Empty Spaces

One Day, Everything Changed

"Lauren, what's going on?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but the panic was setting in. I started pacing back and forth, running my hands through my hair. 

"Normani, I have no idea what's happening. Yesterday, everything was normal, but today... it's like I'm someone else. None of this makes sense."

Normani's brows knitted together, watching me with a mix of confusion and concern. "Laur... what are you talking about?"

I stopped pacing and turned to her, desperate. "Normani, ask me questions about my life—anything you want. Just... ask, and I'll answer."

She hesitated, studying me like she was unsure whether I was messing with her or genuinely losing it. "Alright..." She paused, thinking. "What's your favorite class?"

"Uh... English, right? But apparently, now I'm some soccer jock or something."

Normani tilted her head, frowning slightly. "Okay, what's your dog's name?"

"Dog? I don't have a dog."

Her eyes widened a bit. "You've had Sparky since we were twelve, Lauren."

I blinked. "Sparky?"

She took a step back, looking genuinely rattled. "What... about your siblings?"

I hesitated, feeling a strange fog cloud my memory. "I... don't... I mean, I have a sister?"

"Lauren, you're an only child!" she whispered, a trace of fear in her voice. "Stop messing with me. This isn't funny."

"I'm not messing with you, Normani," I said, feeling a pang of desperation. "I swear, I don't know what's happening."

Normani stared at me, processing everything Her eyes softened as she spoke, almost like she believed me now. "Okay... okay i- " She paused, glancing around, then sighed. "Look, we just have to get through the day. We'll figure it out later. We can't stay in here all day."

I nodded, still a little shaken, and we left the classroom. As we walked down the hallway, I felt the weight of every gaze on me. It was like I was in the middle of a movie set, everyone staring, waiting for me to do something *interesting*. Camila was waiting by the door of our next class, and the moment she saw me, her eyes lit up. She strutted over, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Hey, baby," she said, leaning in like she was about to kiss me. I froze, my stomach twisting. I could feel the heat rushing to my face as she held me by the neck.

"I... uh..." I nervously stepped back. "Camila, I—"

She raised an eyebrow, looking at me with a little amusement. "Camila..? Lo you never call me by my full name...did i do something?"

I felt my palms start to sweat, my heart racing. "Sorry, just... not feeling like myself today" I muttered, pulling away, trying to act casual. The idea of her holding me just felt wrong, like something was off. I didn't want her to feel how nervous I was.

Her smile faltered, but she didn't seem upset. "Okay, Lauren. I'll see you after class," she said, her voice light, but she seemed to be watching me more closely now, like she was trying to figure me out.

When I got to class, everything felt strange. It wasn't just the people or the way they looked at me. I felt... smarter. Like, I knew all the answers without even trying. The teacher would ask a question, and I'd immediately know the right response, without even thinking about it. It was like the knowledge was already there, waiting for me to say it.

Mrs. Viva, who was always sweet and cheerful, looked at me with a warm smile. "Lauren, honey, would you like to share your thoughts on the symbolism in the second chapter?"