Married To Two Brothers

CLAIRE I stood outside the manager’s office, my hands shaking as I clutched my apron. I had known this moment was coming, but that didn’t make it any easier. “Claire, can I talk to you for a moment?" My manager, Rachel asked in a firm but yet sympathetic tone. I nodded, following Rachel to the office. I had been to work again that morning, and I knew it was the final straw. “Claire, you’re a great waitress, and the customers love you” Rachel said, her gaze fixed on me. “ But your tardiness has become a serious issue. You’re late almost every day and it’s affecting the team, we can’t keep covering for you”. She added her eyes filled with regret. “Rachel I’m sorry.. it’s just.. My sister is sick. She’s bedridden, my dad is not in the right state of mind to take care of himself. I have to take care of her every morning before I come to work. Some days it takes longer than others”. I felt a lump in my throat as I tried to explain. Rachel’s expression softened, but her voice remained firm. “Sorry about your sister, but Claire this is a business and we can’t make exceptions, I understand that family is important but you’ve been warned multiple times and unfortunately I have to let you go” She said with an ought of finality. I felt tears prick at the corners of my eyes as I nodded trying to process the news. I had known it was coming, but it still hurts. This was the only thing keeping me sane and distracted me from reality. I thought about Blaire lying in bed at home, relying on my care. How would I take care of her now? As I left the restaurant, my apron still clutched in my hand, I felt a sense of uncertainty wash over me. I knew I had to get a new job. But for now I just wanted to go home. Even though home doesn’t feel like home anymore. Home is Blaire, my twin sister. “You have to marry him else your sister will die!” My father’s words lingered in my head all night as if losing my job was not enough for the day. “Claire I’m tired” Blaire cried out in pain as she vomited once again. Her whole body has begun degenerating, taking care of her at home after they couldn’t cover the medical expenses became more and more difficult, she was swollen and writhing in pain and suffering. There was nothing that could be done in the house except the surgery. If care is not taken she will eventually join our mother in heaven. I went off to fetch water to clean the mess my sister made. “You’ll be fine” I assured her as I cleaned her up, even though all I could see was death lingering behind her and I am the only person who could save my dying twin sister, my only sibling. It still feels like yesterday when my mother had just finished making dinner and had gone to the store just down the street but got hit by a drunk driver. Ever since then I have been the mother of the house up until now. It looks like it was something minor not until the consistent abdominal pain never stopped even after taking pain relief medication. There was hardly anything that could alleviate the persistent excruciating pain. She would cry from night till dawn but our father would pay little or no attention to her as his business was also at the verge of collapsing. Our once loving and caring father flipped a switch overnight and became a heartless man towards us; nobody mattered to him except his dying business and alcohol. And now the chances of my sister living rest upon my shoulders. “The operation will be done and you’re just going to be fine Blaire” I said, patting her head and trying to act as if I wasn’t choking on the smell from her body. Heaven knows how much I hate to see her in pain, I could move mountains for her but this decision is a lifetime decision that is going to cost me my dreams and ambitions I’ve ever had growing up. But I can’t carry the guilt of losing my sister knowing I could have saved her. Time is running out and the earlier I make the decision the healthier for her. Just then a knock came in, putting my thoughts on hold as I went to get the door. It was my dad, I opened the door to let him in. “Nah I can’t come in here it stinks” He blurted out holding his nose as he signaled for me to follow him outside. I swallowed hard as I tried to hide my face from Blaire so she wouldn't feel bad about his behavior. He never sent for us except it was important, ever since Blaire’s illness got worse he never allowed us close to him. He shut us out of the world and treated us as plagues. ************************************************ “Here she comes” His hoarse voice filled with pride echo in the air as I walked into the sitting room. He wasn’t alone. A man who looks twice my age and size was seated in the armchair. Mere looking at him alone you’d know he is money and money is him. It’s the almighty Lord Dawson Reginald. “She’s beautiful, her skin just needs a little pampering” The man said lustfully, his eyes scanning me. “So Mr Mason your loan will be forgiven and your daughter’s treatment will be taken care of…. “He continued speaking. “Sir my sister is dying” I said as tears rolled down my eyes and as I immediately got down on my knees. He looked like he meant no harm as he spoke except for the way he looked at me lustfully. “Don’t soil your knees pretty girl, your sister will be well taken care of. All you have to do is just say yes to me and everything will work fine in a twinkle of an eye” He spoke as he rested his back on the couch. My father looked unbothered by what was happening. “Yes to what?” I asked him, looking puzzled as if I haven’t been briefed about the marriage proposal yet. “Yes to forever with me” He said with so much love A slow frown formed on my face as I stared at my father, doesn’t he seem less of a man marrying me off to a man twice my age because of his debt and his inability to pay for my sister’s surgery, I’m not even of a marriageable age yet, I’m bearable 23. “No” I blurted out like a wounded lion. I couldn’t just bring myself to say yes to his proposal. Not to someone the whole city has nothing good to say about, rumors have it that his ex-girlfriend went missing after visiting him, his wealth and power makes it impossible to get behind bars. But saying yes is to save my sister’s life.