WRONG TWIN

HIS ARRIVAL

Lily sat comfortably on Vera's bed, flipping through a book calmly as she waited for Vera.

She couldn't help but wonder how Vera was able to get past all the guards in their mansion every single time she snuck out.

Vera eased the door open so slowly it was barely audible. The air in her room was warm, a clear reminder she was back home.

“You're late; where have you been?”

The familiar voice caught Vera's attention.

Lily sat at the edge of the bed, her knees pulled up close to her chest, her back curved, making her look smaller.

“Hey, sis,” Vera sauntered nervously to her bed, keeping a respectable distance from her twin sister; she knew what came next. Lily glanced at the digital clock on the bedside table and back at Vera—not in annoyance, but in a casual acknowledgement of Vera's excesses.

Vera slowly shifted closer after a tiny hesitation, like a child about to ask for something forbidden, wrapped her arms around Lily, and pulled her in for a hug.

“Come on, don't be mad at me, sis; I just went out to see a friend.”

Vera said into Lily's hair.

Lily sighs softly, “I'm not mad at you; I'm just worried Dad will find out about your shenanigans.”

“Oh, please.” Vera grinned. “He won’t. You’ll keep my little secret, right?”

Lily’s shoulders tensed under Vera’s arms. “Like I have a choice.”

“You're the best, Lily; if I were a guy, I'd marry you,” very typical of Vera to say it nearly made Lily laugh.

What Vera had tried to avoid still came after all. Lily began her usual sermon on how disobedience led to downfall and the rest. The two girls argued endlessly on the subject.

“Forget me. Why'd you call? What was so important? I had to leave Max to himself.” Vera shrugged off her shoes and kicked them under the bed without looking.

“Love what you did with my room; it's so neat,” a bright smile was plastered on her face. Her clothes, her bag, and even her jewelry went flying in different directions.

Lily stared for a long beat. “Remind me not to bother organizing your things next time,” she said. Her voice held a typical dry humor. She looked around the room she'd spent minutes organizing, coming down scattered again, all thanks to Vera.

“Raynold's back,” a little blush dusted Lily's cheeks on saying his name.

Vera paused, her lips curved into a knowing smile.

“I see, I bet someone's excited to see him.” She leaned on the doorframe of her dressing room, her eyes boring into Lily teasingly. Lily felt nervous.

“Don't stare at me that way; he's also your friend,” Lily's tone was defensive.

“Sure,” Vera said, tilting her head in mock seriousness.

“So you’re not excited? It just looks to me like you’ve missed him.”

“Maybe I have,” Lily admitted softly, “but don't make it into a thing.”

Vera hummed a teasing tone, “Wonder what he looks like now? He used to be a little wild with a splash of 'gentleman vibes'. You think he's still the same?” Lily stayed quiet; responding to Vera would mean constant teasing, and her fragile heart wasn't ready for that.

Vera grinned. “You might look like me, but you sure are cuter and more fragile, big sis,” she teased enjoying Lily's reactions.

“Big sis?” Lily smiled. “So you're finally acknowledging the fact I'm a few minutes older than you, dear sister.” Lily stood up her shoulders raised high with pride. Vera seemed amused. “You wish,” Vera continued, “just keep dreaming. We're twins, and that ends it. Now you may leave; this goddess has to take a shower and get her beauty rest.” Vera twirled like a princess, her hair cascading down her shoulders in contrast with Lily's messy pony.

“Before I leave, we'll be attending his welcome party; his parents invited our family to surprise him,” Lily said with excitement hidden beneath her calm expression.

Vera's eyes lit up on hearing the news.

“Really? That sounds fun. Don't choose your dress; I'll do it for you. I'm sorry to say this, but your simple fashion sense won't cut it for the party; leave the styling to me.” Vera struck an exaggerated pose, accentuating her curves. Lily gave a nervous smile. “I smell chaos ahead,” she said to herself.