Chapter 2:The First Choice

The school gates loomed ahead, just as they always had — wide, gray, and slightly rusted at the corners. Students bustled past Selene, laughing, texting, rushing to beat the bell. But to her, the scene felt surreal, like walking through an old photo brought to life.

She had been here before, but this time, she saw it differently.

Selene adjusted her backpack on her shoulder. No pastel dress, no carefully curled hair. Just jeans, boots, and her jacket. Her armor. Some students glanced her way, surprised. She ignored them.

“Selene?”

A familiar voice made her stop. Mia.

Her best friend.

In her past life, Selene had pulled away from Mia — unintentionally at first, then by force. Elijah didn’t like her. Said Mia was “too loud,” “too rebellious.” Eventually, Selene had let her go. One of her greatest regrets.

“Mia,” she said, a breath catching in her throat. “You’re here.”

“Uh... yeah? Did you hit your head or something?” Mia tilted her head, squinting. “Wait. Your outfit. Your hair. What happened to Miss Always-Put-Together?”

Selene laughed softly. “She’s gone. I missed you.”

Mia blinked. “Okay, now I know something’s up. Are you okay?”

Selene stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. “Better than okay.”

They walked to class together, and for the first time in a long while, Selene felt free. She asked Mia about everything — things she already knew, but just hearing them made her smile. Every small moment felt like gold.

But as the final bell rang and lunch approached, Selene’s phone buzzed again.

Mom: I scheduled your wedding dress fitting for Saturday. Be on time.

Selene stared at the message. Her stomach twisted.

In the past, she would’ve said yes. She would’ve shown up, stood in silence while others measured her for a dress she didn’t even choose. But not this time.

She took a deep breath and typed a reply.

Selene: I’m not going. I’ll talk to you tonight.

Then she turned her phone off and tucked it away.

She wasn’t ready for a fight — not yet — but she was ready to be honest.

After school, Mia offered to walk with her to the café near the plaza. Selene hesitated, then nodded. She remembered this place. She used to love it. A cozy corner café with mismatched chairs and the smell of cinnamon and coffee.

They sat by the window. Selene stared out, the soft chime of a bell ringing each time a customer came in.

“I need to ask you something,” she said, her voice quiet. “If you had one week to change your life... would you?”

Mia raised an eyebrow. “One week?”

“Yeah. Just seven days to undo all the choices that hurt you. The ones people made for you.”

Mia leaned back, thoughtful. “Depends. Do I get to be brave this time?”

Selene smiled. “That’s the only way it works.”

Mia grinned. “Then yeah. I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

Selene looked out at the fading sunlight. Day one was almost over. Six more remained.

And tomorrow, she’d take the next step.

She’d visit her father’s grave — something she hadn’t done since the funeral.

She’d face the truth she’d buried with him.

Because changing your destiny wasn’t just about saying no to others — it was about finally saying yes to yourself.