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Onika Maraj January 12
I couldn't even believe my sister was here in Los Angeles, and I hated that I got out of character because of her. I was pissed off-mostly at her for having the audacity to show up at my job.
The fact that she brought up my past so carelessly, as if it was nothing and as if I hadn't gone through a hard time during that period in my life... Having to abort a baby at such a young age wasn't in my plan, but it happened, and I've moved on. But she reopened that wound.
I sat up in bed and turned off my alarm.
Today was the day we were showing off our projects. I needed to get to the school a little early to finish up some details on my designs. I think I did well, but I was nervous and excited to see what others thought-especially my professor.
"Onika, are you up?" I heard Lauren yell.
I yawned and got up. "I am."
I went to my bathroom, turned on the shower, grabbed my toothbrush and toothpaste, and started brushing my teeth. Lauren came in and stood by the door, folding her arms.
I looked up, and she raised her brow.
"What?" I asked, muffled.
"So, I met your sister last night," she said. I rolled my eyes. "Why are you rolling your eyes? I've known you for four years, and you've never mentioned her. Why?"
I finished brushing my teeth and wiped my mouth. "Some things are better left in the past."
"Some things? That's your sister..." she said.
"Sisters don't stab each other in the back or do the things she's done to me. I don't care to talk about her. Lauren, I love you, but just stay out of it. I didn't mention her for a reason."
"Do you think there's room for reconciliation?" she asked. Lauren always wanted to be the peacemaker. I appreciated that about her, but it didn't work for me and my sister.
"I don't think so. She's genuinely not a good person. She's toxic, and I don't need that in my life," I said.
I stripped out of my clothes and stepped into the shower. I didn't care that Lauren was still there; she'd seen me naked before, so it didn't bother me.
"I just think that, being sisters, y'all should really talk it out. You'd hate if something happened to her, Nika."
"Maybe one day, but not today," I said honestly. I loved my sister once, which is why, when I got pregnant at 15, she was the one I ran to and trusted. But she ruined that trust when she stole my credit card at 18.
I wasn't even experienced in the world yet, and she left me in debt. I was hurt and devastated, and she knew it was her all along. She didn't come forward until I mentioned going to the cops and getting everything investigated.
