The Mishap

Chapter Four

Being back home in Georgia feels like another universe compared to New York. When I left New York it was less than thirty degrees and I had to snuggle myself into the world’s largest coat. Georgia's winter has been anywhere between fifty and seventy degrees since I've been back. So, having weather as warm as it has been, any normal Georgian wouldn't turn down the opportunity to fire up the ol’ grill. In all honesty, most people in the South will find nearly any reason to have a cookout. Hence, Brandi's lovely family randomly throwing one in honor of our nonexistent relationship. Yippie! I am so not looking forward to breaking their hearts when they find out that this is all a lie, but I can't pretend. Not even for my bestie. I hate that I even started all this in the first place. Now, I have to work towards digging out of this hole that I buried myself in.
I’m in my own thoughts when my sister, Jackie, walks into my room without even attempting to knock.
“Oh, sisterrrr! What are you up to?”
“Just watching some tv before Brandi’s family cookout. And by the way, don’t you know how to knock?”
"Knock? On my little sister's door? That's blasphemy!"
Giggling, I toss a pillow in her face.
"Ouch!"
"You're such a jerk!"
She tosses the pillow back and it misses my head just slightly.
"Yeah, yeah, but you love me. It's so good to have you back home for a while. As shocking as it is, I've actually been missing you. Who knew?"
I roll my eyes at my sister but deep down I’ve missed her like crazy too.
“Where’s our big-headed brother?”
“He’s at home with his future wife.”
“Wait! He proposed to Shelly? Since when? And how did I not know this?”
“Well, we attempted to call you when it happened but I guess you were too busy to call us back. At least now you know… Anyway, I should head out.”
Jackie moves toward the door before pausing and looking back.
“It really is great to have you home, sis.”
…..
On my way to the cookout, I couldn't help but think about not knowing about my brother's engagement. Have I been shutting my family out? It sucks to think that there's a possibility that I have. I soon make it to Brandi's parent's house and it seems that they have invited more people than I expected. Cars are lined up on both sides of the street and as soon as I step out I can smell the sweet scent of chicken on the grill. The front door is open for guests so I easily walk on in. As soon as I make it inside I'm immediately greeted by Brandi's mother, Anne. She's similar to my own mother, with her pale skin and blonde hair.
"Oh, Liza, it's so great to see you! You look so beautiful."
"Thank you, Mrs. Phillps."
"Oh, you've known me for years and now you are officially part of the family. Do call me Anne."
Part of the family… It is really going to suck when Brandi and I tell her the truth, but I'll just leave it for now.
"Right, yes ma'am–uh, Anne."
"I'm so glad that you are here and make my daughter happy. Though, if I'm being honest, I would've never thought Brandi would be the twin you would've chosen. I'm almost positive that Case had the biggest–"
"Mom!"
Case comes around the corner sporting a black Nike's fitted shirt and a pair of jeans. Is it hot in here or is it just me? 
"Oh, hey Liza. Brandi and everyone else is around back. And mom, dad needs your help."
"Thank you, baby. I'll be right out."
"Okay, yeah, thanks Case."
"No problem and you look very nice today."
I find myself blushing from his compliment. Shoot, why am I blushing?
I hope Case and his mom don't notice how red I am.
"Um, I'm going to go out back, now. I'll see you around, Case."
Walking through the house, I find the open back door. Stepping out, I spot Brandi standing by the grill by her dad laughing at something he just said. I'm guessing whatever it was must be pretty funny as she throws her head back while holding her stomach.
"Hey, Mr. Philips!" I say cheerfully as I walk up to them. He smiles gleefully, his bright white teeth a stark contrast to his dark skin.
"Hey, sweet girl! I'm so happy to have you officially a part of the family." 
"Um…yeah. Brandi, can I talk to you for a second?"
"Of course."
She says as she takes me by the hand and pulls me to an empty corner.
"What's up?"
"So, when are you planning on telling them the truth?"
Sighing, she glances over to her father and back to me.
"Can we do this at the end of the cookout. I–I don't wanna be the one to harsh the vibe around here."
Turning, I also glance at her dad who now has Brandi’s mother beside him. The two look at us with bright smiles, so I get it.
"Okay, okay...fine. The end of the cookout."
She swipes her finger across her chest making an imaginary 'X'.
"Scouts honor. Now, let's go enjoy ourselves. There will be games! I know how much you love those."
"Games?"
Brandi nods frantically.
"Nooooice!"
"That's my faux girlfriend! I'm about to start hosting them so you better get your game face on."
I chuckle as Brandi makes her way to the deck trying to get everyone's attention.
"Good evening ladies and gents. Are you guys ready for some cookout games?" She yells as if she is hosting ‘The Hunger Games’. She has never been one to shy away from a crowd. I mean, she was a cheerleader in high school for God's sake, which also ended up helping her come to terms with her sexauilty. 
“She’s really not the shy type, huh?”
I swivel around to the voice behind me. Case stands there with his hands in his front pockets.
“She really isn’t.”
He chuckles deeply. I swear I can almost feel the vibration throughout my own body.
“You know, when we were kids I felt that it was odd that you too clicked so well.”
I furrow my eyebrows.
“Why is that?”
“Well, she’s always been the loud and bold type and well...you always been a bit more quiet and reserved. But I always loved how you always had my sisters back. I guess opposites really do attract, huh?”
“Yeah, I guess you can say that.” We find ourselves holding each other's gazes until Brandi’s voice interrupts us.
“Guys! Did you hear me?”
“Huh?”
“I said that the person to your right will be your partner for the three-legged race.”
Like an idiot, I glimpse to my right and of course its Case. 
“Oh, o-kay.”
“Everyone is going to line up over there and I’ll give you guys some string to tie around your ankles.”
Brandi skampers away.
“Well, come on partner. Lets go kick some ass.”
…..
After two rounds of the three legged race, we are down to two other groups. I must say I'm impressed that Case and I were making such a good team.Especially with me being 5'3 next to his 6'2 frame. Even though I wasn’t aware that there would be cookout games today, I’m glad that I decided against wearing a dress.Wearing a dress during a three legged race would've been disastrous.
“You ready for this last round?”
“Oh heck yes!”
Shaking his head he chuckles.
“What?”
I ask.
“You still afraid of swear words, eh?”
I swat him playfully.
“Oh, shut it, you.”
“You guys ready?”
Brandi shouts and we nod almost simultaneously.
“ON YOUR MARK! GET SET! GO!”
Case and I start walking swiftly while keeping our balance together.
Passing the other teams, we make it toward the otherside where the makeshift finish line is. As we speed up our once steady balance quickly becomes the opposite, but luckily we manage to make it to the finish before we tumble down.
“Ow!”
I screech as I land right on top of a bulk of muscle. My heart begins to beat rapidly in my chest as I look down at him.
OH MY LANTA…
“I-I’m sorry.”
I stutter attempting to lift off of him but I don’t get far with our legs still tied.
“It’s fine, I got it.”
He unties us.
“There.”
“Thanks, for-uh...catching my fall.”
“Um, yeah, no problem.”
“Toast everyone!”
Anne yells, gathering everyone's attention.
“We planned today in celebration of two people whom we love dearly. Brandi, Liza...come here.”
Shoot!
Brandi and I make our way next to her mother. Anne continues to talk about our friendship, how it grew into something more and yatta, yatta, yatta. You'd think that we were getting married. I can barely listen to everything she says as I'm watching Brandi staring at someone with a glum look on her face.
"Brandi, what's wrong?"
I ask just above a whisper.
"Uh, you know how I said that April and my family run in the same circles?"
I nod.
"That blonde over there is her cousin. She's not as mean as April but she will definitely tell her about this being a lie. I –I had no clue she would be here today. This is so fucked."
I take a quick glance at the blonde as Anne finishes up her speech.
"To the happy couple!" She cheers with a glass raised and everyone else cheers along with her. I find myself looking at the blonde again as if she is sending me a telepathic dare; daring me to renege all the lies that started with her cousin. In a last-second decision, I abruptly pull Brandi toward me and kiss her deeply.