"Slow down Casey!" I yelled over the loud song playing as my best friend sped through the highway in her boyfriend's car. Tonight we “borrowed” his expensive car to get revenge for cheating on Casey. I hope after this experience she realizes that high school romances are meaningless. I mentality rolled my eyes thinking about all the cliches and declarations of love - I'm proud to never have made a fool out of myself with anyone. And I thought this whole situation was a bit dramatic but, I can't ignore the thrill of stealing his car was exhilarating. My heart was beating so fast against my chest for a second thinking I went deaf because of the thumping I couldn't hear anything but its beating.

"Whoohoo this is so much fun" I screamed at the top of my lungs while Casey zoomed through traffic going above 90 mph. Enjoying the adrenaline flowing through my veins, I closed my eyes feeling the cold autumn wind on my face, all my trouble and problems melting away.

"Oh my god Alexa we are going-" right away, my eyes snapped open before we collided with a huge tree. When you are about to die, some recall how their life, experience, family and love flashes before their eyes. But that didn't happen because my life has always been nothing but emotional pain and loneliness. Instead, I saw my body flying out of the window, rolling on pavement like a bowling bowl then, everything went bright white light. I am dead. I lived a pitiful life as an orphan moving from foster homes until I reached "un-adoptable age" because my families prefer younger kids. I grew up without a family and the only friend I had was Casey who I met in middle school. We became best friends and swore to remain friends till death do as apart. Get the irony? Well, I'm unsure if Casey survived the accident but before losing consciousness, I faintly heard her screaming my name over the loud siren noise. So, other than her, no one cares if I die or live and I'm not going to fight my fate.

Beep, beep, beep

Wait a second, why do I hear beeping in the afterlife. I carefully breathed in confirming I was still alive. Crap. Steading my frantic breath, I cursed at my luck of being unable to die happy. Slowly, I opened my eyes just to be blinded by the bright lights in a white room. Blinking a few times while adjusting my sight I concluded that I was at hospital hooked to multiple machines. I coughed a few times, licking my dry lips tasting like cardboard. It wasn't until someone screamed for the nurse that I realized I wasn't alone. A middle aged lady with raven black hair in purple scrub quickly stood up rushing to my side.

"Nurse, my daughter is awake, call the doctor! Hey, baby, don't get up and wait for the doctor to come" She said with the most soothing voice that I ever heard. Her eyes started to swell up with tears at the same time she was smiling wide and without any warning she kissed my right cheek. I tried saying something but nothing came out, my throat was too dry leaving my mouth to hang open from the sudden kiss. Apart from Casey, no one has ever embraced me in a hug or kiss and now, this strange lady is crying for me and calling me her daughter? A knock at the door announcing nurses and few doctors came in the small room while nurses worked on machines hooked to my body.

"Hello. I'm Dr. Hemsworth. How are you feeling Ms. Lee, can I call you Jayelina?" Looking up, I blinked once since words couldn't come out. This doctor was unbelievably handsome with greying hair that matched a pair of grey eyes. I couldn't help checking him out because he belongs in a movie rather than a hospital. I wanted to correct him that my name was Alexa Costas not Ja- something Lee, but only managed a low groan to escape my dry mouth instead of words. I sounded like a zombie from 'The Walking Dead' and quickly I felt my face heat up. I guess the handsome doctor found this amusing because he chuckled at my attempt.

"Here drink some water. Take it easy your vocal cords haven't been used in weeks." My mind was going haywire with questions that I wasn't paying attention to what's being discussed about my health. Have I really been in the hospital for that long and who is this lady that keeps calling me her daughter?

"You hear that Jaye, we get to go home soon. The surgery was a success!" The lady in purple scrub informed me with the biggest smile across her face. I blinked once giving her a confused look. In the meantime, the handsome doctor went over the guidelines and aftercare thoroughly.

"Now, Jayelina please take care as your body is still healing. Do you have any further questions?" He said, meeting my eyes with those striking grey gaze.

" I- I don't know why I'm here and who are you people?," I finally said, clearing my throat and the pretty lady's smile faded quickly over my words, her joyful face now replaced with a shocked look.

"You don't remember your mother and having a heart transplant surgery?" I shook my head giving him a bewilderment look at the mention of heart transplant surgery.

"Jayelina, you were born with an abnormal heart that can potentially cause heart failure. In other words, you needed a transplant immediately or else you would have died from cardiac arrest. Fortunately, we found a matched donor who tragically died from an accident and to your advantage were able to operate and give you a working heart. Furthermore, you are probably suffering from a mild case of amnesia due to medication. This is your mother, Ms. Giselle Lee. I know this is a lot to process but please remain calm and I'm sure your memories will return shortly." The doctor gave me a confident smile. But I think they mistaken me for the wrong girl because that's not my name, never have I ever met my parents nevertheless my mother, and lastly I don't have a heart condition. If I did it would've came up in the adoption forms. This has to be a mistake and accidentally got some poor girl’s heart. Why don't they see the physical difference between Jayelina and me, unless I'm not really named Alexa but Jayelina?

"Who was the donor? You said she's dead, how did she died?" I asked, stammering each word as I feared for the worse.

"I'm sorry Jayelina but I can't disclose the donor's personal information. All I can say is that she was your age and passed away in a car accident. The donor had no family to claim her body. Poor girl was so young and died in such a horrific way. But you should not concern yourself with those gruesome details. You are given another chance to live your life so, please treasure it." He went over safety measures, medications, physical activities and other preventions. As for my memories, all he advised the lady - or my mother to give me a few days to process and bring in photographs that would trigger my memories. Without further questions left, he gave me one last smile before exiting the room with the others except for one nurse and my mother. The nurse kindly helped me do some light exercises by testing my physical agility while the woman who claims to be my mother quietly sob because I couldn't remember her. After the nurse was done, she informed us that I will be discharged in a week. I let out a long sigh dreading staying here for another week. Sitting up, I motion for Giselle to come sit next to me patting the bed. She joined me in an instant sitting down the bed barely sunk at her lightweight. She was petite, barely five feet tall and probably weighing 90 pounds with Eastern Asian features and pale complexion. There's no way she could be my mother because I'm African descent and to my knowledge with no Asian background. I can't explain why I felt sympathy toward her- I patted her shoulder lightly trying to console her then, lay my head on it while she wrapped her small arms around me. Something warm stirred within me- an emotion I haven't felt before love. A mother's love. It was as if her arms were made out of cotton, warm like sunlight rays on a cool spring day- suddenly I didn't care who she was or what happened to my body because at this very moment I felt a mother's love for the first time.

"Please don't cry, mommy." Astound at my words, I buried my face deeper while she petted my head. It's too late to take it back now. I guess I can call her mom and enjoy my new chance to live a happy life with a family. I sensed her smiling as she placed another kiss on my head. While staying in her arms cradle like a baby, I drifted into a peaceful slumber.

It's been seven days since I woke up in this strange reality. Ever since then, I've made quick progress with therapy and today I can finally leave the hospital. Two days ago, after mom left for work as a nurse at this very same hospital - I tried contacting Casey on Jaye's cellphone. I knew Casey's number by heart because my life has always been unstable and frequently moving homes, so I was always calling her whenever I needed a place to crash. After a couple of rings, Casey answered and thought I was playing a sick prank on her. I had high hopes that she'll believe me that I'm the real Alexa stuck inside somebody else's body. Also, I wanted to make sure she was fine from the accident and didn't suffer the same fate as me. Casey became agitated during the phone call but I was glad to hear her voice cursing at me and using slangs only we would. From that moment, I decided that it's best to bury Alexa Costas and live as Jaye Lee for the time being. Since I had to pretend to have temporary amnesia, I used my free time to learn about Jaye's life. From my findings, Jaye was a timid girl who rarely socialized with other people. Her mother is currently parenting alone while her father lives abroad and they have very little contact with each other. Also, apparently this Jaye chick is super smart and even has a scholarship in one of the country's most prestigious private schools. This was going to be tough to live up to because I failed most of my classes, especially math class. I scored poorly in the math exam which resulted in repeating sophomore year again. Adding to my dread - Jaye excels in math and science earning consecutive awards and part of the honors list. To say that I'm bad at math and science is a huge understatement because I failed beginner math level only passing the second time by cheating my ass through the final exam. I scratched my head in hopes for brilliant ideas to start flowing on how to get me out of taking those insane math classes! Perhaps I can use my fake amnesia and say that I don't remember learning anything. There was a sudden knock at the door pulling me out of my thoughts.

"come - " without allowing me to finish the rest, the door flew open revealing a preppy looking girl in a high length dress. She had strawberry blond locks with kind light brown eyes. She introduced herself as Camila talking about how my mother sent her to refresh my memories and she's Jaye's best friend. I went through Jaye's phone and found several messages from her confirming that they were close since they were kids. I have to be careful that Camila might figure out that I'm not really Jaye yet, again who would believe her!

"umm hi, I'm sorry I lost my memories." I let out a nervous chuckle trying to ease the tension of having your best friend forget you. If Casey would've told me that she forgot about me, might as well take my heart out to not feel the pain. Pun intended.

Camila shot me an 'its ok' type of smile and without warning, she embraced me into a tight friendly hug.

"Don't apologize you dummy. I love you with or without memories." it felt nice having a supportive friend, especially now that I lost mine. I couldn't help and return her hug back.

"Don't stress about it. You just had a major surgery! I'm sure your memories will return shortly". I was grateful she didn't pursue any past conversations rather she filled me in what I missed.

During the brief time we spent together, I quickly grew fond of Camila not only did she remind me of Casey in her free spirited personality also, I liked her honesty characteristic. She told me how we first met in our first year of junior school by tutoring her in math and also filled me in on all her celebrity crushes. Camila was like a news reporter, she knew everyone and all the gossip in school. She's even the school president of a newspaper club. She said I don't need to worry about the material I've missed because "i'm a geek and super smart" her exact words. No, girl I'm dumb ass hell. I'm screwed, this is worse than my own death!

I am not "super smart", hell i'm not even close to smart. I was diagnosed with a bit of attention deficiency when I was young which meant I learned differently and at a slower pace than most people. Sensing my stress, Camila decided to cut her visit short and I couldn't thank her enough for doing so. I just couldn't take anymore information about Jaye's life. At least she was aware how stressful all of this is for me.

At last, today I got to go home and had to get ready before mom's shift was over. I took a glance at my phone screen indicating that I had less than 20 minutes until mom finishes her shift. Fast pacing to the bathroom, I quickly slipped into dark jeans and v-neck white tee that showed a part of my healing scar on my chest. Running my index finger through the stitched line scarred that ran about five inches deep indicating where the heart transplant happened. I laid a hand to feel it steady beating against my chest and honestly, I couldn't be happier to be alive. I still couldn't believe my soul somehow survived the car crash plus the transplant surgery and still managed to remain myself inside of a new body. The doctor said that only a faint thin line will be visibly healed and not to worry about the scar because it made me seem badass. Smiling like a fool, I remembered his exact words and I couldn't agree more, the scar looked badass and fierce on me. But for the time being, I had to heal properly, so I draped a light sweater covering my chest. Then, I moved on to styling my crazy super curly hair, scrunching and ruffling the curl pattern reaching a little lower from the shoulders. I took a moment to examine this body, the girl before my eyes was a caramel skinned tone, with large round brown-hazel eyes and full pink lips. Mom told me I was mixed race and my father is black with biracial parents too. From the nose and below, I resembled my mother's delicate face and small nose with full lips, even the same faint freckles across the nose and rosy cheeks. Jayelina is not society's ideal beauty or can't be considered a model, however, she carries a unique beauty that makes her stand out. Giving my reflection a wide grin and saw perfect aligned white teeth unlike my real teeth that were crooked because I couldn't afford dental care. Her hair color was gorgeous - a unique shade of golden brown with copper highlight. I tip toe closer to the mirror to see the roots confirming it was indeed her real color not hair dye. So far, the only concern was the height difference from my old body that stood 5'3 and half inches with long slim legs (I ran track for the school so I was alway lean). In comparison this body is maybe 5ish feet tall making me a bit taller than mom by like an inch. In terms of body shape, this body is petite with curves highlighting a busty chest and wide sensual hips that suited a perky ass. As soon as I get the okay from the doctor, I'm going to start running again, I just hope these short legs would allow me to, I thought while looking down at them. I took one last glance satisfied with the final look, heading back to the room.

"Baby, it's time to go home" Mom just walked in wearing her usual scrubs and a messy bun. "I already signed all the paperwork and picked up your medication. Did Camila leave so soon?"

"Yes not too long ago. I was glad she came to visit. It felt nice talking to a friend" Honestly I did enjoy Camila's company.

"Well I'm happy to hear that. Did it help you remember?" I noticed her hesitation in the question. I was afraid to disappoint mom with the answer, so I focused on picking something from my sweater.

"Baby it's okay. Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere." She said while brushing my curly bangs aside, and gently placing a small kiss on my forehead. This woman made me feel safe and loved with her soft tone and gentle touch. I felt relieved she didn't question any further about my memories.

On the ride home, we spoke nonstop like we've known each other a long time. We arrived at the apartment complex in less than an hour with some spicy noodles we picked up on the way. The apartment was neatly set with a three seater sofa and a flat screen T.V. opposite side. I noticed the amount of their photos everywhere, they seem to have an honest relationship. My heart clenched at the thought of her mother finding out the truth - that her real daughter is gone and an imposter is living inside her dear daughter's body.

Mom showed me the room that belonged to Jaye, now my room. She left to set the dinner table while I settled in. The bedroom was small but wide enough for a full size bed and matching desk stack with books and a laptop. I changed to an oversized shirt and shorts I found in the drawer, picking my hair up in a high bun.

"Come eat honey" mom called from the kitchen and I obediently followed the delicious noodles smell. After dinner, I went back to my room and tried to fall asleep but I was feeling too anxious about my first day of school. Thinking of attending a private school makes me nervous, in my old life I barely went to school always skipping classes to do dumb shit. This life is comfortable and stable compared to my old one, however I couldn't shake the feeling that it would soon disappear. Just in case mom became suspicious and figured it out, I need to come up with a back up plan and some cash. After a few minutes of planning to run away, my eyelids began getting heavy and finally sleep overcame me.

"Jaye wake up you're gonna be late for school" mom was practically yelling over my ears so early in the morning. I groaned getting off from the soft bed dragging my feet to the bathroom. After a quick shower, I looked myself in the mirror prepared to find dark circles from the lack of sleep. My eyes looked tired, but to my advantage, I saw no dark circles or bags underneath. My god, her skin is amazing even after last night's restless, it still held a radiant glow. After a few seconds spent admiring my new face, I went back to my room finding my school uniform neatly set on the bed. The uniform looked straight out of some preppy television show - white collared blouse, with a matching khaki blazer and A-line pleated skirt that reached a few inches above my knees and a delicate small red bow tied around the collar giving it the ideal 'preppy style'. I was wearing a pair of white knee socks and blue converse when mom burst in wearing her nurse scrub and low messy bun.

"Wow you look so smart and pretty in your school uniform, may I style your hair?" I happily agreed because I was still having trouble handling so much hair. I sat crossed legs on the bed while mom worked on my hair.

"you know, I used to style your hair everyday right up to your first year of high school. You said that the other kids made fun of your big hair and you begged me to stop. From that day on, you always kept it in a tight bun." Mom sighed and brushed some curls from my face. Her touch was so gentle that I was trying so hard not to fall asleep in her arms like I did at the hospital.

Slightly turning my head to face her, "Mom from now, do my hair however you'd like. I don't care what anyone says anymore." I said smiling meaning every single word.

"Okay hun. But don't complain about my choice of style then" We both laughed and joked about my hair turning out to look like a doll with a mini afro. After some pull and tug, she was finally done. I rushed to see the final look, my hair was styled in a half up and down with the sides neatly braided finishing the look with a huge white bow. The rest of my hair hung loosely around my shoulder while some curls were effortless loose in the front. I looked adorable with my tiny freckled face and big hair. I happily hugged mom thanking her for the amazing hairstyle. This was the first time I remember someone caring about my appearance, when I was a kid I was used to all forms of neglect yet, I craved for someone to smother me with silly clothes and embarrassing hairstyles.

"Lets go now, you're getting late for your first day back. Don't forget your reading glasses hun." Wiping a tear from the corner of her eyes.

Without wasting time, I quickly had breakfast because I never said no to food. We fast paced to the car and once inside, I asked mom about the private school I was attending. She told me how I got a full ride scholarship sponsored by the STEM department and explained how I wanted to study medicine and eventually become a doctor. I cringed at the thought of all those science and math classes required. I can't picture myself in college nevertheless studying medicine. Once we arrived, I kissed her goodbye and grabbed my bright yellow backpack and books from the back seat. I looked like I was going to preschool instead of high school from the huge bow on my hair to the bright yellow backpack decorated with tiny white flowers and pink bunnies. Any normal teen would be embarrassed but not me because I didn't get to have a childhood with a loving mother. Either way, I've never been the person to care about others' opinions. I wouldn't be surprised if someone mistaken me for a child, this body was petite with a small innocent face. I quickened my pace without knowing where I was going, the building looked like a castle; it had trees planted in rows that followed the path to a main door. I pulled out the class schedule from the side pocket and my reading glasses as my sight blurred. My electronic watch showed that it was 8:25 am and according to the schedule class starts at 8:30 am. Shit! I cursed at my tiny legs for not striding farther - oh how I missed my long legs I thought and began to slightly jog while looking down on the schedule. Suddenly, bumping into a hard wall stumbling backward and falling on my butt. My glasses and books flew out landing somewhere I couldn't see well. I took a moment realizing I bumped into a person not a brick wall.

"What the fuck! Can't you see I was walking that way" I cursed the person who was culpable of my fall. “At least apologize rude asshole!”

I heard giggles from nearby students and someone took a snap of me on the ground. I fell on my ass and instead of helping they're taking pictures how humiliating! I started rambling more curse words when the person turned to face me. Cool grey eyes glare down at me clearly triggered from all the cursing. I don't know why my heart began beating uncontrollably when I stared at those piercing grey eyes. He was handsome and could easily pass for a model, from the sharp jawline down to his broad shoulders and long legs with pitch black hair that contrast with his already gorgeous gem eyes.

"You bumped into me. Learn to pay attention, perhaps you would've seen me standing here. You're the one who owes me an apology" His words echo in my brain making me quickly snap from his charming face.

However, his good looks doesn't justify his asshole behavior and I couldn't stand these types of boys. I was about to reply, but he just walked away going inside the school building before I said anything. Based on his appearance of an expensive bag and shoes, it told me that the guy was wealthy and popular in school as to why people started filming our confrontation. I care less who he was or what people thought of me, I stuck my middle finger to the receding back of his body. I started to gather my stuff from the ground then, I felt someone's wrapped a hand around my arm lifting me up in a swift motion. My body turned into fight and flight mode and I swung my arm free.

"Sorry to startle you, I was trying to help you get up. Here's your glasses." Said a blonde guy offering my now broken glasses. I know I'm a small girl, but that didn't give him the right to touch me. I rolled my eyes at his so called kindness. Goddamn did my mom accidentally drop me in a model agency instead of school? This guy was also good looking with baby blue eyes and sun kissed complexion.

"Thanks. I don't need help." I said snatching my broken glasses from his hand and heading inside. Based on my interaction with the first snobby dude, it's best to assume all these rich folks were all the same and I need to keep my distance.

Within a second, he caught up to me. "Are you new here? I haven't seen you around. What's your name? Mine's Nicholas, Nic for short. I know Rye was an asshole just now, but he didn't mean to harm you." He talked fast, throwing a lot of information at me.

"Oh. At least we both agreed on something, that guy is an asshole." He quietly nodded at my reply.

"Name's Jaye, could you help me find my classroom?" I handed him my schedule while I struggled to balance textbooks on my short arms. Taking a moment to examine my schedule, he then let a small chuckle returning the paper back to me.

"Follow me, my lady. Looks like we're in the same class." He offered me his arm which I declined instead I ignored him and walked in front.

"That's the wrong way. Is this way, sorry I've been told that I'm too forward." he was turning a rosy shade from embarrassment and I hope his intentions were friendly. Feeling bad about how rude I treated him so far, I decided to link my right arm with his left arm. What the fuck Alexa you don't even know this guy. He also was taken back by my action because at first he flinched at my touch. I started to mentality hit my head against the wall, regretting my decision to hold arms with a stranger.

"Yo Nic. Wait up." A deep voice called behind us. We both turned around facing the voice that belonged to an icy blonde with the most beautiful deep blue eyes I've seen. At this point I was convinced I'm in alternate reality where only good-looking people exist.

"Is this your girl?" He casually asked.

"Nooo. Just a friend I've just made. She was lost and it turns out we have class together. Jaye, meet Geralt Rockwell aka G. G this is Jaye." I had to bend my neck back, he was even taller than Nic. I nodded my head agreeing to whatever Nic said.

"Don't call me that" Geralt said, annoyed at Nic's nickname.

It took a moment for my brain to process that he thought Nic and I were a couple, and he assumed that just by us walking beside each other. I've watched enough dramas and this could easily turn into a cliche rumor.

"Why not? It's cute. Better than that dumbass name Geeerrr-alt." Nic giggled like a schoolgirl.

I could tell these two were close friends by Nic's constant picking and mocking. Before I knew it, the three of us reached the classroom almost walking past it. I forgot that Nic and I were still arms linked, when we entered the whole class stared at us, murmur quickly filled the room. My subconscious told me that all kinds of glare were staring at us jealous eyes from girls and some boys too, making me quickly retrieve my arm back from Nic's grasp.

"Mr. Rockwell and Mr. Clark, tardy again I see. Oh, Ms. Lee, you're back in class. Please take your seats immediately." With a bored tone the old man instructed who I presume was a teacher.

I went to find an empty seat then, I remembered that I didn't know where Jaye sat. Just when the day couldn't get any worse someone scoffed as I stood facing everyone. Turns out the grey eyed prick is in this class too. I wanted to punch him on the nose. Relax, you can't get kicked out. I tighten my fist choosing to ignore him.

"Um, where do I sit again?" I was stumbling on my words like a kid who got caught doing something they weren't supposed to.

"Ms. Lee stop wasting everyone's time. Take your assigned seat next to Ms. Gomez in the back" I was grateful he pointed to a brunette girl sitting in the last row.

I followed his finger taking my seat indicated- while the teacher settled the class down from the commotion. Once I sat down, I offered the girl next to me a sympathetic smile and in return she gave me an awkward one. Finding a pen and notebook, I was ready to take notes looking up to the board, then quickly realizing I couldn't see from this distance. I pulled out my glasses and the crystal was damaged from the incident. I sighed, unable to see the board. Damn it and my clumsy self.

"Are you and Nic together?"