CHAPTER TWO: REBIRTH
1142 Words
Faith was reborn on the day of her twentieth birthday.
She came back slowly, the weight of a mattress, the warmth of light, the sound of birds. Small, ordinary things.
The kind of things the dying don't get to notice. Then her eyes opened.”
The first thing she saw was two faces hovering over her.
She screamed “ is this what heaven looks like?!”
Her mother burst out laughing, pressing her hand on her chest “silly girl. Today is your birthday”
Her father shook his head, amused “we came to wake you up and you're seeing heaven.”
Faith blinked once. Twice.
Her own hands looked foreign to her.
“What am I doing here? Wasn't I supposed to be dead?”
She turned to the other side; she looked at the date.
She jumped out of the bed immediately.
I've been reborn. The words settled over her like a second skin — terrifying and perfect at once.”
She reached for her phone. The lock screen stopped her, Cassius, grinning, his arm around her.
She stared at it for a long moment, then deleted it without blinking.”
“Since God has given me a second chance, I will not let history repeat itself again,” she smirked.
She hugged her parents tightly. Tears crept down her cheek.
“Mom, Dad,” she called with a breaking voice.
Her parents looked at her.
“Why are you crying, dear?” Her mom asked.
She couldn't tell them. How do you explain to the people you watched turn to dust that you have come back?
Her knees almost buckled seeing them.
Her mom clapped her hands, and the maid rushed in.
“My princess, happy birthday,” her dad congratulated her.
Faith smiled in between her tears.
“Thanks, Mom and Dad.”
The more she tried to stop the tear, the more it rushed out.
“How do you want your birthday to be celebrated?”
“Is Cassius coming over?” Faith's mom asked.
Her jaw tightened at the mention of his name.
“Why him of all people?” thought Faith.
“Don't you want to see him?”
Shame pricked the back of her neck.
“Gosh! I have been foolish,” thought Faith.
Hurry and dress her in the most beautiful dress. Bring her downstairs.”
They nodded.
*****
“Don't you think our daughter is behaving strangely today?”
“I noticed that today. ”.
They went into the birthday hall.
The Hall was filled with the rich elites.
Just as everything was going on, people were all talking about how Faith will be choosing a fiancé today.
“Who do you think she will be choosing?”
“Who else if not– ”
***
Faith was putting on the best clothes ever. Her makeup was light, and her hair was styled in a simple ponytail.
“Who would you be choosing today as your fiancé?” The servant asked.
"She froze, fingers gripping her phone.”
“The realization hit her like cold water. Today was the day she sealed her own fate for the first time.”
She took her phone. In the group chat, she found Warren's private number and texted him.
His reply came almost immediately.
“Can you come to my birthday party today?” faith sent.
“Why should I come? I thought you hated me.”
Shame pricked the back of her neck.
"I don't hate you; I have something special for you," Faith texted back.
“Hmm, I hope it's not what I'm thinking, and you will be choosing your fiancé today. Why do you want me there, or are you trying to humiliate me again?”
“No, no, no, just come, please.”
Warren finally agreed.
“Let's go downstairs," Faith instructed.
They took her out of the room.
She stood at the stairs as Cassius and Lydia made their entry.
"Their fingers intertwined, rehearsed and effortless.”
Faith smiled. “They look perfect together.”
“Lydia’s dress is nice.”
“She took the spotlight.”
“Where is faith?"
“I thought Lydia was Faith’s best friend. Why is she holding Cassius?”
Lydia let go of Cassius' hands immediately to avoid further conflict between her and her best friend.
“Not like we are not couples,” Lydia whispered.
“You can not let them know —or the plan will be ruined,” Cassius answered.
They continued whispering at each other.
Her grip tightened on the railing.“You ruined me in my past life; this life I won't let you succeed with your plans.”
LET US WELCOME THE STAR OF TODAY'S OCCASION.
All lights turned off, the whole place was dark; a light popped only on where Faith was standing. She walked down the aisle step by step. Leaving everyone breathless.
Background music started playing.
The light finally turned on.
"The crowd fell into a stunned silence before the whispers started.”
Lydia stomped her foot angrily.
She touched Cassius. “Didn't we agree I will be the light of this party?”
Cassius forgot to breathe. Just stared.”
Lydia pinched him, bringing him back. She faked tears. “She stole my spotlight.”
"He blinked, Lydia's pinch still stinging.”
He rushed toward her, pulling her hands.
“Didn't we agree that Lydia will be the lady of this party?”
“So?”
“Go take off that dress now.”
“Why should I?”
His eyes narrowed. She never refused.”
Just then Lydia steps forward.
Lydia's grip tightened on Cassius's arm. Her smile didn't move, but her eyes did.
She had forgotten. In her past life she had let this slide too — always giving Lydia an inch, never seeing how far she would take it.
“Ohh, I must have forgotten; don't worry, next year will be for you.” She pushed them aside before walking straight to the main ground.
The host announced. Since our celebrant is here, why not present your gift?
They started bringing their gifts, and Tenna bowed in appreciation.
Lydia's nails dug into his sleeve.”
Hmph.
“Promise me even if you are getting engaged to Faith today, I will be the only one in your heart.”
“Sure,”
Pinky swears.
They went back to the Hall.
It's time for our celebrant to choose her fiancé.
"Her eyes swept the room. Nothing.”
Faith took the mic.
My fiancé is….
Cassius was already moving close to the stage.
“Why are you coming up?” Faith asked.
“Aren't I your fiancé? No need for the announcement.”
“And what gives you the confidence that I'm choosing you?”
“Who else if not—”
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