SINCE that day, my life has turned, and things have started to look up. Even though I'm still focused on meeting my and Jonas' parents' expectations, my once dull and monochrome life now has vibrant hues. I can't quite put it into words, but I eagerly anticipate this change every day—it's become a part of me, something I can't imagine living without."Jonas, just text me when you're done here; I'll be waiting outside," I told Jonas as we arrived at the bar.As usual, Jonas carried on with his own business, and I got increasingly entangled in covering up for him. Our parents trusted me enough with my brother that they stopped asking where Jonas and I were spending our nights as long as we were together.I know it's not right to tolerate my twin brother's behavior, but for now, it's the only way I can spend time with the person who brought color into my once-dreary world.Jonas just nodded at me, and I didn't wait for his response. Within a month, it became routine for me to accompany m
THE days passed quickly, turning into months, and I got busy preparing for my graduation in Business And Management, just like my twin brother Jonas. Our parents were very proud of what we had achieved, although they couldn't shake off their doubts about whether my twin passed, especially our father."We are so proud of you, Son, and that's my boy! You always make us proud, really, just like your Mom!" Daddy said once while we were on a video call. Jonas was beside me, listening. Even though I knew my brother didn't contribute much, and I understood where our parents were coming from, I still didn't agree with disregarding Jonas' little effort.My brother's face darkened when he heard our Daddy's compliment."Thank you, Dad, but you should be proud of Jonas, too. He also has good news for you!" I happily said, then hugged Jonas, who was smiling, "Right, Bro? Tell Dad and Mom the good news!""Hmmm, just make sure that's good news, Jonas!" Daddy replied."Thus, let Jonas speak, dear. I
MY eyes widened when I saw Jonas looking at us. I pushed the girl away while Jonas suddenly lunged forward. I raised my hands to stop him from whatever he was about to do to me."Jo-Jonas, let me explain. It's not what you think it is!" I quickly said to him, but he still aggressively pinned me to the wall.Our eyes met with my twin. I can't blame him, but I must also explain that it was all just a misunderstanding."Jonas, will you please let him go?" the girl who had been flirting with me earlier also pleaded and tried to pull Jonas away. "C'mon, stop that! You're making a scene here, and it is so embarrassing!"Jonas chuckled at the girl's words and looked at her."Wow, you feel embarrassed while I'm trying to let out my anger on my fucking twin brother seeing him flirting with my girl, but you never felt embarrassed while you almost kissed in front of everyone?!"Jonas's sharp glances shifted between me and his girl."Jo-Jonas, let me explain—""Shut up! I don't need your fucking
THAT night, Kaye and I were sitting on the hood of my car. I was thankful to her because, somehow, the heaviness in my chest lessened. I cried for a long time while Kaye hugged me.I really couldn't hide my true feelings at that moment. It felt like my heart was being sliced and squeezed, making it hard for me to breathe and my chest tight. "It's a Good thing Kaye was here; otherwise, I might not have been able to handle it, and who knows what would have happened to me."We gazed at the stars in the sky and the twinkling lights from the houses and buildings in the city. The cool breeze made me hug myself, and Kaye did the same. I felt guilty since we didn't plan to go here; it happened out of necessity.When I felt better, we drove to the highland part of the city. Kaye invited me. Now, we are silently admiring the city lights and stargazing simultaneously.A long silence fell between Kaye and me. One thing I also liked about her was her ability to listen well to me. She knew when to
A week after our parents died, I was caught up in their leftover responsibilities. We decided to have their bodies cremated because they were almost unrecognizable—wholly burnt. The wake didn't last long, only three days. The worst part is that my brother and I didn't speak. He refused to talk to me until after our parents' wake.Everything happened quickly, like a ticking time bomb, and I don't know where to begin. Jonas took the opportunity to party as much as he wanted, and I could do nothing about it. He's always been rebellious and stubborn so that I couldn't control him. He went wild and didn't care about anyone. I know he's still hurting, so I let him be.I continue doing what I'm supposed to—studying hard and living my life until I can stand on my own two feet again. The goal remains the same: I need to become what my parents wanted me to be—at least, that's the only way I can make them happy after everything. But there's one thing I must give up—spending more time with the pe
For the past few months, I tried to focus and keep myself busy with things that needed attention before leaving the country. I sorted out everything that needed sorting in school and for my sibling. I made every effort to convince the school administration to pass my sibling. Luckily, they accepted my appeal. Originally, Jonas and I were supposed to walk up the stage together. That was the plan before Dad and Jonas's falling out. I'm sure my brother has been carrying a heavy burden of guilt all this time. I can imagine how tough it is to lose someone without having the chance to make amends. I feel sorry for my brother. Even though my patience is thin, I'm the only one he has now. Who else will do that for him if I need help understanding him? It's something my Dad couldn't provide for my brother. Besides Jonas's issues, I feel a sense of emptiness right now. After losing our parents, saying goodbye at their graves feels like the end for me, and dealing with Jonas' anger is like a
After Jonas stormed out while reading our parents' will, he went MIA for a few days. I didn't bother calling him because I knew he wouldn't pick up, but I kept tabs on him as best as possible, with Alex helping me out. I handled everything that needed sorting out, and I'm grateful that Alex was there to lend a hand. He's quick and reliable with the tasks I assign him. As I was getting together for my trip abroad, Alex knocked on my door and handed me a brown envelope. "Sorry to interrupt, Sir, but here's the file you requested yesterday." I took the envelope from him, "Thanks, Alex. By the way, how's she been lately?" She's still in the same place, but as you told me, I made sure that the University she wants to study at agreed to the settlement you mentioned. Your donation to the school, the scholarship you provide, and the one granted to Miss Kaye have been approved. All the details are in that envelope, Sir." It answered me while pointing to the envelope I was holding, "They a
"YOU DON'T NEED TO THREATEN ME OR TO DO THAT JONAS." I calmly replied. I stayed calm while Jonas was getting worked up, but he suddenly hesitated in his reaction, calming down a bit because of what he heard from me.Jonas was surprised by my response. I could tell he was shocked because he had always thought I was competing with him and supporting what our parents, especially Dad, were doing to him. But I don't want to be like my parents. I'm not like them, even though I understand where they're coming from.That may be why I've taken a different approach than my brother. But just because I understand, it doesn't mean my brother and I, being twins, will handle things the same way. It would be wrong and unfair to expect him to do what I did.So here I am. I was already anticipating his anger about the last will, so I decided that if my parents were here, they would say I was 'absurd and out of my mind.' It's funny how I can almost hear my Dad's voice."And why should I believe you?" Jo