The Bad Twin (7 page)

“I didn’t mean to hurt her. It just happened.”

“Dear. I don’t blame you. I blame myself, because I should have stopped you from doing things to your sister when I first noticed it.”

“Mom. What are you saying?”

“You have always taken your sister for granted and treated her any kind of way and she’s taken the fall for you so many times. Your father and I didn’t put our foot down with you young lady and now look at what’s happened.”

Rose didn’t know if she should be angry or sad that Pearle was defending Violet. She was used to her husband taking up for Violet, but Pearle had always been on her side or so she thought. Upset, Rose said, “Maybe we should talk later, because I don’t want you to run your blood pressure up.”

Pearle responded, “I’m fine. I should have said something years ago. You need to stop being self-centered thinking that the world revolves around you.”

“It’s not my fault. You guys gave me everything I ever wanted.  As a celebrity, I’m so used to getting practically anything I want. What’s wrong with wanting things to go my way?” Rose asked.

Pearle let out a sad moan and shouted, “Lord help me. My child is lost.”

“Mama, why are you saying all of this to me? Why now?”

“Because child. If I don’t tell you, you will continue on the path you’re headed. I see how this rift between you two is hurting your sister. She loves you very much you know.”

“I love her too, but she makes me feel so… so stupid at times. She acts like she knows everything.”

“You need to make amends. Don’t look back over your life and wish you could have or should have done something. ”

“I know, but she won’t talk to me. I tried to apologize.”

“Try harder. You have a lot of making up to do. You slept with her husband for God’s sake. I would have beaten you down for that one, if I were Violet. She’s a better woman than me in that aspect.”

Rose was appalled at Pearle’s comments. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

“It’s true. You stole the girl’s husband and you really don’t want him,” Pearle stated.

“I do want him. I love him.”

“I’m your Mom. I’m not on the panel handing out Academy Awards, so stop the acting.”

Rose pouted, as if Pearle could really see her. “I love David.”

“No. You wanted David. I bet you right now, you wish you weren’t married to him. I also know about the fake pregnancy.”

“Who told you?” Rose asked.

“David told me. Right after you told me about your miscarriage. I called your house and you were out and I asked David why would you be out so soon after losing your baby? He informed me there never was a baby.”

“How could he? It wasn’t his right to tell you.”

“That is where you are wrong. He is your husband and he had every right.”

“So you’re telling me all of this time, you knew I was lying.”

“Yes. I’m your mother. I know a lot of things,” Pearle stated.

Rose pulled up in her driveway. She was exhausted. She said, “I will think about everything you’ve said. I’ve made it home now, and I need to take care of some things.”

“I’ll let you go. Don’t wait too much longer. You hear me.”

“Yes. I hear you,” Rose said, before turning off her cell phone and leaning her head on the steering wheel.

***

My life is such a mess. My sister hates me. My mom has turned against me. My husband despises me. The only comfort I get is the time I spend with Lance.  He’ll get tired of sharing my time, so I’m sure this little love affair won’t last too much longer. I need to be in front of the camera. It’s the only time I feel exuberant. When I’m in front of the camera, I can release and be who ever I want to be.

***

Rose got out of her car and went into the house. She dreaded what she knew was waiting for her on the other side. She hoped David was in his study, so she could slip into her room unnoticed. He was, so she walked upstairs and locked her door.  She showered and before going to sleep she unsuccessfully attempted to reach Lance. .

VIOLET

“Janice who was that on the phone?”

“I don’t know. By the time I answered it, they had already hung up.”

Violet got up from under the dryer. “It was probably a wrong number. You and my mom are the only two people I care to talk to. I guess I better check to make sure it wasn’t her.”

She walked over to her caller ID and did a double take when she saw Rose’s number displayed. “She must have dialed the wrong number.”

“Who?”

“Rose.”

“Call her back. It might be important.”

“Everything is important to Rose.  I’ll call her on Monday. Besides, you need to take these rollers out of my head.”

“Oh, I didn’t tell you. You have to keep those in your head until tomorrow.”

Violet frowned. “Sleep on these? How am I supposed to sleep?”

Janice laughed. “You’ll be all right.  You won’t even know they are there.”

“Yeah, Right.”

Violet tossed and turned throughout the night. The next morning she woke up feeling as if she ran a marathon.

***

I need to stop drinking cola so late at night. I know I’m going to need some makeup today, to cover up these bags under my eyes.  What time is it? I better hurry up before we’re late for church.

***

After the church service, Violet and Janice were walking back to Janice’s car, when Violet heard someone call out her name. They stopped and turned around.

“Marcus?” Violet asked.

“In the flesh.  You’re still looking as lovely as when I first met you.”

He caught up to where Violet and Janice were standing. Marcus and Violet hugged while Janice stood in the background clearing her throat. “Marcus. This is my best friend Janice.”

Marcus shook Janice’s hand barely taking his eyes off Violet. He said, “I don’t normally come to this church, but a friend invited me and now I’m so glad I took him up on his offer. What are you ladies about to get into?”

Violet tried to remain calm, because of the butterflies in her stomach. “We were about to go to Roscoe’s.”

Janice used her elbow to hint to Violet to invite him, but Marcus invited himself. “Really. Do you ladies mind if me and my friend Terrence meet you there?”

Janice spoke up before Violet could say anything. “If your friend is as cute as you are, then no we wouldn’t.”

He laughed. “I guess he’s all right for a man.”

Violet jumped into the conversation. “We’ll see you there.”

When they got in the car, Violet turned to Janice and asked, “Janice how could you do that? Now he’s going to think I’m one of those hoochies.”

Janice started up the car and drove to Roscoe’s. “I doubt it. He knows you’re a good girl. That’s probably what attracted him to you. The suit you’re wearing, didn’t hurt either. My hat goes off to your fashion coordinator.”

They both laughed. Violet had to agree that with her hair down and curled, she looked glamorous and the sun was setting off her auburn highlights.  She was wearing a violet designer suit accented with small gold buttons and a floral scarf. The violet snakeskin three-inch heels showed off her shapely legs.

“I’m nervous,” Violet admitted.

“Just be yourself. After meeting him briefly, he seems down to earth. I’m glad, because some of those ballplayers can be arrogant.”

“Yes. He seems to be.  We’ll see.”

They beat Marcus and his friend to the restaurant. Instead of waiting on them to arrive, they got a table for four. . It appeared to be taking Marcus a long time, so when the waiter came to the table, they decided to order.  Marcus and a shorter man, who actually stood six feet two inches, but standing next to Marcus seemed short, showed up. “Sorry we’re late ladies.  Terrence needed to get gas along with the whole east side.”

“Terrence, this is Violet and her friend Janice,” Marcus stated.

Terrence nodded and said, “I’ve seen you both in church, but it’s nice to get a name with the face.”

“Likewise,” Violet responded.

Janice didn’t say anything. She twirled the straw in her cup.

The waiter returned to their table and asked, “Do you all need extra time to order?”

Terrence looked around the table and everyone nodded their head side to side. “I guess that means we’re ready to order,” he responded.

The waiter took all of their orders.  Marcus said, “Ladies, we thank you both for allowing us to be with the prettiest women in the City of Angels.”

Violet and Marcus flirted with one another throughout the meal. Terrence looked as if he was interested in Janice, but Janice didn’t seem too moved.  Janice fumbled for her keys in her purse and said, “Violet. I don’t mean to rush you girl, but I have to run by Nana’s house before it gets too late.”

Violet looked at Marcus and said, “I guess we better get going. It was nice seeing you again.”

“You’re not getting away that quick. You had me rushing to the phone all weekend waiting on your phone call. Before you go, what’s your number?” Marcus asked

After Violet gave Marcus her number, they went their separate ways.

“What did you think of Marcus?” Violet asked when they were in Janice’s car.

“I thought he was cool. I don’t particularly care for his friend though.”

“Really? I thought Terrence was nice enough. What about him didn’t you like?”

“I can’t put my finger on it right now, but when I figure it out, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Looks like we’re going back toward my house and not your Nana’s.”

“We are. I used Nana as an excuse to get away.  Two hours with his friend was as much as I could stand.”

Violet laughed. “I think you like him.”

Janice ignored her comments as they rode in silence.

Janice dropped Violet off at her house and decided to head home. “Ms. Violet. Remember what I said about wrapping your hair and wear the emerald green suit tomorrow. Good thing you know how to put on your own make-up, or else I would have to move in.”

Violet put one hand on her hip and leaned her head to the side. “Whatever. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Violet watched her as she pulled out of the driveway. After Violet entered her home and felt comfortable that everything was secure, she decided to take a nap.  After her nap, Violet couldn’t wait to start one of her Sunday rituals. She normally took Sunday afternoons to catch up on her reading and she had just purchased several books by her favorite authors the week before.  She reached into her book bag and picked up the first book her hand touched. She looked at the cover and smiled at her choice.   As she lounged on her sofa, she relaxed as she read Michelle McGriff’s latest romance novel.  She was almost at the end of the second chapter when her phone rang.  Violet marked her spot in the book and placed it on the coffee table before she answered the phone.

“This better be important.”

ROSE

“Hi Violet.”

“Rose?”

“How are you? I tried calling you Friday,” Rose stated.

“I’m doing fine. Why didn’t you leave a message?” asked Violet.

“Your answering machine didn’t pick up.”

“Oh, it may have been unplugged. Okay, so what’s on your mind?”

Rose responded, “Nothing really. I was calling to see how you were doing. We didn’t part on such good terms the last time I saw you.”

“When do we ever?”

“I swear you and David are just a like,” Rose commented.

“Excuse me. Thought I told you I never wanted to hear you say his name. It was my condition on talking to you.”

“Violet. I’m sorry. I won’t mention his name again.”

“I know you won’t because I’m about to end this conversation.”

Rose tired of the bitterness she heard in Violet’s voice asked, “Why are you being so difficult? I’m trying to make up and you won’t give our relationship a chance.”

“I’ve given our relationship plenty of chances. You are the one who keeps messing it up. Look I had a pleasant day and I want to end it on a pleasant note. This conversation is over. Bye,” Violet said before slamming the phone down.

Rose was left holding the phone, as she heard the loud sound of a click from Violet’s end.

***

Why do I even try?  I can’t make her talk to me. If she wants to talk, she’ll have to call me. I have better things to do. Such as, figure out why I keep gaining weight, because I’ve been working out every day. I’m too young for my body to be going through this many changes.

***