Twisted Reflections

Being twenty-four with braces isn’t exactly an ideal situation. None of my friends, acquaintances or peers had them; either they went through the process in middle school or were lucky enough to never need oral corrections at all. Certainly, my favorite social media influencers - or any influencers, for that matter - didn’t sport braces: all they ever wore was makeup and a good filter. Perfect people in a perfect world. My parents didn’t have the money to get me the orthodontic help I needed at the “right” age. But as it happened, I came into some money on my twenty-first birthday, thanks to a hefty savings account gifted to me by my Godparents. Immediately wanting to splurge on clothes and accessories, I restrained myself and sought out a dentist first. Anticipating a referral to an orthodontist and some pricey, invisible aligners, I was flummoxed by the declaration that I’d need the metal type of braces. Apparently, my case was a difficult one and couldn’t be solved by modern aesthetic techniques. But I was looking towards the end-goal, swallowed my pride and got the thick wiring. For three long and painful years, I felt exceedingly unattractive. But now I had a whole new beginning. My imprisoned teeth were set free as of yesterday at 4:49 P.M. I finally had my chance at a utopian existence.

As I glanced in my new secondhand mirror, I quickly smiled at myself. This speculum was the only of its kind I’d ever seen - big and oval, with an intricate, metal trim of woven flowers, vines and leaves. The white finish wasn’t peeling or chipping at all, despite this being an obvious antique. Purchased after my final orthodontist appointment, I was curiously drawn to the elliptical object. Now it was reflecting back to me an ideal image, if I did say so myself.

Satisfied, I went over to my top dresser drawer, opened it, and pulled out a powder blue sweater that always went well with my pale complexion and ice-colored eyes. I wanted to look just perfect today. It was my debut; my first day with a smile that showed actual teeth.

Blackie jumped up on the bed and leaned over to nudge me. Did he notice the difference in my appearance? He was acting just the same as he always does, so maybe cats aren’t as shallow as we humans are.

Checking the time on my Apple Watch, I realized I had better get a move on. Being late for work wasn’t part of my agenda. I walked into the kitchen, swiped a banana, and took it with me into the bathroom where I proceeded to brush my hair and eat.

If this day were to go as planned, I had to do everything just right. Look professional, yet stylish if I could pull that off. Although the office I worked in at the hospital was small, there was one particular person I wanted to impress. So getting a good start to the day was important. Deciding on a simple, tortoise-shell clip to hold up the back of my hair, it was just professional enough while still allowing the majority to hang loose in its long, satiny glory. A touch of makeup, and another bite into the rapidly disappearing banana and I was ready to head out the door as the “new me”.

“Jessica!” At the sound of my name, I whirled around to find a friendly face approaching me. It was Alician, one of the volunteers at the hospital whom I’d befriended.

“Guess where they’re sending me today?” And without pausing long enough for an answer, Alician continued, “The Second Lunchroom!”

The Second Lunchroom was the name we’d all given the smaller, lesser known hospital cafeteria. It had considerably better food than the main one and nearly all the doctors went there. Including the one I was hoping to impress today.

“Lucky you. I’m stuck at the computer terminal in the billing department in respiratory,” I said with disdain. “Not too many people will see me there,” I added with a wry smile.

Alician smiled compassionately, her brown eyes shining and said, “Cheer up, Buttercup! Today I’m going to meet the professional man of my dreams! Just you wait and see!”

“You have all the fun,” I frowned slightly. “I’ll be working my fingers to the bone.”

“I know,” she said, unfazed. “But you can live through me when I tell you all about it!”

“Uh, sure.” I glanced at my watch. “Well, have fun Alician. I have to get going. Catch you later.”

On the way to the elevator, there was a ladies’ room. I couldn’t resist stepping inside to glance in the mirror. My golden hair was shining and I looked good. Not quite as glowing as in my looking glass at home, but I attributed that to the grueling day ahead. Being wedged behind a screen all day wasn’t going to be fun.

* * * * * * * * *

After work, I decided to walk past the Second Lunchroom. It closed early and the lights were off and doors locked. Alician was nowhere in sight.

Just then, I saw Dr. Andrew Shaw, the man who I wanted to notice me. Here was my perfect opportunity.

“Hello Dr. Shaw!” I called out to the handsome neurologist.

“Oh, yes, hi…umm…”

“Jessica,” I tried to hide my growing annoyance and smiled at him because now I could.

“Right, Jessica,” said Andrew Shaw with disinterest. With a dismissive wave, he walked off without looking back.

Defeated, I considered that maybe I didn’t look so great, after all. Damn it, my very first glow-up day and my life hadn’t changed at all! Might as well stop back home while mulling this one over.

Blackie greeted me at the door as I breezed through and I kissed the top of his dark head. Then headed into my bedroom where I went to study myself in my dresser mirror. Something wasn’t right, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on what. My skin was as smooth as a baby’s and there seemed to be a zestful energy about me that I didn’t actually feel. And my hair which had become really messy after the car drive home, was flawless, every strand in place. I looked too immaculate for the day I’d just had. It was making me uneasy and yet I felt captivated by this paradox.

Suddenly, my phone buzzed. Looking up to reach for it, I caught another glimpse of myself and noticed how brightly my eyes were staring back at me. They looked nearly aqua, something that only happened when I cried. I wasn’t crying, although I’d certainly wanted to when Dr. Shaw brushed me off. I felt a hard shiver of fear run through me.

“H-hello?” I managed to say into my phone.

“Jess, it’s Madison. I know it’s last minute, but would you like to go to the mall with me in about an hour? We can grab a bite there, too.”

At that particular moment, I realized that I’d have done anything to get out of that house. The air felt thick with tension and…something else a little less tangible.

* * * * * * * * *

The shopping trip was just what I needed. Madison’s fun and mischievous ways immediately melted my tension. She even suggested a free makeup sitting at our favorite department store, Crawford’s. The mall must’ve disheveled me a little since my hair was all tangled again. The makeup lady mentioned how smudged my old makeup was as she started wiping my face clean for her cosmetic masterpiece.

Emerging from Crawford’s, Madison and I both loved our results. We took tons of selfies as we stuffed our faces, gossiped and showed our new purchases off. Finally, we each lightheartedly set off towards home.

Upon my return, I dropped my bags onto the floor, hurrying to examine my expertly applied cosmetics. Heading towards the bathroom vanity, I stopped. I felt this strange, almost magnetic pull towards the other mirror. The one in my room. I couldn’t seem to resist and dazedly followed this unspoken command.

The reflection in the inviting glass was breathtaking. My professional makeover had looked lovely at the mall, but now I looked positively airbrushed. And it wasn’t just makeup, either. Flawless skin, bright eyes (and I still wasn’t crying) and perfectly coiffed hair. There even appeared to be new highlights growing in, reflecting off the light in just the right places. I referred to my selfies from the mall to try to understand this bizarre situation. Pretty. They really were. But they looked much more like me. Now…before my glorious mirror I looked like myself…upgraded. Kind of like influencers did when they had heavy filters on. Was this a Smart Mirror? Did it have filters in it somehow? Was there even such a thing? Surely this wasn’t a new piece, but a classic one, so even if Smart technology did exist in this form, it wouldn’t have shown up here. The divine vision before me stirred me; growing feelings of both horror and awe.

I lifted the box in which my vintage mirror had been carefully packed. And then reached way down, feeling around for the receipt in case it had the manufacturer’s name. To my surprise, I felt something else, possibly a pamphlet of some kind. Impatiently pulling it out, I set it down and started reading. And what the contents divulged made my hair stand on end. The mirror - this mysterious booklet said - was a one of a kind antique with mystical powers to enhance anyone’s looks.

Under ordinary circumstances, I’d scoff at such an absurdity, but this situation was far from normal. So I dove in and continued to read. This mirror has the ability to transform and create unequalled beauty to anyone who agrees to its terms.

Terms? I thought. Now what did that mean exactly? As I continued my research, the manual explained that with one prick of the forefinger followed by a touch to the glass, these changes would be permanent and not only reflected in this mirror. The alterations would be made to my actual person. Inspecting the edges, I did indeed see a tiny, protruding nail-like object. It was a silvery color that didn’t quite match the pure white of the rest of the frame. Could this be it? If I pricked my finger on this peculiar gadget and gave it my life’s blood, would I be as perfect as I’d always wished to be? With the kind of looks this manual was promising, I’d be the talk of the town. Dr. Shaw would be sure to notice me then. I’d have electric eyes, a cherubic face and perfect skin. Glowing, luxurious hair. A walking filter without having to actually use one. I looked into the mirror and now saw a goddess. Every look created more beauty. It was mesmerizing.

Grandma said when something seemed too good to be true, you could be damned sure it was. She didn’t mince her words. Was this too good to be true? Touching the cool, smooth glass, I imagined feeding it the fuel it needed to fulfill my own dreams.

The following evening, I met up with Alician. She seemed concerned when I confided in her some of my apprehensions. Extreme doubt was now planted in my head, so on the way home, I decided to go to the store - Milligan’s Hideaway, I believe it was called - to ask about their return policy. I drove past the bank and into the supermarket plaza where I’d found it the other night. Yet no store bore that name or any other, aside from the local jeweler. Two nights ago, Milligan’s had been one door down. Now all I saw was a dilapidated building with boards covering the windows and my stomach fell to my knees.

* * * * * * * * *

“Hi Blackie,” I said as my sweet cat greeted me at the door, as usual. “I’m taking that awful mirror back. What do you think about that?” he meowed his approval and nuzzled my cheek.

Trying like mad to avoid even looking at that deranged furnishing, I went over to get tomorrow’s clothes ready for work. I’d be early, I decided. Dependable. An admirable quality to be sure. But temptation took over and I found myself being lured toward the heavily feared object. Regarding my reflection in the mirror once more, I fell back under its spell. It revealed to me a sublime beauty. Who cared about being dependable when I could be extraordinary?

The words “too good to be true” kept repeating themselves in my mind. Looking once more at my enchanting reflection, I wondered if they mattered…

* * * * * * * * *

6 days later

Madison furiously knocked on the door of Jessica’s apartment. Met with silence, she decided on drastic measures to check on her friend. Walking around to the side window, Madison saw that it was partially open. Could she - should she - try to push it up a little higher? High enough to slip inside unseen? Feeling like a cat burglar, she decided that she could. Looking around warily, Madison deemed it safe and slowly lifted the window open. To her amazement, it silently complied and she hastily climbed through, falling on Jessica’s bedroom floor with a thump.

“Jessica!” She hissed in a half-whisper, “Jess!” a little louder as panic set in.

The bed was unmade and the cat, Blackie, meowed so loudly that Madison jumped a mile. “Blackie!” Madison was trembling as she picked up the ragged-looking cat, “What’s the matter, honey?” It was then that she caught a glimpse of a figure slumped over the dresser behind her. Turning fully around, Madison saw that it was Jessica and screamed at the top of her lungs. The girl wasn’t moving and when Madison lifted her up to take her pulse, she saw that this young woman looked like Jessica’s far prettier twin. There was dried blood on her hand and it was smudged on the mirror, as well.

Confused, Madison picked up her phone to dial 9-1-1 when she caught a glimpse of her own reflection in the blood-stained glass. She gasped as she studied the surreal-looking creature staring back at her and dropped her phone in astonishment. What dazzling vision was she experiencing? Her own prettier twin?

The cat jumped on Madison and momentarily startled her out of her trance. She searched for her fallen phone and quickly dialed emergency services when she suddenly caught sight of the owner’s manual. “Hello, whats this?” she muttered as she gingerly picked up the strange leaflet, once again dropping her phone. Madison felt as if under a spell as she read the pamphlet, studied the mirror, and searched for the piercing edge that could transform her…

* * * * * * * * *

Something was troubling Alician. It had been less than a week since she’d seen her friend Jessica, but she’d heard that Jessica hadn’t been to work at all. She’d called several times over the past few days and it always went straight to voicemail. Although not a close friend, Jessica was an acquaintance whom Alician liked very much. She knew that Jessica would never not show up for work without a reason or even a phone call. And yet no one had seen nor heard from the young woman at all.

Trying to think what to do, Alician wandered through the ER where she was assigned to volunteer today. Mindlessly touching a curtain, she was jolted from her thoughts when she heard a commotion at the entrance to the emergency room. Two girls in their early twenties were being carried in on stretchers and one of them was Jessica. Or she thought it was, at least. This girl was blonder, with the skin of a porcelain doll and, although lying down, looked somehow taller. And yet, she knew it was Jessica.

“What’s happened?” Alician yelled out to the EMTs working on the two young women. “I know one of these ladies! I work with her, we’re friends!”

The EMTs made Alician move back and did not answer her queries.

They rushed the two women past the main doors and Alician heard no more about it as she tried to work a torturous shift. Her tormented thoughts kept Alician from doing her job properly and she was told by her supervisor that she could and probably should go home early. “You look as though you could use the rest.”

“Oh, yes. You’re probably right, Ms. Westley.”

She turned to go. But once out of her supervisor’s sight, Alician spun back around and crept into the trauma unit where she knew Jessica was being seen.

Finding her room, Alician crept in and looked at her friend’s face. She touched it ever so gently and Jessica opened her electric blue eyes.

“Jess!” cried Alician in relief. But Jessica was weak. Barely able to even mumble Alician’s name.

“How can you look so vibrant and beautiful in such a frail state?” Alician wondered silently. Then she remembered the conversation they’d had last week. The unbelievable occurrences that Jessica had recounted to her. Alician hadn’t believed it then, but everything fell into place now. She’d been right to worry about Jessica’s emotional state, although she’d misunderstood the reason.

And now, as her friend rapidly declined, Alician heard a noise from one of the machines hooked up to Jessica. She thought sadly, “I never knew someone could flatline so beautifully.”