Elsa was drowning, alone, freely drifting deeper into the water, eyes closed. Her limbs moved slowly, like she was surrendering to the silence below.
"Why is everything going wrong?
What did I do that I wasn't supposed to?
Was coming here in the first place a mistake?" She thought to herself
The past had started shifting. Brittany wasn't supposed to die. She was barely a part of the original timeline. So why did she die now?
Everything is my fault.
No matter how hard I try to fix things, it feels like I'm only making it worse.
Elsa continued sinking, deeper and deeper into the water, thoughts crashing against her like waves in a storm.
Mirabel...
She never expected things to unravel like this. Now the only person she could truly suspect was her best friend, the same girl she had come back in time to save from dying.
None of this adds up.
Am I just overthinking things? Who else could have done this to Brittany?
She drifted lower, eyes still closed, as her thoughts screamed in her mind.
Suddenly, Elsa jolted, her eyes flew open, and she yanked her head out of the bathtub, gasping for air. Water streamed down her face as she panted, flipping her drenched hair back.
It was the morning of Brittany's funeral.
After the incident, the world had gone quiet, eerily quiet. Elsa hadn't been herself since that night. She'd been completely zoned out, silent, distant, almost like a ghost herself.
Everything seemed to be spiraling.
She blamed herself over and over again.
What if I hadn't come back in time?
Would Brittany still be alive?
She wasn't meant to die. So what did I tamper with that I wasn't supposed to?
That morning, Elsa sank into the bathtub, allowing herself to drown in her thoughts. After a long soak, she got out. Sitting down at her vanity, she picked up the hair dryer and began drying her hair in silence.
As she stared into the mirror, Brittany's face kept flashing in her mind, her laugh, her voice, that night they joked and promised to hang out again... and then boom. Dead. Cold. Lifeless.
Elsa flinched, eyes squeezing shut as the image of Brittany's body replayed in her head like a cursed memory.
Gathering herself, she slowly began dressing up for the funeral. She wore a plain black gown, simple and modest. She packed her hair neatly to the back, leaving a few strands in front, and clipped on the mourning hairpin. No makeup. Her face already wore enough grief.
She slipped into her shoes, grabbed her bag, and stepped out without saying a word.
Her mother was in the kitchen. Elsa didn't greet or glance her way. She simply stormed out.
On the way to the funeral, Elsa pressed into her palm nervously. She would see Mirabel there. The thought made her sick.
What would Mirabel think if she saw her face?
It felt wrong to suspect her best friend, but the thought wouldn't go away.
The memory of her pouncing on Brittany that night kept haunting Elsa.
When she arrived at the funeral hall, most of her classmates were already present. She walked in and spotted Mirabel and Susan sitting apart. Avoiding Mirabel's eyes, Elsa quickly found a seat far from them.
Her eyes darted around the room, scanning for Adrian. Deep down, she was worried about him. He and Brittany were close, he must be shattered.
Elsa knew what it felt like to lose someone out of the blue.
Mirabel, seated across the room, kept glancing in Elsa's direction. Susan looked uncertain, unsure if she should approach her.
Still deep in thought, someone quietly sat beside Elsa. She didn't even notice at first.
"Hey..." The voice was low, soft, gentle.
Elsa turned to her side and saw Liam.
After what happened that night, the kiss, and how she ran off, they hadn't spoken since. He wore a sleek black suit, his hair not styled the usual way, but effortlessly attractive. There was no doubt about it, black made him look even more heartbreakingly handsome.
Elsa studied his face for a moment before replying faintly, "Hi…"
Liam offered a soft, understanding smile. He exhaled gently, his eyes never leaving hers.
"You okay?" he asked in a whisper.
Elsa looked down at her palm and nodded slightly. She forced a small smile. "Of course."
Liam nodded too. "That's a relief."
He didn't push further. He could tell she wasn't ready to talk. And truthfully, he had no idea about the fight between Mirabel and Brittany. Only Elsa, Susan, and maybe Adrian knew now.
After a while, they all stood to proceed into the room where the casket was laid. Elsa exhaled shakily as she got to her feet, Liam following closely behind.
The moment she stepped inside, her eyes locked with Adrian's.
He stood pale and shattered, like the life had been drained from him. His eyes were red and hollow. It was obvious, he had cried more than anyone.
Elsa's heart clenched in sorrow.
They all bowed solemnly before falling into dead silence. Everyone, every classmate, even Seraphine was present. Heads bowed. Not a sound.
Elsa slowly closed her eyes, her heart heavy. The mourning had already begun, but her fear was only just taking shape.
When she opened her eyes again, she scanned the room. One by one. Searching.
Who could've done this?
A part of her refused to believe Mirabel was capable. She'd known Mira her entire life. No matter how people pretend, their dark side always finds a way to surface eventually. But this? Murder?
She couldn't even suspect Seraphine. Seraphine hadn't been at the trip.
That left Mirabel, the only one who had a confrontation with Brittany that night. Why was it that sane night they had a fight she died?, it was all too concerning and suspicious.
Could she really kill someone over that?
Elsa lowered her head again, closing her eyes in helpless frustration. Images of Brittany's face that night, her final smile, her voice haunted her.
Tears slid silently down her cheeks.
Liam noticed. Gently, he reached over and held her hand.
Elsa glanced at him but didn't pull away. She wiped her tears quietly.
After several minutes of heavy silence, they all began leaving the room.
Everyone left, except Mirabel.
She stood frozen in front of the casket, unmoving, her eyes locked on the polished wood.
For several minutes, she didn't blink.
Then Adrian walked up slowly behind her.
His voice was sharp, low, cold.
"You did it, right?" he asked, glaring at her.
Mirabel turned her head slowly. A strange, almost haunting smirk crept onto her lips… then vanished.
"Did I?"
she turned and walked away.
Back in the hall, Elsa sat down again, Liam returning to the seat beside her. The atmosphere was still tense.
"You look dehydrated," Liam said softly, leaning toward her. "Should I get you something to drink?"
Elsa looked at him and gave a small, grateful smile. She nodded.
Liam stood up and walked away.
As soon as he was gone, a few girls seated behind Elsa began whispering.
"I told you Adrian and Brittany were a thing," one said.
Another scoffed. "Of course they were. He looks like death itself. I bet he hasn't slept since."
"I heard he was dating Elsa, and Brittany was the one who flirted with him and made them break up," another girl added.
Elsa clenched her fists in rage. The venom in their voices, at a funeral.
She turned around coldly.
"Coming to someone's funeral to spread trashy gossip? Isn't that quite diabolical?" she said, voice low but sharp.
The girls fell silent, caught off guard.
"At least if you're going to talk crap, know the facts first. We're here to mourn our classmate....and you have the guts to say things like that?"
She shook her head. "Someone just died. Don't you feel anything? Shame, maybe?"
The girls shifted awkwardly.
"Next time, before you talk, know your facts. Brittany and Adrian were cousins. They're related."
Gasps filled the space.
"So next time.....keep your mouths shut. Show some decency."!
She stood up, grabbing her bag.
"And one more thing, Brittany wasn't like that. Adrian and I weren't meant to be. That's why we didn't last. You don't know anything, so don't talk about her like that. Brittany wasn't a flirt."
And with that, she stormed out.
The girls looked at each other in stunned silence, completely embarrassed.
Liam returned a few seconds later with the drink, only to find her gone.
Elsa got outside and hailed a taxi. As she sat, she let out a shaky sigh, pressing her fingers into her temples.
When she got home, she slipped off her shoes and entered. Her mom met her at the door.
Her mother smiled softly and took her hands gently. "How was the funeral? Did you send your friend off safely?"
Elsa nodded slowly. "Yeah… I didn't stay till the end, but I was there for the most important part."
Her mom patted her back with care. "Elsa… were you close to her?"
Elsa looked at her mom and said quietly, "I wouldn't say close. She's just someone I grew to like in one night. I really thought… we could be friends."
Her mom nodded. "I understand how you feel."
"I'm tired, Mom. I'll be in my room," Elsa said, cutting in gently.
Her mother nodded. "Sure, sure. You must be exhausted. I'll bring in some porridge for you, just rest."
She tucked a strand of Elsa's hair behind her ear lovingly.
Elsa gave a faint smile and headed to her room. Her mom watched her go and sighed worriedly.
In her room, Elsa dropped her bag and sat on her bed, sighing heavily. Her phone buzzed.
It was a text from Susan.
"Hey... I saw you today. I'm honestly so worried about you. You've been out of it since that day.
I'm confused too. I want to believe Mirabel didn't do it, but… the timing was just too weird.
I hope it was just a coincidence.
Anyway babes, please try to be yourself. I know you're in shock.
I also know Mirabel won't do that to you without a reason. Maybe talk to her… or not.
Please reply when you see this."
Elsa sighed deeply, placed her phone on the table, and sat at her study desk. Burying her face in her hands, she felt the pressure closing in.
Was this all a mistake?
She pulled open her drawer and took out her journal. Flipping to the last page, she picked up her pen and began to write.
"I found myself in my old room on the 6th of May. That's when I realized I'd gone back in time.
I don't remember how I got here, just that I went to a business dinner with Liam and came home.
Then everything went dark.
Does coming here have a price?
Brittany wasn't supposed to die.
So… who killed her?"
She paused.
"Mirabel? No. I don't believe it. She wouldn't… she isn't like that.
But she was the only one who had a fight with her.
I can't believe I'm even suspecting my best friend.
I came here to save her.
None of this makes sense."
Elsa placed the pen down and buried her face again.
Then suddenly a thought sparked.
Adrian. He must have seen Brittany that night. Maybe after the fight. If he spoke to her, he might know something.
She had to know.
Their class had been given a two-week break due to the sudden tragedy. Elsa had stayed home since the funeral. After much hesitation, she decided to visit Adrian.
The next morning, dressed casually, she headed to his house.
By the doorstep, she hesitantly pressed the doorbell before it was flung open by his mom.
Her face lit up immediately. "Els!" she exclaimed in excitement.
"Mrs. Vale," Elsa replied with a wide smile.
His mom stepped forward and hugged her softly.
Elsa hugged her back tightly. She was truly happy to see her. When she and Adrian were dating, they had been pretty close. She would always chat with her anytime she visited Adrian. This was her first time seeing her again since she came back to the past, and all of this felt nostalgic, it was so nice to see her and touch her once again.
She pulled away and took a good look at her face.
"Oh, my bad… come in, come in," Mrs. Vale said as she led Elsa inside. The mansion was truly large and screamed wealth.
Still holding Elsa's hand, she slowly led her to the parlor and offered her a seat. Elsa smiled faintly as she sat, eyes darting around in search of Adrian.
"Oh dear… it's been long. I know you guys broke up, but at least you should've dropped by to visit me.....just me," Mrs. Vale said.
Elsa smiled. "I'm sorry I haven't checked up on you all this time. I hope you've been doing fine?"
She nodded immediately. "Of course, I'm fine. I just missed you."
Elsa's smile slowly faded as she fought back tears. She and Mrs. Vale had been close during her relationship with Adrian, but after the breakup, Elsa never visited again.
Mrs. Vale sat beside her and gently held her hand.
"Please accept my condolences. I was at the funeral, but I didn't stay till the end. We would have seen each other," Elsa said softly.
"It's okay, baby. I know you're in shock. Your classmate died all of a sudden," Mrs. Vale said.
Elsa nodded quietly.
"Actually… I came to see Adrian," Elsa finally said.
Mrs. Vale sighed heavily. "He's been glued to his room ever since it happened. They were so close… he's still in shock. I'm really worried about him. He won't eat, go out, or even talk to anyone."
Elsa swallowed hard.
Mrs. Vale immediately said, "Els… I'm worried he'll fall sick. I'm so glad you're here. You seem to be the only person he might listen to. Can you please go in there and talk to him?"
Hesitantly, Elsa answered, "Okay, ma'am."
She stood up. "Would you excuse me then?"
Mrs. Vale nodded immediately. "Go on, dear."
Elsa smiled softly, then took a deep breath before she started heading upstairs to his room.
She got to the door and stood there for a while. Hesitantly, with trembling hands, she knocked. Elsa was feeling guilty. If Adrian knew about Brittany's fight with Mirabel, then he was probably suspecting Mira, and now he wouldn't want to talk to her.
After the first knock, there was no answer. She took a deep breath and knocked again. Still no answer. She wiped her damp hands on her clothes and slowly opened the door.
She peeked inside.
Adrian was lying on his bed. The curtains were closed, making the room look dark and lifeless. He was asleep. Elsa slowly shut the door behind her and stood for a moment before walking forward. She stopped at the edge of the bed.
Adrian looked drained and pale. Elsa gently sat on the bed and looked at him for minutes. Seeing him, she had completely forgotten why she came. All that remained was worry about him. After a while, she hesitantly reached her hand out, about to touch his face, then his eyes fluttered open.
Elsa's eyes widened in shock as she sprang to her feet and stepped back.
Adrian blinked in confusion, then sat upright and wiped his eyes. Elsa cleared her throat nervously.
"Elsa?.." he said in a low, confused tone.
Elsa forced a smile. "Hey…" she waved awkwardly.
He stood up. "What are you doing here?" he asked.
"So… um, I…" she stuttered.
Adrian's brow furrowed as Elsa trailed off. "Okay fine… I was… I was worried."
"Huh? Worried?"
"Yes… I was worried about you." The words slipped out before she could stop them. The room fell into silence as they exchanged tense looks.
"Elsa… I'm sorry, but you should leave. I don't think I want to talk to you right now," Adrian protested.
At that moment, Elsa knew Adrian had probably talked to Brittany that night. He knew about the fight and now he was likely suspecting Mirabel too.
Elsa stepped forward. "Adrian, please… can we just talk? Hear me out," she pleaded.
Adrian cut in, "There is nothing—absolutely nothing, to talk about. Can you just leave!" His voice rose sharply.
Elsa sighed shakily as tears welled up in her eyes. Adrian noticed and softened a bit. For a moment, the room was quiet again.
Then Adrian broke the silence and walked over to a large couch, sitting down. Elsa followed and sat beside him.
After a tense moment, she whispered, "I am so sorry about Brittany."
Adrian looked away.
"Look… I know you're probably confused right now. I'm also confused too. I—"
Adrian cut in.
"You probably already know the kind of person Mirabel is now, right?"
Elsa sighed shakily, looking down before raising her gaze again. "Adrian, let's not jump to conclusions. We can't just assume she did it."
Adrian scoffed. "Don't give me that. She literally smirked at me at the funeral when I asked her. Isn't that enough proof?"
Elsa's brow furrowed. "What?"
"And I still can't believe you're here supporting her even after what she did to you."
Elsa fidgeted with her hands and fell silent.
"I don't get it, Elsa. I really don't get you. Who exactly is she to you? Why are you still defending her even after all this? She lied to you. She hurt you. And now she's probably the prime suspect in Brittany's death and you're still supporting her?"
Elsa cut in sharply, "I'm sorry, okay? On her behalf, please. But give me time. I will prove to you that she didn't do it. I'll fix these broken pieces."
Adrian scoffed bitterly.
"And…" she trailed off. "I'm also sorry for back then."
Adrian's expression softened as he looked at her.
"I shouldn't have ended it like that. I acted out of emotion and probably hurt you."
"Why are you apologizing? It's all Mirabel's fault, not yours."
Elsa shook her head. "No… it's partly my fault. I lacked communication with you. I was too scared to ask you myself. I broke up with you out of emotion." Tears welled up again.
After a moment of silence, he finally spoke. "It's all in the past now, right? This is the present. Stop taking blame that isn't yours. Even now… don't speak for her. Her attitude says it all."
Elsa sniffled and nodded. She grabbed her bag and stood up.
"I just came over to check on you. I'll take my leave now."
Adrian stood too.
"I hope to see you at school after the break. Eat well, sleep well, and take care of yourself. Please… don't fall sick," Elsa said with a faint smile.
As she turned to leave, Adrian suddenly reached out and held her hand.
"After all this… let's talk properly. Let's—"
Elsa cut in with a soft nod.
She smiled gently and walked out of the room, shutting the door behind her. She sighed heavily as she walked downstairs.
Adrian sank into the couch and sighed shakily as he buried his face in his palm.
Mrs. Vale rushed to her. "How is he? Did you get to talk to him?" she bombarded her with questions.
Elsa smiled and nodded. "Yes. I was able to talk to him. I know he'll come around soon."
Mrs. Vale heaved a deep sigh of relief. "Are you leaving?"
"Yes, I'm leaving now."
Mrs. Vale's smile faded. "You should stay for dinner, sweetheart. I've missed you."
Elsa smiled softly and took her hands. "I wish I could stay too, but I have things to do later."
Hesitantly, Mrs. Vale nodded. "Alright then. But make sure you visit me at least once."
Elsa laughed gently. "Of course."
She waved goodbye and walked out of the house, heading to the bus station and taking the ride back home.
She got home, had dinner with her parents, then returned to her room.
Night came. She slipped into her nightwear and lay on her bed. After turning off the light, only the table lamp illuminated the room slightly. Elsa stared blankly at the ceiling, emotion swirling in her chest. Sadness. Guilt. Confusion.
Her thoughts consumed her. What if I hadn't done anything? What if I didn't travel back in time? She felt like everything was unraveling… because of her. The worst part was the blur in her memory, she couldn't even remember how she came back to the past, or how to return to the future.
Tears began rolling silently down her cheeks as she stared into nothingness.
After a while, her heavy eyes finally shut. She hadn't slept properly in days.
The Dream Began.
When Elsa opened her eyes again, she was barefoot, drenched in icy rain, standing alone in the middle of a dark forest.
Rain thundered around her, slicing against her skin like needles.
She knew this place.
She knew this feeling.
It was that dream.
The dream.
The nightmare that had haunted her endlessly after Mirabel's death in the first timeline. The one she hadn't had since traveling back.
But now, it was back.
And worse than ever.
Elsa's breathing quickened. Her legs trembled as she walked forward through the thick woods, the mud squishing between her toes. The trees loomed like monsters in the night, and the rain cried violently above her head.
Then, a dim light appeared in the distance.
She froze.
A figure stood within the glow, drenched, unmoving. It was Mirabel. Elsa's eyes widened as she gasped in a whisper, "Mira…?"
Tears flooded her eyes as she stepped forward, but the figure began walking away.
"No… wait… Mira!" Elsa cried, her voice trembling. She started running barefoot through the mud, chasing her.
But no matter how close she got, the figure drifted farther away, always just out of reach.
"Please! Mira, wait!" Elsa sobbed.
Then, the figure stopped.
Elsa gasped and slowed to a halt.
It turned.
But it wasn't Mirabel.
It was Brittany.
Soaking wet. Pale. Lifeless.
Elsa stumbled backward in horror. "Brittany?"
The figure said nothing. It turned again and began walking into the dark.
Elsa tried to follow, but suddenly....
The choking began.
Like invisible hands clamped around her throat.
She couldn't breathe.
She clawed at her neck.
"I… I can't—breathe…" she choked.
Her knees hit the muddy ground as she gasped and gagged. Her face turned red, her lips blue. Her lungs screamed.
Tears streamed down her face as her nails dug into her own skin, desperate for relief.
She was dying. Alone in the middle of nowhere
Then, just as suddenly as it started, it stopped.
The invisible hands vanished.
Elsa collapsed onto her side, coughing violently, clinging to life as her lungs sucked in air like it was gold.
She stood up slowly after steadying her breathe.
And within a twinkle of an eye the forest was gone, everything vanished.
The rain… gone.
Now she was in the middle of a quiet, empty street. No puddles. No wet clothes. Nothing.
Elsa gasped, touching her body. She was dry. Her legs still bare, her feet still cold—but everything else felt eerily normal.
"What's going on?" she whispered.
Then she heard voices calling her name.
"Elsa! Elsa!"
Her eyes widened. "Dad?"
The voices came closer, accompanied by flashlights.
Then her parents appeared.
"Elsa!" her mother screamed, running to her. She pulled her into a desperate hug.
"Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?" her mom asked, tears spilling from her eyes as she scanned Elsa's body.
Her father moved closer, trembling. "Are you okay, baby?"
Elsa stared at them in confusion. "Why are you guys… why are you outside? It was raining… why am I here? What happened?"
Her parents exchanged horrified glances. Her mom held her hand tightly, sobbing.
"What are you talking about? It didn't rain at all," her father whispered.
Elsa let out a dry, terrified laugh. "What do you mean? Just now it was raining! Brittany… Mirabel… they were here!"
She stopped suddenly.
Realization hit her like a wave.
Her mother pulled her into a tight embrace as she sobbed into her arms. "Mom… I'm scared… I—" Elsa began sobbing louder.
Tears streamed down her father's cheeks. His heart shattered at the sight of his daughter in such a state.
They brought Elsa back home. Her father wrapped her in warm blankets. Her mother poured her water and handed it to her. Elsa drank silently, her lips dry and trembling.
Her parents sat beside her. Her father exhaled.
"Elsa… what exactly is going on? Good thing your mother checked up on you. That was how we realized you were missing."
Elizabeth held her daughter's trembling hand. "Elsa… you haven't sleepwalked in years. I know this always happens when you're in shock. Brittany…"
She paused. "That classmate of yours who died… were you close to her?"
Elsa looked down and said nothing.
Her parents sighed.
"It's okay… for now, rest. You're probably in shock," her father said softly.
Elizabeth helped Elsa back to her room. She lay her down gently and tucked her in.
Elsa just stared blankly.
Her mom climbed into the bed and held her tightly, patting her gently, crying silently.
Elsa's eyes finally closed.
Elsa had a medical condition, .....sleepwalking.
It always happened when she was under extreme distress or shock.
The first time it happened was when she was eight, her pet died. It continued whenever she experienced loss. Even in the first timeline, it happened repeatedly after Mirabel's death.
The doctors had said it wasn't severe and with medication, it would fade. As she grew older and kept up with her medication, the episodes stopped. She had even forgotten it ever happened.
But now that Elsa had traveled back in time, she had unknowingly returned to the version of herself who hadn't been taking the medication, because she'd forgotten. It had been too long, and there had been no reminders.
They didn't expect it to return.
But it did.
And this time… it came back harder.
Brittany's death.
Adrian, Mirabel.
The confusion. The fear. The guilt.
Everything swirled together like a storm, and it broke her from the inside. Her mind couldn't take it anymore, and so she relapsed again.
She slipped again, into that place her family had prayed she'd never return to.