As soon as Laura woke up, she sprang from the bed — her only intention was to find her mother and tell her about the strange dream she'd just had.
But her steps froze when her eyes landed on the clock on the bedside table.
"Four o'clock? Seriously?" she muttered, frowning in confusion.
She sat back down on the edge of the bed, lost in thought. "Could that woman's name really be Andarea… or Atalia?" she whispered, her voice low and uncertain, the confusion inside her growing heavier.
"Ugh, what's really happening to me…" she sighed, running her fingers through her hair in frustration before finally collapsing back onto the mattress, eyes fixed on the ceiling — her mind a tangled mess of questions with no answers.
-----
The alarm clock on the bedside table rang sharply, shattering the silence in Laura's room.
She jolted awake, eyes half-open, her right hand fumbling along the side of the bed until she found the annoying clock and slammed it quiet.
Still drowsy, Laura rubbed her eyes. Half of her body lifted slowly as she sat up, staring blankly into space. The image of the woman from her dream kept replaying in her mind.
"What did all of that mean…" she whispered under her breath, her brows knitting in confusion.
Several minutes passed before she finally rose and made her way to the bathroom.
The cold water from the tap bit against her skin but helped clear the fog in her body and mind.
Meanwhile, downstairs in the kitchen, Patricia had already prepared breakfast. The scent of toasted bread and hot coffee filled the house. She glanced at the clock on the wall and smiled faintly.
"Laura's up early today," she murmured softly as she poured orange juice into a glass.
------
Laura descended the stairs sluggishly, her fingers brushing lightly against the banister as if trying to gather the energy she'd lost.
"Morning, Mama," she greeted in a tired voice.
"Good morning, sweetheart." Patricia smiled, though her brow furrowed when she noticed the pale shade of her daughter's face. "Didn't sleep well?"
Laura shook her head slowly as she pulled out a chair and sat down. "Slept fine… but, Mama?"
"Yes, dear?"
"Can I bring Sandra with me to Paris?"
Patricia paused for a moment before replying, "Of course, I don't see why not."
Laura bit her lower lip, uncertainty flickering across her face. "Umm… the tickets?"
Patricia gave a small, reassuring smile. "Don't worry, sweetheart. I'll let your grandmother know."
Laura responded with only a faint smile. Her gaze fell to the toast on her plate, but she didn't touch it. It was clear her mind was elsewhere.
"What's wrong, Laura? Something bothering you?"
"No, it's just…" Laura trailed off, her expression conflicted — as if the words she wanted to say were too heavy to push out.
Patricia leaned forward slightly. "Just what, dear?"
Laura drew in a deep breath before finally speaking. "Is it true that we're descendants of Morgana, Mama?"
Patricia froze for a moment, her eyes settling gently on her daughter's face — soft, but weighed with thought. "Whether it's true or not… I honestly don't know."
"Right? I thought so too. I mean, it's just a myth, isn't it? Morgana couldn't have really existed," said Laura, forcing a small smile though curiosity still clouded her heart.
"I don't know much about it either, sweetheart," Patricia replied softly. "When your grandmother used to tell me about our family's origins, I didn't pay much attention. I thought it was just one of those old stories passed down through generations."
Laura nodded slightly, lips curling into a faint pout.
"Why are you suddenly so curious about all this?" Patricia asked, her tone gentle but questioning.
"The woman I keep seeing in my dreams, Mama…" Laura paused, swallowing hard before continuing quietly, "it's not Halen. I think… it's Andarea. Or maybe Atalia."
Patricia's expression shifted instantly. "H–How do you know that, Laura?"
"I'm just guessing, Mama," Laura replied quickly, trying to hide her unease before letting out a small sigh.
Patricia exhaled slowly. "Don't think too much about it, Laura. You can ask your grandmother when you see her, alright? Besides, exams are next week — better to focus on that first."
Laura looked at her mother for a long moment, as if wanting to ask more, but in the end, she only nodded weakly.
-------
Morning light filtered through the trees lining the roadside, casting long shadows across the street already stirring with life. Car horns blared, engines roared, and the calls of vendors opening their stalls merged into the rhythm of a new day.
On her way to school, Laura sped along on her scooter, the helmet visor pulled tightly shut. The crisp morning air brushed against her face behind the clear shield, turning her breaths into thin wisps of vapor. A few loose strands of her hair danced in the wind, fluttering in rhythm with the hum of the wheels.
But her destination wasn't the school — not yet. The scooter turned into a quiet residential neighborhood, heading toward her best friend's house — Sandra's.
A few minutes later, Laura slowed to a stop in front of a modest but tidy single-story terrace house. The soft rumble of the engine made Sandra, who had just stepped out and closed her front door, flinch slightly.
"Laura?" she called out, surprised, her face half-hidden behind a curtain of hair.
Laura lifted her visor slowly, revealing a faint smile illuminated by the morning sun.
"Hurry up or we'll be late!" she said cheerfully, though a trace of fatigue still lingered in her voice.
"You didn't have to come get me. I could've just taken the bus," Sandra replied, walking closer.
Laura, still seated on her scooter, smiled — her visor now fully raised.
"You never trouble me, Sandra." She held out a second helmet. "Starting today, to and from school — you're riding with me."
Sandra froze for a second, then a bright grin spread across her face. "You better not take that back later, okay?"
Laura chuckled and lowered her visor again before revving the engine.
"Hold on tight! The wind's strong this morning!"
Sandra quickly put on the helmet and climbed on behind her. The scooter rolled out of the neighborhood, leaving behind the soft hum of its engine — and the sound of their laughter fading into the lively morning of the little town.
--------
Sandra lifted her helmet visor slightly and turned toward Laura in front of her.
"You went to see Halen yesterday, didn't you?" Her voice was soft — almost lost in the rush of the morning wind.
Laura simply nodded, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. "I'll tell you later," she replied briefly.
Sandra understood and said nothing more, remaining silent for the rest of the ride.
-------
A few minutes later, they arrived at school.
The morning buzz was alive with students rushing through the gates, laughter and chatter blending with the hum of engines. Laura parked her scooter in her usual spot, then turned to Sandra, who was just taking off her helmet.
"Did you have breakfast, Sandra?" Laura asked with a small smile.
Sandra shook her head, brushing aside strands of hair blown by the wind.
"Didn't have time."
"That's perfect," Laura replied lightly, slinging her bag over her shoulder. "I brought some toast from home. We can grab some drinks at the canteen later, okay?"
Sandra gave a faint smile. "You don't have to treat me like this, Laura. It's not like I'm poor."
Laura froze for a moment, her expression softening as her gaze met Sandra's. "Could you not say things like that?" she said quietly, her tone carrying a gentle weight. "Back when I lost my memory, I only thought of you as a classmate. But now… I remember everything, Sandra."
Her voice trembled. "When everyone else left me… you were the only one who stayed."
Sandra looked at her, eyes glistening. "Because you're my friend," she whispered, her voice breaking.
Without another word, Laura stepped off her scooter and wrapped her arms around her.
"And you're mine," Laura whispered against her ear. "My best friend."
Sandra's breath hitched as she fought back her tears, hugging Laura even tighter. Around them, the noise of the morning faded into the background — leaving just the two of them, bound by quiet gratitude and a warmth that needed no words.
--------
Cass!"
Cassidy, who had been chatting with Rachel, Jenni, and Sarah, turned at the sound of her name. Her face changed instantly when she saw Omar Felix standing at the doorway, a wide grin plastered on his face.
"What do you want, Omar?!" her voice cut through the classroom, sharp and clear.
Omar leaned lazily against the doorframe, raising his voice on purpose.
"Where's your sister-in-law, huh? Skipping school again with your brother?"
A few students nearby stifled their laughter. Cassidy's jaw tightened, her eyes narrowing into sharp daggers.
"F— you!" she snapped, flipping her middle finger without hesitation.
Omar burst into laughter, clapping loudly, making sure everyone noticed.
"Whoa, someone's feisty today!" he teased, stepping back before Rachel could even stand up to scold him.
Cassidy's pulse thudded fast — not from fear, but from sheer irritation.
Moments later, the classroom door swung open again. Laura and Sandra walked in. The once-rowdy atmosphere fell silent almost instantly. Every gaze turned toward them — especially Laura, whose calm expression seemed to pull the air taut.
Laura paused at the doorway, her eyes sweeping over Omar still lingering at the front, before settling on Cassidy and Rachel near the window.
With quiet confidence, Laura walked toward them. Cassidy straightened up. Rachel's fingers curled around the edge of her desk, unsure what was about to happen.
But their guesses were wrong.
Without a word, Laura leaned in and wrapped her arms around Cassidy, pressing a soft kiss to her cheek. Then, turning slightly, she did the same to Rachel.
The entire class froze. Silence swallowed the room. Jenny and Sarah's mouths hung open, disbelief written all over their faces.
But for Cassidy and Rachel, the gesture was anything but strange. It was their old greeting — a tiny ritual from their childhood that Laura had once shared with them, now suddenly revived after years buried in memory.
Cassidy tried to hide her smile, but the warmth in her expression betrayed her. Rachel, on the other hand, pretended to fix her makeup with a small mirror — though her trembling hands told another story.
Both of them knew it — that simple kiss wasn't just nostalgia.
It was a quiet reminder of something real, something tender, that time had never managed to erase.
Omar Felix, who stood not far from them, was frozen in place. His face stiffened, his usual smirk wiped clean — as if all his confidence had crumbled in an instant.
Laura and Sandra walked past him calmly, not sparing him a glance, as though nothing out of the ordinary had just happened.
The classroom remained in utter silence. Every seat was filled, yet no one dared to speak. Only faint whispers and curious glances floated through the air — all fixed on Laura, who now sat quietly at her desk, as if she hadn't just stirred a ghost from the past.
Omar finally began to move, pacing slowly toward his seat. But he stopped beside Sandra's desk, tilting his head slightly.
"Did I miss something?" he asked, brow raised.
Sandra frowned. "Miss what?"
"Well," Omar said under his breath, his tone teasing, "it's like there's a new viral headline — 'former enemies turn best friends overnight.' Sounds juicy, doesn't it?"
Sandra rolled her eyes but couldn't help a small laugh. "Laura and the girls were close a long time ago."
"That was before, though… ancient history." Omar arched an eyebrow.
"If you're that curious," Sandra shot back, "go ask her yourself. Don't drag me into it."
Omar raised both hands in mock surrender. "No way. I like my pretty face just the way it is — unpunched."
Sandra shook her head, chuckling. "You're impossible."
He leaned slightly closer, smirking. "You look happy today, Sandra."
A faint blush crept up Sandra's cheeks. She ducked her head quickly, pretending to rummage through her bag for her notebook.
Omar chuckled softly, then sauntered off toward his seat, tapping the edge of his cousin's desk as he passed.
Laura didn't even look at him. She kept her gaze on the window, lost in her thoughts.
She herself couldn't explain what had just happened — why she'd hugged and kissed Cassidy and Rachel in front of everyone.
It wasn't something she'd planned. It had just… happened. As if her body had moved before her mind could catch up.
Maybe it was because her memories had returned — and that small gesture, that soft kiss on the cheek, was simply her way of greeting her closest friends…
Just like she used to, back when they were all still kids.
-------
Time drifted by quietly.
The moment History class ended, the classroom burst back into life — chairs scraped, bags were slung over shoulders, and the low hum of chatter mixed with bursts of laughter filled the air.
Everyone's stomachs seemed to agree on one thing: it was definitely time for a break.
"Hey, you wanna grab lunch with me?" Omar suddenly appeared beside Laura's desk.
Laura, who hadn't even stood up yet, glanced at him with one raised eyebrow. "Why the sudden invitation?"
Omar scratched the back of his head, grinning awkwardly. "I don't know… maybe you and Sandra would wanna hang out with me. Can't blame a guy for trying, right?"
Laura let out a small sigh, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "No, thanks. I'll pass."
"Alright, fine," he replied dramatically, pretending to sound hurt before walking off.
Laura shook her head, half amused, then rose from her seat. As she turned toward Cassidy and Rachel, she noticed the two of them deep in conversation — their tones sharp, their faces tense.
Even without hearing a word, Laura could tell they were arguing about something.
"What's going on?" Laura asked softly.
"No idea…" Sandra shrugged, glancing curiously in the same direction.
"Rachel!"
Laura and Sandra froze at once when they saw Cassidy chasing after Rachel, who bolted out of the classroom. The once-lively chatter turned chaotic — a few students in the hallway stopped and turned, trying to see what the commotion was about.
Only Jenny and Sarah were left inside, standing near Rachel's desk.
Laura hurried toward them, worry etched across her face. "What happened to Rachel?"
Jenny and Sarah exchanged a quick glance. Beneath the thick layer of makeup on their faces, faint bruises could still be seen.
Sarah let out a short, sharp scoff. "Obviously, it's because of you."
Laura blinked. "Me? Why?"
"Go ask her yourself," Sarah shot back coldly before grabbing Jenny's hand and storming out of the room.
Laura tilted her head slightly, half amused, half irritated. "Seriously? Getting mad just because I asked?"
Sandra chuckled under her breath. "That's just how they are, Laura. Sometimes they're even more dramatic than Cass and Rachel."
"They're only close in school, right?"
"More or less," Sandra replied as they started walking toward the cafeteria. "But outside school, Cass spends most of her time with Rachel."
Laura looked ahead with a faint smile, remembering something Justin had said the night before. "You sound like you know them pretty well."
Sandra glanced at her with a small grin. "Come on, everyone knows. They're practically twins — just not identical."
Laura exhaled softly. "Funny… I used to think they were close because they both hated me."
Sandra turned to her, her tone softening. "You only saw what happened in school. Outside, it's a different story."
Laura fell silent for a few seconds before asking quietly, "So… we used to be friends?"
Sandra nodded slowly. "They didn't lose their memories like you did, Laura. Maybe their actions seem harsh now, but… there's a reason."
Laura's eyes narrowed slightly. "And what reason is that?"
Sandra smiled faintly, her voice calm. "Maybe you should ask them yourself."
-----
Laura and Sandra strolled leisurely toward the cafeteria. The midday sun had begun to sting, but a soft breeze blowing from the school garden kept the air from feeling too heavy.
"You know, Sandra…" Laura's voice came out quiet, almost thoughtful. "I still remember when the three of us — me, Cass, and Rachel — used to buy ice cream at that little shop down the street."
Sandra smiled faintly. "Yeah, I know. But this time… it's different, Laura. You really sound like you remember everything."
Laura nodded slowly, a small but weighted smile curving her lips. "I do remember. Back in class just now, every time I looked at Cass or Rachel… that guilt came back. They were never the problem. It was me who changed."
Sandra reached over, giving Laura's shoulder a gentle pat. "You're only human, Laura. Sometimes we don't change because we want to — it's the world that changes us."
Before Laura could answer, a voice suddenly echoed from the far end of the corridor.
"Laura!"
Cassidy appeared, breathless — her face pale with panic.
Laura and Sandra turned to her at once.
"Cass? What's wrong?"
Cassidy stopped right in front of them, catching her breath. "I need your help… Rachel's crying. She's at the garden behind the old hall."
Laura froze. "Crying? Why?"
Cassidy shook her head. "I'm not sure. But she said your name… said she didn't expect you to remember everything."
Laura fell silent. Her gaze dropped, and her voice came out low, almost trembling. "Yes, Cass. I remember."
Cassidy stared at her, lips trembling as if she wanted to reach out and hug her — but didn't dare.
"Sandra," she finally said, "come with me to grab some food. Let Laura check on Rachel."
Sandra nodded, understanding immediately. "Go, Laura. We'll meet you there."
Laura drew in a deep breath before walking away, her steps slow and heavy. The corridor grew quieter with each pace, the echo of her footsteps carrying a weight she could no longer ignore.
Because she knew — at the garden behind that old hall, the memories she once buried were waiting for her return.
She began to run. Her eyes darted frantically across the overgrown path, heart pounding fast as the trees whispered around her.
And then she saw her — Rachel, sitting beneath the small wooden gazebo, shoulders trembling, face hidden behind her hands.
"Rachel…" Laura's voice cracked as she approached.
Rachel didn't answer. Her fingers clutched her face tighter, and her small frame quivered with each suppressed sob.
Laura slowed, her chest tight with guilt. Rachel's face — once bright with laughter — was now pale and streaked with sorrow.
"Rachel, please don't make me worry like this," Laura whispered.
She sat beside her, hesitating for a moment before gently reaching out — brushing her fingers through Rachel's hair.
Rachel turned her head away, pressing her tear-streaked cheek to the table as though trying to disappear.
Laura swallowed hard, her voice hoarse. "I'm sorry, Rachel. I know I'm the reason everything fell apart… but I remember now. I remember everything about us."
Rachel's shoulders shook as a small sob escaped her. "I thought you'd forgotten me, Laura. I waited for years…"
Laura shook her head, stroking her hair softly. "How could I forget the girl who used to say she loved me every time we said goodbye?"
Rachel went still. Her sobs softened, but tears still rolled down her cheeks.
"I do love you, Laura…" Her voice trembled, raw and aching. "I love you so much. But I'm tired — tired of pretending, tired of acting like nothing ever happened. Like I don't even know you!"
Tears streamed freely now. "I didn't become the bad one because I wanted to… I had to."
Laura just sat there, watching her in silence, eyes wide and heart heavy. She reached out, laying a trembling hand on Rachel's shoulder. "Why, Rachel? Why did you have to do that? Why didn't you just tell me — about Halen?"
Rachel shook her head violently, covering her face again. "You think I didn't want to? I wanted to tell you, Laura… but I couldn't. I—Cass—and Sandra—we made a promise."
Laura's brows furrowed, her voice barely above a whisper
Slowly, Rachel lowered her hands, her tear-filled eyes meeting Laura's.
"To your grandmother, Laura…"
Laura froze. Her breath caught, her whole body stiff.
"My grandmother?" she whispered, her voice trembling — fear creeping into her tone for the first time.