Memories

Chapter 4- Party

I stood frozen on the spot for a few moments.  How  is this possible?

It is more than just coincidence, it's a mystery.

I took in a few deep breaths.

 Calm down. Breathe in. Breathe out.

After collecting myself together, the questions started pouring out...

Who is he?

Why is his face so familiar?

And the most obvious- how do I know his name?

'Are you even sure if that's his name? ' , sensible me retorted.

Good point.

I scrolled through the list of names and finally found it out-

Raymond Emerson, captain- 2013

Oh. Shucks.

"What took you so long? I thought you passed out again!!" My mom yelled, frantically waving her arms at me.

" Calm down, mom, I'm all right.." I whispered, still in my own thoughts. What just happened right now still didn't make any sense to me. My mind was still swirling with questions when mom tapped me on the shoulder.

"You alright, darling?"

" Yeah,  just a little... dazed."

"Are you? Let's get you back home as quickly as we can." Mom said, getting into the car. " And anyway, you've got something waiting for you at home." she added with a smile.

"SURPRISE!!!" The entire house lit up as soon as I stepped into the dining room.  I shrieked and almost started panicking when a huge gathering of people jumped out of nowhere. That's when I realized.

It's still my birthday. 

" So..how's my fantastic surprise party?" My sister beamed at me as she handed me a glass of punch.

" Amazing. But you could have dropped a hint. I don't exactly look like the birthday girl around here. " I said, giving her the evil eye. I looked disappointedly at my  jeans and tee and then at my sister's  wine colored skater dress.

"Oh! No need, I have everything under control, baby sis. Come on now.." my sister held wrists and started dragging me upstairs.

"Okay,wait, wait!" I shrugged free of her grasp.  "You planned all this just to get your hands on me, right?"

"What? No! I mean..yeah. What do you expect me to do then? ..Listen.." Ellen took hold of my shoulders, looking at me seriously, "You may think dressing up and fashion is not important, but believe me-  if you want to feel good inside, you need to try to look good too. And these are just not the words of a fashion designer, consider this sister advice. You are 18 now Sandy, grow up."

I was stunned for a moment. I had no idea Ellen could talk so..mature. I looked up to see her anxious eyes. I smiled and nodded at her.

"Great ! hurry up now, don't wanna keep the party waiting."

An hour later, I stood in front of the mirror, staring at the miracle in front of me.

Somehow, my ultra talented sister had magically turned me into some other woman who looked more like..her.

"So.." Ellen came up from behind, " What do you think?"

I stared back at her with wide eyes. " W-Who am I ?"

" The real Sandy Cooper, who I have just unearthed from all the beauty negligence.. You can thank me later, " She said, looking at my awed expression.