The Rules of Dating

Chapter 2- Behave like a Sister

Chapter 2- Behave like a Sister

Finish my degree in Fashion

  “Check”

Start my own business by the age of 22

“Check”

Find my Mr Right by the age of 23

“Oh, how I wish it was that simple,” I sighed.

The small bell on the door echoed through the building which drew me out of the list I was staring at I quickly stuffed it in my handbag the place I knew it was safe.  I flicked my hair back and ran my hands down my skirt to ensure I looked representable. When I walked into the shop floor I realised there was no customer it was my sister Gem sitting by the counter munching on cake. “Hey sis.” She mumbled with her mouth full.  I rolled my eyes at her behaviour, how many times have I told her to behave like a lady but she acts more like a kid. I handed her a tissue from the shelf below the counter, “How many times have I told you to not to talk with your mouth full?”

She shrugged her shoulders, “Too many times.” She retorted. She sliced the chocolate cake with her spoon, but before she could even put that piece anywhere near her mouth I took the cake and spoon from her. “Hey! That’s mine.” She whined.

“If you don’t want to learn to behave like a woman. Fine! But could you act like a decent human being in my shop! Could you imagine a customer coming through them doors to see you sitting there in your trackies munching on a chocolate cake, what would they think?” I asked in annoyance. I took the cake and dumped it in the kitchen at the back before coming back to where my sister was seated, “This is a high classed, respectable boutique.” I said proudly with my chin in the air. “So try not to come here looking like that.” I pointed my finger at her with a look of disgust. Gem looked at me blankly like whatever I said went through one ear and out the other. I cringed at how she was dressed in a white t-shirt which had chocolate marks at the front, grey bottoms that look like they were a size or two big on her with white trainers to complete the hideous look.

“What is wrong with this?” She asked. “It’s my day to laze around so why not wear something comfy.” She folded her arms in annoyance. “You know how every day I need to wear smart clothes day in and day out so I am allowed a break.”  Her blue eyes glaring at me.

I nodded my head in agreement, “Okay, but could you come presentable next time please.” I said.

“Could I have my cake now?” She asked.

“Yes but make sure you eat it in the kitchen.”

“You’re no fun!” Gem huffed before sliding off the chair and walking towards the kitchen.

I have always been a mother figure to my little sister ever since our parents passed away. Their death was a shock to everyone especially me when I realised I had to mature up if I wanted to give Gem a good life. At the age of 18 rather than having fun, going to parties, busting my liver with alcohol I had to instead get a job so I could save up and pay the bills. I was happy to learn that I didn’t have to give up on everything; I had the chance to finish my studies in fashion with the help of the University, who offered assistance with my study fees. I ensured that every obstacle in Gem’s life was removed so she could have the life I never did. At the age of 18, Gem had partied hard and was out nearly every night socialising with her friends. When it came to her education and career I made sure she had my support. When she announced one evening that she wanted to become a lawyer and she had already been accepted at university, I was extremely happy knowing that every sacrifice I made had paid off.

“I finished my chocolate cake.” Announced Gem proudly, walking towards me.

I rolled my eyes at her childish behaviour, “Would you enlighten me what you are doing here?” I asked curiously.

“Oh you know, I was passing by and thought let’s go see my big sis.” She mumbled as she looked around the room.

“I don’t believe a word.” I muttered.

She looked at me, “Okay fine! Jasmine rang me and told me about what happened so I came here to see if you were okay.” Gem admitted.

I waved her off, “Oh I’m fine. I’m totally fine.” I plastered a smile on my face to emphasise how fine I was.

“You do know I can see through that mask of yours.” Gem narrowed her eyes.

I ignored her statement and her narrowing eyes as I went around the shop sorting items out like nothing was said. However, Gem decided to follow me around the shop as I tried to block her out, but it was so damn hard as she continued to talk. “I know your upset, why can’t you just talk to me?”

“I don’t have anything to say.” I spoke with my back towards her. I continued with my little task of assembling a rack of sale items.

 I felt Gem grip me from my arm and pull me around to face her, “Why can’t you ever treat me like a sister and have a normal sister relationship? It always feels like I’m your daughter the way you act, for god sake I’m only two years younger than you. Only two!” Gem stated in frustration as she held her two fingers to make her point about our age gap. “I am old enough to look after myself,” She huffed. “You could express how you feel cause I want to be here for you, but like usual you have to block everything and fake happiness around me. Argh! You annoy me so much!” She screeched before stamping out of the boutique with anger raging through her.

I instantly regretted the way I behaved. Yes it’s true, I never behaved like a sister ever since the incident, I was so focused on making Gem’s life easier that I never realised the one thing she was in need of; a sister. When did I start acting like a mother? I will never know but I what I know is I need to stop behaving like this before I ruin the relationship with Gem.  I went through the bunch of lists to find the one I was looking at before, under  ‘Find my Mr Right by the age of 23’ I added another bullet point so I remember what I need to focus on to achieve my goal.

Behave like a sister (not a mother)

This is one thing I need to start building on in order to help the relationship between me and Gem. She is the one person I cannot lose, without her I’m nothing.