A world of firsts

Early that afternoon, the rain pattered softly against the window.

Its rhythm reflected the pounding heart of Samira Wiley.

She stood by the counter of the boutique in Brookside City, rearranging an already perfect display of silk scarves.

The routine of arranging and rearranging the counter was a good distraction from her messy thoughts or at least that’s what she told herself while placing the same scarf for the sixth time in five minutes.

Her reflection in the glass revealed a young woman of twenty two, with tired eyes but a cheerful, determined spirit.

Life had not been kind to her ever since she got into the orphanage, but she had persevered, she had endured.

And if life threw one more challenge her way, she was ready to politely hand it back to the sender.

Samira’s thoughts were interrupted by the familiar sound of the door chime.

She turned to see her childhood friend, Delly Thompson, striding into the boutique with her usual arrogant flair.

Delly was always carrying her arrogance, and wherever she went, she drew eyes.

Samira sometimes wondered if Delly practiced her entrance in the mirror.

Her glossy auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her emerald green dress clung to her figure like a second skin.

Delly had been adopted from the orphanage at sixteen, leaving Samira behind.

She had then been thrust into a life of luxury and socialite events, while Samira remained behind, working to support the orphanage that had been their home.

Samira didn’t envy her, exactly , she just wished expensive shoes didn’t look so soft and comfortable as people think.

“Samira!” Delly’s voice was filled with excitement and urgency as she rushed to her friend’s side. “I need a favor. A big one.”

Samira sighed, half amused, half exasperated. “What is it this time, Delly?” She silently prayed it wasn’t another ‘pretend to be my assistant so my followers think I’m grounded’ situation.

Delly leaned in, her eyes wide with desperation. “Please, just do me this favor. It’s important.”

Before Samira could respond, Delly launched into her already well plotted explanation, her words running over each other in a rush that Samira couldn’t catch.

“The patron from the orphanage and my father have set me up on a blind date. But I can’t go. I have this thing...

Samira raised an eyebrow. “Another socialite event?” She already knew the answer.

Delly’s calendar was a maze of champagne and heels that didn't suit Samira at all.

Delly winced. “Yes, but it’s more than that. This date... it’s with someone really influential. If I mess this up, it could ruin my reputation. And you know how much I love my reputation.”

“So, you want me to go and pretend to be you?” Samira crossed her arms, a skeptical look already on her face. Internally, she wondered why her face was always the one available for borrowing.

Delly nodded vigorously. “Yes! We look so much alike. Same height, same figure, same skin color. You just need to go there and make a bad impression. It’ll be easy. Please, Samira. Just this once.”

Samira hesitated.

She glanced around the boutique, her only safe haven, and then back at Delly.

The thought of stepping into Delly’s world, even for a night, filled her with sheer fear and dread. Samira had once seen Delly’s world from the sidelines even the napkins looked expensive enough to adopt.

But Delly was her friend, her sister in all but blood, and they had promised each other to always help one another no matter what.

“Fine,” Samira said, the words already burning her tongue. “I’ll do it. But only because it’s you asking.” And because she clearly had unresolved emotional attachment issues towards Delly.

Delly’s face lit up with relief. “Thank you, thank you, thank you! You’re a lifesaver!”

As they were about to leave, Samira remembered something. “If I heard you right, I’m supposed to meet this date in another city?” Her voice cracked somewhere between panic and disbelief.

“I know about all your worries. You’re worried about your work.”

Samira nodded. Her friend knew her too well her paycheck was not built for spontaneous adventures.

“Don’t worry about that,” Delly patted her back. “I’ll cover for you for one week.”

Samira blinked. A whole week? She had barely agreed to a night. Divine intervention was needed. She wasn't going to spend a week trying to annoy a stranger from getting married to her friend.

After they had agreed, Samira asked for a leave from her manager.

They left the boutique together, the rain outside seemed to have intensified.

They shared an umbrella, huddling close to each other like they had done so many times before in the orphanage.

Samira wondered if the universe was trying to foreshadow something, because it always rained before drama in movies, right.

Memories of their shared childhood flooded back.

They remembered how they used to sneak into the kitchen for midnight snacks, plotting mischievous pranks against other kids, and dreaming of a brighter future together.

Back then, the biggest issue had been who stole the last cookie. It was their most simpler times.

The orphanage had been their entire world, their only place of safety and shared dreams.

Delly’s adoption had been a bittersweet moment for both of them.

Samira had been happy for her friend, but the separation had left a deep void in her.

They had stayed in touch, but their lives had taken such different paths.

Arriving at Delly’s apartment, Samira was struck by the opulence, even though it was not the first or second time she had visited.

The chandeliers glittered from the ceiling, and plush furniture filled the space with the same effect it had on her the very first day , to her it was pure disbelief and silent financial calculation. It was a stark contrast to the modest room she rented near the boutique.

Delly wasted no time in transforming Samira.

She styled her hair, applied makeup that made her look way too beautiful, and dressed her in one of her own expensive outfits.

When Samira looked in the mirror, she barely recognized herself.

She saw Delly’s reflection staring back at her. Somewhere inside, her inner voice whispered, “Girl… who is she?”

“You look perfect,” Delly said, her voice tinged with satisfaction. “Remember, just make a bad impression. Be rude, uninterested. It’ll be over before you know it.”

Samira nodded, though her nerves fluttered in her stomach. “I’ve got this.” Meanwhile, her brain was screaming, No I don’t! Return to sender!

With one last hug, Delly sent Samira off to the airport.

Samira’s heart pounded as she stepped into the entrance gate.

The driver had mistaken her for Delly without a second glance.

Apparently, rich people had a default setting it was all thanks to her new confidence and expensive perfume.

Samira couldn’t shake the feeling that she was stepping into something far more complicated than a simple favor.

Her life didn’t usually include airports, blind dates, or impersonation missions.

She’d only ever impersonated a confident adult once and even that felt fraudulent sometimes.

Samira’s hands trembled as she clutched the strap of her handbag, standing at the entrance of Brookside International Airport.

She had never set foot in an airport before, let alone traveled anywhere beyond the borders of her city.

The sheer magnitude of the bustling terminal left her wide eyed and slightly breathless.

Also, the place smelled like money and disinfectant.

The air was filled with sounds. Announcements crackled over the intercom, the happiness and sadness of travelers, and the rumble of rolling suitcases.

People rushed past her in a blur, each on their own journey, and Samira felt a pang of anxiety as she took it all in. She wondered if everyone else had taken a “How to Airport 101” course.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. The cool, conditioned air felt different, almost surreal against her skin.

The high glass ceilings allowed daylight to pour in, casting long, angular shadows across the polished floors.

She briefly wondered if it was too late to run home, eat noodles, and forget Delly ever existed.

Samira’s eyes darted around, taking in the sights with a mix of wonder and trepidation.

Giant digital screens displayed flight information, the names of cities she had only read about.

For a moment, she was transported into a world of possibilities, imagining herself stepping onto a plane and embarking on an adventure. Preferably one where no one expected her to ruin a blind date.

Her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp nudge from Delly, who had accompanied her to ensure everything went smoothly. “Samira, stay focused. We need to check in.”

Samira nodded, trying to appear like a functioning human being. Internally, she thought, Focus? Ma’am, I’m trying to process oxygen.

Delly’s presence was a comfort, helping Samira relax.

Delly looked as composed as ever, her confidence radiating through her every move.

She guided Samira through the process, showing her how to punch in at the automated check in kiosks and print her boarding pass.

Samira prayed airport machines didn’t sense fear.

As they approached the security checkpoint, Samira’s heart began to race again.

The uniformed officers and metal detectors seemed intimidating. She followed Delly’s lead, slipping off her shoes and placing her belongings into plastic bins.

When it was her turn to pass through the metal detector.

“Just a random check, miss. Nothing to worry about,” the officer said, running a handheld scanner over her. Samira nodded, trying to smile, though her hands were clammy with sweat. In her head she promised never to commit a crime she was clearly not built for it.

Once they were through security, Delly led Samira to the departure lounge. Samira sank into a seat, her legs feeling wobbly from the whirlwind of emotions. She was certain she had aged at least ten years.

Delly handed her a bottle of water. “You did great, Samira. It’s always nerve wracking the first time.”

Samira nodded, unscrewing the cap and taking a long drink. The cool water soothed her dry throat. “Thanks, Delly. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” Probably stay home and mind her business which suddenly sounded peaceful.

Delly smiled, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Just wait until you get on the plane. That’s when the real adventure begins.”

Samira prayed the adventure involved snacks.

As they waited for the boarding call, Samira allowed herself to relax a little. She watched the planes taxiing on the tarmac, their sleek bodies glinting in the sunlight. The sight stirred a mixture of excitement and fear within her. This journey was unlike anything she had ever experienced. But hopefully not into jail or humiliation preferably something cute and manageable.

The boarding announcement finally came, and Samira’s stomach fluttered with anticipation. She followed Delly to the gate, handing over her boarding pass and passport. As she stepped onto the jet bridge, a rush of exhilaration washed over her. This was her first flight, her first step into a larger world. And possibly her first official mistake.

Settling into her seat, Samira gazed out the window. The plane began to taxi, and she felt the engines roar to life beneath her. She gripped the armrests, her heart pounding with a mixture of fear and excitement. She briefly wondered if screaming was socially acceptable.

As the plane lifted off the ground, Samira’s breath caught in her throat. She watched the cityscape shrink below her, the familiar streets and buildings becoming tiny dots in the distance. For the first time in her life.

AUTHOR’S NOTE

Thank you so much for reading the first chapter!

Samira may have agreed to the “simple favor,” but we both know nothing about this plan is simple or safe.

This story will be a mix of comedy, chaos, slow-burn romance, identity swapping, friendship, emotional healing, and a heroine who deserves the world.

If you enjoyed the chapter, please leave a comment, vote, or share your predictions I love hearing from you.

Your support keeps the story alive, updated, and full of drama.

See you in Chapter Two

If you want a shorter, funnier, more mysterious, or more emotional note, just tell me your preferred tone.