Chapter 4

Martha knew something was wrong even before she opened her eyes. Her face felt wet and sticky like melted rubber. She tried to move her hands to inspect it, but her limbs had a mind of their own. They didn't budge. She felt drained and empty.

"She is crying, mama, Mary is crying," a young voice kept chanting. Martha could make out it belonged to a child of 11-13 years of age.

"The poor girl has gone through a lot, my boy," another pity-filled voice responded. Pity, she hated that emotion. Nobody had a right to pity her! She needed no man's pity.

"Go check if your father has returned with the physician," the pity-filled voice belonging to an older lady said, and the scrambling of feet, the sound of the door opening and closing told her the young boy had gone to carry out the command.

"What dream is this?" Martha was supposed to be getting rid of her husband and his vile mother, not being trapped in a dream. The last thing she remembered was being stuck in a car, surrounded by flames. The very people she was supposed to get rid of outsmarted her. So much pain, how can there be pain such as this even in death? This must be hell. Such irony could only be played by the devil and his minions, being burnt alive only to still land in hell. Slowly, she felt consciousness slip from her, readily welcoming the darkness.

They were all the same. Whether in her world or this, humans were all vain, superficial, and craved only the mundane things, the shallow things that held no meaning. This was her fourth day in this world and after going through all the events in the life of the owner of this body; how she lived miserably and died miserably, alone, in pain, and engulfed by unforgiving flames she could see why life had given her a reset...taken her ten years back.

Mary was glad for the escape. This was a chance to get it right whether it was her body or not it didn't matter. She was going to be selfish and hang on to this life, this world, and this second chance. " Martha, Martha" looking up Mary realized she had been called repeatedly. Martha, the name was foreign, a little plain and simple but she would have to remember it, it was hers now.

Offering a small, weak smile, Mary encouraged the girl to speak. She was a cute, average height girl, coupled with dark curls that gave her a childish feel. The weasel was also a little hypocrite.

"You seem out of it these days, look" she motioned with her hands to point out the empty lecture hall. "It's just you and I left, I don't think you noticed when the professor walked out"

Martha let out a sigh, indeed the hall was deserted. Grabbing her textbook from the desk, she gave a slight nod of thanks and proceeded to leave when Chrissy asked "how are your birthday preparations coming along, it's the latest thing of discussion on everyone's lips"

Martha knew exactly who she was, Chrissy had gotten close to her in her past life only to achieve social predominance whilst spreading rumors that ultimately destroyed her. They were all after what she could offer, which was basic human nature, and just as she had done in the past, Chrissy came to ensure she had a spot in Martha's social circle.

"I am keeping this year's party private" she responded not missing a step or looking behind her to see the reaction of the busy body trailing her steps as she walked down the stairs towards the exit. "Private?" Chrissy echoed her voice carrying huge disappointment in it.

"Yes Chrissy private, only those that matter will be present, I don't need a crowd, I'm sure you understand". She proceeded to walk faster, ignoring the halt in the steps behind her.

"But-but... just a few days ago you said you were planning a big party" the fact that Chrissy's words came with a stammer made her smile inwardly, the joy of bringing bad news to those who deserved it was bliss. Turning a few feet from the exit she turned to face her with a sweet mocking smile on her lips, "things change dear and I am sure you would agree that a big party isn't important, what matters is the fact that I can celebrate another year".

" Okay then, I'll see you there, I totally agree"

The look of disappointment was evident on Chrissy's face, she managed a little smile before uttering that she would be in attendance. Irritation boiled in her, the girl just didn't give up or was just playing dumb.

"Chrissy, I said only those that matter will be there" she slid out slowly to ensure every word she said penetrated, still courting a forced smile on her face a contrast to what she felt in her heart.

Turning around briskly she stalked out of the glass door heading towards the parking lot before she could see Chrissy's reaction to her words. Her peace was paramount in this life, not revenge just peace.  She suddenly hit a hard wall, wincing she braced herself for a fall that didn't come rather, shivers ran through her skin as she felt warm hands snake around her waist hoisting her up. Looking up she got lost in green eyes, eyes so green they seemed to pierce into her very soul. The hooded man who had his dark hair obstructing half his face helped her gain balance and let go. He was lean, muscular, and smelt of pinewood, a smell that reminded her of the forest. She knew beneath that dark hair was a handsome face, she couldn't see it but all her senses screamed he was attractive.

"Pardon me" she quickly said, he simply nodded and walked past her. Chills ran down her spine as he moved past her. Something felt off, her hair flew across her face obstructing her view, only then did she notice the change in the weather. It had suddenly turned stormy turn, she did not remember the forecast predicting rain especially during this time of the year. She rushed to her car.

Watching her, the young man observed her with a sly smile on his lips as he hummed the song... Mary had a little life, little life, little life...

Humans were fascinating he thought. Peace? She wanted to live in peace? He chuckled. She had a debt to pay to the devil. Nothing is free in this wretched world.