As the darkness shifted and light returned to her, Keira found herself sitting at a desk with something in her hand.
Future me?
The paper had bold letters printed on the top, asking the reader what they envision their future to be.
Right. I wrote my hopes and dreams on this paper.
Is this another flashback of the past?
The paper was coarse and crisp, and the pen in her hand was cold and smooth. She could smell the spring arriving as winter was ending, she could hear the chattering of classmates as they discussed their answers, and most importantly, she could feel the paper cut as it was ripped from her hand.
"A successful actress? Who are we kidding here?" The laugh of ridicule was the same as she remembered. "This is just blatant copy!"
The girl was someone she had once been familiar with. Her curly bangs and bob hair complemented the glasses that hung loosely on her nose. Her haughty smirk made her look charming.
"Why would it be a copy? This is my dream." Keira responded without much thought, thinking that this was one of those episodes people had when they were deleted from existence.
"Be for real, Keira! You know that Selene is working on her idol career and possibly acting, yet you claim you aren't copying her!?"
Again with me copying Selene…
"Think what you want." The usual meek Keira glanced slightly at the person she once called her best friend. Her sharp gaze startled the other as she got up from her seat. "You can go lick her toes for all I care."
"Wha—!? Wait! Keira!"
Keira's steps quickened. She wanted to escape this place, escape the past she was trapped in. Her heart was anxious and her body felt hot. She was dizzy from the overwhelming fear that swept through her body and ate at her mentality.
What is going on? Why can I see their faces?
Those questioning gazes and contempt, why are they so clear to me?
This is a dream, right!?
Just a moment of the past?
Her thoughts were incoherent, causing her pace to quicken.
"Hey!" The same condescending voice followed after her. "SLOW DOWN!"
"Leave me alone!"
"Wait! Keira!" Her steps quickened to catch up. "The stairs! Don't run or you might fall!"
Keira wasn't sure if her words were from a place of concern or mockery. She was used to fake sincerity masked as true concern. That was how everyone treated her, even the person she trusted to never betray her was secretly wishing for her death.
"Hey! Careful—!" In a moment of carelessness, Keira had failed to notice that she misstepped. "K—Keira!"
"What are you—trying to die or something!?" The rough grip and harsh tug on her arm brought her mind out of the state of panic.
It hurts…
"OH! Thank god! I thought something terrible was about to happen!" The girl caught up to them. Her hands rested on her hips and she gasped for air. "Thanks, Jace." After a moment, she reached down to pull Keira from the ground. "I told you to be careful!"
Her mouth was wide open, ready to spew harsh words at her friend's actions that nearly scared her to death, but the words never escaped her lips.
"You—what's wrong?"
"Hey, what's up with the pale face? You good?" Jace got up off the ground and stared with equal amazement and concern.
"W—why are you crying!?" The girl turned toward Jace and started complaining. "You must have pulled her too hard! What if Selene found out that she cried!?"
"Dammit, Angela! Shut the fuck up!"
It hurts badly.
Keira stared blankly at the two. She wasn't sure if she cried because of the pain, because of the situation, or because of fear and equal amazement at the fact that all of this was truly happening.
Not a dream.
A second chance?
"Ah…hahaha," the situation was too bizarre, causing a few airy laughs to escape the pale lips. "I feel like I'm going crazy."
"You…are you truly okay?" Angela shivered from the chill that ran down her spine. "Let's go to the infirmary room." Something was off about her weak-willed friend.
"I have something to do. I'm leaving." Keira brushed the hand that pulled at her to follow. Her voice was cold and distant, causing Angela to frown.
"But class—!" Keira's gaze was enough to silence her. Angela could do nothing other than watch as she left down the very stairs she almost fell. "What the fuck? Did she really just leave?"
"Hm? I thought they would look more alike."
"Who!?"
"They're twins aren't they?" Jace's eyes squinted. His gaze lingered on the corner she disappeared into.
"Twins my ass! If they were twins then our school would have two goddesses. The world would have been a better place, instead, we got a goddess and—TSK! Whatever!"
What was I expecting?
Keira wasn't planning on eavesdropping. Her ankle had twisted during the fall, and it was only now that her body started to act up.
Her nose stung with sourness and her vision blurred. She continued forward, limping towards the exit of the school. The pain and discomfort were unbearable, unsure of whether it was from the swollen ankle or a broken heart.
She knew deep inside that Angela had never truly cared for her. Despite that, she had hoped to be proven wrong, that the future she had once lived was merely a dream, that the reality of her being a hated character from someone's novel was false, but everything just now was a slap to her face.
Where should I go? I don't want to go home. I don't want to see them.
Keira brought nothing but the phone in her pocket. The sun shone brightly, indicating that the day had just started. Curious gazes from the fleeting cars reminded her of how strange it was for a student to roam around outside of school.
Should I call a taxi? I've never been on the city bus before…
Keira wasn't worried about money. She felt thankful for her day and age and the technology to make cardless payments.
"Where to?" The taxi driver suspiciously eyed the young student who requested his service. His tone was harsh and his heart held blame for the generation of lazy students.
"The hospital, please…" The soft tone and location made him feel embarrassed for judging her. Her eyes were red and slightly swollen from crying. Her lips were pressed together and her her head hung timidly. She looked pitiful, causing his tone to become softer.
"Ah…I was wondering why a student would leave school early. Are you not feeling well?" Perhaps he had been too prejudiced toward this young lady, he tried to make her feel extra comfortable during the ride.
"Yes, I twisted my ankle falling down the stairs."
"Ouch! You must be in a lot of pain. Is there a hospital you want to go to? If not, Grandview Hospital is the closest."
"Grandview is good."
After confirming that she had her seatbelt on, the driver made his way through traffic. The car ride was quiet, making it uncomfortable for the old driver.
"Young Lady, how old are you currently? I had a daughter who was 16 when she passed away from cancer. You remind me of her with that beautiful brown hair." The more he looked at her, the more he liked her. He couldn't understand why he had thought so badly of such a lovely youngster, even though she had yet to do wrong. "Look, I have a picture of her when she just turned 14. This was before she lost her hair from treatment."
Keira humored the old man by glancing at the photo. The young girl had long straight hair and thick bangs that covered the sadness that was leaking from her eyes. Her grin was wide and stiff, yet she proudly smiled for the camera, as if to give comfort to her heartbroken father.
Others might not have perceived this at first glance, but she knew enough about acting and reading emotions to be able to tell.
It didn't matter what anyone thought. They could call her a copycat, a jealous sister, or even a twisted individual for pursuing acting when Selene announced her interest in it. Acting was never an afterthought or a means to copy the darling of the people, it was what gave her hope and happiness.
"She is very…lovely." Keira didn't know what to say. Deep down she understood that this old man knew the troubles and worries of his young daughter's heart, but he chose to remember her as a happy individual.
No one would be happy to die such a miserable death…
After my death, did people remember me as a better someone? Was there anyone who would fondly think of me like this old man did his daughter?
"She was lovely. Such a sensible and caring girl. She wanted to build spaceships and contribute to our future in science, so I worked and saved for the top Universities she might attend. But now…that money has no use anymore." His smile dropped for a split second as he gathered himself. "Well! You have a bright future ahead. This old man can see it!"
"Yes, I will have a bright future…" Keira no longer humored the old man. Her gaze watched the changing billboards, taking in the top money makers in showbiz.
It's strange to see people other than Selene up there.
"We're here." Seeing that she was lost in thoughts, the old man no longer made conversations. He turned up the volume of the music and allowed her to enjoy the scenery outside until they arrived at the destination. "Whatever the issue you are facing, I pray that everything works out in your favor."
"Thank you. I will remember your blessings."
The wait wasn't long, and soon she had her dislocated ankle treated. It was awkward to walk around with a large boot around her ankle, but this was nothing compared to when she broke her ribs during one of her scenes.
Grandview was a nice and compact area that had lots of malls and shops to enjoy within walking distance. The area was beautifully decorated with trees and flower beds. The warm sunlight gave Keira comfort amongst the cold air of winter that lingered around.
Should I buy new clothes or get a haircut first?
She no longer had time to waste. Selene was still undecided on whether or not she truly wanted to branch into acting. It had only been a couple of months since she had started her career as an idol and model.
I need a makeover and audition for one of the top entertainment companies.
As she shuffled along, passing store after store, a large poster caught her eye. The seductive gaze and slight grin made the man in the poster breathtaking. His hair was long, enough to touch the base of his neck. It was styled messily along with the nearly exposed chest that exuded masculinity.
I never noticed how much he's grown…
"Dear customer, are you interested in getting a haircut?" A lively voice woke her from the enchantment. "Such long pretty hair you have there!"
"I need a makeover."
"Goodness! It must be fate because this is the best place you could've picked! Our store is usually busy with styling celebrities. I have to ask since our price is quite high, do you have a budget?" Her voice was pleasant to the ears and her mannerisms were attractive.
"I don't have a budget."
"I'll make sure you can stand shoulder to shoulder with a superstar." She winked and guided her inside. "Hmm? Let's see. Your face is a bit dull, but a better skincare routine can give you that glow, no worries! Dear me! That hair is fantastic and lovely, you must have never touched it with any products! Don't shy away from using makeup to enhance those lovely seductive eyes and stunning lips you have. Give me a few hours and I'll transform your hair into something wonderful!"
This was the first time someone willingly said more than a sentence to her. Keira felt an itch in her heart. It was uncomfortable, but she still smiled at the lady.
"This product is perfect for your hair type."
"If you style your hair like this and then set it like this it will…"
I can still hear her over the sound of the blow dryer.
"You don't need a lot of foundation since your skin is good. And your eyes! OOH! Just draw a thin liner from the outer corner outward and you will DOMINATE!!!"
"Your eyebrows are nice and full, you don't need to add much…"
Her hands were like magic, changing the dull and gloomy girl into a blossoming beauty.
"Wow, what a beauty…" The murmurings of the other stylist, who joined in on the process, were filled with wonder and excitement.
"I dare say, you would be popular if you joined the industry. Not only are you a looker, your features are easy to work with."
Keira felt overwhelmed by the sincerity of their compliments. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, hoping to get rid of the tingling sensation in her stomach.
"I plan on auditioning as an actress." Although she felt odd, her voice maintained its neutrality and detachment.
"How exciting! Which company? Giganta Corp.? If you manage to join them, they will take you to new heights!" Sensing the sudden shift in Keira's temperament, the ladies quickly moved on. "O—or Pierce Entertainment? My dear Austin is managed by them!"
"Do you recommend Pierce Entertainment?"
"Highly! I mentioned before that we usually work with celebrities. Most of them are artists signed under Pierce."
DING!
The sound of the front door opening caught everyone's attention. A tall gentleman walked in with a dark mask covering his face. Even with a glance, people could tell that he was a distinguished individual.
"Let me pay and be on my way," Keira interjected and got up.
"Oh yes! This way darling." The constant switches of nicknames were slightly humorous to Keira. They were sweet and sticky, unlike the hurtful ones she was so used to. "Take care of yourself. An injury to any part of your body is never a good thing for an actress!"
"Thank you…Ma'am?"
"Call me sister!"
"Thank you, sister." Keira smiled and nodded to the others as she made her way out.
She dared not make eye contact with the man, only focusing on leaving the store. She felt goosebumps making their way up her skull and her skin burned.
She didn't see it, but she could feel his gaze following her every move until the store disappeared.
BA-BUMP BA-BUMP
The crazy rhythm of her heart caused her cheeks to redden. "This is so embarrassing!"
It didn't matter if he covered his face or not, she would always recognize him.
The child actor who inspired me to become an actress…
And also…
The person in the poster…