Chapter 4 A dream or a parallel universe

Lexi slowly opened her eyes, groggily taking in the warm sunlight streaming through the window. She blinked, disoriented, and closed her eyes again, craving more sleep.

But her brain suddenly kicked into gear. The wedding! Today was Rachel's wedding.

Lexi's eyes snapped open, and she sat up with a jolt. How long had she been asleep?

She rubbed her temples, trying to recall the previous night's events. Vague memories of drinking and laughter swirled in her mind. She had drank a lot but she didn't feel hang over.

As she looked around the room, confusion deepened. This wasn't her hotel room... or was it? Why did it feel and look so familiar?

And then, like a tidal wave, recognition crashed over her.

She was in her old bedroom, in her parents' house in Cedar Key, Florida.

The same bedroom where she'd spent countless nights dreaming of escape, of adventure.

The same bedroom where Jake had once sat on her bed, holding her hand.

Lexi's eyes widened further, she was supposed to be at the hotel for Rachel's wedding. How did she get here? She was in NYC last night.

As Lexi was still trying to figure out how she got there, confusion clouding her head, she heard her mom call out to her.

"Lexi, are you still asleep?" her mom called out, stepping into the room.

Lexi's eyes widened as she took in her mom's youthful appearance. "Mom?" she stammered. "You look so young."

Her mom chuckled. "Very funny. Don't think you can flatter me and weave your way out of this."

But Lexi was serious. Her mom looked decades younger, frozen in time.

"Where's Rachel?" Lexi asked, panic creeping in. "I'm supposed to be at her wedding. I was in New York last night... how did I get here?"

Her mom's expression turned stern. "What are you saying, Lexi? Get up and get ready for school. I have no time for your nonsense talks today."

Lexi's confusion deepened. "School?" she repeated, her voice laced with incredulity. "But... I graduated years ago."

Her mom's firm tone left no room for argument. "Lexi, stop this nonsense. You're 17, and you have a math test today."

Lexi's world spun out of control. What?

Lexi's voice shook as she protested, "Mom, what are you saying? This has to be some kind of joke. I'm thirty-five and I work as a chief editor in NYC."

Her mom's eyes narrowed, dismissing Lexi's words. "You're not skipping school today, Lexi. Get dressed."

With that, her mom turned and left the room, leaving Lexi stunned.

Lexi climbed down from the bed, her mind reeling, and staggered to the mirror.

The reflection staring back made her gasp.

Her eighteen year old self stared back at her.

The honey-brown hair, devoid of gray strands; the smooth skin, no eye bags or building wrinkles.

Lexi's thoughts swirled as she tried to recall the events leading up to this bizarre moment.

She remembered watching Jake leave Rachel's party, then Rachel's worried face.

Everything after that was a blank slate.

"What the hell happened?" Lexi whispered to herself.

Had she somehow traveled back in time?

Was this some kind of dream or parallel universe?

Lexi descended the stairs, enveloped in the warm familiarity of her childhood home. The aroma of freshly baked breakfast, brewing coffee, and sunflowers filled the air, transporting her back to a simpler time.

Her mom busied herself setting the table, while her dad sat engrossed in the morning paper, just as he always did.

Lexi's eyes welled up with tears as she took in the scene. She had never appreciated these quiet moments enough.

Without hesitation, Lexi rushed to her mom, embracing her tightly. Then, she turned to her dad, wrapping her arms around him.

"What's with you today, Lexi?" her mom asked, surprise etched on her face. Lexi had been a rebellious daughter, often clashing with her parents.

"You know I love you, right?" Lexi said, her voice trembling. "I love you both so much."

Her parents exchanged a warm glance. "We love you too, hon, so much," her mom replied.

Lexi's mom handed her a brown pack containing breakfast. "Hurry on, or you'll be late. Rachel is waiting for you outside."

With a final kiss goodbye, Lexi stepped out into the bright morning sunlight.

As Lexi stepped out, she spotted Rachel waiting for her, looking effortlessly cool in a tank top and blue jeans, her dark hair tied in a messy bun.

"Thought you were going to miss school," Rachel said with a grin.

Lexi sprinted towards her, embracing her tightly. "Rachel!"

Rachel's eyes widened in surprise. "What's with you today?" she asked, laughing.

But Lexi couldn't let go. This was her best friend, her confidante, her partner in crime.

"Let go, Lexi, we're late already," Rachel pleaded, trying to pry Lexi's arms off her.

Lexi reluctantly released her grip, holding Rachel at arm's length.

"I just...I'm so glad to see you," Lexi said, her voice trembling.

Rachel's expression softened. "I'm always here for you, Lex. Now, come on! We don't want to miss Mr. Johnson's math test."

As they strolled through the crisp morning air, taking the fifteen minute walk to school, Lexi's voice carried a hint of wistfulness as she said. "I miss you, Chel."

Her eyes on Rachel as if she was trying to capture the moment, to remember how beautiful Rachel had always been.

Rachel's brow furrowed. "What do you mean? You saw me yesterday."

Lexi's gaze drifted off, nostalgia etched on her face. "I meant I missed the eighteen-year-old you."

Rachel's confusion deepened. "What are you saying?"

Lexi's steps slowed, her eyes locking onto Rachel's. She stopped abruptly, taking Rachel's hands in hers.

"I need to tell you something," Lexi said, her voice barely above a whisper, "but promise me you won't freak out."

Rachel's expression transformed from curiosity to amusement. "Did you steal wine from your dad again?"

Lexi raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Really? No."

Rachel's grin faded, replaced by genuine concern. "Alright, so what's it?"

The air seemed to thicken as Lexi hesitated, her eyes searching for the right words.

Lexi's words spilled out in a rush, her voice barely above a whisper. "I think I'm from the future or some sort of parallel universe."

Rachel's eyes widened, confusion etched on her face. "What the hell are you saying, Lex?"

Lexi's determination grew. "I am thirty-five, and we both lived in NYC."

Rachel's expression transformed to nostalgia. "We've always wanted to live there."

Lexi's voice intensified. "Yes, and we actually live there. We are thirty-five, and you are supposed to get married today."

Rachel's eyes sparkled with amusement, but Lexi pressed on.

"We had the bachelorette party yesterday, and I passed out. When I woke up, I found myself here."

The words hung in the air, and for a moment, Rachel simply stared at Lexi's face.

Then, laughter burst forth from Rachel's lips. " Now is not time for you jokes. Let's go to school, Lex."

She turned and continued their walk to school, leaving Lexi behind.

"I'm serious, Chel," Lexi called after her, desperation creeping into her voice.

Rachel tossed a smile over her shoulder. "Maybe you were dreaming."

Lexi's eyes pleaded for understanding, but Rachel just kept walking.

Lexi's footsteps quickened as she caught up to Rachel. "Why won't you believe me, Chel?" she asked, her voice laced with frustration.

Rachel's grin persisted. "Because you sound silly. It was all a dream, welcome to reality."

Lexi's shoulders slumped, defeat creeping in. "Fine, don't believe me then. I guess I do sound stupid."

Rachel's laughter wrapped around Lexi, warm and reassuring. She took Lexi's hands, her eyes sparkling.

"No matter how stupid you are," Rachel teased, "you're still my best friend."

Lexi's resistance crumbled, replaced by a smile. For a moment, the uncertainty and fear lifted.

As they walked hand in hand, Lexi realized that maybe, just maybe, having Rachel by her side was enough to face whatever reality brought.

But the question lingered: Was this reality or a dream?