Chapter 2: Chapter 2
It's been seven days since I woke up in this strange reality. Ever since then, I've made quick progress with therapy and today I can finally leave the hospital. Two days ago, after mom left for work as a nurse at this very same hospital - I tried contacting Casey on Jaye's cellphone. I knew Casey's number by heart because my life has always been unstable and frequently moving homes, so I was always calling her whenever I needed a place to crash. After a couple of rings, Casey answered and thought I was playing a sick prank on her. I had high hopes that she'll believe me that I'm the real Alexa stuck inside somebody else's body. Also, I wanted to make sure she was fine from the accident and didn't suffer the same fate as me. Casey became agitated during the phone call but I was glad to hear her voice cursing at me and using slangs only we would. From that moment, I decided that it's best to bury Alexa Costas and live as Jaye Lee for the time being. Since I had to pretend to have temporary amnesia, I used my free time to learn about Jaye's life. From my findings, Jaye was a timid girl who rarely socialized with other people. Her mother is currently parenting alone while her father lives abroad and they have very little contact with each other. Also, apparently this Jaye chick is super smart and even has a scholarship in one of the country's most prestigious private schools. This was going to be tough to live up to because I failed most of my classes, especially math class. I scored poorly in the math exam which resulted in repeating sophomore year again. Adding to my dread - Jaye excels in math and science earning consecutive awards and part of the honors list. To say that I'm bad at math and science is a huge understatement because I failed beginner math level only passing the second time by cheating my ass through the final exam. I scratched my head in hopes for brilliant ideas to start flowing on how to get me out of taking those insane math classes! Perhaps I can use my fake amnesia and say that I don't remember learning anything. There was a sudden knock at the door pulling me out of my thoughts.
"come - " without allowing me to finish the rest, the door flew open revealing a preppy looking girl in a high length dress. She had strawberry blond locks with kind light brown eyes. She introduced herself as Camila talking about how my mother sent her to refresh my memories and she's Jaye's best friend. I went through Jaye's phone and found several messages from her confirming that they were close since they were kids. I have to be careful that Camila might figure out that I'm not really Jaye yet, again who would believe her!
"umm hi, I'm sorry I lost my memories." I let out a nervous chuckle trying to ease the tension of having your best friend forget you. If Casey would've told me that she forgot about me, might as well take my heart out to not feel the pain. Pun intended.
Camila shot me an 'its ok' type of smile and without warning, she embraced me into a tight friendly hug.
"Don't apologize you dummy. I love you with or without memories." it felt nice having a supportive friend, especially now that I lost mine. I couldn't help and return her hug back.
"Don't stress about it. You just had a major surgery! I'm sure your memories will return shortly". I was grateful she didn't pursue any past conversations rather she filled me in what I missed.
During the brief time we spent together, I quickly grew fond of Camila not only did she remind me of Casey in her free spirited personality also, I liked her honesty characteristic. She told me how we first met in our first year of junior school by tutoring her in math and also filled me in on all her celebrity crushes. Camila was like a news reporter, she knew everyone and all the gossip in school. She's even the school president of a newspaper club. She said I don't need to worry about the material I've missed because "i'm a geek and super smart" her exact words. No, girl I'm dumb ass hell. I'm screwed, this is worse than my own death!
I am not "super smart", hell i'm not even close to smart. I was diagnosed with a bit of attention deficiency when I was young which meant I learned differently and at a slower pace than most people. Sensing my stress, Camila decided to cut her visit short and I couldn't thank her enough for doing so. I just couldn't take anymore information about Jaye's life. At least she was aware how stressful all of this is for me.
At last, today I got to go home and had to get ready before mom's shift was over. I took a glance at my phone screen indicating that I had less than 20 minutes until mom finishes her shift. Fast pacing to the bathroom, I quickly slipped into dark jeans and v-neck white tee that showed a part of my healing scar on my chest. Running my index finger through the stitched line scarred that ran about five inches deep indicating where the heart transplant happened. I laid a hand to feel it steady beating against my chest and honestly, I couldn't be happier to be alive. I still couldn't believe my soul somehow survived the car crash plus the transplant surgery and still managed to remain myself inside of a new body. The doctor said that only a faint thin line will be visibly healed and not to worry about the scar because it made me seem badass. Smiling like a fool, I remembered his exact words and I couldn't agree more, the scar looked badass and fierce on me. But for the time being, I had to heal properly, so I draped a light sweater covering my chest. Then, I moved on to styling my crazy super curly hair, scrunching and ruffling the curl pattern reaching a little lower from the shoulders. I took a moment to examine this body, the girl before my eyes was a caramel skinned tone, with large round brown-hazel eyes and full pink lips. Mom told me I was mixed race and my father is black with biracial parents too. From the nose and below, I resembled my mother's delicate face and small nose with full lips, even the same faint freckles across the nose and rosy cheeks. Jayelina is not society's ideal beauty or can't be considered a model, however, she carries a unique beauty that makes her stand out. Giving my reflection a wide grin and saw perfect aligned white teeth unlike my real teeth that were crooked because I couldn't afford dental care. Her hair color was gorgeous - a unique shade of golden brown with copper highlight. I tip toe closer to the mirror to see the roots confirming it was indeed her real color not hair dye. So far, the only concern was the height difference from my old body that stood 5'3 and half inches with long slim legs (I ran track for the school so I was alway lean). In comparison this body is maybe 5ish feet tall making me a bit taller than mom by like an inch. In terms of body shape, this body is petite with curves highlighting a busty chest and wide sensual hips that suited a perky ass. As soon as I get the okay from the doctor, I'm going to start running again, I just hope these short legs would allow me to, I thought while looking down at them. I took one last glance satisfied with the final look, heading back to the room.
"Baby, it's time to go home" Mom just walked in wearing her usual scrubs and a messy bun. "I already signed all the paperwork and picked up your medication. Did Camila leave so soon?"
"Yes not too long ago. I was glad she came to visit. It felt nice talking to a friend" Honestly I did enjoy Camila's company.
"Well I'm happy to hear that. Did it help you remember?" I noticed her hesitation in the question. I was afraid to disappoint mom with the answer, so I focused on picking something from my sweater.
"Baby it's okay. Take all the time you need. I'm not going anywhere." She said while brushing my curly bangs aside, and gently placing a small kiss on my forehead. This woman made me feel safe and loved with her soft tone and gentle touch. I felt relieved she didn't question any further about my memories.
On the ride home, we spoke nonstop like we've known each other a long time. We arrived at the apartment complex in less than an hour with some spicy noodles we picked up on the way. The apartment was neatly set with a three seater sofa and a flat screen T.V. opposite side. I noticed the amount of their photos everywhere, they seem to have an honest relationship. My heart clenched at the thought of her mother finding out the truth - that her real daughter is gone and an imposter is living inside her dear daughter's body.
Mom showed me the room that belonged to Jaye, now my room. She left to set the dinner table while I settled in. The bedroom was small but wide enough for a full size bed and matching desk stack with books and a laptop. I changed to an oversized shirt and shorts I found in the drawer, picking my hair up in a high bun.
"Come eat honey" mom called from the kitchen and I obediently followed the delicious noodles smell. After dinner, I went back to my room and tried to fall asleep but I was feeling too anxious about my first day of school. Thinking of attending a private school makes me nervous, in my old life I barely went to school always skipping classes to do dumb shit. This life is comfortable and stable compared to my old one, however I couldn't shake the feeling that it would soon disappear. Just in case mom became suspicious and figured it out, I need to come up with a back up plan and some cash. After a few minutes of planning to run away, my eyelids began getting heavy and finally sleep overcame me.
Gifts
-- Gift
received Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone