A Different Light: A Short Story

                                                                   -A Different Light:A Short Story-  

  Mary’s heard time and time again about her relationship with her brother, Alfred, and how they were too close, but she thought nothing of it. That was her fraternal twin, after all. Even family that were careful not to gossip about anyone or anything had to admit the two were practically inseparable. They could finish each other’s sentences without any rehearsal, and they did…everyday. Mary’s rosy complexion matched Alfred’s dirty-blonde hair, and his charismatic personality matched her quirky, awkward, but sweet persona. Everything about the twins flowed perfectly, as if they were to two wild rivers separately, but when joined together to form one calm, steady, peaceful stream. Without one, the other was just not up to par. Soon enough, time surpassed life and both Alfred and Mary were waving back to their parents, bidding their last remarks before tears overwhelmed them all. The whole family divided, even the twins. He went to Eastwood University , and she walked her own path into Annatra Lauter College . The two schools were a lengthy distance from each other, becoming an 857 mile obstacle for the pair to overcome. While Alfred became busier by the week caring for a great social life, along with healthy grades, Mary opted just for exceptional grades. Autumn passed, families were reunited, maps became less complicated, and life was gracefully passing by, until Mary arrived at her door. Wearily, she opened her dorm room door, dropped her study materials onto the carpeted floor, and launched herself onto her bed.

  “Le Fleur , Maine is having their own problems this evening, as local police struggle to find out exactly who is the ‘Maine Bank Bandit’. This man, or woman, has robbed at least 3, out of 10 open bank robbery investigations. More to come later.” She groaned. Nothing depressed her more than listening to the local news broadcast stations displaying the nations’ woes.

  “Le Fleur , Maine”, she thought. “What a funny name. Le Fleur, Le Fleur, Le Fleur…it just rolls off of your tongue. Ha-ha, Le Fleur...” As addicting, and enticing as the name was, Mary just couldn't shake the idea that the name was all too recognizable. Nothing bugged her more than knowing where she heard it from. The name just seemed all too important. Alfred! Eastwood University is located in central Le Fleur , Maine! Surrounded by more than 2 banks at least!  How dare she forget that! Mary leaped up, hurdled over her books, catapulted herself onto the couch, and snatched up her phone. Mary dialed his number. The phone went straight to voice mail. Was he okay? Did he make withdrawals during the robbery? Was he held at gun point? Was he dead? “One more time,” she thought.

 “Hello,” he answered.

 “Alfred! You’re safe! I’m flying to Maine right now!” she exclaimed, her eyes wide and bright with satisfaction and concern.

  “Mary! I’m so glad you called! Listen, there’s something go—’’, Alfred’s voice was cut short by another unidentifiable voice. “Listen…Mary. Is that it? Are you his mother?” Mary’s mind raced faster than a Bugatti. Was that the Maine Bank Bandit? Alfred was a hostage!

  “Y-yes! I’m his sister.”, she stuttered.

 “Mary, Alfred is a suspect in an ongoing bank robbery case. I am Detective Benson, the lead detective in his case, and I personally believe he is the bandit. He will await trial, and there is where the jury determines if Alfred is found guilty—or innocent—and for your sake, I hope he is found innocent. Would you like to come to the police station?” he uttered.

  “Yes! Most definitely!”, she answered “I’ll fly down right away!” Mary kept her word. She flew in the next day, missing class. The next few months for Alfred, Mary, the detective, and the city of Le Fleur, Maine, were very troubling. Mary absolutely knew he would be found innocent, because she herself wouldn't think of doing such a sinful thing, even if she needed the money more than anything in the world, so she knew Alfred wouldn't do it. They were the inseparable twins! The twins that finished each others’ sentences! She was confident that the case would end in a small matter of time.

  12 months later, Mary was more awkward and shy than before. She wasn't bursting with high energy like before. Her classmates wondered what was wrong, and why she was so silent. Her roommate, Stacy, wondered why Mary stayed away from her more often, rather than having Friday night bowling parties like always. She kept more comfort food in her cabinets and refrigerator than usual, and often kept her door shut. Rather than before the case, her door was left wide open, welcoming all walks of life. She had never felt so wronged, so deceived, so amazed at a simple concealment. For seven years, Mary would remain that way. Eventually, Stacy and all of her classmates just concluded that the new Mary was the real Mary, and she was here to stay.            

  When Alfred turned thirty, he stopped living wicked, but started to live righteous, sacrificing the remainder of his life to God. He was baptized, became a youth minister, and preached to nations about the message of Jesus Christ. Mary forgave him, and never again would he turn back to his ways of deceit. This world was not his permanent home, but he was just passing through.