...

The ocean stretched out endlessly before me, its vastness mirroring the depths of my thoughts.

As I waded further, feeling the water rise to my neck, a wave of despair washed over me.

But then, amidst the overwhelming tide of emotion, a different realization emerged.

I wasn't giving up;

I was choosing to let go of the burdens that weighed me down.

With each step into the water, I made a conscious decision to release the disappointments and heartaches that had plagued me.

I thought of my parents, and in that moment, it wasn't weakness that consumed me, but a profound sense of love and gratitude.

I wasn't apologizing for being weak;

I was acknowledging the strength it takes to confront one's inner demons.

Yes, there were failures and criticisms echoing in my mind, but as I stood there, on the brink of something new, I realized they didn't define me.

They were merely voices in the background, overshadowed by the potential for peace and renewal that lay ahead.

And so, as I surrendered to the depths, I did so not in defeat, but in anticipation of the tranquility that awaited me on the other side.

This, I realized, was not the end, but the start of a journey towards a brighter tomorrow.

"I hope so."

I whispered softly to myself, as a gentle breeze kissed my skin, carrying with it the promise of new beginnings.

When I close my eyes, memories from my childhood emerge, intertwined with darkness.

I recall moments of pure joy-smiling, laughing, and shedding tears of happiness.

During those times, I paid little mind to the expectations of the world or the judgments of others.

I didn't fret over my appearance or the opinions of those around me.

I was just a carefree child, untouched by self-doubt.

I admired my mother and aspired to embody her strength and grace as a woman.

However, as I transitioned into adulthood, reality painted a different picture.

The weight of others' expectations grew heavier, fueled by the standards I unknowingly set for myself.

It was a misstep-a burden I now bear.

Their expectations ignited a sense of pride within me, a craving for praise and validation.

I sought recognition from family, friends, and even rivals, yet it never brought me the contentment I sought.

It was this thirst for approval that led me down a regrettable path-a decision that cast a shadow over my future.

At the end of each day, I am haunted by regret.

Time marches on, unyielding to my pleas for a second chance.

Amidst the darkness of my past, I find myself grappling with the consequences of my actions, guided only by the faint echoes of innocence.

In the somber stillness of the night, alone on the shore, enveloped by the mournful melody of the waves.

Each crest that crashed upon the sand echoed the ache within my heart, carrying with it the weight of a lifetime's worth of sorrow.

Tears streaming down my cheeks, I sought solace amidst the haunting whispers of the sea.

With each wave that washed over me, it felt as though a piece of my grief was carried away, lost to the depths below.

The burdens that had suffocated my soul began to dissolve, swallowed by the endless expanse of the ocean.

In their absence, a fragile flicker of hope emerged-a desperate yearning for forgiveness, for redemption, for a chance to make amends.

As I reflected on the journey that had brought me to this desolate shore, I couldn't help but feel the crushing weight of regret pressing down upon me.

Every memory, every mistake, every missed opportunity seemed to swirl around me, threatening to engulf me in a sea of despair.

Yet amidst the darkness, I clung to a glimmer of understanding-that these trials were an integral part of my journey, shaping me in ways I could never have imagined.

With trembling hands and a heavy heart, I took a hesitant step forward, allowing the icy waters to envelop me.

It was a symbolic gesture-an act of surrender to the forces beyond my control, a silent plea for absolution.

As the waves crashed against my body, I felt a profound sense of emptiness wash over me-a hollow ache that echoed the depths of my grief.

And as I closed my eyes once again, allowing myself to be swallowed by the ocean's embrace, I found a fleeting moment of peace-a brief respite from the relentless torment of my own mind.

At that moment, amidst the mournful symphony of the sea, I found redemption-a fragile hope that maybe, just maybe, there was still a chance for healing, and for forgiveness.

Endless

...

Copyright © 2024 bibi_rok

All rights reserved.

The room reverberated with noise—familiar faint voices echoed off the walls. I remembered that our current house had thick walls, unlike the thin ones in our old home near Grandpa’s mansion back then, those voices would merge into an overwhelming of echoes, just as they did now.

“I hear voices…” I mumbled

My mom's tone cut through the morning haze.

“Wake up your sister, Jenny!” she demanded, frustration lacing her words.

“Mom, I'm playing! Can't older brother Dominic wake Alexa?” Jenny's defiance added another layer to the discord, her tone tinged with rebellion.

“Why are you always murmuring, Jenny? Wake up your sister or else!” Mom's voice sharpened, slicing through the air with precision.

“Oh, come on… here we go again,” Jenny muttered under her breath, her words barely audible amidst the tumult.

As Jenny's footsteps reverberated across the floor, I braced myself for the inevitable intrusion. The door swung open with impatient force, flooding the room with harsh light and deafening noise.

“Alexa! Wake up!!!” Jenny's command reverberated, punctuated by a sharp slap on my hip.

The abrupt awakening snapped me back to reality, dispelling the lingering remnants of sleep. Blinking away the haze of dreams, I couldn't help but question why I —a perpetual reel of the same moments, and pain.

Yet, amidst the turmoil of the morning events, there was a familiar thread—a reminder of the comforting routine that once filled my morning.

With effort, I pushed myself upright, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I met Jenny's gaze with a weary smile. Despite the early hour and the rough awakening, her eyes held a silent care and love.

With a sigh, I rose from my bed, the weight of unease lingering in my chest. In the distance, the sun began its ascent, casting a soft glow across the room. And as I prepared to face the day ahead, a nagging curiosity tugged at my thoughts.

“Jenny?” I called out, my voice barely audible above the commotion.

“What is it, Lex?” Jenny turned to me, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

“What's the date today?”

“It's the 13th,” she replied promptly.

“No, the full date,” I pressed, a sense of urgency creeping into my voice.

“Oh, right. It's October 13th, 2015,” she answered, her brow furrowing confused.

As the significance of the date registered in my mind, a surge of realization washed over me.

Still, Jenny's concern broke through my daze.

“Lex? Are you okay?” she inquired, her voice softening with genuine concern.

“Yeah, I just had a dream… a tragic dream." I reasoned, trying to shake off the lingering unease.

“Hmm… it's just a dream, don't mind it. Mom said it's breakfast time, and it's your first day of school, so better wash up and head out. Dad will drive us.” she reassured me before walking out of the room and closing the door behind her.

As I sat there, contemplating the events of the morning, a sense of anticipation welled up within me. Today was the beginning of a new chapter—a chance to leave behind the uncertainties of the past and embrace the possibilities of the future. And with that thought in mind, I rose from my bed with renewed determination, ready to face whatever lay ahead.

As I walked into the bathroom and faced the medium-sized mirror, a young Alexa Del Real stared back at me, reminiscent of my high school years. Her soft skin and the intensity in her eyes spoke volumes of the experiences she had endured. Memories flooded my mind, reminding me of the journey that had brought me to this moment.

I am reborn. It was a realization that struck me with profound clarity, a revelation I had only ever encountered in the pages of a book. Yet here I was, living it firsthand, grappling with the mix of fear and excitement that surged within me.

I struggled to find the words to express the depth of my emotions, the overwhelming sense of anticipation that pulsed through my veins. How could I convey the sheer magnitude of my excitement for the journey ahead?

With a newfound sense of purpose, I took a deep breath and embraced the uncertainty that lay ahead. For at that moment, I knew that I was ready to face whatever challenges life threw my way. And as I stepped out of the bathroom and into the unknown, I did so with a heart full of hope and a spirit that refused to be tethered by fear.

Today was not just the beginning of a new day, but the start of a remarkable journey—one that would shape the course of my life in ways I could never have imagined.

And with that thought in mind, I took my first steps forward, ready to embrace the adventure that awaited me.

…

Copyright © 2024 bibi_rok

All rights reserved.

The early sunlight poured a gentle warmth through the windows as I descended the stairs, the familiar sounds of breakfast echoing through the house. The scent of sausage and pancakes filled the air, evoking memories of simpler times. In the dining room, my family sat gathered around the table—mom, dad, my older brother, and Jenny, my elder sister.

"Good morning, everyone," I greeted warmly, my eyes shining with affection as I took my place at the table.

"Good morning, Alexa," Dad replied with a smile, his demeanor exuding paternal pride.

"Morning, Alexa," Jenny chimed in, her tone infused with sisterly warmth as she glanced up from her plate.

I couldn't help but feel grateful. Here I was, surrounded by the warmth of family, sharing a meal that felt like a distant memory. These were the moments I treasured most, reminders of the love and unity that bound us.

As I picked up my fork, ready to enjoy the familiar flavors, a wave of reflection washed over me. How had I come to deserve this second chance? It was a question that lingered in my mind, a puzzle I couldn't quite solve.

But perhaps that was the beauty of it—a chance to start anew, to redefine my path and rewrite my story. Was this what they meant by being reborn? In novels, characters often found solace in second chances. And here I was, living a tale straight out of fiction.

As I savored each bite of breakfast, I marveled at the twists of fate that had led me here. It felt as though the universe had conspired to grant me this opportunity, guiding me toward a future filled with promise.

"Did you sleep well, dear?" Mom's gentle voice carried concern as she reached for the coffee pot.

"I managed, Mom," I replied with a faint smile, glancing at the breakfast spread before me.

"That's good to hear," Mom murmured, turning her attention to the morning newspaper.

As I buttered my toast...

"So, Alexa, all set for the day?" Dad's question broke the tranquil atmosphere, his eyes meeting mine with reassurance.

"Yes, Dad, I'm ready," I affirmed, determination flickering within me.

"Just make sure you have everything you need," Jenny advised practically, her words tinged with sisterly care.

"I will," I promised, gratitude welling up for their concern.

"And remember, we're here for you if you need anything," Dad added, his words resonating with support.

As the meal concluded, I felt a renewed sense of purpose.

Seated in the passenger seat of the car, I glanced out the window, anticipation bubbling within me. Dad's voice interrupted my thoughts, bringing me back to the present.

"Have you double-checked that you have everything you need, Alexa?" he inquired, his eyes reflecting paternal concern in the rearview mirror.

"Yes, Dad, I've got everything," I assured him, a smile playing on my lips.

With a soft hum, Dad started the engine, and the familiar sights of our subdivision passed by outside the car window. It was still underdeveloped, but I could envision its transformation into a high-class community in the years to come.

As we drove, my older brother, Dominic, and Jenny, my elder sister, chatted animatedly in the backseat, their laughter mingling with the hum of the engine.

Thoughts of innovation stirred memories of the past, each one flashing before my eyes with startling clarity. This time, I vowed not to repeat the same mistakes—to learn from the past and forge a new path forward.

After twenty minutes or so, the familiar gates of Southville International School and Colleges came into view. It was a prestigious institution, renowned for its academic excellence and esteemed reputation—a far cry from the place where my downfall had begun.

As we pulled up to the entrance, a sense of unease washed over me. This was where it all started, where doubt and insecurity had taken root. But as I stepped out of the car and faced the imposing facade of the school, determination surged within me.

This time would be different. This time, I would reclaim my dreams, rewrite my story, and carve out a future worthy of the second chance I had been given.

With a deep breath, I stepped forward, surrounded by echoes of the past, I knew that my journey had only just begun.

As I glanced down at the note in my hand, detailing the first subject of the morning, I made my way towards Room 101, Grade 10 Section Amethyst, the designated classroom for today. Pushing the door open, I was met with the familiar faces of classmates from fifteen years ago.

"Alexa!" Liandra's voice greeted me eagerly, stirring a pang of discomfort within me at the sight of my once-trusted friend, the one who had betrayed me in my previous life—a betrayal I never saw coming.

"Hello, Liandra," I replied calmly, my voice betraying none of the turmoil swirling within me as I found an empty seat near the window. The sunlight streaming in through the glass seemed to cast a golden glow over the room, illuminating the memories dormant within its walls.

Liandra settled into the seat behind me, her presence a constant reminder of the past I had left behind. The betrayal still stung, a wound yet to heal fully.

"I'm so glad we're classmates this year, Lex! You missed out on a great party yesterday, though. Why didn't you come? I felt so lonely without you there, but at least Mira kept me company," Liandra murmured, a hint of loneliness in her tone.

If only she knew the loneliness I felt at her betrayal, I thought bitterly. But I pushed the resentment aside, focusing on the task at hand as the classroom filled with students and our teacher began her introduction.

Mira, seated at the table to Liandra's left, was as close to us as ever—a constant presence I couldn't seem to escape. It seemed she was determined to cling to our friendship, unwilling to be left out.

As the teacher prompted us to introduce ourselves, I found myself lost in the passage of time, only realizing it was lunchtime when Mira's voice broke through my thoughts.

"Lex," she called out, joined by Liandra standing beside my table.

"Hmm," I murmured in response, standing up and following them out of the classroom, the weight of the past still heavy on my shoulders as we made our way to the cafeteria.

As we settled into our seats near the expansive window, ordering our lunch for the day, Liandra and Mira launched into a lively conversation about yesterday's party. As I observed them, I couldn't help but notice the closeness between them—a bond that seemed stronger than the one Liandra and I once shared.

It was a realization that struck me with a pang of regret. How had I failed to see the shift between us? Liandra and I had been childhood friends, practically family due to the longstanding friendship between our parents. Our bond was supposed to be unbreakable.

As for Mira, our connection had formed through her family's association with the Green Company, where Liandra's parents were prominent figures. In contrast, my family belonged to the esteemed Del Real Group of Companies, specializing in hotels, condos, and malls—a distinction that set us apart in the social hierarchy.

The sight of my father driving us to school, instead of one of our drivers, was a testament to his humble nature. Despite our family's wealth and status, he preferred to be actively involved in our lives, cherishing every moment spent with his children.

Reflecting on these, I couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for the simplicity of our childhood friendship, now overshadowed by the complexities of adulthood and social status. It was a reminder that despite our differences, the bonds of friendship and family, reminding me of the journey that lay ahead but then it was crushed.

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