Chapter 1 The Eve of New Year

Nora's POV

It was the eve of New Year's Day. I entered the city of New York via car. I haven't been here in three years. The honking of the car at the careless drivers.

"I'm finally home," I said to myself.

I was supposed to be back by the first half of the month, but I had told nobody that I was returning this soon. Probably to surprise them.

"We're here, Madame." The Uber driver had said something to me, bringing me out of my deep thoughts.

"Finally." My eyes widened as I looked at the tall building in front of her. It was her family gathering, apparently the birthday of her grandfather.

"A perfect time and opportunity to surprise them all," I said to myself as I took out her suitcase from the back of the car, laid off the Uber driver, and went to the door.

I took a deep breath as I pulled the door open.

*Happy birthday to I heard everyone's chorus and then turned in her direction.

Whoa! I exclaimed, clapping my hands and getting ready for a hug, but nothing came of it.

Everyone stood there in shock as they watched me make a fool of myself. I was lost. It was not what I had anticipated.

"No hugs?" I asked but got no answer.

"Why are you back so soon?" My mother squeezed her face into a light frown.

"What? Am I supposed not to be back?" Her heart clenched in pain. I was expecting a hug or kiss or anything at all, but they stood there transfixed for a moment, confused as to whether I was the one standing there.

The door creaked open, and Finn walked in with a bouquet. Seeing the long brown hair and model-like physique, he knew instantly that it was me.

"Nora?" His mouth fell open in shock as he yelled for her to turn and obey his instructions.

"Why are you home so early?" He asked, confusing her more.

"Is everyone here not happy to see me?" "I can equally return to school," I murmur. I was so angry and hurt that I kicked the table and started to climb the stairs, crying all the way.

"Were they not happy to see me? I knew they had always been strict with me, but I figured they must have softened a little bit if I returned home earlier.

I had a twin sister, Kora, who seemed to be my nemesis growing up, but I still, in fact, missed her.

"Why are you back so early?" A voice said it by the door, making me flinch. I raised my head.

"Kora? What are you doing there? You scared me." I asked, looking at Kora, who stood by the door, looking at me.

Kora James was the splitting image of me, or you could say we were identical twins. Growing up side by side with each other, Kora was always the loved one, while I faced a lot.

"You showed up unannounced, and you expect everyone to welcome you with open arms?" Kora questioned.

The look on her face gave it away to me that, as usual, I was not welcomed here anymore. It was more like her presence was not needed.

"Did I spoil the surprise they had for me?" He asked herself, but got no answer.

"Am I no longer welcome here?" I asked, my gaze fixed on Kora in confusion.

"You know what?" Kora plastered a fake smile on her face.

I am in fact happy to see you here." She says this with her lips curling into a small smile.

I felt relaxed, and at least one out of everyone was happy to see me.

"You know what would lighten up those moods?" Kora asked as I looked at my sister with much enthusiasm.

"No, do you?" I asked,

"A little bit of partying, you need to distress. You could go with me. Kora said, glancing at me.

The look on my face was my reply to the suggestion. I didn't want to go, but my wild sister was making an effort to make me feel comfortable; I just couldn't turn her down. Besides, it's not like I was wanted at home anyway.

Waiting for my final answer, I looked at Kora before sighing.

"Fine, if you say so." I finally consented.

"Great!" She says, hugging me tightly,

"This is going to be a great time," Kora grinned, and I relaxed.

"But no alcohol. You know I have zero tolerance when it comes to alcohol." I reminded her, but I was not sure if she heard me.

"Sure." She says she was dragging me outside; she had already booked a ride for us both. For some reason, I was not comfortable with the sudden likeness of Kora.

"Are you sure you're okay?" She looked at me and smiled when I asked again.

"I'm definitely okay." She replied,

......

We got to the bar, and the loud music and dim lights fitted perfectly with the decor of the bar. People were dancing and rocking themselves.

"Hey girls!!!" While her friends were dancing across the bar, Kora called out to them.

"Oh goodness gracious," I breathe out, rubbing my forehead.

Heaven knows this is not my kind of space at all.

I went over to the counter, and the bartender looked at me with a warm smile on his face, which I found awkward.

Let me have a glass of apple juice, please. He gave me a look when I said something to him. "You look tired," he says. I gave a weak smile. Why wouldn't I be tired? I just returned from school, and boom! I was dragged to a party.

He served my drink, which I gulped down in one go. I sat there as I searched the room, looking for Kora with my eyes, but the room was too dim. Just then, I began to feel lightheaded.

"Ouch!" I rubbed my head. It began pounding, and just then my vision became blurred. I looked up to see Kora walking up to me.

"Hey, how are you doing, Nora?" She asked at that moment, and I gradually became black.