Memoirs

The lesser of two evils

-Adam

"Samir are you going to take them to school?"

"I have a meeting."

"Ma I think I'm old enough to take the car myself."

"Bobby I don't want you hurting yourself."

I sink further into my seat as Ma caresses her greatest prize. My oatmeal didn't taste as good today and I flip it with my spoon watching a fat lump drop into the bowl.

Bobby leans away as Ma starts to dishevel the work of art he calls his hair. He spends around an hour perfecting each bump and curve.

To me it was just hair, to Bobby it was what could get him into an Ivy League college.

The keyword of today and the rest of the year. I wouldn't have been bothered about my parents spending every dime they made to benefit Bobby's career. It was the fact he used this to his advantage and my parents knew it.

I play with the white cloth Ma couldn't stop bragging about. Apparently our local supermarket was doing discounts.

We never had to look for anything with discounts but since Bobby's training was becoming more extensive and his uniform expenses were adding up. We couldn't afford anything without half the price cut off.

"Oh look at the time. You better get going," I look up thinking she was addressing me. Instead she reaches over placing a kiss on Bobby's cheek across the square table. I hadn't noticed that Pa already left.

He wipes his cheek when Ma turns to clear up the plates. Our eyes meet for a second before I look away.

"Ma I'm just driving like I have for the past year." He says his usual smile present.

Ma retreats into the small apartment kitchen. "But it's late and you've worked so hard these few months."

I drop the spoon, my whole stomach going sour.

Bobby notices his eyes going to my clenched jaw. He looks at me as he says. "I know Ma but you don't need to worry, I'm going to get into an Ivy League college especially with the grades I'm bound to get. Also coach said I was definitely in for a scholarship so I need to work hard."

I hated the fact he was enjoying this. I was Adam Sinclair the lesser twin, the guy that was chill and would never measure up to Bobby Sinclair the star player and all together smart guy.

I look at the watch Dad gave me. I have decided to officially hate my brother, now and and until forever. Until death do us part.

I choke out a laugh at the last part and Bobby's turns blessing me with a glare.

I return the favour and roll my middle finger until it pops out. I wave it at his face.

It was disorienting to see my face on another person who was nothing like me.

Ma comes out of kitchen rubbing her back and my hatred builds in ten folds. I hated the fact she couldn't say no, I hated that she had to suffer.

She grasps his cheek and places a kiss on his lips before shooing him away. He turns to shoot me a fleeting glance. "Want a ride lil bro?"

I bristle at the taunt and remain unmoving. He takes this as his cue to leave and I finally relax when the door bangs shut behind him.

Ma jumps at the sound but like always doesn't say anything.

I watch as Ma sets light to the candles along the patterned walls, the heavy scents brings on an onslaught of coughs. It was things like these that truly made me feel invisible, Ma knew I was asthmatic yet she refused to get rid of the cheap candles that burned too fast.