In a small town where everyone lived peacefully, if you mention the family name Lee people would happily say that they are a one of a kind family. The townspeople would chat of how the first head of the family helped made the town of how it is now.

Bakeries, Clothing shop, Toy stores and almost other shops in the town were owned by the Lee family. With that kind of power, foreigners may think that the Lee family were prideful and arrogant however it is quite the opposite of it.

The Lee family lives away in a big ebony mansion surrounded by black steel gates at the outskirts of town covered by pine trees, they own 3 different cars and the townspeople only saw the family members whenever one of them goes to town once a month.

The head of the family, Mr Lee is always out of town because of business and his wife Mrs Lee sometimes accompanies him. While their daughter is only seen whenever there are events on town and is being homeschooled.

It is October 31 and the town is celebrating Halloween, dark heavy clouds covering the skies threatened the townspeople but everyone continued with the celebration. The Lee couple went to another country for business and left their 14 year old only daughter to try the event at the town, meanwhile the butlers and maids from the Lee house all went back to their hometown. Stacy was left alone at the big ebony house, she did everything she could do but got bored. She decided to play Hide and Seek before going to the celebration so she can go back and sleep afterwards. She tried playing it alone but knew she needs another person to play it with, so she searched from their computer a method on how to play it alone.

The grandfathers clock chimed when it striked 6 in the evening, the rain began to pour heavily and thunders flashed while lightning was heard. Stacy tiptoed as she walked in the dark hallways of their house, she didn't speak as she continued searching the house. A loud thud was heard as an empty bottle fell from somewhere. Gotcha! She thought as she walked faster maintaining her footsteps in a quiet manner so it wouldn't be heard. As she walked pass the bathroom, she saw the empty bottle of shampoo that fell. Stacy stepped back and went to the bathroom to search the place, readying herself to spill the salt water on her mouth if she met Sue. She searched but with no luck, the television on her room suddenly made a loud noise which caught her attention. Stacy hurriedly ran towards her room but slipped on a pool of water inside her bathroom. The little girl fell on the floor, her blonde hair sprawling on the wet tiles and her pajamas were now soaked on the back. Stacy slowly sat and touched the back of her head, she winced in pain upon feeling the bump that formed on it.

"Ow, that hurts..." she said as she massages the area slowly. She then gasped upon realizing something, the salt water on her mouth was now spilled when she fell.

"Great! Now I need to go back to the room to refill and search Sue. I need to end this game fast and go to the celebration" Stacy mumbled and slowly got up. She then went into her room and her television went static, she remained quiet as she heard a small voice coming from the television.

"Where. Are. You?" Stacy didn't mind it at first and went to the circle of salt she placed inside her closet, she then refilled her mouth with a salt water and brought the remaining fill in the cup. As she got out of closet, the door slammed which surprised her. Stacy could feel her heart beating fast and her blue eyes dilated in fear. As she opened the door, the television noise got louder and a little girl's laughter echoed on the whole mansion.

The noise on the television then said "I.Found.You!" Before Stacy could even react, an unknown force suddenly pulled her feet. The little girl cried as she realized it was too late, Stacy was dragged under her bed as her scream echoed on the whole mansion but no one heard her. The television then said "Game Over" before it went off.

4 years later~

Tina Sy and her family moved in town because her father was hired for a job, the town was still peaceful but the shops that were named Lee were changed into new names. "So what do you think of this town sweetie?" Mrs Sy asked with a smile.

The red haired girl sigh, she looked around and looked at her mom with no expression. "Fine, Mom. Where is our house? I want to rest already" Tina said and walked faster ahead of her parents, her green eyes scanning the whole place.

Mrs Sy replied, "comeback here sweetie!"

A hand then tapped her on the shoulder and Mrs Sy turned around to see her husband, Mr Sy smiling. "It is fine honey, she just need time to get accustomed to this town. I know she hates the idea of moving here because of my work and I think a small rest would help her" Mr Sy said with a smile and his wife sigh as they both cuddled.

It took 45 minutes for the Sy family to get into their new house by their family car. Upon arriving, Tina got out of the car and looked at the big ebony house in front of her. "Well...home sweet home! Bring your things inside Tina while me and your mother finish unpacking our other things" Mr Sy said and went inside the house followed by his wife.

Tina on the other hand looked at the surroundings and noticed that crows are resting on the roof of the big ebony house, the cold wind blew and the pine trees swayed with it, the clouds covered the skies making everything covered into darkness. Tina shrugged and mumbled, "I don't like this feeling" as she went inside the house.

"Ok sweetie, your room is upstairs. There are a lot of rooms there but just pick what you want, your Father and I will need to clean this house. It's so big but dusty!" Mrs Sy said as she covered her nose and mouth with a mask and put gloves on her hands.

"Ok, mom" Tina replied as she went upstairs and dragged her trolley and backpack.

When she arrived, Tina walked along the 2nd floor as the floors creaked with every footstep she makes. She touched every door and stopped at the balcony facing the gate, Tina looked at the gate and found a blonde girl dressed in dirty clothes staring at her. Tina was surprised and backed away, she looked at the gate again but the blonde girl was already gone. Tina was confused but went back to get her belongings and picked a room for herself, she choose the room on the right closest to the balcony. As she turned the knob, the door didn't open. Tina sighed, and tried opening the door again but it won't budge. She kicked the door feeling frustrated and left her belongings as she came downstairs.

"Mom, I need the keys to the rooms upstairs" Tina said with a slight tone of anger.

Mrs Sy was busy cleaning the sofa as she stopped and looked at her daughter, "I'm sorry sweetie...your Father had the keys. Ask him, he is at the kitchen checking the faucet and stuff."

Tina rolled her eyes and went to the kitchen area, she scanned the place and found her dad fixing the pipe under the sink. "Dad...I need the keys to the rooms upstairs," Tina said.

"Ok sweetie, just get the keys on that bag over there...Sorry, I need to fix this pipes or else the water will leak here" Mr Sy said as he continue what he was doing.

Tina gave a long sigh and searched the bag on the countertop for the keys. When she saw it, she grabbed it and run fast upstairs, her red hair bouncing along. When she arrived, she went immediately towards the room she picked and opened it. As she came in, Tina dragged her trolley near her bed and dropped her backpack along. Tina gave another sighed and looked around, "well...home sweet home I guess."

Tina opened the windows to let the wind and sunlight come in the room. Although the clouds were covering the skies a while ago, the sun is out and shined through the sky. She smiled as she breath in the fresh air from outside, she then put on a mask and gloves that she hid in her pocket and started cleaning the dusty room. The room looked so old and dark but it is big and the furnitures left by the previous owner are still in good shape, it just needs some cleaning and everything will be fine! Tina thought. However, she knew cleaning the entire room might take more than a day to do so she decided to clean only the closet and bed that she will need to use immediately.

"I wonder if mom and dad decided which area they will need to clean first, we can't finish cleaning this whole house for a week" Tina mumbled to herself as she continued to clean the bed and remove the old sheets on it.

Suddenly the closet door opened and Tina's attention was caught, she glanced on it and felt her heart beat faster. She continued cleaning but a shadow just passed on her peripheral view, Tina turned back to look if she saw something or she was just imagining it. When she did, she found nothing. She continued cleaning but then she felt something grabbed her right foot which made her fell on the floor. Tina was surprised that her breathing got faster, she scanned the room again if there was someone playing tricks on her but nothing was there. She was just alone. Then suddenly, she heard a girl's laughter and a voice whispered on her right ear "Let's us play." Tina flinched and turned back, she didn't see anyone and this time it scared her. She run out of the room and went immediately to her mom.

"Mom! There's something in my room!" Tina shouted with fear.

Mrs Sy was busy dusting off the living room as she turned to look at her daughter, she took off her mask and put down the feather duster. "Calm down, sweetie. Why don't you sit in the sofa? I will get the food your father cooked just now as we talk about it" Mrs Sy said with a smile and went towards the kitchen area.

Tina followed what her mother said and sat in the sofa in front of the fireplace, the living area was half cleaned already. Tina wasn't surprised though since she knew her mother was a clean freak and likes to maintain things in order whenever she is around. Mrs Sy arrived back with a tray of cookies and a pitcher of lemon juice, she placed them on the fine wood table and sat beside her daughter. "So, what is it that you want to talk about?" the older lady asked with a smile.

Tina was hesitant for a bit, "Well...you see, mom. I was cleaning my room when I saw a shadow passed by and...um, don't laugh ok but I think I heard a girl's laughter afterwards."

Mrs Sy stared at her daughter without changing her expression and a smile was still plastered on her face, she patted the little girl's head and stood up. "Finish eating those cookies sweetie ok? I will just go to your father to ask him to eat" Mrs Sy said as she began walking towards the kitchen.

Tina couldn't believe it, she stood in surprise and felt her body boil in anger afterwards. She shook her head, "is this how you treat my problems always mom?! By actually ignoring it?! I get it! You are thinking this is funny right? You think I am lying to you?! Well **** it!"

Mrs Sy turned around and looked at her daughter with an angry expression as well, "don't you dare say those words Tina! I listened to your problem."

"Yeah? But why are you ignoring it? Come on mom, I always get this kind of treatment from you" Tina replied.

Mrs Sy took a deep breath then looked at her daughter with a calm expression, "it's not like that sweetie. It is just that those things you were talking about are not real. Shadows? A girl's laughter? Sweetie, you are just scaring yourself. We are just alone here in the house so how can that happen?"

Tina argued, "but mom...I swear I did hear it and I saw that shadow."

"Maybe you are just tired from the long trip, and you just need to adjust at this place. Why don't you sleep for a bit and I will wake you up when its dinner time?" Mrs Sy said with a smile.

Tina didn't argue anymore, she knew that her mother would insist that what she was saying was a lie. She nodded and sat down to finish the remaining cookies while her mother went towards the kitchen, she was eating the last cookie when something caught her peripheral view again. She ignored it at first but it bothered her, she looked towards her right and there in the dark portion of the stairs stood a blonde girl wearing dirty clothes. Tina gasped, it's the same girl from outside the gates! She thought as stared at her. The blonde girl smiled, a weak but creepy smile. She was saying something towards Tina but she couldn't hear it, Tina stood and slowly walked towards the blonde girl.

"I couldn't hear you, what is it?" she said as she was walking closer to the girl.

The blonde girl continued saying something but Tina couldn't hear it. As she was near the girl, her mother called her out. "Tina! Did you finish eating already? Your father needs some help here" Mrs Sy shouted from the kitchen and Tina's attention was caught.

"I-I did mom, I'm coming!" Tina replied and looked back at the girl again but saw that the blonde girl wasn't there anymore. Tina gasped and slowly backed away from the stairs, she walked back still looking at the spot where she last saw the blonde girl. Suddenly a voice whispered to her ear again, "Let us play Tina, you will enjoy it."

Tina turned around to see no one there, she shook her head and run towards the kitchen. "Mom! There's a-" she stopped when she saw her mother smiling at her while she cleans the countertops.

"What is it sweetie?" Mrs Sy asked. Tina shook her head, she then walked towards the kitchen door going to the garden. Her father was there busy at getting rid of the dead plants. When Mr Sy heard her footsteps, he looked back and wiped his sweat.

"Thank goodness, you are here Tina. Have you finished unpacking your things at your room? I need help here, these dead plants make this house look creepy but after we get this out it will all be fine. Tomorrow I will build a greenhouse so that we can plant vegetables and fruits, and if I take my salary for tomorrow's work...I will buy your favourite strawberries and a pot of red roses!" Mr Sy said with a smile and Tina raised a brow to him with a smile.

"Sure Dad, I will help you but are we really staying here forever?" Tina asked as she put on her gloves and started removing the other dead plants as well.

"What do you mean sweetie? We just bought this big house for a cheap price and we just arrived here...are you saying you don't want it here?" Mr Sy asked.

Tina looked at her father, the face of a once young man now changed into someone that aged with years. Even though he always said he is still young at heart, Tina knew his father is growing old and sometimes see him in pain everyday after work. She doesn't want to let all the money her parents spend to this house be gone for her reasons. Tina replied, "no dad...it is just...I guess I still need to adjust in here, that's all. But dad, didn't the previous owner of this house or the real estate agent tell you something...about this house I mean?"

Mr Sy stopped what he was doing and looked at his daughter with a confused look, "what do you mean sweetie?"

"I don't know dad, things like there was someone who died here or was killed or-"Tina explained but was interrupted by her father.

"Stop that Tina! What are you saying? That we brought a haunted house? Do you know what nonsense you are talking about?" Mr Sy asked in anger.

His angry, Tina thought and stopped what she was doing as well. "I'm sorry dad, I was just asking...afterall this house is so big but they let us bought this for a cheaper price. That's all" Tina lied and continued getting all the dead plants.

"Well it maybe because no one is interested in this place for too long so the agent made the price lower, anyway...it's not our problem. Just finish those remaining plants on your side and get inside, I will just clean up and help your mother for dinner. You should take your bath after this and rest, you must be tired" Mr Sy said and went inside.

Tina nodded and continued removing the remaining dead plants when she saw a dirty rag doll along the one she was removing, the doll was torn in the center and rice is getting out of it. "Creepy! Ugh, I will tell dad to burn this tomorrow" Tina said and tossed the dirty doll into the pile of dead plants. As she came inside, the blonde girl who was hiding behind one of the trees smiled as she watched Tina.

It was 6 pm when the Sy family was eating their dinner, the area hasn't been finished cleaning so they used candles to lit the dining area and covered the dusty light above. The kitchen was just adjacent to it so they also used candles to light it, Tina's parents hadn't cleaned the room they choose which was near the stairs so they decided to sleep on the living room. Tina tried objecting but decided not to as she imagined her parents sleeping into the floor at her room, instead she decided to open her lights upstairs. The lights on the living room and stairs were also turned on, but they were full of cobwebs so the lighting is a bit dimmer. After eating, Mr and Mrs Sy talked about what they will need to buy at town tomorrow. Since Mr Sy has work, he will buy the other things needed after he finished working and will arrive late at home. Mrs Sy decided to buy groceries and will take a cab going back while Tina continues to clean and guard the house. Tina went upstairs and let herself fell into her bed, as soon as she did dust flew from the sides. Tina cough and covered her nose, she then scanned the room and sigh.

"Looks like I need to finish cleaning this tomorrow but I need help, I should tell my parents that I will go with them" Tina mumbled.

A sudden cold air entered her room which made Tina to shiver. She turned towards her window and found it open, she decided to close it and as she did she found the blonde girl outside holding the dirty doll. The blonde girl slowly turned back to look at Tina but she hid immediately, her heart began to beat fast and she took a deep breath. Tina decided to look at the window again but the blonde girl was gone and the dirty doll was back at the pile of dead plants, she sighed in relief and went downstairs to tell her plan for tomorrow.

"Hey mom and dad, can you bring me tomorrow morning to town?" Tina asked.

"Why sweetie? No one would guard this house and I will buy your favourite food" Mrs Sy replied.

Tina explained as she looked at the kitchen area, "well I guess I wanted to see the town more and meet new friends...plus I will clean the house when I go back."

Mr and Mrs Sy looked at each other as they pondered on it, while Tina was busy looking at the kitchen area. She doesn't know why her attention was drawn there but it's as if she was expecting something or someone there, suddenly the blonde girl passed on one of the kitchen windows and Tina gasped. Then as if teasing her, the blonde girl went back and stood just in front of the kitchen window smiling. The kitchen and dining room was only lighted by candles so it makes things much scarier, Tina shook her head and tried to turn towards her parents.

"So...what is it now mom and dad?" she asked in between her crooked voice.

"What is wrong sweetie? Well we decided to let you go with us but promise us to return home early ok? And never bring strangers here" Mr Sy replied with a stern voice.

Tina smiled and nodded, "Thanks."

She then went upstairs acting as if she saw nothing and locked her door, then rushed to covering the window with the dusty red curtain. Tina then decided to sleep or forced herself, as she wore a holy rosary on her neck just in case and prayed that nothing bad will happen tonight.

It was a rainy night, thunders and lightning flashed as Tina walks from the quiet hallways. She was wearing a white nightgown as she holds a cup of water. A girl's laughter echoes the place, Tina turned around but there was only darkness. She walked and went out of the house, her nightgown now soaked. She walked barefoot on the muddy ground and saw the dirty doll, she put the cup she was holding on the ground and grabbed an axe nearby. She hit the dirty doll and axed it until it was in pieces, the girl's laughter got louder. The voice then said "You've got the wrong one Tina...look behind you." As she heard those words, Tina slowly turned around and found the blonde girl behind her smiling mischievously. She then looked at Tina with glowing red eyes, "looks like the game is now ending." Tina shook her head, she slowly backed away but the blonde girl is walking closer to her, the blonde girl then laughed and took out the thing she was hiding behind her. It was a knife, she came faster towards Tina until she was cornered in the gates. The blonde girl smiled and stabbed Tina in her stomach, Tina shrieked in pain and slowly fell down to the muddy ground. The blonde girl then said, "Game over...now it's---"

Tina woke up as soon as her alarm went on, she realized she was sweating a lot and saw the sun rising. "Thank goodness it was just a dream..." she mumbled as she wipe her face off of her sweat. She then slowly got up and went to her bathroom to take a shower and when she came out, she shouted in fear. On the mirror were words written in red lipstick, Come play with me Tina. Her parents run immediately towards her room as soon as they heard her shout, they knocked on the bathroom door while calling her name.

"Tina! Sweetie what is it?!" Mrs Sy asked as she tried to open the door.

Tina gasped, she then wiped the mirror with a white towel. Better remove this, I can't involve my parents in here. I'm sure they will just say it was all a silly dream! She thought as she continued cleaning the mirror.

"Sweetie! What is the problem in there?" Mr Sy asked as he knocked on the door.

"N-nothing mom and dad, I was just getting ready. Sorry, I guess I didn't know my period arrived" Tina replied as she tossed the dirty towel on the laundry basket.

"Oh, I guess she forgot about her period dear" Mrs Sy whispered to her husband and Mr Sy relaxed.

"Just get dressed and we will wait on the living room, sweetie" Mr Sy said and both of them went out of Tina's room.

Tina listened until the footsteps of her parents weren't heard, she breath in relief then went out of the bathroom as she hurriedly wore her denim dress and white tennis shoes. Afterwards she went downstairs and meet with her parents, the three of them rode their family car and went out to town. Tina took a last look at the house and spotted the blonde girl looking at them from her room with an angry expression as they were leaving.

When they arrived at the town, the people are all busy doing their own work. Although the businesses are still going on, there aren't that much people who visits the town anymore and the profits before were much bigger than today. Mr Sy parked the car in front of the park, then the couple went on their separate ways while Tina toured around. She saw a shop selling candies, Tina smiled and took out her wallet to look at how much money she brought and decided to buy some sweets. Inside the shop were different flavors of candies displayed, there were even those that were made into the figures of cartoon characters. Tina saw a doraemon candy and bought 5 of it, she knew it was very childish of her but she likes doraemon ever since she was little. After she got what she wanted, Tina walked into an alleyway going through the library. She felt her stomach growl so she took one of the candies and took a taste on it. A group of children were playing with each other and were running towards her direction when one of them bumped into Tina making her fell on the road, "Ouch" Tina said as she dusted off her clothes.

One of the kids walked in front of her, his hair was brown and his clothes were slightly dirty. "Sorry big sis..." he said in an apologetic manner as he bowed down his head, the other kids run off and signalled him to go.

Tina smiled and stood, "It's fine."

The little boy smiled and then made a face, "...yeah. Sorry but we'll be taking those from you. Thanks a lot sis!"

Tina was dumbfounded, she pondered for it for moment. Taking those? Taking what from me? She thought to herself. She then gasped after realizing what that kid meant. "No way! My candies! Bring it back," she shouted but was too late as the group of children run off somewhere.

Tina was shook and rubbed her forehead, she then looked at the candy that she was licking awhile ago. It was now lying on the dirty road, Tina's stomach continued to growl but she ignored it and decided to go to the library. Upon coming inside, she saw there were tons of books categorized and sorted out well. Most of the books were pretty much old but she can tell they were handled with care, there were only a few people reading the books yet it amazes her how quiet the place are. It seems she had found a location to kill boredom and people are giving respect to the place, Tina was busy in her own thoughts when someone tapped her on the shoulder. She turn around and saw a boy just a head taller than her with black hair and blue eyes, he gave her a gentle smile as Tina returned the gesture.

The boy spoke first, "Pardon me for interrupting you but are you new here in town? It is my first time seeing you here." He said with that smile plastered on his face.

Tina was hesitant to answer after what just happened awhile ago. The boy noticed her uneasiness and added, "Sorry for my rudeness...I haven't said my name, please call me Charles. I am the son of the owner here." He then bowed in a gentleman way while still smiling.

Tina gasped and blushed, "Oh no...I'm the one who must apologize. My name is Tina Sy, and yes Charles...I am new here, my family just moved from this town yesterday."

"Oh really? Well I hope you will enjoy this town Tina, it maybe small but you will find great things here. It's quite different here before but atleast it is not that bad...I did saw what happened at the alleyway, I must apologize on behalf of those kids. In return for your candies, you can borrow any book you want and return it after a month" Charles explained.

Tina blushed, "no its fine. It was my fault for being absentminded, but um...you said it was different here before. Why?"

"Well...this town used to be a great town with business flourishing everywhere, the owner of most of the shops here was Mr Lee. He was a great man and a father but sadly you can't meet him anymore," Charles replied. He then gestured Tina to sit at one of the stools in front of the desk he was sitting, Tina nodded.

"So you met him before? What happened to him?" Tina questioned.

Charles face became sad, "Well I met him when I was 14 years old. He was really kind although he seemed like a serious man when doing business, anyway I don't really know what happened but after he and his wife left for a trip...when they came back home something must have happened because the next day he and his family were---."

The story was cut off when Charles's father called him, the little boy gave an apologetic smile and went inside the stock room to meet his father. Tina looked around and played with her fingers as she wait for Charles to come back, minutes passed and Charles came back holding 2 Spanish bread placed on a plate. He sat down again and offered Tina one of the bread, the two of them ate it and Tina enjoyed it very well as it was very delicious and filled her hungry stomach. Tina then spoke in between bites, "so what happened to him? Did he have a daughter/son?"

Charles replied, "let us just finish eating this and you should pick a book you like...I will let you borrow it."

Tina pouted, "but I want to know more about him. You seem fond of him."

Charles made a sad smile, "well everyone that lived here does. He did have a daughter, that's just all. Let's stop talking about him since that was all in the past. By the way where do you live?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot. That was the reason I came here, you see I need to do some cleaning in the house while my parents are gone so I was hoping to find someone here to assist me" Tina said with a smile.

Charles raised a brow and showed a sheepish grin, "No problem about that, I can help you since there are just a few people here. I am sure my father can manage this alone, is your house big?"

Tina nodded, "Let us just finish this up and I will bring you to our house. Oh and I want to borrow that book." She said as she pointed at one of the romance novels displayed, Charles nodded and took the book. The two of them finished eating the breads and went out of the library.

"So where is it Tina?" Charles asked.

"We need a ride going there, do you have a bike or is there someone here that is willing to drive us there?" Tina asked as she looked around.

Charles smiled, "there is this shop that lets you borrow a bike. We can go there and ask one for each of us."

Tina nodded, "let's go."

After getting two bikes, the two rode it as Tina led the way to their house. It took them an hour and a half to arrive at the big ebony house. As they enter the gates, Charles stopped just before entering and looked at the house with unease. Tina then called his attention, "aren't you coming?"

Charles took a deep breath, he then went inside and followed Tina. The two entered the house and the sound of the door creaking echoed through the whole house, Charles still can't get the uneasiness he felt and remained quiet the whole time. "So here we are, this is our home...quite big right?" Tina said with a smile as she sat on the sofa at the living room.

Charles followed her, walking slowly as he looked at the house quietly. He stood in front of Tina and asked, "Are you and your family just alone here?"

Tina nodded, "that is why I really need help in cleaning this house. Why? Are you backing out?"

Charles shook his head, "I will help you clean but I can't stay here for long."

"Why? Does this house gives you the creep? Scaredy cat!" Tina teased.

"Anyway, let us choose one area to clean. It will soon be past noon and there are a lot to do...which one do you want to clean first?" Charles asked focusing back on the subject he came in here for.

"Well, let us clean my room first then maybe get the cobwebs on the lights" Tina suggested.

Charles nodded, Tina then showed him the way towards her room. As they were walking past the rooms, one room on the left opened and Charles thought he saw a blonde girl sitting on the bed smiling and holding a dirty torn out doll. He stopped walking and went towards the room on the left, he was surprised to see the room was locked. He felt nervous and thought that he was just imagining it, so he ignored it and entered Tina's room. Upon entering, he saw how dusty it was. "This will take most of the time to clean, so what should we do?" Charles asked as he put on a mask.

Tina was also putting on her mask and replied, "We will dust off the light here and take of the curtains. Then the rest will be wiping the furnitures and floor, oh we also need to check if there are some things that was left by the previous owner here...if there is, let us remove it."

"Yes maam," Charles agreed as he saluted Tina and acted like a soldier giving respect to his commander.

Tina laughed and Charles followed, the two cleaned the whole room but it took them four to five hours to clean the whole thing. They are now dusting off the lights downstairs when they heard footsteps upstairs. The two stopped on what they were doing and looked at each other, Charles then resumed cleaning and Tina followed. They were able to finish their task in 30 minutes, so the two decided to take a rest on the living room. Tina looked at Charles as if she was about to ask something but then just played with the book she borrowed from the library. Charles noticed her and took the initiative, "Is there something bothering you?"

Tina looked at him and he looked back with a raised brow, she sighed and slumped on the sofa. "Please tell me you heard that awhile ago," she said.

"Heard what?" Charles lied as he sat beside her.

Tina groaned, "you know what I mean."

Charles didn't say anything and sigh afterwards, "ok if it will ease you up then...yes I did. So what? Maybe that was just a cat or a mouse?"

"Just that?" Tina asked with fear showing on her face.

"What do you want me to say? That is the most logical thing I can think of, besides you just moved here...I don't want to scare you Tina," Charles replied.

Tina looked at Charles with a confused expression, "gonna scare me of what?"

Charles looked at her with a look saying you know what I mean, but when Tina gave him a blank look Charles slapped his face. "Don't tell me you don't know..." Charles said with disbelief.

"Don't know of what? Is there anything I need to know?" Tina asked.

Charles sigh for the nth time, he then looked at Tina with concern. "The agent that sold this house didn't say something? Not even to your parents?" Charles asked.

Tina pondered and replied, "the only thing I heard from dad was that he bought this at such a low price and that the previous owners didn't last long here."

"That's all?" Charles asked and Tina nodded. Charles was dumbfounded. "You know what, it is getting dark. I should leave, and just an advice...you guys can sue the agent that sold this house to you because he/she left such important details out" he added and was about to leave when Tina grabbed his right arm.

"Why? Charles do you know something?" Tina asked.

Charles was silent, he then looked at the clock and saw it was quarter to 6. He took off Tina's hand on his own but answered Tina, "I am your friend and I will only tell you this because you are a nice person...This house you see is the house of the one I was telling you about, the Lee family. Look, I cannot tell you the whole details right now but I promise I will tell you tomorrow or some other time. Just go to my place and we will talk there."

"Why not here?" Tina asked with concern but at the same time, there was fear on her expression.

"It is better if it's not here because I will let you see pictures of them, the Lee family. Anyway, why did you guys bought this place? Didn't you feel it was strange the price was low and the previous owners didn't last long?" Charles asked, the clock then striked to 6 and Charles hurriedly went to leave. "I have to leave now, Tina. Let us meet tomorrow at town, goodbye" he added and without glancing back went out of the house and left immediately.

Tina was speechless but at the same time felt very nervous, she thought that it was all a bad idea coming to this house in the first place. She got more curious to know what happened to the Lee family and she thinks that the strange things happening on the house is connected, she sat on the sofa and prayed that her parents would arrive soon because she can't be at ease being alone in the house for so long.

There was a loud thud on the sink that caught Tina's attention, she immediately sat up and looked at the source of the noise. She found her mother busy taking out all the groceries she had bought and looked at Tina with a smile, "Sweetie! Did I woke you up? I am very sorry ok, I arrived home late so you must have been very hungry...don't worry, I will prepare dinner after this."

Tina breath in relief and smiled, "it's ok mom...I didn't know I fell asleep waiting. By the way, where is dad?"

"Oh his upstairs replacing the old bulbs with new ones, he already finished here so he went up immediately. He said he will put on the new curtains I bought for your room, it is your favourite color...blue. I also bought new bedsheets, its white so be careful not to have your period on them" Mrs Sy said and Tina smiled at the thought of her room being filled with white and blue, she always liked those two colors for it gave her peacefulness whenever she sees it.

"Thanks mom, is there any help you need there?" Tina asked and her mother only laughed, "Its ok sweetie. You can just sleep or better yet take a bath so you can eat dinner afterwards, you did well in cleaning your room and the lights around the house. Tomorrow I hope you will help in cleaning the remaining areas here, just leave the basement for me."

"Ok mom, then I will be taking my bath now" Tina replied and went upstairs. When she went inside her room, she found her father finishing the blue curtains on her windows. "Dad, I will be taking a bath and mom is preparing dinner right now" she informed her father who smiled and nodded.

Tina took off her clothes and hit the shower, as soon as the cold water hit her skin she felt her body relaxed. It was a very hot day that morning so the water helped her ease the heat she was exposed, not to mention cleanse the dirt and sweat that she accumulated from cleaning. She was humming a song when she saw someone passed from her pixelated shower glass, she gasped and opened the glass door but found no one there. She shook her head, it is just another one of my imagination she thought and finished showering while maintaining the door opened. After she got dressed, she went downstairs and ate dinner with her parents. The three of them shared a very delightful meal not knowing what will happen the very next day.

As soon as the sunlight beamed through the windows, Tina woke up feeling the heat on her room. She groggily went downstairs with half opened eyes. "Hey mom what's for breakfast?" Tina asked as she walked down the stairs but no one answered. "Mom? Dad?" Tina asked feeling her heart beat increase, still no response. She looked at the dining room and found out that her food was already prepared, she went closer and saw a note made by her mom. Sweetie, sorry we have to leave you alone for your father was called urgently by his boss. I accompanied him today but we don't know if we will arrive there late so just cook your food for lunch and dinner, remember to clean the remaining areas of the house---love Mom. Tina sighed and ate her breakfast, afterwards she took a shower and washed the dishes. She was preparing to leave the house to meet Charles but was stopped when she met the blonde girl outside their gate, staring at her. Tina gasped and held herself to avoid letting the blonde girl know she was shaking in fear, the girl continued staring at her and this time gave her a smile which creep Tina out.

Tina took a deep breath and tried to speak in a stern voice, "H-hello." She gave a weak smile and the blonde girl replied with her smile still plastered on her face, "Hi...Can I come inside?"

"Uh...sure, but may I k-know why are you here? I saw you before too" A lot of times actually that I may have imagined some of them, Tina thought to herself.

The blonde girl entered the gate and walked slowly staring at Tina, "I lived...nearby."

"Really? That's great, what is your name? I am Tina by the way, we just moved here" Tina replied with a smile as she felt relieved.

"Just call me...Sue," the blonde girl said.

There was silence after that and Tina walked inside the house while Sue followed behind her. The two sat on the living room and Tina went to the kitchen to get some cookies. "So uh, where are your parents Sue?" Tina asked as she opened the cabinets for the bottle of cookies.

"Gone," was the only reply of Sue as she sat looking at the fireplace.

"Huh? What do you mean? Are you orphaned?" Tina asked as she place the plate of cookies on the table and sat beside Sue.

Sue replied in a voice barely audible, "no...they...just left."

"Oh, so they went on a vacation and left you? But they will return right? That's great, if you have free time why not help me out clean this house?" Tina replied.

Sue smiled mischievously but Tina couldn't see it since she was facing the fireplace, "Sure."

"Great! Why don't you eat this cookies...I will return, I just need to meet someone first then come back and please tie your hair or something, its covering your eyes" Tina replied and Sue nodded as she took one cookie and ate it in a slow manner. "Well, umm...goodbye for now ok?" Tina added and walked out of the house as she took the bike she borrowed yesterday and left.

"Goodbye...Tina, let's play when you come back" Sue murmured and smiled creepily as her blue eyes turned red.

When Tina arrived to town, she immediately went to the library. She found Charles reading a book and she smiled upon seeing him. "Looks like I came at the wrong time," she said as she sat in front of Charles.

The black haired boy smiled and closed the book he was reading, "not really...so ready to know more about what I told you yesterday?"

Tina nodded and Charles could see the anticipation in her eyes, he smiled at her and stood. "Well then, let's leave and talk at the park" he suggested and Tina followed behind him.

As they sat on one of the benches, Tina looked around and found that no one was walking around the park. It was only them, she looked at Charles with a raised brow. "Uh...is it just me or there are no one here right now aside from us? Did you rent the whole park?" she teased.

"Sadly I don't have the money, and right now the people are all busy with their work to even stroll here so that is the reason why I choose this place" Charles replied. "Anyway, let us continue from where we left off...here" he added and took a bunch of pictures he hid on his jacket.

Tina took them out and looked at them, "is this the Lee family?" she asked then glanced at Charles waiting for a response.

Charles nodded, Tina stopped on one picture and looked at it with familiarity. Charles noticed her and took a glance at the picture she was looking at, "that is their only daughter Stacy Lee. She was the same age as us when they took that picture."

"She's very beautiful..." was the only sentence that came from Tina's mouth. Somehow she felt like she had seen her and suddenly Sue's image flashed on her mind, she knew this girl's name was different from Sue who she just met a while ago.

"Beautiful indeed, she's a blonde beauty with blue eyes and everyone at town calls her princess for she is like one" Charles explained as he stared at the sky.

Tina can't help but feel strange, she knew it may just be a coincidence but the blonde girl she just met and this Stacy girl on the picture looks exactly the same. "Anyway what happened to the Lee family?" she asked brushing off the thoughts she had.

"Well it was a tragic one," Charles said and Tina looked at him with curiousity. "Like I said before, the family were known as kind and powerful due to Mr Lee's business and his wife always accompanies him on trips...The information I heard from my father was that during the couples' business trip to another country, they left their daughter Stacy alone on that house. I don't know what happened to her during that night but it was apparently Halloween and at that time, our town is celebrating that event. Anyway, news just came to the whole town the next day when the couple returned and found that their only child was missing, the very next day...my father read on the newspaper that the couple was found dead on the mansion. Their bodies were found on separate locations and it was very gruesome for the media to even post their dead bodies" Charles explained.

Tina asked, "so what you are saying was that Mr and Mrs Lee killed themselves after founding out that their daughter went missing?"

Charles titled his head as if agreeing but at the same time disagreeing, "that was what the news told us all but...the truth to what happened was never known. Afterall, there was no witness."

"Was their daughter found?" Tina asked with concern.

Charles shook his head, "Anyway...do you need help again at your house?"

Tina smiled and nodded, "Are you gonna help me again?"

"Just until 6 pm ok?" Charles replied and Tina jumped with joy.

"That's great, I met another friend and she is willing to help me out too in cleaning. The task would be finished fast if the three of us teamed up" Tina said.

Charles replied with a raised brow, "a new friend? What's her name?"

"Oh you will like her, she seems shy but I think you two would get close too...Anyway I gotta buy some cookies so meet you later at the house ok? Just go ahead if you are free...Thank you!!" Tina shouted as she dashed off towards the direction of the bakery shop.

"Tina!! What is her name?" Charles shouted but was too late as he shouted for no one. He sat and shrugged, he decided to come back to the library to bid goodbye to his father as he took out the bike he borrowed yesterday to go towards the big ebony mansion. Somehow the house still scares him but he promised Tina to help her out and somehow seeing her smile made Charles blushed.

When Charles arrived at the ebony mansion, the crows were gathered on the rooftop. The wind wasn't blowing as if the air had dried up, he looked around the place but it was the same quiet house they arrived yesterday. Charles shivered suddenly but then left his bike outside as he went inside the house, without knowing that someone was staring at him inside the house. The blonde girl fixed her gaze as the unsuspected Charles entered mansion, she looked at him with a blank expression but she clenched her hands to a fist so strong that her nails dug in and blood flowed out.

"Um...hello? Is anyone here?" Charles called out as he sat on the sofa, weird...I thought Tina said she met a new friend but it seems it is just me here Charles thought to himself as he played with his hands. The silent environment just makes him nervous somehow. As he heard footsteps descending the stairs, Charles turned around and looked at who was it. Upon seeing the person, his face turned pale. "Y-you are--" he wasn't able to finish what he said when he suddenly felt a thin metal slice through something. He looked at the floor to see blood dripping on where he was standing, his clothes were also slowly turning red. He touched his throat and realized that the blood was coming from him, he slowly backed away from the blonde girl and looked in horror when she stepped closer to him holding a knife. She then flashed a mischievous smile at him and murmured, "Die."

As she prepared to slice the knife through the helpless boy, the last thing Charles saw before all went black was a pair of red eyes. Tina...becareful, this girl...is not your friend, Charles thought and lost consciousness.

It was an hour before lunchtime when Tina arrived at her house, she was surprised to see the house was quiet. "Hellooooo" she called out when she brought the bag of bread and cookies she was holding and placed it towards the counter. "Hmmm, I thought Charles was already here but I guess I was wrong" Tina said to herself.

The door opened from the basement and out came Sue, her clothes were dirtied from the dust and there were spots of red as well. Tina looked at her with a questioned look, Sue acted a bit surprised and looked down the floor. "S-sorry...I was only looking at the area we need to clean" Sue said.

Tina smiled, "Is that so? Well it is ok but don't go there ok...mom will be the one cleaning it, for now we should eat lunch. You must have been very hungry so let me cook. Just wait here and um...I am still waiting for someone so if ever he arrived, tell him to wait with you. Nice look by the way, you finally showed your face more and I can see your eyes now."

Sue smiled but looked at Tina, "is he someone special?"

Upon hearing those words, Tina blushed. She turned around and tried to hide her reddened face, "oh please...you're mistaken. Charles is just...a friend of mine, he planned to help me before I met you."

"Is that so...then...I shall sit and wait for him, if he ever come" Sue said with those last words barely audible to herself only.

"Ok, thank you Sue" Tina replied and started preparing their lunch, she was so busy doing so that she didn't notice the bloody hand mark on the knob of the door towards the basement. "By the way Sue, you don't seem to have any clothes that are clean so why don't you go take a bath at my room upstairs and borrow one of my clothes?" Tina added without glancing back.

Sue slowly turned to look at Tina's red hair, her blue eyes then turned red. "Ok...thank you" she said as she smiled and walked upstairs.

Tina remembered she hasn't told Sue where her room was, but upon turning around she found out that Sue was not on the living room anymore. She gave a shrugged and continued cooking, "she can find it by herself I guess."

The two ate their lunch and prepared for cleaning, Tina was busy glancing at the front door from time to time. Sue noticed it and asked, "has he...arrived yet?"

"No...anyway, let us start cleaning or else we're gonna waste time waiting for him. Let us start at the rooms upstairs, from right going to left" Tina instructed and Sue nodded.

"Then...I shall clean the room next to yours, let us clean separately to finish faster" Sue said and went upstairs, Tina looked at her with a questioning expression but she followed anyway. Time goes by and it was already sunset, the two had finished cleaning the rooms upstairs. The things that were left by the previous owners were dragged outside the rooms, Tina suggested taking a bath and eating dinner with her but Sue declined saying Tina's parents must arrived soon. Tina was confused but didn't force Sue for it was getting dark and she doesn't want the girl to be lost on the woods towards her own house. Tina bid goodbye to Sue as the latter waved and walked slowly out the ebony house. Tina on the other hand did what she planned and waited for her parents to arrive, she fell asleep on the sofa as time passed by.