Author's note: D challenged me to write at least an hour a day, even if I couldn't think of anything to write, or what came out was awful, or it had nothing to do with any of my current projects. I upped this challenge, adding the stipulation that if I'm chewing nicotine gum, I have to be writing, which makes it more like 4-5 hours a day. This story is the product of that little experiment. I regret nothing, although I will admit to being so embarrassed that I seriously considered making a new account just to publish it. Oh, well.. here goes. *Blushes to death*
Eta: As is often the case, first chapter is short, subsequent ones are longer.
There's an old legend, dating back from before anyone can remember, that says boy and girl twins are the reincarnated souls of lovers who made a suicide pact or died tragically.
I know this so-called 'myth' is true, because I was born with the memories of that past life still intact. The man I love, unfortunately, was not.
7 years ago
"Ce~edric!" Sofia cried out, racing across the waiting area towards her brother. She was in such a rush to get back to him that she didn't see the chair leg sticking out into the walkway, and tripped over it, skidding across the carpet and getting angry red marks across her face and hands. Cedric stared down at his sister as she lay sprawled at his feet, ready to burst into tears at any moment.
"You're okay, so get up." He commanded, poking her arm with his toe. Sofia swallowed hard, fighting the urge to cry as she nodded and sat upright. She reached her little arms up to Cedric, but he skirted past her without another glance.
"Cedric Baldwin" The reception interviewer called out, peering through the doorway. Their mother took the little boy's hand and led him into the other room, ignoring the way he tried to shake free of her grasp. Sofia tried to chase after them, but her father scooped her up with little effort.
"Ceedric!" She wailed, squirming against his chest to get to Cedric. She watched in horror as the door shut, parting her from her beloved brother.
"It's alright, Sofia. They'll be back in a minute." Her father reassured her, producing a juice box from the large backpack her parents always carried. She hesitantly accepted the consolation prize and allowed herself to be placed in a large cushioned chair, though her eyes never left the spot where she'd last seen her twin.
"Sofia really does adore him, doesn't she?" Auntie Miranda mused, chuckling at the display. Her daughter, Amber, snored softly on her lap, unable to stay awake until her own interview.
"It's been that way since the day they were born." Her father answered, patting the small girl's head. "When they were babies, she wouldn't sleep unless we laid them down together." Sofia finished her juice, sucking on the straw until she could hear the telltale sound of air passing through.
"That's because..." She began, wiggling down from her seat until her feet touched ground. "I'm going to marry Ceedric!" She declared happily. The grownups burst into laughter at her statement, and her cheeks flamed with indignation.
"You can't marry your own brother, idiot." Cordelia, their older sister, pointed out, shaking her head. "Besides, to him you're just a pest." Sofia glanced back to the door, thinking about how Cedric always rejected her. Her father was just reprimanding Cordelia for calling Sofia names when she interrupted.
"Shows what you know!" She cried out, trying to hold on to the confidence she felt moments ago. "We were in love before, that's why we were born together!" She marched off across the room and sat on the floor beside the classroom door, drawing her legs up to her chest and wrapping her arms around them.
"What on earth was that about?" Her older cousin, James, asked her father incredulously.
"Sofia thinks she remembers her past life." Cordelia shot, rolling her eyes in Sofia's direction. "She's always saying crazy stuff like that."
After what felt like an eternity to Sofia, the door opened and Cedric and their mother walked back into the room.
"Good news, Sofia. Cedric was placed in the same classroom as you." She scrambled to her feet and threw her arms around her brother, overjoyed by the announcement.
"L-let go of me!" Cedric insisted, trying to pry her arms off of him.
"I was scared we'd be split up..." Sofia confessed to him, and soon she felt him reluctantly return the embrace.
"Don't be stupid." His voice sounded so serious that it caught her off guard. "I'll never let anyone take you away." He whispered quietly, so only she could hear, his grip on her tightening as he spoke.
"You're hugging me too close!" Sofia wailed, worried he was actually going to squeeze her to death. Cedric let out a sharp breath, releasing her quickly and stepping past like the incident had never happened.