A Love Not Mine

Fate decides

Paris opened the front door and went in. Both her mother and twin were waiting for her in the living room. She sat in the sofa, beside Payton, and let out a loud sigh as she bent down to remove the heels she was wearing and then rested her head on the back of the sofa. "So how did it go?" asked her twin as she patted on the sofa reaching out for Paris' hand. Paris rolled her head to look at her, "And who sent that message to Richard? Do you know that he almost gave me a heart attack! Whose crazy idea was that?" she asked.

Earlier when Richard's phone dinged, he read the message. After reading, he looked at Paris and said, "Now I know what's going on and why you've been acting weird" Paris was frightened thinking that Richard had found out what they did as she remembered her nightmare. 'What if my nightmare is coming true', she thought in fear and that's when Richard showed her the message in his phone. Paris saw the sender's number addressed as 'Mother' in Richard' s phone so she knew that it was Mrs. Randall. The message read:

 “Richard dear, please be patient with Payton if she doesn’t act as herself today. Her mother called to let us know that her twin sister is terribly ill and that she will be traveling back to California tomorrow where she will be living with her grandmother while being treated by their childhood doctor until she gets better. This will be the first time that the twins will be too far apart so she might still be processing the fact that they won’t see each other for long.

And send my greetings to her.”

After reading, Paris gave a silent sigh of relief as he gave back the phone to Richard. "You know what, let's call it a night and head home. We don't also want you to get sick a few weeks before the wedding." said Richard. Paris only managed to smile and nod as they both stood up and left the restaurant.

"It was your sister's idea and I think it was a great one too" said her mother.

"Mom! Toni!" called Paris in disbelief.

"Oh, come on Paris. Don't tell me that it did not help anything. I know you. I'm pretty sure you acted weird at some points" said Payton.

At this, Paris kept quiet in admit that it was somehow true. She looked around when her eyes fell on a small envelope on the table.

"And what is that?" she asked as she looked back at her mother.

"Plane tickets." replied her mother "Wait, so it was true about going back to California?" asked Paris as she picked up the envelope.

"Yes, except that this time it is Toni traveling not you" said her mother

"So why can't she have a transplant here?" asked Paris

"The doctor said that it would take at least five weeks to find a cornea donor and finish the whole transplant process if we wanted it done here. And you know that my wedding is in a month. So they searched online and the closest place where they could easily find a donor was in Detroit and he said that the whole process could end in three weeks. So I'd be back a week before my wedding" said Payton.

"But what if I mess up now that you won't be here?" protested Paris.

"No you won't. I believe in you" said Payton putting her hand on Paris' shoulder.

Paris sighed again and asked, "Does dad know about this?"

"We told him" Replied Payton. "Was he okay with this?" she asked again.

"well, at first he was like you but then we tried to convince him. He is still not really okay with it, but he will eventually come around too" replied he mother.

Paris stood up, picked up her heels and said, "I'm going to bed. Good night" and she headed off to her room.

Even though she had agreed to date Richard until her sister recovers, deep inside she was still not okay with it. And she felt guilty every time she looked at Richard.

Richard got out of his car and went inside the house. Her mother was inside holding a book of world bakers' reviews. When she heard the door open, she looked up and saw Richard coming in. "Good evening mother" greeted Richard as he sat down across his mother. "Good evening dear. So how was my daughter-in-law?" asked his mother.

"Toni was fine and she did act weird today. If not for that message, at some points I got confused because she did not act as her usual self." Said Richard

"Well, it happens. She will be fine when she learns to cope with the changes. Besides she is going to get married soon and she won't move in with her sister. So, it's better that she starts practicing living without her." replied his mother

"Mom. That was harsh, you know" said Richard.

"No, that's the truth and you know it." replied her mother.

"I kinda liked that kind of Toni though" said Richard. Her mother was amused by what her son said so she asked, "Why?!"

Richard sat up straight as she looked at her mother, "I mean; for once Payton Moore didn't complain about me forgetting to open the car door for her or anything like that but she complained about me not spending enough time with her."

Her mother smiled and said, "She's right though. You spend too much time in your father's company and almost forget about her. I would also get tired of that if I were her."

"But mom, you know I'll be in charge of it in a few days to come. So I have to start taking some responsibilities now" protested Richard.

"Okay, okay, I don't want to argue with you." They both laughed as they wrapped up their night and went to bed.

The next morning, Paris, her twin and their mother were all in the living room as Payton and her mother were holding some luggage ready to leave for their flight. In that moment, Payton's phone rang. It was Paris who was holding it. Recognizing her ringtone, Payton asked Paris the caller's ID. "It's Mrs. Randall" replied Paris.

"Take it" said Payton.

"I can't" refused Paris.

"Why not?!" asked Payton

"Because I don't know how to speak to her or what to tell her."

"Paris, there's no way out except to talk her. Sooner or later, you might have to meet her often. So, your practice starts now. Now, take the call" advised her mother.

"Okay, here goes nothing" said Paris and she slid the green button.

"Yes Mrs. Randall" answered Paris and upon saying this, Payton touched her and on her lips, she mimed the word mother.

"I mean, yes mother" corrected Paris.

"Good morning Payton. I believe you remember that today you have to try on your wedding dress." Said Mrs. Randall's voice from the other side of the call.

"I do?" asked Paris.

"Did you forget?" asked Mrs. Randall

Paris tapped on Payton waiting for her reaction on that information at which she quickly nodded her head in approval.

"Payton?" called Mrs. Randall when she didn't get an answer.

"Uh, no Mrs. Randall. I didn't forget. I will dress up and come at once."

"Okay good. See you soon then."

"See you" said Paris as they both hang up their phones.

"And when were you planning to tell me this Toni?" asked Paris.

"I'm sorry sis. I'd forgotten about that." answered Payton.

"I can't believe this" said Paris throwing her hands in the air.

"Just go to my room, open my wardrobe and there you will find a sky blue dress. It's a gift that Mrs. Randall gave me. That's what you'll wear when going to meet her. And please don't get mad. Okay?" said Payton.

Paris sighed and said, "Okay."

"That's my sister" said Payton happily.

In that moment, their mother who had gone to put their luggage in the car came back.

"Toni, we need to leave now or we will miss our flight" she called.

"Okay. I'm coming" answered Payton. The twins hugged each other, "Now go get your sight back and come back quickly before I mess everything up." Said Paris as they let go of the hug.

"I know. And you better choose a beautiful wedding dress or I'll kill you" said Payton.

"Okay, don't worry" answered Paris as they both laughed.

Their mother took hold of Payton as she guided her towards the car where their father was already waiting for them and Paris was left to go change and get ready to meet Mrs. Randall.

Paris took a taxi which left her to the Randall's gate. She had finished paying when another car came out of the gate and pulled up in front of her.

"Get in Paris" called Mrs. Randall throughout the car window. Paris opened the car door and got in and they drove off. Once inside the boutique they were headed to, a girl came towards them and greeted with a slight bow, "Good morning Mrs. Randall, Miss".

"Good morning. Please show this lady your finest wedding dresses. She's going to choose." Said Mrs. Randall

"Right away ma'am. This way Miss" answered the girl as she led the way. Paris was given some dresses and was shown a dressing room to try them on. She liked most of the dresses but every time she came out to show Mrs. Randall, she would shake her head in disapproval. 'Rich people choices are tough I've gotta say', thought Paris.

This time she put on another dress and looking herself in the mirror, she really wished she was the one getting married for real. "Poor me. Unless I get myself another Mr. Richard Randall there is no way I'm going to be able to afford a dress like this." she said as she turned to look herself at the back from the mirror.

The dress was adorningly beautiful and perfect. 'Alright, this time if she denies it, I am letting my opinion known and make sure it is heard', she thought to herself as she went to show the dress to Mrs. Randall.

Mrs. Randall was checking her phone when she came out so she cleared her throat to get attention. 'Sounds like something Toni would do to get her attention.' thought Paris as she waited for Mrs. Randall to look at her.

"For the millionth time Payton, never try to get my attention by clearing your throat." said Mrs. Randall who didn't even bother to look at her. 'Oh well, so it really was something Toni does BUT, something that her mother-in-law hates!' thought Paris as she mentally rolled her eyes at this.

"I am done MOTHER" said Paris emphasizing on mother to stop herself from calling her Mrs. Randall again.

"Okay, let's see" said Mrs. Randall putting her phone down, "Now could you look at that! Perfect! You almost look like an angel" cheered Mrs. Randall and Paris mentally rolled her eyes at the word 'almost'.

"We're taking this one" called Mrs. Randall to the girl who was with them the whole time.

That evening, Paris was home and she called Shea. She had two phones, one which was hers and the other one was Payton's because she was acting as her disguise to her in-laws.

"Hey, girl. What have you been up to? Last time I heard from you was two or three days ago." shouted Shea on the line.

"Good evening to you too Shea. And I am almost fine, thank you for not asking." answered Paris sarcastically.

"Almost? Why? Is there something wrong?" asked Shea ignoring her friend's sarcastic answer.

"Because life is not perfect Shea." Said Paris rolling her eyes.

"Okay, now I know that something is wrong. What is it?" asked a concerned Shea.

Paris was burdened by the whole thing of acting as her twin's disguise especially knowing what kind of family the Randall's were so she really wanted to tell it to Shea in thought that maybe the burden would loosen a little. But again, the thought of someone else knowing this apart from her family was even scarier than the first.

"Shea, it's not yet time. When all is clear, I will tell you everything" said Paris sadly.

"Okay, if you say so. Well, mom is calling probably because dinner is ready. Talk to you later. Good night" said Shea.

"Good night. And send my greetings to Mrs. Miller" said Paris.

"Okay, I'll tell her" replied Shea and both of them hang up their phones.

Putting her phone down, Payton's phone dinged with a new notification. It was from Richard because the sender's name was marked as 'Darling' with a heart emoji next to it. The message read: 'Good night Princess. Sleep tight and see you tomorrow.'

"Well, at least he knows how to say good night." said Paris as she put the phone down and gave a long loud sigh. In that moment, her father came and sat beside her. They were the only ones in the house because her mother had escorted Payton to Detroit.

"Father." said Paris to acknowledge his father's presence. She gave another loud sigh and rested her head on the back of the sofa.

"I can see that this is so hard for you." Said her father patting her on her shoulder.

"You have no idea dad" replied Paris sadly, "Every now and then, the fear and guilt of doing this to the Randalls and what would happen if they found out kills me."

"I know, I know. let's just hope for the best." said her father.

"I hope so." finished Paris.

Two weeks had gone since Payton and her mother had left for the transplant and since Paris had started dating Richard.

She was learning to cope with it slowly by slowly every time she was with any of the Randalls and tried to act all fine and cool like Payton. Mrs. Randall had invited her thrice to her home to teach her some of her baking skills.

"This feels like going live on 'Lily Bakes', one of my favorite TV shows" she had accidentally said out loud once. She quickly put a hand on her mouth and waited for Mrs. Randall's cold answer but much to her surprise, Mrs. Randall laughed at this and said, "You know, you can be entertaining sometimes". And she only smiled at this as they continued baking.

She had also gone on two lunch dates and one more dinner date with Richard. During that time, she had remembered to let Richard open the car door for her and she tried to be talkative like her sister to seem real.

"Only one week and I'll be set free" she said as she looked on her phone's calendar. It was early in the morning and she was sipping a cup of tea and beside her, the latest copy of the "Morning Breeze" was placed there.

She put her phone down and picked the copy when the doorbell rang. She went to open and much to her surprise, her mother was standing there. "Mother!" she said in a surprised tone. Her mother came inside the house and said, "Come! We've got a problem"

"What is it?!" asked Paris as she closed the door and turned to look at her mother. Before her mother could say anything else, the doorbell rang again and Paris turned to open again. This time it was her father who was coming straight from work.

"Okay now this is strange. What is going on?" asked Paris.

"Your mother called me and told me that we have a problem and that I have to come home right away" explained her father.

They both looked at her mother and waited for what she had to say.

"So we arrived safely, went to the hospital where the doctor had sent us and they said that it was fine and they were waiting for us" started Mrs. Moore. "Everything was good until yesterday when they said that there has been a problem with the corneas donated and that it will take at least three more weeks for the whole transplant process to end."

"What?!" shouted both Paris and her father.

"Yes. And you all know that Toni's wedding is in a week. So we have to think of something NOW!" added Mrs. Moore.

"This is crazy!" said Paris as she paced around trying to think. There were a few minutes of silence.

"So me and Toni thought about it all night and then we came up with an idea." began Mrs. Moore and the other two's attention was once again drawn to her.

"What is it?" asked Paris as she looked at her mother intently.

"Paris will get married to Richard Randall until Toni gets back her sight and you switch back." Said her mother

"What?! Now that's even crazier. You're joking right?!" said Paris as she looked at her mother hoping to see her burst out laughing with a 'just kidding'. On the contrary, she saw her mother's serious look and realized that she wasn't joking.

"Wait, you're not joking?!" she asked now with fear creeping to her.

"Yes Paris because that is the only possible way out of this." answered her mother.

"No, that's not true. There are way more other possible ways than this." protested Paris.

"Like?" asked her mother in a challenging tone.

"We could explain everything to the Randalls so they could postpone the wedding to another date. I'm pretty sure they are not that bad. They'll understand" answered Paris in a pleading tone.

"Paris, you've spent two weeks with the Randalls and you still don't know them that much? Postponing the wedding means a lot of reporters bombarding them with questions of why they postponed the wedding. Even if they wouldn't give the answer to that question, reporters are hired and called reporters for a reason, you know. They would dig and dig until finally they find out what happened. And before you know it, every newspaper and magazine's topic would be 'Richard Randall's fiancée gone blind a month before their wedding'. Do you think that's the kind of thing that the Randalls would like? Of course not. So they would detach themselves from us. So please, save your sister's marriage" said Mrs. Moore.

"Mom, you can't be serious about that. There's no way I'm getting married to Richard Randall. No." replied Paris. Her father was standing there speechless as he was still in shock of what was happening.

"Please Paris, Please." Pleaded her mother.

"Mother, I'm not doing that. Period" said Paris who was now angry in unbelief of her mother asking her such thing.

"I can't believe you're this selfish. I don't even know why I listened to your father back when I gave birth to you. I should have left you to the hospital or given you up for adoption. That's better than watching you let your sister down." shouted her mother who was really angry and stormed out of the room.

These words hit Paris hard and she went from being angry to being shocked and the only thing she managed to say was,

"What?!"