Fate brings you close, only to separate.
Destiny you can't escape.
I finally found you, the missing thread.
Choose wisely-accept my offer, Chloe Price.
January, 1994
"Wise spirits, I request your presence. Show yourselves and I will grand you this heirloom as a sign of my humble loyalty. It has being passing on my family for five generations. Its powers are great, and it controls two of the basic elements-wind and fire." The young woman looked around the area for any signs.
No response.
She was getting increasingly desperate, knowing the type of fate children born from sorcerers and mere humans had. It was grim, and the night cold.
She had been walking for two hours until she was there. Inside Arcadia Bay's forest, high up the hills. A place desolate of human presence, but full of magical essence. An area of the city where very few knew about its rich history back from when it was still inhabited by the Native Americans. They might have not been there anymore, but their spirits promised to always protect the soils that once used to feed them.
A raven flew up from the sky before landing, as it started getting shaped into an old man's figure.
"The fate of your child has already been determined." the Native spoke, his voice stern and unmoving. He was holding a wooden staff with blue feathers. His face was covered in paint and he wasn't blinking at all. "This was your choice. However, a mother who is willing to accept the horrid consequences of her actions is remarkable. If you are ready for it, follow me."
July 22, 1994
The night had been straining. James and Sera Amber had been in the hospital since the morning before. That day, two weeks earlier than expected, they would welcome their first born child.
A nurse entered the room quietly, almost tip-toeing her way to the young mom. "Have you decided for the name yet?" she asked with a smile, while she handed the baby to the woman.
"We have only decided her first name" James replied, caressing the baby's forehead.
Sera looked outside of the window. That moment she only felt relief, every other thought had disappeared. The first rays of sun started lightening up the room where the newly mother was taking a rest. It was warm.
"Rachel Dawn Amber" she said, looking outside.
"As you know, Blackwell is an exceptional school for talented young people like all of you. No one is here because...it just happened." Principal Wells sternly said through the microphone to the students, during the after school assembly. "Throwing mud at the school's windows is unacceptable and outside Blackwell's values." he stopped, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "And during last week, the situation has gotten out of hand. We had two incidents of stone throwing, resulting in a student's injury during class. We are investigating the case, but we have strong suspicions that is the work of a student" he sighed, running his eyes through the students, searching for anything suspicious in their looks. "If anyone knows anything about it, inform me immediately. Or if you happen to be the one doing it, this is the final warning to stop now and get the chance to stay out of trouble. You are dismissed"
Murmurs filled the silent school yard after the confrontation from the Principal was finally over. Some were talking about who they guessed was the culprit. Others were already outside school, making plans for their Friday night out.
"Jeez, our security guards suck worse than Dana Ward's acting" Victoria complained, crossing her arms. Walking inside the rehearsal room, her and Courtney's schedule wasn't over yet. Of course her friend wasn't acting though. She was there as her personal assistant and to help with the costumes, make-up and beverages.
"I know right? They just sit all day and get a free salary from the taxes our families pay!" Courtney agreed, mimicking Victoria's body language.
"Alright everybody" Mr. Keaton took his students' attention, entering the class "The play is in one week from today. I don't expect anything less from you than perfection" he said in his usual musing tone. "But I don't worry about it at all" he clasped his hands together in excitement "because I couldn't have found any better actors than you."
Mr. Keaton took Rachel's hand to add "Especially for Prospera"
Rachel smiled back and nodded "Thank you, I'll do my best". On the other hand, some people in the room didn't feel so delighted by the teacher's liking for her.
"So, let's start without the people mis-"
Before finishing his sentence, a loud smashing sound startled the whole class of twelve people. They all looked at its direction and saw that a rock as big as a tennis ball had just smashed the window. Mr Keaton and the students all ran towards its direction.
"Noone's here" Juliet spoke first after scanning the area around.
"Mr. Keaton, this is so disrespectful for the school and the play. These brutes clearly hate culture!"
Even if most of the students didn't like Victoria, they didn't find these last incidents pleasant either. Soon, this created an agitation inside the room with people discussing about it. Some were trying to find a logical explanation, others like Victoria and Courtney were furious.
"Excuse me" Rachel interrupted, taking their attention. "If we want this to be over, we have to take it into our hands. We can't just sit there and demand everything to be fixed without us helping at all" She crossed her arms to her chest, standing firmly in her position. "I suggest, we split up and go search for this trouble maker"
"That's a great idea Rachel" Hayden spoke first "We go bust this motherfucker ourselves and teach them a lesson about respect"
"That's beautiful" Mr. Keaton said to himself, watching his students cooperate.
Everyone but Nathan Prescott who started packing his stuff "I'm not staying in this madness" he angrily declared before exiting the class last.
After getting off the stairs from the second floor, the first group of three were now outside in the school's backyard.
"Juliet and Hayden, you guys check the dormitories. I'll go check the area around the forest" Rachel said.
"I think we need more people for this open area. You could easily miss someone hiding behind one of these trees" the second girl of the group suggested.
"If someone has fled from the forest already, I doubt one or two extra people will help. On the contrary, having more people checking areas where the intruder can't escape easily, is more helpful."
"Rachel's right. Going after them in the open area won't help since they are already ahead of us" Hayden agreed.
"Alright alright" Juliet shook her arms in defeat. "I guess we can only hope they were stupid enough to hide instead of running away anyway"
After her friends leaving, what Rachel failed to mention was that Samuel's stockroom door was open, a mistake he would never make. Calmly walking towards it, she entered the room-
Nothing, she concluded after pulling down some clothe pieces.
"Figures" she sighed before pulling out her cell phone "It's me. Seems like we're clear here. " she informed before getting outside again.
After a couple of minutes the smaller door inside Samuel's stockroom opened. Chloe thanked her goddamn luck for once, for the fact that she knew Samuel's stock room well enough to be able to hide behind that small door. She raised the middle fingers of both of her hands at the building in front of her. Take that, suckers.
"You know, you are not supposed to be here" a voice behind her startled Chloe. She turned around and tried to hide her shock.
Rachel Amber had just busted her. The school's chem geek took a deep breath and was now ready for some deflection. But why was her heart racing faster than usual? She never thought she would actually get busted, but had that ever happened like now, she wouldn't expect to feel so nervous about it.
"May I...help you?" Chloe asked with a little less sarcasm than she intended to. She didn't look as pissed as she was supposed to be when someone would falsely accuse her. Instead, she crossed her arms around her chest.
"Sure. We were in the middle of rehearsing and someone broke our window. Did you happen to see anything?"
"Should I?" Chloe looked at the trees around her, trying not to keep any eye contact. She had never been this close to the school's most popular girl. Too close to finally notice how Rachel Amber's eyes were actually green and not blue.
"Some temper we have, aren't we? Innocent have nothing to be afraid of anyway. I just need some info here" Rachel took the girl's hands to examine them. "From the looks of it, you might be able to at least help me with the mud thrower" she pointed at the dried mud in Chloe's hands and the dirt stain on her shirt.
Shit. Chloe cursed herself. She was so in hurry to hide when she heard Mr. Keaton's team coming after her, that she forgot to wipe the evidence of her guilt away.
"It's hard to believe a chem geek like you would actually break our lab's windows" Rachel pondered, still examining Chloe's hands. "But then, when the room's window broke the other day, you were with Steph and Mikey."
The taller girl tried to speak but she felt like she was unable to move. As if Rachel was reading her, seeing through her. She was supposed to feel pissed. But it was soothing. What the hell Chloe. It was that stupid Eliot's idea to use rocks instead of mud anyway. Although she herself only really cared about destroying Well's perfect office, Eliot was just trying to impress her. So he used rocks instead, but he didn't even know the real reason why she was pissed at the Principal.
Chloe was feeling a weird type of nervousness right now that made her seriously contemplate about admitting everything. And Rachel smiling as if they were talking about the weather wasn't helping at all. But it wasn't like she cared about what Blackwell's most popular girl thought about her either.
"Okay, yes. It was me throwing these mud-balls at the windows. But I wasn't...the one who broke it" Chloe admitted, lowering her head. Noticing how Rachel was still holding her hands, she hesitantly removed them.
"Rachel"
Coming back from the dormitories, Hayden and Juliet called out for their friend. Her and Chloe Price talking was something unusual, but not important enough compared to what they had to say.
"Nothing found in the dorms, but guess what" Juliet said "The moment we got out of the main entrance, we saw Hampden's car driving off the campus"
"Fucker seemed suspicious as shit" the guy added "I ran after the car but it sped up fast"
"So, what about you Chloe?" Juliet turned her attention to the second girl "Didn't know Mrs Grant wants extra hours too"
Chloe clenched her fist. She contemplated whether it was worth making up a believable lie, or just go with to the hell with it and make herself known in Blackwell as the mudball thrower. Frankly, she really wasn't in the mood for games at all. But then again, she wanted to be good. For her dad's sake when he was going to wake up. Her dad, who was also the reason of why she was pissed at Blackwell.
"She just came to help Samuel pack up" Rachel replied instead "I asked her about seeing anything unusual and she told me about a car too. I was just coming to you guys"
"Did you see who was driving it?" Hayden asked, not sure of what to make out of this information. But he knew that Chloe used to hang out with Eliot.
"I...didn't. But I'll keep an eye for it next time, I guess" Chloe reluctantly replied, taking a step back out of their cycle.
"At least you scarred that fucker enough. Bet he will think twice now before doing anything" Rachel said.
Hayden and Juliet managed to give a warning, and it was good enough for starters. But all this mess had now taken their minds off the rehearsals and the play. They weren't in the mood for any rehearsals anymore, so they decided to inform Mr Keaton and just take that day off. They arranged to hang out with the rest of the acting group in the local cafe instead.
"We're going at Daily's in thirty. Are you joining us?" Juliet asked her classmate before leaving.
"Sure. Leave without me and I'll come there soon"
Chloe wasn't sure why Rachel had just helped her. But now was the first time she had witnessed the reason why this girl was so popular. She wasn't just this classic beauty who everyone loved kissing her ass. This girl truly knew how to talk her way into people.
"Thanks" Chloe struggled a bit to say "I hope you won't be blackmailing me now though"
"If you want make it up to me, there is a way"
"Right, of course. How can I be in your service?"
"I was thinking...Firewalk are coming in our town on Saturday"
Chloe sighed "I'm like, Arcadia Bay's biggest fan. I owe you, just don't rub it into my face if you go when I'll be staying in my room"
"You think I'm into torturing? Great opinion you must have about me Chloe Price" Rachel teased. "Last month I won two tickets for their concert. And you seem to be the only one who appreciates their music as much as I do. So, are you in?"
Chloe was taken aback. She would never have guessed this girl was into Punk music like her. She always seemed like the Katy Perry type. Could Rachel reveal something awful now? Like hanging out with Victoria on weekend mornings for shopping and going to French restaurants for dinner. Something that would reassure Chloe that her first impression of Rachel was right. An A+ student who is popular because of her good looks and DA dad.
"Hell yeah" Chloe finally answered.
"Hell-ah"
Saturday night. The concert was over and it was was around 3 am. Chloe's ears were left half-functioning, since the music was playing really loud. A background buzzing sound had replaced her normal hearing sense instead. She also had a couple of bruises in her thighs and arms by being pushed around from the people dancing. Rachel on the other hand had one on her arm.
They were now walking on the beach, trying to cool off the past-concert adrenaline. That place was the opposite from where they've been minutes ago. The sound of the sea waves and occasional night birds were relaxing. That night, was the first time for the past two years that Chloe was able to take her mind off her dad.
"You seem thoughtful" Rachel broke the silence first.
Chloe's attention turned back at her partner in crime. That night felt like it had ended too soon. She felt grateful for being able to finally have some peace of mind for a while.
"Rachel I..." she paused, feeling a bit reluctant. But instinctively she was confident that she wanted to talk. "there's a reason why I was throwing these mud-balls in Blackwell"
Rachel looked at the ocean. Observing Chloe for over a year, she knew that the girl wouldn't just be disrespectful like that for no reason. But the rebellious side of the Price was attractive regardless.
"This is actually the first time I tell anyone about it. Anyone besides my only and best friend anyway. But she doesn't keep in touch much, so it doesn't count I guess." Chloe took a deep breath and continued "Two years ago my dad had an accident. He was going to pick up my mom. But he..."
Her voice broke and she had to stop for a moment. Rachel put her arm around the taller girl's shoulder for reassurance, as they kept on walking on the beach.
"He had an accident"
"I'm so sorry Chloe" Rachel gripped her hand firmer.
"That day was really windy and there was a warning not to go out unless it was really necessary. My mom was stuck waiting for the bus to arrive, but their lines were cancelled or the next two hours. When he was going to pick her...a car hit him"
They both stopped and Chloe whipped the tears coming out of her without wanting to. At the same time, she felt glad she had someone who she felt comfortable of talking about it. A sense of relief.
"Doctors said he was lucky between his bad luck. The car that hit him...wasn't going full speed because of the weather. It was...it was still enough to leave him handicapped. Rachel, he...my dad's condition keeps getting worse."
Without thinking much, Rachel took Chloe into a hug. She could tell something was burdening her when she would observe her, but a situation like this was unexpected. She wasn't prepared for something as serious as this, but the moment she saw Chloe so helpless...so hopeless, she was determined to find the right words to soothe her a bit.
"My mom's been working her ass of in Diner. The medicines and equipment for my dad's healthcare are way too expensive. My uncle has been sending us as much as he can, but we are still on a big debt. I also tried finding a job, but with school it is impossible. I even thought of quitting Blackwell, but then my mom found something" Chloe's tone changed from sad to pissed "Principal Wells has been gathering money for the handicapped. Me and my mom went to his office to ask for help. You know his answer?" She broke the hug to look down, as ashe started kicking the sand with her feet. "I have no idea what money you're referring to, is what he said"
"That's disgusting. You should've told Hampden to break his second window too" Rachel angrily said, crossing her arms into a defensive position. "Chloe, listen. Don't lose hope yet. Maybe...maybe I could help. My dad has a lot of important connections. I will think about something. I promise"
This girl telling Chloe everything would be alright, for some reason felt so convincing. Maybe she was desperate to believe in something, but at the moment she was in need of grasping at straws so badly.
"You know, everyone from my mom's side hates me." Rachel decided to open up about her family too. "They never approved of her marrying my dad. I still don't understand, my dad had a steady job and he always treated them right. I've never done anything to them, but they never accepted me as their relative. Sometimes, it feels like they avoid me like the plague. A curse. It's so unfair, it...makes me want to blow up their fucking place" Rachel grind her teeth. This was a part of herself she never let out for people to see. "Not only me and my dad, but my mom too. They have just blacklisted all of us"
"If you need help, I'm on it" Chloe replied half jokingly-half seriously as they start walking again to cool down.
But who would have guessed that a well liked girl like her was actually hated by half of her family. because only those who have received love can give it back. They should feel proud of her instead, Chloe thought.
"They are major asses. They don't deserve your reactions"
This was the moment where they would part ways. They were now in front of the street, on the way back to their homes.
"I have something to show you. Come" Rachel took the blonde's hand and led her into the street ahead of them. "What do you think of my new Cadillac STS 2010?" the girl asked proudly, not expecting anything other than a positive reaction.
Chloe's eye widened. She ran her finger through its roof to feel it. "That's sick" she said in awe. "So you are cool AND have a cool car. Not fair"
Rachel smiled. Being called cool by Chloe Price was cool on its own.
"It was a gift. From my dad who is such a big ass that my mom's side hates me" she mocked "You know, my mom is very overprotective. Growing up, she was always near me. I mean, I understand this thing with parents...but she never let me do anything without her knowing or approving it first. And even though my dad is pretty hardcore in his decisions, her word comes first. But this is our secret"
Chloe slanted her head sideways. "So how long do you plan to hide this from your mom, driver chick?"
"So many compliments from Chloe Price tonight. Not sure if I can handle it all" the shorter girl joked. "And I'm still new at driving, but I already have this for a month now. No mom spotted"
"Oh, so hiding in the town, I see." Chloe put her elbow on the car, as she walked closer to Rachel, thinking that not all popular girls are boring after all.
"Not exactly...but I can still show you where. Look, my parents are out of the town for the weekend. So you can follow me and see where I actually hide it"
Chloe felt her breath stopping for a moment. A weird feeling got mixed together with her anxiety and depression over her dad's future. She always carried that burden with her. But, William was worth it. If she couldn't help him, then feeling a bit more like shit about it was the right thing to do. Without saying anything, she nodded.
Rachel finally broke the eye contact, as she open the car's door. "Hop in, chem geek"
After driving for about half an hour, they were now in front of a cottage, outside of Arcadia Bay. This was James Amber's second house. It was near the forest and next to the sea. James didn't use it, so he gave the keys to his daughter. It was the perfect hiding spot for Rachel's new car, since her mom never visited there either.
Inside, there were three floors. The basement that was used as an entertainment room, equipped with two flat TVs, a computer with internet connection, a dart board and a billiard. Second floor was the ground floor with a kitchen, a dinning table, a Pi-shaped sofa in the corner next to the windows, and an extra bedroom with a king-sized bed and cool flowery decoration. Last floor was a single room which was Rachel's bedroom. The walls were light purple, and one of them had Little Prince looking at the stars. There was a big wardrobe in the corner, next to the door. Long dark brown curtains were covering the balcony door.
Chloe opened the door to go outside. Taking a seat on the balcony, she looked at the beach in front. It was dark but serene. That moment, she felt a little less lonely.
"You sleeping here tonight" Rachel spoke from inside her room. She took a clean pillow and sheets to make the bed for her guest. "I'll go downstairs"
"Oh, don't worry I'm fine with the basement too" Chloe tried to argue, not feeling one hundred percent right with taking her host's room.
"Are you kidding? And give the comfiest sofa ever to a newbie? Heeell nah. I'm too selfish for that."
The winter was almost over. The smells of the freshly blossoming trees were filling Arcadia Bay. That Friday night Chloe was supposed to be meeting with Mikey for a Game Night at Steph's house.
-Are you guys coming already? I've already set the D&D table
-I'm waiting for Chloe. She is 25mins late
-Agh then call her Mikey!
-Already did. She won't pick it up
-Then call someone who might know.
-Try to call Rachel then...
-Me? It was your idea...Ok fine. You are too shy to save your life Mikey, considering I'm the one with the crush here.
Steph searched through her phone contacts. Thankfully she had got Rachel's number a month ago, when they all hanged out together at a school party. Her crush was getting stronger, but she also had suspicions she wasn't the only one. So she was hesitant to make any move until she found the opportunity to clear things up with Chloe.
Lately, her friend seemed spaced out. After Chloe opening up to them about her dad's situation, both she and Mikey tried to support her whichever way they could. But Steph could feel there was something going on with William lately. She just wished it would all end up being fine again, like the previous time. She was a bit more hopeful now that Rachel had informed her dad about the money gone missing for the handicapped of Arcadia Bay. Wells had gotten into trouble, although he didn't lose his job. So with better funds for William's care, they were a bit more hopeful.
This was the second time Steph called. She didn't like it, but she risked getting obnoxious to her crush if that meant they could find Chloe. After the forth ring, the call was finally answered.
"Hey, Steph. Sorry for not picking up earlier. We were kinda busy. Chloe is here with me but she can't talk right now."
Steph didn't speak right away. She wished she was wrong, but her heart sank a bit more. "Alright. I'll tell Mikey too then. When you guys can, please call back okay?"
"I promise we will. Goodnight"
Rachel hanged up and looked outside of her room's window. Chloe was sitting on the balcony, looking at the night view. Earlier that noon she had called her, saying she was out the hospital and had just arrived in front of her father's cottage. It was the third time during these two years that William had passed out, but now doctors weren't able to revive him back and he was in a coma. Joyce had stayed in the hospital and Chloe's uncle was coming there soon too. Chloe didn't know how to handle all of this, so she acted on the first thing that came to her mind. Going in front of Rachel's house where she could talk to her without anyone around.
Chloe lit up her third cigarette for the night. She had just picked up that habit, but she was getting used to it quick. Her taste was already getting numb.
Rachel took a seat next to her and didn't say anything. Instead, she put her head on Chloe's shoulder. She could feel the fast pace in which her friend was breathing, even though Chloe didn't seem too agitated just by looking at her.
"Did you know, there's a train that passes by the road near this house" the taller girl finally broke the silence.
"Chloe Price, never failing to find the way" Rachel said, putting her hand on Chloe's knee. Normally she would say something like this in a more upbeat tone, but now she was quiet. Even unsure whether she should speak at all.
"Today I called my best friend for the first time since she was gone. Says she will visit as soon as she gets the chance. She was...sorry too"
"Max"
"Yes this one. She was always there for me when we were kids. After my dad...had the accident, I felt even more lonely without her around. You know, mom always tried her best but...sometimes it is not enough."
Chloe stopped and took a deep drag off her cigarette. The taste was awful, but she was getting used to it. "Meeting you, Rachel...felt like I wasn't alone anymore"
Next morning, Chloe woke up next to Rachel. They were both sleeping on their clothes on Rachel's bed. The night before, it was her friend's idea to get wasted and forget about everything. They took two bottles of wine from James' cellar and the two of them danced the whole night. It was just what Chloe needed, to get wasted and worn out. She slowly got up and checked the girl next to her, carefully taking off a couple of hair strands away of Rachel's face. She looked so serene and beautiful.
Then Chloe finally checked her phone; six missed calls from Joyce. Suddenly she felt a sharp sense of dread, but she remembered Rachel's words from the night before. 'Everything will be alright. I promise'
Putting on her shoes, she quietly got out of the house and pressed call 'Mom'
The sun was already inside the nicely decorated room. The temperature and natural light were finally enough to wake Rachel up from her hang over. She stood up, looking around her before entering the bathroom. She decided to pour some water on her face first, before letting her mind go straight into Chloe Price mode.
She probably didn't want to wake me up.
After having a small breakfast of oatmeal with cinnamon and banana pieces downstairs, Rachel was prepared to call her friend and check for updates. That morning, nothing had warned her about what was going to come.
Dialing down Chloe's number, she had to repeated that for the third time. But Chloe wasn't picking it up, and at that moment Rachel's optimism start shaking.
"What?" the forth time Chloe finally answered.
"I just called to check in, since you left without saying anything" It was then, when everything started hitting her.
"My dad, Rachel." Chloe tried to say calmly but failed miserably "My dad's dead" she managed to utter before all of her remaining strength abandoned her, leaving her in sobs.
Blackwell's most popular girl felt like the ground under her feet collapsed. She stayed still like a statue. "I-I'm s-"
"You promised! Look, I don't need any fake hopes right now." Chloe's voice broke "G-Goodbye"
Staying there, Rachel froze. In the end, she wasn't able to help the person who she felt like she could be her true self around. The person whom she was gathering the courage to confess, but knew that the time wasn't right. And even though she felt this was mutual, she was aware Chloe's heart was too burdened by her dad's condition. It was filled by pain and anxiety and no room for anything more at the moment.
Rachel's hand start trembling. She knew even though Chloe pushed her away, she needed her now. Deciding to be strong once again, she grabbed her car keys.
Starting the engine on, Rachel took the road back to Arcadia Bay. Her mind started drifting with thoughts. She had never mentioned this part of her life to her parents. Heck, she was still hanging out with a lot of people from school and they didn't know the difference between Chloe and the rest of them. She promised to herself that she would let them know about Chloe after she visited her friend and comfort her. And let them know about how special she was from the rest of her friends. Finding herself inside this intense whirlwind of emotions, she failed to think of her parents knowledge of it.
Those were the last thoughts of Rachel Amber that sunny morning before a doe suddenly appeared in front of her way. Rachel tried to avoid it by pushing the brakes and turn the other way, but her car hit one of the trees of Arcadia Bay's forest and crashed.
"Welcome back"
Sera's eyes were red and there were dark cycles under them. "Stop mocking me!" she yelled before laughing. The weather in Arcadia Bay had been unusually unstable for the past week.
"You were warned. This is real the fate of your child."
"I'm not here to negotiate this with you again. I'm here for the power to reverse"
The old man smirked. Although this woman was very powerful among the people like her, she had nothing compared to them. The spirits who were living in that area for more than two thousand of years. Despite that, she didn't flinch on demanding their help, even though she had nothing of true value for them.
"I like observing" the spirit of the man spoke "And yours is an interesting one. How you thought the bracelet would protect her from any supernatural element"
"I don't care if you find this entertaining"
"Selfish and stubborn. She took it from you" the man said before drawing a spiral in the air with his staff. When he was done, the spiral started getting a reddish color and Sera felt her head spinning around uncontrollably.
"This is your first scar. The butterfly that symbolizes your sacrifice for a very valuable exchange. Butterfly and doe, always together" he announced while Sera was on the ground, grabbing her head in pain. "You will have to watch your child die over and over and you probably still won't be able to save her either. This will change you forever"
Everything, every sound and image started fading into the background until Sera wasn't able to hear the Raven talking anymore. When she woke up, she felt completely disorientated. She had no idea where and when she was. Struggling to get up, she finally found the strength to sit on the rock in front of her. Looking around, she was still inside Arcadia Bay's forest.
After regaining some energy, she got out of the forest and entered the city. She went inside a local cafeteria and checked herself in the bathroom's mirror. Her skin looked smoother and her face significantly younger.
Taking a seat and waiting to get served, Sera checked the calendar on the cafeteria's wall; January 22, 1993.
A/N
Hello! So This is my first story in the LiS fandom. It took me longer to write it than I expected, to be honest. I hope I can find time to write the next chapters as well, because I have planned them beforehand already. It just takes way more time to actually write them down in a presentable way than coming up with the idea of them. This was more of an introduction to the whole premise of the story. I try to guess and be as close as the canon story, and how Rachel actually might have been saved. But, also a LiS ending type of style too.
Thanks for reading and hope to see you soon. Leave a review to tell me your opinion as well!