Chapter 5

I stood before the mirror, hardly recognizing the person staring back. The reflection showed a transformed woman, a far cry from the frail, broken girl I once was.

Gone was the soft, rounded face, hidden behind layers of fat. My cheekbones now stood defined, my jawline sharp.

Gone were the baggy clothes, concealing my body. My new wardrobe accentuated my curves, showcasing toned arms and legs.

I’d gotten rid of the bangs, and my long, curly hair cascaded down my back, framing my determined face. My hazel eyes, once dull and lifeless, sparkled with a newfound fire.

I gave myself one last one-over before slinging my bag over my shoulder, and walking out of the room.

Downstairs, my family awaited. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sizzling bacon filled the air, enticing me to join them.

"Hey, sweetie, you look amazing!" My stepmom, whom I called mom, exclaimed, as I entered the kitchen. Her eyes shone with genuine pride.

Dad had married her after my mom died when I was born, and she’d taken care of me like her own ever since then. She was so full of love that sometimes, I wondered where Victoria got her malicious traits from.

Dad smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Our little girl's all grown up."

Victoria snorted, her eyes narrowing. "Yeah, you've lost weight. Congrats."

But I saw the jealousy lurking beneath her sarcasm. Victoria had always struggled with her own body image, and my transformation only highlighted her insecurities.

"Thanks, Vic," I replied, unfazed. "You're looking...well-rested."

Victoria's face fell, her smugness deflating. She opened her mouth to retort, but Mom intervened, passing me a plate of pancakes.

“Kae, how’s your first year of senior year looking?” She asked.

I took a small bite, savoring the sweetness. “It’s going to be great,” I replied with conviction.

Victoria snorted again. “What? You think you’re going to fit in now just because you lost some weight?”

I leveled her with my own gaze, my voice steady as a rock in a storm. “I’m not trying to fit in, Vic. I’m being myself.”

“That’s our girl,” dad’s eyes flashed with pride.

"Alright, girls, let's not fight on both your first day of senior year. Orange juice, anyone?"

We nodded with a smile, and she poured me a generous amount, and I took a small sip. The tension dissipated, replaced by the warmth of family.

After breakfast, I headed upstairs to grab some things. Sophia's influence was evident in my transformed appearance. My best friend had spent countless hours helping me rediscover myself, from makeup tutorials to shopping sprees. She'd been my rock.

She’d left the town after freshman year of highschool, and only returned during the summer break. She had been so heartbroken when I recounted my ordeal, and she pushed all of my limits till we got here.

It also made me really happy that she was starting at out school again. I wouldn’t feel so lonely anymore.

But there was another force driving my transformation. A mysterious text message, received on that fateful night. "You're stronger than you think." The anonymous sender had no idea how much those words meant. They'd been my lifeline, my beacon of hope.

As I gazed out the window, I felt a sense of pride. I'd survived. I'd risen from the ashes. The scars still lingered, but they no longer defined me. I was more than my pain. I was more than Victoria's cruelty.

Sophia burst into my room, a bright smile on her face. "Wow, Kae! You look stunning!"

I blushed, feeling a surge of gratitude toward my friend. We'd spent the entire summer rebuilding me, erasing the remnants of Jake's and Victoria's toxic influence. I'd lost weight, but more importantly, I'd gained confidence.

"Thanks, Soph. You're the best," I said, hugging her tight.

We took a few selfies, capturing our excitement for senior year. Sophia's infectious laughter and my own newfound confidence made us both glow.

As we walked through the school halls, heads turned. Whispers followed. Eyes widened in shock. But I didn't let them faze me. I knew who I was. I knew my worth. And I knew I wasn't alone.

"Is that...Kae?" someone whispered.

"I don't recognize her," another voice chimed in.

"I know, right? She looks like a completely different person."

I heard the murmurs, I kept walking with my head held high.

Jessica, a classmate, approached me cautiously. "Kae? Oh my god, you look...wow."

Her eyes scanned me from head to toe, incredulity etched on her face.

"Did you...get surgery or something?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

I chuckled, shaking my head. "Just hard work and determination."

Jessica's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "You're inspiring, Kae. I'm so proud of you."

More classmates gathered around, bombarding me with questions.

"What's your secret?"

"How did you do it?"

"Are you still the same person?"

Their words swirled around me, a cacophony of amazement.

I tensed from the unexpected attention, and Sophia subtly squeezed my hand in reassurance.

I smiled, embracing the attention. "I'm still Kae. Just a stronger, wiser version."

The mysterious text message lingered in my mind. Who was my anonymous guardian angel? And why did their words still resonate within me?

I spotted Max across the hallway. Our eyes met, and for a fleeting moment, my heart skipped a beat.

I was about to take a step towards him when he walked the opposite direction.

Ouch.

The bell rang, signaling the start of class. I took a deep breath, shouldering my backpack. Senior year, bring it on.

As I walked into my first class, Victoria's gaze locked onto mine. For a moment, our eyes clashed, and I saw the unmistakable hatred behind her eyes.

But I looked away.

I refused to be intimidated any longer.

Maybe, just maybe, my transformation would inspire change in those around me.

But one thing was certain – I was no longer the broken girl I once was.

I was Kae, version 2.0.