Reborn Alexa

Chapter 8

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As I walk out of my room, descend the stairs, and head directly towards our dining area, the soft rays of the morning sun filter through the curtains, casting a warm glow on the polished wooden floor. The familiar creak of each step beneath my feet is a comforting sound, a gentle reminder of the rhythm of my daily routine.

Unexpected guests greet me in the early morning, their presence disrupting the pleasant moments I've felt. Despite the intrusion, I force a polite smile, masking the irritation bubbling beneath the surface. Their cheerful chatter grates on my nerves, a dissonance of noise in the serene morning.

Liandra and Mira are already seated at the table, their laughter echoing off the walls of the dining room. They seem oblivious to my discomfort, their animated conversation filling the space with an energy I find overwhelming. I suppress a sigh as I approach, steeling myself for the inevitable intrusion on my peace.

"Good morning, Grandpa," I greet him warmly, leaning in to press a kiss to his weathered cheek. His familiar scent, a blend of pipe tobacco and old books, fills my senses, transporting me back to countless cherished memories of childhood summers spent by his side.

With a quick nod to Liandra and Mira, I make my way to my parents, who are deep in conversation at the other end of the table. Their faces light up with smiles as they see me approaching, their love for me shining brightly in their eyes.

"Morning, Mom... Dad..." I say, returning their kisses on my cheeks before taking my seat beside them.

As I settle into my spot, I can't help but notice the two uninvited guests seated across from me, their presence a stark contrast to the familiar faces of my family. Liandra and Mira, with their bright smiles and cheerful demeanor, seem improper in the quiet serenity of our breakfast table.

"Hi Lex!" Liandra greets me enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she flashes me a grin.

"Good morning, Alexa," Mira chimes in, her voice grating on my nerves.

I offer them a polite nod in response, my mind already drifting back to the comforting routine of my morning meal. With a sense of unease, I pick up my spoon and begin to indulge in the array of delicious dishes laid out before me, allowing the familiar flavors to soothe my soul and ease my mind.

But even as I lose myself in the simple pleasure of eating, a nagging question lingers at the back of my mind, one that refuses to be ignored.

"Where's brother Dominic and Jenny, Mom?" curiously ask as I didn't see them today joining as in breakfast.

"Oh, your brother, and sister left early for school," Mom explains, her voice softening as she meets my gaze across the table. "They have an important activity planned for today, dear."

I nodded gently, accepting my mom's explanation with a sense of resignation.

As the morning breakfast progresses, I maintain my chilly demeanor towards Liandra and Mira, my responses curt and distant. Despite their attempts to engage me in conversation, I remain aloof, a silent observer amidst their lively banter.

My family, accustomed to my occasional bouts of detachment, make excuses for my behavior, brushing off my coldness as mere preoccupation.

Oblivious to the frostiness of my demeanor, continue to chatter away, their laughter ringing in my ears like a distant echo. It's as if they don't even notice the walls I've built around myself, their easy acceptance of my indifference both baffling and frustrating.

"Lex, are you feeling alright?" Liandra asks, her concern genuine but misplaced. "You seem a bit off today."

"I'm fine," I reply tersely, unwilling to reveal the true source of my discomfort. But to my surprise, the two seem unfazed by my frosty demeanor, chalking it up to nothing more than a passing mood.

After finishing breakfast, I observe Liandra and Mira already clad in their school attire, a detail overlooked amidst the morning bustle. It strikes me they must have arrived directly from their homes, possibly intending to accompany me to school.

Liandra signals to her waiting driver, stationed by the door, prepared to chauffeur us.

"Hmm... Lex, why not retrieve your belongings upstairs? We'll go to school together," Liandra's soft voice I heard, her driver ready to join us.

Accepting the offer, despite initial hesitance, I ascend the stairs to fetch my school bag, the faint echo of my footsteps resonating through the empty corridor.

Upon my return downstairs, I find Liandra and Mira awaiting me by the entrance, their anticipation evident as we bid cheerful farewells to my family.

"Thank you for the wonderful breakfast, Mrs. Del Real," Mira expresses with genuine appreciation, bidding adieu to my mom.

"It was a pleasure seeing you again, Mr. Del Real," Liandra adds warmly, exchanging farewells with my father and grandfather.

Observing my family reciprocate their kindness, I too bid farewell with affectionate kisses on their cheeks. Casting a final glance at the familiar abode, I step into the refreshing morning air.

As Liandra's chauffeur opens the car door, I join Liandra and Mina. Departing the comfort of home, we glide through tranquil streets, the hum of the engine instilling a sense of tranquility.

Approaching the school gates, the vehicle halts, and we step onto the familiar school premises.

I can't help but feel the lingering tension here in my heart, a distance born from the betrayal of my previous life. Despite Liandra and Mira's friendly demeanor, there's an invisible barrier separating me from them.

While Liandra and Mira engage in lively conversation, I find myself lost in my thoughts, unable to fully connect. The presence of the one who betrayed me, now walking beside me, casts a shadow over our interactions.

As we reach our classroom, the familiar surroundings offer little comfort as I take my seat, the weight of unresolved emotions pressing down on me.

Throughout the day, I struggle to focus, my thoughts drifting back to the events that shattered my trust. Despite my best efforts to concentrate on the lessons, the memories of past hurts continue to haunt me, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed.

As the day wears on, I can't help but wonder if the wounds inflicted in my previous life will ever fully heal. The pain and trauma of the past still hold power over me, leaving me yearning for closure but uncertain if it will ever come.

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