Entangled Strings Of Fate

CHAPTER 2: A Secret

"Shh..." Claire placed a finger on her lips and signed her to keep quiet and pulled her back to the corner.

Claire peeks over her shoulder to see if anyone has come out from there. When no one comes out, she takes a deep breath, being glad to not get caught being snoopy.

"Hey, what's going on, why did you pull me here like that, is everyone in there?" she asked with confusion written on her face.

"Yes, smarty-pants they are in there, now will you please be quiet or you want to invite them out, to hear us talking here," Claire replied to her in her mocking voice.

"So, you mean, you were eavesdropping just now." her words baffled Claire.

"What? No... I was just checking the doorknob," Claire replied sarcastically. However, Jane clearly did not understand her, as her imploring question revealed: "Are you serious?"

"I was just trying to know what's going on inside as everyone was speaking in such a low voice which made me curious to know." heaving a sigh, Claire explained.

"It's the same thing," she responded with a nod, at which Claire replied, "Alright... leave that, but where were you? I looked for you but couldn't find you."

"I was looking for everyone, too," Jane admitted, her expression unreadable as she maintained her poker face.

"Okay, so you also came here searching for them just like me," Claire responded raising her one eyebrow.

"Kind of..." she mumbled and then turned the conversation, asking," By the way, what did you overhear? Was it anything significant?"

Claire's expression shifted, her nose wrinkling slightly. "I would have known if you had arrived just a little later."

Hear her she commented, "Listen for now, let's go back and check what they all are really talking about in there," and walked back to the door of study, and tried to overhear their conversation.

Claire was looking at Jane in disbelief, her reaction was totally opposite of her original one, "Today it's really a memorable morning," she thought and also went back to the study and did the same as jane.

~~ On the other side of the door ~~

William and Zoey were both a little anxious about the event that they were hosting today. They had gathered everyone together to make sure everyone was clear about their tasks and responsibilities.

"Is everyone clear with their tasks? In any case, no one will leave the children alone, alright?" William asked.

Zoey added, "We don't want any mishaps, so please be extra careful. The safety of everyone is our top priority."

Mrs. Smith, one of the members inside, reassured William and Zoey, "Have faith, sir and ma'am, we'll keep our eyes open and make sure nothing bad happens. Right, everyone?" She looked around the room and saw everyone nodding in agreement.

Mike, also spoke up, "I'll personally check every invite for today's event, sir. We don't want any uninvited guests causing trouble."

William and Zoey both thanked everyone for their understanding and support.

Mrs. Smith noticed that Zoey was a little emotional. She spoke up out of concern, "There's nothing to thank us, sir and ma'am. You've always treated us like family. you cared and supported us when we needed to. Now that you need our support, we'll do our part." She held Zoey's hand, and William placed a hand on Zoey's shoulder to hold her and offer his support.

As they continued to discuss the event, Claire interrupted Jane who was so focused on listening to something that can reveal what's wrong with everyone, but all she could hear was them discussing their responsibilities for the day.

"What are they discussing? Can you hear them?" she asked in a whisper.

"I might if only you can stop talking" Jane responded, while rolling her eyes.

"Well, I don't think we can hear anything from here because I tried it before and I could only hear whispering."

Jane said, crossing her arms. "Then what do you suggest?"

"Try opening the door a bit, maybe then we can listen in," Jane looked at Claire in disbelief "Wow...you know what I got a better idea, why don't we just go inside and ask them," Jane said, mocking at her.

Claire started staring at Jane with her gray eyes.

"What...why are you staring at me?" Jane questioned.

But before they could have started a verbal fight, they heard footsteps approaching the door and looked at each other nervously. They almost froze there and after coming back to their senses they ran away in opposite directions.

Claire was hiding behind the half spiral stairs while Jane ran away straight and made a left turn to the dining hall and was looking at Claire from the corner, mouthing Claire, "Go away from there," as she can be seen there by anyone, but Claire wasn't able to comprehend her.

Jane gestured to her to get out of there. She knew that Claire would definitely be caught if she stayed there because her reflection was being reflected in the floor black tile.

And Claire's not being able to grasp what Jane was trying to convey her had started to form a bubble of frustration inside her.

She took a deep breath to calm her nerves and whispered, "Stupid," under her breath. Without a second thought, she dashed toward her, filled with a wild determination.

Before she knew it, she was at Claire's side, gripping her hand tightly.

With a sense of urgency that felt almost frantic, Jane started to pull her up the stairs, nearly dragging Claire with each hurried step. Just as they reached the top, the door swung open.