Victor Daniel Bolum

GRUESOME written by Victor Daniel Bolum Address Phone E-mail EXT.ANTIQUE STORE-NIGHT Rain drizzling,cars outside,brief lightning, wet roofs,cold jackets, wet shoes, clothes on the dryline. Few persons walking, with just a single open antique store. A middle aged store holding her head. She inside, picks WOMAN,GINA(60) hurriedly walks into an antique a worn-out OLD black bag with an umbrella above drops her bag by the front of the store, enters an antique dictionary and leaves. The ANTIQUE TRADER, ESTHER (mid 30),beauty enthusiast,looks at her then flashes back to the clock on the wall of her shop. ESTHER (Sceptical) Who's she? Esther swallows hard, her eyes watching her closely from afar,then flashes to the old bag on the front of her table. ESTHER (CONT'D) This belongs to her I guess.Hmm! Ancient. She stares at it,her eyes moves around the surroundings as she brings the bag closer to her reach, opening the first zip. She sees a MIRROR with a gold, shiny surface. ESTHER (CONT'D) Wow!, so beautiful Holding it vehemently, she looks out sideways for an incoming figure. Then lifts it up to look at her reflection. ESTHER (CONT'D) (Smiling) I still look stunning despite the torrential rain.Gosh! Thunder disintegrates the sky,GINA comes running back to the antique store. GINA (Weird) Give that back to me! 2. Frantically drags the mirror off her hand, snatching her bag off the table then gives a condescending look. Confusion in bold prints on Esther's face. GINA (CONT'D) Did you see your reflection on the gat damn mirror? Her voice calm but with a grit teeth. Gina blinks her eyes, pressing her lips together. ESTHER Yes I did what happened? GINA Shit! Then you must come with me! But why? ESTHER GINA Shut the fuck up and come with me before the devil evil finds you! Esther's breath hitch,eyes scanning the environment for the umpteenth time. GINA (CONT'D) This isn't a regular mirror, is demonic! And seeing your reflection means the devil choose you. How? ESTHER GINA Can you just shut the fuck up and come with me.I got the antique dictionary. There's a word we need to find before the devil finds us. ESTHER I haven't locked up my store yet. GINA I'm leaving. Esther turns back to take in the last items inside then suddenly TWO shadow appears with a creepy figure. Frantically she rushes out of her store, screaming as she chases after Gina. 3. EXT.ROADSIDE-NIGHT Gina's car is packed at the junction, with broken side mirrors and exposed trunk. GINA Get into the car! Esther hesitating. GINA (CONT'D) I said get into the car, we're being hunted. ESTHER A..lright. I'm in! Here! GINA Hands the antique dictionary to Esther. GINA (CONT'D) Get me to page 666 Thunder lightens from above, Esther quickly flips the pages of the dictionary. GINA (CONT'D) Hurry up! We need to get the secret code and return this mirror immediately. Gina's left hand is on the sterry as she uses the left to wipe off the fogs on the glass. ESTHER (Panic) I can't seem to find it! GINA Shit! What do you mean you can't find the page? Must I do everything myself? You definitely want us murdered in cold blood. ESTHER (Flipping pages) I'm trying Gina,hold on. GINA You better do! We don't have time. If you can't get this back another person is gonna join us! 4. How? ESTHER GINA I got this present on my 60th birthday,it was wrapped in an black box. The camera flashes to the mirror then back to their faces. GINA: (CONT'D) I didn't wanted to open it until one very faithful day. (Pauses) Esther blinks an eye brow. GINA: (CONT'D) And as I did, it's was such a gorgeous mirror but my reflection put me on the run.Terrible mistake! ESTHER (Draws closer, heavy breath) I just found page 665. GINA Very good! Turn the next page. That should be 666. ESTHER (Panic) Is been torn off! GINA Shit!let me see.Oh no! We need to find the piece. We need it that page to get the secret code. That's the only way this mirror can leave our side. ESTHER Honestly, this is scary. My store is open. My jewelleries, my accessories. Everything! Left behind cos of some stupid demonic ghost, devil whatever. 5. GINA Watch your words, He's everywhere.And you don't want to get us killed. ESTHER So how do we get page 666. I can't miss the beauty pageantry I have this Friday. GINA And you think I'm stupid. Few days after my 60th birthday. I'm here, on the run and you stay there act as if you're the only one whose got important things to do. ESTHER Let's just get outta here, bickering won't help! GINA Check the page after 666,it could give us some clue. FADE OUT. EXT.ROADSIDE-NIGHT(CONTINUOUS) ESTHER (Confuse) It shows a museum. GINA Then we're heading to the museum. A figure passes swiftly at the back side seats. ESTHER (Frighten) Did you see that? GINA See what? I'm driving. Stop distracting me! Esther stares through the rear broken side mirror, a short headless GIRL, SAMORA (9) in yellow skirt with blood stain hands holding a creepy doll. 6. ESTHER (Surprise) Oh my gosh! There's a outside. Pull over! young girl GINA Are you insane! Stay calm. This is past 12 already. There's nothing there. ESTHER (Disbelief) I see a young girl! GINA Can you just shut up! There's nothing there! That's the devil trying to lure us in. The more people that gets into this mess the longer and difficult it will be for all of us! Get that! GINA (CONT'D) We can't add more numbers, we need to get to the old museum down the other street as soon as possible! Esther drives a hand through her hair, blowing hot air off her throat. ESTHER (Takes a deep breath ) This is gonna be long. FADE OUT. INT.MUSEUM BASEMENT-NIGHT Esther brushes off an old exhibit plaque. "Curator: Gina Patrick-" A faded photo. It's Gina. Holding the same mirror. ESTHER (Whispers) This can't be... She turns slowly. Gina is standing right behind her. 7. GINA You should've never looked into it Esther. GINA (CONT'D) And now.. you'll carry it long than I ever did. ESTHER (Frighten) What are you saying? Gina gives a sinister look. Then presses her lips. ESTHER (CONT'D) What can you say about this. She points to the faded photo. GINA I told you I gat this. You should stay with me. ESTHER No! I can't keep believing you right now. GINA Then. You're only gonna make things messy. ESTHER: (Snaps) What business do you have with the museum before now? Answer me! Or I'm gonna get the hell out of here. GINA We came here for something. I'll appreciate if we stick with it. ESTHER Don't fucking tell me that. How the hell did I end up here! Glass breaking in distance. Hoarse laughter. Suspenseful music builds.. ESTHER (CONT'D) (Gasps) What was that? LIGHT FADES 8. INT.MUSEUM BASEMENT-NIGHT Down tempo music plays, door opens and closes, footsteps approaching. It's the SECURITY GUARD (38). SECURITY GUARD(O.C.) Young lady, is everything ok? He asks from behind,Esther hides at a corner shaking in terror. He pauses,examines her briefly then taps her at her back. ESTHER (Screams) SECURITY GUARD (Raises a hand) Relax. What are you doing here? Esther exhales deeply. Music fades and growls ends. She points towards the inner basement. SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D) (Confuse) What's up with that? ESTHER (Swallows hard) There's a woman in here. And she driving me freaky crazy. Security guard looks around for a clue. No trace of Gina. SECURITY GUARD There's nobody here. By the way, it's late already. Eyes flicks to his wristwatch. SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D) No one comes to the museum by this time. Esther brings out a picture,the floorboards creaks slightly. GINA (Inhales and exhales deeply) Do you know the woman in this photo? Suspenseful music plays. Wind whistling. 9. SECURITY GUARD (Takes the picture) Isn't this Gina? Eyebrows furrows. GINA. SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D) Esther nods in confirmation. ESTHER You know her? Yes I do. SECURITY GUARD Silence. Dramatic music builds. SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D) How did you get this? ESTHER At the inner basement whilst trying to look for page 666. Page 666? SECURITY GUARD Pauses. Glass breaking in distance. SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D) (Furrows) You know about the mirror and the devil. ESTHER Not totally. SECURITY GUARD I'm sorry did you see your reflection in the mirror? ESTHER (Hesitates) Yes I did. SECURITY GUARD Shit! You need to get out of here. Gina mustn't find you. ESTHER What are you saying I don't...get? 10. SECURITY GUARD You see that room over there. Points towards an underground cave. SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D) That was constructed by me. No one would barely notice that someone is in the meusum. ESTHER (Confuse) What about it? SECURITY GUARD That mirror feeds on innocent souls.And GINA... Glass shatters,interupting.Birds cawing. ESTHER (Terrify) Can you please help me get out! SECURITY GUARD You must run away from here immediately before Gina finds you. ESTHER (Confuse) Gina said she's hunted. She's also on the run. SECURITY GUARD (Nods in disagreement) I'm only trying to protect you. You have to leave this place immediately. Humming. Suspenseful music plays. Keys jingles from the inner basement. Footsteps approaching. Go! SECURITY GUARD (CONT'D) (Whispers) Esther's footsteps receding through the doorway leading to the exit. Running.Breathing echoing as intense music plays. 11. Gina comes out from a small corner, gritting her teeth. GINA(O.S.) I'll get you! She snaps a finger. LIGHT FADES INT.ESTHER'S APARTMENT-NIGHT Floorboards creaking,birds chirping,thunder rumbling. Esther grabs her bedsheets, pulling it up to her knees. Eyes on the clock. Past 5 in the morning. She turns off the bed lamp and sleeps off. Intense music playing. Indistinct speaking outside the bar corner. Upstairs. It's BENITA (19) Esther's younger sister. She's with Samora. BENITA (Decreases to her height, staring) What happened? Samora reveals her face this time but this is only visible to Benita. She's holding her doll and her hands in blood. She looks at Benita and sob. SAMORA: I want to speak to your elder sister. Pauses. BENITA She's not home. SAMORA She's in her room. Benita pauses, peeping through the hallway to Esther's room. BENITA (Sceptical) You saw her? Samora nods. BENITA (CONT'D) Stay here. I'll go check. 12. The clock clicks, floorboards creaks. Footsteps approaching. ESTHER(O.S.) (Sleepy eyes) Benita. BENITA (Shock) You startled me! Her hands on her chest. ESTHER I overheard you discussing with someone outside the bar corner. BENITA So you're back! ESTHER Yes. I just got in few minutes ago. BENITA (Snaps her forehead) Big sis, you really need to stop this. It's scary! Stop what? ESTHER Benita flashes at the clock. BENITA Almost 5:30. You keep sleeping in that store of yours. You know how unsafe it can get outside. Esther draws closer to Benita. Holding her by the shoulders. ESTHER I'm sorry. The rain was torrential so I decided to stay back a little. BENITA Fine. Meanwhile your fiancé came by. Glass breaking in distance. Both looks at the hallway. ESTHER Who's that? 13. BENITA (Whispers) There's a young girl out there. Acting all strange. Who's she? ESTHER BENITA I don't know how she even got in here. What! ESTHER BENITA She claims she wants to speak to you. Why? ESTHER BENITA I can't tell. But whoever she is, she must really need our help. ESTHER Let me go see for myself. BENITA Big sis, wait! Hinge creaks as door opens. Samora gone. Camera flashes everywhere in the street but no trace. Door closes. ESTHER You just keep hallucinating again! BENITA No sis. I saw her! She was right there. Plates shattering in the kitchen. Both pauses,breath in short gasps. ESTHER Benita, what's happening? BENITA I don't know! Esther tiptoe into the kitchen. 14. ESTHER (Exhales deeply, exhaustively) Holy crap! You stacked the gat damn dishes again. BENITA Oh gosh! I forgot to clear them out. ESTHER First thing in the morning, I'm taking you to a therapist! But why? BENITA ESTHER Can't you see you've been acting weird. BENITA (Frowns) I saw her. ESTHER (Yells) Enough! I'm done here. I need to sleep. Esther proceeds to her room, locking the door and turning off the lights. 1 week later. LIGHT FADES INT.THERAPY CLINIC/APPOINTMENT ROOM-DAY DR.BOUSTON (49),their family doctor, a board certified therapist and counsellor is seen in white, wearing a stethoscope holding a file. ESTHER She's being seeing things. And I'm confused. Dr Bouston pauses, examining Benita closely. DR BOUSTON How long has this been going? ESTHER: A week now. 15. DR BOUSTON Breathe..just breath Benita nods. DR BOUSTON (CONT'D) And since then, you haven't seen this young girl for yourself. I haven't. ESTHER DR BOUSTON If she claims she wants to speak with you. Then I think is only ideal to hear what she has to say. ESTHER Doctor, honestly. You know how busy a fashion enthusiast can be. I work round the clock. I barely have time. DR BOUSTON Whatever this young girl got to say must be really important and should be for your safety. Uses his stethoscope to check Benita's vitals. ESTHER Alright Doc. DR BOUSTON I can't find anything wrong with your kid sis. She's fine. Really? ESTHER DR BOUSTON Yes she is. BENITA Thank you so much Doctor. DR BOUSTON Stay safe you two. Bye Both leaves. On their way out. They see MICHAEL,(35) Esther's fiancé. ESTHER! MICHAEL 16. Waving a hand. They rush towards him. ESTHER So sorry sweetheart, I couldn't call you. This past week has been hectic. MICHAEL It's fine. Benita told me you two had an appointment so I decided to come pick you. ESTHER (Smiles) Awwww... That's so sweet. Both hug. Benita blushes at the corner. Let's go! MICHAEL They all hop in and zoomed off. INT.MUSEUM BASEMENT-NIGHT Gina is restless, angrily pacing to and fro around the basement. She's with the security guard. GINA You idiot! What were you gonna tell her? Nothing. SECURITY GUARD GINA (Fiesty) Don't you dare lie to me! SECURITY GUARD That's the truth. GINA (Surprise) You've been in this cave all along. Security guard nods in fear. GINA (CONT'D) I thought you died. Or should I say ran away. 17. SECURITY GUARD (Swallows hard) Not really. Gina paces around him. Sinister look. builds. Suspenseful music GINA I'm glad to have you back. And this time you must make a decision. SECURITY GUARD What decision? GINA (Laughs sinisterly) You must work with me or kiss yourself goodbye. His breath hitch,nods in trepidation. GINA (CONT'D) Good boy. Convince Esther. And get her on my side. You must do this before Samora tells her anything. SECURITY GUARD (Terrified) Yes I will. GINA Look here! Brings out the mirror and points it into his face. GINA (CONT'D) That's your reflection in there. So you can't escape! SECURITY GUARD (Whispers) Oh no! Gina chuckles softly. Hoarse laughter. Music fades, growls ends. LIGHT FADES INT.ESTHER'S APARTMENT-DAY A knock is heard at the door. A dispatch rider delivers a scroll to Benita. She takes it and close the door. Micheal is in the sitting room waiting for Esther's return. 18. MICHAEL Benita who's that? Here! BENITA She hands him the scroll. MICHAEL A scroll. For? BENITA Esther I guess. Her name is in front. MICHAEL (Sceptical) Did the dispatch rider disclose the sender? No. BENITA Micheal opens it out. He sees a roadmap and a dictionary. And a section of the map is labelled the devil's hill. MICHAEL Quite scary. Hands traces through the map. Benita holds its edges. Both studies it carefully. MICHAEL (CONT'D) How is Esther connected to all of this? BENITA (Whispers) I don't know. The door bell rings. MICHAEL Who's that? Birds cawl outside. BENITA That should be Esther. Micheal wraps up the map. MICHAEL Stay here. I'll go get the door. 19. Floorboards creaking. Footsteps approaching the door. Hinges creaks as door opens. It's Gina. GINA (Smiling) Is this Esther's house? Yes (Nods) MICHAEL GINA She told me to drop this in her house. Camera flashes to the yellow box in Gina's arm with a description "The golden mirror" Micheal looks at it for a bit. BENITA(O.S.) Uncle Mic! Who's that? MICHAEL Just a random old woman.I think. GINA (Frowns) I'm not even up to 65. MICHEAL (Teasing) But you still look old. I mean your bag. That looks creepy. GINA I have your mates at home so I would let it slide. MICHEAL So sorry ma'am. I'm just kidding. GINA Keep it safe for Esther. Backs him to leave. MICHAEL What's your name so I could tell her when she comes? GINA (Pauses for a while) Will that be necessary. 20. Turns to Micheal. GINA (CONT'D) Tell her the museum attendant. Okay. MICHAEL Shuts the door quickly. LIGHT FADES INT.ESTHER'S STORE-NIGHT Indistinct speaking from the streets. Micheal drives in. Esther is seen fitting a dress on her client, BELLA,(39). Micheal pulls over by the corner, waiting inside the car. His music playing. ESTHER (Smiling) Perfect for the pageant. BELLA I feel is too simple. ESTHER Okay, would you like me to add to the front design? Bella swipes some photos on her phone. Gina's 60th birthday outfits. BELLA This was the one that blew the internet just last week. Really? ESTHER BELLA Just take a look. I love the mirror design on the front dress. Esther pauses for a moment. Her mind flashes back to Gina and the mirror. BELLA (CONT'D) That lady is so obsessed with mirror designs. And I love it. Esther is still mute. Her mind racing. 21. Bella notices it and taps her a bit. BELLA (CONT'D) What's happening? ESTHER (Startled) Yes. So sorry. BELLA I guess you're tired. Noted. ESTHER BELLA I was saying I wanted... ESTHER A mirror design. I got you the first time. BELLA Alright. So tell me, what'll you be your first outfit for the pageantry. Micheal waves at Esther from the car. She smiles. ESTHER (Dismissively) Bella we'll talk once I get home. BELLA Oh I see. Your fiancé. ESTHER I'm coming. Esther runs to Micheal hugging him tightly. MICHAEL (Worry) I've been waiting for you all day. ESTHER (Tired) So sorry I got lots of orders on my website. The beauty pageantry. MICHEAL That's true. You told me. 22. ESTHER But I'm done already. And I will be joining you shortly. MICHEAL Alright. I'm waiting. BELLA (O.S.) (Impatient) I see you're having some lovely moments with your sugar boy. Come finish with me. I gotta go. Esther runs back towards Bella, reaching for her hand. ESTHER Okay Bella, just text me when you get home okay. BELLA Fine. I'll. Esther starts packing her things inside her shore. BELLA (CONT'D) One more thing. Please try and visit her IG page. She's got some mad damn designs ideas to pick from. Esther pause, turning back. ESTHER Which Instagram page do you speak about? BELLA Gina's world now! Just search her handle ginaworld_666 Esther shakes a bit, her mind racing. ESTHER (Soliloquy) Underscore 6.6.6 BELLA Bye Esther. Catch you. Esther is mute. Her other hand trails slowly to her pocket as she reaches out for her phone. Opens up Instagram app. Typing... 23. Camera shifts to her phone as she scrolls down her page. She swallows hard. Reaching out for a chair. ESTHER (Exhales,Whispers) Quite creepy and magnificent. MICHEAL(O.S.) Babe can you done. Yes! ESTHER (Regains consciousness) In her pinned story icon was the bag. Esther's eyes are on it, the same creepy bag she left in her shop that contained the mirror. Esther offs her phone, throwing it back into her pocket as she presses her eyes tight before releasing them. LIGHT FADES INT.ESTHER'S APARTMENT-NIGHT Micheal and Esther are seen inside the car. ESTHER I was thinking you could come spend a night. MICHEAL I've been around throughout today. I was thinking we could spend some time but you were too busy throughout. ESTHER I'm sorry babe. I was pretty occupied. MICHEAL Maybe after work tomorrow I would come see you. ESTHER Alright. Drive safe. Both hug. Esther comes out of the car. 24. MICHAEL I want to see you go upstairs before I leave. ESTHER (Chuckles) Okay.. I'm going up already. Esther smiles as Micheal drives off. Camera shifts to Gina who is diagonally opposite them in a old black car at a concealed spot. She's on a black hoodie. Camera shifts to Micheal's car. Focuses on the plate number. GINA (O.S.) She won't know what will hit her. Gina drives off. Esther closes her door. Benita! ESTHER(O.S.) Esther calls out. Dishes shattering in the kitchen. Camera shifts to the kitchen marble floor. ESTHER(V.O.) Benita you gat to be kidding me right now. ESTHER You want to break all the dishes before you clean them up! No response. ESTHER (CONT'D) You better clear them up. I'm exhausted already. Silence. Benita screams from downstairs. Esther opens her window. BENITA(O.S.) (Screaming) Don't let her come inside. She's at the staircase. ESTHER (Confuse) So you weren't the one in the kitchen Esther looks at the hallway. 25. BENITA(V.O.) Don't let her get upstairs!!! ESTHER Enough! Benita come upstairs now! And shut the door. Is freaking late already. BELLA (Screaming) She's at the door! She's at the door!! ESTHER (Frighten) What are you saying. There's nobody here. Esther tiptoe to the kitchen area. The floorboards creaking as suspenseful music build. She opens the staircase door only to be greeted by a GRUESOME MALE FIGURE with sharp claws, and no feets. ESTHER (Screams) Ahhhh!!! (CONT'D) Camera closes and opens up. It's a Nightmare. Esther is panting, sweating profusely. Her eyes flashes to Benita, fast asleep. Then to the clock,4:59. She reaches for her phone. Her left hand is on her forehead. Typing... Please can you drop by first time in the morning? It's urgent. She sends a message to Michael. Silence, she slowly scans the room for the umpteenth time again. Her phone buzz. 5, O clock alarm. She switches it off. Exhales deeply before returning to sleep. INT.ESTHER'S APARTMENT-DAY The sun is shining brightly. The street is buzzing with people. Micheal is on the couch,inches from Esther, who's holding a throw pillow. 26. ESTHER Then immediately I woke up. I realized it was a nightmare. MICHAEL (Exhales deeply) I know a seer who could go see because this is not good at all. ESTHER (Worry) I've just been having a bad feeling ever since. And you know my sister is equally affected. Micheal moves closer to Esther, holding her by the hand. MICHEAL Trust me when I say we're going to get through this. I promise. Both eyes lurk as they hold each other tightly. Micheal raises her chin, stroking her hair softly. A soft knock on the door. They turn to look. Micheal winces at Esther. MICHAEL I'll go get the door. ESTHER (Exhales deeply) Okay. Floorboards creaks as Micheal approaches the door. It's Benita. MICHAEL You're back! Both exchanges hugs. Benita enters in with a bag of fruits. BENITA Why's she all grumpy? Micheal shrugs lightly. Esther's face falls. BENITA (CONT'D) Cheer up big sis.. Hugs her from behind. 27. BENITA (CONT'D) I got you fruits. Unpacks them on the table. Micheal helps with the juicing of the fruits. MICHAEL Babe, try some. Esther takes a little sip. MICHAEL (CONT'D) You like it? She nods silently. MICHEAL Honestly this thing you saw must be really frightening. ESTHER (Swallows hard) More than it. I can't even place my hands on what it looked like. Benita is at the dinning area. BENITA(O.S.) Meanwhile I saw one old pretty woman who claims to be your client. Esther turns frantically. Her mind racing. Who's she? ESTHER BENITA She didn't tell me her name. And I didn't even bother to ask. Like she was acting really weird. Esther turns to Micheal. Thinking. BENITA (CONT'D) She just kept probing about you, asking me some kind of stupid questions. I had to dismiss her immediately. ESTHER I think I know who she picks of. 28. MICHAEL Who could that be? LIGHT FADES INT.GINA'S APARTMENT- DAY Gina is in her room, on a wooden chair. She takes off her earrings, cleans up her makeup, removes her wig. Her scalp; dark and round with no strands of hair. She smiles to her magnificent mirror. Then pulls the chair backwards, taking off her shoes. Her feet is abnormal; just three limbs. She uses a black sock to cover them up. She stares at the antique dictionary. Then laughs, shooting out her fingers to the mirror which automatically gets her claws out. She laughs sinisterly. Phone buzzing GINA Who's that? BELLA(V.O.) Are mine unto ma'am Gina. Silence. GINA Who are you? BELLA Oh my goodness! BELLA (CONT'D) I've been on your page all day. I love your craft. They are stunning GINA How did you get my contact? BELLA From your website. I've you forgotten. GINA Oh! It's skipped my mind. BELLA So where can I see you? Gina pauses for a moment. 29. BELLA (CONT'D) I really want you come see my stylist. She's just a simple girl and I would really love to take you to her so you can show her the exact design template I want. GINA (Dismissively) Sorry that won't be necessary. BELLA I get you don't entertain strangers but.. I just want to connect with. GINA Sorry, but I'm not interested. BELLA You're a fashion freak.And I'm also a fashion enthusiast. So that makes us even. GINA We aren't even. Please I need to go. I was busy when you called. BELLA Hold on! I've been meaning to ask. Gina, waiting.. her patient wearing thin. BELLA (CONT'D) Who makes your designs? Cos from your website I guess you don't sew but your outfits are mind-blowing. GINA You'll appreciate if you don't know. Goodbye. BELLA Wait..Wait.... Gina ends the call. Phone beeps. LIGHT FADES INT.ESTHER'S APARTMENT-NIGHT The croaking of toads, down tempo music plays.. sounds from the sewing machine. The sitting room light is on. Esther and Benita is fast asleep. 30. Indistinct speaking from the sitting room area. Esther wakes up. Steps down from the bed scratching her throat as she approaches the fridge. She hesitates, turning to the sitting room. She halt,the sewing machine stops, her mind racing. ESTHER(O.S.) How many times have I told Benita to stop changing my mannequin outfit. The camera shifts to Benita, still sleeping. Esther's hand is on her forehead. She moves closer, adjusting it back to normal. Then moves back to the fridge to take some water. The light flickers off and on , the glass of water in her hand shatters as she turns to look. Screaming. At the centre table is Samora. She bleeds. You again! ESTHER (CONT'D) She grabs the bottle water and points it to Samora, her feet shaking. Samora is calm, smiling. ESTHER (CONT'D) (Shaking) Don't come close. Esther takes cautious backward steps while pointing to Samora. SAMORA Can we talk... please. Esther swallows hard. Her eyes scanning the room, the exit door is close. ESTHER Not until you still me how you got in here. SAMORA I'm trying to protect what's mine. ESTHER What's yours? 31. SAMORA That is why I want you to listen to me. Esther is silent. Inhales and exhales deeply. Samora moves to the couch and sits down. SAMORA (CONT'D) Take the mirror out of your house. ESTHER (Confuse) What mirror? SAMORA The old witch's mirror. Who's she? ESTHER SAMORA Her name is Gina! Gina? Yes. (Nods) The scroll ESTHER SAMORA SAMORA (CONT'D) ESTHER And what about the scroll. SAMORA Ask Micheal. Samora disappears. And Esther snaps up from her bed. Another nightmare. She's panting heavily. She hurries to the sitting room, nobody is there. She lowers herself to the ground, driving a hand through her hair. LIGHT FADES INT.ESTHER'S APARTMENT-DAY Esther and Benita are sitting in the couch discussing. 32. ESTHER Did anyone come here recently? BENITA I don't get. Are you expecting any visitor. I saw her. ESTHER BENITA You saw who? ESTHER That young little girl. BENITA What did she tell you this time. ESTHER Move away the mirror BENITA What mirror? ESTHER That why I ask, did anyone come here to drop anything in my name? BENITA (Thinking) Yes I think, Micheal said a dispatch rider was here few days ago. ESTHER Yes I ordered some sewing materials. BELLA No. What was in there was a scroll. ESTHER What do you mean? BENITA A scroll was inside and thereafter we got a box from a woman that same day. Esther's eye widens, she snaps up. ESTHER Is she old? 33. BENITA That I can't tell cos it was Micheal who attended to her not me. ESTHER Wait a second. So all these things were going on and no one told me. Esther paces to and fro. Her right hand on her forehead. Shit! ESTHER (CONT'D) BENITA Honestly Sis, I was gonna tell you but it's skipped my mind. ESTHER (Swallows deeply) And you brought the box in and including the scroll. Gosh! She snaps a finger repeatedly. Benita looks innocently. ESTHER (CONT'D) (Inhales and Exhales deeply) I need to call Micheal immediately. BENITA (Softly) Sis, hope everything is fine? ESTHER Benita. Everything is not fine. Benita is confuse. ESTHER (CONT'D) A strange force is after this us and I don't know if I will be able to sleep a night in the house in peace. BENITA What do we do now? ESTHER I'm calling Micheal. I need to talk with him right now! Line ringing 34. ESTHER (CONT'D) You have to come to my apartment now. There's an emergency. MICHAEL(V.O.) What happened? ESTHER We can't talk on phone. Please be here. I'm waiting. Phone beeps. Esther gives her hair a tight ponytail pack. Her feet pacing impatiently. The bell rings. Door opens and closes. Micheal comes in. MICHAEL You sound troubled on phone. What happened? Esther folds and unfolds her arm. ESTHER What can you say about the scroll and where is the box that was brought in here by a woman? Micheal and Benita stares at each other. MICHAEL (Hesitates) The box... Gina brought it here. She said it was for you. ESTHER And the scroll? BENITA I gave it to Micheal. ESTHER (Eyes wide with realization) The scroll,the dictionary...the mirror. Samora told me to take the mirror out. That it belongs to an old witch named Gina! MICHAEL Samora? Who's Samora? Esther turns to face Micheal. 35. ESTHER The scroll, what was on it? MICHAEL A roadmap. Part of it labelled "the devil's hill." Esther's face pales. ESTHER (Whispering) The dictionary...page 666 was torn out. Gina said we needed to find the secret code on that page to return the mirror. Benita and Michael looks confuse. ESTHER (CONT'D) And the page after 666 showed a museum. BENITA (Frighten) What does this all mean, Sis? ESTHER (Pacing frantically) It means we're in danger. Esther's eyeballs is out as she demonstrates with her hand. Benita breath hitch at the sound of danger. Micheal reaches for the couch. ESTHER (CONT'D) Gina isn't trying to help us. As a matter of fact I don't have any relationship whatsoever with her. BENITA I equally met her on the road the other day. Interrogating me as hell. Like! So annoying. ESTHER Gina is part of this! The security guard at the museum also said Gina mustn't find me. Esther snaps up again, demonstrating with her hands. ESTHER (CONT'D) He said the mirror feeds on innocent souls, and Gina... 36. BENITA (Stepping forward) We need to get rid of that mirror quickly! Benita turns to Micheal BENITA (CONT'D) Where's the box? The mirror is in there. MICHAEL On top of your wardrobe. Esther runs frantically, but Micheal grabs her on time. MICHAEL (CONT'D) Don't worry babe. I'll go get it. Micheal snaps up from the couch as he runs to the spot where he left it the other time. On the top of Esther's wardrobe. Here. MICHEAL He drops it on the table. Esther is on the couch with the scroll. ESTHER This's really creepy. She stares at the scroll. Surveying the map. MICHAEL (Flames up angrily) Get into the car. We're going there immediately. I need to put an end to this shit. Alright. ESTHER MICHEAL Benita are you coming with us? BENITA Yes I will. Micheal draws closer to Esther, pulling her softly to himself. 37. MICHAEL Babe,your eyes are puffy. You keep calling me during late hours at night. I think you need a break. ESTHER Honestly Micheal alot it's been happening and I'm so disappointed for not even letting you know. It's fine. MICHAEL BENITA(O.S.) (From the door) We gat to go! No time. Esther and Micheal jolts back to reality, facing benita. MICHAEL I've petrol. Get the scroll and the box we're leaving asap! Micheal touches Esther's stomach. Caressing it softly before exhaling out. Esther's hand on his then a brief smile. LIGHT FADES EXT.ROADSIDE-NIGHT (EVENING) Esther and Benita is in Micheal's car. The demonic mirror, still in it's golden box, at the back seat. Micheal is driving. The map scroll is on the dashboard. MICHAEL This devil's hill is deep in the outskirts. It's an old, abandoned quarry. ESTHER (Nervous) Are you sure this is the right way? The map feels.... ominous. BENITA (Eyes wide, looking out the window) I see her! The little girl! She's running beside the car. Esther turns, but sees nothing. 38. ESTHER Benita, there's nothing there. It's just your imagination. BENITA No! She's there, holding a doll! And she's pointing! MICHAEL Benita there's nobody there... Suddenly, the car swerves violently. A loud, demonic GROWL echoes. The car slams into a ditch. Screams, coughing, blood tricking from Micheal's head. Micheal's feet is stuck. Struggling. MICHAEL (CONT'D) Esther....run! Take benita and the mirror! Esther and Benita manages to come out from the backseat. A dark , shadowy figure with sharp claws emerges from the surrounding darkness, towering over the car. ESTHER (Screaming) Micheal!No!!! The figure grabs Micheal. His screams are cut short. ESTHER (CONT'D) (Hysterical, pulling Benita) RUN, BENITA! RUN! They scramble out from the car area. Esther grabs the golden box containing the mirror. Benita is sobbing, pointing. The scroll is in her armpit. BENITA (Crying) It was Samora! She was pointing at him! Esther hugs her sister, tears trickling down her spine. Esther looks back at the car. The shadowy figure begins to dissipate, and for a fleeting moment, a glimpse of SAMORA, headless and ethereal, stands over Micheal's body, her hands stain with blood. LIGHT FADES 39. INT.GINA'S APARTMENT- NIGHT Gina is sitting in her room. A sinister smile on her face. Her bald scalp and three-limbed foot are visible. She holds a small, ancient-looking locket. She stares into the magnificent mirror. GINA (To her reflection, a chilling laugh) The fool. He never understood. The mirror...a gift. A curse. And a promise. She opens the locket, revealing a faded etching of a family tree. One branch shows her name, branching off to Esther's lineage. Another branch, older and more gnarled, leads to an ancient symbol. FLASHBACK.... NARRATOR BEGINS(V.O) Generations ago, our ancestors, a powerful witch, made a pact. A bargain with a demon for unimaginable power. But there was a price. A terrible price. The demon demanded a sacrifice from each generation, offered through a cursed object: this mirror. Camera reveals the mirror. The locket still open. Imagery: A young witch similar to Gina is on screen, performing a dark ritual, holding same mirror. A monstrous, shadowy figure emerges from it, consuming a wailing figure. NARRATOR continues. Each first born female in our line was destined to wield the mirror, and to make the sacrifice. But Gina's mother , CASSANDRA, she found a loophole. A way to defer the curse, to pass it on. But the demon, it was clever. It made sure that whoever looked into the mirror, if not of our direct lineage, would become ensnared, chosen as the next sacrifice. FLASHBACK TO GINA'S CHILDHOOD Narrator continues: A young Gina, terrified, watches her mother pass her the mirror, whispering cryptic words about the "secret code" in the antique dictionary. GINA(V.O.) I managed to hold off the demon for sixty years. And no matter what I did the mirror came returning back. 40. She sobs. GINA(V.O.) (CONT'D) This is sixty years of searching for the true secret, the way to break the curse entirely. But my time is running out. And then, Esther. A direct descendant, A perfect vessel for the demon's hunger. She closes the locket, her smile widening. GINA (To her reflection) And now, with Micheal gone, Esther will be truly alone. Her fear will make her powerful, and her bloodline will complete the cycle. The baby. Camera frantically flashes Gina's tummy and cuts it. She's pregnant. Gina's eyes gleam with a mixture of madness and desperate hope. Sinister laughter.... LIGHT FADES EXT.FOREST ROAD-DAY(MORNING) Esther and Benita are lying under a tree. The camera zooms from the top to the trunk of the tree. It's tall. The sun is up. Esther wakes up Benita. Their clothes stained. The scroll is beneath Benita's head and the box is close range with Esther. ESTHER We got to go. Benita stretches, yawning. Looks around for a bit. Surprise. BENITA What happened? Where's Micheal. ESTHER (Points slowly to the forest) There... We lost him. 41. Esther's tears gushes out uncontrollably. BELLA (Speechless) Benita buries her head to her laps as she cries bitterly. Melancholic music playing.. Both hugs each other, still crying. ESTHER He didn't even get to see his baby. Esther presses her lips, the tears rolling freely. She swallows hard, her left hand on her tummy. BENITA (Sobs) Is all my fault. ESTHER No don't say that. We're in this together. She nods to Benita. BENITA Are you sure? ESTHER Trust me, we are. She kisses Benita on her forehead then exhales deeply. BENITA How do we go from here? ESTHER Do you still have the scroll? Yes I do. BENITA Benita reaches for it. Esther spreads it out, tracing with her fingers. Calculating, thinking... BENITA (CONT'D) Sis, look! We're in the forest already. ESTHER Yes, but we need to find the devil's hill. 42. Benita draws closer. ESTHER (CONT'D) And from the look of things. Is down there, so many miles away! BENITA Are you sure? ESTHER This is what is stated in the map Stalling, something is approaching. Suspenseful music builds.... BENITA Do you hear that? ESTHER Yes. Roll the scroll and make sure it's safe while I safeguard the mirror. Benita nods. They shift to a hideout, watching closer. Someone taps Esther from behind. Samora. Screams.... LIGHT FADES EXT.FOREST ROAD-DAY(CONTINUOUS) SAMORA Be careful. This place is dangerous. ESTHER You told me to return the mirror and that's exactly what I'm doing. SAMORA You need to thread with caution. Esther and Benita stares at each other suspiciously. BENITA Why should we listen to you. You brought us here to kill us right? Esther is calm. Watching closely. 43. BENITA (CONT'D) Just the way you called the father of my sister's unborn baby. Benita sobs. BENITA (CONT'D) You're evil! And you should stop appearing to me and my sister. We don't trust you or anybody. SAMORA Esther listen to me. I can help. BENITA Don't you have anything busy doing in the spirit world. Please we don't need your help. SAMORA Do you have page 666? Benita stares at Esther. Both confuse. SAMORA (CONT'D) In the antique dictionary. Esther blinks. She remembers it. ESTHER (Nods) No we don't! Silence. SAMORA Go get it first. Esther swallows hard, a lump in her throat. SAMORA (CONT'D) Crossing to the devil's hill requires some materials. And the page 666 in the antique dictionary is definitely one of them. BENITA And why are you helping us? SAMORA With time you will get to know. Benita stares at Esther then back to Samora. 44. ESTHER Benita, I think she has a point. Samora disappears. Both shifts backwards. LIGHT FADES INT.MUSEUM BASEMENT-DAY Gina's car packs at the entrance of the museum. He goes in, Bella following her from behind. BELLA(O.S.) Is this where she gets her ideas from? The museum... She watches Gina then presses her lips. Thinking. BELLA (CONT'D) I'll wait for her. Camera shifts to the basement area. A knock on the cave door. SECURITY GUARD(O.S.) Who's that? GINA It's me, Gina! Silence. Door opens. SECURITY GUARD We need to talk. GINA As we speak they are already heading to the devil's hill. Security guard looks innocently. Conflicted. GINA (CONT'D) Come with me. He follows her briefly. They got to the back of the basement inner hallway. Then Gina halt. GINA (CONT'D) This is what you get for being a fool. She pulls the trigger. Gunshots. Blood shatters. Bella's mouth wide open at the sound of a gunshot. 45. BELLA Was what that? She swallows hard. Gina power walks out of the museum into her car. She notices the car behind her, it's Bella's car. She halt then proceeds to the driver. A knock on the glass. Bella swines down. GINA Are mine missing something? BELLA (Soliloquy) She looks old in person than in photos. Hmm.. GINA Are you okay? BELLA (Smiles) Yeah. I'm very much Ok. I was thinking if we could talk in my car. Gina grits her teeth but it falters immediately, preventing bella from noticing. GINA You want us to talk? Yeah I do. BELLA GINA Alright, hurry up. BELLA (Smiling) Get into the car. Gina grabs her by the neck. Strangling her almost. GINA Who sent you? Who sent you? BELLA (Shaking) No body.No..body Struggling to break free, Choking. Coughing. 46. GINA What the hell you want from me? Still strangling Bella. GINA (CONT'D) Why are you following me! With red eyes, anger fuming. Bella is struggling. Choking. GINA (CONT'D) You're coming with me! Bella struggles to speak. Gina is suppressing. LIGHT FADES AND OPENS IN GINA'S APARTMENT. INT.GINA'S APARTMENT- DAY Bella is tie to a chair, she's voiceless, kicking and struggling. GINA (Sinister laughter) This is what happens when you can't mind your gat damn business. BELLA (Pleading, voiceless) GINA Don't you dare beg me. I hate that! She brings out her wineglass. Then a gun on the table. Bella's breath hitch. GINA (CONT'D) You know what I'm gonna do now? Bella nods, shaking. GINA (CONT'D) Look there. She points to the mirror room. GINA (CONT'D) That the secret. The mirror. Bella is confuse. Sobbing. 47. GINA (CONT'D) You've always wanted to know. You keep stalking me, all the gat damn time. Like a fucking leech. She dresses Bella's hair softly, caressing the neck with the gun. Bella is scared. Sweating profusely, breath in short gasps. GINA (CONT'D) (Smiling mischievously) You know what? I ... Bella's phone is ringing.. Gina turns to the sound. GINA (CONT'D) Who the hell is calling you? Gina switches the phone off. Bella shaking uncontrollably. GINA (CONT'D) You sound bold on phone. Why are you shaking like a weakling. No response from Bella, her mouth is covered. GINA (CONT'D) You know what baby girl. I'm not gonna kill you but you have to first of all prove yourself. She lowers herself to Bella's height, the gun in her hand. GINA (CONT'D) Don't forget. One wrong move. And I will pull the gat damn trigger on your fucking head! Bella is shaking... Gina backs her as she walks slowly to her mirror. GINA (CONT'D) You seek to know more about my craft. Interesting. I just pray you can withstand what you see next. Sinister laughter. Gina drops the gun, then uncover Bella's mouth before she removing her wigs and shoes. 48. Bella screams... Gina's laughter echoing LIGHT FADES EXT.FOREST ROAD-DAY ESTHER We need to find somewhere to rest. BENITA Yes Sis, I'm tired. ESTHER Here. I saved some water in my bag. Hands it to Benita BENITA Thanks Sis. Drinking. ESTHER How do we get page 666? BENITA Sis, don't you think we should go home and get a seer to come with us. ESTHER Benita. Our house is hunted. At first I thought you were hallucinating but it's real. Benita sobs, exhaling softly. ESTHER (CONT'D) We can't go back there with this box. Camera flashes to the box and back to their faces. BENITA What if what we're chasing isn't even the real solution. ESTHER What are you insinuating? 49. BENITA We need to track this from the root. ESTHER You're right. But we need to first get the missing page of the antique dictionary. BENITA Even the scroll is something to question about. ESTHER What do you mean? BENITA You said you never sent a dispatch rider, then who sent this scroll to us. ESTHER Honestly. It's all your fault!Right now, I've lost a huge part of me and I will forever blame you for it! BENITA I don't understand. ESTHER (Yelling) We were going to the devil's hill together. And all of a sudden, you started shouting and dividing Micheal's attention. ESTHER (CONT'D) You killed him! Esther sobs, tears rolling down her cheeks. Benita is speechless. She tries to say something. ESTHER (CONT'D) Don't you dare say a word. Don't say anything. How can I drag Micheal to the mess. Esther's tears thickens. ESTHER (CONT'D) You know I'm carrying his child. And this... 50. Both sobs. Benita turns back slowly, a lump in her throat. ESTHER (CONT'D) And where the hell are you going to? BENITA I'm going to fix things. Stay with the baby. ESTHER Don't you dare leave my sight. Tears. Emotions. Tension. Melancholic music playing.. Samora appears. SAMORA Nothing will change if you guys don't agree. Both are startled. SAMORA (CONT'D) Get up and keep going. Gina is sending something. Put yourselves together and don't get distracted. Samora disappears... melancholic music playing LIGHT FADES AND OPENS IN GINA'S APARTMENT. GINA Now you've seen me and what I look like. You owe me something. Gina smiles sinisterly. BELLA (Frighten) What's that? GINA More souls. How? BELLA (Confuse) GINA We're running out of numbers. 51. GINA (CONT'D) And I feel you can help. LIGHT FADES EXT.CEMENTRY- DAY Melancholic music playing. Micheal's funeral. Benita hugs Esther tightly. Tears rolling down their eyes. Everyone is on white, as families give their last respect. THE PRIEST It's unfortunate we lost our brother. Camera shifts to Micheal's casket, decorated with flowers and office artifacts. Then to Esther, sobbing. Her eyes puffy. THE PRIEST (CONT'D) And to the diseased we are deeply sorry for the loss. And we're ready to support. Camera shifts to the people.Gina struggles through the crowd,in her white veil. She steps on a random person. RANDOM PERSON Watch where you're freaky going! Gina ignores, making her way to the front. She's diagonally opposite Esther. THE PRIEST Let's hear from Esther. Esther waves off a hand, dismissively as she buries herself in Benita's arms sobbing. Her other hand caressing her tummy. Her baby. BENITA It's fine Sis. We'll get through this. This is what you've always told me. ESTHER (Nods) I'll never forgive myself Benita. 52. BENITA No don't say that ESTHER (Lifts her head) Just when we were expecting a baby together. This happened. THE PRIEST (Dismissively) Okay.You may now proceed with whatever you brought for the diseased. Everyone is dropping an item or two as a gift to express their condolence. Gina sneakingly drops something wrapped in a present box and disappears. Down tempo music playing, indistinct speaking as every one start returning home. LIGHT FADES INT.ESTHER'S APARTMENT-DAY Esther is sewing but stops halfway, staring into her Micheal's picture, memories flashing in. Benita is behind her. BENITA Sis, you need to cheer up. It's unfortunate we get to pay for nothing we knew nothing about. Esther sobs.. ESTHER (Draws near to Benita) Look here Sis, I love you. And nothing will change that. Camera flashes to Benita's face. The nod on her face and the tears. ESTHER (CONT'D) Promise me you will be here for baby junior. BENITA Big Sis, you've all I got. I'll be here for you both. 53. Benita and Esther hugs even tighter. BENITA (CONT'D) (In reminder) We need to sleep. Remember I can't leave you in the sitting room. Esther nods in confirmation. ESTHER Please first thing tomorrow morning we are going to the museum. Why? BENITA ESTHER For 666. The page BENITA Hahh.... Must we go tomorrow, let's wait. We just lost someone. Not just someone, your husband. Esther racks her hand around her head, exhaustion. ESTHER Benita. More lives will still be taken. Can't you see it! BENITA We are bereaved. We need time to mourn Micheal. ESTHER Yes we do hundred percent, but.... Moves closer to Benita, hands on hsr chin. Eyes redly staring into hers. ESTHER (CONT'D) We've got an exigent need on ground. I don't want anything to happen to my baby. BELLA Alright Sis. As usual. You need a bowl of fruits before bed. Benita hands Esther a bowl of fruits. 54. Thanks. ESTHER LIGHT FADES INT.ESTHER'S APARTMENT-NIGHT Esther and Benita are sleeping, holding each other tightly with bedsheets covered from toes up to their head. Flashes. Mirror clones.. Shadows. Spirit. Dark room. Light flickers from a dark hole. A beam of light on Esther's forehead. She screams... But no room for escape. Mirror whispers death to her ears. Camera flashes to her stomach regularly as she screams her balls out. Her hand on her head. Suspenseful music builds... Light dims off. Total darkness. Samora is holding Micheal's head in her hand. Esther screams. Samora is coming closer. Esther is frightened. Then immediately the devil comes in front of her face with primal force and she jumps up from the bed. Screaming and panting. Benita grabs her tightly. It's a nightmare. BENITA Was what that? Esther is pointing towards the dark sitting room. Her hands vibrating. ESTHER (Frighten) I saw her...She was not alone. Esther swallows hard then continues. ESTHER (CONT'D) She was with my Michael What! How? BENITA ESTHER I don't know. Hmm!.. BENITA 55. Holds Benita's arm tightly. Her eyes into hers ESTHER We're going to the museum by morning. LIGHT FADES INT.MUSEUM BASEMENT- DAY(EVENING) A front view of the museum. Esther and Benita walks in. Scanning the environment. A chill slithers down their spine. Air thickening. Entering the basement. Wait. ESTHER Swallows hard. Conflicted. ESTHER (CONT'D) (Exhales deeply) I've got a bad feeling. BENITA What's that? Looks at the inner entrance then turn to Benita ESTHER Something it's awful. Scanning. BENITA You do come here regularly right? Scanning ESTHER(O.S.) Not really. BENITA Sis, talk to me. What's happening? ESTHER I just remembered Gina. BENITA How about her? ESTHER Our last experience here wasn't funny. 56. How? BENITA ESTHER I'm certain, she comes here very often. BENITA (Naive) Of course. Everyone comes to the museum ESTHER Not this one. This particular museum has alot of secrets. They walk cautiously while speaking. They get into a room cave. Wind howls on the window, mourning, dragging invisible nails along the shutters. Shadows in the corners like cobwebs. BENITA One will never know a place like this exit. ESTHER The cave is hidden. No one knows. Silence. Down tempo music playing. Both pauses. Their candlelight flickering on. BENITA Sis, wait. I think you stepped on something ESTHER What's that? Benita points her light. BENITA It's a dead man Both screams. The air thickening. Suspenseful music builds... Footsteps receding through the cave exit door. Running... Shouting. They halt halfway, breathing fast. ESTHER Did you get to see his face? 57. BENITA No I didn't. Esther's memory flashes back to Gina's word. "The mirror takes souls." A quickening. ESTHER We need to leave here! BENITA How about the page 666? ESTHER We can come for it later. Let's go! Thunder rumbling,gloomy darkness. Dark room. Indistinct background chatters. BENITA Are you sure? Pauses.. tension brewing ESTHER That guy over there, is the security guard. Gina killed him! Sobs.. How ? BENITA ESTHER I haven't seen him around. It's unusual. BENITA (Curious) What could be his connection with Gina? ESTHER Gina is trying to get rid of anything or anyone she sees as a threat to her game plan. BENITA Okay. So, let's get things straight. You've met the security guard before? 58. Yes. ESTHER ESTHER (CONT'D) He was the one who gave me subtle hints about Gina. BENITA Gina is a distraction! ESTHER (Nods in confirmation) Check the scroll. It's should say something. Bianca spreads the scroll, her finger trailing through. BENITA It says inside the museum,look for Cassandra's journal. ESTHER (Confuse) Cassandra's journal... BENITA Who is Cassandra? LIGHT FADES AND OPENS IN GINA'S APARTMENT. INT.GINA'S APARTMENT- NIGHT Gina is scrolling through her I.G. She sees something. Smacks her phone vehemently. GINA Bull shit! They are reporting my page. Hell no! She kicks a chair, taking huge gulps from the wine glass. Breathing in ruggard gasps. Snarling. Scanning. GINA (CONT'D) Where's that Benita? Benita struggles from the corner she was kept. GINA (CONT'D) (Sinisterly) Oh! That's you. I honestly thought you were dead or something. Looks deep into her eyes. Benita is shaking. 59. GINA (CONT'D) Are you ready to provide more souls? I've got a target to hit. BELLA (Nods in fear) Yes..Yes. GINA (Nods in appraisal) Very good! Bella breathing is restless. Curiously scanning. GINA (CONT'D) Look there! She strikes a warn on the wall. GINA (CONT'D) That's the reflection of who I am. Bella looks into it, screaming. The clock is ticking. Suspenseful music playing. The image shows her 95 years old self, an ugly looking witch. GINA (CONT'D) Yeah. I look horrible. But... Brief silence.. GINA (CONT'D) But you see that clock. That's the time I've left. Camera shifts to the bleeding clock. It renews her age and time as long as the mirror keeps her young. GINA (CONT'D) It's fading.... And no I'm done yet. I can't die now! No! Hell no! Dramatic.. she's going mad. Laughs sinisterly. Bella struggles to speak, her legs shaking vigorously. GINA (CONT'D) You wanna say something? Bella nods. BELLA Why do you need these souls? 60. GINA Hmm.. that's a good question. She sips her wine. Nodding with a mischievous smile. GINA (CONT'D) I need the souls to replace me. I can't die. She snaps. BELLA (Calmly) But why? GINA Growing up, I've always experienced Isolation and Rejection. Tension heightens, Melancholic music playing... GINA (CONT'D) I want more! I want to feel loved. I want more for myself. I haven't experienced the love part of life. I have to stay alive to get that done! You get me! BELLA (Nods shakingly) Yea..h Ye.ah..h Good! GINA Draws closer to her. Grabbing her by the ear. GINA (CONT'D) If I dare hear this anywhere I'll kill you. BELLA (Terrify) Yeahhh.. GINA Now on my bucket list. Camera flashes to the bucket list on the wall. Invisible nails, bloodstains surrounding its edges. Like a work of art in the devil's workshop. 61. GINA (CONT'D) Esther is pregnant! She has a seed from another bloodline. This makes her baby our next target. Laughs sinisterly... Benita is restless, her heart racing, thick sweats trickling down her spine. GINA (CONT'D) She's on her way to the devil's hill but... Laughs... GINA (CONT'D) She can't get there without the page. Gina frees Bella's lips so she can speak. Coughing. Choking.. Silence. BELLA So how do we get the page? GINA I knew you were so smart! Good question. Hold on a sec. She sips her wine again. Smiling mischievously. GINA (CONT'D) History has it that my mom has page 666 attached to her journal. Stares at her mom's photo on the wall. Old and dusty. GINA (CONT'D) But she just didn't tell where she dropped it. Walks back and forth a little then continues... GINA (CONT'D) Some say it's buried in her grave, the others tell me she forgot it in the museum. BELLA So which is true? GINA (Laughing) You really want me to tell you. (MORE) 62. GINA (CONT'D) Huh! So you could go out there and save the day. There's no secret without consequences. GINA (CONT'D) And if you dare betray me. Your death will be slow and painful. Bella's breath hitch. Her stomach twisting. Words like daggers. Strong like a putrid odour. BELLA You can count on me. GINA Not after you get me the baby. BELLA But I can't go out in here. Moment silence. GINA I still don't trust you. You'll have to prove yourself. Walks into her innermost chamber room. Brings out a knife. GINA (CONT'D) I need your blood. Take. BELLA (Shaking, frighten) What are mine suppose to do with this? GINA Give yourself a cut and fill up this cup with it. Hands over a little cup. Bella reaches out for it, her fingers trembling. Bella is staring at the knife. Hesitantly. GINA (CONT'D) With that, if you betray me, your entire bloodline goes in for it! Ah! BELLA (Her breath hitch) 63. The wind howls outside. Suspenseful music builds.. LIGHT FADES INT.MUSEUM BASEMENT-NIGHT ESTHER We have to keep searching for it. We can't go back to the house. BENITA It's late Sis, it's unsafe out here. ESTHER Is not safe at home either. Hmm! BENITA ESTHER If the scroll says it's here. Then it's definitely somewhere in here. Let's just keep searching. BENITA Honestly Sis, I'm beginning to wonder why Gina would send a dispatch rider to send a scroll to us and at the end of the day is all for evil. Searching... BENITA (CONT'D) Hell no! I'm so confused right now. ESTHER She wasn't the one who came in person that day? BENITA No she wasn't, it was a dispatch rider. ESTHER How? I thought that was for the box containing the mirror. BENITA I'm beginning to doubt everything. 64. How? ESTHER BENITA What if she's actually leading us to our death! ESTHER No... Samora would have told us. BENITA You really trust her... You're so gullible! Esther slaps Benita. ESTHER Don't you dare refer to me as gullible. Benita holds her cheek, her veins throbbing. ESTHER (CONT'D) Everything I do, I do for the family. And you stand there to call me gullible. Benita is mute. Melancholic music playing... ESTHER (CONT'D) I'm trying to set us free so my unborn child doesn't go through this mess. I want to put an end to this! You should be supportive. Benita lowers to the ground level supporting herself with a wall. She sees something. BENITA Here. I found something. Esther dries off the tiny tear in her eyes. BENITA (CONT'D) It's a ledger with the name Cassandra. She raises it up. ESTHER Wow! That must be it. Benita nods. 65. ESTHER (CONT'D) Let's get going. BENITA Wait. We have to check if page 666 is there. Both seats on the ground,Benita unwraps it, smoke blowing off. Benita is dusting the ledger. Coughing, choking... Bella opens the first page.. bloodstains throughout. The second page: "incase you find this,look for my journal, it's so precious to me." BELLA What does this mean? ESTHER Shit! That's not the journal. BENITA Do you need this isn't the journal? ESTHER That were probably her last words. Bella's eyes trails to the bottom of the ledger. "CASSANDRA DAVIS" written in bold prints. BENITA What did you say Dad's Mother's last name was? Davis. ESTHER ESTHER (CONT'D) What about that? Look here. BENITA She points to the name on the ledger. ESTHER Let me see. Flipping through for more confirmation. ESTHER (CONT'D) Hell no! Cassandra is our late father's immediate elder sister. 66. Jesus! What! BENITA BENITA (CONT'D) Shattering of glasses from distance. Footsteps approaching. Gina is in the museum. GINA I bet this shit is here. She walks in. Ready to search. Esther and Benita quickly take covers. Panting and sweating. GINA (CONT'D) I smell somebody. She switches her torchlight, pointing at different corners. Her eyes shifting to the ledger at the centre of the floor. Pauses, lowers herself to check through. GINA (CONT'D) (Curious) What's my mom's Ledger doing here? She snaps off the ground, pointing her gun, scanning and scrutinizing. GINA (CONT'D) Show yourself! Or I blow your fucking skull. She's going round in circles, searching. Floorboards groaning, her torchlight flickering off and on. Exposing all hideouts. ESTHER (Whispering) Stay calm. We must get the journal. BENITA At least we have a clue of where to find it. ESTHER Where is that? See. BENITA Esther turns to look. 67. BENITA (CONT'D) The third page. The graveyard Bella reveals page 3 waving the torn out page. ESTHER Wow? You're do smart. BENITA I quickly tore it out the moment I heard footsteps. ESTHER How do we get to the graveyard? Both holds their bags firmly. Packing all vitals safely in. Our scroll BENITA ESTHER How about it? BENITA First of, we go the graveyard and search for Cassandra's grave. ESTHER But is Cassandra my aunt? Hell no! BENITA ESTHER There's a mixup somewhere. BENITA We have to leave. Gina mustn't find us. Suspenseful music builds... Footsteps receding the hallway. Running. Hiding. LIGHT FADES AND OPENS IN GINA'S APARTMENT. INT.GINA'S APARTMENT- NIGHT Bella is struggling to escape. Gina is out to the museum. She's alone. 68. BELLA (Whispering) I need to get out of here. And save my friend. Struggling, kicking, untying herself. BELLA (CONT'D) The innocent baby must not die. Her eyes are on the clock, the aura is scary. Suspenseful music playing.. time is not on her side. She reaches out for the door handle. It's lock. Pull and pull. No way. She bangs the door. No response. She breaks a window. The height is scary. Holds some windows as she comes down. Supporting herself to pillars and frames. She reaches the ground. Panting. Looks sideways. Nobody. Secluded. Her mind flashes back to Gina's word. It's either in the graveyard or in the museum. BELLA (CONT'D) (Soliloquising) No. She's at the museum. I'll go check the graveyard. She mustn't find the journal. Her footsteps echoing through the road. Running and angrily looking. But what she never know is Gina has her blood in her custody. LIGHT FADES EXT. GRAVEYARD-NIGHT Esther and Benita are in front of the graveyard. Quiet, eerie and dark. lifeless souls arranged in rows and columns. They hold both hands. Esther is five months pregnant. Cacophonic sounds of people long death and buried echoing. Each step, louder than the last. Chills slithers their spine. Dreadful. Innocent spirit pacing to and fro. Esther and Benita are with their hearts in their mouths. ESTHER How do we know Cassandra's grave? BENITA Let's keep at eye on their name tags. 69. ESTHER (Tiring) This place is so magnificent. I pray we get to it on time. BENITA We're out of petrol. You've a flashlight? ESTHER Yeah I do. Check my backpack. Benita unzips Esther's backpack, bringing out the torchlight. Someone is knocking on the gate. ESTHER (CONT'D) You hear that? Yeah I do. BENITA ESTHER (Frighten) Oh my goodness! Gina is here. BENITA We're not backing out! ESTHER I hear footsteps. Let's get cover. Both hides at the back of an oak tree. Watching closely. Silence, suspenseful dreadful music playing... Bella opens the gate, walks in softly, her eyes scanning carefully. BENITA Who's that? ESTHER It's not Gina. I think it's someone else. BENITA (Exhales deeply) Do you know the face? ESTHER Wait. Let her get closer. Bella is walking cautiously, searching. She's close now. 70. BENITA What of if she's a spy from Gina. ESTHER I know her. That's Bella. BENITA You can't trust everyone. ESTHER I know her. Bella, she always patronise me. Brief silence. ESTHER (CONT'D) And what on earth. Is she doing in a graveyard? BENITA Hmm! Quite strange. ESTHER Let's go talk to her. Why? BENITA ESTHER Bella is a fashion freak, she wouldn't be out here if something isn't wrong. BENITA How sure are you, she isn't a bait to lure us out? ESTHER I have a feeling she's in trouble. Trust me. She's totally harmless. Hmm. Alright. BENITA BENITA (CONT'D) BENITA (CONT'D) We can't go together. You have to go first should incase of anything. I can help out. Alright. ESTHER 71. BENITA Be safe, Sis. Esther comes out from her hiding place and proceed to Bella. Benita watching from behind. ESTHER (Calling) Bella BELLA (Startling, breathing fast) Esther.. what are you doing here Scanning for any trace of Gina. BELLA (CONT'D) (Panting) ESTHER (Almost in tears) We are hunted! BELLA Thanks goodness! You're here. We need to leave here as soon as possible Gina is set to get your baby. Benita comes out from her hiding, staring closely at Bella. Bella flashes a brief smile at her, Benita presses a forced smile. BENITA How sure are you about this? And why should we trust you. Bella swallows hard, hsr breathing unable. Too restless. Her mind racing. BELLA Your sister here is my very good friend and I won't lead her astray. Esther winces at Benita to loosen up. ESTHER But we can't leave without the journal BELLA (Surprise) What a coincidence. 72. Benita and Esther stares at each other, a little confuse. BELLA (CONT'D) You're equally here for the journal Both nods. BENITA Yes we are! BENITA (CONT'D) I thought you said we could trust you. Why are you now in search of the journal. Bella is silent. Esther winces at Benita but she ignores. BENITA (CONT'D) Tell me! Are you working for Gina? ESTHER Easy Benita. She clearly wants to help. BENITA Gina sent you to stop us or probably waste our time so she comes here and pick us up. Never! BELLA (Calm tone) Far from that. Both sisters stares at each other. Then? BENITA BELLA (Cuts in) My life is on the line. I pledged her loyalty. But even if I die,her baby deserves a chance. Benita obstructs Esther's tummy as a protective mechanism, staring deep into Bella's eyes. BELLA (CONT'D) If you don't believe me it's fine. ESTHER Can we just stop. There's no time on our side. 73. BENITA I'm not doing anything with her. ESTHER (Exhausting) Let's get over with this BELLA I can help. Silence. BELLA (CONT'D) I know what Gina's mother's grave looks like. I saw a picture of it in her house. Silence, both sisters staring closely. BELLA (CONT'D) We just need to find her journal and get page 666 therein so we can all proceed to the devil's hill. Both sisters are astonish. ESTHER How come you knew all these? BELLA Gina is evil! She killed the museum security guard. Esther's breath hitch, shock. Silence. BELLA (CONT'D) I saw it! She will get rid of me the moment she finds out! Esther's breathing is rapid. Bella is No wonder. beginning to settle. ESTHER BENITA The dead man you stepped on. The realisation hit them. Shock. BELLA Come with me. Bella backs them. Esther and Benita following from behind with their focus intact. 74. Bella halts in front of Cassandra's grave. BELLA (CONT'D) That's her name written there. Cassandra Davis. BENITA (Smiles) We need to get it out. Bella pushes the tomb out, ancient and dusty. Jewelleries and artifacts laced at the edges of her grave, with the journal resting at the inner corner of the grave. Benita sights it first. And quickly grabs it. Wow! ESTHER (Flashes a huge smile) Benita flips it open, page 666 attached to it right at the middle page. ESTHER (CONT'D) (Smiling) That's the page. BENITA We need to leave here right now! Bella is mute, her smile neutral. They turn to go. BELLA Not so fast. Bella points a gun at them. CUT TO: EXT.ROADSIDE-NIGHT Gina is driving home angry. No trace of her mother's journal at the museum. She's heading to the graveyard. Speeding. Restless, Reckless. GINA I'll need to go pick some up that desperate bitch at home. She retracts to the road to her house to go pick up Bella. She packs outside, door closes. Few steps in. Everywhere is porous, runs upstairs. Shock. Shouting. 75. GINA (CONT'D) I'll so kill Bella. She's gone. No! No!! No !!! She's going mad, breaking things. GINA (CONT'D) She can't be gone too far. I must get her! Goes into her inner room,grabs her gun and storms out of the place. Cocking the gun slightly before zooming off. Anger burning. Reckless driving. CUT TO: BENITA (Whispering angrilly) I told you we can't trust her! ESTHER (Shock) Bella what are you doing? BELLA (Frowning) What does it look like? BELLA (CONT'D) Kill me first! But let my sister and her baby go! ESTHER (Shaking in fear) Please .. Esther in tears. BELLA Just shut up! Gina will be here anytime from now. Silence, Bella looks at them sinisterly then proceeds. BELLA (CONT'D) I'm only carrying orders. BENITA Hmm! So you are a snake! BELLA (Smiles mockingly) No dear, a cobra would do. 76. BENITA We shouldn't have trusted you in the first place! BELLA (Smiling) Guess I played my card well. BENITA But you don't have the journal. I do. She reveals it. BENITA (CONT'D) Drop the gun and come get it. BELLA (Frowns angrilly) Give it to me. BENITA No I won't! ESTHER (In tears) Just give it to her please... BENITA I can't Sis, we are hunted! We need to put an end to this nonsense! GINA(O.S.) There won't be any need for that! A gun shot from a distance. Gina kills Bella from the back. She drops to the floor, blood oozing. Sis run! BENITA Esther runs to the back immediately. ESTHER What about you Sis? BENITA Secure the baby I'll take care of myself. ESTHER (Crying, shouting) Come with me Sis, Gina is deadly! You can't fight her. 77. Almost in tears. Gina is approaching. Her gun stretch out, ready to shoot. Benita quickly retract her footsteps as she follows Esther. Both are running.. GINA I hear sounds. Here's supposed to be a graveyard. Eyes flashing around. GINA (CONT'D) Who was she talking to? Stares at lifeless Bella. GINA (CONT'D) You think you can escape me? Another gunshot on Bella's forehead. GINA (CONT'D) This is for the stress! Kicks her out, points her gun. Searching, scanning, ready to kill. Footsteps receding through the hallway. Darkness towering over. LIGHT FADES EXT.FOREST ROAD-DAY(MORNING) Esther and Benita are heading to the devil's hil. Gina resumes her search. She starts from Esther's shop, then to her house,but found no one. Samora appears on the forest road. SAMORA I'm coming with you. Why? BENITA SAMORA You will have to read that page at the devil's hill. And you will need my help. ESTHER Allow her. She's been on our side all along. 78. BENITA The same thing you said with Bella that almost got us killed. ESTHER Please let's not start again. I'm already exhausted from last night. It's fine. SAMORA ESTHER But please, who are you? Silence. ESTHER (CONT'D) You haven't told us anything about you. But you choose to help us. SAMORA We are cousins. Cassandra Davis. Davis .. Both are shock. Melancholic music playing. How? BENITA SAMORA I was murdered in cold blood. How? ESTHER SAMORA This curse. SAMORA (CONT'D) I promised myself never to let anyone die again because of this curse. Silence, melancholic music builds.. BENITA I still can't wrap my head around it. SAMORA I died quite early. And since then I've been restless. I'm sorry I couldn't save the father of your child. 79. ESTHER Honestly, it's not your fault. We are in this together. BENITA Can you prove it? SAMORA Sure. I was waiting for you to ask. SAMORA (CONT'D) On my 9th birthday, my mom bought me a doll and lots of candies. Melancholic music builds. SAMORA (CONT'D) But what I never knew was that, it's was.. the last. SAMORA (CONT'D) The devil took me. And this is exactly what I fear for your child. SAMORA (CONT'D) Your child is their target. Esther's mouth opens in shock. BENITA Hmm! That alot to take in. SAMORA That's not all. Thunder rumbling. Wind blowing. SAMORA (CONT'D) Open her journal. Everything you need to know about our family is there. Benita flips gently through the page. Brief silence enveloping them. Esther looks at Benita. BENITA The shady life of Cassandra Davis... BENITA (CONT'D) What does that mean? 80. SAMORA That was like a diary. And in it she pours all her heart. ESTHER What's really happening... SAMORA Rejection has been a thing in the bloodline. How? ESTHER SAMORA The fear of rejection and the stigma that comes with it. But.. BENITA SAMORA Davis family lived so many years of seclusion. It's was like a burden we covered in a smiley face. BENITA Why does Gina want us killed. ESTHER We're family. Can't we stop this? SAMORA Hmm! Which we could. BENITA There has to be a way.... Certainly. SAMORA Esther would have to read the journal and the page 666 on the devil's hill. ESTHER I don't want anything to happen to my child.... ESTHER (CONT'D) I don't mind dying to spare my baby. 81. BENITA Sis, dont say that. You aren't dying. We'll get through this. SAMORA Gina is a bloodsucker! She would stop at nothing ESTHER Just look the way she killed Bella. I feel so sad for her. BENITA She's really sad you found love and acceptance. Then a baby. Like gosh! She really needs to twist a knife down her throat! SAMORA Rejection hits differently to different people. ESTHER How many more lives would she take...? How many! ESTHER (CONT'D) BENITA Hmm! We really need to do something. And really fast. Cos the last time,she had a gun! ESTHER My fiancé, the security guard, and now Bella...Who knows who's next. SAMORA You two must proceed to the devil's hill. And make sure you work together. ESTHER I thought you were coming with us? SAMORA My time will soon be up. It's been a long time among the humans. Okay. ESTHER 82. BENITA Let's go sis. Here, grab my hands. SAMORA You forgot something. BENITA What's that? SAMORA The scroll containing the map. Oh! BENITA Picks it up and bids goodbye to Samora. EXT.FOREST ROAD- NOON DAY