After I Removed My Corneas, His Childhood Sweetheart Panicked

The day I got my license, I went to the hospital and removed my corneas.

In my past life, my boyfriends childhood friend Lila stole my car on the first day of school. She ran red lights, killed a pregnant woman and an old man, then fled.

But my classmates blamed me. When the police came, I swore Lila was driving.

She collapsed into Ethans arms, fake tears in her eyes. "Nora, why frame me?"

Then Ethan showed the dashcam footagemy face behind the wheel.

"Still lying?" he sneered.

The victims families saw it. One stabbed me until everything went dark.

Then I woke upback to the day before it happened.

Welcome to Harborview, everyone! Lilas voice, sweet and cloying, echoed through the classroom. Since Im a local, I thought Id play the good host and take you all to the mall tomorrow to pick up some souvenirs. My treat, a little welcome gift from me to you.

The familiar words sent a tremor through my entire body. I was back. I had been reborn.

The classroom erupted in praise.

Wow, Lila, youre seriously the best! Harborviews little princess!

Lila, there are so many of us, thats going to cost a fortune!

She just laughed, a picture of effortless generosity. Dont worry about it! Youve all come so far to be here. Its the least I can do.

Suddenly, all eyes turned to me. Nora, the roster says youre from Harborview too, right?

I nodded, my throat tight. Yeah. Welcome to our city.

Lilas hand shot out, her fingers wrapping around my arm. Nora, my car wont fit everyone. You just got your license, didnt you? Could I please borrow your car?

It was like being doused in ice water. I froze, the memory of her last lifes request washing over me.

That was how it started. Shed borrowed my car, driven like a maniac through the city, blown through eighteen red lights, and ended two lives. Then, my entire class, my entire world, had turned on me, branding me a murderer. When the police came, I screamed my innocence, but Lilas crocodile tears in Ethans arms were more convincing. Hed slapped me, produced the doctored dashcam footage, and sealed my fate. Before I could even process the betrayal, the victims family had delivered their own brutal justice.

The memory was a phantom pain, so sharp it made me shudder.

Before I could react, my purse was snatched from my hands.

Ethan, my boyfriend, was already digging through it. He pulled out my car keys and tossed them to Lila.

Go ahead, Lila. Take it.

The sight snapped me out of my trance. I lunged forward, snatching my bag and keys back.

Sorry, I said, my voice cold and firm. I need my car tomorrow. Youll have to ask someone else.

Ethans face darkened instantly. What could you possibly need it for, Nora? Just admit you dont want to lend it to her.

I met his glare without flinching. Youre right. I dont want to. So what?

Lilas eyes welled up, a perfect picture of wounded innocence. Nora, I dont understand why you hate me so much. I just wanted to do something nice for our new classmates. Why are you always targeting me?

A bitter laugh almost escaped my lips. Refusing to lend her my property was now targeting her.

My classmates, of course, took her side.

Come on, Nora, were all in this together. Dont be so cold.

Yeah, Lila just wanted to borrow your car for a day. Why are you trying to hurt her feelings? Shes never done anything to you.

Then, Ethan shoved me. Hard.

Nora, can you drop the spoiled princess act for one second? Its the first day of school and youre already bullying Lila.

I stumbled backward, the back of my head cracking against the edge of a desk. A sharp, blinding pain exploded in my skull, and I sucked in a breath through my teeth.

In my past life, his words would have been enough to make me question myself, to feel guilty. But now? All I felt was a pure, unadulterated hatred. I wanted to tear him limb from limb.

I forced myself to my feet, ignoring the throbbing pain, and swung my hand across his face. The crack of the slap echoed in the suddenly silent room.

You put your hands on me for her? Have you forgotten who pays for your tuition, Ethan? Who pays for your life? You ungrateful parasite. I stared him down, my voice shaking with rage. Were done. Go protect your precious little sister.

The word break up seemed to shock him. His face went pale. Nora, what are you talking about? Stop being dramatic. Lila is my sister, and youre supposed to be her future sister-in-law. Its only natural for you to look out for her. I was just trying to help you fit in with my family.

A cruel smile twisted my lips. Do you really think Im that stupid, Ethan? We. Are. Over. I dont need to fit into your family, and I damn well dont need to take care of whatever the hell she is to you.

With that, I grabbed my bag and walked out, leaving him sputtering in my wake.

His voice followed me down the hall, raw and furious. You and your damn princess attitude! Who else would ever want you, Nora? All you know how to do is throw your dirty money around to humiliate people! Youre arrogant and youll die alone!

I couldnt help but laugh. He never felt humiliated when he was swiping the supplementary card I gave him, or when he was happily accepting gifts worth thousands of dollars.

I pulled out my phone. First, I cut off the supplementary card. Then, I called a friend at the bank and asked her to print out every single transaction hed ever made.

He felt humiliated by my money? Fine. Then he could pay back every last cent of that humiliation.

That night, a deep sense of unease settled over me. I drove home, parking my car securely in the underground garage. I let out a long breath of relief. There was no way Lila could get to it now.

Just as I was getting ready for bed, the hospital called.

Miss Reed? We have the results of your eye exam.

Id forgotten. A few weeks ago, my vision had been blurry and my eyes had ached, so Id gone for a check-up.

The doctors next words hit me like a physical blow. Miss Reed, you have a severe corneal detachment and retinal damage. The corneas will need to be surgically removed.

My body went rigid.

Sensing my shock, the doctor quickly added, Well do everything we can to get you on the donor list, Miss Reed. But the surgery needs to happen soon. The longer you wait, the more severe the condition becomes, and the more difficult the procedure will be.

After hanging up, I called my parents and told them everything. My mother, her voice tight with worry, promised me they would find a donor, that I shouldnt be afraid.

I didnt sleep a wink that night. The next morning, as I was about to leave, I noticed it. The car I had driven to school yesterday was gone.

A chilling premonition washed over me.

My hands shaking, I dialed the hospital. Ive made my decision. Lets do the surgery today. I dont want to wait.

My parents, alerted to the urgency, pulled strings and assembled a team of five top ophthalmologists to prepare for the procedure.

Two hours later, I was on the operating table. As the anesthetic began to flood my system, a strange calm settled over me. I glanced at the surgical camera mounted in the corner of the room, and a small, secret smile touched my lips.

Five hours later, I woke up to a world of absolute darkness.

Panic, cold and sharp, pricked at my heart. I reached out a trembling hand, and it was immediately clasped by another.

Nora, sweetheart. How are you feeling?

It was my mothers voice. A wave of relief washed through me. Im okay, Mom. Its just strange, not being able to see.

She pulled me into a hug. Its going to be okay, baby. Ive already put out feelers for a donor. It should be quick. The hospital said in three months, you can have the transplant and everything will be back to normal.

I nodded. As she fed me, she asked, Nora, why the sudden rush for the surgery?

I paused, then forced a light laugh. I figured the sooner, the better. Less damage, a faster recovery.

She accepted my answer. That evening, I told her I wanted some fresh air. The lead surgeon agreed, giving me an hour before I had to be back for a dressing change.

A nurse wheeled me out to a small park next to the hospital. I listened to the sound of children laughing nearby, and it brought a genuine smile to my face. The nurse excused herself to use the restroom, promising to be right back. I nodded, content to wait.

A few minutes later, the peaceful atmosphere was shattered by a cacophony of angry voices.

Nora? What are you doing here?

It really is you! Youre a fugitive! The police were at the university looking for you, and youre just sitting here out in the open?

I frowned, the darkness around me feeling suddenly hostile. I havent broken any laws. Why would the police be looking for me?

Suddenly, a hand grabbed my arm, yanking me to my feet. Nora, its you! You need to come with me to the station and turn yourself in.

I recognized Ethans voice. I ripped my arm away from him. Are you insane, Ethan? Why would I turn myself in?

Lilas voice cut in, dripping with phony concern. Nora, please, dont make things worse for yourself. Three people are dead. You need to take responsibility. If you confess, well all plead for a lighter sentence for you.

I shoved her away blindly. What the hell are you talking about? I didnt do anything!

Then, another hand grabbed the collar of my hospital gown. You! Youre the one who ran my wife down yesterday, arent you? a mans voice roared, thick with grief. You monster! Do you have any idea what youve done? She was pregnant! We were on our way to celebrate! You destroyed my family, and Im going to make you pay!

I was thrown to the ground, my body aching from the impact. I tried to explain, my voice cracking. You have the wrong person! Ive been in the hospital all day! My car was stolen, I reported it!

The man hesitated, his eyes flicking to my patient gown.

But Lilas voice, sharp and venomous, cut through the air. Nora, we all know your family is rich and powerful. You could easily bribe the hospital to fake an alibi. But these were peoples lives! How can you just deny it?

Ethan pointed an accusing finger at me. Shes a monster! I can testify! I heard her say that once she got her license, she wanted to go joyriding downtown, run red lights for the thrill of it. She said her familys money could get her out of any trouble. I tried to talk her out of it, but she wouldnt listen!

The crowd around us turned into a mob. Their murmurs of confusion became growls of fury.

How can someone be so evil? She killed people and acts like its nothing!

You rich people think you can do whatever you want! You think our lives are worthless! You deserve to die!

The grieving husbands hands closed around my throat. Because youre rich, you think you can just play God with our lives? Is that it? I want an eye for an eye!

The wail of a siren cut through the chaos. Police! Whats going on here? Let her go! an officer shouted.

The man roared, his grip tightening for a second before he was pulled away. I just want justice for my wife and child! She destroyed my life and shes just walking free!

Sir, we understand, the officer said, his tone firm but sympathetic. And we promise you, we will get you justice.

He let go. The next thing I felt was the cold, hard bite of handcuffs on my wrists.

My voice was a hoarse whisper from the pressure on my throat. Officer, youve made a mistake. Ive been in the hospital. I couldnt have been driving.

The officers voice was like ice. Nora Reed, do you have any idea that because you fled the scene and didnt call for help, the pregnant woman bled out? A life that could have been saved was lost.

Where is your proof? I choked out. It wasnt me.

He sighed, his disgust palpable. Miss Reed, the vehicle was found at your residence. Dashcam footage and multiple traffic cameras show you behind the wheel. We have a dozen eyewitnesses who all identify you.

My mind went blank. How? I wasnt there. How could it be me?

If you cooperate now, you might have a chance at a reduced sentence.

Suddenly, a new voice cut in. What is all this?

Someone in the crowd yelled, This girl killed three people in a hit-and-run! The cops are finally arresting her!

In the ensuing scuffle, someone tugged at me, and the gauze bandage wrapped around my eyes was ripped away.

There was a collective gasp.

Then, someone screamed. Oh my God she doesnt have any eyes.