Rebirth: A Second chance at life

It was lunchtime, and both were preparing their meal, munching on snacks as they cooked. Cassandra couldn't keep her curiosity at bay about what Aurora had said earlier regarding her plans to study.

"So," Cassandra began, breaking the companionable silence, "about this whole studying thing—are you really serious?

Aurora glanced at her friend, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "Cass, you doubt me too much. When have you known me to back down from a challenge?"

Cassandra rolled her eyes. "Well, the old you didn't exactly love challenges, so forgive me for being a little skeptical. But seriously, why the sudden decision? I mean, you haven't exactly been... studious in the past."

Aurora stirred the pot on the stove thoughtfully, her voice steady. "Because it's time Cass, time to leave the past behind and take control of my life. And school is a step I can't skip."

Cassandra started, eyeing her friend curiously, "when are you planning to take the college entrance exams? Are you aiming for next year? If you need help, I can share my notes with you."

Aurora, unfazed, replied confidently, "I'll be appearing for the exam this year. I'll also start attending school again from next Monday."

Cassandra froze mid-bite, her eyes wide with shock. "What? The exam is in three months, Aurora! And you dropped out of school at the beginning of the twelfth grade! How are you going to manage that?"

"Don't worry, Cass. When I decide to change, I give it my all," Aurora said, her voice steady and resolute. A faint smile played on her lips, but her eyes burned with quiet determination. "I'll study harder, rejoin school, and catch up. I've already emailed the principal about it."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "You contacted the principal already? Wow, you're not wasting any time. But are you sure about this? It's not like rejoining school after all this time will be easy."

Aurora's smile faltered for the briefest moment, but she quickly recovered, masking her unease. Rejoining isn't going to be a walk in the park, she thought bitterly. It's not like anyone's eager to welcome Aurora back. I had to get Jeremiah involved just to be considered, and even then, they've made it clear—only if I pass their precious 'special examination.'

Her fingers tightened slightly around the spoon she was holding. Let them test me. Let them see exactly who I've become.

"Of course I'm not wasting time," she said aloud, her tone steady. "Three months isn't long, and I have a lot to catch up on."

After lunch, Cassandra busied herself with the utensils, her hands deftly scrubbing and rinsing while Aurora wiped down the shelves with practiced efficiency. The atmosphere in the kitchen was warm and lighthearted, the kind of day Luna realized she'd never truly had in either of her lives—a perfect girl's day out.

As they worked, they shared laughter and secrets, diving into the kinds of conversations that only close friends could have. Cassandra, with her open heart and easy humor, made it surprisingly easy for Aurora to let her guard down. Luna found herself enjoying Cassandra's company more than she expected, marveling at how genuine and kind her best friend truly was.

The real Aurora underestimated her, Luna thought with a faint smile. How much of that was clouded by her ridiculous infatuation with Alexander?

Aurora glanced over at Cassandra, her hands now busy drying the last dish, and felt a flicker of gratitude. She had inherited this friendship from the original Aurora, but in this moment, it felt entirely her own. Cassandra is a good person, she mused, the kind of friend you don't let go of.

In the evening, the two girls decided to make up for the ruined party by indulging in an afternoon tea outing, followed by dinner plans. Cassandra was easily convinced, especially when Aurora proposed visiting a quaint tea shop nearby. Unbeknownst to Cassandra, this wasn't just any tea shop—it was one of Luna's favorite spots, a little corner of the city that felt like a hidden gem.

As they entered the cozy establishment, the warm scent of freshly baked goods and brewed tea wrapped around them like a comforting hug. Aurora led the way to a window-side table, where soft golden light spilled in, illuminating the rustic decor. It was the perfect spot, intimate yet lively, with a view of the bustling street outside.

After glancing at the menu, Aurora's face lit up with a small smile. "We're getting my favorite," she announced, a touch of playfulness in her tone. She waved down the waiter and confidently ordered vanilla cupcakes topped with Choco-chips and a pot of apple cinnamon tea.

Cassandra raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "This place must be special if you're this decisive about the order," she teased.

Aurora leaned back in her chair, her gaze flickering to the familiar surroundings. "It is. Let's just say it's a little piece of heaven I discovered long ago. I think you'll love it too."

While munching on her snacks Cassandra suddenly asked, "Well, what are you planning to do with your mother? She is your mother, after all. I'd understand if you chose to forgive her. Everyone longs for maternal love at some point in their life."

Aurora's eyes narrowed her expression hardening at Cassandra's words. The lighthearted atmosphere that had filled the room moments ago dissipated like a wisp of smoke. She placed her teacup down with deliberate care, the soft clink against the saucer echoing in the tense silence.

"She's not my mother," Aurora said, her voice quiet but carrying a sharp edge that sliced through the air. "A mother doesn't abandon her child. She doesn't strip away their dignity, crush their spirit, and stand by, indifferent, as they suffer."

Cassandra hesitated, biting her lip as if debating whether to press further. "I know… but still. She gave birth to you. Doesn't some part of you want to—"

Aurora's laugh cut her off—a cold, hollow sound devoid of warmth. It chilled the room. "Want to forgive her? To feel her arms around me and pretend the past never happened?" Her phoenix-like eyes flashed with unyielding determination as she leveled her gaze at Cassandra. "Sure, that's a comforting little dream. But dreams aren't reality."

Her voice lowered, the bitterness in her tone sharp enough to draw blood. "Maternal love—something most take for granted—was never mine to have. She made her choice long ago, and now I'll make mine. Forgiveness? That's a privilege she forfeited the moment she became my enemy."

The memories of the original host surged in her mind, each one like a dagger twisting in her chest. She saw how the Smith family had treated her—cold disdain, scorn, and cruelty. But none of it stung as deeply as her mother's betrayal.

To a child, a mother is their lifeline, their protector, their first hero. Aurora had once reached for that lifeline, clung to the hope of love and support, only to be cast aside. That hope had shattered her more than any insult ever could.

Luna's lips curved into a faint, bitter smile as her thoughts darkened. How can a mother, of all people, be so ruthless toward her own child? The silence that followed the question was answer enough, heavy and damning.

Hearing Aurora say that, Cassandra was stunned and couldn't help but ask, "Aurora, how can your mother be so heartless toward you? I never knew a parent could be this cold toward their child. I didn't have my mother, she passed away early, but my father loves me so much, and even my stepmother cared for me. Are you sure… are you a biological child of your parents?"

A sudden realization struck Aurora, her chest tightening as unease spread through her. Could that even be possible? The thought lingered like a shadow in her mind. She could feel the weight of the original Aurora's emotions seeping through her own, the pain, the confusion. If it were true... it would be a devastating blow to her, one she couldn't bear.

The psychological trauma, the years of hoping for a single glance of maternal love, had already scarred her deeply. The physical pain she had endured over the years was nothing compared to the relentless ache in her heart. I have to confirm it. I have to know for sure, she thought