THE TWINS

CHAPTER 11.

They say, if you can’t fight them, join them. June was Vanessa’s favourite and like a daughter to her unlike Brenda who was already aware of her position in the family. Her absence would mean nothing and she would just be someone who the family used to know. The new attitude surprised everyone including Alex who had all along trying to fight for Brenda’s acceptance in the family. 

“I am okay, thank you.” June said curving a smile. She too was surprised from that previous’ night encounter at the bar and the continued concern. She thought of Brenda as even better than she had imagined. 

She shot Alex a glance and smiled, he smiled back though he was not sure what was behind the smile. Ladies are complicated and just human as they come, they are delicate at the same time. Later, Ian, Alex and June made to the main mansion while Brenda remained standing at the same position. She was already home if she could say. Her head was heavy with sleep and hangovers but as she watched Alex, she smiled and unintentionally biting her lower lip. She joy and satisfaction she had that night was profound, something she had never experienced before. She just enjoyed how he handled her gently that night and the thought gave her goosebumps so did Alex. She could bet her life that another minute thinking about him would make her wet just like his touch.

“What is it with that smile?” Sarah who had been watching her all that time suddenly asked.

“Is it bad to be happy ma’?” She asked trying to avoid her eyes.

“Why do you usually forget I was once young and knew all those tricks? You love him, don’t you?” Sarah asked.

The question caught Brenda really unaware and she never thought opening up to her mother was the best idea. She had not grown close to her thus made her uneasy speaking her feelings to her. Like any other mother, Sarah was aware of how delicate teenage girls can be and she had to find a way to get into her daughter’s heart. She took her by the hand and led her inside the house without waiting for an answer to her question.

“Who?” Brenda asked as Sarah led her direct to her room. Sarah acted deaf for a minute and asked Brenda to sit or lay on bed. She obliged and sat while her mother too sat next to her then held her hand.

“Don’t you dare act smart on me Brenda. You love Alex and I have been watching you around him for the few days. You can’t control yourself from him but you still have the guts to deny? Do you know anyone can tell you two have something going on already? Don’t get me wrong dear, I am not against anything between the two of you, if it makes you happy then there is no essence of taking away your happiness and I cannot. You will be joining the same school soon and remember that girl June seems to have it all figured out unlike you and I who wait for that meagre salary for survival. I have always wanted the best for you and Alex is a good kid so I would be so inhuman denying you a chance to explore your feelings.” She said and Brenda smiled widely, a signatory smile she knew she had and didn’t mind rubbing it on everyone’s face. 

“I don’t know where to start mum but it’s true. I fell in love with him from the time he picked me at the airport, he was so kind, gave me his attention and time whenever I needed him and despite the few moments we have shared mum I want him and nothing else. I don’t know whether it’s stupid but I know he feels the same too.” Brenda said her eyes wet.

“I am against nothing between the two of you and I really appreciate that you’ve found love and willing to see how far it takes you. Go for what you love sweetheart and I believe you can make mature decisions; I love you so much my beautiful daughter.” Sarah said pulling Brenda for a tight embrace. 

Brenda never expected such a positive reaction from her mother, she expected being scolded and even terminating whatever she had planned to invest her precious time in. She felt so calm like she had never been before and was so proud to have Alex and her mother.

“I love you more ma’. What would I even do without you? I will take caution. I promise.” She said before they both let go of each other. 

“Let me take my leave before the goddess starts shouting my name everywhere. You know how demanding the woman is.”

“You are really strong to have stayed here without crossing paths with her. She seems the best in trouble making.” Brenda said and Sarah chuckled.

“Come on young blood, you have too much to learn including when to fight and when to run.” Sarah said looking at her daughter right in her eyes while patting her back at the same time.  

Brenda watched her mother walk out and her body looked still young. She had her mother’s hair, long and blonde and always in a fine and clean knot. She slowly laid herself lazily on bed and after a few minutes she was in a deep slumber. 

Alex and Ian sat together after June dragged herself to her room. Alex poured himself more juice and sat next to Ian with his legs crisscrossed. 

“Your deal is done.” Ian said.

“Yes, Brenda told me.” Alex responded without even thinking.

“She knows? How? Does June know anyone else is aware of that?” Ian asked a bit worried.

“Brenda is not a snitch and I could have also decided not to tell you too. She found the two of you and walked away so as she couldn’t interrupt and she really played it well since I hadn’t realized until she told me.” Alex said.

“God! That lady is a fucking genius. How could I not realize that? I feel stupid right now. Remember her mood when you both came back and how she has started acting towards June? She knows June can’t have you anymore and she has a weapon against her. Damn! That girl is sharp.” Ian said with genuine enthusiasm which Alex could clearly see in his bright eyes. 

“She’s a confidant, trust me.” Alex said in assurance.

“Make sure you don’t lose her and I will be here to make sure that doesn’t happen. Not even the thought of it.” Ian said and they both laughed.

“You want to act like dad now? Well acted.” Alex complemented and the laughter continued. 

Sarah who had been watching and listening to the two boys talking about her daughter and all what had happened at the kitchen cleared her throat to announce her presence. Alex and Ian exchanged knowing glances before Ian whispered something to Alex.

“I am guessing she heard everything.” Alex replied loudly making Sarah smile.

“I know it all.” She said. The startled look on the boys’ faces made her laugh even more. “Come on sons! You think anything can pass my eyes especially from you? Can you even control it anyway.” She said proudly and the two boys nodded dejectedly. 

Sarah wasn’t bragging just in vain since she had nursed the two boys when their tyrannical mother was acting supermodel in the house. Staring at the two handsome faces brought her memories of how their mother couldn’t even change diapers and Sarah had to always be there. Vanessa could not even realize when the boys had a fever and her husband regretted marrying her even if she had bore him baby boys. She made regular calls to the servant quarters for Sarah anytime one of the kids cried. They grew to love Sarah even deeper than their mother and Joseph was watching the moment. He always watched the connection between his sons and Sarah and he was never surprised. 

He was standing at the stairway and didn’t dare interrupt until he realized the magical moment between the three amazing souls was over. His sons never hated their biological mother as it seemed but there seems to be more than just biology. There is more to mother-child bond, that was evident since they could easily open up to Sarah and it never felt weird. Their mother detested people and for eight years she sent the boys to a boarding school and sent Sarah on visiting days and their father made regular visits to their school all along. He loved his boys and thus constantly amassing wealth for his boys. He loved them and didn’t mind rubbing it on everyone’s faces including the beautiful figure acting wife that lived in his house and the mother to the sons. He had imported a car for the boys after their exams and they never disappointed him whenever he trusted them on something. 

“Interrupting something?” Joseph asked and it seemed to have startled the boys but not Sarah she shot him an enthusiastic smile and they could see some similarity between Brenda’s and Sarah’s behavior when in some situations.

“I guess no, we were just having a chant with my bodyguards here.” Sarah said and they laughed in unison.

“They really like you a big deal Sarah. You always have their hearts.” He said taking a seat next to the boys. “How was the dance?” He asked. Their father was full of surprises. How he knew about the dance remained a nightmare and how much he knew too.

“Uh, I guess the best we ever had dad.” Ian said.

“You boys should have fun while you are still young. You can see Sarah here just spends her day here and can’t enjoy life. I think a party here will make Sarah dance.” He said.

“Can’t you ever let my mind have some peace without taunting me with these dances of yours? Do you see some bodies fit for dance floors?” She asked looking at herself before serving Joseph a glass of juice too. Sarah was always strict on the family’s diet and they had accorded her the mandate. Her dishes were the best according to Joseph. Unfortunately, his wife wouldn’t imagine losing her nails in fire. She really minded her beauty and personal space but ended up blind.

“Don’t you agree with me Alex?” Joseph asked. He always knew who to target when in a duel with Sarah for a win.

“I think it’s a good idea dad. She might have hidden a hidden talent.” Alex replied and Sarah shot him a glance feigning seriousness. “I only said the truth. You and dad’s girlfriend here can’t mingle with other human beings.” Alex added and Sarah ended up laughing.