The Single Girl Diary (Part Six)

Whenever my sister wants to make excuses or lie; she would go through a blinking ceremony that would leave you almost dazed.

“Erm…Kay, you know that day’s my birthday too, right?” she asked, blinking.

I sighed inwardly. I could tell what was coming. In previous years, nothing stopped T.Y and I from celebrating our birthdays together. Except for last year when I had been too depressed to have anything resembling a party, my sister and I made it a ritual to do something special together to mark our birthday.

It didn’t have to be a party, sometimes we just went to see a movie together or gave ourselves ice-cream treats.

I wasn’t still sure why I was opting for a party this year but I felt like it was necessary. Something to prove to myself and friends that I had recovered.

“Of course I know. But you know how we do it na. Together!” I infused enthusiasm into my voice as I felt my tummy drop.

“I know sis. But Tonye is already throwing a party for me. We’re having family friends over and colleagues…”

“Oh… you now have family friends so you don’t need me anymore abi?” I sounded like a petulant child; something I hated.

“What’s that supposed to mean Kehinde? Why are you behaving like a child? You’re my sister but we have different lives, dammit!”

“I’m your twin. Read my lips… T-W-I-N. Not just some random sibling. We’re supposed to have each other’s back!”

“Wait. Are we still talking about your birthday party here? Or is this something else?”

It was something else. It was plenty things else that I couldn’t figure out. That I didn’t want to even figure out.

I felt like I was losing my sister, and in retrospect losing myself.

I felt stupid.

“You know what? Just forget about it. It’s fine. I understand,” I stood, dismissing her. “Happy birthday in advance.”

“Kay, don’t be like that please. Something is going on. Tell me. You used to be able to talk to me about anything.”

“Same with you. Now you don’t tell me things anymore. Since you got married, it’s like you have a life of your own, that doesn’t include me.”

She sighed, standing beside me.

“You know this is more than that. You’re my sister! A replica of me…how can I possibly possibly not include you in my life? Don’t think that way, please.”

“Oh please, when last did you visit me?” I was feeling very confrontational.

“When last did you?” she flung the question at me.

And she was right, since she got married, I avoided her house like a plague.

Though my temper was more explosive, Taiye could easily match me in wits. She never let me win a fight un-squarely.

“Like I said, let’s drop it. Go home to your husband. I have a party to plan.”

I moved away, towards my desk to take my handbag but she grabbed my arm.

“This is about my husband right? This is about the fact that I’m married and you’re not. Tell me!”

I was silent.

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. While reference might be made to actual historical events or existing locations, the names, characters, places and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.