Anna shook her head and placed her hand over Celeste’s. “I had to come see you, just so, you know…you didn’t think that I hated you.” Anna looked at the ground, finding it hard to meet Celeste’s gaze. She swallowed a few times before continuing, “I mean, I did hate you for a while. But, it was for the wrong reason.” Celeste felt shocked. “What did I do, Anna? Whatever it is, I never meant to hurt you.” Anna shook her head and smiled. It wasn’t the same smile like before, there was something sad about it. Something mature. “You hurt me, but you didn’t.” Celeste stared at her friend feeling extremely confused and hurt. Why would Anna actually believe that she would do something like that to her? She was stunned into silence, unable to hide her shock. “Please, believe me. I never did…” she struggled to say the words, “that to you. I would never─” “Listen─” Anna cut her off, “there is something you need to know. I don’t have much time, so I need you to really listen, OK?” Celeste inclined her head, “Of course, but you’re really starting to worry me. I haven’t heard from you in so long, I thought─” “I don’t have time for this, listen,” Anna hissed. Celeste quieted, she had never seen Anna so intense before. Things had changed more than she realized in the two years they had not spoken. The door chime went off and Celeste jumped looking down the staircase to the front door. “Shit,” Anna was on her feet in seconds and ran toward the back doors to the balcony. “Anna, wait. What is going on? Where are you going?” Anna turned toward her, her face grim. “We’ll talk later, but right now you cannot trust anyone, do you understand me? No one. Promise me, Celeste.” She nodded, more confused than ever. “Okay, but Anna, what in the blue hell─” her words died before reaching her lips as Anna pulled the doors open and leaped from her balcony. She stared from the living room and then down to the ground where the blanket had been tossed aside. Her eye caught something glittering on the floor and she bent down and picked it up.
Four Years Ago
“Hey, you OK?” Anna’s voice floated over Celeste’s head as she blinked rapidly into focus. She looked around, realizing that she was in Anna’s jeep. John was crouched next to her holding her hand. She glanced down and snatched her hand away, angry and embarrassed. His arms went up in surrender and he cracked a slight smile. “Sorry, damn. I just wanted to make sure you were still alive. You fell pretty hard, and your hands are like mini refrigerators.” She crossed her hands over her chest and sulked.
This was the last time she did anything like this, she was swearing off clubs for a while. Nope. Now that she thought about it, more like, indefinitely. Celeste knew she shouldn’t have let Anna talk her into it. She turned to Anna, her eyes pleading silently. “Can we go home? I just want to go.” Anna looked to John, “I think she’s right. If Scott knew we were here, he’d seriously spaz.” John backed away from the jeep and nodded as Celeste pulled the door shut. “Sure, no prob. You got my number if you need anything.” Anna inclined her head and waved at him. Celeste was so embarrassed she couldn’t stand it. She could tell he was looking at her, but she trained her eyes on the side mirror instead. The jeep roared to life and they peeled out of the parking lot.
They kept a steady pace down the road and Celeste relaxed, watching the dashed white lines blur past the passenger side. Anna hooked her phone up to the car and turned up the music. They were halfway home, when Celeste turned the volume down and looked over to her friend. “Anna─” she looked at Anna’s face and white knuckles as she gripped the steering wheel. Celeste reached out and grasped her hand. “Tell me what happened. Ever since the club, you’ve been hiding what you saw.” Anna flicked her gaze to Celeste, then out the driver’s side window. “I don’t know what I saw, okay? It was dark.” Celeste didn’t buy it, not for one second.
“We’ve been friends now for how long? Come on, lady.” Anna sighed and exited the highway. They turned down Main Street and made a left. She knew exactly where Anna was headed. They pulled into the parking lot and finally stopped. “Let’s just grab some boba and hang out, ‘k?” Anna’s voice sounded strained but she turned toward Celeste and smiled. She messed up in her attempt to hide her fear and a single tear fell down her face. Celeste snapped, “shyah suh wo la,” she shook her friends arm and started sobbing, “Anna, bàituō” she begged. Anna looked over quietly to Celeste’s outburst in Mandarin and plea to hear the truth. She sighed and her arms dropped from the steering wheel.
Anna’s voice was barely a whisper over the passing cars that sped down the highway, “Wo hai pa.” Celeste gaped at Anna’s confession and wrapped her arms around her. Anna cried as she leaned into Celeste’s arms and they sat there for several moments, just holding one another. She had never heard Anna admit to being scared, never in all of their years as friends together. “Please, Anna. Tell me what you saw─ I need to know.” Anna swiped at her eyes and gently pushed Celeste away. “You’re going to think that I’m insane,” Anna said. Celeste went to say something, but Anna cut her off. “I know you are going to ask anyway, but I just want to say that I did take my eyes off of my drink for, like, a minute, so some asshole could have slipped something in my drink for all I know,”
“Anna─”
“And I know I couldn’t have seen what I did, because that doesn’t make any sense, how could it have? You floating there, a foot off of the ground─”
“Anna,” she was more insistent, trying to grab the rambling girl’s attention as she grasped at her hand. Anna snatched it away from her and continued, “and your eyes, Celeste, your eyes weren’t right. They were gold. Not yellow, but pure, liquid gold,” her eyes hollowed as she stared out of the passenger side window behind Celeste.
Her blood ran cold as she heard her friend describe in detail what she had most feared. She didn’t want to hear this, not really. She wanted Anna to laugh off her craziness, tell her it was all in her head and then they grabbed some boba tea and went home. She didn’t want to watch Anna shiver, or hold herself as she looked to her friend with fear and hatred. She didn’t want to be analyzed by those eyes─ those cold, hollow eyes. “and your body─”
“Anna” she yelled. The girl jumped and let out a small whimper as she stared doe-eyed at Celeste. “Would you listen to yourself? This is crazy.” Yes, she would convince Anna that it was nothing. Not just to her, but herself. “Come on, I’m your best friend. You’ve known me since we were kids.” Anna shook her head up and down hiccupping as she swiped at her face. “You said you took her eyes off your soda, right?” This made more sense, it wasn’t that Anna saw anything it was just drugs that’s all─ some guy’s plan to try to drug her and take advantage of her. She had heard these stories all the time. Celeste relaxed, calming herself. “Listen, it was probably just some skeezy guy that wanted to take advantage of you, OK?” Her stomach twisted as Anna broke into a grin and nodded. She was so quick to buy into Celeste’s story that it broke her heart. She knew the truth, she had known it for years. There was a reason why people walked the other way down the street, or shuddered when she was near. They sensed the evil that followed her─ that was a part of her. And now she was going to protect Anna, from ever knowing about it. She would carry this burden alone. She smiled and soothed her friend with little lies as they walked toward the warm glow of the café. The darkness was following her again, she needed to know how to control it, how to make it go away. She had done it as a child, and now she needed to do it again. She sent Anna to the front to order for her and said she was running to the bathroom. She ran inside and locked the door, her phone already in hand. She searched up the incantations and spells online that she had looked up while in Japan. It was time for another visit home.
* * *
Present Day
Celeste’s front door opened, and she stuffed what Anna dropped into her pocket. She looked down and saw her father peer around the door up at her. Her dark mood dissipated as she watched him break into a grin and stride up the stairs two at a time, “Hey there, old lady,” he called. She laughed and stuck her tongue out at h
im, “Ha-ha, very funny.” He chuckled, slipping off his shoes and swept her up in a big hug. She always felt so small when he did that. It was a good feeling.
“I have a surprise, darling daughter,” he boomed as they walked toward the stairs. “And what is that, father of mine?” Celeste chimed in. It was a game they had played since she was a girl, calling each other by their proper names. He grinned, patting her arm, “Well, now where is the fun in that?” His eyes scanned the room and he stopped on the open doors that led outside. “Enjoying the night air?” he asked, turning to her. You cannot trust anyone, do you understand me? No one. Promise me, Celeste. Anna’s words popped in her head and she paused, looking at her dad. Surely Anna hadn’t meant her father. She grinned and bobbed her head up and down. Her stomach clenched at the lie, but she managed to stay calm and look normal. He mirrored her smile and slipped into his shoes then descended to the bottom of the stairs.
“Alright, just be careful. I’ll be outside when you’re ready,” he called up as he closed the front door. At least he still kept his sunny disposition, especially on this day. It was a strange time of year for the both of them. It eased over the years, but she knew Mother’s death had hit him just as hard. She really hoped tonight could get better, especially after finding what she did at John’s apartment. She dismissed the thought and walked into her room. The box was exactly where Luci said it would be, and she pulled the lid off.
* * *
Scott paced by his car, trying hard not to go back into Celeste’s house. Don’t worry, she’ll come, he thought. Of course, it was more to just soothe himself than believe it. She had lied to him upstairs, he could tell by the change in her voice. In the consulting industry, you thrived on being able to pick up lies. And his BS meter was off the charts. He wasn’t sure what she had done, but it was odd that the doors were open and he couldn’t be sure, but he thought he saw her shove something in her pocket.
His phone went off and he reached into his pocket and looked at the screen. Luci’s picture popped up and he rolled his eyes. She was winking as she blew out a ‘smoking gun’─ which was her hand. “Luci, is there a reason why my picture of you has changed? How did you even─” “Totally swiped it at lunch, boss man. I just wanted to let you know that the flight was changed and you are ready to go whenever you like. Heard about your success with Yamamoto, we’ll celebrate when you get back.” He cracked a smile. “Thanks, Luce I owe you. How’s dinner next week sound?” There was silence on the other end, just enough to make him feel uncomfortable. “Sure,” she said at length, “I’d like that.” The click was friendlier than usual and his heart raced with excitement.
He heard the front door shut and he shoved the phone in his pocket and reached into the car. He pulled out the ikebana arrangement and smiled at the lily magnolias, sweet peas and the yuki-yanagi that spread out around the delicate pot. Yuki-yanagi, the snowy willow, was Celeste’s favorite, but they were a pain in a half to find, considering the time of year. They usually grew in Japan around March or April, luck was on his side, and he had found a mom-and-pop shop that still had some in Tsukaba City. He rose up and saw his daughter walk toward him. He gaped from the side of the car at the angel that graced his presence.
Her hair was pulled up into an elegant bun, and kanzashi were placed in the side, draping down the length of her face. White flower blossoms were pinned into her hair. The silver decorative combs that surrounded her bun were stunning. Red, white, and green flowers hung down from the large group of white blossoms and were adorned with bells. He remembered Kotone had told him the colors were used for a celebration, Luci had chosen well.
The bells made a soft jingle as she slowly made her way toward him. She wore a Meiji era kimono that was true to fall fashion with the bush clover design along the hem and sleeve front, and rose in color. The cushion, which was tell-tale of the era, was at the bottom of the hem and touched the white straps of her zori. The wooden sandals clanked musically as she shuffled toward him. It was one of Kotone’s kimono, the crest of Inoue on either side of her breasts. She reached him finally and he found his voice again, “You look absolutely lovely, Celeste.” She flushed a slight pink and looked down at his hands. He had almost forgotten the arrangement. Her eyes widened, “Are those yuki-yanagi?” she squealed, “How did you even find those this time of year?” He chuckled as she took it from him and walked back toward the house. “Let your old man have his secrets,” he joked. She grinned back at him and stepped into the house. Celeste returned a few minutes later and they got into his car and pulled out of the driveway.
* * *
*
14 the curse renewed
Celeste listened to Beethoven’s fourth symphony as her father drove down the long dirt road. They had been driving for over two hours and she was sure she had lost circulation to her legs. The lights finally peaked over the hill and their house came into view. It was modernized version of the machiya homes with blue wavy roof tiles she had seen in Kyoto last year. Her father must have had the roof redone. Typical.
They pulled into the driveway and were able to see into the front entrance. A woman watched as they pulled up, went inside, and then came back with a tall and somber looking old man. Saioji-San smiled pleasantly at the both of them. Celeste wasn’t sure who the woman was, she must have been a new hire. They bowed as Celeste walked toward them and stayed that way until she passed.
It annoyed her how uptight the servants were in this house, but her father had ordered them for Kotone’s comfort and wanted her to feel as close to home as possible. She slipped off her shoes and put them away in the shoe cupboard. Celeste stepped up and found the house slippers in their usual spot. She shuffled across the floor and walked over to the dining area. They kept a European style décor with clean and crisp whites, varying shades of green and light grey. Both Kotone and Celeste had similar taste in their minimalist approach to design. Her father didn’t have the heart to change it, so it mostly stayed the same with updated flooring and fixtures but always the color palette and paintings that mama had loved.
The newest addition was the three paneled piece above the dining table that depicted a field and a small family of rabbits hiding among the brush. It was adorably simple, yet elegant. The artist had a knack for pastels. Celeste sat down and her father joined her. Their usual cake, a French-style round with piped icing, was complete with fruit and a chocolate plate that read: O tanjō-bi omedetōgozaimasu─ as stuffy a birthday greeting as ever, Saioji-san must have made it. Celeste smiled at him as he brought in their traditional jasmine tea and placed three cups on the table. “Who is the new lady?” Celeste prodded. He poured the tea next to her dad first for her mother, then her father’s, and finally her own. His dry voice wavered as he bowed stiffly, “Ms. Takawa flew in a few weeks ago and will remain the new housekeeper.” Celeste looked at her father as Saioji-san silently walked from the room. “Father?” He looked at her, his face grim. “Saioji-san has had cancer for years, baby. He is in stage four and I am making sure that he has all the comforts he will need in his new home.” She gaped at him from across the room feeling awful for doubting the housekeeper’s demeanor. So it was true, everyone that touched her was cursed. She shoved the cake away, suddenly not hungry.
* * *
They pulled into Celeste’s driveway after the long drive back and her father switched off the car. This year had been exceptionally lovely, the tea room had been decorated in festive fall colors. It was a good place to get away to every few months, even though the help wasn’t warm. Then again, she didn’t blame them. Nothing had been the same since Mama’s passing.
To top it all off, Saioji-san’s condition was too much. He never even mentioned it to her, she had grown up with him all those years, and he never said more than a handful of sentences to her. She hadn’t even known his first name. She turned to her father. When he said nothing, she asked, “is everything OK?” He inclined his head, “Yes, but I need to talk to you.” Celeste stared at him uns
ure of where this was going, “Of course─ what’s going on?” He grasped her hand and sighed.
“I have to go to Japan next week, and I need you to go with me. I know you’ve been through… a lot lately, but I need this to go as smoothly as possible.” She nodded her head and smiled, “Of course, I’ll let Dr. Heisman know. How is Yamamoto-San doing?” He arched his brow, “I see Luci has been talking with you.” She grinned, “Yep, told me that you would probably need me to join you.” He threw his hands in the hair and acted exasperated, “does anyone really need me anymore?” Celeste chuckled and poked at her father’s side. “You know we look out for you,” she said. “This is true,” he agreed.
They sat quietly and gazed outside in opposite directions. “Celeste,” he trailed off searching for the right words. She turned and stared expectantly in his direction. He finally found his voice again, “Thanks for being a great daughter. I really couldn’t do it without you.” She reached out and gave his shoulder a squeeze, “Of course, Dad. I love you.” He smiled at her and squeezed her hand, “I love you too, baby.”
* * *
Celeste slipped into her pajamas, glad to be out of the uncomfortable attire. She sat by the fire and stared out of the large, bay window. This was what she feared most, she didn’t want to have time to think. The other woman’s frame flashed in her head and she tried without success to push it away. She walked into the kitchen and heard her phone go off again. Celeste looked at the clock and shook her head. The guy was persistent, she would give him that. Maybe she should go ahead and answer, it was cruel to ignore him. No, it was cruel what he did to you, she spat inwardly.
Hell's Gate: Awakening - Book One Page 13