Chapter 2

• -2-
• Redley’s POV
• The pains of the labour lingered in my body. Placing my hand on my belly. It was no longer swollen with what was to be life.
• I turn my head slowly to the side, to make sure I was not longer in the cell. A smile of relief grew on my face as I gazed out the window as the silvery glow of the Moon could be seen in the sky. A softly red glow came into my room. I had to cover my mouth with my hand. Willing myself not to shed one tear. I was awakened and once again in my childhood home. Sniffing, I caught the scent, the familiar aroma of my blanket wrappings around my slender body. I brought it tightly to my chin, taking a moment for me. To collect my thoughts.
• My blanket brought both comfort and unease. I would get to see my parents again. Yet, with the other versions of events, this would only last for so long before Kithree's choice of a husband imprisons my parents and me. Many times, Kithree was behind this event, pushing her husband to do what she wished without a second thought.
• I ran my hands over my face, feeling the smoothness of my youthful skin that had not yet been touched by stress or tears. 'I’m back in the body of my twelve-year-old self.' A pitiful groan grumbled from the back of my throat.
• I fill my lungs with the musky air. The familiar aroma of my mother's cooking wafts through the tiny cracks of my bedroom door. Cooking the best meals was a gift my mother had passed down to me. Telling me the key to a happy husband was through his belly. Kithree would complain each time our mother tried to get her involved, letting everyone know she was going to marry a wealthy man. Allowing her to have servants to do all the household tasks. She relied on her beauty and charm to get what she wanted. In truth, this worked for her every single life cycle I had gone through.
• In the kitchen, just a few steps away from my room. I can hear my mother’s voice. It was soft and filled with affection. I did not need to be at the table to listen to what was spoken. Mother's words were being repeated again for the one hundred and one time. She was cooing over my sister’s latest milestone. It was a bittersweet moment for our mother. She dreamed of the solar day when she would be able to watch her little girls trade in the pink uniform gown, which symbolized the innocence of childhood, for a striking white silk dress that now represents her readiness to embark on the journey of adulthood and the search for a husband.
• Only I was aware of the truth that lay hidden behind my twin sister's passageway. Our mother had believed that Kithree’s first show of blood marked the onset of her journey into motherhood.
• In reality, it was much more sinister than that. It was my sister's engagement in the act of intimacy that was typically reserved for couples who had pledged their loyalty to one another.
• 'I bet it was the butcher's son!' I knew three males were chasing her continuously. He had been one of them.
• I held onto this secret! I was aware of my sister and her friend's movement. Their true capabilities for how cunning, manipulative, and the darkness that lurked beneath their seemingly innocent demeanours. This filled me with dread each time I would be left alone in their presence.
• Flashes of the time loop fluttered my mind. Blinking several times to make sure I was in my childhood home. I reminded myself where I was.
• I watched them navigate their social world with a grace that masked the chaos they could unleash. My sister is the ringleader of the group. Yet, even with my silence, I bore the cost of their actions. Each solar day felt like a tightrope walk. Wondering where and when they would strike next.
• It was the 101st time I found myself trapped in this bitter cycle. A routine that had become all too familiar. For a brief moment, I wondered if it was even worth getting out of bed. Knowing all too well what awaited for me. More pain! More suffering! And then there was my twin ... Kithree!
• Instead of waiting for the gentle knock on the door that would signal the arrival of our first meal, I dragged myself out of bed, each movement sombre. Taking a deep breath, I opened it, bracing myself for the solar day that lay ahead. In all my glory of dishevelled hair and in my nightwear, I stood to greet the world that would not remember what had happened. Only I knew the cold, bitter truth.
• Kithree sat at the table, a playful smirk dancing on her lips as she aimed a slice of toast toward her mouth. Meanwhile, our mother stood a few steps away, her back turned toward us as she carefully poured water into clear glasses.
• I shifted my focus back to Kithree, whose expression had now shifted dramatically. The smirk evaporated, replaced by a dark glare. If I were a mind reader, her thoughts were anything but good, as her eyes were sparkling with a storm that hinted at unspoken promises of discomfort.
• I had never truly noticed this before. A detail that now seemed more evident than before. As I took an acquired step out of my room. The floorboards squeaked softly under my weight. Without having to turn her head, our mother knew of my presence. The moment she turned, her expression shifted from warmth to concern when she spotted me.
• The warmth of her love circled me instantly. "Oh dear!" Our mother's voice reached my ears.
• Dragging my feet, I made my way to the table. I pulled out a chair with a soft creak, the sound barely breaking the quiet. My eyes remained fixed on our mother as she moved her feet. As she approached the table, she placed two of the glasses down.
• Without missing a beat, she reached out and gently pressed the back of her hand against my forehead, her brow creased with worry. “You don’t look well,” she murmured under her breath. The softness of her touch was comforting.
• For a split second, I allow myself to enjoy this tenderness before I remind myself what is to come. I can not and will not allow myself to feel anything. I have to push all types of emotions to the side. Even the touch of a mother's love could poison my hardened exterior.
• I produced a low, throaty sound that served as my only acknowledgment of her words. I could feel Kithree's shift in energy. She hated the fact that I was getting attention. The air between us thickened. Kithree 's expression changed to rage. Abruptly, she set her food down harshly, the clatter echoing in the room for a few seconds.
• 'Here comes the theatrics!' The little voice in my head sprang to life.
• I had never realized until that moment just how irritating her voice could be. Each word that escaped her lips seemed to strike a nerve, with rage deep within my soul igniting. I clenched my hands tightly under the table, battling to restrain myself from roaring to life.
• Kithree was spouting the importance of our etiquette classes. I clenched my jaw, knowing she had not once cared for the lessons that were taught to us. The only one who listened to their wisdom was me.
• After all of these times, I had to endure this endless loop, and I found the classes to be pointless now, especially if I am destined to be my twin sisters' toy to humiliate and destroy.
• I felt trapped, both by her endless chatter and by her insistence that I accompany her to the classes. I need to escape the suffocating atmosphere. I was not willing to be her pet in her vindictive games.
• Inside my mind, I let out a mocking snort, the sound not even remotely humorous.
• The ladies of the community referred to our ‘classes’ as life-changing. But in my reality, these sessions felt more like a training program designed to mould us into the ideal wives. Our instructors never missed an opportunity to reinforce the notion of our roles within this tightly-knit community. They drilled us on everything from household management to social etiquette, insisting that our ultimate purpose was to serve and support the families we would marry into.
• I wrapped my fingers around the cool glass. Rising slowly from the chair, I could barely handle the flood of words spilling from my twin sister's mouth. Each phrase spoken only added to the barrier I was building around me. It was becoming increasingly difficult for me to breathe. Suffering under my twin's influences. By refusing to engage in any activity my sister had plotted in her mind, I left with what dignity I had left.
• I felt only boredom at the thought of the instructors' celebration for Kithree, whom they would believed had crossed the border from a child to a young lady. The ceremony and event held no appeal for me. The notion of being the obedient child, expected to take part in these joyous merriments, seemed insignificant and far removed from my reality.
• In the last repetition of my life, when I met my profound ending. Everything that had once defined me as a person had slipped away into the void. I may have walked the soil with a semblance of a conscience. Participating in exchanges, chatter, and daily routines, but within me is an emptiness. An echoing void where hopes, dreams and ambitions once thrived is now an unobstructed hole.
• In my mind lingered the darkness of each word and action that Kithree had ever sent my way. Each syllable from her lips felt like a dagger, deepening the despair in my back. Pushing it further into the darkness of my existence. Spitting into my face as each action leaves an invisible scar that I can never erase.
• As I gently shut the door to my room, I leaned against it for a moment. Our mother’s voice mingled with Kithree. I could visualize the scene unfolding in my mind. Kithree, with her bright green eyes and convincing demeanour, worked her charm as she efficiently convinced our mother that I was merely faking my symptoms and needed to join the class. This only added an additional thorn to my side.
• 'It is clear that I look unwell, and still, Mother falls for everything Kithree says! Unbelievable!' The voice in my head was past aggravated. 'We have to be smarter this time!'
• I clenched my hand into a fist. It was a familiar routine, one that had played out countless times. 'We have to be smarter this time!' The voice in my head repeated louder.
• I had voiced my opinions on several occasions. I remembered how shocked I was when Kithree always managed to sway our mother’s opinion. I could have a broken arm, the bone sticking out, and somehow, Kithree would be able to convince our mother that nothing had happened. I swear by this!
• The manipulation from Kithree had always left me brokenhearted and trapped in a cycle that I had no control over. This not only worked on our parents but also on the community as a whole.
• 'It is as if Kithree can do no wrong even if she does it in front of their faces.' The voice in my head sounded defeated.
• I cannot quite grasp the secret behind her capabilities! All I know is that with a flutter of her eyes, she captivates those around her. Inspiring everyone to follow her lead without hesitation. Willing to do her bidding regardless of how ridiculous the demand may be. If anyone were to try to say otherwise, that person would find themselves in an unfavourable situation.
• I stepped away from the door, and I listened keenly to the dialogue unfolding inside. I felt a chill as I heard our mother’s calm and agreeable voice. She effortlessly echoed Kithree's ideas as if the words were an extension of her own thoughts.
• 'And it begins!' A bitter voice that mirrored mine had spoken.
• In the other versions of my life, I was submissive, never fighting back. Times I tried to voice my thoughts, my attempts often led to unfavourable situations that only deepened my resentment. This time, however, things will be different. I refuse to remain compliant any longer.
• Everything I had learned from my recurring cycle has been my learning tool through experiences. This time, I will find out why this continues to happen to me. True, this could ruin my prospects of a good match. Then again, it wasn't like I received a good game in the alternative lives. I only felt shame and helplessness. This time, this version of Redrey will be the person no one has ever seen.
• Hell has no refuge for those with bleeding hearts!
• I should have realized this truth the very first time I found myself caught in this relentless cycle of misery. Perhaps it’s true that I'm a slow learner, even naive, only wanting to see the good of the world I live in.
• Now, I've endured enough heartache to understand that compassion is my only weakness. Now, I’m ready to match my sister with her circle of friends ruthlessly, stepping into a game where the stakes are high and the rules favour the fearless.
• I lay in bed, staring at the plain wall with shadows of the past. The muffled sound of my mother’s voice drifted through the house, announcing her departure for work. Moments later, Kithree pushed open my bedroom door with a crooked smile on her face. Her bright green eyes sparkled with malicious intent as she announced it was time for me to get up and ready for our solar day.
• I shot her a piercing glare, the intensity of my expression causing her to hesitate and step back momentarily. This side of me clearly took Kithree aback. A side she had never predicted. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise. As fast as it happened, she quickly composed herself. With determination, she glided toward the bed. Her fingers gripped my wrist as she attempted to pull me up. Her touch was as cold as ice. Snarling at me, she repeated her words as if she believed this would get me to follow whatever plan she had whirling around in her little mind.
• I rose to my feet with an icy detachment. My head tilted gradually from one side to the other. I assessed my options as I studied the person who was to be my twin. My lips remained tightly sealed, concealing my thoughts. Though my body bore the build of a child, my mind was that of a twenty-two-year-old. Seasoned by the wisdom and weariness of having lived this cycle one hundred times.
• My teeth were clenched together, "I am not going!" I hissed as if blowing a winter wind from the top of the mountain peaks.
• I spoke each word deliberately. There was an expression of emptiness in my gaze. I fixed my cold glare on my twin. I could see Kithree was thinking about what to do to make me bend to her will. Yet still, my expression remained unreadable while her own eyes flickered with confusion and frustration.
• She began to smile while in my mind, I had to fight the urge to punch her in the gut. Sending her to the floor, groaning from my attack. Hate wasn't a strong enough word to express how I felt toward my twin, the one who mirrored my image.
• I didn’t give her a chance to speak as I charged at her, causing her to retreat impulsively. I could hear the sharp hiss escape my lips as I repeated my direction. With a firm grip, I took hold of the top of her head, my fingers tangling in her hair. I pulled her forward, forcing her out of my room and slamming the door in her face.
• "You will regret this, Redrey!" Kithree shouted from the other side of the door.
• I set my gaze on the door, biting my lower lip. I was breathing laboriously through my nose. Tension pulsated through my veins as I waited for Kithree's next move. The only sound breaking the stillness was the soft, retreating footsteps fading down the hallway. I strained to listen to her mutter in a low voice, outlining her plan, unaware that I was listening carefully. The promises of what was to come, this quarrel was far from over.