Chapter 6

BRIANNA

We pass through the gazebo and it's not as tiny as I thought. It's spacious with fancy and comfortable couches around the room and mahogany tables at the centre.

From the gazebo, we head to the kids' playground and I notice it has taken a bigger space than I expected.

Then there's the swimming pool!

I don't dwell so much on it but I can't stop admiring it, together with its surroundings. It's a big one with several resting beds beside it. There's the adults side and the children's side as well.

It's a beautiful sight to behold!

***

Party time is fast approaching and most of the guests have arrived. Tiffy and I are helping the chefs in the kitchen while Brenda and are husband are busy welcoming the guests, ushering them into the parlour where the party will be held.

Tiffy and I are at the furthest corner of the kitchen, seated on stools preparing some salad. Since the house tour, I've been surprisingly silent and I'm only answering to questions here and there, rarely contributing to Tiffy's jokes and conversation. I'm deeply in thoughts and I can't place a finger on whatever it is that's bothering me.

It's like she notices that I'm silent since she stops whatever she's doing and focuses her attention at me. “What are you thinking about Brianna?” she asks me, concern written all over her face.

I place the knife I'm using to slice some lettuce on the table and look up at her, my eyes misty with unshed tears.

“Don't tell me you're crying dear,” her voice is laced with concern. “It hasn't gotten to that, has it now?” Her eyes are fixed on mine and I suddenly look away, certainly avoiding her gaze. I know I'm acting weird and I shouldn't be pulling this act at all.

I should be happy for my sister and instead of lamenting and wallowing in self pity during her house warming party, I should be thanking God for her! Here I am, all sullen and sulking, wishing I was her. For God's sake I know I can't be her....I can't even match to her standards!

Brenda is kind with a big heart, loving, caring and hard working. Unlike me, she hasn't wasted her youth indulging in bad habits and drug abuse! I know I'm pathetic and I'm not a match against her but still, I'm dying with jealous!

“Won't you say anything?” Tiffany insists as she places a loving arm over my shoulders, rubbing them lovingly. At that moment, a lone tear escapes my eyes and runs down my cheek but Tiffy doesn't mind as she wipes it away with her fingers.

I'm trembling as I sob uncontrollably, attracting the attention of the two chefs who are busy making some pastries.

“Let's get out of here before we attract more attention!” she tells me, standing up and holding my hand to help me up. “Let's go to the garden and talk!” she adds, pulling me like a baby.

“Kindly finish up whatever we were doing and stop lazing around!” she sends a warning to the chefs and you'd think she's boss here. “If Brenda asks where we are, tell her that we went outside to breathe some fresh air!”

We walk past them then past the living room to the main door. After pulling it open, we exit the house and that's when she loosens her grip on my arm then leads me to a lone bench at the farthest corner of the garden.

She helps me sit down then she sits next to me, releasing my hand.

“Start talking young lady!” she commands without mincing her words. She's definitely pissed off, wondering why the sudden outburst. I almost laugh at her seriousness but I think against it since I don't want to offend her any further.

With the back of my palm, I wipe my eyes dry and after sniffing in an unladylike manner, I finally gather enough courage to talk.

“Why me Tiffy, why?” I ask to her astonishment, making her to eye me in dire surprise.

“I don't understand!” she says in confusion, trying to place a finger on whatever I'm trying to say.

“Brenda, rich boyfriend, a big house, a company...why not me? Why her? Is she better than I am?” I finally let it out of my chest, still sobbing silently.

“Don't be silly Brianna, your time will surely come.” she tries to comfort me. “Besides, everyone has their own destinies!” she convinces me but still, I'm yet to be convinced.

“Brenda and I are twins, born the same time, the same day, the same year, the same hour, are not we supposed to share destinies? Aren't we one? Didn't we feed from the same umbilical cord?” I'm just trying to prove a point. I won't let this go easily.

“Your time will come dear and you will eventually rejoice. Don't ever question your God, ever!”

“You're not helping out at all. I don't know why I even thought of talking to you about it.” I say, standing up from the bench. “Find me in there!” I tell her, pointing at the swimming pool and then I walk towards it. I better swim so as to relieve my stress.

“Wait Brianna,” she's now running after me. “I am sorry for not being a supportive friend and for escalating the situation further but you have to forgive me since I won't support you on this!” she says as she walks away from me, towards the house.

“I just want a good life, okay?” I shout behind her. “I want everything that Brenda has, not just the small apartment she has dumped me into!” that jolts her and she stops on her tracks, then retreats, walking back to me.

“If you're not an ingrate, I don't know what you are Brianna!” her words stink like a bee. “You have a two bedroom apartment which is not even yours. You live there for free and you every need is provided for. Instead of being grateful, you're here ranting and yapping like the ungrateful dog that you are...”

“Enough Tiffany, enough!” I shout at her, slapping her across the face, cutting her short. “Who made you the judge to my feelings and opinions?” I know she's speaking the whole truth but the truth hurts, doesn't it? I'm guilty as charged!

“You slapped me Brianna?” she's so mad at me right now. “You will regret ever raising your filthy fingers on me!” she clicks then turns to walk away.

For a moment there, I stand transfixed on the spot and I only run after her when it dawns on me that she might decide to go and sell me out to my sister!

“I'm sorry Tiffy, okay?” I say immediately I catch up with her, grabbing her hand and I'm glad she doesn't object. “I'm sorry I overreacted. I know I shouldn't have acted in such a manner yet you were speaking nothing but the truth. I guess you were so blunt such that I couldn't hold the reality!” I'm just trying to talk her out of saying anything to Brenda but deep down, I swear that I'll do something to get whatever Brenda has, even if it takes me forever!

“It's okay dear,” she says, turning to face me. “All I want is the best for you and I'm sure your star will shine one day.” she assures me. “Come here,” she takes me into her arms, hugging me like the friend that she is. “Wipe those tears honey, we need to go back there and party like there's no tomorrow!” she suggests as she helps me to wipe my tears.

“Thank you honey, I'm cool now!” I assure her and after ensuring that there is no any trace of tears on my cheeks, I wear a big smile and then we walk hand in hand towards the main door.

I've already resolved to party today and when I get back home, I'll have a lot of thinking to do.

****

Tiffany has been my good friend since high school though we lost touch when I joined college while she opted to work since her parents didn't have enough money to take her to college.

She took everything positively and she dedicated all her time on her job as a flower shop attendant. Luckily for her, the flower shop owner, an elderly lady took interest in her and she gave her a loan to see her through college. She enrolled for a two year course as a part time scholar in business administration still working for the lady and after acquiring her diploma, she continued working there full time. Having repaid her loan, she was granted another one which she used to start a small boutique which is now fast growing.

With the proceeds, she has been able to buy herself a two bedroom apartment and she's planning to expand her business and maybe open several other branches!

Compared to me, she's not badly off but most of the times she pretends to be broke so that I can foot her bills and I'm sure she enjoys seeing me spend my sister's money on her!