In Solana's ward, the doctor tinkered with the strange machine, scribbling on his board.
Amused, I stared at his funny looking quill.
While I was distracted, the nurse dabbed Solana's skin with a damp cloth and injected my arm. I winced. 'Ouch' the nurse apologised and bandaged it.
The doctor turned to me, said "Alright Solana, we will now take you for an MRI and PET scan. Can you walk?"
I smiled. "Yes, I think, I can" Doctor replied "That's good" a couple of nurses helped me, get off my bed. My toes curled, hitting the cold floor."
And stuffed the paper into my pocket of patient gown. A nurse held my hand, as we walked to the second floor.
On the way, I took a glimpse at content of the crumpled paper and sighed.
'It was about Amanda and Cameron. And here I thought it was something important.'
'I don't know, what I should feel? Rage? Jealousy? I have no idea!'.
'But to repay the original Solana for her body. I will try to fix all the wrongs in her life. Maybe, I should bring her family together…'
While Solana was thinking, they entered a bland, white room. With a long table in the middle, connected to a machine. A couple of computers on the table, far in the corner of the room.
A nurse held my hand as I climbed and laid myself on the table. The doctors in the corner, stared at the strange box, their hands moved; pressing the buttons on their desk. It made a light tapping sound. Another strange thing.
The doctor drew his attention from the computer, he said "Alright. Solana, close your eyes. It will be over in a few minutes."
I closed my eyes, felt the table below me move. I took a peek and was inside the strange machine. I shut my eyes again. Their light tapping and the sound of the doctors muffled conversation bounced off the surfaces of the room; entering my ears. Their tongues rolled, with strange terms and words, sounding nothing but gibberish to my ancient mind. My thoughts wandered, drowning out the sound in the background.
'I don't have any feelings for my body's previous relationships, I don't mind if Amanda is courting Cameron...'
'I can't waste my time on senseless relationships. Not until, I become a famous musician.'
Aaron's face popped into her head. 'Maybe, if it was him... No, it is still too early to think about engagement and marriage. Who knows if his family will accept a commoner to be his wife?'
'Why am I thinking so far into the future? I should slowly take a step forward and make a name for myself in this world! Since that's the reason I am here, to fulfil my wish!'
------
In a land of sand dunes, sand stretching wide, meeting the ends of my sight; touching the horizon. Speaking volumes to my heart. Empty. Loneliness. Helplessness.
I breathed out, casting my insecurities, my worries,
to the passing wind; dusting it away.
Closed my eyes, thinking of the sweet moments, allowing it to carry me; bringing me back home.
A nostalgic tune played in my mind, I hummed to the melody of my music...
In the palace's ball room, behind the grand piano, the little princess's hands glided across the keyboard. Her auburn hair swayed to the rhythm, as her fingers tapped the keys.
An airy sound accompted the light atmospheric music.
In front of the piano, I danced; blowing the flute. The music resounded within the hall.
Suddenly a hand shook my shoulder. The tune slipped, bringing me back to this unfamiliar world. Annoyed, my eyebrows furrowed, pressing my lips into a hard line.
The nurse whispered "Solana, Solana wake up!" I got off the table and yawned.
They took Solana to another room and then did her PET scan. Twenty minutes later, the doctor approached her. He said "Looks like everything is good. If you have no problems, you can leave today."
"Thank you, Doctor."
The Doctor smiled, he said "I don't think, I or the emergency team, deserve the credit. It wasn't us!"
He walked and assigned a nurse to accompany Solana to the washroom. Solana was about to leave the room, the doctor said "Oh. And Solana, remember to drink lots of water."
"Why Doctor?"
He replied "Well, you need to wash the toxic fluids out of your body. They aren't lethal but they can harm your body in the long run" "Oh" she nodded and left.
When, Solana entered the washroom, a lady was washing her hands.
I was shocked. 'How is the water flowing through the tap?... what sorcery is this?'
I pushed the tap lever up, feeling the running water. 'Woah it wasn't an illusion.' I looked up, appraising the mirror. 'It was even clearer than the Queen's mirror.'
'So, expensive… I remember the Princess spend a hefty sum to purchase, a crystal mirror for the Queen's birthday.'
"Ahem" the nurse cleared her throat. I turned, she had clothes in her hands.
I took them and walked into the small cubicle. Going through the previous body's clothes, I was horrified.
'How can the modern Solana be so shameless? Even the royal courtesan never wore such flimsy clothes.'
My face heated up, as my hands ran through the green crop top and tight denim shorts. Then she checked her hoddie.
The nurse knocked the cubicle, she said "Hm, is everything ok?"
"Yes, you can leave. I will be out in a minute!" "Ok" the nurse said.
Repulsed, gritted my teeth and forced myself to wear these outrageous clothes. I couldn't believe the amount of skin it showed. 'Is this what girls my age wear?' An image popped in my head. 'I guess, they do. Are her friends immoral or has the world become immoral?'
I shivered, feeling a cool breeze on my thighs, I quickly put on the sweater. I sighed 'It isn't appropriate! But this will do for now, it's not like I have much of a choice. Either I wear this or wear nothing? Like they say something is better than nothing.'
'At least, her sweater is warm enough.' And wore high- knee socks with black sneakers. 'Hmm, the shoes are definitely more comfortable, than the ones I wore in Galicia.'
After dressing up, I washed my face and left the washroom. Outside, I saw the nurse tapping on her smartphone. 'Oh, wait... Isn't that a phone, a magical device, the previous Solana used to talk to her father last night? It seems to be a handy tool!'
The nurse took Solana to the Doctor's office. Doctor showed her father the results and discussed about Solana's health. I thanked the Doctor and left with my father. They stopped at the reception to pay the medical bills. The receptionist said "You don't need to that. A young man has already cleared the bill before he left".
Surprised, I and dad gasped "Who?" "What does he look like?"
With stars in her eyes, she described him "He was super-hot, had long platinum blonde hair and grey eyes. Maybe he is a celebrity?"
Knowing who she is talking about, we both said "Sir, Aaron" "That cocky punk"
The lady behind the counter giggled, she said "He is a good one. You better not let your boyfriend go!" she raised her thumb up.
Bewildered, unable to comprehend the new word. I repeated the word in my head 'Boyfriend'
'Boyfriend.' 'What is a boyfriend?'
'Maybe, Dad would know?' I turned and quickly put that thought away, when I noticed his foul mood.
"Dad, what's wrong?"
Seething with anger and humiliation, Dad said "I don't like owing people favours. I hate, I hate it when someone tries to own my daughter. Even indirectly" gnawing his teeth. "I was fine with him, bringing you to the hospital but... but"
I touched his hand, looking into his eyes; he calmed down. And said "Anyway let's go home. It's getting late!" "Man, I haven't cooked anything for lunch yet!" he face-palmed himself.
Dad said "Hey Robby, do you need a ride?"
Following his eyes, and saw Robby quietly walking behind us. I thought 'Wait, was he here the whole time? I didn't notice!'
Robby said "No, but thank you Mr. Van Gogh."
He turned to me and shyly said "Bye Solana… bye Mr. Van Gogh"
Dad said "Bye kid, same hi to your dad for me!"
"Yes, sir" he said, and walked out of the building. Through the glass door, saw him cycling away on his blue cycle.
They headed to the hospital's parking lot.
'Wow!!' 'I never seen so many sparkling carriages in spot, even the King's carriage pales in comparison.' 'If I remember correctly, only nobles and merchants have carriages.'
'Wait, a minute! Is my Dad a noble?'
Observing him, from head to toe, I shook my head at that thought.
'He doesn't even look nor does he have the decorum of a nobleman. He must be a merchant then.'
Dad led the way to his car, he pulled key from his pocket, the headlights blinked.
I scanned the carriages around us, 'All of these carriages have their own design and style and are made out of iron and glass.'
Intrigued, I watched a carriage parking in a lot. 'Everything is so strange, the ground is black with strange white markings, even the carriages are magical. They don't need horses to move.'
Solana and Dad hopped in his blue SUV, Land Rover Evoque. And headed home.
While he was driving the SUV, I appreciated the car and sighed contently feeling the plush seats and the cool air.
"Dad what is this vehicle of transportation called? How does it work?"
He chuckled, said "Solana, don't you already know what this is?"
Sheepishly smiled, said "Ah, I'm not sure?"
Dad tinkered with his rear mirror, while turning his steering wheel.
Dad said "This is my new ride, a Land Rover. I bought it last year, don't you remember?"
I shook my head. Curious about this strange vehicle called a Land Rover, I said, like a rapid fire, shooting one question after another "What does it run on? Where are the horses? What is it made of? Why is it so cool insid..?"
Before I could complete. Dad said "Haha…Darling, cars don't run on horses... It is petrol"
"Here take your phone, you must be bored?" He tossed the smartphone, I unconsciously caught it.
"I just wanted to talk..."
Dad interrupted, he said "Just wait! I will choose a nice car for you before I send you for college."
Stupefied, unable to comprehend, where this is going? I said "But...But Dad"
Dad said "I know, I know. Don't worry, I know your taste. If you are going to ask why?"
He said "It's my fault, I shouldn't have been harsh but I just want ... want to protect you!"
"It wasn't your fault, it was mine... I sorry for being reckless and irresponsible. And for made you worry!" said, shooting him a bright smile.
The car stopped at the traffic junction; Dad took a peek at Solana from his rear mirror and gently smiled.
"Dad, are cars expensive?" softly said.
He passively agreed, said "That depends on the car…"
"Then, I would prefer… that you not spend your money on useless things"
Her father was about to reply. Facing the window, I thoughtfully said "What I'm trying to say is, I want you to be my chauffer"
Dad laughed, in a loud voice. "Solana, my dear, if that's what you wish then sure, I will be your driver"
"Thank you, Daddy"
"You are welcome, dear" Dad said. The traffic light went green, the car continued moving.
While Dad was driving, he said "Solana, what do you want to do after school?
Agitated, I bit my tongue, 'Why did suddenly ask that question?' crossing my fingers, I hope he doesn't reject my dream like my mother.
He sensing my anxiety, peering from the rear mirror, he said "Hon, Is something wrong?"
Lips quivered in hesitation, I softly said "Dad, nothing is wrong. It is just that… I"
Suddenly, he pulled his car over, parking to the side of the road. He turned back and gently held my hand. He warmly said "Dear…" as he affectionally gazed into my eyes, full of fatherly love.
Peace within his wise eyes, my confidence surged. I closed my eyelids and quickly said "Dad, I want to be a musician"
His grizzly chuckle echoed in my ears, he gently stroked, ruffling my hair.
He said "That's it… Solana my dear, if that's what you love to do, then go ahead and do it."
Sceptical, I blinked my eyes. "Really?"
Dad said "Of course, but didn't you say 'I want to be a fashion designer like Mommy'?"
Sheepishly smiled, said "Aah, hmm… really?"
Dad nodded, said "You still have plenty to time to decide!" and continued driving.
Sighed, admiring the tall buildings and paved streets. And thought.
The buildings, the streets, the things, the people all seem new, different.
Different? Yes, aren't I different as well? Ahhh… How will I fit in? I'm too old fashioned.
I can't act like her. It is just a matter of time before everyone figures that I'm not the original Solana.
But do I have to sacrifice my individuality, my passion to pretend to be her?
No, I can't. I can't compromise my dream; I finally have a shot. A chance from the heavens. I have to take it!
If I want to play, dance. Sing… I want to feel alive.
This time nobody isn't going to stop me! Not my mother, father, my friends not even her past can! Nobody can!
Who can stop the sun from shining?
No one can, so who can stop me?
It's my time to shine!
It's my destiny!
======
The car soon reached a peaceful suburban, stopped in-front of a humble house with a white criss-cross fence around it. The car went through the cemented driveway leading to the house's garage, surrounded by a lawn of grass.
The house was painted light yellow with white borders at its edges. Had black rimmed windows and red tiled roofs. And a meter from the garage, it had a small porch at the front.
Dad said "I will park the car; you can get off... Oh and Solana take this" he tossed a pair of keys to her. It jingled.
I got off the car and walked to the entrance, climbed up the white planked steps and unlocked the door.
As Solana stepped in, her pocket vibrated. 'brrring' 'brrring' It was her phone, on the screen, a boy's photo was displayed along with his name.
It was him...