Chapter 14: Elena is back!

Chapter 14: Elena is back!


Tessa POV (as Elena)

“Mom,” I called softly, pulling out of her embrace.

“Can we go see the girl in the hospital?” I asked, my eyes already brimming with tears. “After school tomorrow?”

“Okay, baby,” she said, pulling me into another hug.

Maybe if we go back to the hospital, something might come up. I hugged her tighter, silently wishing the truth could find me first.



Next Day at school — Games Day

I got to school already exhausted from everything that had happened the day before.

“Today is for extracurricular activities, El,” Bella said, as we walked through the hallway.

“Oh, really?”

“Are you going to your music class now? You play the violin.”

“Uhmm… yes, I will,” I replied, “but I’ll go around first. Just to look around,” I added with a small smile.

“Do you want me to come with you?”

“I think you should go for yours,” I said.

“Hmmm, okay then. See you later.” she said quickly, walking away with her designer bag dangling.

I walked slowly through the school halls. First, the modern golf area. Then fencing, I stopped and watched in admiration. Then I passed the yoga class, the tennis team in mid-practice, and the fitness room, each in different halls.

I strolled further and noticed a staircase leading down. Without thinking, I followed it, still caught in admiration.

Can I really say I belong here? I thought to myself. My old school and this place… they were from different planets.

Just as I stepped off the last stair, I saw the swimming class in session. About six boys were already in the water probably competing. I quickly turned away, feeling uneasy, their eyes weren’t on me—they were only admiring Elena’s beauty.

The referee blew his whistle, as someone stepped out of the water.

My heart pounded.

It was Adrian, he wore nothing but swimming pants. His abs were well defined, broad chest, with water dripping down every part of him. He pulled off his goggles and met my eyes. I nearly lost my footing as I quickly turned around and hurried back up.

I found the music class easily—bold letters across the glass: “MUSIC HALL.”

“Welcome, Elena!” four girls chorused as I tried to steady my breathing.

“Hi,” I smiled, trying to play it off.

“We’ve been waiting for you,” one said while another handed me a violin.

I held it the wrong way. They exchanged confused glances.

I only knew how to play the keyboard—and only secretly, back when no one else was around to catch me. Music classes were for those who paid, and that never included me.

“I’m a bit unwell today,” I said, touching my head.

“You can watch then,” one said kindly.

They began playing, and I just watched, completely in awe. They were so good and I couldn’t help but envy them.



Back Home 4:30pm

I decided to tour the house since Elena’s parents were not home—just in case our soul switches back after the hospital visit.

I wandered around and the house felt endless.

I entered Elena’s parents’ room, their bed was as wide as Elena’s and dressed in fine cottons with matching throw pillows. Framed photos stood neatly on the side tables, and the scent of lavender lingered in the air, as if someone had just sprayed perfume.

I opened a few more doors—each room stylishly decorated, clean, but clearly untouched.

Then I made my way downstairs, my hand trailing the gold-colored railing. The staircase curved grandly, and from above, I could see the living room stretched out like a showroom.

The living room was the largest part of the house with velvet chairs, deep blue, surrounded by a soft fur rug in the center. The curtains—light blue and white—moved gently with the cool breeze. 

Someone here clearly loved that color. I thought to myself.

The dining area was set for a family of eight. Three modern chairs on each side, and two at the ends. Elena’s dad always sat on one of those end seats during breakfast or dinner. The table was long and made of dark polished wood, with golden-rimmed plates and napkin rings carefully tucked beside each glass.

I headed toward the kitchen. Elena’s parents usually didn’t let me go beyond the dining room, always keeping watch—maybe because of the memory loss. But since no one was home, I went anyway.

Mr. Rodrigues saw me and looked startled. “Ma’am, you’re not supposed to be here,” he said quickly. “If you needed anything, you could’ve told Yada, your personal maid, to call me.”

I waved it off, smiling as I stepped past him.

The kitchen was immaculate—white marble counters, tall chrome refrigerators, and rows of unused appliances that looked more like art pieces than tools. It was way bigger than Grandma’s entire house in West Virginia.

“Miss, are you hungry?” he asked as he followed me carefully. “Do you need anything?”

“No, Mr. Rodrigues. I’m okay,” I replied.

Sensing the discomfort I was causing in their midst, I stepped out as they all gave me a small bow.

At the front door, I hesitated. It’s fingerprint locked, I gently pressed my thumb to the scanner, the door chirped and opened—it was Elena’s fingers anyway— and I stepped out.

A tall man, clearly security, stood at attention.

“Good evening, Miss,” he said.

“Thank you, Sir,” I replied with a giggle.

The environment outside was huge and perfectly designed. Flowers in perfect rows, trimmed hedges, and light paths winding toward the backyard. As I walked, the security followed closely behind.

“I’m not going anywhere, sir. I just want to look around.” I told him, feeling a little uncomfortable.

“Miss, my job is to follow you once you step out of the house.”

That’s when I remembered seeing him trailing me from a distance at school. I’d assumed he was just school security.

I nodded and kept walking.

Around the back, I found a small garden with white benches and hanging lanterns for evening light. The pool glimmered beside it—the same one Bella used to teach me how to swim just last Saturday.

Some gardeners were trimming flowers.

“Good evening, Miss,” they greeted, standing.

I smiled and waved at them as they whispered behind me.



Later That Evening

“Welcome back, Mom,” I said as she walked into the living room.

“Thank you, darling. How was school today?”

“Fine,” I replied.

“Let me shower, and we can head to the hospital.” she said heading upstairs.



We both sat beside her, I reached for her hand and tears gathered at the corners of my eyes. The monitors kept beeping continually, I bowed my head, and before I knew it, a tear slipped from my cheek and landed on her hand.

I quickly wiped it off—but then, her fingers twitched.

Her hand gripped mine.

“Mom,” I whispered, with a shaky voice. “She just gripped my hand.”

We both turned to the nurse nearby.

“Call the doctor!”