CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER FIVE: THE DARK MYSTERIES WITHIN HOTEL DEL ESTRELLA (HAUNTED)

Nightmares crept inside Raine's head again. The memories of the past. A tragedy.

Sweat lined up to her eyebrows. Her heart beating faster by the minute.

"Nia! Mom, Dad!" Raine shouted. Waking herself up from her nightmares.

Tears sprung on her eyes as she woke up. Hugging her pillow tight.

"Raine," she heard someone spoke.

"Sweetheart," the voice added, "are you alright?"

She was startled when she saw her Aunt standing beside her. Waving her hand. "Au- Auntie?"

"Yep!"

"But you didn't say anything to me about your leaving! H- How about your work in States?"

"Well, they say that I'm not complete without my partner," Vanessa answered.

"They really said that? Did they... Did they fire you?"

"No. Actually I was sent here by you-know-who. We received a report that the Rivellera syndicates were back again in this country," Vanessa stated.

"So you're sent for a secret mission?" asked Raine.

"I'm here undercover as a police officer," she replied, "and don't ask me why. It's a secret I swore not to tell anybody else."

"Okay," Raine spoke. Unconvinced.

"By the way, I ordered more security measures in our house," Vanessa added.

"Wait, what?!" Raine gasped. "It's not necessary!"

"Let's just say that it was my birthday gift for you," Vanessa sang out. "Happy seventeenth birthday, Raine!"

Raine hurried downstairs. Curious about what her Aunt was talking about.

Her eyes widened when she saw advanced gadgets in front of her. Cctv cameras. Voice activated computer systems.

"Oh, I almost forgot!" Vanessa gasped. "S.A.S.S. set voice identification."

"Sass? You name the computer that holds the entire house Sass?" Raine asked. "And since when did you learned how to use these type of gadgets?"

"Let's say that I have learned some things from you," her aunt replied with a smile.

Voice identification set. State your name clearly, stated the computer.

"Go ahead. State your name," said Vanessa.

"Lorraine Leanne Garcia!"

Lorraine Leanne Garcia identified, added the computer system.

"From now on, you have access to all the security systems in our house. In case I'm still at work, I can be relieved because I know that your safe," Vanessa spoke.

"Thanks a lot, Auntie." She took a step and hugged her Aunt tightly.

"I'll head to my work now. I don't want your Grandpa to be angry to me on my first day here," said Vanessa. Patting Raine's shoulder.

A few moments later, Raine's classes started like every class before.

"Did you hear the news that another person was killed at that hotel I was talking about yesterday?" asked Zane while they were sitting on their chairs at the cafeteria, eating their snacks.

Hearing those words, Raine's attention was immediately caught.

"And where did you hear that?" asked Lani, "It might be a fake news!"

"She's right. I saw that news in the television last night," Simon agreed.

"He doesn't know that because he only thinks about video games," Zane hooted.

"Excuse me! You're the one  who is addicted to your books!" Lani taunted.

"Hey, stop it!" Shaira interfered, "Stop teasing each other. By the way, are you all finished 'cause I really need to go upstairs to do a very important thing."

The two became reticent, realizing what their friend really means. They quickly finished their snacks and stood up.

"Raine, do you want to... do you want to come with us —?" Zane asked.

"You know, we're working on a really advance invention and we want you to be the first one to use it," Simon interfered.

"Uhh... Sure," Raine answered, "but make sure that it's authentic and safe."

"Of course it's safe," Lani spoke, "Now come on!" She grabbed Raine's hand and went upstairs with the others.

"Lani, where's the envelope?" Zane whispered.

Lani secretly shoved a small envelope from her pocket and quickly handed it to Zane.

Raine continued to walk, never even noticing that her friends were up to something.

She came towards the Science Laboratory when she suddenly heard someone singing. She paused, turning back to her friends.

Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Raine! Happy birthday to you! they all sang in unison.

When they opened the Science Lab's door, all their new found friends in class came showing off their lively singing.

"Surprise!" they all shouted, beaming, "Happy birthday, Raine!"

Zane leisurely took a step and handed off the envelope to his best friend.

"It's our gift for you. I hope it's... I know it's not the best but," he spoke, "I hope you'll like it."

Raine took the envelope, curious about what's inside. She opened it up and a surprise flashed before her eyes.

Inside was a blue crystal necklace. The pendant was made by crystal that shines whenever it absorbs light.

"It's beutiful! Thank you so much, guys!" Raine, astonished by the necklace's beauty, wear it on.

"Wow! It matches your eyes!" Simon beamed. "You look a hundred percent more fabulous with that!"

"We're glad you like it," said Shaira.

"Now let's celebrate!" Lani beamed, giving away free snacks for everyone.

After the class hours, Raine was greeted by her aunt who was standing by the door. Smiling at her radiantly.

"Here comes the birthday girl!" Vanessa took a step and hugged her niece tightly. "Come with me upstairs. I got something for you."

Raine roused up upstairs. Leaving her backpack on the sofa.

Her eyes widened when she saw a brand new telescope in front of her that was placed near the window.

"Is it...?" Raine asked in delightment.

"Yes," Vanessa replied, "and that's not the only one!"

"Wait, what?!"

"Since tomorrow is the start of your semester break, we're going for a trip tomorrow. Like you, I miss this country, too. Also, I want to relax from the heavy duties I've been through," Vanessa added.

"A vacation? Where?" asked Raine.

"On Tagaytay. I already booked us a room for a hotel. What is it's name again?" replied Vanessa, "Oh, right! It's Hotel del Estrella!"