Sacrifice

Chapter 1

It's amazing how I managed to hold off the dye from my hair, and I was smart enough not to chop it off. I'll need my hair to be normal, the things I do. Seriously! Why couldn't Lenny be more creative like me, have some taste. I examine the pink dress laid out on my bed. Magenta, yellow, coral; the floral print swirling my vision. I don't know why Brandon is attracted to Lenny, I'm far more interesting, I'm different. Lenny's so busy she doesn't even notice him. Ever since he moved into town, I've been the one looking out for him. He visits Lenny at the coffee shop she owns and manages, but she never talks to him. Once I remember he even made up an excuse about his order just to talk to her and have his 'complaint' heard. He only talked to me because of Lenny, and all the invitations I gave him, he denied because Lenny wouldn't be there. I could say he left me no choice, but that's just being desperate. Am I desperate? Of course not, this is just my strategy.

Today is the perfect day to execute my plan. Lenny is meeting with a new supplier because her former supplier breached their contract, that'll keep her busy. I'll have enough time to meet Brandon at the shop and then go out somewhere after. I already have my excuse planned out from the night before, and I made sure I woke up early today. Okay, maybe nine o'clock is not early but it's definitely early for me. Even though me and Lenny are twins we basically don't see each other. Lenny heads out to work early while I sleep in 'till noon and usually start my day around two o'clock in the afternoon. It's weird to think we live in the same house but we barely see each other. As soon as I'm ready I head out the door. I want to make sure that I look exactly like her. Hair, makeup, clothes, shoes, and nails. Check, check, and check. Now onto the next part of the plan. I have to actually act like her.

Before I leave my car I take deep breaths and try to calm myself, impossible but at least I tried.

"Argh!" Damn these heels! I almost tripped, I think I might've sprained my ankle. This is way harder than I thought, probably should've practiced a little better. I head towards the double doors and reach for the handle, my fingers are shaking. There's no turning back now. The door opens but I didn't pull it.

"Lenny! Running a little late?" Brandon greets me with a smile. I immediately put my hands behind my back afraid he'll notice them shaking. I rehearsed my words so many times, but they won't come out. I open my mouth to speak, but he just takes my hand and lead me into the coffee shop.

"I had some errands to do, sorry for coming in late." I replied, making my sure my posture is perfect. Lenny's always neat and graceful and I must portray the same.

"That's fine I was pretty early." Gosh, his eyes are so beautiful and he smells so good. Minty and refreshing.

"So, uh want me to order you some coffee?" I snap out of my fantasy.

"No, thanks I already had my morning coffee." I think I said that too fast. Another thing about Lenny, she loves coffee, well she is the owner of a coffee shop. I, on the other hand, hate it! It's so bitter and I don't need so much caffeine in one day.

"How 'bout some food then?" he asks. I look at him with a smile, perfect! Now is the the right opportunity to leave the shop before Lenny comes back.

"You know what, how about we go to my favorite place to eat? I love my shop but I do get tired of the same menu I have memorized in the back of my head." Not bad, I think I said that with just the right pitch.

"Sure!" he leads the way and opens the door for me again. Fortunately, he doesn't own a car. He said he got into an accident before he moved here and he had to get rid of it. As I make my way to the driver's seat Brandon holds up his wallet.

"Proof that I can drive, don't worry I'll keep you safe." his license comes into focus. Toronto.... That's where he came from. He quickly snaps it close and I don't retrieve any more information. I hesitated but handed him the keys.

"I had to borrow my sister's car for today, my car's at the shop." I said realizing he might know Lenny's car and its color. It's a good thing I chose the same one, but in black of course. I settle in the passenger seat and have a mental war if i should tell him to go to my favorite place or Lenny's. She doesn't like sushi but Brandon doesn't know that, he doesn't know anything.

"There's this great sushi place not far from here on Montgomery road, Hanabi." I feel relief telling him something about me. Just this once can it be about me?