My second chance in a strange reverse world!

Despite my excitement, the paranoia that had been building up in my brain like a defense system kicked in. So I decided to look up the current date on the internet, but when I tried to enter my password on my phone...

"Wrong password?"

I frowned at this; if I had gone back in time, it would make sense that the password would be different, but I had no idea what my password was in this year, and what else? Why was my phone the same then? I remember buying this phone a couple of months ago, and it wasn't particularly modern, so it didn't have fingerprint recognition or anything like that, but why do I still have it with me in 2015?

I tried a few more passwords that I thought might work, but they didn't, so I got up and walked to the closet, hoping to find a second alternative that would help me confirm what was going on.

I quickly went through my closet looking for my work uniform, but I found all kinds of clothes except the one I wanted, and while the amount of clothes in this closet —which was not mine— could hide a couple of garments from view, I had at least three shirts from work, not that losing sight of a red gas station shirt was easy either.

My attention was drawn to a backpack lurking in the corner of the closet as I rummaged through it. I picked it up and looked inside, discovering a collection of familiar school supplies —books, notebooks, and the like. Well, maybe I really went back in time, my school bag shouldn't be here, I remember it well, and I had thrown it away a long time ago.

I clenched my fist in victory, after all, it is not every day that you go back in time. At the same time, the implications of going back in time began to dawn on me.

At this time my family did not hate me yet, I had a second chance to do everything right... Damn yes!

If I'm still in school, my grades are at an all-time low, but it's nothing I can't fix by studying. At the same time, I could get a part-time job... but... 2015... wasn't bitcoin worthless at this time? or perhaps NFTs? Wasn't that a gold mine in the making? However, after some consideration, I decided on my first course of action, which was to find work. If I wanted to invest in something, I needed money.

I couldn't sleep because I was too excited, so I started looking for formal clothes to wear to an interview. Should I skip school and go look for a job? I should be fine if it's just for today, right? I thought about it briefly, but I shook my head; I needed to see how I was doing; if everything stayed the same, this would be my final year of school, and my grades would be among the lowest of my year; I needed to fix that; I couldn't afford to fail.

"Nice," I said, having found something suitable among the strange clothes. Who put their clothes in my closet, seriously? I lowered my gaze and looked at the pink kitten print pajamas with a somewhat complicated expression after mentally complaining. "Do I need to get rid of these?" I went over the pros and cons, but the pajamas were comfortable and functional, and it's not like wearing them to sleep would change anything; it should be fine.

My steps took me to my room's bathroom, filled with anxiety and anticipation. Perhaps I had been rejuvenated and even handsome, as in one of those novels? I entered the bathroom with a nervous twist of the doorknob and looked in the mirror at myself. "I think… I'm even uglier than before." I grumbled in response.

How could that be? I was already ugly, but I appeared to be even uglier now. Was this a joke from a higher being, or the cost of traveling back in time? I had no idea, but it was very discouraging. My sisters and mother are stunning, but the only redeeming features of my face are my dark eyes and not-so-unkempt black hair.

But I didn't want to be discouraged because I had a second chance! Maybe if I had a few cosmetic procedures or a little makeup here and there, I'd be at least average in terms of beauty. That is, at least, what I wanted to believe.

I sighed. However, beauty is the least important thing now. This time I would live without regrets, and without embarrassing my family.

(***)

The blaring of an electronic alarm eventually jolted me out of my reverie. I jumped up and turned off the clock, noting that it was six o'clock in the morning. Despite my exhaustion, I couldn't sleep because of my growing excitement.

I jumped out of bed and dashed to the bathroom, giving myself a quick once-over in the mirror to get ready for the day. My appearance had improved slightly, I went from damn ugly to mildly hideous, it was a good start. Nonetheless, a small smile appeared on my lips; I was happy, perhaps even giddy. Is this really happening to me, or is it all a dream or illusion? I shrugged, deciding to accept my ignorance and live in the moment.

The second floor of my house greeted me as I opened the door to my room. My sisters were probably still sleeping because the doors in front of me were still closed. I descended the stairs, taking a deep breath, my mouth watering at the thought of my mother's cooking; it had been more than three years since I had tasted it. As I approached the final step, I inhaled deeply, hoping to catch a whiff of the familiar, mouthwatering aroma of scrambled eggs and bacon. Unfortunately, all I could smell was the morning air circulating in the living room.

I frowned, recalling that during my school days, my mother had always risen early to prepare breakfast for us. At the time, I had taken it for granted, but now, as I looked around the dim, somewhat bleak and empty living room, I couldn't help but feel confused.

I took a step to turn on the bedroom light. "Mother?" I asked to nothing in concern.

Steps from upstairs echoed as I turned towards the kitchen. I could see slender, shapely legs descending the stairs from the living room. My mother was dressed in a business suit, her black stockings and short skirt drawing attention. Her formal coat clung to her curvaceous figure, and her white shirt was unbuttoned in the middle, revealing a hint of cleavage that gave her a seductive appearance.... I averted my gaze, embarrassed.

Being a virgin with virtually no contact with women apart from pornography, was awful, and for a brief moment, my mother appeared attractive to me.

"Good morning, Honey," she said, smiling as her golden eyes met mine. She gave me a puzzled look as she finished her descent down the stairs and noticed the lack of light in the kitchen. "Are you not going to make breakfast?"

"Huh? Well... if that's what you want," I was also perplexed; I really wanted to try Mom's breakfast, but it appears that it will have to wait.

"Great" She came over and kissed my forehead. "Don't forget to wake Luna up."

I froze; it had been a long time since my mother kissed me good morning for the last time; I was never sentimental, but to feel loved again is... rejuvenating.

I had stretched out my arms to embrace my mother, wrapped my arms around her, and squeezed her against me before I realized it. I could feel her heart racing, and because she was a little shorter than me, I kissed her on the forehead as well. "Good morning." I spoke.

Despite the fact that she was tense and nervous, she managed to speak. "Are you all right, A-alex? Your eyes are wet."

I pulled away from her and gave her a smile. "It's nothing, I'll take care of breakfast."

I went to the kitchen to wipe my slightly watery eyes. These days, allergies are particularly unpleasant in the morning.