{ Mia }
~Back at home~
As I entered the house it was already 9pm I tried my best to not make a sound as I tiptoed into my room.
Suddenly a bright light shone into my eyes and I staggered back in shock.
" Where have you been Mia ?" My mom asked raising a brow .
" I-I-I was at Emma's place studying for a test." I stuttered.
She narrowed her eyes in suspicion and I felt my heart beat quickening. " Call her ." She challenged her voice rough.
I hesitated a bit saying." B-But she went straight to bed after I left."
She didn't buy it." I said call her !! "
With trembling hands I took my phone out of my pocket and dialed her number. Ring ~ring~ring. ' please pick uppp !!' I whispered under my breath urgently. After the fourth ring I heard her sleepy voice come through.
"H-hello?" She whispered sleepily.
" Heyyyy Emmaaaa ."
" H-hi Mia what's up ?"
" Ummm... My mom was wondering where I was and I told her I was with you, studying but she told me to call you to check." I blurted out in one breath unable to control myself.
" H-hi Mrs. Bianchi " she said cheerfully.
" Yes Mia was with me the whole time ." She continued chuckling.
" Well, I don't believe you ." She stated firmly folding her arms in front of her chest.
" What subject were you two studying."
My heart caught in my chest .' what if we both say different subjects ?'
" Chemistry!" We both screamed at the same moment . At that I released a breath I didn't know I was holding.
My mom sighed feeling as if she couldn't prove anything so she said firmly." Alright Mia go to your room." I smiled inwardly at my victory and sprinted inside.
' That was close." I thought chuckling.
" So now are you going to tell me what's happening?" Emma's firm voice echoed through the room .
I sighed. " Well, I got stuck in the school library. It was locked, so I called the librarian but she was on a date.... And it took her 2 hours to come set me free." I muttered the lie, praying she'd believe it.
" Oh. Hahahaha." Emma's sleepy giggles turned into full-blown laughter, breaking the tension.
" That's stupid of her." I released a breath I didn't know I was holding.'whew she bought it.'
" Sleep well Emma, see you tomorrow." I said chuckling.
" Yeah see you Mia . But just so you know ... You owe me one ."
~ the next day ~
I woke up to the sound of birds chirping. I stretched my limbs and walked out of bed to brush my teeth.
I groggily grabbed my toothbrush, squeezed on some toothpaste, and started scrubbing. My mind was still foggy from sleep, replaying last night's close call.
As I rinsed my mouth, I reached for the towel and wiped my face. Then, slowly, I lifted my head.
My breath hitched.
The toothbrush slipped from my fingers, clattering against the sink.
My reflection… it wasn't right. My breath caught in my throat as I leaned in closer. Maybe it was just the lighting? I blinked rapidly, rubbing my eyes, but nothing changed.
Blonde hair. Blue eyes.Not mine. I raised a shaking hand to my face, expecting the mirror to crack and show reality beneath it but no. This was real.
My fingers trembled as I reached out, pressing my palm flat against the mirror. The girl in the reflection did the same. It was me but it wasn't. My stomach twisted, a cold dread sinking in.
Wide-eyed, I took a step back, my pulse thundering in my ears. That wasn't just my face staring back at me.
Something was off.
My hair had turned blond and my eyes blue. I stared at my reflection confusion and curiousity spiralling through my mind.
Just last night my hair was brown and my eyes were brown . ' What's happening to me ?'
Was this some kind of prank? A dream? Or was something inside me... changing?
Then, I quickly shouted."Scarlett, make me a wig and brown contacts. I still have 20 minutes until anyone comes in."
A soft whirring noise filled the air as Scarlett's mechanical arms moved swiftly. "Processing request," she said in her usual monotone. A panel in the wall slid open, revealing a neatly styled brown wig and a small case containing colored contact lenses.
"Here you go," Scarlett said, extending a mechanical hand. "Would you like me to analyze the cause of your transformation?"
"Yes," I blurted out. But what if I didn't want to know? What if the answer changed everything?
I stepped into the shower, turning the knob until icy water pounded against my skin. A sharp gasp escaped my lips, but I didn't adjust the temperature. Maybe the shock would help clear my mind. Maybe it would wash away the panic tightening around my chest.
My hands pressed against the cold tiles, my forehead resting against them. My breaths were uneven, my pulse hammering wildly. This wasn't normal. This wasn't possible.
"What the hell is happening to me?" I whispered, the words barely audible over the rushing water.
After a while I stepped out of the shower still in shock . " Scarlett please help me put on the wig."
The wall opened up beside my bed and a mirror and chair came out."Sit right here, Mia," Scarlett whispered, her usual mechanical voice laced with something close to concern.
I plopped down on the seat and inhaled sharply. " It's going to be alright Mia ." She consoled as she fixed my wig and I applied the contacts.
"What's happening to me?" I whispered, gripping the edge of the chair. My vision blurred as a tear slipped down my cheek. Was I even... me anymore?"