THE COMPLETE TRUTH

Chapter 4

"His name is Jerome and he's here because he wants to marry you Layla."said aunt Mary. Layla and I were shocked. We were staring at each other and I was giving her the 'told you we'll get in trouble' look. " I don't want to marry him."said Layla angrily. "Layla, you've always been a brat and we've always listened to you but not this time. He's a good guy. He's rich and good looking. What else do you need."said Aunt Layla while making tea." No. I don't love him. I don't care if he's good looking or rich. All I care is my dreams. My career.I'm going to reject him now."said Layla.

Layla was about to leave the kitchen when I stopped her. I took her to our room and explained to her." Layla,this is your fault. You were the one who said that you love him." I said angrily."It was just a dare."said Layla."He doesn't know that. We know it's a dare but not him. Talk to him in private and tell him the truth. I'm sure he will understand and don't forget to apologize." I said calmly. "I don't want to talk to him. Dude,it was just a dare. It's his fault if he took it seriously. I am not interested to talk to him. I don't wanna face him.Actually I have an idea. How about you go and talk to him. Just a second."said Layla while rushing to her drawer."

"Here, wear this transparent contact lens."said Layla while handing me the contact lens. I wasn't in the mood too but then Layla insisted that I try the contact lens. I wore them and looked at the mirror. Layla was standing right beside me and we were looking the same. It was as if I'm Layla's clone. "Layla,this! We both look the same. Exact same!" I said while being amazed at the sight. "Exactly. We are identical twins. Without your specs, you look like me. Please do me a favour. Please go and talk to him. Please tell him the truth."requested Layla. "No, that's wrong. No! Besides why don't you go on your own." I said while finding my glasses. "Because I am bad at handling all this......I can't handle someone being vulnerable in front of me. I know I messed up but please help me. I can't tolerate vulnerability. It reminds me of the time mum died......Alaya,you're good at handling situations like this. Do me this favour and I promise I'll help you at the cafe for a week."said Layla. I was surprised. I've been asking Layla to help me at the cafe for a really long time but she kept refusing and today.... How can I miss this chance."Deal?" I asked happily. "Deal."said Layla.

Layla and I exchanged clothes and I wore her transparent contact lens. I was nervous but Layla motivated me. I walked towards the balcony and Jerome was there, waiting for Layla.... I walked towards him. He greeted me good evening and smiled."Why do you want to marry me?You don't even know me or my name.Marriage is a huge decision....."I said. The reason why I asked this is because I really wanted to know why Jerome wants to marry Layla. "Your name is Layla.I want to marry you because I love you.When I first saw you at the cafe,I fell for you instantly.Your sea green eyes.They reflect the innocence in you.Your smile,I was smitten by it the day I saw you.Your voice,one of the sweetest voice I've ever heard.It sounds like my mum's voice....I love you and you love me too. Remember that day, you said you would love to marry me. I've been thinking about this for the past one week and I've decided to marry you. We will be happy together. Trust me. "said Jerome. When I heard what Jerome said, I was mad at Layla. Now I understand why she didn't want to meet him. She actually said she wanted to marry him. Layla is in huge trouble now. "Um,Jerome....I....Look, you're a nice guy but I....." I was about to complete my sentence when Jerome's phone rang. He picked up his phone and started talking while I waited patiently for him. After ending his call,he informed us that he had some important work to go and he has to leave urgently. He invited us to his house tho. Aunt Mary agreed and said that we would reach his house the next day. I was upset because I couldn't tell him the truth.

When I reached my room,Layla was waiting for me. I apologized to her and told her the truth about not being able to tell Jerome everything. Layla seemed disappointed but she cheered me up and said tomorrow we will confess everything to him. The whole night,I couldn't sleep. I had a really bad nightmare in which Layla was stabbed to death. What if she actually gets stabbed. Do nightmares come true? Probably I'm just overthinking. I walked to Layla's bed and gave her a kiss on the forehead. "I love you Layla. I promise,I will always protect you."I said while caressing her hair. I still remember the moment mum passed away.