In My Sister's Shadow (Book 1)

11. Finding Answers

Who was Kash? Who was 'Jag's wife?' Why was she calling Zayn late at night? Was that the woman Zayn was having an affair with?

Searching for the answers I sat in Tina's lounge with five other mums from school for our weekly coffee morning. I noticed that each mum had her special 'thing' that Tina approved of. Tina was the mother hen, or that popular girl in school that every girl wanted to hang out with, and the guys wanted to date. Except, there were no guys, it was just a bunch of women gassing on air.

Standing beside Tina, was timid and nervous Ghazala, whom they nicknamed BF; meaning Big Foot. I don't think Ghazala had a choice with that unfortunate nickname, she didn't have a choice with much else. Strangely, Tina's five-foot one petite frame intimidated 6-foot-tall Ghazala. Ghazala was Tina's body guard with her broad Punjabi shoulders and large shovel like hands. For Tina's straight hair, combed to perfection, Ghazala eclipsed her with her scruffy greasy hair tied in clumps.

Ghazala was in awe of Tina, whenever Tina spoke, Ghazala's narrow eyes dilated like the Queen had uttered her Christmas speech. It was sad, but Ghazala felt privileged. I saw myself in Ghazala.

Tina's modern house was pristine and so impeccably organised that she could have served the croissants from the laminated floor and I would have happily eaten them. Everything about her home was tidy and meticulous. It made me wonder how she lived with four boisterous children and kept it this organised; even the toys were strategically placed.

On her hygienically clean dining table, a surgeon could've happily perform an operation on it. A linger of disinfectant lolled in the lounge. The wallpapers heavy dark velvety patterns ran through the carpet and curtains. Her black leather sofas were luxury that wrapped itself around me, sinking me into the seat.

Tina was preened to perfection, in her supper skinny black jeans and glossy silk shirt, she was meticulously groomed without a hair out of place as if her hair was straightened and glued with a fringe framing her small face. Tina talked about one thing; her family; non-stop. Ghazala constantly praised Tina and the rest of the mums wold follow suit. Tina must have said 'pride' and 'joy' maybe a million times. I sat and listened obediently supping my milky coffee.

Then, Tina gave us a walking commentary of her newly extended kitchen. Ghazala led the way opening every drawer revealing Tina's neatly piled knives, forks and spoon. Tina paused for Ghazala to begin a symphony of 'oooh' or 'lovely.'

When Ghazala pulled the tap that extended into an 8 inch flexible spray, Rachel-the cake baking MasterChef-complimented, 'Lucky you, that will extend in the hard to reach areas.'

Tina squealed with excitement. I bit my lip trying to keep a straight face

"Zayn did my plumbing!" Tina pointed at me making a note.

I cracked and stifled my laughter.

"Great job!" She gave a thumb up.

This was what coffee mornings consisted of; Tina's presentation of her house and her family. Half an hour into the gathering she took out leaflets ready for her second role; sales woman. On cue, Ghazala showcased the liquid, creams and leaflets. Tina was a Forever Living agent. Basically, she sold healthy living products from the comfort of her own home. Products ranged from Aloe Vera drinks and gels to essential oils. This morning she showcased an orange 1 litre gallon Aloe Vera gel. She poured the product into small shot cups and Ghazala gave us one to taste. The other mums hummed with agreement but I had to hide my disgust shuddering in my skin.

"Are you going to buy a bottle?" Tina asked as Ghazala held the gallon towering over me. Her monobrow puckered into a mean straight line as she glared scaring me to utter the correct answer.