Our Secret Remastered (Season One)
Ashes
Before we start, I like to thank you for choosing this chat story if you were one of my past readers who have read “OUR SECRET” original, thank you again for joining on the remastered version ! ❤️
Anyone curious on why there’s a remastered version in the first place and why the original is deleted. The reason is I felt the original story was confusing and have some complicated elements so I wanted to get back into the story again and created a remastered version for new and old readers to enjoy.
Anyway, moving onto the story ! Enjoy !
March 18, 1992 — 11:47 PM
Smoke folded into the night sky, like black silk.
What was left of the apartment building?
Still burning and quiet bursts, flames licking through the broken windows.
Flashes of red and blue lights against the wet pavement, as the firefighters moved through the steam.
Families shouting over the hiss of the hose. Someone cried out as they find another body on the third floor.
A black car pulled up just outside the perimeter.
As the door opens, a woman stepped out.
Her heels crushed glass and ash under foot. She didn’t look like she belonged at the scene, not an officer, not a firefighter, not even medical help.
Officer
Ma’am, you can’t be back here. This is an active scene.
Eleanor
I’m aware I’m looking for a survivor. 16 female dark hair.
Officer
A female yes…. How do you know that?
The officer hesitated, then pointed toward the ambulance lights.
On the curb, saw a girl wrapping a gray emergency blanket.
Her hair was wet and stringy. Her hands were blacked in from the smoke and ash.
However, she wasn’t crying. She was just watching. It was like she was studying the chaos surrounding her.
The woman approached slowly. The girl didn’t look back at her first, but soon their eyes met.
Chloe
Who the hell are you?
Eleanor
I’m someone that can help you.
A nearby medic tried to touch Chloe‘s arm, but Chloe jerked away, hard enough to make him step back.
Eleanor
Listen to me, I’m asking you to come with me I can help you, Chloe.
Chloe
Why are you still talking to me? You don’t know me.
Eleanor
I know what happened. I know what you did.
Chloe
So what now you’re here to arrest me?
Eleanor
No, I’m here to take you somewhere better.
Chloe let out a horse laugh.
Chloe
You think you can take me somewhere better?
Chloe
That place had rats in the walls and mold in the ceiling.
Eleanor
You should take my offer. It’s a waste if you don’t.
Eleanor
I’m offering you help and you will take it…
The officer stepped closer, confused.
Officer
Ma’am, if your family you’ll need to wait for…
Eleanor
I’ll be assuming custody. *as she handed him a card*
Once the officer read the name on the card, his posture changed instantly.
Chloe watch the exchange carefully interested on how the woman was able to shut the man up without looking at him.
She let out a laugh again.
Chloe
What is this? Who even are you?
Chloe
Are you one of those rich people who think you can buy everyone out?
Chloe
I don’t need money, so piss off.
Eleanor
I’m not here to buy you.
Eleanor
I know I can use you.
Chloe
Ain’t a pet, you hear me?
Eleanor
Come along now. It’s not like you have anywhere else to be.
Chloe
(What’s the harm in that?)
As Chloe stood up, the woman and Chloe began walking back to the black car.
The emergency blanket slid off her shoulders and fell into the ash.
Chloe didn’t look back at the burning building behind her.
Chloe
So where am I going? A palace?
Eleanor
Somewhere you’ll finally make sense
Officer
Um e-excuse me what is this place you’re taking her? Some kind of school?
Eleanor
Something like that. *opening the car door*
Chloe got in. The door shut.
The fire kept burning behind them as the car pulled away.
March 19, 1992 — 12:26 AM
The city pass by in streaks of orange street lights and dark windows.
The rain had started somewhere behind them. The window shield tickled softly.
Chloe sat in the passenger seat seat, her hands still covered in ash, but she didn’t ask for a towel. Didn’t ask for water and didn’t ask on where they were going.
She only watched the road.
Chloe
So do you always pick up kids from crime scenes?
Chloe
Is that like a normal thing to do you kind of freak?
Eleanor
Only the interesting ones, I guess.
Chloe
What in the world makes me interesting?
Chloe
You still didn’t answer my question.
Chloe
My first one though.
Eleanor
My name is Eleanor Roosevelt.
Chloe
You don’t look like a Roosevelt?
Eleanor
I’m not the one you’re thinking of…
Eleanor
What you did the people who were trapped inside.
Eleanor
They all died because of you a lot of them got hurt.
Chloe
Are you trying to make me feel guilty?
Chloe finally turned her head and looked directly at her.
Chloe
I regret not doing it sooner…
Eleanor’s grip tightens slightly on the steering wheel.
Chloe
I wish I could’ve seen their look on their faces when I trapped them inside.
Chloe
My parents are a burden. A waste of space.
Chloe
You don’t look so shocked… are you not scared?
Eleanor
You did what you had to right?
Eleanor
So you kill your parents and also the people inside.
Eleanor
You were reckless. You cost the lives of so many families.
Chloe
And I don’t regret it…
Chloe turns her head back to the window.
Chloe
You’re not a social worker huh?
Chloe
So you’re adopting me out of kindness?
Chloe
Then what? Why do you want me?
Chloe
For what? Is this some kind of redemption?
Eleanor
Think of it as some kind of program.
The rest of the drive was in silence for a while
The city thins as the roads get darker less traffic and more trees.
The car turned into a private drive line with tall dark trees.
No gate, no guards no lights except on the house on the end.
Chloe expected something flashy, but it wasn’t. It was quiet expensive but also cold.
The kind of place where nothing was too loud or shown to the public more of a quiet, slightly peaceful area to called home.
Inside the house, it smelled gently like soap and polished wood.
There was no photos on the wall no clutter. It was like there was no life inside just order and boring.
Chloe
Do you live here all alone?
Eleanor handed her a towel in a set of clean clothes.
Eleanor
Shower first door on the left and leave your clothes on the floor.
Eleanor
I’ll have them taken care of.
Chloe disappeared into the bathroom.
After sometime, Chloe came back and some oversized clothes, her hair wet, but she wasn’t clean fully. She still had the blood on her hands just not physically.
Eleanor handed her a glass of water.
Chloe picked it up and sniffed it first before drinking.
Eleanor
*Shakes head slightly and turns around*
Chloe
So what happens now?
Eleanor
Once it’s morning. We’ll begin.
Eleanor
You can think of it as homeschooling in a way.
Eleanor
We have rules here.
Eleanor
And for you, it’s different.
Eleanor
You will stay close to me. You don’t speak unless spoken to. You observe. You listen. You learn.
Chloe
If it means, I could free booze and a place do whatever the fučk I want I’m good.
Eleanor
I’m not giving you alcohol. You’re 16.
Chloe
Just take me where my bed is blondie.
Eleanor
Second room to the right. I had the maid cleanup if you want anything change just let me know.
Chloe nodded and walk to her newly made bedroom.
Eleanor
*sighs* what the hell am I doing?
Eleanor
I hate her for this. I hate her for what she’s making me do now…
First Day of Halcyon
Chloe’s eyes flickered against the sheets. Cold sweat poured on her. Her heart pounded in her chest.
Back there, back at the apartment.
The air full of the smell of cheap liquor and cigarette smoke.
Her parents voices echo in her ears.
“YOU USELESS LITTLE BRAT!”
“YOU CAN’T DO ANYTHING RIGHT!”
Her parents looming over her their faces twisted with rage.
Hands gripped her arms, pin her to the mattress.
The pain speared across her ribs as she felt the fist pounding against her.
Chloe gasped, clenching her chest, but a bed was quiet. still.
She swung her legs over the side of the bed. Her arms trembled.
The door open quietly, a maid stepped in.
Maid
Good morning, Miss Chloe! Breakfast is ready.
Maid
Would you like to eat here or at the table?
The maid leaves the room.
Chloe
You don’t have to worry about them no more…
Chloe rose from her bed as she walked into the large dining room she spotted Eleanor sitting already.
She slipped into the chair across from Eleanor, trying to compose her thoughts, though her hands were still shaking.
Chloe observed the table closely. It was very neat. Ordered. Quiet. She looked at Eleanor across. She only had a cup of black coffee. Her hair was neat perfect posture.
Chloe
(I don’t belong here…)
Maid
The chief had prepare a delicious meal for you Chloe.
The maid places down a large plate of scrambled eggs with herbs, Toast with butter and jam. Fresh fruit neatly sliced. Bacon. Orange juice in a glass pitcher. And finally a sliver coffee pot beside a single cup.
Maid
If there’s anything on your plate you do not like you can always let me know.
Maid
I’ll have the chief fit it to your liking.
Chloe
This is fine, thank you.
Chloe
Are you not going to eat?
Chloe
Is that why you’re so short?
Chloe
Well, if you’re not eating, I’m not eating.
Chloe pushes the plate away from her.
Eleanor
You can’t be serious.
Maid
Is there something wrong with your plate Miss Chloe?
Chloe
Yes there’s something wrong.
Chloe
Having a dinning table this big means lots of people eat here.
Eleanor
Just tell her what you want to be changed already.
Chloe
You’re supposed to eat with your family.
Chloe
So won’t you just eat with me?
Maid
What would you like to eat Ms Roosevelt?
Eleanor
I’ll just have the same thing.
Eleanor
Just a moment, will you darling?
Chloe
I thought you lived here alone.
Chloe
So… what are we doing today?
Eleanor
You’re coming to work with me.
Eleanor
You’ll see, once we get there.
Eleanor
Start eating already. We have a long day, you’ll need the energy.
Chloe
Not until you get your plate.
Eleanor
💢💢(She doesn’t stop being difficult.)
The car drives along a wide, elegant complex road surrounded by the trimmed hedges and iron fencing.
Stone buildings with tall windows and clear pathways.
it looks peaceful very expensive. Like only the riches children can attend here.
Chloe
Looks like a fancy place for juveniles.
Eleanor
Watch what you say.
Inside the halls, they were very quiet. Students wrapped in the uniform walked in straight lines. There was no talking, no laughing no phones no noise except the shoes on the polished floor..
They didn’t stare at Chloe only glanced at her for a second before looking away immediately.
Chloe
Why is everyone acting so weird?
Eleanor
They’re just passing along. They’re just getting prepared for the upcoming assembly.
Chloe was about to open her mouth to ask another question, but Eleanor cuts her off with a look.
They turned a corner and entered a large office space. Glass walls, metal desk people worked in silence at the computers and files.
But there was the some chatter going on slightly quiet though.
Two women stand close to each other on a nearby desk. They both looked up at the same time when Eleanor entered.
First a very tall imposing, warm eyes that locked on Chloe.
Then a softer face, but with a sharper gaze watching them closely.
For a half a second their hands close fingers almost touching the wrist, but when they notice Eleanor, they instantly pulled away.
They stand aside, professional like nothing happened.
Both of their eyes locked on Chloe.
Eleanor
This is Chloe. She will be with me at all times.
Chloe
Do all you people talk like robots?
Chloe
What? I was just asking.
Chloe
All you guys are so weird.
Grace studied Chloe more closely. Then she turned to Eleanor, her expression change.
Brittany steps, closer offering a small polite smile.
Brittany
It’s nice to meet you.
Eleanor
Chloe will be observing today. No questions. No wandering. And no speaking unless spoken to.
Grace and Brittany exchange smallest glance. They seen this before.
Grace
I wish to see you. If your schedule is free, of course.
Eleanor
Ah yes, I’ll let you know when.
Chloe
Are you guys like dating or whatever?
Eleanor
💢💢(She doesn’t know what to shut it)
Eleanor leads them down a long hallway with glass panels. Behind the glass, are rooms. You could call them training rooms.
One room has mats on the floor. Two teenagers are sparring in total silence, while an extractor watches with a clipboard in hand.
Another room has targets lined up against the wall a girl no older than 13 reloads a handgun with perfect precision.
Chloe slows down to continue watching.
Chloe
Whoa! What the hell? This is so cool!
Eleanor
💢💢*Rolls her eyes*
Chloe does continue walking, but also watching everything around her.
They stopped in front of a large digital board mounted into the wall.
Names. Rows Numbers. Percentages. Categories, Chloe doesn’t understand yet.
Combat Efficiency. Psychological stability. Response Time. Lethality index.
Chloe
Hey, is this a scoreboard?
SECTION 5021 — TOP RANKED YEAR 1986
1. MARGOT ÁLVAREZ
2. ELEANOR ROOSEVELT
3. HARPER LEBLANC
4. GRACE HERRERA
5. BRITTANY DELUCA
Chloe
If you got second in that year. So who is Margot? She must be huge here.
Eleanor’s expression does not change but something behind her eyes does. Something old and burn.
Chloe’s noticed another thing on the board. Margot’s name had no status indicator. Everyone one was labeled “ACTIVE” besides Harper being labeled as “MIA”
"MIA" Short for missing in action.
Eleanor
Because she doesn’t exist anymore.
Eleanor
Come along you’re so slow for someone with long legs.
March 19, 1992 — 10:02 AM
WEAPONS ANNEX, SECTION 5021
The room smells like oil, metal, and antiseptic. everything is locked behind glass. Tagged. Numbered and logged.
Brittany sat down a case, opens it with a small keycard that was hanging from her neck.
Brittany
You don’t touch anything unless I tell you to.
Brittany
You don’t point anything unless I tell you to. You don’t ask what some of these are for.
Chloe leads over the table either way.
Chloe
So what are you huh? Some kind of babysitter of these kids?
Brittany
I’m the one in charged with training these children on gun control and precision.
Brittany
I’m also in charged with their safety and keeping them from losing their fingers.
Chloe
I never lost one before.
Across the hall, through a narrow observation window, Eleanor and Grace were watching side by side.
Grace
She’s not intimidated?
Grace
You’re keeping her too close.
Eleanor
I’m keeping her where I can see her.
Grace
Eleanor… I’m not the one to question your methods, however-
Eleanor
You and Brittany need to be more careful yes?
Eleanor
Don’t think I didn’t noticed you too earlier.
Grace
We are being careful…
Brittany finishes assembling the rifle and sidles it toward Chloe.
Brittany
This is unloaded, safety’s on. Feel the weight.
Chloe lifts the rifle easily, she aims it casually at the far wall.
Brittany
I- uh, don’t do that… *she lowers the barrel*
Chloe
I didn’t even do anything.
March 19, 1992 — 11:26 AM
TRAINING ROOM B, SECTION 5021
The mats are dark grey. The lights too bright. The air too still
Grace stood barefoot across from Chloe, sleeves rolled to her elbows.
She was calm, and patient…
Grace
Look, I’m not going to hurt you. I’ll be easy on you.
Chloe shrugs like she couldn’t care less, but her shoulders are already tight.
Grace
First rule. Don’t swing wild in the open. You’ll waste your energy and put yourself at a disadvantage.
Grace
Second rule. Protect your center.
She steps closer, gently taps Chloe’s forearm into position.
Grace
Hands up. Chin down.
Chloe obeys. Grace throws a slow, predictable strike toward Chloe’s shoulder. She blocks it easily.
Grace’s hand moves toward Chloe’s face. When suddenly something in Chloe’s eyes snaps.
A flash. A hand gracing her arm. A shout in her ear.
"YOU PATHETIC WASTE OF A DAUGHTER!"
"IF YOU DON’T LISTEN TO ME I’LL BEAT YOU LIKE LAST TIME!"
Chloe jerks back violently shoving Grace with both hands. As she falls back on the mat.
Grace stumbles a bit but doesn’t fall.
Chloe
Don’t hurt me again…
Her breathing fast now. As Grace steps forward carefully.
Grace
Hey.. it’s okay. I’m not going to hurt you.
Grace reaches to light touch her shoulder. And Chloe finches like she’s about to be hit. Her arms come up over her head.
Grace
No one here is touching you… you’re safe.
Grace
You’re here with me... no need to worry.
Chloe straightens up immediately like nothing happened. She wipes her face angrily.
Chloe
💢💢Talk like you know me, you don’t have a fučking clue who I am you tall excuse of a coke bottle!
Chloe raises them but she doesn’t just blocked. She strikes back.
Grace barely dodges it. She was going easy on her but she realizes Chloe isn’t fighting like a beginner.
She’s fighting like someone who had to defend herself.
INDOOR TRAINING POOL, SECTION 5021
The air is humid. Chlorine clings to everything.
The pool is long, narrow enough, built more for endurance than comfort. White tile. No windows.
Brittany stands at the edge in athletic shorts and a fitted tee, her hair tied back. A whistle hangs around her neck like she actually uses it.
Chloe stands barefoot at the edge of the water, staring down into it like it offended her.
Brittany
It’s just water, Chloe.
Brittany
Not if they learn.
Chloe steps in reluctantly. The water climbs up her legs, her waist, her ribs. Her face stays blank, but her shoulders are tight again.
Up on the observation balcony. Elabore and Grace Leon against the railing. Watching.
Grace
She shut down after training.
Grace
She must’ve been afraid in the moment, like a flashback of a memory.
Eleanor didn’t respond right away. Below them, Brittany gently guides Chloe’s arms forward.
Brittany
Hold the edge. Kick. Dont think about it too hard.
Chloe kicks. Too hard already splashing water.
Chloe
💢💢(I hate this already…)
Grace
She reacts before she thinks.
Eleanor
Thinking gets you killed.
Grace
I’m tired of you pretending this is normal El…
Grace
Tell me what’s going on. Is commander making you work again?
Below, Brittany moves Chloe, one hand under her stomach to her help her float. Chloe immediately goes rigid at the contact.
Grace
She doesn’t like being held…
Grace steps closer her hands moving to Eleanor’s waist.
Grace
What can I do to make you listen to me?
Eleanor
Do you plan to have your hands chopped off?
Eleanor
I already told you never again.
Grace
You still didn’t tell us anything about her… not even me.
Eleanor
You didn’t need to know…
Grace
I’m just as high as you are. When I ask you something Roosevelt, you will answer me.
Grace
You bought her here for a reason.
Grace
If you didn’t trust me to let me know then why have me as your right hand?
Eleanor’s eyes stay at the pool.
Eleanor
I brought her here because Commander told me to.
Grace
And you couldn’t tell me that?
Grace
No what’s the real reason?
Below, Chloe suddenly shoves Brittany’s arm away hard.
Chloe
I can do it myself. I don’t you babying me.
She’s pushes herself off the wall and swims forward. She was sloppy. Untrained. However she was determined.
She makes it halfway down the lane before braving the edge, breathing hard.
Brittany
… *sigh even harder*
Grace
She hates needing help.
Eleanor
Good, she’s independent.
Grace
That’s not what I meant.
Grace
She’s going to be a problem
Download NovelToon APP on App Store and Google Play
