In another life

Chapter 2

The golden sky has morphed into a dark blue, street lights illuminating the roads. It's been hours since I met Marcus, until I lost him. I wonder who Maya is, does she look like me..? Or am I her? My head is faced down at the cobblestone path but then I suddenly bump Ito something or, someone. I thrash my head up, Marcus. An apologetic look is on his face until he realises it's me. Rex circles my feet as my breathing starts to speed up. Marcus' face stiffens into worry. I loom back up at him and kick the ground until his hands creep around my torso.

"Maya- I mean, Nova. Are you ok?!"He blurts out as he spins me around, checking for injuries. I stop myself and a small smile creeps on my face. "Yes, I'm fine"I nod. He doesn't believe me, he raises one eyebrow, edging for me to carry on talking. "You look freezing, Nova. Why don't you go home?" he asks. I shrug, maybe because I don't know where my home is. With my mum, my grandma and my fiancé. I smile, imagining him searching for me.

I snap bak into reality when I realise Marcus is throwing his jacket over me. "Come on, Nova. I'll walk you home" he smiles, beckoning me to follow him. I smile and I grab Marcus' hand and skip  down the road, Rex barking and wagging his tail whenever Marcus throws the stick.

We reach a small town house with a green door and cute pink curtains. We both stop at the gate, our fingers still connected. I let out a breath and open the creaky gate which makes me shiver. Before I can take another step, he grabs my arm. "Nova, any problems and just message me. You have my insta" he smiles. I smile back at him and walk to the door, his hand trailing across my arm. His- insta? He must be certain I'm Maya.

I open the door, it'd be a bit awkward if I knock on my own door, right? As I close the door, I look through the crack still spewing the light of the night in. Rex is barking with his tail in-between his legs and Marcus is waving slowly. I smile before shutting the door, trapping myself in complete darkness.

I guide myself up the stairs and into a lonely, empty hallway. I place my palm flat on the wall as I trail to the only room with a door open. I step inside and turn the light on, causing the room to illuminate, showing off all the posters stuck to my wall and a messy yet comfy bed. Makeup products are covering the floor, same with clothes. I leap over the obstacles to a mirror on the vanity.

I speed up to it, hoping to get a sense of recognition. I sit myself down and stare into the eyes of myself. They are dark brown, basically black, with specs of green around the pupils, silky chocolate springs coming out of my head and trailing down my back, matching the freckles that are spilt all over my face.

Who am I? Is Maya in my body. Oh god, it feels like I'm going to be sick.

My skin goes lighter and I start flicking my thigh, hoping to get distracted but it doesn't work. What if she's ruined my life?

I bite my nails but get interrupted by a man blocking the door frame, I let out a small squeal of the shadow, stepping closer and towering over me. I dig my nails under my seat, praying I'll get glued to it. When he gets closer I stare at him, he looks like the male version of me. "Shut up, Maya" he groans as he slams his body into the wall. I let out a sigh of relief and he snickers. "Mum! Maya is finally home!" my brother  hollers. Brother.

"What time is it?" I ask, panic taking over me.                                                                                                                 "Check your phone" he says as he pops a Dorito in his mouth from my desk and nods his head towards my 'phone'. Confusions covers my face as I slowly place my hand on my phone. I flip it over and gasp as it turns on. There's a picture of me and this girl hugging, she's beautiful. Long black hair flows down her body to her hips, her pale skin creasing as she smiles, her eyes closed filled with log, thick lashes. Just looking at her smile makes me smile.

My eyes travel up to the top of my phone as the time reads, '00:56'. Woah, that is late. A shiver runs down my body as I slump into my chair, my brother laughing as he takes the whole bag of Doritos with him. As he walks through my doorway, an angry yet worried woman runs pass him, my sibling looks back to me and mouths 'good luck' before disappearing.

I gulp and wish a black hole could swallow me.