Hide and Seek - Chapter 4：Lets play Hide and Seek

The rain was pouring heavily and everything was dark, the lights were turned off and no one was there. Tina was feeling uncomfortable, she is having this dream again. She felt that with every step she take, someone also follows her. Tina doesn’t have the courage to look back, she is afraid. She doesn’t know what though but she knows that if she does look back, then it will all be the end. She walks and walks on the never ending dark hallways, feeling a pair of red eyes looking at her. She finally saw a light at the end, she smiled and run off fast thinking it is the exit. Unfortunately, the light she thought was an exit was nothing but a television. Displaying nothing but black and white, suddenly a noise started to play in it. “Where…are…you…Hiding?” the voice of what seemed like a girl played, Tina can’t get the feeling that the voice was awefully familiar. As she stepped closer towards the television, the noise played again. “I.Found…you…Tina!” and then the television went off, Tina gasped. The door on where she came from suddenly opened slowly, Tina turned around and saw a girl just a head taller than her holding a knife. She gave a creepy smile and walked slowly towards Tina and then, everything went black.

Tina screamed, her parents Mr and Mrs Sy was awakened by her sudden shouting and went rushing towards her room. The two shook their daughter’s body and after a few more shaking, Tina woke up. She sat on her bed with her parents looking at her with concern, she looked around and found that she was already sleeping on her bed in her white night gown. She sighed in relief and wiped her face, feeling beads of sweats forming on her forehead. Her hands were cold and she felt very weak, though seeing her parents in front of her she couldn’t help but cry. “What happened sweetie? Did you have a nightmare?” Mrs Sy asked as she went closer and hugged Tina. Feeling the warmth of her mother, Tina smiled and nodded.

“Well it is ok now…that was just a dream and nothing more, do you want to drink something so that you can sleep again?” Mrs Sy asked.

“Whatever you want sweetie, I will make it for you” Mr Sy said with a smile.

Tina shook her head, she then slowly broke the hug and looked at her parents. “I am fine now mom and dad…like you said…that was just a nightmare. I am very sorry for waking you up” Tina said while her parents smiled at her.

“It’s nothing sweetie, you deserve a nice rest tomorrow since you cleaned up the other areas here in the house…though did you get any help from someone? You can’t have done it alone” Mr Sy asked and Tina nodded.

“Very well, why don’t you explain it to us tomorrow morning while we eat our breakfast…your father and I would bring that person a thank you gift when we arrive from the trip” Mrs Sy said.

Upon hearing her mother’s words, Tina looked at them confused and felt unease suddenly again. “A trip? But…you two didn’t tell me that before and I thought…I thought dad wouldn’t leave since his work is here” Tina explained trying to get an answer from her parents.

“Sorry sweetie, something urgent just came up but we promise you this would be the first and last trip we will do” Mr Sy answered.

“How about the house? Will you two leave me here alone?” Tina asked.

Her parents looked at each other and smiled, Mrs Sy then said “Well it seems you can take care of this alone so why not? You have a friend so you can invite him/her here and ask to stay for a night.”

“St-stay for a night?! Aren’t you two gonna comeback at the evening? Besides, mom and dad…I have known something really disturbing here in the house so you can’t leave me here alone” Tina said desperately.

Mr Sy sigh, he then placed a hand on his daughter’s cheek. “Sweetie, let us talk about it tomorrow or after we came back ok? You shouldn’t allow yourself to just take any information a stranger said about this house…you are just scaring yourself” Mr Sy said while he caressed Tina’s cheek.

“But I am not lying! Charles, my friend told me and he got the information from his father!” Tina explained.

“That is enough! Tina it is very late, why don’t you sleep for now and talk about it tomorrow? Good night sweetie” Mrs Sy said as she stood up and started to leave the room, Mr Sy followed and closed the door but not before giving Tina one last smile. Tina couldn’t believe it, she doesn’t know why she was feeling unease suddenly but she doesn’t like it. She just hoped that the nightmare she had was just truly a dream and nothing more.

Morning came and Tina had woken up, she took a shower and changed into a white shirt and denim jumpersuit. She walked downstairs to meet her parents for breakfast but was surprised when she saw a note on the table and the foods already prepared. Tina came closer towards the note and read it, Sweetie…we are truly sorry for not keeping our promise. Your father was called early this morning to leave for work and we had to rush, we hope you can stay safe there. Just call your friend and let him stay there for a night with you, we promise we will be back early morning tomorrow for you. We love you very much—Mom and Dad. After reading the notes, Tina sigh and slumped on the nearest dining chair. She looked at the foods set on the table and shook her head, she couldn’t finish them all alone. She ate only the food that she liked and left the remaining for lunch. After she finished eating, Tina decided to clean the house to kill time. She was bored and felt exhausted as she cleaned the second floor all alone, the things left by the previous owners were placed on the room near the stairs and Tina sorted out those that can’t be used. She was busy dragging a bag of garbage towards the pile of dead plants she and her father had made before when she thought of Charles, “I guess I should go to town and talk to him. Maybe he will stay here with me, he still owes me for not coming here yesterday.” Tina smiled when she thought to see Charles again, she happily finished dragging the garbage bag towards the pile and washed her hands then left to town. Unknown to her, Sue was hiding from one of the trees inside the house looking at Tina with a blank expression but a small creepy smile formed from her mouth as the red haired girl left the house.

As Tina arrived at town, she immediately came to the library. Upon entering, she was welcomed by Charles’ father who came at her with sudden speed. “You…you! Where did you bring Charles?” the old man asked with angry eyes and Tina stared back at him with a confused look.

“What do you mean? I came here to look for him as well” Tina answered honestly but the old man didn’t believe it.

He snorted and looked at Tina with suspicious look, “Lies…little girl, Charles was last seen with you. Didn’t he left yesterday to help clean your house? He even bid goodbye to me before leaving, now tell me…where did you kept him?”

Tina shook her head, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I swear I didn’t see him at the house yesterday, I was waiting for him but he didn’t show up that is why I came here.”

Tina remembered that Charles mentioned in between their talks the very first day they were cleaning that his father would object for him to go there, so she tried her best to lie. “Huh? What are you saying? We live near here, but not in that house” Tina lied.

The old man stared at Tina suspiciously, “then I wonder where? If I recall correctly, there are no house outside of town aside from the ebony mansion.”

Tina gulped, the old man saw through her lie but she remained calm and acted as if she was right. “Then you must have not known there is another house that was just build” Tina replied.

The old man laughed, “don’t lie little girl. Whenever there is a house that is going to be built, you need a permit to do that and I work at the townhall so I know if there will be a new house or not.”

Tina gasped, “We-well…”

“Why don’t you just tell me the truth, are you living in the house owned by this family?” the old man asked and showed a picture of the Lee family.

Tina looked at it and her eyes focused at their daughter, she then sigh with defeat. “Fine…I do live there, and I am sorry for lying” Tina replied.

The old man then sat and stared at the photo he was holding, “did you know the history of that house?”

“If you mean the original owners then yes, Charles explained it to me” Tina replied.

“How about what happened to the previous owners?” the old man asked. There was a long silence and he looked at Tina who only gave a blank stare. “So he didn’t told you? Well i suppose anyone wouldn’t considering you bought it…” he added and relaxed his back.

“What do you mean?” Tina asked feeling unease.

The old man sigh, “I am not telling you this to scare you little girl but it is best that you and your family should also leave that house.”

Tina only looked at him with an even confused and questioning look. The old man sigh again for the nth time, “you see…there are many families who bought that house because it was just low on price but quite big in size. Unfortunately, some of the families that lived there died and to make the matter worst…those with children, either one of them gets lost and found dead after a new child is lost. The town tried to solve the case but nothing was solved and even those that tried to solve the mystery were found dead a day or two after entering the house, most of the townspeople here got scared of that and so they called that house cursed. But since the income of the town isn’t flourishing like before, we all decided to keep it a secret from outsiders. Soon people bought the house, one family to another and some who had known the rumors left the house as soon as possible. That is why, while it is still early…leave that house. Tell your parents to leave.”

“But…they left for a trip and will be back tomorrow, also…aren’t you worried about your son?” Tina asked.

The old man looked sad, “I am…but…if he indeed went to your house, then I expect the worse.”

Tina felt angry upon hearing those words, she slammed the desk making the old man surprised. “Don’t you dare speak like Charles is gone! He is your son, you shouldn’t lose hope that fast”

Tina shouted.

“Shut it little girl! If he hadn’t met you in the first place, he wouldn’t be gone. Besides, what do you know about that house if my son didn’t told you about it? Nothing! As much as I want to keep a positive thought for Charles I can’t as long as he is connected to that house! Didn’t you just hear what I told you? Now…why don’t you just go and call your parents to come back and leave that house!” The old man replied and Tina looked at him with angry eyes as he returned it with the same expression.

“I won’t give up on Charles, I will find him” Tina replied and left the library as she came back towards the ebony mansion.

When she arrived home, she was still angry that she cleaned the kitchen area. Even though she was busying herself on the chores, she can’t forget what the old man told her. You and your family should better leave that house immediately! She felt goosebumps just by thinking those words, she shook her head and busied herself again. Suddenly she remembered the basement, she knew her mother promised to clean that part but she doesn’t know if her mother finished for she was busy with housework and helping her husband on the job. She sighed and decided to check whether the basement was really cleaned or not. If it isnt finished…it will take me a day to finish cleaning that! She thought and walked towards the basement. When she was about to open the door, a voice called her which surprised her. “Busy on cleaning the house?” Sue asked in a whispering tone.

Tina smiled upon seeing her but her smile vanished when she saw Sue’s clothes were the ones she wore yesterday and it is much dirtier, “Just what are you doing on your house that your clothes always get dirt?” She asked and came towards Sue who was still standing on the entrance door.

Sue glanced at her clothes then returned her gaze towards Tina as she replied, “I cleaned my house too.”

“Then you must have cleaned it so much that your feet are…full of…dirt, where did you left your shoes? Your feet are full of mud!” Tina shouted as she gave a look of concern.

“Ah…I must have left it at home” Sue said nonchalantly.

“Seriously?! You just went here barefooted? Anyway, I will lend you my extra slippers. Why don’t you wash your feet near the kitchen door? I will get the slippers and a towel. You need a shower!” Tina said as she rushed towards the kitchen and got a pail full of water, she opened the kitchen door and left the pail outside. Tina then rushed upstairs and left Sue outside.

Sue followed Tina as she was going up with her gaze, she smiled and walked towards the kitchen door. “You were so busy yesterday that you didn’t even notice if I was really wearing shoes or not” Sue murmured to herself and again smiled as she washed her feet.

It was not long enough when Tina came back holding a pair of blue slippers and a towel, she gave it to Sue who finished washing her feet. “It seems you are alone right now…want some help?” Sue asked.

“Well if you wouldn’t mind…I was going to check the basement and-” Tina wasn’t able to finish her sentence when she was interrupted.

“It’s fine…I shall clean the basement for you” Sue said.

“But…it’s big and dark” Tina replied.

Sue gave a sweet smile, “that is why it is better if I do it. I am not afraid of the dark…but you are right?”

Tina gave a weak smile, “we-well…ok. Clean it, I will just finish this kitchen and living room. By the way, be careful ok?”

Sue gave her a confused look, “for what?”

“W-well…you lived here before us so you should have heard about the rumors of this house?” Tina explained.

“Rumors? Like what? I haven’t heard any…” Sue answered with an innocent look.

Tina sigh, “is that so? Well just be careful…I don’t want to scare you.”

“I wanna know” Sue said and Tina looked at her assuring if she was serious or not, but then found Sue giving her just an expressionless look.

“Well…I don’t know if it is true or not since they are rumors, but…apparently some of the previous owners here died” Tina explained.

Hearing that, Sue flinched. “Is that so? Maybe they deserve it?” She said still with no expression.

Tina looked at her with a questioning look and Sue smiled, “Just kidding…anyway you shouldn’t listen to those since they don’t have evidence and were purely rumors. If they had, then they should have the culprit by now.”

Tina nodded, “I guess so. The case is still a mystery, anyway I should clean this up but just be careful ok?”

Sue nodded and went inside the basement. It took them hours to finish cleaning the two areas and the basement, the two plunged themselves to the sofa. “Why don’t you take a shower here while I prepare some snacks?” Tina asked.

Sue smiled and nodded, she then went upstairs while Tina followed to prepare her a new set of clothes. As Sue went down, she was now wearing a white sleeveless dress and the blue slippers. Tina saw her and smiled, “you look really beautiful even with plain clothes. Guess having blonde hair and blue eyes give an angelic aura.”

Sue didn’t comment and just titled her head, “thank you for lending me this clothes. I will return it once I washed them…also Tina whatever happens, don’t go to the basement ok?”

Tina was confused, “why?”

Sue shrugged, “it gives a foul smell. I saw a lot of rats and there were tons of broken things there. Your safety is a priority.”

Tina smiled, “ok…here. Some cookies and chocolates, hope you like iced tea.”

Sue smiled and sat beside Tina as both ate their snacks. It was already 5pm when the two finished eating and rested at the sofa for a bit. “Are you alone right now?” Sue asked staring at the basement door.

Tina nodded, “my parents went for work but they will be backed tomorrow.”

“Is that so? Work huh…just like those kids” Sue replied whispering the last words just to herself.

“Huh? I’m sorry…did you just say something?” Tina asked.

Sue shook her head, “aren’t you afraid?”

Tina gave a weak smile, “just a bit but…I will be alright. I was about to ask Charles to stay but…”

“Did you saw him?” Sue asked.

“No…anyway, want to stay here with me tonight?” Tina added with a smile.

“Ah…why not? I shall leave first to ask permission to my parents since they just came back, then when I return…why don’t we play a game?” Sue asked and Tina nodded. “Well…thank you for the meal, I will be back” Sue added and waved goodbye to Tina.

“Return immediately ok?” Tina said.

Sue gave her a smile and left, “Sure…I am sure you will enjoy your last game.”

An hour had passed and Tina was getting bored, she already took a bath and changed her clothes into black pajamas. She decided to roam around the house and stopped by the pile of dead plants on their garden. “Guess dad forgot to burn this before he left and the greenhouse he promised me to be built was not even done…he should never have promised if he won’t do it, as an 18 year old girl…I would lose trust to men because of my dad” She murmured to herself and laugh at the thought. Suddenly, Charles image flashed to her mind and Tina smiled, “but not him I guess.”

She finished roaming around but it only took her 30 minutes and she had nothing to do, she pondered on what to do next and her eyes went towards the basement door. Whatever you do, don’t go to the basement Tina, Sue’s words came into her mind. She promised but she can’t get the curiosity off of her, so she went towards the door and opened it. When she came down the stairs, everything was pitch black. She went back towards the kitchen and tried to find a flashlight, when she did she returned to the basement and turned on her flashlight. As she went down, she found that there are still cobwebs downstairs. But what caught her attention was the foul smell, she doesn’t know where it is coming from but she knows it is just around the basement. “So Sue wasn’t lying about the foul smell, but why are there still cobwebs? I thought she cleaned the place…she should have asked for help” Tina said to herself as she scanned the area.

Suddenly, she saw a trail of what seemed like dried blood on the floor upon looking at her right. She gasped and her pulse started beating rapidly, she prayed that what she is going to do won’t do her harm and followed the trail. As she came close to where the trail is ending, the foul smell became stronger. She soon stopped at an old furnace, she looked around it and found that the trail stopped there.

She sigh, “it couldn’t be at the furnace right?” She turned around and prepared to go back when she remembered Sue’s words.

There are broken things there and lots of rats, upon remembering that. Tina shivered, she hate crawling animals the most. But she scanned the area and didn’t found broken things, in reality the things hidden down the basement are still in good shape. Tina was confused, there are no broken things but there was indeed foul smell. Could Sue be lying at her? I wonder if she is hiding something from me, she thought. She then remembered the trail of blood, she couldn’t help but get the feeling that it was connected to why Sue wanted her to stay out of the basement.

I hate this curiosity of mine! She thought as decided to investigate the trail of blood once more. Tina took a deep breath and got all the courage she had as she went back to the furnace again, she opened it and dust scattered in the air while the foul smell grew much stronger that she has no choice but to cover her nose with her free hand. She lit the furnace with her flashlight and what she saw drained all her blood.

Inside was a decaying body of a boy, his throat was slit opened and rats came out of it. Tina screamed of fear and fell down the floor, her breathing went fast and she threw her flashlight away. What the hell is a dead body doing on our house? But then again there are rumors of that case here, so it shouldn’t be a surprise…though isn’t it just rumors? Tina’s mind was so confused that she doesn’t know what to do. She then analysed something, why is there a dead body when there has been no one living at the mansion for years? And the body seemed like it was just fresh. She then remembered Charles’ father and his words, Charles was last seen with her and he bid goodbye to meet up with Tina the last time they saw each other. But then she wasn’t able to meet Charles after that and is currently missing for 2 days now. Tina felt something was stuck on her throat, her heart beat faster and she can’t get this feeling that something is wrong.

She stood up slowly and took the flashlight that rolled out from her hand, she then went back to the furnace and got a lot of courage to look at the corpse. The body although fresh decayed faster since the furnace is sealed, but the hair and clothes didn’t vanish or got destroyed. So Tina did her best to look at the color of the hair, she doesn’t know what Charles was wearing if he did came at her house but the hair and eyes might give her information. She focused the light on the hair and found that the color was black, she tried opening the eyes and surely it is still there but was starting to rot. She held her breath and looked closely at the eyes, it was colored blue.

Tina felt like she was about to faint, she couldn’t believe what she is seeing. The details of the corpse matches Charles very well, the last glint of hope she was expecting for Charles to be alive is slowly vanishing. She wants answers on what happened to Charles and who did this to him, the only person that she can think of was none other than Sue. Since she was the only one left at home when Tina went to town, but…a part of her mind also tells her that Sue is innocent. She seemed so kind although Tina admits that Sue sometimes gives her the creep but the Sue she knows looks like someone who couldn’t even hurt someone. In order for her to solve this mystery, there is only one solution for her. Ask Sue and confirm things, she scanned around the area again and got a white cloth. She used it to cover Charles decaying body and took one last glance at him before she closed the furnace and left the basement, Tina can’t help but cry for the lost of a friend and maybe someone special. After I finish this I will give a proper burial to you and will make whoever did this to you pay…this I promise you Charles, Tina thought and tightened her grip on the flashlight.

Tina waited until the grandfather’s clock striked 6 and chimed. She waited for Sue to arrive as she sat on the sofa staring at the entrance door, she waited but no one appeared. She gradually got tired of waiting and fell asleep, then without her notice the door opened. Sue entered dressed with the clothes Tina lent to her just this morning, her hair was again down and her bangs covered her blue eyes. She walked closer to a sleeping Tina while making no sound at all, her face showed a blank expression but her eyes stared through Tina with great intensity. As she was only an inch near, Tina opened her eyes and sat straight staring at Sue with a serious expression. “Did you sneak up on me by walking barefoot again?” Tina asked with hint of anger on her tone.

Sue noticed it and it made her smile, she still remained calm and acted nonchalant towards the question. “Sorry…I didn’t mean to…scare you, anyway I am now here. I got permission from my parents to stay a night with you.”

Tina looked at her eyes trying to see whether she was lying or not, but again she was only responded by a blank stare from Sue. “Ok, that’s great…have you eaten dinner?” Tina asked with a smile but she still kept her guard.

Sue sat beside Tina which made the latter flinched. Sue noticed it and smiled even more as she replied, “I have. Did you?” Tina nodded. “Then…shall we just play a game?” Sue added.

Tina smiled, “Sure but…does this involve killing…of time?” she asked as she looked at what Sue’s reaction would be.

“If you meant passing our boredom…then yes,” Sue replied staring back at Tina with an innocent look.

“Very well then, let’s play” Tina suggested and Sue nodded. “So what are we playing?” she asked and Sue smiled.

“It’s a game that involves courage…but I am sure you will enjoy it. It is called Hide and Seek” Sue replied.

Tina was surprised and asked with a raised brow, “Hide and Seek? You mean the game every kid plays?”

“This one got a twist, ready for it?” Sue asked and Tina gave a nod.

“So first off, we choose a doll that we owned…its best if it’s just a rag doll…” Sue explained the preparation as well as the mechanics of the game and Tina only nodded as a sign of understanding. “Lastly, we should turn off all the lights as we play. The game would only last for 2 hours and then we should end it, so you should do your best to…find your doll before the time runs out” Sue added.

Tina smiled, “Sure. This game seems exciting, let us start as soon as I take my teddy bear in the room.”

“Ok…take your time,” Sue replied as she sat on the sofa.

Tina smiled and went upstairs, she then took her teddy bear that was just lying on her bed. This game…I wonder If its connected to the lost kids, there is something wrong with this one and I better let Sue spill everything out! Tina thought as she held the bear tighter.

While back to Sue, she listened to the footsteps made by Tina upstairs and walked slowly towards the basement. She went inside and walked straight to the furnace and opened it, when she did she gave a creepy smile. So…she went here already, I guess it is time to end this. Sue thought and went immediately back to the living room just in time before Tina went downstairs.

When Tina arrived holding her teddy bear, Sue nodded. “Then let us start…let us first find our base and do what I told you, it is better not to get confused on our doll” Sue explained and began to walk towards the kitchen.

“Hey wait…what about your doll?” Tina asked giving a suspicious look to Sue.

“I’m gonna get it, now why don’t you find your base and I will turn off the power switch to all the lights here after 10 minutes…let’s make this game fun ok?” Sue replied and left.

Tina eyed her and slowly walked under the stairs, she took her slippers off and waited for 5 minutes there. When she was sure that Sue wouldn’t see her, she went upstairs and rushed towards her room. Sue on the other hand just waited on the kitchen and smiled as she heard the creaks upstairs, after another 5 minutes the lights on the whole house turned off. Tina did the preparation that she was told and went towards her bathroom afterwards, she placed the doll on the tub full of water and hid on her secret base which was the closet where a television was facing it. Tina counted up to 10 while closing her eyes and walked back towards the bathroom, she went to the tub and got her doll.

“I found you Vera,” she whispered three times and stabbed the doll with a pen. A few rice inside the doll spilled after she stabbed the doll, Tina suddenly remembered the torn out doll outside. That doll…I wonder if it was used in this game as well, Tina thought and reminded herself that the game should only last for 2 hours.

“You are the next it, Vera” Tina whispered three times again then afterwards placed her bear on the counter and left the pen beside it. Tina then hid in the closet and waited. After a minute or so, she got the cup full of salt water and went to the bathroom. She was surprised to see that her doll was nowhere there, Calm down…Sue did say it is natural the doll would not be on the same place again Tina thought.

She decided to walk out of her room and kept something in her pocket, when she came out the hallways were dark and quiet. Just like in my dream, Tina thought. She held the cup tighter and walked quietly through the hallway, opening the rooms near her own. She opened everything upstairs but she still couldn’t find her doll. “Just where did that doll went?” Tina asked slowly becoming impatient.

As she went downstairs, rain started to pour heavily and the wind blew strong which made the curtains danced with every blow it takes. Tina was finally down and was about to walk towards the kitchen when she noticed a figure at the sofa, she slowly went closer and her eyes widened. Her doll was there holding the pen she just used to stabbed it with a while ago, she felt scared suddenly but remained calm and spilled the doll with her cup of water. “I win” she said and repeated for another two times and smiled. “And that’s game over…”she added.

Suddenly, the lightning flashed and Tina saw something on her peripheral view. There outside of the kitchen window stood a girl, the lightning flashed again and this time Tina looked to see if she was imagining it or not. When the light helped her caught a glimpse of the figure, she sigh in relief. It was just Sue standing and smiling at her, Tina slowly walked towards her and stopped in front of the kitchen door. Something is odd and Tina felt this feeling of unease again, she looked at Sue who was just standing outside. “Did you finish your game as well?” Tina asked.

Sue nodded slowly. “That’s great, but uh…where is your base?” Tina asked.

Sue didn’t mutter anything and just pointed at the garden while still looking at Tina. “Ok…anyway, we ended the game so let us just turn on the lights. You should come inside now, you are getting wet there” Tina said and Sue nodded. She walked slowly like a living lifeless doll and stopped at the kitchen door.

Tina waited for her but a sudden realization struck her, Was she pointing at the garden as her base? How come…that place has no television Tina thought and gasped. She tried to reach for the kitchen door to lock it but was too late when the door opened and Sue was standing all wet while one of her hands was kept behind her.

“Uh…Sue, where is your…doll?” Tina asked affirming her realization.

Sue didn’t answer and just walked closer to her, Tina calmed herself and backed away but she could feel her heart beat faster with each step Sue makes. “Sue?” Tina asked with a tone of fear.

Sue smiled and continued walking towards Tina. “I already…throw it out since I won” she said in a whispering tone.

“Where?” Tina asked and continued backing away but stopped as soon as she realized she was cornered on the basement door.

Sue smiled and tilted her head, “What’s the matter Tina…I thought you like this. Don’t tell me you are afraid.”

“I’m n-not, just tell me where did you throw your doll” Tina replied.

Sue stopped walking when she was just a meter in front of Tina, she then pointed out towards the pile of dead plants. “That’s where I threw my doll…correction, it was you who throwed it there” Sue replied and the lightning flashed again letting Tina catch a glimpse of her glowing red eyes.

Tina gasped, “just who are you? Are you really Sue?”

Sue smiled and her voice suddenly changed that into multiple voices, “oh I think you know the answer to that question my dear Tina…afterall, you are one clever girl.”

Tina then reached for her pocket but Sue saw it and smiled even more. “So my instincts were right…you are the original owners’ daughter Stacy aren’t you?! Just what are you and what did you do to this place?”

Sue laughed and her laughed echoed the whole place, “should I explain it to you or…should we just finish this off?”

“I am not afraid of you!” Tina shouted but Sue only laughed.

“Sure…convince yourself that way but we both know the truth. You are nothing but a scared girl, just like those kids who lived here. Before I killed them eventually that is, oh and I guess you know what happened to your precious Charles…”Sue explained and walked again towards Tina.

The latter diverted her footing and backed away from the basement door, “you liar! You lied to me and pretended to be my friend.”

“Oh…not really, it was just you who thought I am a friend. Also I didn’t lie on one thing, that is my name is Sue but you’re also right that I am Stacy just physically that is” Sue explained.

“Physically? What nonsense are you saying?!” Tina asked.

Sue sigh, “I’m getting bored…let’s just end it here. And by mean of end…I mean I will be taking your life!” her eyes then glowed and she lifted her hidden hand to reveal a knife. “Goodbye Tina…forever!” Sue added and run towards Tina but the latter run off faster and went upstairs.

Tina run fast and pushed the vases sitting near the stairs as a distraction, the lights were still turned off so the whole mansion was still in pitch dark and only the lightning that flashed gives them light. Sue laughed, “continue running my dear…hide well and be sure I won’t find you or its goodbye.”

Tina slowly went inside her room and went to her closet, she got the remaining bottle of salt water she kept and hid under her bed. Her television was still on but it showed black and white. As she heard footsteps walking and doors being opened one by one, Tina couldn’t help but cover her mouth to keep herself quiet.

“Hide…well…Tina…but i…will…definitely see you” the noise on the television said and the footsteps stopped, Tina held her breath as soon as she saw the door on her room opened slowly.

A pair of foot walked inside all covered in mud and went towards the bathroom, Tina sigh in relief as she prayed that this nightmare would end soon. “You are…not…in the bathroom…I wonder…where you…are” the television noise said and Sue went out of the bathroom, she then opened the closet and laughed.

“So this is your base…just like what she and the other kids did” Sue said as her voice played on the television.

She walked around the room but exited afterwards when she couldn’t find Tina. As soon as the door closed, Tina sighed in relief again. But her moment of peace was broken when the door suddenly opened and Sue run towards her bed, she then opened the bedroom cover with a creepy smile. “I found you!” Sue shouted and Tina screamed in fear, Sue stabbed the place where Tina was hiding but Tina escaped just in time before she was hit. She slowly backed away from the bed and walked towards her balcony.

Sue laughed, “I would be bored if the game would end this fast…so I will be nice and tell you everything I know before you die.”

“I won’t die!” Tina shouted as she took what she was hiding in her pocket and tightened her hold on it.

When Sue saw it, she laughed and laughed even more when she saw a bottle that Tina was holding on her other hand. “You think a cutter and a bottle of water can save you?!” Sue asked and laughed some more.

“What an idiot! Just like those kids I played with…they were nothing but brainless kids who played in order to have fun but cry and scream when they are about to die. Oh but I gotta say, you are a bit higher than them Tina…you are smart and…you made this game much more fun. Back to what you were asking, indeed…this body once belonged to Stacy Lee but I owe this now because she failed” Sue explained.

“Failed at what? And what happened to the other kids?” Tina asked.

Sue smiled and the lightning flashed again, “the kids were all killed after I used their body to trick a new kid to play with me. Their lifeless bodies were buried on these mansion grounds and the bodies of their precious parents were placed and burned to the furnace…just like what I would do to your beloved Charles.”

“Why you!” Tina shouted and Sue snorted as she played with the knife.

“What? You are angry because I killed Charles? Didn’t he advise you to leave this house? Even his father said it to you right? But what did you do? You ignored it…so he just paid the price. About Stacy, she was the one who called me here because she was bored and got nothing to do…she searched this game through the computer and played it not knowing the consequence but she failed to find me…her doll and instead I found her first which led to where I am now…and I think, that you would end up the same!” Sue said.

“I won’t let you! Didn’t you say the game would end after 2 hours? So guess what…you’ve got an hour left” Tina replied confidently.

Sue sigh, “oh dear…did I say that? I guess I did because you don’t want to make the spirit you called become stronger. When the game passed 2 hours the spirit gets stronger my dear Tina and the only way to end the game is killing that spirit’s body…get it?”

Tina gasped, “you tricked me!”

“Sure…I did, I planned this game after all. Even the spirit on your doll was all planned by me…Now, be a good girl and let me kill you so we can end this game” Sue said and prepared to stabbed Tina but the latter shook her head and jumped off the balcony. Sue was surprised for a bit and walked to see if Tina survived the fall, surely she did but she was in a lot of pain. Sue smiled, “what an idiot…she just made her end easier.”

Sue walked out of the room and went to the garden, Tina on the other hand crawled off the lawn and went to get the ripped doll on the pile of dead plants. It was just in time when Sue stood on the kitchen door and Tina held the ripped doll. “Make one move and I will pour salt water in this doll” Tina shouted. If my analyzation is right then pouring salt water on her doll would kill her off! Tina thought and smiled triumphantly.

Sue’s expression changed that into fear, “no…no don’t that!” She shouted and tried to reach the doll but Tina smiled and poured salt water on it.

“See you in hell!” Tina shouted. Sue stopped walking towards Tina afterwards and suddenly fell on the ground. Tina breath in relief and throwed the doll on the pile again, “Game over bitch.”

She walked inside the house and turned on the lights but the power switch didn’t work, “Huh?” she asked in confusion but shrugged it off and went to her room. She saw that her television was still in static but she didn’t mind it, she smiled and was about to turn it off when it made a noise.

“It’s not yet over…Tina” The red haired girl gasped and rushed to look at the garden, her face paled when she saw that Stacy/Sue’s body wasn’t there. Suddenly the door in her room opened, the lightning flashed and the floor creaked with every footsteps that was made.

“Looking for me?” Sue asked and Tina slowly turned around with her eyes wide open.

The very next day, the sun shined bright at the cloudless sky. The road was still wet from the heavy rain that poured last night but aside from that, business and work continued on the small town. A car arrived at the ebony mansion and Mr and Mrs Sy stepped out of it holding their souvenirs. “I guess we gotta have a lot of work to do here dear…I wonder if Tina is still asleep?” Mrs Sy asked as she walked on the muddy ground.

Mr Sy laughed, “I guess she is. Let us just prepare her favourite food and I will plant this beautiful pot of roses here on the garden…it will be right on time when she wakes up and find out what we brought to her.”

“You’re right. Anyway…why don’t you burn that pile after we eat our breakfast dear?” Mrs Sy suggested pointing at the dead plants and Mr Sy agreed.

The clock chimed as soon as it striked 6 in the morning, the Sy couple had just finished preparing everything for their beloved daughter when Tina woke up and came downstairs. “Thank goodness you’re now awake, just in time for a wonderful breakfast!” Mrs Sy exclaimed.

Tina was rubbing her green eyes when she groggily looked at her mother, “Mom? Dad? You’re back!” she shouted and hugged the two of them.

“Yes sweetie and we prepared your favourite food for you, sorry for leaving you alone here yesterday…so where is that friend of yours? We want to him” Mr Sy asked and Tina frowned.

“It seems he was busy yesterday so I slept here all alone,” Tina answered.

“Really? Well why don’t we eat our breakfast then clean this house as a family? Your father will burn the pile outside so if you have any garbage at your room just bring it outside sweetie” Mrs Sy said.

Tina smiled and nodded. The three ate their breakfast and they talked for an hour while laughing at the stories Mr and Mrs Sy shared. After they finished eating, Mr Sy was outside busy burning the pile of dead plants when Tina came out and placed a bag of garbage on it. “Good heavens, you got quite a garbage there sweetie. I will go get a drink so why don’t you guard the fire so it won’t die?” Mr Sy instructed and Tina nodded with a smile.

As soon as her father went inside, Tina looked at the fire and throwed the teddy bear she was hiding. “Told you…you can’t win. Looks like it is my win again,” Tina murmured to herself and smiled a bit as her green eyes glowed into red.

THE END