February 2025,
A circle of angry faces closed in around Claire. Their eyes burned with fury, and one of them gripped a stick like a weapon.
"Finally, you're down, aren't you? You've made too many mistakes, Claire," sneered the blonde girl with curly hair. She smiled—cold and cruel—as she watched Claire writhe in pain, blood dripping from the wound on her forehead.
"I'm sorry... Sha, please... I'm sorry... don't kill me," Claire sobbed, her cheeks wet with tears.
But Tasya smile only widened. "Too late."
The knife in her hand flashed before it plunged into Claire's stomach.
Darkness swallowed everything.
February 2021.
"Claire! Wake up!" A small, angry hand shook her shoulder.
Claire's eyes flew open, heart racing. She gasped for breath, her body trembling. "Brian?" Her voice cracked as she stared at her little brother, alive and well. No blood, no pain, no crowd.
She looked around the room—light pink walls, twinkling fairy lights, and the familiar posters from her 12th-grade days at Green Mint School.
Her throat tightened. No way.
"What's wrong with you? It's already seven o'clock! Hurry up, sis!" Brian huffed and tossed her school uniform onto the bed before stomping out, slamming the door behind him.
Claire grabbed her phone, her hands shaking. The date blinked back at her: February 2, 2021.
Her knees gave out, and she sank onto the mattress.
I'm back... Four years earlier. Before everything fell apart. Before Tasya, before the betrayal...
A thousand memories flooded her mind—her own cruel deeds, the lies, the bullying, and finally, her brutal death at the hands of her so-called friends.
Not this time. She clenched her fists. I will change everything.
She forced herself up, took a deep breath, and headed for the bathroom. As the water washed over her, her mind made a silent vow: no more lies, no more cruelty. She would rewrite her destiny.
Dressed and ready, she stepped out of her room—and immediately, Imah, the maid, appeared, wringing her hands.
"I'm sorry, Claire. I accidentally broke your favorite glass..."
Claire blinked. She remembered how she used to lash out at Imah over the smallest things. But not today. "It's okay, Bi. It's just a glass. I can always buy a new one," she said softly, offering a smile.
Imah's face lit up with surprise. "Thank you, Claire." She hurried away to fetch Claire's usual breakfast.
From the dining table, Brian watched her with a puzzled frown. "You're acting weird today."
Their mother entered, balancing a tray of apples. "That's good, Brian. Your sister is learning to control her emotions."
Claire's heart ached. She turned and hugged her mother tightly, clinging to her as if she'd never let go.
You don't know yet, Mom... In 2025, you'll get sick and never wake up again.
Her mother laughed softly, trying to pry herself loose. "What's gotten into you, dear?"
"Nothing," Claire whispered, blinking away tears. "I just... I'm okay."
Her mom cupped her face gently. "Be a good girl. Don't let anger rule you. That's all I ask."
"I will, Mom," Claire promised. She sat down and took a bite of her sandwich, determination simmering beneath her calm exterior.
As the car rolled through the school gates, Claire's thoughts spun. What happens today? Is there an event? An exam? She struggled to remember the details of February 2021, but they stayed frustratingly out of reach.
Her mother squeezed her hand. "Claire, please. No more trouble. The last time, I got a call because you bullied a classmate. Don't repeat that." Her eyes shone with quiet disappointment.
Claire's heart sank. Who was it? Then it clicked. Diana.
Memories flooded in—how she had humiliated Diana in front of everyone, poured dirty water over her in the bathroom just because Diana had gotten close to Miko, the boy Claire liked. She'd glued Diana's seat, hidden her books—petty, vicious things.
God... I was terrible.
She got out of the car slowly, shame weighing her down. Not this time. I won't be that girl again.
Inside class 12A, Vienna waved excitedly when Claire walked in.
"Hey, Claire!"
Claire's stomach twisted. Vienna... one of the girls who had turned on her in 2025.
"Hi, Vienn," Claire managed, forcing a smile as she slipped into her seat.
Vienna frowned. "Why are you sitting there? You usually sit with Tasya." She gestured to the seat behind her, where Tasya's bag rested—the very Tasya who had once helped kill her.
Claire's hands trembled. She picked up her bag and quietly returned to her old seat.
Vienna eyed her. "Are you okay? Are you sick?" She reached out to feel Claire's forehead.
"I'm fine," Claire said quickly, trying to steady her breathing.
Vienna grinned. "Come on, Claire. You're our leader. Smile a little! Oh—by the way, Diana's back at school today after being absent for three days. We need to teach her a lesson. She dared to get close to Miko."
Claire's stomach dropped. She remembered how the bullying had escalated after Diana came back.
But not this time. She stayed silent, offering no encouragement.
Tasya appeared, sliding into the seat beside her. Claire stiffened.
At break time, Vienna grabbed her hand. "Let's go, like usual. We're heading to Diana's class."
"Yeah, let's prank her again," Tasya chimed in, grinning.
Claire yanked her hand back. "Sorry. I'm tired."
Both girls blinked at her, stunned. They exchanged looks, but Claire didn't wait—she walked out alone, her pulse racing.
She found herself near the garden, breathing in the crisp air, grounding herself. That's when she spotted Diana standing near the exit.
Without thinking, Claire crossed the space between them. "Hi, Diana."
Diana flinched, clearly expecting trouble. But Claire's voice trembled with sincerity. "I'm sorry. For everything. I know I've been awful to you. I want to change."
Diana stared at her like she was seeing a ghost. "Are you... are you really apologizing? Claire?"
Claire nodded. "Yes. I mean it." She smiled faintly and turned away, leaving Diana too stunned to answer.
Back inside, the clock ticked toward 9:45 AM. Claire knew Vienna and Tasya would question her soon, but before she could brace herself, she collided with someone tall in a basketball jersey.
"Hey! Watch it!" the boy barked. "Where's my drink, huh?"
Claire froze. Miko.
She glanced up at his face—the boy she'd once obsessed over, the boy who never really saw her.
"I'm in a hurry. Buy your own drink," she muttered, stepping aside and walking off.
Miko blinked, his brow furrowing in confusion. What the—? Claire? Turning me down?
As far as he knew, Claire always hovered around him, always eager to please. Even though she had a mean streak, no one could deny her beauty and smarts. But now? Now she was acting like she barely knew him.
He watched her go, feeling... oddly disappointed.
Shaking his head, Miko turned back toward the court where Mr. Smith was calling for another round of practice. He trudged back, his friends stealing his ball and laughing. Despite his confusion, he cracked a smile and joined in. After all, the big match in March was coming.
Claire returned to class, focusing on the teacher's words, shutting out the whispers around her. She ignored the curious stares, the probing questions about Diana. Her mind was made up. She would no longer be the villain. This time, she would rewrite her story—and save herself.