirror, and suddenly those fingerprints turn into small cracks. I touched it once again, and then I saw something. I think it looks like a keyhole. How come there would be a keyhole here in this mirror? When I was about to open the door to go out, I heard the shout, the one that I heard when I was outside this room. If I am not mistaken, it was my best friend’s voice. I immediately got nearer to the mirror.
“Kate, is that you?”
I heard nothing until I heard a slap. Then, I started to get worried. Maybe there is someone who is on the other side of this room. I don’t know what to do. I started to get panicked, but I still managed to observe quietly. Again, I heard another slap and Kate’s voice. She sounds so helpless.
“Celine, please leave now!”
“Kate, is that you? Please do answer me.”
“Celine, I beg you to please leave now! It is not safe here. Go out, before it’s too late!”
“Kate, please tell me who’s with you? And who brought you there?”
“Celine, please leave now! Oh, no she’s coming! Leave!”
“Kate!”
Even if I don’t, I left that room. Cause I need to look for help from someone. But no one was inside the library when I finally went out. I decided not to attend my afternoon class because my best friend needs me most. I went to the nearest police station and told them everything, but no one dares to listen to me.
“Okay, dear, you must go back to your school now. You’re just wasting your time. We won’t buy that crap of yours.”
I don’t know what to do. I found myself in the playground, sitting on the ground. I was thinking of any possible things to do, just to save my friend. I heard the laugh again. The one that I heard on the day I took the key from the library. I looked around, and I found that girl who gave me that weird stare in the cafeteria. She ran when she saw me looking at her. I ran very fast, as fast as I could to reach her but she’s too fast. She’s wearing a maroon dress, and now she’s heading to our school. I kept on following her until she entered our classroom, and it is too late for me to realize that she was just tricking me out.
“Where have you been Celine?” our professor asked me.
“I…I just…”
“Just go back to your seat. I won’t buy your excuses.”
As if I have a choice, I ended up sitting on my armchair while thinking about how to go out. Then, I looked outside the window and I saw that girl, she’s staring at me again with a weird smile. I was almost covered with fear, not until I saw something from her chest. The key! The red key!
“So it means…Trisha. She’s Trisha!”
“Excuse me, Celine! You’re disturbing my class. Now, if you don’t want to listen you can go out!”
“With due respect Madame, I really need to go out. Thank you so much for allowing me.” then I went out.
I can no longer find that girl. Until my phone beeps, it was a text message from Derek.
Where are you going, Celine?
What is happening?
Please, do reply. I am so damn worried!
Celine!
Please, let me help you.
If you won’t reply to this message, I’ll find you in my own ways!
I replied to him right away.
I am so sorry, Derek. But if you want to help me, please take my mom away. I want her to be safe. She’s isn’t safe in our house.
But why? What’s going on? he replied.
Just trust me, okay! I’ll be fine. Just don’t tell her about it. Okay?
Okay! Just promise me, if you need my help, I will always be here for you. I’ll just bring your mom to our house. he replied.
Thank you! Just take care of my mom…our mom!
Yes, I will take good care of our mom. Keep safe.
Yes, you heard it right, our mom, because we are twins. He is my long-lost twin brother. When I was three years old, we lost him when our old house was covered with fire. We thought he’s gone and my mom keeps on blaming herself for what happened. Until one day, my dad can no longer hide his greatest secret. He told us everything, and he explained to my mom why did he hide my brother after saving him from being burn. Someone wants to kill my brother, and he was the same person who killed my dad. Now, he’s already dead after he killed my dad. He committed suicide. He was the twin brother of my dad, because of his love for my mom he did all of those things, but we already forgive him.
I found myself inside the library and I saw her again, that girl. I decided to hide behind the bookshelves because she wasn’t able to notice me. She looked around, and to find out that no one is around she opened the comfort room. I went nearer, glad I always bring my mini mirror inside my pocket, maybe I can use this one to see what’s going on inside. I saw her touching the mirror, and she inserted the red key. That mirror and sink was a secret door. When she was about to enter that secret room, she looked around and I immediately grab my mirror, and then she closed the door. I waited for 30 minutes, but she never went out and it’s already 5:55 PM. I need to go back home to charge my phone, but I cannot wait for tomorrow. Until the door opens and Trisha went out wearing the same dress. She looks so tired and mad at the same time. She walked slowly and I followed her. Until, she stopped and looked around, and then when she noticed that no one is there, she walked again. After a few steps, using the baseball bat that I found inside the library’s cloakroom, I spanked her as hard as I could. Then, she fell, and without any doubt, I grabbed right away the key from her chest. I rushed inside the library to the comfort room. I inserted the key and secret door open with a very disgusting smell, a smell of rotten fruit or a dead cat. Despite that awful smell, I managed to go inside just to find my best friend. But when I was inside the room, I heard my best friend’s voice calling out Trisha’s name.
“Trisha, please let me go! I promise I will never go nearer to Celine anymore, just please don’t hurt her! Please, leave her alone!”
“Kate! Are you okay?”
“Celine? How did you found me?”
“I spanked Trisha with a baseball bat, then I took her key, I mean this key.”
“What! So where is Trisha now?”
“I left her outside.”
“Are you, out of your mind? I told you to leave, why you’re still here?”
“It is because you are my best friend! And I want to save you, don’t you get it?”, I shouted.
“I know, but I want you to be safe. She’s crazy, and if she caught you right now she might kill you. Please, leave now!”
“No, I won’t unless you are with me. We will go out together! We will leave this room together!”
“Okay! Okay! Just help me untie this rope here on my hands.”
“We have to leave now before it’s too late.”
And we ran outside that room. When we were outside the library, Trisha is already gone.
“Where did you left Trisha?”
“I left her right here, on this floor after I spanked her.”
“Oh no, maybe she woke up already. We need to hurry. We need to find Red.”
“Red?”
“Yes, you heard it right! Red, she’s the first heir of Celestine’s Empire. She’s the eldest daughter among five siblings; she is so smart, kind, and beautiful; and she owns 10 hotels, 7 ships, and 200 collections of luxurious cars. Each of them owns a very important key. They can be lost everything but not that key. Their parents gave it to them, and their names were according to the color of the keys. Her name is Red Celestine. When they reach the age of twenty, they need to leave their family and lived on their own. They received nothing aside from the key. That is why they need to finish their studies and find a very stable job.”
Then, we heard Trisha’s voice. She was shouting very loud.
“Let’s go, Celine! Did you bring your car?”
“Yes, let’s go this way.”
“And how did you know all about it?” I asked Kate while we were in the car.
“She’s my cousin from mother’s side. Last night, my mom told me that Trisha is my twin sister, which I don’t believe. But still, I need to act as if I accepted her as my twin sister when I am in front of Trisha.”
“But why? You’re supposed to be happy since you found your twin sister.”
“How can I be happy, if I know the truth? She’s not my real sister! She killed the real Trisha. She’s not my sister because she is my crazy Aunt. She wants to use my family so that she can get Celestine’s Hidden Treasure. But I won’t let that happen. I already told Derek about it and he’s with my mom now, together with your mom”
“Wait…what? Derek? You mean Derek Smith my brother?”
“Yes, you heard it right. He’s my boyfriend. I am so sorry I didn’t tell you about it.”
“You don’t have to say sorry. I am so happy for both of you. But, why is it your Aunt doesn’t want you to go nearer with me?”
“It is because she knows that you are the one who can save me from being a killer. She wants to use me to kill Celestine’s Siblings so that she can have all the keys for the treasure.”
“I won’t let that happened, Kate. We will fight this battle together.” then I hugged her tight.
Chapter 3
Burned
I stopped the car at the police station as Kate told me. She said this is where we can find Red Celestine. Is she a policewoman? Maybe she’s a detective. Oh, I don’t know!
“Why we’re here?”
“This is where we can see Red. She’s been caught by the policemen last night, because of harassment. Oh, let us ask the chief.” I rolled my eyes upon seeing who she was referring to, the very arrogant policeman. I bet he’s already a senior citizen, he’s too old for this job.
“Excuse me, Sir. May I know where can we see Miss Red Celestine? I am her cousin, Kate Livingstone.”
“Just give me a moment.” “Okay, please wait for her here.”
“Thank you.”
After a while, I saw a very beautiful lady, with an innocent face. Totally different from what I saw last night, since the light was so dim in our house at that time that is why I can’t figure out how beautiful she was. And she was the lady who slapped me last night.
“How are you…Red?”
“Who are you? How did you know my name?”
“I am Kate Livingstone. I am the daughter of Stacey Green Livingstone, your Aunt.”
“Oh, no! So you are my cousin, the niece of Scarlet Green, the crazy woman?”
“Yes…I mean, she’s also your Aunt. She’s your mom’s sister.”
“Yes, I know! But she’s crazy, and how could she manage to kill your twin sister and everyone?”
“Yes, she’s crazy and evil. That is why we need to stop her.”
“But how?”
“Celine can help us.” Kate looked at me.
“Me? Why me?”
“As you observed, she doesn’t want to go nearer with you, because she’s so damned scared to hurt you. Since she can see your father’s eye in you. She’s still in love with your father Celine. And she doesn’t want you to go nearer with me. You are her greatest fear. So, please help us.”
“Okay, I get it. So, what’s the plan?”
“Wait, let me say something first. I just want to say sorry for what I have done to you last night Celine. You know, that Red key is my life. I am so sorry.” she cried and I hugged her.
“You don’t have to say sorry, people make mistakes.”
“So, you mean, Celine is the reason why you are here in this police station?” Kate asked.
“Yes, but thanks to Celine. If I wasn’t being here, maybe Scarlet caught me already.”
“So, can we stick to the plan now?” I said, with a smile.
“Okay. So for our plan, Red, allow me to give this key to Celine. She’ll keep it for now. Since Scarlet can’t hurt her. And you have to go with me. We will find scarlet, maybe she’s still in the library and we will give her a fake key.” Kate explained.
“What? I won’t let that happen! What if Scarlet will hurt her? What will happen to us, especially me? This plan is so insane!” Red said.
“Trust me! She’s the only hope that we can have. And we don’t have enough time! Remember, tonight is the first-decade celebration of your Grandparents’ Death! If Celine has the key until 12 midnight, then Scarlet won’t be able to enter the dungeon and pass the royal door of Celestine’s Empire just to get and own the first hidden treasure of your family. Since Scarlet failed on her first attempt, she needs to wait for the second-decade celebration of Red Grandparents’ Death, which is too impossible for her to wait that long. I know what you feel right now. But, I want you to trust me. Please!” Kate explained very well just to convince Red.
“Okay, fine. Just be careful, Celine. You are not just holding a key or a treasure, but you’re holding my whole life. If we fail, I need to face one of the consequences, which is killing one of my sisters. And that’s too impossible for me to do; I’ll end my life first. So please, be safe, and don’t you ever try to give it to her no matter what happens.” Red said while crying.
“Okay, I promise,” I replied.
“Ahhhhh!” it was Scarlet’s voice. She’s here!
“We need to go Red! Celine, be careful.” Kate said and she hugged me tightly.
“Okay, I will. I have to go now.” I said.
We’re wearing a cap and facemask. Instead of hiding, I intentionally pass on the side where Scarlet can easily notice me. Then, I drove my car away from that police station. When I reach home, I called Kate to make sure they are safe. I closed the front door, but I didn’t lock it. Then, I went upstairs to my room and locked the door. I went nearer to my window and I saw Scarlet, she’s wearing a very wet maroon dress. I waited for her to look up to my windowpane, and when she already did, I raised the necklace with the Red key shining so bright while I am staring at the mirror as if I didn’t notice her. She keeps on walking back and forth, thinking for any possible idea how she could get this key. I smiled because our plan really works. While she’s no longer looking at me, I look for the tarp under my pillow asking Derek to prepare. I smiled when I found it, then I look at Scarlet, she’s holding her hair while facing our front door. She made a few stepped forward, then she stepped backward again. I pasted the tarp on my windowpane facing outside. It was a picture of mine while holding the red key. Derek is so damned talented when it comes to graphic designing. When someone can see that tarp, they would end up thinking it is real, though it is not.
I did not waste any time, I ran to the backyard and climb into the treehouse. Yes, you heard it right; we have a treehouse in the backyard. It was built by my father when I was five years old. I used to spend most of my vacation time here in this treehouse. Since I love to paint, I did a lot of canvas in this place. It is a perfect place to do the painting because it is very peaceful and quiet.
I saw some of my paintbrushes and palettes. I remembered I hid two boxes of assorted paints. I looked for it, and when I found it, I spread it all over the place. I took one small can of red paint and place it inside my pocket. Then, I went back inside my room. And when I looked outside the window, I can no longer see Scarlet.
“Where is she?”
I detached the tarp from the windowpane, and then I took the paint inside my pocket and went outside from my room. While going downstairs, I heard her scream, maybe because she saw the clock and it is already 11:37 PM. Glad, I was already downstairs and she didn’t notice me while I sneaked forward going back to the backyard. I saw her going upstairs, and she’s holding a baseball bat. Maybe that was the baseball bat I used when I hit her in the school. I went to the tree near the treehouse and I hid there for a while. Then, I saw Scarlet went outside and she’s now in the backyard. I grab a stone then I throw it to the roof of the treehouse. When she heard that noise, she climbs up the treehouse. Glad I already throw down all the canvas that I made. When she’s already inside the treehouse, I spread all over the wooden stairs the red paint I hid inside my pocket. Then, I light up the matches.
“This is for killing your own niece and for ruining our lives.” then I threw the lighted matches to the stairs and the fire starts to grow bigger and bigger following the path where I spread the paint.
I watched the treehouse as it burned together with that evil Scarlet Green. Then, I heard her scream in pain, and the treehouse was covered with fire. I grab my canvas and went inside the house. I need to go to school, but I called first Kate.
“Hello, Kate. I already did it. I’m on my way to school. Are you still there?”
“Yes, Celine. We’re still here and we already locked the secret passage from the library’s comfort room to the dungeon’s hallway.”
“Really?” I replied.
“Absolutely! As in, it is already locked permanently. And only Red can open this one. Actually, we’re heading to the mansion now. Red invites me, I mean us, to her Grandparents’ Death anniversary. We will wait for you there, or do you want us to fetch you there in your house?”
“Will you?” I asked.
“Of course! So, see you!” then I ended up the call.
But before I forgot, I called Derek.
“Hello, Derek. Where’s mom?”
“Hello, Celine. We’re here at Red Celestine’s mansion. We are invited together with our mom. We will wait for you, sis.” Derek said.
“Okay, I’m coming. See you.” I waited for Kate and Red to fetch me up while wearing a smile on my face.
“Beep beep!” “Celine, come hop in!” they’re here.
“Let’s have fun tonight and forget all of those bad things that happen to us this day, okay?”
“Okay!” Kate and I said in chorus.
Update for part 2 . . .
--------------------- Red Celestine’s Mansion -----------------------
“Bang! Bang!”
“What is that?” I asked Kate
“I don’t know. Where’s Red?”
“I am here.” “Wait, it’s that a gun?” Red asked.
“I don’t know. Wait…where is Celine?”
“There she is! Celine! Don’t go outside!” Red shouted.
“Bang! Bang!”
“Mom!” I shouted when I saw my mom shot by a mysterious guy wearing a black suit and a black mask. Wait! He’s the one who killed my dad. I thought he’s already dead.
“Please, call an ambulance! We need to save my mom! Please, help me! Mom, please don’t close your eyes! Please, please!” I cried.
------------------------------ In the Hospital ----------------------------------
“Who did this to mom? He’ll pay for it! I promise!” Derek shouted.
“I think I know him. I thought he’s already dead. How come?” I said.
“Then, who? Please tell me!”
“He’s the same person who killed dad and he is also the same person who burned our house, the person who tried to kill you!” I shouted in pain.
“What?” Derek exclaimed.
The door in mom’s private room opens, and then an unexpected visitor came.
“Derek, Celine, can we talk? Please.”
“You!” Derek and I yelled
------------------------- See you at the next part of The Five Keys -----------------------
To my supporters and readers:
Thank you so much for spending some of your time reading my first ever written story. Hope you like it! See you to the next part of this story to witness Celine’s role in this story.
Support Jocelle Macaambac
