Centuries of Love:
Chapter 2: The Signs and the Accident
"Alright, you three, pose for the final shoot! " The director shouted.
I, Selena, and Chantelle posed for the final shoot and cover of the modern Greek music.
All of us are wearing wavy and billowing dresses. The dresses were also sequenced with white and black diamonds designed to cover half of the dress in a swirling manner, our hair were also secured in small circlets, filled with flowers, basically looking like a Greek goddess.
Selena was wearing a lime green dress, I was wearing a dark pink dress, while Chantelle was wearing an aquamarine blue dress.
"Okay, Selena, go the side and do the Paris Hilton pose. Mikan, put your arms on your waist, then move your body a bit to the right angle, yes, that's good, as for you, Chantelle, dislocate your hips from your waist a bit, then put your right knuckle to your right cheek. Very good, now stay still, ladies. " The photographer said as he started flashing his camera. "Yes, gorgeous, gorgeous, beautiful, now smile a bit. Yes, excellent, excellent, and done! "
All of us moved from our statuesque position, then looked at the camera man who grinned and raised his thumbs up.
The director smiled and walked towards us, for some reason, there's something off about this man.
"That was very good job indeed, ladies. " The director said as he smiled maliciously to us.
The ladies beside me felt his intentions underneath, but like any other professionals, they still smiled despite their irritation at him.
"It's our pleasure. " Selena said, smiling.
"We'd love to do these things. " Chantelle said.
"Thank you for letting us do this project. " I added.
He smiled even more and walked towards Selena, then took her hand and kissed it.
Selena seemed to feel his maniacal intentions, and snatched her hand away quickly.
"I'm sorry, I need to go now, my boyfriend is waiting for me. " She chided, still smiling and walked out of the door.
Chantelle and I looked at each other.
It's obvious that this director is as horny as a pig. Sheesh!
The director then quickly swooped towards Chantelle, she gasped when he suddenly held her waist.
"Do you want me to take you home, my dear? "" He purred.
"I'm busy, I'm sorry. " She said as she released herself from his grasp.
Seeing this, I didn't let the chance fell upon me as well, bowing, I followed Chantelle towards the dressing room.
"Urgh! That bastard is so horny! Who the hell does he think he is? " Chantelle halfscreamed in anger. "We're not cheap hookers, we're celebrities, if he wanted to feed that dick of his, then he should get some cheap hooker in the streets! "
I sighed as I took the pins out of my head and put my hair down. "Well, I think the main reason is that, no one would like to sleep with him. "
She rolled her dark brown eyes. "As if! Hello? Who would want to sleep with a pig like him? " She snorted as she retouched her mascara. "I'd rather sleep with a dog than sleep with him. He's disgusting! " She said in finality as she fixed her bangs and went towards the door. "See you around, Mikan! " She said and hurried out of the door.
I sighed, then fixed my hair in a ponytail, then took my orange velvet coat, and went towards the door.
I was about to go outside when I saw the director.
"Oh, if it isn't my lovely Mikan. " He greeted warmly as he opened his arms for a hug.
I stepped back immediately at this.
"I'm sorry I need to go. " I said firmly as I walked past by him.
But before I could head out of the door, I felt a strong hand tug me in and slammed me forcefully on the wall.
"You're going home? But the night is still young, Mikan? " He said seductively as he ran his eyes towards me.
I narrowed my eyes at him. "I'm afraid this kind of job is not in my contract, director, so please unhand me or else, I'll call the cops. "
He smirked confidently. "I can have the justice in my hands, sweetheart, so you have nothing to threaten me for. "
"If you don't let me go, I swear I'm going to kick your ass. " I sneered at his face.
"Ohh, feisty, I like women who act like you. But let me tell you this, even if your hazel eyes are burning in fury, and your make up was gone, you're still as lovely as ever, Mikan. I wonder how beautiful you'll be once you're writhing under me. "
This really snapped my patience. In anger, I raised my leg, and kneed his manhood.
He howled in pain, causing him to let go of me.
"You bitch! " He growled. "Don't you know that you will never survive this industry if you don't give your damn body and lick the dick of those people who will be your chance to endless fame? You're a goddamn idiot, Mikan Yukihara! I could use this to get rid of you in the industry! "
I smirked at him, then showed him my phone in the record mode.
He widened his eyes.
"Do that, and I have evidence that I can show to the court! " I hissed. "If you think that you can manipulate me just like those other bitches, then think again, I'm not that low to give my body to horny bastards like you! So go to hell! " I screamed before stomping my way out of the door and into the parking lot.
Once I got into my car, I breathed. I still have a concert to attend tonight.
When I reached the Hilton Manor, the owner of the manor himself went down and greeted me.
"Thank you, for coming, Ms. Yukihara. " He said as he took my hand and kissed it.
I bowed in return and smiled my practiced smile. "It's my pleasure, Mr. Hilton. "
"Now, Ms. Yukihara, the dressing room is upstairs, we'll expect you to be down within 30 minutes, it's St. Mark's evening today, so we have to close the manor early. "
"Why is that? " I asked.
Mr. Hilton let out a laugh, but his eyes are unreadable. "St. Mark's day eh? I guess you're not familiar with the superstition that surrounds it since you live in Hollywood. "
I looked at him.
"You see, St. Mark's day is a day where the church will open itself for potential soul visitors, according to the legend, souls will line up in the church, and, if a passing person, by any chance, sees his look a like image or his doppleganger in there, then his or her death may not be that far off. "
I felt a shiver ran through my spine when he said that.
He laughed as he we walked upstairs. "Many people believe that in here, and statistics will say that it is 99% accurate. That is why, many houses are closing early at the evening of St. Marks day. Because if ever they saw their doppleganger or look a like in the line of the passing bunch, then it might hinder their chances of living a quiet life. Anyway, who would be if you know that you will die soon? " He snickered as we stopped at a grand door. He opened it and let me in first.
"You can change here. " He said as he closed the door.
I changed as fast as I could, wearing my golden glittering dress and shoes, then putting my hair in a messy bun and applied some light make up.
I was about to apply my lipstick when I saw a gray hue in my peripheral vision.
Ignoring it, I started applying my lipstick, I was about to close the lid when I felt a rush of cold wind seeped through me all of a sudden.
Sensing something bad, I decided to stand up and walked out of the door. Maybe, the story of St. Mark's day just got through me, maybe I just need a cold glass of juice and I'll be fine.
I opened the door, relieved when I saw that no one was there. But to make sure, I looked behind me, and when I saw no one, I shifted my body in front, and to my surprise, I saw a little boy standing in front of me! Staring at me intently with those bored, jaded green eyes.
I sighed in relief as I approached him and patted his head.
"Don't scare me like that, okay? " I said and smiled.
He gave me a bored look in return. "Don't touch me, you ugly hag! "
I felt the veins on my forehead tick in irritation. Seriously, this boy is so rude! What a contrast to his cute, angelic face!
"Well, I'm sorry. " I said as I took my hand away from his head, that's when I noticed that he felt so cold under my touch.
"Umm, you should refrain from going outside, little boy, you feel so cold. " I said honestly.
To my surprise, he let out a cute smile.
"You're an idiot. "
I felt my veins ticking countlessly, one more and I will whack this brat's head with my purse.
He smiled again as he walked past me. "By the way, see you later, old hag. " He said as he walked away.
My teeth gritted in anger, seriously, whoever the parents of that child should implement strict manners, especially when giving respect to people who are older than him!
I was about to step away when I noticed something different.
For some reason, I didn't hear any footsteps after he walked past me.
Curious, I whirled my head immediately, only to find the hallway empty.
Confused, I called him.
"Little boy? " I called as I walked towards the direction that he went.
I was about to go further when I felt a hand on my shoulder.
I bolted and immediately and looked up, only to see a confused maid.
"Ms. Yukihara, Mr. Hilton is expecting you down the lobby. " She said and looked at me quizzically.
"Oh, okay. " I said then looked back at her.
Hey, is there something wrong? " I asked. Her expression was so shocked and curious that I wanted to know why.
"Ms. Yukihara, earlier, while I was passing down the aisle, I was about to clean this part when I heard you talking. Was there anyone with you in there? "
I nodded. "Yeah, there's a little boy who was walking in here earlier, though I didn't know where he exited. "
"I'm sorry, Ms. Yukihara, but no one passed here earlier, I was cleaning the stairs after you and Sir Hilton passed, and no little boy came into my sight, and the other way? The one that you're about to go to? That place was closed for renovation and no one was there, that is why I decided to come in and stop you when I saw you were about to go there. "
I felt my mouth hanging open in shock.
The maid smiled. "I guess too much work makes you hallucinate a little, right? Don't worry, Ms. Yukihara, I understand. " She said as she passed by me with her vacuum cleaner. "Oh, and you can pass now! The stairs are clean! " She added and walked away.
I walked in daze. No freakin' way! Is that boy a ghost?
When I saw Mr. Hilton, I placed a professional mask on, this is a job, so I have to give it my all, and nothing, even a ghost sighting will ever stop me from doing the job I love the most: Entertaining.
When I reached the stage, I stood in front of the mike, then sang some love songs.
Afterwards, I went towards the piano, and played some romantic songs.
Which was really a good distraction from what I encountered earlier.
After my concert, the Hilton Family went up and congratulated me.
"That was a lovely performance, Ms. Yukihara. " Mr. Hilton and his wife said sincerely.
"Thank you. " I replied and smiled at them.
"Care for some wine? "
I shook my head gently. " I'm sorry, I don't drink. But fruit punches will be great. Now, if you excuse me. " I said and excused myself towards the washroom.
When I reached there, I opened the faucet and let the water flow.
I breathed. For some reason, my body seemed so exhausted.
"Of course, after you did an all day photoshoot, make up sessions, interview and concert, you're body will be exhausted, seriously, do you have any mercy to your body, old hag? "
I froze when I heard the boyish voice again.
I stiffened even more when I felt his small hands tug the hem of my dress.
"Hel-lo? Am I still talking with someone? " He demanded.
Breathing and gathering my courage. I faced him bravely. "What do you want? " I asked coldly.
He stopped tugging my dress and stepped back. "No need to be harsh, I'm just asking. " He said as he bit his lip.
I felt guilty after that. It's unfair for him to receive my frustrations.
"I'm sorry." I apologized as I crouched at him then looked at his eyes. "Hey, are you…are you a ghost? " I asked.
He looked at me. "What do you think? " He asked.
"Well, the maid earlier said that she didn't saw anyone pass so- " I stopped when I saw that he was gone.
"H-hey, where did you go? " I asked, scared.
"You've got your answer. " He said behind me.
When I looked at my behind, I saw him sitting on the counter, and touching the water.
"So…you're a ghost. " I verified.
"Yeah. " He said casually as he crossed his legs and looked at me. "Hey, aren't you scared? "
I giggled. "Scared of you? Of course not! You're so cute!"
"No, idiot, I mean, aren't you scared of dying? "
I looked at him horrenduously.
He smiled. "If I say you're going to die today, will you believe me? "
I glared at him. "What kind of nonsense are you spouting? " I asked.
He smirked. "Isn't it odd that you can see me while others don't? From what I can see, you don't have any third eye, didn't you know that if a living person without a third eye started seeing a ghost, that means that person's going to die. "
"Shut up! " I hissed. "I am not going to die! "
"Then look at the mirror."
I was hesitant, but I obeyed.
I screamed at what I saw.
It was me, no it was my body with bleeding neck and…and… and without a head !
"Oh…oh my God! " I gasped as clenched my fist. "Oh God, no! No! No! No! "
I stopped ranting when I heard a knock.
"Ms. Yukihara, is everything okay? " I heard one of the ladies in the party ask.
It took me awhile to answer, who wouldn't be so shocked when you kept seeing your headless body across the mirror?
"Ms. Yukihara, please open the door! "
After breathing countless of times. I glared at where the little boy was, but to my annoyance, he wasn't there.
Finally, I stomped towards the door and yanked it open. I saw that it was one of the guests.
"I'm sorry for invading your privacy, but I heard you screaming. " She said worriedly.
I tried my best to fend off her worries by smiling. "No, it's okay, I'm fine. "
"Are you sure, do you want me to call a doctor? "
I shook my head. "No, I'm fine. I think…well…I think I just need to go home. "
She looked unconvinced, but let me go.
"If that's what you want. " She said as she went back to the crowd.
I breathed. "Yes, that's right, I just need a rest, and a hot soak in the tub. "
Keeping my pace brisk, I approached the Hilton couple and smiled apologetically.
"I wanted to stay for the night, but I'm afraid I need to go home. " I said as casually as I could.
The couple looked at me from head to toe, then afterwards, they nodded and smile.
"Thank you for everything, Ms. Yukihara. " Mrs. Hilton said and kissed my cheek. "And drive carefully. " She said maternally.
I smiled in thanks, and went upstairs, grabbed my bag, then head out of the door.
When I came inside my car, I took in deep breaths.
"It's okay, Mikan, it's okay, you can do this. " I said to myself over and over again.
"Remember, you escaped a lot of trials already. You can do this, you can escape this. " I added and sang it on my head over and over again.
After five minutes of convincing myself, I reeved the engine and drove.
I put my whole concentration on the road. I have to admit, the manor's location was a bit steep and mountainous.
Thankfully, the little boy didn't make an appearance, and I was relieved on that, maybe he just haunts the manor.
I was about to turn to the left when I felt something wrong with my engine.
It was making small creeking sounds, as if it was struggling to pull itself.
Furrowing my eyebrows, I focused on the sound, but kept my eyes on the road.
Suddenly…
CLACK!
I froze when I heard some clacking sounds.
When I looked below I gasped.
My clutch loosened!
OH MY GOD!
NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO! NO!
I was about to go down and check my car when I saw headlights coming towards me.
Struggling for another way, I stepped on the gas pedal and veered my steering wheel to the left side.
But it seems I was too late…
Because before I could go to the side, I saw the car racing in front of me.
And then…
SCREECH!
It was so fast, as if I was in a blur and fast motion, all I saw is that my car and the oncoming car crashed on each other.
I found my body being squeezed tight, especially on my chest, then I felt my head bumping on the dashboard.
I felt light headed after that.
And saw that dreaded red liquid pass on my eyes again.
Just like 6 years ago…
I found myself screaming, then cry and then sobbing silently.
It's no use bargaining for my life, it's hopeless.
I'm sorry, Shiki, I'm sorry, Mom, I'm sorry Yukina…
I wouldn't make it…
I felt my chest getting warm, and my heart pumping lightly, my breathing started to wilt away as well.
I was about to close my eyes when I saw the little boy again, this time, he had a bouquet of Sakura flowers in his hands. He was smiling at me. As if his guess was right.
"I told you, you will die. " He said matter of fact as he crouched near me and put the flowers in my sight.
I looked at him blankly, I didn't know how long, I kept staring at him, until I found my eyelids closing.
And then being thrown into the darkness.
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