A week has passed since I woke up. I am no longer Silvia Johnson; I am Erina Onil.
When I first opened my eyes in the hospital, I was surrounded by strangers weeping and calling me "Erina." I couldn't understand a word they were saying, nor could I find the strength to ask. It wasn't until I dragged myself to a mirror that the truth hit me. The reflection staring back wasn't mine. It was a different girl entirely.
Anyone else might have gone insane. Instead of heaven or hell, my soul had been diverted into the body of a stranger. At first, I was a ghost in her skin, but slowly, Erina's memories began to surface—faint echoes of a life I never lived. Thanks to those fragments, I managed to speak to her family without drawing suspicion.
Erina Onil: a brilliant student at the Science University. Her parents are respected scientists who teach and conduct research at the same institution. From her memories, I felt the sting of the constant bullying she endured. Why? Was it because she was too smart? Too quiet? Or was it because of her parents' success?
She was truly beautiful, but she buried that beauty behind heavy glasses and long, shapeless hair. The "queen bee" of the university, a girl driven by petty jealousy, had made Erina her primary target. It was this girl who had pushed Erina down the stairs. That fall was the reason Erina died... and the reason I am here.
All because of jealousy over some guy who wasn't even hers. Poor Erina suffered so much. But that ends now.
"Leave it to me, Erina. I'll teach them a lesson they'll never forget."
But first, I needed a total transformation.
Monday morning. The University.
A week after the accident, Erina (now Silvia) returned to campus.
"I'm here," I muttered, looking up at the imposing faculty building. "Let's see what this place is made of."
As I walked through the courtyard, whispers followed me like a trail of smoke.
"Who is she?"
"Do you recognize her? Is she new?"
"No way. She's gorgeous. Let's go ask!"
A group of guys approached me, looking eager. "Hi there! Are you new here? Do you need help finding your way around?"
I looked at them and let out a short, dry laugh. "Help? No thanks. I've been studying here for four years. I think I know my way around my own university."
"What? Four years?" They blinked, confused. "Then why haven't we seen you before?"
"Oh, you've seen me," I said with a sharp grin. "Every single day. You just didn't see me. You'll find out soon enough. Bye."
I left them standing there in a daze. "She's incredible," one of them whispered. "And so pretty!"
I made my way to Classroom 24, drawing stares from every hallway. I stepped inside, my head held high. A student stood up immediately. "Sorry, I think you're in the wrong room."
"Really? Isn't this Classroom 24 for the fourth-year science track?"
"Well... yes."
"Then I'm exactly where I belong."
"But... what's your name?"
Before I could answer, the professor walked in. "Good morning, everyone! Please, take your seats."
I walked straight to the front row and sat down. The silence in the room was deafening; that seat was usually reserved for the elite or left empty out of fear.
"I'm so sorry, Professor! I'm late. May I come in?" A girl—Marie—gasped from the doorway.
"Come in, Marie. Don't let it happen again," the professor said without looking up.
"Marie, over here!" I called out, patting the seat next to me.
Marie approached tentatively and sat down, staring at me as if I were an alien. "Who are you?" she whispered.
"What? You don't recognize me, Marie?"
"Well... I..."
"Professor, may I come in?" another voice interrupted.
I felt a cold chill of recognition. And here is our villain. Kristel, the girl who pushed Erina. I watched her enter, my eyes narrowing. Let's see how you plan to pay for what you did.
Kristel walked straight to my desk, her face twisted in a sneer. "Who do you think you are? Why are you sitting in my spot?"
I didn't move. I didn't even look up. "Your spot? Did you buy this desk? No. I sit where I want."
"You...!" Kristel hissed, her face turning red.
"Enough!" the professor barked. "Everyone sit down. I'm starting the roll call."
Kristel leaned in, whispering harshly, "You'll regret this."
"We'll see," I replied.
The professor began reading the list.
"Sandy?"
"Here!"
"Marco?"
"Present."
"Marie?"
"Here," Marie whispered, still staring at me.
"Kristel?"
"Here!" Kristel snapped, glaring at the back of my head.
"Erina?"
"I'm here!" I said, raising my hand firmly.
The entire room froze. Marie's jaw dropped. Kristel looked like she had been slapped.
"What?!" Kristel shrieked. "What did you just say?"
~ to be continued