CHASING ME DOWN [COMPLETED]

Chapter 29

I didn't try calling. I knew he wouldn't answer. Jayla met me downstairs.
"Was that Myles? I called him to come over. I hope you feel better now."
"Are you kidding? I feel worse. He walked in on Shane and I."
"Shane? I never knew you and Shane were a thing."
"We're not a thing! Shane was just comforting me. I think Myles got the wrong impression."
"Comforting... huh?"
"It's not what you think Jayla. There's nothing amorous between us."
"If you say so, then I believe you."

I went back to my room. Shane was waiting for me.
"Jael, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for him to get the wrong impression."
"It's okay. Can you please just leave?"

*. *. *. *. *. *. *. *. *.
The D-day was here.
The last thing I wanted to do was party. But I had to do this for Jayla and daddy; they put a lot into this.
I was made up by a stylist dad hired.

I didn't even bother to look at her. I just sat in front of my dressing mirror and she got to work.
"Big day huh?" She let out. I was in no mood for small talk.
She made my hair into an updo twist with bangs. And made up my face with perfection. She completely covered my horrid birthmark. That birthmark really made me feel so insecure. I hated it.

I got into a grey shimmering high neckline halter dress. It fitted me perfectly. As I stood in front of the mirror, I beheld my reflection. It was beautiful.

I mustered lots of courage to overcome the desire to lock myself up in my room. Jayla walked in.
"You're ready? All the guests are in."
"What the-
"Mind your tongue."
"I was going to say 'heck'. Now I know how Myles feels every time I do that to him."
I was completely captivated as I eyed her from head to toe. We had the same hairdo, same shade of lipstick, same design of the dress, except of course the colour, I could never wear purple - or anything close to pink, for that matter.
"Holy guacamole! Jayla, you totally copied my design."
"Says who? I had my design picked out long before you even thought about it." She snapped back.
"Oh goodness, we look like clones. No one can distinguish between us now."
"Except for the colours of course."
"But how would they know who's wearing what?"
"That's their luck."
"I can't believe we picked the same outfit. I guess our likes and dislikes as twins are starting to align." I muttered with exhaustion.
"I can't wait to impersonate you especially in front of Myles. That's payback for Liam."
"Oh no you wouldn't! Besides, he knows I'll never wear anything this close to pink."
"I bet he never thought you'd think of straightening your hair but you did." She blew me a kiss.

Hand in hand, we descended the stairs. All eyes were fixated on us. I began to feel uncomfortable but Jayla gently squeezed my hand, reassuring me. We immediately went over to greet our parents and Jason.

I was so happy mum was here. I thought she'll stay locked up in her room.
"Mum..." I hugged her as tears threatened to sneak down my face. She cupped my face in her hands.
"You look so beautiful my princesses. Jael... I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry I was never the mum you needed. I'm sorry I ignored you and your sister. To me you were always the strongest one but truth is, you needed me just as much. I'm so sorry girls."
"Mum..."
"I just want to let it all out.... I had terrible nightmares on countless occasions and seeing Jayson made me feel better because I saw Tyler in him. But that didn't mean I loved you and your sister any less. I just always blamed myself for Tyler's death and how I took away his right to live. I didn't mean to push you away. I love you all the same and I'm so proud of what you've achieved my girls. God bless you."

She hugged me. I felt better inwardly. Those words meant a lot to me than you think. I've longed to hear them for years- that my mum loves me. Both she and father proved to me a number of times how much they loved me. They tried to make it up to me several times but to hear this from mum tonight meant so much more.

Dad kissed us.
"Happy birthday my princesses. I love you."

Jayson kissed us too.
"Happy birthday dummies."
We rolled our eyes simultaneously. Mum and dad laughed.

It was a picture perfect moment and I wanted it to last forever.

I spotted Myles and Jayla and I went over.
He looked puzzled, scanning our faces sternly, trying to distinguish between us. We stared back blankly. He looked into my eyes and a warm smile played on his lips.
"Jael." He pulled me close into a warm embrace.
"I guess that's my cue to leave." Jayla who felt like a third wheel got away swiftly.
"Happy birthday Jayla." Myles called out from behind her, still locked in our embrace.
"Thanks buddy." She responded.

He put me at arms length.
"We need to talk."
"Lead the way."