WRONG TWIN

A DRIFT

"L-Lily?” Vera stammered, voice wobbling.

Lily's eyes widen with shock and disgust. “What is the meaning of this? Have you lost your mind, Vera?”

"Hey, come on, sis—a girl's got to have a little fun occasionally. Don’t make such a big deal.”

Vera offered a soft, apologetic smile. King's eyes roamed Lily's body appreciatively.

“You're Lily Streford, the other twin. You look gorgeous tonight, miss—pardon the awkward scene; somehow I and your sister seem to have some sort of chemistry.”

Lily ignored him.

“Vera Streford, come with me right now!” She grabbed Vera's hand and hauled her away.

“Wait a minute! Let go. Can you please let me explain first?”

“I’ve seen enough. I don’t need an explanation. Why are you acting like this?” Lily’s voice was ice.

Disgust and hurt tightened Lily’s features; Vera’s brow furrowed at her sister’s tone.

“What's wrong with the way I'm acting? Why? You think I should be like you? Do you think you're better than I? Is that it?!” She moves closer to Lily, her arms folded with defiance. How could you even say that… to think he chose you.”

Lily’s words came out small, the memory of Raynold’s confession like a knife.

“Chose me?” Vera’s tongue snapped. “Whatever, Lily. This is my life. I can do whatever I want. I’m not like you, and I’ll never be like you. And I don’t give two flying f***s what you or Mom and Dad or anyone else thinks!”

Lily's expression changes quickly from hurt to shock. Vera's never spoken to her this way; was it really her fault? Did she overreact? Without another word, she turned and walked back to the event.

“Lily…wait…. I didn't mean…”

Vera's words died on air. For a moment she stood still; the realization of how she'd spoken to her sister hit her hard. Lily was only looking out for her; maybe she'd gone too far. She swallowed, trying to suppress the lump in her throat; her eyes grew watery with unshed tears. With shaky hands, she dialed a number, the only person she knew who could comfort her in such a time.

Kingsley watched the twins go, amusement written on his face. “See you again soon, Strefords.” He pulled a body mist from his pocket, sprayed away the lingering scent of s*x, and sauntered back toward the event, satisfied.

* * * * * *

Vera stood before the familiar apartment she had been visiting for the past six years. She lifted her hand and slowly rang the doorbell, waiting as she always did for him to open up.

“Just a minute,” came the familiar, sonorous voice from inside.

A moment later, the door clicked open. Max stood there—tall, handsome, and warm-toned, with tan skin that glowed softly beneath the light. His presence filled the doorway with that same effortless confidence Vera had come to know so well.

“I need you right now, Max.”

Her voice cracked; tears pricked the corners of her eyes. She pushed her way past him into the house. Max's smile disappeared seeing Vera distressed.

“Babe, did something happen? Why do you look this way?”

He follows her in and pours a glass of water for her.

“Don't ask me questions, just be here for me.”

There it was, typical Vera Streford. Max had gotten used to her, to everything that made Vera, including her attitude.

“Here.” He offered her a glass of water; she calmly took it from him and took a sip. “Can you now tell me what happened?”

He settled down close to her on the couch; he took her hands in his. “I'm here to listen.”

“Just quit it, Max! Don't annoy me more than I already am!” She snapped. He stayed still; he didn't move; he didn't get angry; he was used to this. He slowly pulled her into his arms, placing soft kisses on her forehead. “You're something else, babe.” He chuckled a little.

“I didn't ask you to hold me; let go of me.” Despite her words, she didn’t push him away; instead, she leaned into his comforting hold. Once again managed to soothe her aching heart.

* * * * * *

The drive back home was quite sad for Lily. Vera's words stung; she never knew her sister thought of her that way.

“Lily dear, you've been overly quiet. Is something wrong?” Her mother's voice woke her from deep thought.

“It's nothing, Mom.” She forced a smile.

“Missing your sister already?”

She manages a little laugh.

“No, she'll be back anyway.” Would she? After their argument, after her hurtful words?

“Your sister just had to ditch the party and run off somewhere. You'd better call her and ask her to come home immediately. I have something important to discuss with both of you.” Geogery speaks calmly with a tone of command.

“Yes, Dad.”

She responded.

If only they knew. Somehow, she managed to convince them that Vera got bored and went to see a friend; the exact lie should be to Raynold. She wasn't even sure Vera was safe, and that worried her. She was so worried; her brain skipped the part of Gregory's statement of an important discussion, probably work or something; she must have thought.