"Fuck off," I grumble to my alarm. It's too early to wake up. Without opening my eyes, I reach over to the bedside table for my phone so I can turn the bastard off. 

My nightstand appears to be clear of all the usual crap I keep there, my phone included. The increasing volume pulls me further away from slumber, but I refuse to give in; I'm not opening my eyes. 

I strain myself a little more, flopping an arm down the side of the bed and use my hand to search the floor.

Blue flashes light up the room and I realise the irritating sound belongs to a passing emergency vehicle. With a groan, I give up the search and wait for the lights and siren to pass.

The room won't stop spinning and my head pounds. In fact, my whole body feels as though I've been hit by a truck. I won't say, "I'll never drink again" because I'd be lying, but fuck alcohol and fuck Alex!

"One more won't hurt…" Fuck you, Alex, it's never just one more. I should have learned that lesson a long time ago.

There's no way I'm going to be in any fit state to work today. What idiot agrees to work on New Year's Day anyway?

Oh yeah, that would be me!

Since it's still dark out, I settle back down, hoping to get a few more hours before I have to get up. With another groan, I bury my face into the pillow which sends a fresh wave of pain through my head, and I get a strong whiff of lavender?

Where the fuck am I?

Beyond the fifth round of shots, I can't remember a thing. Must have been some night though; I haven’t felt this rough in a long time.

Although I'm probably crashing at a friend's house, I want to be sure. I crack open one eye and wait for the stinging to subside before glancing around. From the slither of light slipping through the curtains, I make out a wardrobe and dresser at the opposite end. None of them look familiar and the place seems too tidy to be any of my friends.

Maybe I got lucky?

Despite the pain it causes, I chuckle to myself. Only I could hook up with someone and not remember. But a peek to my left confirms I'm alone in the bed.

Figuring I may as well get my arse home, I push up on my elbows and get into a sitting position. My head feels like it's about to explode, but I bite through the pain, checking both nightstands and the floor on either side of the bed. My phone, wallet and keys aren't there. Don't tell me I've lost them!

I scan the room looking for any sign of them, and almost jump out of my skin when I catch sight of a silhouette ahead. 

It takes me longer than it should to realise it's just my reflection. Laughing at my stupidity, I wave at myself, but as I stare at the mirror something seems off.

My hand flies to the nightstand where I'm sure I felt a lamp earlier. I fumble for the switch, and clamp my eyes shut as the brightness almost blinds me. After giving them a moment to adjust, I look back at the mirror through squinted eyes and gasp. 

My jaw falls open as I turn my head from side to side, watching the reflection mimic my movements. 

"This is a dream. I'm still asleep," I whisper to myself while I blink hard a few times, as if doing so will make a difference, but nothing changes and panic sets in.

"What the actual fuck?"

Rushing to the dresser, I push the stool aside and kneel in front of the mirror. My fingers roam over my face, examining every feature. The only problem is, none of them belong to me.

Instead, I see a young blonde woman with piercing blue eyes. 

Nothing about her seems familiar and I'm positive I've never seen her before. So why would I be in her body? And where's mine? 

I'm so confused!

I flop my head on the dresser, resting it on my arms and notice the huge cleavage staring back. Woah! They definitely don't belong to me!

Maybe we scored some drugs last night and this is some weird trip. Damn right I'll be holding you accountable, Alex. Or the other logical explanation… I'm dreaming. I've got to be.

With determination, I lift my head and stare down the blue eyes. "It's time to wake up…" 

Without thinking, I slap myself in the face.

"... wake up… wake up…" I say, continuing to slap myself, growing more violent each time until I'm screaming and my face is on fire.

Okay, I need to calm down, take a few deep breaths and think… 

Inhaling through my nose and exhaling through my mouth, I attempt to shut out the racing thoughts and focus on how I got here. Despite my desperation to recall the events from last night, nothing. 

The chime of a bell catches my attention. I assume it's the cathedral which is a relief because I haven't gone too far afield.

A second chime rings … I listen out for another but everything stays silent.

Two o'clock! Either Alex had me on something strong or I'm a fucking lightweight.

I begin to pace as I think of a plan. What do I remember?

We started at the Black Horse, because I parked on Kingsgate… then into Mason's…

As I reel off the bars, this body begins to shudder and my breath escapes. I feel as though I'm being torn from the inside, pulled somewhere. My surroundings fade and everything turns black. 

Surrounded by darkness, I'm alone and cold, but in the distance, I hear muffled voices. My body seems to float towards them as they grow louder, but I can't understand what they are saying. 

A single speck of blue comes into view, spreading until a face is formed. 

It's her! She's staring at me, but her eyes are lifeless and trails of blood streak her face.

In an instant, she vanishes and I find myself back in the stranger's bedroom.

As if today could get any stranger! I'm so done with this Freaky Friday bullshit!

I head for the door, pausing a moment while I listen out for any signs of movement. The last thing I need is to bump into someone who recognises whoever I am.

When I'm sure it's clear, I turn the handle and creep out onto a landing. I tiptoe past a bathroom and another bedroom littered with toy trains before I reach the stairs.

From the top, I can see my exit, but I hesitate. There's someone down there.

Extra cautious, I take a few steps down. One side of the staircase is open and overlooks the lounge. A TV illuminates the room, casting light on the occupied armchair.

I stare at the door ahead. It's so close. What are my odds of making it unseen? 

I descend another step and of course the fucker has to creak. 

Holding my breath, I freeze and await my fate of being discovered. 

When the figure in the armchair doesn't move, I realise they must have dozed off and I exhale in relief.

Seizing my opportunity, I risk the final dash to the front door. A quick glance back, and I have a better view of the sleeping body. A man with a toddler curled up in the crook of his arm. I'll admit it's a heartwarming sight, I'm not made of stone.

As I reach for my escape, the now-familiar sight of blonde hair and striking blue eyes catches my attention. She looks so happy and full of life in this family picture. I'm guessing the other two are the snoozing duo behind me.

But that's enough of playing happy families; I've got my own problems to deal with.

An invisible weight lifts as I step out onto the street. Breathing feels easier and my thoughts become clearer.

Retracing my steps seems like the best option, except I have no idea where I am. I check both directions of the road; one seems quiet and sleepy, while the other has a steady flow of traffic, so that's where I head.

As I approach the junction, a responding police car races by, soon followed by an ambulance. Poor sods must be run off their feet tonight. 

I follow the road signs towards the city centre and it's not long before I'm on the outskirts. Pubs and bars become more frequent, still full of rowdy patrons celebrating the new year, partying without a care in the world. Lucky bastards!

A group of young lads stumble out of the Smith's Arms as I'm passing, with one almost bumping into me. "Watch it! Dickhead!"

The prick doesn't even apologise as he continues to hobble, laughing with his mates.

Keeping my head down, I navigate the streets, working towards the last bar I remember. There's some commotion up ahead where a few police officers are trying to disperse a small crowd, while another cordons off the road. 

Some scummy shitbag probably knifed by another scummy shitbag, like any other weekend.

Further up, multiple flashing blue lights surround what appears to be a collision. Skid marks show a clear path from where a car veered off the road and onto the pavement. 

"What a loser." I shake my head while surveying the damage.  A jolt shoots down my spine as I recognise the offensive sticker on the bumper.

Some fucker's nicked my car and taken it for a joyride! 

Now it's wrapped around a lamppost. That'll be a write-off, for sure. Typical. Just when I'd paid it off. 

Thieving shits!

Furious, I march towards one of the officers. She doesn't look at me as I approach.

"That’s my car," I try to explain, but there's no acknowledgement. "Hey!" I wave my arms in front of her and start screaming in her face, but nothing. She stares through me as if I'm not here.

A shiver runs down my spine, chilling me to the core. The pounding in my head intensifies and my stomach twists into knots.

Shaking my head in disbelief, I back away from the officer and stare at the scene. My body turns numb as I realise where my answers are.

After ducking under the police tape, I double-check I'm still under the radar before breaking out into a sprint, very aware of the lack of echoing footsteps.

A good few metres ahead of the crash site, two paramedics kneel beside a casualty. I slow down as I get closer. More out of respect because I'm sure they're trying to resuscitate someone. Although I'm terrified of what I'm about to see, I know I have to.

Bracing myself for the worst, I step around one of the paramedics. Bile burns my throat as I take in the scene.

I'm met with the very same image from earlier; an ice-blue vacant stare of a blonde covered in her own blood.

Why am I here? What connection do we have?

An overwhelming sense of grief and loneliness floors me.

None of this makes sense.

The paramedics work with fierce determination as they try to revive her, but I know they can't save her. She's too far gone.

I think back to the photo… so much life ahead of her, snuffed out in an instant, like she didn’t matter. 

She'll never see her child's first day of school, be there for their first heartbreak, or see them have their own children. 

What a waste.

Pure raging anger surges through me, igniting a fury I never knew I had. Pushing up to my feet, I storm over to my car. No doubt the thieving fucker will walk away with a few scrapes. Not on my watch! I'll make sure they get what they deserve.

I stop dead in my tracks.

Another lifeless body stares back at me. This one I know all too well.

It's me.

Somehow, I'd known all along. I couldn't process the idea of being dead, like the thought was out of reach.

The pain in my head intensifies to excruciating levels as all my memories explode to the surface.

I remember every drink at every bar.

I remember getting so wasted I could barely walk.

I remember Alex trying to get me into a taxi.

I remember insisting I could drive.

I remember taking a corner too fast.

I remember the sickening thud of hitting something.

I remember the fear in her eyes as she hit my windscreen.

I remember crawling out of the car and seeing her lifeless body in the middle of the road.

Now I remember. Now I remember.
Now I— 

***

"Fuck off," I grumble to my alarm. It's too early to wake up. Without opening my eyes, I reach over to the bedside table for my phone so I can turn the bastard off… 

Author's note-

Thanks so much for reading! I hope you enjoyed the story as much as I enjoyed writing it. If you did, please consider leaving a vote or comment.

I'm curious on your interpretation of the ending and what gender you imagined the main character. Please let me know!