I entered the house, and the silence almost made me stop walking.
Bluebell being quiet? Yeah, that never happens. Something was definitely off.
"Your back."
Daisy's voice popped out of nowhere, nearly making me jump. When I turned to look at her, something about her felt… different. Off. I couldn't place it.
"Uh-good afternoon," I said. "So you're the only one home?"
"Yes." Her tone had that older-than-her-age sourness again. "Bluebell, Britney, and Mom went out. And, to inform you, the family doctor is waiting for you in the lounge."
Great. A doctor. Exactly what I needed today.
I just nodded and flicked my hair like I was in some commercial as I headed up the stairs.
In my room, I changed into white shorts, a black baggy shirt with little white roses, and my fluffy pink slippers, which honestly were the best part of my whole day. After refreshing myself, I headed to the lounge.
"…and that will be all, Miss Fiona. Just rest and don't stress yourself."
The doctor smiled, looped her stethoscope around her neck, and left. I forced a pale smile back because apparently that's my new signature expression now.
Back in my room, I paced. And paced. And paced again.
What I saw in that cave.
Who I saw.
Twilight.
Those weird visions.
My brain was basically a washing machine on spin mode.
I tried to distract myself with lunch, but even that didn't help. Eventually, I made my way to the library.
Our library always amazed me. Glass shelves, everything arranged neatly, soft lighting-modern but still peaceful. The kind of place where you could almost pretend life made sense.
I dragged my fingers across the spines of the books, trying to find something to keep my head calm. Then something caught my eye. A strange black patch on the wooden wall panel.
"What are you…?" I muttered, scraping at it with my fingernail. Of course, my nail chipped. Perfect. But the black part fell off, and behind it…
"A doorknob?"
You ever feel your curiosity slap you in the face? Yeah. That happened.
I pulled, but it wouldn't open. So I pushed. The door creaked like it was offended I even tried. After a little battle between me and the ancient wood, it finally gave way.
The space inside was dark. And dusty. And creepy.
Great combination.
I brushed away cobwebs almost screaming when one touched my hand and searched for a light switch. Nothing. So I pulled out my phone and turned on the flashlight.
The moment the light filled the room, my breath got stuck in my throat.
It was an old study. A forgotten one.
Wooden floors, red brick walls, a candle plate, a stack of dusty books, a tiny shelf, and a lonely chair and table like someone just got up and never came back.
It felt abandoned.
It felt hidden.
It felt secret.
And I had a feeling this secret wasn't a small one.
She flipped through some books and closed them with a sigh, her eyes scanning the brick wall for any clue about who owned the place.
Then she found something: a brick that looked like a button. She pressed it lightly, and another door creaked open. Flashing her phone's torch inside, the space looked eerie but fascinating.
There were bird feathers on the floor, a long black cloak hanging on a nail, and countless books lined up on the shelves. Candle holders were mounted on the walls, and the room felt slightly bigger than the old study. Fiona stepped down three smooth concrete stairs, her footsteps tapping lightly, and approached a table covered with old papers and a worn journal.
She brushed the dust off the cover with her fingers. Property of Jinx, the writing read in elegant cursive.
She opened the journal: "After all these years of research, I am still baffled by the mysteries yet to be uncovered…"
"FIONA!" Bluebell's voice echoed through the house. Fiona panicked. She didn't want anyone finding her here. Quickly packing the book, she pressed the brick button again, and the door closed silently behind her. The wall looked like nothing had changed.
She hurried to the living room. Bluebell greeted her with a curious look, dressed in her blue-and-white uniform with two cute ponytails and white boots.
"What are you hiding behind your back?" Bluebell asked, holding a lollipop. "I'm home by the way." A smile that looked more crooked than her character wide on her face.
"None of your business, sugar rush," Fiona replied sharply. "Welcome home, sugar rush." Bluebell hissed dramatically and left.
Fiona let out a breath of relief and dashed to her room. Before she could enter, she bumped into Britney, her witty and overly curious sister. The journal had slipped from Fiona's arms. Britney reached for it, but Fiona snatched it up, clutching it to her chest.
"Watch where you're going next time," Fiona warned, her voice firm. Britney only smiled sweetly.
Britney was smart, mature for her age, and sharp-minded but Fiona didn't trust her one bit. She left her sister standing on the stairs and shut the door, muttering, Can't I have privacy for once?
Sinking onto her bed, Fiona placed the old journal over her face, squinting to read the cursive writing:
"…My research is taking me into kingdoms and lands baffling to most. The true power of the Rings of Valentine remains unknown. The King found a beloved Queen through the Rings, but their secrets are at risk from powerful forces… "
Suddenly, a knock on her door startled her. She hid the journal under her pillow.
"Come in," she said. A maid peeped her head through the door.
"Sorry to disturb you, Miss Fiona. Dinner's ready, and your mother is asking for you."
"Tell her I'll be down soon," Fiona replied, slipping into her flip-flops.
At dinner, Fiona's mom noticed her and offered a small smile.
"Young lady, how long will you stay in your room?" she asked.
"Um… sorry, Mum. I was a little busy," Fiona replied, chuckling nervously.
Her mom smiled and gestured for her to sit. A maid placed a plate before her, and Fiona began to eat. Bluebell and Britney were unusually quiet.
The peaceful dinner didn't last long. Her mother leaned forward. "Fiona, any boys giving you trouble?" she asked carefully, sipping her wine.
Fiona froze. "I… don't understand. I rarely talk about boys at home, Mum. I'm focused on my studies."
Her mother nodded. "I just want to know how you feel. You're no longer a child. You're a young woman. I want you to be free to share your thoughts about these things with us."
"I understand, Mum. I promise to be careful," Fiona said sincerely. Why was everyone acting strange? And asking if I had boy problems?
Her mother gave a soft smile before leaving. Fiona let out a breath of relief and returned to her room. But the journal was missing. Panic flared.
Bluebell had to have taken it. Furious, Fiona stormed to her sister's room.
"Bluebell! Open up!" she shouted.
The door creaked open. "What do you want, Fifi?" Bluebell asked, blocking her path.
"You took something from my room. Give it back," Fiona demanded, hands on her hips.
"I didn't take anything!" Bluebell protested.
Fiona pushed past her into the room. It was a pink glitter explosion. Stuffed animals and toys scattered everywhere. Nothing seemed unusual, except a packet of gummy worms.
"I told you, I didn't do anything," Bluebell said as Fiona huffed and left.
Determined, Fiona headed to Britney's room. That's where the journal is, she thought. Knocking loudly, she waited for a response, her anger and worry mounting.