I'm not Her

Chapter 2

I went back in my room, grabbed my gray hoodie, pulling it over my head. England's nights were always cold, and tonight was no exception. I kept my black joggers on and slipped my feet into my old Converse, not caring to check the mirror. I knew I looked tired, but this wasn't about looking good-it was about finding Amira.

I mumbled under my breath as I headed downstairs, "That girl... I told her to come back early. Stubborn as ever." My voice was barely above a whisper, almost lost in the quiet of the house.

Our living room was dark, the silence thick, pressing down on everything. It was just the three of us now—Dad, me, and Amira. Mom had passed away years ago, leaving a hollow space in our lives. Dad, ever busy with his lectures and research, was usually buried in his books. Amira and I were twins but couldn't be more different. While I kept my head down, trying to keep things under control, Amira was the opposite—a messed up, always looking for the next thrill, free in every way I wasn't.

I reached for the car keys on the small shelf by the door. The cold metal felt solid in my hand. Dad trusted me with the car because he knew I'd take care of it, unlike Amira, who didn't even have her license yet.

Once outside, the chilly night air bit at my cheeks. The silence of our street felt heavier somehow, like it was holding its breath, waiting. I climbed into our black SUV car, tossing my phone on the passenger seat, and turned on the engine. The soft hum of the car was the only sound as I gripped the wheel.

I pulled out of the driveway.

Driving through the quiet streets, I felt my frustration fade a little, replaced by that nagging worry. That b***h drove me crazy sometimes, but she was still my sister. My twin.

I gripped the wheel harder, my eyes narrowing as I tried calling Amira for the third time. Nothing. Straight to voicemail.

"Damn it, b***h, pick up," I muttered under my breath, frustration heating up my face.

She wasn't answering. Typical. I clenched my jaw, confirming what I'd suspected all along—she was at Kevin's party, her boyfriend's birthday bash. That dumb i***t. She'd told me about it before she left, even swore she'd just be at some study session if Dad asked. But here I was, her "good twin," running damage control for her, covering with Dad. Kung ako siya ay hinding hindi ko yan gagawin. Magsisinungaling sa magulang para lang makipag meet up sa jowa-what a life!

I pressed down on the gas, picking up speed as I got closer to Kevin's neighborhood. She'd begged me to cover for her, promised she'd be back before it got too late. I'd agreed, thinking it'd keep her out of trouble, but now? Now, all I felt was that hot, boiling frustration as I thought about what I might find.

When I got closer, I pulled up to Kevin's house. The place was lit up like a carnival—neon lights flashing from every window, music blaring so loud I could feel the bass thumping through my car door. I spotted way too many familiar faces in the yard, all holding red cups, laughing like they didn't have a single care in the world. I stepped out, slamming the car door behind me and walking toward the gate.

People barely noticed as I passed them, most of them too wrapped up in their own drunken haze. There was a couple laughing so hard they could barely stand, and in the corner, two people were making out so passionately it was almost embarrassing. Well, normal lang ang ganito dito sa UK pero hindi ko parin kaya gawin yan. Makipag laplapan habang lasing tapos ang nilalap lap mo pa boyfriend ng iba. I shook my head, knowing my i***t twin was probably in some worse state inside.

Sana hindi naman.

I made my way through the front door, and the scene hit me like a punch. The music was loud, that heavy bass drowning out almost every other sound. Neon lights flashed in reds, greens, and blues, bathing the room in a weird, hazy glow. People were dancing, grinding against each other, and red cups littered every corner. The air was thick with the smell of alcohol, mixed with cheap perfume and sweat. Napangiwi na lamang ako at tinakpan ang ilong dahil hindi ako sanay sa mga ganito. I hate parties. Lalo na pag maiingay.

"Oh, hey Amari!" I stopped, looking down as Olivia stumbled in front of me, a cup of beer sloshing in her hand. She had that glazed look in her eyes, a sloppy grin on her face. She was short, barely coming up to my chest, and as usual, a bit drunk. She was Amira's best friend, and I wasn't surprised to see her here.

"Where's Amira?" I asked, my voice cold and straight to the point. I didn't have time for her drunken chatter.

She just smiled, looking up at me with that unfocused, happy look, and grabbed my hand.

"Come," she slurred, pulling me along.

I let her lead, watching as she drunk her drink and set the cup on a table as we passed. She took me to the stairs, passing through people, and I noticed that up here, the crowd had thinned. Fewer people. Less noise. She led me to a door at the end of the hall, and I felt a heavy weight sink into my gut. I already knew what I might find on the other side. Kinabahan bigla ako sa pwede kong makita. Sana naman kung nasa ganun siya kalagayan, huwag lang naka...argh nevermind.

Olivia pushed the door open, and I braced myself. But when I looked inside, the room was empty. I stepped in, scanning around, lookin' for my sister but before I could even react, I heard the door click shut behind me. I spun around just in time to see Olivia stepping up to me, that glazed look in her eyes again.

And before I could say anything, she leaned in, pressing her lips against mine. The shock made me freeze for a split second before I pushed her back, my face twisted in disgust.

"What the f**k! Olivia!?" I spat, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, feeling my cheeks heat up from the embarrassment and anger. She just pouted, looking hurt, which only annoyed me more.

"You're so mean to me! I just wanted a kiss!" she slurred, leaning against the door. "C'mon, five seconds, and I'll tell you where—"

I didn't even let her finish. I grabbed the door handle and yanked it open, ignoring her. I had zero patience for her drunken games, especially not now. This is the reason why I hate Amira's friends. Doin' this like it's a normal things?

I stepped out into the hallway, the door on the other side opened, and there she was—Amira, standing in the doorway, her face a mess of smeared mascara and ruined lipstick. Her eyes were red, cheeks blotchy, and her black hair tangled around her face. She looked up, spotting me, and her eyes went wide with shock. Nagkasalubong ang kilay ko dahil nadismaya sa nakita. Niliitan ko siya ng mata na parang hindi makapaniwala sa nakita.

Behind her, I saw Kevin, leaning against the doorway, his hand outstretched as if trying to reach her. His face was all fake concern, that stupid, smug expression like he didn't have a single regret.

My vision blurred with rage as I walk across the hallway. Nilagpasan ko ang kambal ko at malakas na hinuli ang kwelyo ni Kevin at hinampas ang likod niya sa pader. His eyes went wide, and he let out a pained grunt, grabbing my wrist, trying to loosen my grip. But I just tightened my hold, feeling the anger pulse through me, remembering every time Amira had cried over this jerk.

"What the hell did you do to her!?" I growled, my voice low and deadly.

Amira's hands wrapped around my arm, tugging gently, but I ignored her, my eyes locked on Kevin's terrified face. He opened his mouth, stammering, "I-I didn't do anything—"