Second chance at sunrise

Lexi's gaze swept across the crowded room, her eyes scanning the familiar faces of Rachel's friends and acquaintances. And then, suddenly, she saw him.

Jake.

Standing across the room, his piercing blue eyes locked onto hers.

Lexi's breath caught in her throat as she felt a jolt of electricity run through her veins. She quickly turned away, her heart racing with a mix of emotions.

Why was he here?

Hadn't Rachel specifically said Jake would only attend the wedding?

Lexi's mind whirled with questions. Why was he looking at her like that?

As she struggled to compose herself, a deep masculine voice said behind her, "Hi Lexi."

Lexi's pulse skipped a beat. She slowly turned in the direction of the voice, her eyes meeting those unmistakable blue ones.

Jake stood before her, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. The same lips that had once kissed hers, the same eyes that had once gazed into hers with love.

For a moment, time stood still.

The music, the laughter, the chatter – everything faded into the background.

All Lexi saw was Jake.

The past came flooding back – memories of their high school romance, the laughter, the tears, the heartbreak.

Lexi's heart wrestled with conflicting emotions: surprise, curiosity, and a hint of longing.

Would she be able to confront the ghosts of their past?

Lexi's lips curled into a tentative smile as she greeted Jake, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Hi Jake." She managed, hating the way her voice sounded.

"Hey."

Jake's response was immediate, his bright blue eyes locking onto hers with a warmth that made her heart skip a beat.

"Why are you here?" Lexi asked, trying to sound casual despite the turmoil brewing inside and then mentally scolded herself for that question, it was obvious why he was there.

"I was invited, like everyone else." Jake replied, his voice low and smooth.

Obviously. Stupid question Lexi, she scolded herself. She would so kill Rachel.

As he spoke, his gaze drifted over Lexi's face, and she felt a flush rise to her cheeks. "You look good." he said, his boyish smile still as disarming as ever.

"I look like a mess." Lexi wanted to say but instead, she echoed his compliment. "Thanks, you look good too."

And it was the truth. Jake's tan skin glowed in the dim light of the party, accentuating the sharp angles of his face. He stood taller and broader than she remembered, his physique honed from years of hard work and dedication.

As they stood there, exchanging pleasantries, Lexi couldn't help but notice the way Jake's eyes crinkled at the corners when he smiled or the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck. It was as if time had stood still, and they were once again the teenagers who had shared laughter, tears, and secrets.

But life had taken them down different paths, and Lexi wondered what had brought Jake to this point. What stories did he now hold? What scars?

As the silence between them grew, Lexi's thoughts swirled with questions and doubts. Was Jake still the same charming, carefree boy she once knew? Or had life molded him into someone new? He still had that boyish smile though.

Jake's question hung in the air, breaking the silence, his eyes genuinely interested. "So, how are you doing?"

Lexi's response was automatic, a well-rehearsed line. "I'm alright."

Jake's gaze drifted to her hands, his eyes scanning for any sign of commitment. "No ring on it yet?" he asked, a hint of amusement dancing in his voice.

Lexi's smile was forced. "No. Marriage isn't for me. My career is going well, and I'm content."

But the words felt hollow, even to her own ears. Deep down, Lexi yearned for a family of her own – laughter-filled dinner tables, sleepy bedtime stories, and warm embraces.

Jake's next question cut through her facade. "Still scared of commitment or is it the trust issues?"

His words struck a nerve, and Lexi felt a stab in her heart. She tried to conceal the pain, but Jake's piercing blue eyes saw right through her.

"How about you? Married?" Lexi asked to change the subject although Rachel had told her that he was divorced with a kid.

"I'm divorced but I have a kid. She's the center of my world."

Lexi smiled genuinely this time. "I can imagine."

For a moment, they stood there. The sounds of the party receded into the background, leaving only the echoes of their past.

Lexi's thoughts swirled with memories of their high school romance, the laughter, and the tears. She had thought she'd long buried those emotions.

Now, as Jake's gaze held hers, Lexi wondered if she'd been lying to herself all along. Did she still have lingering feelings for this guy?

"Are you alright Lexi?" Jake asked, his eyes holding a look she could fathom.

"Yes, I'm fine." Lexi said, wondering why her voice sounded drunk. "Why?"

"You've been drinking a lot."

It was then Lexi realized she was on her fourth cocktail. She laughed, brushing Jake's words off. "It's alright, I can hold my liquor."

Jake nodded. "I should go. I promised not to leave my daughter with the nanny for too long." He pushed for a bit, his eyes on her face as if trying to enscript in his head. "Take care of yourself Lexi."

"Okay."

That was the only word Lexi's tongue could form. She wanted to call him back, ask him where he leaves, his phone number, complementary card, IG handle anything but instead she watched him leave.

She just stood frozen, her eyes fixed on Jake's retreating figure, tongue-tied.

She turned back to the bar, downing the remainder of her cocktail in one swift motion and asked for a refill. The bartender raised an eyebrow but silently refilled her glass.

Lexi took another sip, the liquor burning her throat. And then another.

She wanted to drink off the unsettling feeling in her chest, like a nagging whisper that refused to quiet.

As the drinks flowed, Lexi's thoughts blurred. Memories of Jake, their past, and the what-ifs swirled in her mind.

Why had he come here? Why had he asked those questions?

The noise of the party grew louder, but Lexi's world narrowed to the turmoil brewing inside.

Rachel appeared beside her, concern etched on her face. "Lexi, you okay?"

Lexi forced a smile. "Yeah, just need another drink."

Rachel's eyes lingered, but she didn't press. "I'll get us some water."

As Rachel disappeared into the crowd, Lexi's gaze drifted back to the door.

Jake was gone.

But his words lingered.

"Still scared of commitment or is it the trust issues?"

Lexi's resolve crumbled with each passing minute. She downed drink after drink, the room spinning around her.

Rachel reappeared, worry etched on her face. "Lexi, slow down. You're going to regret this."

But Lexi shook her off, laughter spilling from her lips. "I'm fine, Chel. Just need one more."

The music blurred, faces merged, and the lights pulsed. Lexi stumbled, her glass shattering on the floor.

Rachel rushed to her side, grasping her elbow. "Lexi, come on. I'd take you to the hotel."

But Lexi shrugged her off, staggering toward the bar. "Just...one...more."

The room tilted, and Lexi's legs buckled. She felt herself falling, her vision fading.

The last thing she remembered was Jake's face, his piercing blue eyes filled with concern.

Then, nothing.

Her world went dark.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Lexi slowly opened her eyes, groggily taking in the warm sunlight streaming through the window. She blinked, disoriented, and closed her eyes again, craving more sleep.

But her brain suddenly kicked into gear. The wedding! Today was Rachel's wedding.

Lexi's eyes snapped open, and she sat up with a jolt. How long had she been asleep?

She rubbed her temples, trying to recall the previous night's events. Vague memories of drinking and laughter swirled in her mind. She had drank a lot but she didn't feel hang over.

As she looked around the room, confusion deepened. This wasn't her hotel room… or was it? Why did it feel and look so familiar?

And then, like a tidal wave, recognition crashed over her.

She was in her old bedroom, in her parents' house in Cedar Key, Florida.

The same bedroom where she'd spent countless nights dreaming of escape, of adventure.

The same bedroom where Jake had once sat on her bed, kissing and holding her hand.

Lexi's eyes widened further, she was supposed to be at the hotel for Rachel's wedding. How did she get here? She was in NYC last night.

As Lexi was still trying to figure out how she got there, confusion clouding her head, she heard her mom call out to her.

"Lexi, are you still asleep?" her mom called out, stepping into the room.

Lexi's eyes widened as she took in her mom's youthful appearance. "Mom?" she stammered. "You look… so young."

Her mom chuckled. "Very funny. Don't think you can flatter me and weave your way out of this."

But Lexi was serious. Her mom looked decades younger, like she had been frozen in time.

"Where's Rachel?" Lexi asked, panic creeping in. "I'm supposed to be at her wedding. I was in New York last night… how did I get here?"

Her mom's expression turned stern. "What are you saying, Lexi? Get up and get ready for school. I have no time for your nonsense talks today."

Lexi's confusion deepened. "School?" she repeated, her voice laced with incredulity. "But… I graduated years ago."

Her mom's firm tone left no room for argument. "Lexi, stop this nonsense. You're 17, and you have a math test today."

Lexi's world spun out of control. What?

Lexi's voice shook as she protested, "Mom, what are you saying? This has to be some kind of joke. I'm thirty-five and I work as a chief editor in NYC."

Her mom's eyes narrowed, dismissing Lexi's words. "Are you still dreaming? You're not skipping school today, Lexi. Get dressed."

With that, her mom turned and left the room, leaving Lexi stunned.

Lexi climbed down from the bed, her mind reeling, and staggered to the mirror.

The reflection staring back made her gasp.

Her eighteen year old self stared back at her.

The honey-brown hair, devoid of gray strands; the smooth skin, no eye bags or building wrinkles.

Lexi's thoughts swirled as she tried to recall the events leading up to this bizarre moment.

She remembered watching Jake leave Rachel's party, then Rachel's worried face.

Everything after that was a blank slate. Is this a dream or was her been thirty five in NYC a dream. She crutched, burying her head between her thighs.

"What the hell happened?" Lexi whispered to herself.

Had she somehow traveled back in time?

Was this some kind of dream or parallel universe?