WHEN THE SEA CALLS

There was no one behind them; it made Rhea shiver. She nudged Celia quickly.

"What?" Celia asked.

"Did you hear someone call my name?"

Celia furrowed her brows. "I..."

"Someone just called my name, Celia. Did you not..."

"Rhea, I was the one who called your name. Did you think someone else did?"

Rhea sighed. After her experience with the strange girl who appeared and disappeared and also the movement she heard behind them a while ago, she had become more sensitive.

"Are you okay?" Celia asked.

"I am fine. I am just tired."

Celia pulled her closer to her. "Do you want me to make you a cup of fresh pineapple juice when we get home?"

Rhea smiled. "That won't be a bad idea."

"Then are you going to tell me about the two boys? Alan and Reece."

Rhea raised her brows. "Celia, why are you interested in those weird boys? Everyone tries their best to avoid them."

"They are cute," Celia answered.

"Just because they are cute?"

Celia nodded. "Isn't that enough to be interested in someone?"

Rhea groaned slightly. "Celia, you're crazy! How can you..."

"Are you telling me about them or not?"

"I know nothing about them, Celia. What am I supposed to say to you?"

Celia scoffed. "I should have known you wouldn't say a word to me."

"I am sure you saw the way he treated me for calling his name the other time. That is how Reece treats me. And Alan..." Rhea shook her head. "I have never heard him speak before."

"Is he mute?" Celia asked.

"How am I supposed to know that?"

"Can't you..."

"Can't I what? You are not suggesting that I try to find out. Are you?"

Celia chuckled. "Of course not."

"Then what?"

"Never mind."

"I should not mind? I do not think..."

Celia tapped Rhea slightly. "Look! I think we have a new neighbor."

Rhea looked in the direction Celia was pointing. It was the empty house on the right side of their house. According to their father, it has been empty for a while now.

Why is someone suddenly moving into it?

"Is it being occupied by someone?" Rhea blurted out before she could stop herself.

Celia busted into laughter, which made Rhea furrow her brows.

Why is Celia laughing?

She folded her arms. "Celia, what is funny?"

"Was your question not funny to you?". Rhea furrowed her brows. "You just asked if the house is being occupied by someone. Was it supposed to be occupied by a ghost?"

Rhea scoffed. That wasn't what she meant. She was only wondering if the house would be occupied by someone now. She rolled her eyes slightly, realizing that no matter how she tried to justify what she meant, it didn't make any sense.

"It's not funny though," she mumbled.

"It is, Rhea," Celia answered, her face beaming with a smile.

"Whatever.". Celia placed her hand over Rhea's shoulder and pulled her closer to her. Rhea groaned. "What are you doing?"

"Having fun with my sister."

Rhea pulled away from Celia's grip. "Having fun with me huh? You are about to suffocate me."

"But you know I won't right?"

"Like I care,". Celia chuckled but said nothing. "Thank you, Celia," Rhea said and that made Celia stop.

"Why are you thanking me?"

"For coming to my rescue at the restroom today. I couldn't thank you properly at school."

"Why did you not tell me Will was the one who dropped you and not Louie?"

"I wanted to tell you that yesterday but something came up. So it skipped my mind."

"And today at school? Is that the reason you stopped me from going to your class?"

Rhea nodded. "I am sorry, Celia. I was afraid Sasha would find out about it."

Celia patted Rhea on her shoulder. "It's fine, Rhea. But next time don't keep things to yourself. You can always talk to me about anything okay?"

Would it be okay to talk to Celia about Aquamarine, the bluestone, and...

Rhea's eyes widened. She had forgotten about the shining blue seashell she had taken from the house of seashells. She had been so occupied with Sasha's trouble that she forgot she was supposed to open the seashell today.

But that won't be possible today.

She needs to prepare for her chemistry test coming up tomorrow. She also needs to prepare for what would come tomorrow, in case Sasha or Maya decides to retaliate; Dahlia seems to be remorseful and might not be doing anything for a while.

"Rhea?" Celia called. She tapped Rhea slightly, jerking her out of her thoughts. "Are you okay?"

"I-I am fine," Rhea stuttered. "Is anything the matter?"

"You seem lost in thought. I spoke to you but you gave no reply."

"I am sorry. My mind drifted for a bit. What were you saying?"

"I said you can always talk to me about anything."

Rhea sighed. She wasn't sure Aquamarine would be okay with her telling Celia about her, the bluestone, or the shining blue seashell.

She shook her head. She won't say a word to Celia yet. She will meet with Aquamarine first and speak to her about it. If she agrees to it, then she will explain everything to Celia but if she doesn't. She might need to keep this a secret for as long as she can.

"Rhea?" Celia called again. Rhea blinked and turned to face her. "Are you sure you are okay?"

"Of course I am. I am just a bit tired."

"Then let's hasten our steps so we get home soon enough for me to make a glass of pineapple juice for you."

"Can I have some cookies, too, please? I love the chocolate ones you made last time."

"I love the chocolate ones you made last time," Celia mimicked. "Shouldn't you learn how to cook, yourself?"

Rhea scoffed. What does making chocolate cookies for her have to do with learning how to cook?

"Are you going to make it or not?"

"Like I have a choice," Celia mumbled. "You have to help in the kitchen."

"I just told you I am tired. I also have a test tomorrow. Louie spoke about..."

"Fine, you can get all the rest you want and also prepare for your test while I work myself off in the kitchen."

Rhea smiled. "You know you are the best right?"

Celia nodded. "Of course, I am."

Celia brought out the key in her bag; they were now standing in front of their house.

"Do you know who the new neighbors are?" Rhea asked, curiosity written all over her face.

"How am I supposed to know? I am going inside, Rhea. You can go over there to ask."

"I am not doing that," Rhea mumbled.

"Suit, yourself."

Celia opened that door and walked in. Rhea decided to take a last look at the house before going in.

A young boy walked out, brushing the hair that had covered his face backward. Rhea stood rooted to her spot as she admired the handsome boy. He was dressed in blue ripped-off jeans and a white shirt.

Another boy walked out too. Rhea recognized him immediately as Reece. Her mind began to beat very fast.

What is Reece doing here? And who is the other boy?