On The Other Side Of The Mirror ~

Prologue

Stephanie

(Flashback__2 years before)

- I'm going to London... - said Raph, as soon as we sit down on the couch.

- What? - I couldn't have heard correctly.

I digged my nails on a white cushion, preparing myself for what was coming next.

- I'm sorry, Steph, I really am. I know we'd planned so much and I didn't want to, but... my parents practically forced me... Oxford is an excellent opportunity and I want to finish the course in the best way possible. Studying quantum physics in England, is just...

I got up abruptly, taking the cushion with me and noticing that it was a souvenir from the trip to Europe we'd went on in the previous summer. It had a typical London print, the BigBen and the parliament. Very convenient...

- You're parents forced you, then? Sure. - I let out a half-suppressed scream, anger resonating in my voice. I hadn't listened to anything else he'd said afterwards - Since when do your parents tell you what to do?

- I'm so sorry, I know that... I love you so much, I just... I have to go. It's a very important step for...

- Yeah, right, you love me. - I interrupted him, laughing ironically.

- Don't doubt of my feelings for you. One thing has nothing to do with the other. - Raph was digging is own grave and I was watching. Gosh..

- How can you say such bull? The last time I checked, we were still dating, as in every decision you make affects me. But maybe I was tripping - fresh, raw sarcasm.

- Steph, please...

I inhaled deeply and sighed. Hurting him wouldn't make things better.

- I know that you love me, but going to London all of a sudden is very bad for us!

In that moment, I understood why he'd used that urgent and nervous tone when he'd opened the door, asked me to come in and sit down, while he went to get the tea from the kitchen. In that moment, I understood why he had been avoiding me since the beginning of the week.

- It's a very big step for our future, in London, Steph, as you always wanted. - he stood up and faced me - You know, right? That you're the most important thing in my life? Do I need to write it on my forehead? 'Cause I will. - Raph ended it with those exact words, in a sicere tone.

I knew he was trully saying what he felt. And emotionally manipulating me in the process. That's cheating! He smiled, most likely aware of the fact that he'd already won the stupid fight. Yes, because those damn arguments had completely sold me out. My heart had gone from hard ice to melted chocolate in a flash, as I listened to those words. Raphael had hit the bull's-eye. But why were I even surprised! He knew me since kindergarten, had been one of my close friends in the last couple of years of high school and of course, we'd been dating since we'd gotten into college, two years ago. He was my first serious boyfriend and I couldn't imagine my life without him.

However, I was being very unfair, because no one in their perfect mind would turn down studying in Oxford! On top of it all, living in London had always been our dream.

*

(Flashback__1 year and 11 months before)

My phone crashed on the wooden floor, making a loud noise. I didn't even noticed it. Janet Sprouse's words still echoed in my ears, in my brain, in my blood. Her voice was embarged due to the tears. I felt a strong clench in my chest: Raph died...

***

Ginny

(Flashback__1 month before)

- Hey, Regina! Wait for me!

I kept walking forward, at a fast pace, completely ignoring Daisy, who was now running to be able to catch up with me. Somewhere along the way, I heard laughter, and no matter how hard I was trying to calm myself down, I couldn't feel even a little bit better. Regina, the world doesn't turn around you, the people in this hallway are not all laughing at you. Ok? Most of them didn't even notice you. To make things even worse, they were still running their mouths in the back, prolonging the mockery.

-  Where are you going, Ginny? Come back!

- C'mon, Ginny, don't get upset! Oh, wait, no one cares.

I couldn't identify the voice, but it was probably one of the usual idiots from my high school. One of those who knew nothing, didn't care about knowing anything and even criticized the ones who did.

- Oh, Ginny, you're so fragile that you might break if someone touches you. Aren't you ashamed of yourself? Grow up! It really is lack of sex, but no wonder nobody is interested in you, the only thing you're good at is burying your nose in books!

I finally realized it was Bart. That ignorant, disgusting, filthy jerk! Daisy yelled at him, defending me:

- At least she's way more responsible and mature than you, you 5 year-old ignorant jerk!

I inner thanked Daisy, she always stood up to the people who bullied me. She was the only one who protected me. I turned the corner, speeding up, but Daisy still catched me.

- Ignore them. They're nothing more than a piece of garbage. You can't let them get to you like this.

- Talking is easy, Daisy, maybe because you're pretty, smart and popular. I know you try, but you could never understand. - holding back the tears was getting more and more difficult and I was taking it out on the person that least deserved it - And by the way, thank you, for everything.

- You're welcome, Ginny. I have to go now, but remember: they are wrong, not you. - she went into a classroom, while I kept walking towards the exit. I just wanted to get out of there. 

I knew I couldn't handle it much longer. It was more than time to make a decision.  A big part of my high school class had gotten into the same university as me, including the ones who loved having fun at my expense. My mistake was thinking they'd change in college and forget about me, once and for all. Didn't happen, at all. Bart and his hord of ingnorants insisted in making my life miserable. I had to accept that they weren't going to stop, for good.

I finally reached the end of the building and walked out of the door, crossing the campus without ever looking back. A single tear rolled down my face, as I told myself: "I'll never set foot in here again. I'm done with this university. It's time for a change, I already made my decision". A hint of a smile crossed my facial expression, contrasting with the tears. "I have the right to be happy too".