Riverview High: Circumstances

Brianna vs. Cynthia

Going to the den to talk off any problems that’s going on between two family members is a tradition in the Henderson household. It was so odd to me, yet I found it clever.  I felt like Mr. Henderson wanted us to kill each other for a second. He actually left us in the room alone with our hot tempers and huge egos. That’s a recipe for disaster!

He sat us in two comfortable reclining chairs that were across the room facing each other. Mr. Henderson then sat down on the couch in the middle of the room and said,

“I love both of you. I honestly do. But, you’re creating too much tension in this household. What happened back there may be the first time you two went at each other’s throats but your mother and I have noticed how you interact. We both agree that it’s very unbecoming of sisters.

“I know we have a different family set-up than from what’s seen as normal but we’re going to make it work. I need you two to squash whatever problems you have with each other. You two won’t leave this room until you’re happy siblings. And I’m not playing. If you need me, I’ll be outside.”

And just like that he walked out of the den. Cynthia and I stared each other down for a second. The kidnapping situation had really put us at odds with each other. She spoke up first, simply stating, “You make me sick!”

I chuckled, “Like I could care what you think! Since we’re supposed to be a family, where were you when those girls jumped on me? I know you heard about it. Did you even care?”

“Here we go! It’s all about you isn’t it? The world just revolves around Laruen! Mom and Dad have been giving your conceited self attention and you’re still complaining. Why don’t you just get a grip? Things aren’t that bad for you! Just a month ago you were walking the streets of Paris. Now you live here having our parents kiss your behind, only for you to disrespect them. So excuse me but I don’t feel sorry for you!”

I folded my arms and leaned back in the chair, “So that’s what it is. You’re jealous of me?”

She got up from the chair she was sitting in and aggressively walked over to me,

“The last thing I am is jealous of you! Why would I envy a girl who barely even knows herself? You’ve been living a lie your whole life and you know it. At least I know where I come from. You’re lost. You like projecting your pain on other people but you’re lost! Why would I ever be jealous of you?”

After she said that, I was speechless. I honestly didn’t know what to say. She was telling the truth. Why would she be jealous of me? Tears started flowing from my eyes as I started realizing how pathetic I was.

Wiping my tears, I said, “Look, I’m sorry! I’m sorry for how I’ve treated you and the rest of the members of this family. I’ve gone through so much. It’s just so hard to deal with the things happening in my life. I have trust issues. I admit it! I just don’t want to be lied to anymore.”

I guess my breakdown struck a nerve with her, as she backed off and stopped her attacks. She took a seat on the sofa. We sat in silence for a couple of minutes. I guess she didn’t know how to respond to what I said at first.

She finally responded, “I apologize for taking things too far, Brianna. I just really love my……our parents and I don’t like anyone disrespecting them. They sacrifice so much for us. You just don’t understand it yet.

“I heard about what happened with Terra and her crew and I do feel guilty for not stepping up and letting it be known that you were my sister. I apologize for that as well. Since Dad was picking you up anyway, I should’ve been there.

“I’m ready to end this drama between us if you are. Like Dad said, we can’t let anything break us apart. If you agree to stop acting depressed all the time and treating Mom and Dad right, I’ll be more sensitive to what you’re going through. Is that cool?”

I wiped my eyes and smiled, “I can do that.”

She smiled at me. Finally, we had our first sisterly bonding moment!

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