Chapter Two

Upon scanning the room, I directed my attention towards the reception desk, intending to approach it. However, I halted in my steps as I noticed the absence of the receptionist. I scanned the area in search of her, but to no avail. Feeling a sense of frustration, I let out a silent sigh.

As I pondered the whereabouts of the receptionist, I decided to inquire about my location. Approaching a young man with wavy, black hair, I politely asked if he had seen a young lady matching a specific description. After receiving a negative response, I expressed my gratitude and continued my search.

Throughout my investigation, I made a concerted effort to recall the young woman who ended my life the day before, but my recollection remained hazy. Despite my best attempts, my thoughts were clouded, urging me to cease dwelling on the matter. I desired to heed this advice, yet found myself unable to comply. The need to ponder over my assailant, including her identity, persisted.

How did our paths cross, and under what circumstances? What motivated her to commit such a heinous act against me? Was there any wrongdoing on my part that triggered her violent actions? These inquiries plagued my mind, prompting me to delve deeper into the matter. Reflecting on the moments leading up to my encounter with her and the duration of our interaction yielded no results thus far. Frustrated, I disregarded the internal admonitions to cease my contemplation. Despite my efforts, the blurred image of her visage induced a sense of revulsion, leaving me unsettled by the fact that her face remained elusive. That was when I couldn't stand it much longer.

Resolving to shift my focus elsewhere, I decided to put an end to my fixation and resume my investigation. Finally, a sense of tranquility washed over me, bringing an end to the mental turmoil.

Despite questioning several individuals, I received no helpful information. Feeling disheartened, I contemplated giving up but persisted in my quest for answers. Eventually, a brown-skinned young lady mentioned the whereabouts of the receptionist, leading me in the right direction.

“Thanks for the info,” I said with a nod.

“No prob,” she said.

Then curiosity about the time of day dawned my mind for a moment there. “Um, excuse me. Do you know what day it is?”

“Why yea, it's September 3rd. Why?”

Gasping, I widened my eyes as I couldn't believe what I just heard. Now it was starting to make sense. I time traveled several weeks before my murder.

Raising her eyebrow at me, she asked, “Uh, hello? You've been acting really weird lately.”

“Huh?” I returned my attention back to her, asking her to repeat the question. After I heard her question again, I then answered, “Oh, uh, it was nothing…Heh-heh-heh…”

“Um, okay…?”

As I prepared to head towards the indicated hall, a woman's voice called out to me, redirecting my attention. I turned around to find Mrs. Finstan standing before me. Her white hair was neatly tied into a bun, and she wore a witches’ hat on her head. Her crows' feet, wrinkles, and bluish-green eyes were fixed on me, with a wort by the left side of her lips. She was dressed in a black, long dress with a turtle-neck. Feeling a sense of seriousness emanating from her, I felt a shiver run down my spine and swallowed nervously. I couldn't help but wonder if I had done something wrong, considering I was in the same uniform as everyone else on campus.

"Are you new here?" Mrs. Finstan inquired. "I haven't seen you around before."

I hesitated, fidgeting with my fingers and avoiding eye contact. Beads of sweat formed on my forehead, trickling down my cheeks. I struggled to come up with a response, trying to think of a different way to answer the question.

Mrs. Finstan's gaze intensified as she crossed her arms. "It's a simple question."

After a moment of contemplation, I realized that I didn't recognize myself in this new form. No one else seemed to either. With a nod, I replied, "Yes, I am new here."

"Why did it take you so long to reply?" Mrs. Finstan asked, tapping her foot impatiently.

I bumbled over my words, attempting to come up with a pardon. "I'm fair a bit apprehensive around brand new individuals."

Mrs. Finstan arched an eyebrow, ceasing her foot tapping. "Is that so?"

"Yes, ma'am," I replied, mustering a timid smile. I hoped she would believe my explanation, fearing the consequences if she didn't.

Mrs. Finstan's expression softened as she uncrossed her arms. "Exceptionally well at that point." She signaled for me to take after her to a gathering work area. "Come with me.”

I followed her lead and let out a quiet sigh of relief. I felt content knowing that she believed my lie. However, I was anxious that my facade might crumble. Upon reaching the desk, Mrs. Finstan inquired, "What is your name, young lady?"

My mind wandered as I contemplated a new identity. I was hesitant to retain my previous name after my demise. Despite my efforts, I struggled to devise a suitable name and spell. Mrs. Finstan grew concerned as I pondered. Startled by her touch, I refocused and responded, "Yes, ma'am?"

Mrs. Finstan reiterated her question, prompting me to explain my predicament. She granted me time to deliberate, observing my contemplation. After much deliberation, I settled on the name Alissa and recited the accompanying spell in my mind. I disclosed my new name to Mrs. Finstan, who complimented it before verifying it in the book.

I flashed her a smile as I said, "Thank you, ma'am."

"No problem," she replied. After she finished checking, she grinned at it before pulling out another book. "There you are. Now I need you to tell me your grade so I can assign you to your room."

"Year Eleven."

"Ah, Year Eleven, huh? Let's see here." She located an empty dorm in the other book. "There you are. You're in Year Eleven section-Room 15."

"Year Eleven...Room 15, understood. Thank you very much, ma'am. I really appreciate that." I waved at her.

Mrs. Finstan waved back at me, this time with a closed eyes and a smile. "You're very welcome. Have a good day."

"You too."

As I strolled down the hall, my eyes scanned the area for myself and the other young woman. However, I found nothing in sight, nothing that I was searching for.

But as I reached the door to my dorm, I caught sight of myself waving at the other young woman as she departed. I was determined to uncover who had betrayed me over the well. It was a promise I was ready to keep, regardless of the consequences.