Chapter 5 Bachelorette party

" okay."

That was the only word Lexi's tongue could form. She wanted to call him back, ask him where he leaves, his phone number, complementary card, IG handle anything but instead she watched him leave.

She just stood frozen, her eyes fixed on Jake's retreating figure, tongue-tied.

She turned back to the bar, downing the remainder of her cocktail in one swift motion and asked for a refill. The bartender raised an eyebrow but silently refilled her glass.

Lexi took another sip, the liquor burning her throat. And then another.

She wanted to drink off the unsettling feeling in her chest, like a nagging whisper that refused to quiet.

As the drinks flowed, Lexi's thoughts blurred. Memories of Jake, their past, and the what-ifs swirled in her mind.

Why had he come here? Why had he asked those questions?

The noise of the party grew louder, but Lexi's world narrowed to the turmoil brewing inside.

Rachel appeared beside her, concern etched on her face. "Lexi, you okay?"

Lexi forced a smile. "Yeah, just need another drink."

Rachel's eyes lingered, but she didn't press. "I'll get us some water."

As Rachel disappeared into the crowd, Lexi's gaze drifted back to the door.

Jake was gone.

But his words lingered.

"Still scared of commitment or is it the trust issues?"

Lexi's resolve crumbled with each passing minute. She downed drink after drink, the room spinning around her.

Rachel reappeared, worry etched on her face. "Lexi, slow down. You're going to regret this."

But Lexi shook her off, laughter spilling from her lips. "I'm fine, Chel. Just need one more."

The music blurred, faces merged, and the lights pulsed. Lexi stumbled, her glass shattering on the floor.

Rachel rushed to her side, grasping her elbow. "Lexi, come on. I'd take you to the hotel."

But Lexi shrugged her off, staggering toward the bar. "Just...one...more."

The room tilted, and Lexi's legs buckled. She felt herself falling, her vision fading.

The last thing she remembered was Jake's face, his piercing blue eyes filled with concern.

Then, nothing.

Lexi's world went dark.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

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?