Summary: She returned to be a better person, but someone had other plans.

Villainess: Solana Morano, a girl who comes back from the dead a new person and strives to help out as many people as she can.

Male Lead: ***ERROR*** CANNOT RETRIEVE LOST FILES!

Requested by Weird_Core_User_

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I...am...dying.

This wound....am I....doomed?

No...I can't...

Please....let....me...have....another...chance.

As she began to pass out slowly, her eyes caught the one of the boy who had stabbed her. Her shock made her scream silently as she finally succumbed to her wounds.

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Solana Morano was the biggest witch in school.

Everyone knew this and everyone feared her for it. She was loud, and manipulative, and never considered her actions as good or bad. Even though she had a pretty face, the girl behind the face was cruel. Because of this, all the peers that grew up with her in their class were dreading her actions for senior year.

"Dude, I am not looking forward to school today." Billy Johnson said, walking with his buddies Aster Allen and James Buster. "Especially since we all know this year will contain more of Solana. She's just so terrible!"

"If I have to hear her squeaky voice screech out vengeance one more time, I swear I'm going to kill her." James agreed, pulling the drawstrings on his hoodie. 

"Well look on the bright side fellas, this will be the last time we deal with her until college." Aster happily said, giving his friends a bright smile.

The boys laughed and nodded at this. No matter what would happen this year, knowing that Solana Morano was only their biggest obstacle for one more year made them hopeful for the new year. All around them, their classmates gave each other knowing looks as if they all agreed on one thing.

No matter what happens this year, Solana would not ruin our fun!

The second they all entered the classroom, they were in for a big surprise.

"OMG! What the heck is all this?" Becky Chase, the school's gossip exclaimed.

"No way, is this for real?" Stephanie Matters' mouth dropped. 

"We must have entered the wrong classroom." Layla Watterson shook her head.

In front of the classroom, wearing not a single modification of her school uniform was Solana Morano. The usual snobbish rich girl acts that she would put on for all to see were gone. Gone was the jewelry, gone was the expensive perfume and even no more makeup! Solana wore glasses, a big red pair on her face, and had her hair down in a ponytail. She was quiet, writing on the board a greeting for the new school year. Had it not been for the beauty mark under her right eye, some would have mistaken her for a new student.

She had...downgraded.

And it shocked them all.

"Good morning everyone." Her voice was even toned down, not a screech to be heard. "If you are all ready, let us begin to start the day."

"Dude...are you Solana?" Billy asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Of course Billy. You've known me since kindergarten."

"Did something bad happen to you over the summer?" Layla asked, glaring suspiciously at her.

"No. I just..." 

Solana bowed, her face hidden under her long ponytail. This stunned everyone by her actions.

"I wish to apologize to you all for my behavior throughout the years. Truthfully, you all didn't deserve all the hatred and scorn I had thrown out to you for all these years. I've bullied most of you, made enemies out of some, and even almost harmed one of you." Tears sprung out of her eyes as she stared up at them. "I know you would never forgive me, but I wish to make it up to you as we start this new year."

No one spoke for a moment. Not one of them knew what to say. It was not as if any of them saw her forgiveness coming. Most of them figured she would either be killed for all her actions or kicked out of school. Now, as she was crying and not begging for forgiveness, they wanted so badly to be angry at her. Scorn her, mock her weakness, give her all the pain that she had given them.

However, one of them approached her and smiled at her.

Then Stephanie slapped her across the face. 

The slap stunned Solana and she fell to the ground. She held her cheek as she swallowed the pain. The tallest girl in class glared deeply at her as she went to sit down in the front row.

"I don't care if you are remorseful. A witch is still a witch, even if she looks like trash now."

Solana sat there on the ground as her classmates didn't even give her a passing glance. The reformed girl nodded slowly and walked to the back of the class. They all snickered and laughed at her as she quietly sat at the desk by the leaky water pipe. 

One of her classmates, however, kept thoughts to themselves as they scowled at her sad form.

She claims to have changed, but how can I believe it? I've known her our entire life, and she was nothing but trouble. This newfound sincerity could be just another act, a ploy to deceive everyone. I must keep a close eye on her, and expose her true nature. She can't fool me.

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The hate letters started coming as the weeks went on.

Solana sighed. It was getting cumbersome to see the same kind of letters that told her to die or kill herself. No matter how many times she opened it up, it was always the same group of letters. Everyone in school knew of her new change and decided they didn't like what they saw. She was now cleaning the school up every day after all had left, she took extra classes to get better grades, and even volunteered to tutor the younger kids at the local elementary school. Solana was now working on the committee to plan events for the school in order to give her classmates the best prom of their lives.

"Why don't you just give up this act and go back to your hateful self?"

Ahh yes, then there was Stephanie and her crones. Ever since Solana stepped down as the school's mean girl, Stephanie had taken the reigns of the head witch. Since her stature made her tall and intimidating, no one wanted to mess with her. Her favorite target was the former queen herself, making sure to let her know how much she was truly hated.

"This "good girl" act is all a ruse. No one changes after years of being so spiteful." She loomed over her, glowering at her cowering form. "You used to make my life a living hell. Now look at you, can't even stand to be in my own shadow."

"How many times do I have to say that I am sorry?" Solana pleaded, then gasped at being picked up by the shoulders.

"No matter how many times you spout that nonsense, I'm never gonna believe you." Stephanie shoved her against her locker. "Just as you did to me so many years ago, I'm going to give you so much pain that you'll beg to be dead."

And with that, Solana was continuously punched by her backup crew members. Every punch made her feel every bitter word, every hateful action, and many more as her face got bloody. Just as another punch was going to hit her face, a hand stopped Stephanie from punching.

"Let her go Steph. She isn't worth it." James said, giving her a hard glare. "Solana hasn't done anything to warrant this much violence."

"That's bullcrap James! She's done so much worst than this to me through the years! How could you defend her?"

"Because I've actually witnessed her good deeds. She is not the girl she used to be."

Stephanie scoffed, but dropped the now damaged girl. "Fine. She lives...for now."

Solana gave James a grateful look as he picked her up from the floor. He even handed her a wipe for her face and walked her to the nurse's office. Unknown to them, a figure had been watching them from around the corner, hands clenching on the side of the wall.

Something is different about her. She genuinely helps others, and people are drawn to her kindness. Is it possible that she has truly transformed? No, I shouldn't be swayed so easily. I must remain cautious. But... I can't help but be fascinated by this new side of her. I need to understand how she could change so drastically.

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Stephanie was injured the next day.

 No one saw it happen and no one could get a word out of her. She was pushed down the stairs of the hallway hardly anyone entered. The trauma to her head made her injured and in a mild coma. Some say that it was Solana who did the deed, wanting to believe her fake act of kindness was all a hoax. However, when Becky went to visit Stephanie at the hospital, she was surprised to see Solana there. She sneakily recorded her taking care of the girl who had bullied her for the first few months of the year and sent it out onto her social media platform. It was this act of kindness that finally allowed people to see the new her in a better light. Even her secret admirer saw the video with a twisted grin.

Her smile...it's captivating. I find myself unable to look away. How can she be so radiant? No, this can't be happening. I shouldn't feel this way about her. But the more I watch her, the more my heart races. I must protect her from those who would take advantage of her newfound popularity. Only I can understand and cherish her properly. 

From that day on, Solana came to school with a brighter smile and an even brighter future. She was acing her classes, making new friends, getting her service hours in, and planning the best prom for her senior class. As Stephanie came back to school after her stay at the hospital, she even made amends with her bully once and for all. The two had become close friends ever since.

It was a few weeks before prom that she even started to notice the boys were starting to ask the girls to the dance in very cheesy ways. Solana silently laughed at a failed attempt at a love song when a hand rested on her shoulder.

"Hey Solana." Aster smiled at her, making her blush a bit. "I hope your day has been going well."

"Aster! Um...yeah it has." She turned away, hiding her obvious smile. "Say...if you aren't doing anything after-school-"

"I just wanted to tell you that I've been noticing your changes lately." He cut her off, giving her a closed eyed smile. "To be honest, some of us were planning to surprise you with something special. Can you come with me?"

To think that a cute guy was asking her to come with him made her giddy. The lad led the lady into the gymnasium where she was surprised to see how beautiful the decorations turned out. The theme was to be under the sea, and the whole place felt like an undersea wonderland. At the podium, her classmates waved at her and cheered at her arrival. Solana was moved to tears as she didn't expect all the fanfare at all. 

"This is all for you Solana. You have impressed us so much at your changes. We wanted to give back to you." Aster gave her a comforting smile. "You have earned this."

She didn't say anything as she was surrounded by hugs from the former members she used to torment and the new members that grew to love her. Solana was content, she was happier than she ever was in her past life. The hugs distracted her from the true culprit, who watched this display of love and friendship in anger.

 I'm only trying to help her, to ensure she stays true to her redemption. Those friends of hers, they're a distraction. They'll corrupt her, turn her into something I don't like. It's my duty to shield her from their deceit. If I have to sow doubt and mistrust among them, it's for her own good. She needs me to guide her.

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Then came the night of the prom. 

Everything was so lovely as the party raged on. A dj spun some tunes, girls dragged their friends out to the floor, guys nervously asking for dances, and even some teachers got in on the fun. So many of the senior students were happy to finally reach this point in their lives where a big night like this allowed them to dance the night away. 

The gymnasium is abuzz with excitement as the prom reached its pinnacle. Students, dressed in their finest attire, went towards the stage, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the prom queen. Solana stood at the center of the stage, her heart pounding with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. She feels a sense of validation for her efforts to become a better person, hoping that her redemption has touched the hearts of her peers. Her friends waved at her from the crowd, cheering for her loudly as the principal came to the front of the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the moment we've all been waiting for. The prom queen of the evening is... Solana Morano!"

The crowd erupts into cheers, applause echoing through the room. Solana's face lights up with surprise and joy as a tiara is placed upon her head. She steps forward, her smile radiant, ready to bask in the well-deserved recognition. It was her crowning moment of achievement, the reason for all that suffering for her redemption. All the blood, sweat, and tears she sacrificed for her happiness had finally paid off.

However, as Solana revels in her triumph, the atmosphere abruptly changes. A sudden silence falls upon the room, a collective gasp escaping the lips of the onlookers.

Solana looks up, her eyes widening in horror, as a bucket of red liquid plummets from above, drenching her in a torrent of blood. The crowd watches in stunned silence, their expressions shifting from jubilation to disbelief.

Solana, drenched in blood, stands frozen on the stage, her eyes wide with shock and terror. The eerie silence of the room amplifies the haunting memories that flood her mind. Her vision blurs, transporting her back to her past life as the blood triggered a hidden memory.

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She finds herself in a dimly lit room, her heart pounding with fear. A figure clad in black looms before her, a wicked grin on their face. In their hand, a gleaming dagger.

No... not this again. I can't escape it, no matter how hard I try.

The figure lunges forward, plunging the dagger into Solana's chest. Pain shoots through her, and her body crumples to the ground. Darkness engulfs her, the memories fading as she gasps for air.

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The echoes of Solana's past torment linger in her mind as the reality of the blood-soaked scene grips her. Her trembling hands press against her chest, feeling the rapid beat of her heart, now a stark reminder of her vulnerability.

Solana's gaze shifts to the bloodstains on her gown, their vibrant red mirroring the color of her nightmares. She struggles to catch her breath, her mind racing to comprehend the chilling nature of this unexpected event. 

"It... It can't be. How... how did this happen?" She whispered, having a mild panic attack as she struggled with her thoughts.

The room remains suspended in a surreal silence, as if time itself has frozen. Solana's eyes dart around, searching for answers, desperately trying to make sense of the eerie connection between her past and present. She had made amends with everyone from her past life! She made friends with Stephanie, Becky, and the other girls! The boys like Billy, James, and Aster all respected her and liked her. Who could she had missed? Who was out to get her? Her eyes scanned the audience for something. Stephanie was looking at her in horror. Layla's mouth was opened and covered by her gloves. Becky had snapped a picture. James looked as if he was about to rush the stage to help her. Billy was screaming at the sight of blood due to his fear. And Aster...

She glances at Aster, his gaze fixed upon her with a mix of fascination and something deeper. Her heart stopped in sudden, cold realization. In her past life, the one she lead before, she was a snobbish mean girl who hated anyone lower than her. Everyone, but Aster, who was the school's most popular boy. He had looks, charms, and was an overall nice guy. He would never try anything that would bring his rep down or make anyone feel uncomfortable. She was always vying for his attention, only for him to politely shoot her down. She tried to hard to get him to like her, but to no avail. Then...her mind blipped once more as she clenched her head and fell to her knees.

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"You thought you could get away with your wickedness, didn't you? Well, I won't let you continue to harm others."

The killer's face...was Aster! In Aster's hand, a glinting dagger reflects a cold, merciless resolve. Solana's pleading eyes meet his, desperate for a chance at redemption.

"Please... I can change. Give me a second chance. I don't want to be that person anymore." 

Solana was tearful, backing into the corner of the closet he had trapped her in. The dagger reflected his angered face as he brought it down for the kill.

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"Aster... It was you. You were the one who took my life."

The room remains shrouded in silence, oblivious to the truth that Solana now carries. Her heart throbs with conflicting emotions, grappling with the realization that the very person who orchestrated her death in the past is now obsessed with her in this new life.

Aster, blissfully unaware of Solana's revelation, steps closer, his grin filled with twisted adoration.

"Solana, my love, I've waited so long for you to become the person you are now. You're everything I ever wanted."

Solana's heart pounds in her chest as the weight of her recovered memory bears down on her. She takes a step back, her voice trembling with a mixture of vulnerability and resolve.

"Stay away from me! How could I have not remembered? The blood... it triggered everything. I know what you did."

Aster's grin fades, replaced by a flicker of recognition and guilt. He tries to reach out to Solana, but she backs away, her eyes darting around the room, searching for an escape.

"It was you with the hate letters! It was you who pushed Stephanie down! It was you who....spilled this bucket of blood on me!"

"Solana, you are acting delusional. Please, all I ask is that you come with me and-"

"I won't let you hurt me again. I won't let you control my life. I will confront you, Aster, once and for all."

With newfound determination, Solana turns and bolts from the gym, racing up the stairs towards the rooftop. She ignored the yells and screams of her classmates as the footsteps of Aster echoed behind her. His voice was sad as he called out for her only to be replaced by angry words as she continued to ignore her. Solana emerges on the rooftop, her breath ragged and her eyes filled with a mixture of fear and fierce determination. Aster follows close behind, his face etched with a mix of regret and desperation.

"You took my life once, Aster. But I won't let you take it again. I won't be a victim anymore."

Aster, his voice laced with sorrow, tries to reason with her. "Solana, I... I never meant for things to turn out this way. I've changed too, just like you. Please, let me explain."

But Solana's trust has been shattered, and she refuses to let her guard down. Reaching down, she pulled out a blade and shook it in front of her.

"No more explanations, Aster. Only actions. You will face the consequences of your past deeds."

Their eyes lock in a battle of wills, the intensity crackling in the air. Solana's journey towards redemption has taken an unexpected turn, as she confronts the very embodiment of her past trauma. The rooftop becomes a battleground, their clash a culmination of their shared history and the depths of their altered fates. How Solana faces her tormentor and fights for her freedom from the stalker who was the reason for her first death.

Aster paused, staring at her before starting to laugh manically.

"You truly are something else Solana. What is this, another attempt of trying to break from your usual character? Have you truly changed for the better or is your version of rejection?" He covered his red eyes with her hands. "You're slipping away from me, getting closer to others. How dare they try to claim your attention? You are mine, only mine. I won't let anyone else have you. They don't understand you like I do. I can't bear the thought of losing you to James, Stephanie, or the others. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you by my side, even if it means destroying everything in my path."

Solana edged ever closer to the side of the rooftop, Aster following her as he reached out his hand.

"Give me the knife Solana. We both know that if you stab me, they will turn on you more. If I harm you, the best they'll do is slap me on the wrist. You aren't in any way to bring harm to me."

"Stay back! I'm warning you, you murderer! I won't hesitate!"

"Then how come I have come closer while you are still waving that knife like a madwoman?"

Indeed, Aster had come closer and was practically leaning over her shaking form. Solana tried to take another step, but nearly slipped off the roof. The smug boy smiled, reaching down to take the knife from her hands and flashing her a smile.

"That's a good girl. I knew you didn't have-URK!"

Aster's eyes widened as a second knife revealed itself lodged within his gut. Solana twisted the knife deeper, a look of pure hatred in her eyes as she did so. The boy furiously took the other knife and went to stab her, only for her to flip them both off the roof. Their classmates finally made their way up to see them both plummeting downwards.

"You crazy witch! How dare you reject my love?" Aster howled, gripping her throat as they fell. "Now we'll both die together! Isn't that lovely? Two lovers dying in each other's arms."

"Go to hell, you bastard." Solana gripped his hands and reversed their bodies as she used him to cushion her fall as her body pushed the knife deeper. 

Aster gave one last breath before finally dying on impact. Solana avenged her past life as she stared down at the boy who had fallen deeply for her.

Consider yourself rejected. 

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That's all folks! The longest story has finally wrapped itself up!

Hope this one was good for you to read. So many twists and turns and a satisfyingly great ending. Yay or nay? I wanna know.

Next time:

"What would happen if the villainess didn't come back at the restart?"