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 This building looks so outdated!"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...

In fear, I listened to the girl as she spoke, but I couldn't understand a single thing...

I was completely confused.

"Will you help me?" she asked after finishing her explanation, but I just stared at her blankly.

"Ariel!" she called, and I froze.

"Will you help me?" she repeated.

"How do you know my name?" I managed to ask, and she chuckled softly.

"I heard your mom call you when you were all seated at the dining table," she answered with a wide grin.

"But how is that possible? Why didn't I see you? Where did you even come from?" I asked in a rush, and her expression suddenly turned sad.

"What's your name?" I continued, but she shook her head.

"I don't have a name," she replied with a sorrowful look, and I gave her a surprised glance.

"What do you mean by that? I mean, who in this world doesn't have a name?" I asked, and she scoffed.

"Haven't you been listening to me?" she said with a frown.

"To tell you the truth, I was just too scared to listen to whatever you were saying," I confessed, and she sighed.

"I don't remember anything about myself. The only thing I remember is the chain on your neck," she began.

"But how is that possible? Did you lose your memory?" I asked, and she shook her head.

"Then what happened to you? How did you get into this room?" I asked with keen interest.

"I'm dead," she said, and I burst out laughing.

"Oh my gawd! You're so funny! How can you be-" I stopped when I saw her serious face.

I shuddered slightly.

Is she telling the truth? If yes, then that means... am I talking to a ghost?

And as if reading my mind, she blurted out,

"I am a ghost."

My heart nearly stopped.

"Ghost?" I repeated, and she nodded.

"But I'm harmless. I just need your help," she added.

She reached out to touch my hands, but I didn't feel her-just a cold sensation.

"If you're a ghost, that means... you really are dead?" I asked carefully, and she nodded.

"Holy moly!" I clutched my blanket tightly in fear.

"Please help me," she pleaded again, but I just stared at her blankly.

"Ariel, you really need to help me. Without your help, I'll be condemned forever," she cried, and tears rolled down her cheeks.

She looked so innocent and harmless. I mean, she seemed to be just a teenage girl, like me...

I sighed.

"How can I help you? What do you need me to do?" I asked, and she smiled lightly.

"I need to find out everything about myself. I need to know what happened to me," she answered seriously.

"What do you mean by that? What exactly are you trying to say?" I pressed.

"I've been roaming the underworld with no destination," she began, and I gave her a confused look.

"Underworld?" I repeated, and she nodded.

"It's a place where dead people like me await final judgment," she explained.

"Then why did you come back to Earth?" I asked, confused.

"Because there's no record of me in the underworld. This only happens when the family of the deceased is not at peace with the dead," she explained.

"So if I'm not mistaken, you're saying your family isn't at peace with you?" I asked to confirm, and she nodded.

"But why?" I asked.

"I don't know," she replied with a shrug, and I sighed in frustration.

"This is really crazy!"

"Let me start by asking you this-what's your name?" I asked, but she just stared at me blankly.

"What's your family name?" I continued.

"I don't know," she answered in a tiny voice, and I scoffed.

"Did you also lose your memory?" I asked, and she nodded.

"That's the price I have to pay for coming back to Earth," she said, and I huffed.

"Are you kidding me? You mean you don't have any idea who you are?" I half-yelled, and she pouted sadly.

"The chain you're wearing is the only thing I remember," she said while staring into space.

I looked down at the chain, and it blinked when I touched it.

"What a chain," I muttered.

"I guess it was given to me by someone special," she continued.

"Is it D2?" I asked, staring at the initials engraved on it, and she smiled lightly.

"I don't know, but we can start by finding out what the initials mean," she said with a shrug.

"We?" I repeated, and she nodded.

"Or won't you help me?" she asked, and I huffed.

"Please, Ariel. This is the only way I can rest peacefully in the underworld. I have to recover my memory, make peace with my family, and find out what really happened to me-or else I will..." she trailed off and broke down in tears.

I stared at her with pity. I never knew ghosts could cry...

I sighed.

"It's alright. I'll help you," I agreed, and she beamed happily.

"Really?" she asked, and I yawned-I was already feeling sleepy.

"Can you please go back to wherever you came from? I need to get some sleep," I pleaded, and she nodded but didn't make a move.

"Why are you still standing there? Go!" I snapped.

"But I don't have anywhere to go," she said sadly.

"What do you mean by that?" I asked with a frown.

"I just have..." she started to say, but I cut her off.

"Forget it. Just stay wherever you want," I said dryly, and she nodded sheepishly.

I pulled up my blanket and turned to sleep on my side.

This whole thing still feels like a dream-but it isn't. The ghost is right behind me.

But I was still confused about one thing: how the hell did the necklace get into my bedroom?

Is it some kind of coincidence?

I turned back to look at her and met her gaze.

She was standing beside the bed with her arms folded across her chest.

"Why aren't you sleeping?" I asked.

"Ghosts don't sleep," she answered softly, and I nodded.

It might sound strange, but I wasn't scared of the girl anymore.

"Good night, Ariel," she said.

"Good night, ghostie," I responded and soon drifted off to sleep.

Waking up the next morning, I stretched and sat up on the bed. I looked around the room for Ghostie, but she was nowhere to be found...

Where could she be? I wondered.

Dragging myself out of bed, I pulled off my clothes and headed to the bathroom to freshen up.

Returning to the room, I ran back to the bathroom when I saw Ghostie standing beside the bed.

When did she come... oh! I almost forgot she was a ghost.

I wrapped my towel around my naked body and returned to the room.

"Good morning, Ariel!" she greeted with a smile.

"Morning," I grunted and walked over to the corner of the room.

"Aren't you going to ask me where I'm coming from?" she asked, but I ignored her.

"I took a stroll around the house, and I must admit your house is so beautiful!" she continued, and I huffed.

Opening my bags, I searched through and brought out two gowns-one red and the other blue.

"Which one should I go for?" I thought aloud.

"The blue gown will be better!" Ghostie suggested.

"I didn't ask for your opinion," I retorted, still staring at both gowns.

"But why? I thought we were friends," she asked, and I looked in her direction.

"Friends? Don't get any silly ideas. I'm only helping you because I've got no choice," I said in a huff, and she smiled lightly.

I tossed the red gown onto the box and went over to the bed, holding the blue gown.

I unzipped the gown and hurriedly dressed in it. I pulled out a black boot from underneath the bed and wore it while standing.

"I told you the blue gown would be perfect!" she boasted, but I ignored her.

I packed my hair into a loose ponytail and applied a little makeup.

"You look beautiful, Ariel," she remarked.

"I know," I answered dryly.

"So where are we going to start from?" she suddenly asked.

"I don't know," I shrugged.

"What do you mean you don't know?" she asked with a frown. "You promised to help me."

"I know, but I'm still so confused."

"Confused?" she repeated, and I nodded.

"I'm confused about the necklace, I'm confused about the house, I'm confused about you... I'm even confused about me. In fact, I'm confused about everything," I said in frustration, and she sighed.

"What if we ask someone?" she suggested.

I rolled my eyes. "In case you don't know, I'm new in this town, and... wait a minute! What if someone from my new school knows you? I mean, since your chain was found in my house, your family might be living close by. What do you think?" I asked, and she nodded slowly.

"Good! I'll start by making new friends."

"But what about me? Will I follow you to school?" she asked, and I shook my head.

"I can't risk my parents seeing you," I answered.

She chuckled softly. "No one can see me except you," she assured.

I bit my lips. "If that's the case, you can come with me-since we're in this together," I said after giving it some thought, and she smiled.

"And one more thing-do not talk to me in class," I warned, and she nodded sheepishly.

"Oh yeah! I wouldn't want you to be seen as crazy!"

I picked my backpack from the floor and headed downstairs, with Ghostie following behind me.

I met my mom and Kamara in the dining room having breakfast.

"Good morning, Mom!" I greeted and sat down beside Kamara.

"Good morning, baby! How was your night?" she asked.

Kamara scoffed. "I bet she didn't sleep last night."

"What do you mean by that?" my mom asked with an arched eyebrow.

"I overheard her, Mom. She was talking to someone," Kamara answered, and I froze.

Does she know something about Ghostie? I wondered.

"You're so funny, Kamara!" my mom remarked.

"But I'm serious, Mom. Have you forgotten my room is close to hers?" she insisted, staring at me weirdly.

"Stop it, Kamara," my mom cautioned her.

"Why can't you just tell your family about me?" Ghostie, who was standing beside me, asked.

"Shut up!" I barked at her, and my mom gasped softly.

"Who are you talking to?" she asked, fixing her gaze on me.

"Erm... I'm talking to... Kamara," I stuttered.

"Liar! You weren't talking to me," Kamara retorted angrily.

"And who else would I be talking to?" I defended.

"Yourself," she answered, then turned to my mom. "Can't you see Ariel is getting crazy? Can't you-"

"Eat your food, Kamara, or else it'll get cold. And you, Ariel, it's normal to think aloud, but don't let it affect your-wait a minute! Who gave you the necklace around your neck?" she suddenly asked, and I froze.

"Who gave it to you?" she repeated.

"It was a parting gift from Jayden," I lied.

"Jayden?" she repeated, and I nodded.

"But I thought he was just your childhood crush. Or did you both take it to the next level?" she asked.

"Can we please not talk about this, Mother?" I pleaded as tears rolled down my cheeks, and she sighed.

"Do you love him that much?" she asked, but I ignored her.

"I'm already running late for school," I informed.

"But baby, you haven't touched your food," she said, staring at the untouched plate.

"I lost my appetite," I said and stood up in a huff.

"Can we go now?" I asked, and she nodded.

She stood up and picked up the car keys.

"Make sure you go to your room after eating," she instructed Kamara.

"Alright, Mom!" Kamara responded with a smile.

"Crazy kid," I muttered.

I shifted my gaze to Ghostie and met hers-she had been watching my family quietly.

Let's go, I mouthed at her, and we both followed behind my mom.

Getting into the passenger seat of the car, I looked through the rearview mirror for Ghostie, but she wasn't in the car.

Where could she be? Or... do ghosts not ride in cars? I wondered.

I sighed.

"Are you alright?" my mom asked, and I nodded.

"Good," she said and drove off, heading to my new school.

I leaned back in the seat and prayed silently. I prayed for everything to be fine.

We soon got to the school, and I stared in awe at how big it was. My mom parked in the large compound, and we both got out of the car.

I read the sign boldly written in front of the school as we walked in: Diamond High School.

I smiled. I was already loving the school.

We walked through a long passage to the principal's office.

My mom knocked on the door, and a croaky voice answered, "Come in!"

She pushed the door open, and we walked in to see a fat man seated behind a huge desk.

"Good morning, sir!" my mom greeted.

He looked up at her and then at me.

"You must be the transfer student, right?" he asked, and I nodded.

"Good. Have a seat, madam," he offered, and she sat.

"Your name?" he asked.

I was about to answer when I felt another presence. Looking around the room, I saw Ghostie standing beside the door.

I sighed softly. She is so weird.

"Ariel!" my mom called softly, and I looked in her direction.

"Are you alright?" she asked, and I nodded.

"Then answer the principal," she said in a huff.

I shifted my gaze to the principal and met his angry expression.

"Are you sure you're alright, Miss?" he asked, tapping his pen on the table.

I nodded sheepishly.

"I don't think you are. Because if you were truly alright, you wouldn't be looking around my office like a lost puppy," he retorted.

"I'm sorry, sir," I apologized, and he scoffed.

"What is your name?" he repeated.

"Ariel Winter," I answered, trying not to meet my mom's curious gaze.

He wrote something into a file and pulled out a paper from another.

"Here," he said, handing the paper to me. "That's a map to help you get to your class."

I nodded.

"You're in Grade 12A," he added.

I stared at the paper and nodded slowly.

"Can I go to my class?" I asked to be sure, and he nodded.

I waved at my mom and walked out of the office, Ghostie following behind me.

---

Following the direction of the map, we walked through a long passage.

"I'm sorry for everything," Ghostie apologized, and I huffed.

"And how did you find me?" I asked.

"The chain," she answered.

"But I was..." I wanted to say, but she cut me off.

"That is your class," she said, pointing to the class adjacent to us.

I looked at the class and then at the map.

"You're right!"

I walked toward the class and read the inscription boldly written at the top: Grade 12A.

Taking a deep breath, I entered the class.

The noisy class suddenly became quiet as everyone stopped what they were doing to look at the new girl.

I was so nervous.

What am I going to do? I wondered as I played with my hands shyly.

"Follow me!" Ghostie said.

"What?" I asked in a whisper.

"I said follow me," she repeated and walked toward a seat at the back.

I looked around the class before following behind her, and the whole class just stared at me.

"Crazy," I muttered.

On getting to the back seat, Ghostie instructed me to sit on it.

I looked at her and then at the seat.

The seat looked abandoned and was so dusty.

"Sit," she repeated, and I sighed.

It's at least better than standing like a fool in front of the class.

I opened my bag to bring out a little towel. I dusted the seat with it and sat down.

The class became noisy again, everyone whispering.

What's wrong? I wondered.

I shifted my gaze to Ghostie-she was staring blankly into space.

What is wrong with everyone?

Just then, two beautiful girls walked into the class. One was walking in front like a princess, while the second came behind her holding two bags.

I scoffed.

Is she the maid to the princess?

The first one stopped and looked around the class. When her gaze met mine, she signaled to her "maid," and they both walked up to me.

"Hi!" she greeted with a bright smile, and I must admit-she was really beautiful.

"Hi," I responded dryly.

"You must be new here, right?" she started, and I rolled my eyes.

"Isn't it obvious?" I answered, and she chuckled softly.

"I like you already. My name is Racheal, and this is my bestie, Cory," she said, pointing to her "maid" behind her.

"Hi, Cory," I greeted, and she smiled shyly.

"But if I may ask, why are you seated on this seat?" Racheal probed.

"Is there anything wrong with the seat?" I asked, and Cory gasped softly.

"Are you alright?" Racheal asked her, and she nodded.

"Are you sure?" I repeated, my gaze fixed on her, and she nodded slowly.

"I'm not feeling too well," she said with a trembling voice and sat down in the seat in front of me.

I smiled and shifted my gaze back to Racheal.

"Is there anything wrong with the seat?" I repeated.

She shook her head. "There's nothing wrong. So, what's your name?" she asked.

"I'm Ariel Winter," I answered, and she smiled.

"It's nice meeting you, Ariel," she said, and I nodded.

She was about to say something when the class became noisy again.

"Oh! Damian is here," she informed me.

"Who is Dami-" I tried to ask but stopped when a pretty boy walked into the class.

Oh! I guess this is the class hottie. He's way cuter than Jayden.

Damn! Why must I think of Jayden again?

I watched the cute boy walk over to a seat at the corner of the class.

He looked around the room, and when his gaze met mine, he widened his eyes in surprise.

He stared at me for a while before looking away.

"He is so handsome," Ghostie remarked.

I looked at her and was surprised to see her drooling.

I smirked. I never knew ghosts drool.

A teacher soon entered the class, and the whole class became quiet.

She looked around, and when her gaze met mine, she smiled.

"You must be Ariel Winter, right?" she asked, and I nodded shyly.

"You are welcome to Diamond High School," she said, and I smiled lightly.

"But ma'am, she really needs to change her seat," a girl at the front said, and the whole class turned back to look at me.

"And why should she do that?" the teacher retorted. "I can see you all are still dwelling in superstitious beliefs."

"But ma'am-" the girl tried to say, but the teacher cut her off.

"One more word from you, and you'll be out of my class," the teacher threatened, and the girl immediately kept quiet.

"Good," she remarked and began teaching.

But what is wrong with the seat? I wondered.

The class became noisy again after the teacher left.

"What a class," I muttered.

"Ariel," Ghostie called, and I nodded without looking at her.

"Aren't you gonna ask about the chain?" she asked, and I looked around the class to make sure no one was watching before answering.

"And who do you expect me to ask?"

"Cory," she answered.

I smiled. I was planning on asking her anyway.

"Hi," I leaned over to tap Cory gently.

She turned back to look at me.

"Hi, newbie! Can I help you?" she asked, and I scoffed.

"I'm Ariel," I corrected.

"Oh! So, Ariel, how can I help you?" she repeated.

"I need your help with something," I started.

"Something like what?" she asked, arching an eyebrow.

I brought the chain out from under my shirt and showed her the writing on it.

"Oh my God," she exclaimed softly.

"Do you know anything about it?" I asked.

"D2... How did you get this?" she asked, looking around the class.

"Do you know anything about it?" I repeated, but she shook her head.

"No," she said, shaking in fear.

"Cory," I called softly, but she kept staring at the chain.

"Cory!" I called again, and she looked up at me.

"I don't know how you got this, but please don't ever show it to anybody," she warned.

"But why? Do you know the owner?" I asked quickly.

"I don't know," she said with a trembling voice and then looked away.

I shifted my gaze to Ghostie, who smiled lightly.

I scoffed.

I really didn't understand what was going on, but I was sure of one thing:

Whatever happened to Ghostie began in this class.