2
(1 month later)
I stepped out of the car and onto the somewhat familiar campus of Oakvally University, feeling a sense of unease wash over me; for some reason, the smell of the grass, the hush of wind, and the unfamiliar faces felt normal to me. It has been a month since the incident, and although the doctors said I would be fine in a month, the only thing that had happened was my legs healing, but my memory is still all junked up, as Maya's mom always joked.
As I made my way through the crowded campus building, I couldn't help but notice the curious glances from my fellow students. They were Whispering and pointing fingers at me, and I knew the news of my arrest and subsequent release had spread like wildfire; it was a small town, after all.
But what got my blood boiling was that nobody believed me. They all thought I was Maya, the imposter who had tried to steal Sophie's life and was unsuccessful with my plans. But I knew the truth - I was Sophie. I was the real deal.
It did not matter what I said; everyone thought I was a wanna-be who wanted to take advantage of Sophie's weakness, but I am Sophie; I am the weak one. I was everyone's sweetheart, the town's favorite person, and now everyone sees me as a monster.
"Why is she wearing that cheap blond wig?"
"Hey look"
"What is she doing?"
Did they know I could hear them? They weren't trying so hard to whisper as I walked through the halls, I could feel my heartbeat in my palm as I walked nervously, I was used to being stared at after all I am the daughter of the Grants, one of the co-founders of our city but this wasn't the normal look of admiration but a look of disgust.
I didn't care, though; I had only three things to do today, and I would make sure I achieved my goals before leaving: one, meet our school counselor and discuss my academics so far; two, attend a lecture on psychology; and last and most important, talk to Ethan.
"Good morning, can I go in?" I asked the receptionist, our counselor, as I walked into her waiting area.
"Yes, she has been waiting for you" I push open the door after go go ahead.
"Good day Miss Petals"
"Good day, Miss...." I searched desperately for a name tag or something on her table to call her.
"Call me Ruby, or at least that's what Maya calls me" The counselor intervened whilst I sat directly opposite her.
"Good day, Maya; I wouldn't like to waste your time, given you have a lot on your hands at the moment and also a lecture very soon. Well, I would go straight to the point then. Your grades are really bad, and if you don't do something to get them up, there will be serious consequences." Her voice became firm as she spoke; she had zero facial expressions, which made her resemble a zombie.
"What are you talking about, I have perfect grades. I am a straight-A student, Mrs. Are you sure there is no mix-up somewhere?" I protested. Was she looking at the right results?
"Oh, the police officer did warn me that you were very convincing; well, nice act I must say you almost got me fulled. If you are a straight-A student, then I am sure you will be able to prove it by the end of the semester. And if you think the police made a mistake, then I am sure you wouldn't mind proving yourself as 'Sophie'.'"Miss Ruby kept staring at me. I was bothered by her lack of facial expression. Her tone was still stiff; she didn't seem to be convinced by what I was saying, not even the slightest.
"You know, I never understood why Sophie wore a wig because she has such beautiful brown hair underneath. But what makes Sophie is more than her wig or blue contacts, that anyone can wear. But her true nature, her personality, her grades, and her attitude are pretty rare to cosplay, especially by someone who is struggling academically like you. You can come here all dressed up like her, try your best to sound all cheerful and sweet like her, but you and I know you are not Sophie, so stop with the act, Maya. You are always one to seek attention and cause trouble around; I wonder what you want now"
"Why wouldn't you believe me? Why wouldn't anyone believe me?" I am here, your sweet girl, why is this happening to me? I was looked up to by everyone in town but now I am no more than a laughing stock.
"I know you, Maya; never in my wildest dreams would I have thought you were Sophie's twin. The both of you are so different in character, personality, and all. it wouldn't take long before we catch up with your foolish act, trust me." I pursued my lips, trying to put myself together.
"At least Mrs Patel believes me," I tried to comfort myself; I couldn't lash out at her. If I did, it would further solidify me as Maya and not Sophie.
"I am not acting, I swear. And I would prove it to you and the entire town: I am not a liar. The girl who is pretending to be me is." The veins on her tempol became visible as I could see her getting frustrated at me.
"Then prove it; if you don't have anything else to say, you can leave my office," Miss Ruby said as she kicked me out of her office.
A stinging sensation pricked at the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let the tears fall. I bit my lip; the pain was a welcome distraction from the anguish that threatened to consume me; I wasn't going to cry; crying would not solve anything. I stood outside her office for a few moments, my chest heaving with suppressed emotion. I will have to prove myself to the counselor, the school, and the town. How can I possibly do that?
I walked into my psychology class, scanning the room for familiar faces and also a place to sit. I was some minutes early, but the class was packed with students. It took me a while of gently scanning the room and that's when I saw the blond wig, although she was facing the other side of the classroom which was already filled with students I still recognized that side profile, it was the girl who was pretending to be me, the cause of all my problems. She was sitting there on my usual seat, chatting with my friends with no care in the world, not even scared of being caught.
Oh, how bad I wanted to go over there and drag her wig off, but If I did, the chances of anyone believing me would become even more low. Miss Ruby talked about being a notorious student; I have to be strategic about this and not burst into anger. I have to get people on my side the right way, I also need to speak to Ethan; I know he would believe me. I am sure he knows his pumpkin pie and he has been longing to reunite with me.