Resident Rival

Revisiting The Past Won't Change The Future --- Chapter Five

CHAPTER FIVE

This is all too familiar.

I lay on my bed, clutching the acceptance letter to Harvard Medical School. My eyes felt too tired from crying. I ran my fingers to my eyes to wipe the tears, there were none. I guess I can't cry hard enough now. 

Wait.

I sat bolt upright, looking around at my room. What the hell. I took in my surroundings and it hit me --- I'm in my parents' house. What am I doing here? I glanced sideways and found my study table still filled with my Biology books. I ran to the mirror, and my 21 year old self stared back at me. My eyes widened. I ran out of the room and went off to my parent's. "Mom! Dad!" I frantically called out and searched the house. I'm home alone.I went back to my room and stared back at my mirror. I was at a loss for reaction. I just stared, mouth gaping open. I stood there for I don't know how long when I felt my hands tightening on my letter, still clutching it. I stared, wide eyed with horror this time, dawning to me what all of this means. Mom and Dad's gone to a charity event. I remember now how this happened to me before. I remember how this night changed my life forever --- though I wish I forgot about it completely.

I pinched myself and closed my eyes. This is not real. This is no longer real! WAKE UP!! I opened my eyes and saw the same place, the same Paige in the mirror, the same horror- stricken face. I let out a sob. My fingers are trembling uncontrollably, as the tears finally showed themselves. 

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK

My body shook harder than ever. I covered my mouth in fear of being discovered. I know this scene, I know where this is going. The real 21 year old Paige opened that door many years ago, I'm not going to make the same mistake twice. I hid under my bed, still trying to contain the horror. I'm going to stay here. I'm going to stay here until I rot to death. I'm going to stay here all my life and still live happily ever after. I kept my shaking hands over my mouth, careful not to choke on my uncontrollable crying.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK

For chrissake, why won't the maid make him go away?? Because there is no maid. She went on a day off and will be back tomorrow, at which by that time you may already be... I closed my eyes, being the only thing I could do apart from going crazy. 

creeeeaaaaaakkk

My bedroom door opened. I held m breath, careful not to betray a sound. I watched him come in, hearing every footstep he makes as if amplified times ten. 

"Maxie... Oh Maaaaaxxxiiieeee! you're too cute. Come out now, we're leaving.", He said playfully.

Hearing his voice this clear made me want to scream and run for the hills. Looking back, I never really left with him. I thought that by acting differently, I'd have fooled myself into thinking that I could change what happened. And so, I continued to do the exact opposite of everything: I stayed hidden.

"Hmmm... let's see. Count of three, then! One... Twooo...!!"

I covered my face. I feel so out of breath now from all the attempts to control my breathing. But what do I care? I'd really rather just kill myself now than go over this whole thing again.