CAN I EXPOSE HER SECRET?
Ruby opened her locker. All her books, diary, papers, everything fell on the floor with a loud noise. All eyes are on Ruby Espinoza. Something was written on the side of the locker in red paint.
“Hey, there coward, or can I call you loser?”
She looked at everyone around there, controlling her tears. Laughter echoed in the hall and Becca was standing some steps away from Ruby.
“You should see her face.” Tiffany laughed out loud. Why they are doing this without a purpose? There has to be some reason behind it. The red paint flows on the locker. Maybe It was painted a few minutes ago. Everyone looked sympathetically at her. She thought of bending down and taking all her books, but Becca wasn’t moving an inch from where she’s standing.
“Becca, go to your damn class,” Charlotte’s voice echoed through the hall very loud and clear.
“And also, you too,” Scott ordered to her friends Wes and Tiffany, who always stays with her.
Scott Campbell is a very kind-hearted person. He’s a young English teacher. He doesn’t like anyone to be bullied.
Three of them walked in a line crossing Ruby. Becca kicked a note aside to her feet. She doesn’t ever give respect to books.
Ruby closed her face with her hands and ran away.
“Why these students are being like this?” Scott looked worried.
“We can’t do anything and, by the way, how’s Becca behaving in her class?” Charlotte questioned.
“She always remains the same. She never listens to anyone and also talks more about a boy, Daniel. I don’t even know who the hell is he?”
“You don’t know that. You aren’t from the 18th century, right Scott?” Charlotte chuckled.
“No, I am young like you,” he replied her getting closer to her.
“But Daniel is an actor. A famous actor from this century.” She stepped back.
" So, what?"
" Never mind. You don't know a celebrity. You have never been attracted to a girl. Do you even like someone? Like anyone?"
“I don't. This is who I'm. By the way, don’t misunderstand me. If you are looking forward for my attention. I got to say I won’t kiss you,” he told the truth. It’s rare to see him talking to any girl.
“I know that. That’s why I am having a doubt.” Charlotte asked indirectly.
“Okay. I know what you mean. I am not gay and if you ask me for any proof. I can’t give it.”
“I need proof. I can only believe if you can kiss a girl.”
“Charlotte. Iam not interested in anyone,” he said sternly.
“Maybe one will come to find any girl of your type. Till then I won’t believe you,” she teased and turned away. Within a few steps, she came face to face with Jason.
“Hey there,” she whispered.
“Charlotte,” he said slowly feeling her name and looking into her beautiful face and her brown hair.
“Yes, that’s me.”
“You look awesome but not good as yesterday “
“Seriously, Iam totally wet the day before,” she said, frustratedly remembering the water.
“You are beautiful the way you are. Don’t need any silly make-up.” These words hit her hard. When she was about to reply, his expression changed.
“Yesterday you didn’t fall on the poll accidentally. A girl pushed you down. I should have told you earlier. Iam still not familiar with the names."
“What? How she looks like? “She asked furiously.
“A girl with blonde hair and behaved like a drama queen. She’s so interested in her swimsuit than learning. When I tried to explain it to her, she just ignored me like there’s no one around her.”
‘That should be Becca. Who’s going to behave like this. Drama queen means Becca. I got no doubt about that. I never thought she has the courage to push me down,’ she thought to herself, digging her nails deep into her palm.
"Charlotte," Jason called her for the fifth time.
“Cross my heart and hope to die. She’s going to pay for that.” she flipped her hair and walked to her classroom without waving bye to Jason. She thought she could spend more time with Jason the next time she saw him. Now she can only think about Becca and her stupidity.
......
Ruby looked at her hands covered in red paint in the mirror. She loves red but not like this. She’s not a loser. Is she? She locked the restroom door and stayed there crying like a coward. What Becca wrote was true. After some time, she definitely needs to arrange all her books and lock them in her locker.
The front door to the bathroom burst open. Becca’s voice boomed in the room.
“You should see that crying babyface. It’s fun and I want more fun like this till she goes out of this school.” Footsteps came near Ruby’s closed door.
“Right. How about I ask you one thing? Why do you feel so much anger towards her?” Tiffany doubted. When the silence remained for a few minutes, Becca said “the reason is she has a thing which I don’t have,”
“What’s that? This shocks me. You have everything you wanted. The girl who gets whatever she wants.”
"No, I don’t. Technically, it’s not a thing. I want her boyfriend to be mine. If I want it, I should get it. Am I right?" Ruby took her phone brilliantly and opened the door slightly ajar. They both are standing many feet away from her. Her hands trembled. Still, she managed to take a video of what Becca’s going to tell. Somehow, her instinct told her to do that. She never did something like this. This is her first behaviour or move to work against Becca.
"Ye... yes, but do you want Caleb?" Tiffany feels so different about her wish. She never knows about that till now.
“Yes, I do, and I couldn’t have him. He never looked at me. In fact, he hates me and my attitude. I have a list of boys who want me. I never cared about that. I only want Caleb.”
“Becca, you...you love Daniel. A hot actor is your boyfriend. Why you ever need Caleb?”
“Daniel. Seriously Tiffany. You are wrong.” Becca laughed like a witch. She should have checked there’s no one around there. Ruby’s so keen on her next word. What’s she’s going to tell next? 'Doesn’t she love Daniel?'
PLAYING LACROSSE ISN’T SAFE “I never loved him. I want his money and power.” Becca willingly told this to tiffany. “But he loves you, Becca” Tiffany widened her eyes in shock. “Mm... what should I do for that?” she shook her head, did some make-up, and walked away. Tiffany followed her. Ruby stopped the video and came out of the half-opened door. “This is what I want. I won’t let you get my boyfriend or cheat on others. I need some help,” she muttered to herself, running out of the bathroom. As soon as she was out, she spotted Chloe talking with Ian. “Chloe,” she began approaching them but trying not to interrupt their conversation. "What happened?" Chloe asked, looking at her pale face. “I need to talk with you alone,” She looked at Ian, hoping he will leave. “Fine with me,” he shrugged. “Okay, now don’t take it wrong. Just give me a minute to show you this.” Ruby fumbled to take her phone. Chloe gasped at seeing it a
MET ME IN THE MYSTERY Whether it goes into the woods or not. Who’s going to examine it? Soon, Caleb, Bianca, and the others are treated in the hospital. It’s not a big issue after some days. The school was careless and didn’t have an idea to investigate it. Things were back to normal. Lacrosse can’t practice in the school area until the construction work is finished. It’s ongoing, which will be done before the match. It’s pretty difficult to fix the crack in the ground. The principal announced that the crack isn’t anybody’s fault. “How’s your brother?” Bill asked Care, leaning on the wall taking a break from work. “He’s good. I was being stressed nowadays,” said Care, letting out a sign standing next to him. No call from Daniel worries her a little. But most of the stress is on her work. Care and Charlotte alone can’t able to pay for their life every day. She had already taken leave for a few days to watch her brother’s health. “You are a str
FIRE, FIRE, FIRE Finally, the day has arrived, a lacrosse match. Everyone is eager to watch it. The playground is safe for the players. Lowe’s family arrived at the ground and searched for a place to sit and watch their brother. Lacrosse means the world to Caleb. “Char-lotte,” Jason called Charlotte, spotting her standing alone. “Coming,” she winked at him. Before they started to talk, Scott interrupted them unknowingly. “Do you want to join us?” Charlotte offered. With a nod, he sat next to her. Jason glared at him in frustration. He thought he could spend some more time with her. “Oh no,” Scott gasped all of a sudden. “What’s wrong” Jason spoke to him for the first time. “Did you mind if I support Raven’s team?” Scott asked, in hesitation. “Seriously, man, I won’t be accepting it if you aren’t my friend. But you are, so be it.” Charlotte responded to him. She doesn’t ask about who’s he going to cheer?
SHE’S DEAD Bill slowly looked down to see a boy lying. His leg is injured, blood flows from his leg continuously. “Help me,” he struggled to speak. Bill helped him to stand up. It seems like they will all go to die in the fire. The boy leaned on Bill’s shoulder and they made their way out of the destruction. Caleb is suffering inside the fire can’t able to find his way out of the burning house. He felt like this was the end of his life. When he was distracted in fear, the bricks above him were about to fall on him. Suddenly, someone pushed him down and saved him from death right on time. “Ruby,” Caleb talked in shock. “Let’s get out of here,” she urged, and stood on her feet. Then she looked at his arms, which were bleeding. “Why did you come here?” he asked her with pain in his body, struggling to get on his knees. “For who do you think? Iam here for you,” she replied in a panicked voice. They both stepped together, h
CONFRONTED HER The same day, they discharged Caleb. He didn’t talk with their sisters, no further questions about what happened when he left? If he showed his emotions to his sisters, they would have helped him feel better. But he kept everything inside him, dying inside. Care went silently to her room and took her diary. She only writes it when something happens that matters the most. Mostly it will be something happier or secrets or lies, but not death. 03 May, 11:30 pm, I never thought something so heart-breaking will happen. I still can’t believe it. Ruby is like one of us and she meant a world to Caleb. He will never be the same person, ever again. Ruby is Chloe’s BFF. She is a sensitive girl who can’t bear a small thing. Soon Ruby’s funeral will happen without her body. No one can find her body. All we can see is ashes. The worst death ever. It should never happen to anyone. Her sweet voice is still ringing in my ear. One thing that
WHO’S EXCITED ABOUT HOMECOMING? Chloe looked closer at the painting she drew a few days ago. She already drew the burning house which happened in real. It’s still hard to believe it. Is she physic? “Did you buy the dress?” Sara leaned closer near Chloe’s bench in drawing class. “What dress are you talking about?” Chloe asked, didn’t take her eyes off her painting. She is painting a princess. This time, her drawing is under her control. “Don’t you know that?” Sookie poked her nose in the middle of their conversation. “She doesn’t know that? Maybe she doesn’t have a date,” someone laughed over on the other side. Who will laugh like this except Becca’s friend? “Shut up, Tiffany. Don’t you dare intrude between us.” Sara warned her but Tiffany avoided and walked over to Chloe’s table? the teacher is distracted by a phone call. So, the class was so noisy except for some students who are drawing without getting distracted. “J
MEMORIES AND HEARTBREAKS Caleb is sitting on his couch having a photo of Ruby in his hands. There are no tears left to cry. He doesn’t want to go to school again. He paced back and forth in his room. Every memory of Ruby filled his mind. He still can’t forget the day he proposed to her. He can’t figure out why he’s so addicted to her. All he cares about is his passion and future. That’s why he never had any friends. He never cared about having a girlfriend until he met Ruby. Ruby is his obsession. ..... Caleb picked up Ruby from her home in his own car. The only car of Lowe’s family. “Where are you taking me?” Ruby happily asked him with her innocent smile. “You will see it soon.” they both locked hands and walked together into Caleb’s house. Somehow it feels like royalty. Caleb tied her eyes with a cloth and got her inside his house. At that time, they are just friends. Friends for more than four years. They bo
The girl slowly turned. “Taylor,” Ian breathed with a sigh of relief. What he said was true. Taylor has the same hair colour similar to Ruby. But she doesn’t look like Ruby. “What are you doing here?” Chloe asked. She can’t believe she has wrongly misunderstood the whole scenario. “What am I? I came here to shop for some dress for my brother and me.” Taylor explained and her brother came behind her looking perplexed by Chloe’s expression. “Sorry. It’s a misunderstanding. You can continue your work. We just came here to watch the movie,” Ian clarified. “Fine. Do you have anything to share? because Chloe looks so pale...” Taylor trailed off. “Nothing. I will take care of her” with that word Ian grabbed her arm and got out of the mall. “Trust me, Ian. I know how Ruby looks. It seems like our Ruby. What’s happening here?” Chloe still trying to prove it. “You need to calm down, Chloe. You still haven’t recovered from Ruby’s
A few minutes later, Scott stopped breathing. He’s dead for real.“That’s enough, Ruby. Give me the knife.” Caleb snatched it away from her. It almost has cut his palm in the force.“First of all, how did you even get a knife?”“I found a lot of knives in this room. I got one before Scott came here.” Ruby replied. On the other side, Charlotte was crying so hard.“Please, don’t leave me, Jason. You don’t deserve to die.” She sobbed, hugging him. Jason is too weak to reply to her.“Call 911. Jason’s dying.” Charlotte ordered her siblings. Caleb heard her and took his phone. Will it be too late?“What are we going to do with the body? Should be hidden this murder too?” Caroline asked with fear.“No. The game’s over. There’s no point in repeating the same mistakes again and again.” Ruby said wisely.“Then what are you suggesting, Ruby?” Chloe asked.
Ruby went down the stairs as Charlotte and Chloe followed her. Without having much of a choice, Caleb, Caroline, and Jason followed them. They all ended up in a single room full of many monitors, full black suits in a closet, some electronics like laptops, tabs, cables etc... Caroline stepped carefully without getting trapped in the cables.“Is this Scott’s place to monitor us?” Caroline asked.“What the fuck are you talking about?” Charlotte asked, in complete shock. Her sister hasn’t told the truth yet.“Scott is the threatener, Char. We are sure of it.” Caleb said, without a doubt.“Wow, a teacher is capable of all these things. His death is coming closer.” Ruby surely said. At the same moment, the large monitor in the middle of the room lightened up.“Congratulations, Caleb. You are right. It’s me, Scott. All this time. By the way, I’m not the one who’s going to die. It’s going to be you,
“Scott? Charlotte’s best friend. The one who came to see her in the court.” Caleb asked for clarification.“Yeah, it’s him. How is he related to Becca? What’s his relationship with her? If Char knows something, she would have told us,” Care wondered and saw someone standing alone on the road.“Is it Jason? Am I right? Can you stop the car, Cal?” she asked as her brother did what she said.“Hey, what are you doing here? Is there any problem?” she asked from the window.“Um...yes...no. I’m not in any trouble. I was just lost in thoughts. I was about to reach home. What are you doing here? You both can’t wander anywhere while the threatener can be anywhere.”“We know. We...” Care turned to her brother. “Can we get help from him in searching all this evidence?”“Do you think it’s a good idea? We can’t get him in any trouble again.”“Yeah. I don’t know but I feel like we sho
“So, what are we doing now?” Chloe asked while keenly entering all the rooms in their house and looking for cameras.“We are going to Becca’s house. How many times do I have to say this?”Caleb let out a sign and made his way out of their house.“Without a plan?” Care questioned.“We will figure it out on the way,” He replied. Everyone joined him in the car except Chloe.“Hey, aren’t you coming?” Char asked.“No. We really have to find the secret basement and the cameras. I can’t take my mind off it since Ruby said it.”“But we can’t leave you here all alone. Come with us,” Care said. But Chloe is stubborn this time.“I guess someone has to be with her. It’s time for a split-up,” Charlotte said, getting out of the car.They all agreed. Care and Caleb are on their way to Ruby’s house.“So, what’s your plan? Do you have one?”
I couldn’t believe. That the threatener had a secret basement in their own house. The siblings are ready to find the basement. First, they have to cross the first challenge. Trail in the court. It was pretty rough. All they got to have is hope. The undefeatable hope. The anxiety continues to rule in the court until the siblings heard the most important word ever. The one word that could make them feel happier after an eternity.“.... Not guilty,”The siblings almost yelled in happiness and hugged each other. The lawyer looked at them with satisfaction and he glanced back at Daniel. Who’s the reason for their happiness.Caroline broke into her hug with Char and approached Daniel. “Thank you so much. I will never forget this. Ever in my life. I thought everything’s over.... but then...” she got emotional.“Hey, it’s okay. Everything’s alright now. Hereafter, you all even get to be safe from the threatener.
“Stop your useless argument and warnings. No one’s going to do anything to anyone.” Care shouted from her throat.“Why would you think so less of me?” Char asked.“It’s not about that. Right now, this is not the right conversation.”“I will get to the point. We need help from you, Ruby. And you won’t be saying ‘no’ to that. I’m sure of it,” Care added.“Really? What’s your request? Let me hear it.”“We four of us will be out of prison after the trial in the court. Since the killer is standing right in front of me, we will be free in some weeks. Plus, what Charlotte did was self-defence and we will even get extra protection in our house to protect us from the threatener. The detective is searching for him without sleep...”“Okay. Stop it. Come to the point. I don’t want to hear all your advantages,” Ruby interrupted her.“Fine. Tell me everything you know about MW. Tell
Meanwhile, Jason was talking with Charlotte. He can only wish to be in jail with her. On the other side, Ian came to visit Chloe. Chloe’s mood brightened after seeing Ian, but her fury grew after seeing another person.“What’s up, Chloe? Do you like it here?” Taylor spoke on the telephone.“What are you doing here? You already ruined my life. What else do you want?”“I want nothing. I just came to see you as a friend,”“Friend? Those days passed a long time ago.” Chloe laughed. All that Chloe can do is imagine herself breaking the glass without them and beat Taylor. She imagined herself killing Taylor with cold-blooded hands. Even if she’s not capable of it, she can change herself.“What are you thinking?” Taylor snapped her fingers.“Nothing. Just wishing that you could die one day,”.....Caleb preferred not to talk with anyone. He’s not even ready to meet
“Hey there, friends. What are you all talking about?” Ruby interrupted the four of them after she finished her enquiry with the detective.“First of all, we are not your friends. Whatever we are talking about is none of your business. Do you understand, Ruby?” Caroline said.“Nope. I don’t. We all were friends once. Why can’t it happen again?”“Because you betrayed us,” Caleb replied. Ruby stared at him and left. Soon, they were back in the cell. There’s no hope of getting out of here. At least for a while. But Ruby will be in jail for more than a year. She deserves it. That’s all anyone could say.Finally, the day has arrived. When all the siblings got a chance to meet their friends. Whoever is willing to see them.Caroline took the telephone, watching Daniel on the other side through the glass. Yes, it’s Daniel, and he’s here to see her.“Hey,” he spoke on the telephone, unsure o
“What?” the detective raised her eyebrows.“My sister Caroline got a threatening message from an unknown person named Mysterious wickedman. He’s the only one who knows that we killed Becca the very next day. He asked her to meet in an abandoned house near the graveyard. At the same time, my brother Caleb was at the place too. That Bastard tried to kill both of them. But somehow, they escaped by jumping from the window with some injuries. That was just the beginning. He did a lot to us.”“So, what’s his name again? Do you even recognize him? I hope you are not fooling me with an imaginary story,”“What the hell? Do I look like lying? We are all close to death every single day due to him.” Charlotte stood up, shouting at the detective.“Then what do you expect me to do? I can’t believe everything just like that. I’m supposed to seek evidence. Or else how would I even get this job?” She shouted back. They bo