The Forgotten Twin

Neglect

Liv

The sun was bright and warm with a beautiful gaze of colors simmering around it. It seem so unreal at first, but I rise my hand up into the air, with my pointer finger tracing the colors. Matching the lights of the brightness to the others and alining the clouds to match the view. It was a sight to be seen, I wish this was real. It seem all too comfy and safe to be real. That I know for sure.

I turn my head to see long grass and yellow and white flowers all around me. Rare purple, clematis follow along the meadow. Giving the feeling of home to seep down my gaze. Even the ground I float on to felt warm to the touch. A nice beam of heat that touches your skin.

I lay my arms out to stretch as far as they can go and I close my eyes. Feeling the warm sun shine on my closed lids. I empty my mind and see only a orange tint through my lids.

“This felt so good, I never want to leave.”

I move my arms up and down like I make a half snow angel. Feeling the joy rang around my body. I can’t seem to untamed my smile any longer. This was heaven and it was amazing to be at. The sun, the sky, the ground and light wind match their rhythms so well. It was just heaven on Earth here.

I can hear the light soft sound that chips along the meadow. It was a little humming sound that sounded all too beautiful. I press my lips together to hum along with the wind. Making a beautiful music together. And it was like it heard me. I blew some air out and a soft noise came lose, then the wind follow along with it own noise.

“Safe, warmth, joy.”

This was best way to enjoy a day, allowing nature itself take its course. Being one with mother Earth and her child was all we want from the day we are born. A full circle of a connection with her. Just full connected.

“Mother Earth vine with me and dance with seed your grow around me.” I spoke softy and it was like she heard me.

I felt the grass grow around me and I felt as one with the ground. I was the soil that feed the flower to thrive in this meadow. I can feel them and enjoy my present with them. The sky stay a nice orange, pink color and its warmth never left my gaze. I want to get up and ran around the meadow as long as I can, hoping the sun doesn’t set so I can never leave this place.

As I take in the over loading, inhaling scent of Earth I felt mother nature lift me over so lightly. Her touch was gently and firm at the same time. I can see a shadow take over my sun view, even with my lids closed. But she lift me up to my feet, and with my lid blinking to open to see the shadow figure. I look and see only a beautiful tall Sequoia tree.

It was beautiful and its red wood color shine perfect with the orange and pink in the sky. I walk up to touch the bricks and I feel the living beat within it. A smile broke out with a single tear running down my cheek.

“You are beautiful Sequoia, just beautiful.”

I open my arms wide and embrace Sequoia. This was one in a life time, and I swear I can feel it hugging me back. As I press away from her trunk I look around to see a deep hill going into the sky.

I look down to see that I was barefoot the whole time. I wiggle my toes with the soil and the ground move with joy with my touch. The wind blow and I heard it call me within the distance to run. And I did, I ran fast with my arms out and chin up. This was amazing. I thank mother Earth for this.

Thank you for your present.

“Today is gonna be the best day ever Livy! Are you excited?!” Mery jump up and down on my bed. Waking me up from my dream. Which was fine. Because today was gonna to be so awesome.

“I am Mery. Can you believe it. We’re 6 now!!” I got up and crawl out of bed to join Mery.

“I know I’m so excited for all the presents, cake, aunt Mabel, cake, candy, music, oohh and did I say caaakkkeee!” She yelped into the air.

“Hahha Mery you said cake like four times.” I giggle.

“I’m sorry but you know my favorite part is the cake Livy.” We both begin to giggle now.

“I know mine too.”

After we finish jumping all the excitement out. We got ready for the day. We brush our teeth, brush our hair, and put on our birthday outfits. I was so glad last week mother took me and Mery to the mall. And we got to pick out our outfits. We always try to get matching ones. Just in different colors. But this time we didn’t do that. There was this cute romper at the store. It was sleeveless but long pants. Had riffles at the bottom and it flair up too. It was in a cool pattern. It was rainbowish but swirl like. But they only had one in our size. And no other pattern too. We ask mother if we can order another one online or go to a different store. She said no.

**

“You girls can pick something different this time. You don’t have to match.” Mother said.

We pouted at the thought of not matching for our birthday.

“Elizabeth why don’t we get you a new shirt and Meredith can wear the romper. You can wear jeans with the shirt.”

“Why do I have to get a new shirt. Can’t I get the romper, mother?” I cried out.

Mother glare me a hard stare. And I tuck my chin in. “Elizabeth! Don’t be so selfish. Meredith had the romper first. Which means she gets to wear it. You will be fine with just a shirt and jeans.”

“But mother I don’t have jeans that fit me no more.” I tuck my chin into my chest and look down to the floor. A sad achenes hit me.

Mother sighs. “Fine just because its for your birthday. We will get you new jeans too.”

“Thank you mother, i’m sorry. I don’t mean to be selfish.” Giving mother a puppy dog face. I let a smile out. Happy to get a new outfit.

“Well come on girls, finish up. Aunt Mabel is waiting.” Mother kiss me on the forehead and we finish shopping for the day.

**

After getting all nice and dress we put on our shoes and walk down the hall to find aunt Mabel. She was the best person to do braids. She was the go to person for anything for hair. And she promised us she will braid our hair for today. We made it to aunt Mabel’s room. It was down the hall in a separated spot from all the other rooms. Father said it was best for her because it had its own small bathroom. And it was huge too, she had a small couch that she kept there.

Aunt Mabel is out a lot for trips. For what? I don’t know, they don’t tell me why. But aunt Mabel said it’s for fun or work really. I don’t know what that means because she gave me a wink when she said it. But I over heard her talking about her trips sometimes. And she always talking about a new boyfriend or person she spends her whole vacation with. She says she a free spirit gal. Still don’t know what that means.

*Knock Knock*

“Come in my goblins.” Yelling from a distances.

We slowing push the door open and walk in to see aunt Mabel dress so beautiful. She worn this long blue dress that hit the floor. It was short sleeves and had a cut in the middle at the neckline. It fit her body ever so nicely. Her hair was perfectly straighten flat and silk like aways. And she smell like rosy bubbles.

“Wow girls you look all grown up.” Turning away from her vanity.

“Thank you aunt Mabel.” We both said.

“Okay girls, take a seat.” Pointing to a bench for us to sit at.

We both seat down on the green bench she had on the end of her bed. We sat very still and patiently as we took turns. Aunt Mabel did braids in our hairs. Mery got two fishtail braids with flower clips. I got a half braid up do with a butterfly hair ties. The butterfly look like it was sitting on my head.

“I love it. Thank you!” I touch the back of my head to feel the butterfly and ran to hug aunt Mabel.

“You are so welcome girls. Now let’s go down stairs. I still got some goodies to bake for the party.” She makes the best treats ever. She lives for the kitchen with her magic baking skills.

We all made our way down the stairs and aunt Mabel walks into the kitchen to do what she had to do. Mery and I went to the living and just watch tv. We waited until we hear people coming into the house. Once one group of people came another did and another. That’s what we normally do. But not this time.

When we got to the couch and flip through the channels. There wasn’t anything good on so we put on our favorite movie. Mother walk over to us and told us to help set up the tables.

“Meredith will you please go help your father with the table setting.” Mery nod back at mother with a smile and skip outside to help father.

“Elizabeth will you please sweep up the floor and make sure there’s no trash or debris. Everyone will be here soon.” Mother said to me.

“Yes mother.” I went on to grab the broom and sweep up just as mother said so.

After a few short hours. People started to come in. Wasn’t a lot of people this time but we were still very happy for them to come. Mainly everyone that had came were just the closest friends, we didn’t have much family but Mable. Besides that everyone that came mainly had kids so we didn’t notices the less family members.

Mery and I both greeted everyone who came with hugs and kisses. And with our dear friends. We went out to the back and play. We got a soccer ball and kick it around and even play hide and seek too. And when we all got tired after running and playing so much. We all came inside to grab some snacks and drinks.

“Come on I saw some brownies on the table!” A girl said.

“Forget the brownies I saw goodie bags fill with candy and toys!” A older boy said.

“Why don’t we grab both and head back outside.” I told them.

“Yeah.” Everyone nod and said.

We slowly move around all the people as they were just chatting along the house with loud music playing. Mother had a small table on the far end of the house. She kept all the good stuff inside. Which means, there’s sweets and goodie bags and even soda.

Outdoor tables was just fruits and chips. And father had cooked up some burgers with chicken salad on the side. And then there was a salad. Gross. Who puts out a salad for a kids party.

When we finally made it to the table we all grab what we wanted and try to sneak our way back out. But right before we could slip out to the outdoors, away from everyone. The screen door shuts on us and we all stop in place with shock on our faces. We all look at each other and knew we had been caught. As we raise our eyebrows and gasp at the sound of the doors shutting. Some kids even scream or whimper at it.

“And where do you all think you are going with that?” A deep voice cracks all our gaze and we turn around to see who it was.

It was a tall bulky guy, had silk grey hair but he wasn’t old. I guess he dye it grey, I don’t know. But as we turn we knew who he was.

“You guys know Sage would be so mad to see you eating that junk right now. That’s suppose to be after the cake.” Said the man.

“We know Danny!” I said looking guilty.

“You guys should of came in a smaller group, harder to be spotted. Or if you could, you can make yourselves invisible.” Widen his eyes at us.

“We can do that?” A boy said in shock.

“Ohh yeah for sure, it takes a strong witch to do it. But together and in a small group. You guys would of been fine.” Giving us a slight nod.

“Can you show us Danny.” Mery said with joy.

“Ohh of course, but it’s gonna cost you a brownie or two.” We all giggle at him as he made a silly face at us.

Then we heard aunt Mabel coming towards us and placing a hand on Danny’s shoulders. “Danny I don’t see how you are so fit when you eat like garbage truck?!” She scowls at him.

“Well maybe if you didn’t cook so damn good, I wouldn’t be tempted to eat it so much” He said with a wink. And she roll her eyes at him.

“Oohhh you swear Danny!!” A little boy said.

Aunt Mabel shook her head and we laugh. “Here Danny, now shut up and leave the kids alone,” she uses her skill to levitated a plate of goodies for Danny to eat. He didn’t say nothing back at her beside let a smirk on his face. And she hid a smile.

There was something between those two but they never act on it. I think they are in love but the are not mates. I guess that’s what’s stoping them really. It’s a shame. I think they would be good for each other. I think at one point the Goddess will match them up.

Time went by as we all enjoy the party and spend time with our love ones.

“Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to you

Happy birthday to Meredith

and Elizabeth

Happy birthday to you!!”

Crowd of our love ones all gather together to celebrate mine and my sister’s birthday. This was one of our favorite time of the year. It was like another big Christmas morning. But only we get to open gifts and get to have our own cake to blow. Everyone else will gather around our small village. We’ll be outdoors running with all the other kids. Smiling, laughing, dancing, memories and more.

But this year was different. We didn’t do our usual birthday dash. Mother said time was getting tough for the coven and now that we are big girls. We should understand that the coven comes first. Mery and I didn’t mind having a smaller party. But I thought at least everything else will be the same.

But I was wrong. Everything was slowing becoming different lately. This special day didn’t feel as special as it use too. Well at least not for me it didn’t. When it come to our birthday cakes. Mery and I will get our own cakes. But this time we only got one cake to share. I didn’t say anything about it. I was scared mother may yell at me for being selfish again. So I bite my tongue on it.

We both held hands as we close our eyes and made a wish. Than lean forward and blow out the candles together. After everyone had their cake and all the kids ran through their sugar high. We all gather up outside on the porch. There were two sections for presents. One was mine and one was Mery’s. We stand together holding the urge to jump with excitement. All we wanted to do so bad was to rip open every gift and start playing with all our toys.

“Okay girls. So to make things easy this time. We had everyone wrap your gifts in one color for the each of you.” Father said and we both glance at the gifts to see the two different colors.

“Okay so heres all Meredith’s presents. Everything is pink.” Father points to the pink presents.

“Ahha thank you, pink is my favorite.” Mery giggles out.

“And Elizabeth your presents are here. In the color sparkling white.” Pointing to the white gifts.

“Ahhh thank you!” I yelp out loud.

Mery and I took no time to unwrap all our gifts. It was everything we could of ask for. All the toys and beautiful pretend make up and jewelry. Well for Mery it was. She had lots of pink presents. All were different sizes. Big, small, round, and tall. I watch as Mery open up her gifts. And seeing her so happy with everything. Made me happy.

Don’t get me wrong, I was happy with my gifts too. All 6 of them. I can tell you what I got, that way you don’t think i’m not grateful. Because I am grateful for everything. I got two dolls, three pairs of socks, and a new farm animal jacket.

“Elizabeth will you please help grab all the wrapping paper and put it away.” Mother whisper to me.

I went inside to grab a trash bag and help gather all the wrapping. No one helped me, I had to do it all myself. I mean mother did for a little but she ask me to help with other stuff afterwards. At this point I was done with celebrating so I spent the rest of the day cleaning up. I grab all the empty, half fill plates, and rabbis that was thrown on the floor. I even went on to clean the dishes and wipe down the the kitchen from all the cooking.

“No one even notices i’m not there. Playing with all the other kids.” I tell myself. I had a sad grin on. I wanted to cry. Watching everyone carry on. But I knew if I get caught being selfish I would just get in trouble. So I held my true emotions back.

“At least I got some new stuff.” Smiling as I put some left over food away.

After another two hours gone by, everyone slowly started to leave the house. I hug and said goodbye to everyone. Making sure they all had left with smiles on their faces.

“I’m glad they had fun.” Looking out the side window.

“Livy, where were you? I couldn’t find you all night? Why you left me?” Mery walk over to me with a sad look.

“I’m sorry Mery, I was just helping inside. Cleaning up and all.” Giving her a smile. I don’t want her to be sad on her birthday.

“Did you had fun today Livy? Cause I did, it was the best ohh my God. I wish you could of spend the day next to me. You miss this kid doing a flip and all…” Mery went on to telling me all the stuff that I’d miss while I was indoors cleaning the mess.

“That’s great, i’m glad you had a blast.” I gave her a hug. Trying not to cry. I felt a odd feeling inside. Like something dropped. It hurt. But knew not to say a word about it. So I smile through it. AGAIN.

“But did you have fun?” She ask again.

Before I can answer father walks over to us. Asking the same question with a widen proud father look on his face.

“Yes father I did, thank you.” I lied.

In the beginning I was having fun. But after a while it kind of felt like the birthday party was more of celebrating for Mery than me. So I let her have her day. I would be glad to step aside to just see my sister happy. She was all I care about in this world. Without her, I wouldn’t be whole. All I care about is her happiness. I don’t like to see her sad or worried. And I always make sure of that.