I stepped out of my townhouse, the crisp autumn air nipping at my bare arms. The city pulsed with life, and my phone buzzed in my hand. A message from Samantha.
"Hey, Alex! Party's delayed an hour. Guess who's rocking that red dress from our fav brand? You should wear yours too!"
I chuckled. Samantha always knew how to hype me up, even through a text. The dress she mentioned was from the latest collection, a fiery red number that screamed confidence. I made a mental note to swing by her favorite boutique later, maybe snag something for her too.
With a deep breath, I merged into the city's rhythm. The streets were alive with the hum of conversations, the distant honk of cabs, and the occasional street performer adding their own flair. It was the kind of day that reminded me why I loved this chaotic metropolis.
The bell above the door jingled as Alexandria entered the cozy cafe she frequented. The rich aroma of coffee and fresh pastries greeted her like an old friend.
"Alex! Fancy seeing you here this late," the barista, a lanky guy named Ben, greeted her with a grin.
"Decided to switch things up today," she replied, leaning casually on the counter. "The usual, please."
Ben nodded, quickly preparing her blueberry scone and soy milk latte. "Big plans?"
"Party tonight. Figured I'd fuel up before the chaos," she said with a smile.
Ben handed over her order, and she found a quiet corner to sit. The cafe was a different world in the afternoon-filled with college students, aspiring writers, and remote workers. She watched them, sipping her latte, wondering if she had looked the same during her own college days, lost in her laptop and ideas.
Ten minutes later, she was back on the bustling streets, the city wrapping her in its familiar embrace.
The boutique was a haven of style, and Alexandria lost herself in the racks of chic clothing. The red dress was a no-brainer for Samantha, but a few other pieces caught her eye-shimmering accessories, a delicate scarf, a pair of statement earrings. Perfect little surprises for her best friend.
Time flew, and before she knew it, she was checking out, her arms laden with bags. The late afternoon light had softened into a warm glow, and the city streets buzzed with the end-of-day energy.
Two blocks from the boutique, her heels clicking against the pavement, she heard it-a scuffle in a nearby alley. A quick glance revealed a robbery in progress. Instinct told her to keep walking. This was New York, after all. But fate had other plans.
The sudden sound of footsteps, a muffled shout, and then-bang.
Pain. Shock. The world tilted. Alexandria collapsed, her bags scattering, the rich fabric of the red dress stained with her blood.
A black cat with piercing, pupil-less blue eyes slinked onto the scene, its gaze fixed on her lifeless body. It meowed softly, almost mournfully, before padding down the alley. A chilling scream echoed from within.
"What the fuck is this demon cat?" the robber's voice trembled before silence consumed the alley.
The evening of the party came and went. At Samantha's door, a somber knock replaced the expected arrival of her best friend. The police officer's face was grim as he delivered the news.
"Miss Bakirtzis, we regret to inform you..."
Shock turned to sorrow, sorrow to tears. The party lights were dimmed, the music silenced. In the days that followed, the world felt a little less vibrant.
Months passed, and winter's chill seeped into the earth as Alexandria's funeral brought together a circle of grief-stricken friends. Samantha stood tall, her curly brown hair framing her tear-streaked face. She wore the red dress Alexandria had bought, the one meant for celebration now a shroud of mourning.
As the casket was lowered, Samantha couldn't hold back her sobs. "I miss you so much, Alex," she whispered, her voice breaking.
From the edge of the gathering, the black cat reappeared, its eyes now normal, a deep, familiar blue. It approached Samantha, weaving between her legs. She bent down, gently petting it.
"You're a sign, aren't you?" she murmured, picking the cat up. "Alex always said black cats were full of good luck. Maybe you're her, watching over me."
The cat purred, nestling into her arms. Samantha hugged it tightly, whispering, "I hope you find happiness in your next life, Alex. I hope we meet again."
With one last pet, she set the cat down, watching as it sauntered away. As the crowd dispersed, the cat lingered by the grave, its eyes shifting back to their otherworldly hue.
It batted at the air, and a tear in reality appeared-a shimmering rift that hummed with ancient energy. Without hesitation, the cat leaped through, the rift sealing behind it, leaving nothing but silence and a whisper of the unknown.
YOU ARE READING
Rewritten Fates: Alexandria's Tale
Fantasía(Read to find out) Ever wondered what could happen sometimes after happily ever after? Or maybe when your time has come a little too soon. where do you go? These are questions that Alexandria never had yet ends up finding out.
