The ghost of yesterday's past

Vivian stepped into the modern-day sitting room of her parent's house, leaving behind the grandeur of the entrance. The room embodied a contemporary aesthetic, blending style, and comfort seamlessly.

The walls were painted in a soft, neutral tone, creating a calming atmosphere. Large windows adorned with elegant drapes allow natural light to flood the space, highlighting the carefully chosen decor and furniture arrangements.

The centrepiece of the room is a plush, L-shaped sofa in a luxurious fabric. Its neutral colour complements the overall colour scheme of the room. Accompanying the sofa are a couple of stylish armchairs, inviting relaxation and conversation.

A sleek, low-profile coffee table sits in the centre, adorned with a few artfully arranged books and a decorative vase with fresh flowers. The table serves as a focal point, facilitating interactions and providing a place to set down drinks and snacks.

The sitting room features a state-of-the-art entertainment system, with a large flat-screen television mounted on the wall. Surround sound speakers offer an immersive audio experience for movie nights or casual music listening.

Against one wall, a modern display unit showcases a collection of carefully curated art pieces, family photographs, and a few cherished mementoes. Soft, ambient lighting accents these displays, creating an inviting ambience in the evenings.

The room is tastefully accessorized with a mix of contemporary and traditional elements. Decorative throw pillows and textured rugs add warmth and texture to the space. A sleek floor lamp in one corner provides additional lighting options and serves as a statement piece.

Regina, Vivian's mother, had great taste, and her sitting room proved it.

"They are upstairs, we were all waiting for you," Regina said when she noticed Vivian was scanning the room.

"The table will be set shortly. I hope you do take short breaks to eat in the midst of the drinking, " Regina said as she sashayed away

Veronica, Vivian's twin sister, entered the sitting room, standing at 5 feet 8 inches, Veronica possessed an elegant and statuesque presence. Her raven black hair cascaded down her shoulders, framing her oval face and accentuating her features.

Veronica's radiant smile illuminated the room as she walked in with graceful confidence. Her eyes, captivating and expressive, reflect a mixture of warmth and intelligence. With each step, her good posture and graceful movements further highlighted her inherent poise and charm.

Her physical appearance is complemented by her well-maintained physique, showcasing a toned and shapely figure. Veronica's fashion sense is impeccable, as she effortlessly combines style and sophistication in her choice of clothing. Whether it's a tailored dress that hugs her curves or a chic ensemble that exudes confidence, her attire always accentuates her natural beauty.

Despite their identical features as identical twins, Vivian and Veronica possess distinct personalities. Veronica's presence in the room exudes a captivating magnetism, drawing attention from those around her. Her confidence and charisma add an undeniable allure, captivating anyone who has the pleasure of encountering her.

Veronica walked up to Vivian with a radiant smile on her face, her steps graceful and purposeful. As she approached her sister, she opened her arms wide, inviting Vivian into a warm and affectionate embrace.

With the precision of two puzzle pieces fitting perfectly together, Vivian meets Veronica's embrace, their bodies naturally aligning. Their arms wrap around each other, drawing one another close in a tight, heartfelt hug.

The love between them is palpable, emanating through their touch. Their embrace is filled with a sense of familiarity and comfort as if they are returning to a place of solace and understanding.

Veronica's hug is gentle yet strong, conveying her deep affection for Vivian. She holds her sister close, their bodies pressed against each other, creating a safe and secure haven within the embrace.

As their arms encircle one another, they share a silent language of love, a language born from years of shared experiences and unspoken understanding. It is a language that transcends words, conveying support, reassurance, and an unbreakable bond.

At this moment, time seems to stand still as they hold each other, cherishing the connection they share as twin sisters. The weight of the world momentarily lifts, replaced by a sense of peace and unity.

Their hug speaks volumes, expressing a love that goes beyond mere words. It speaks of lifelong companionship, unyielding support, and a bond that can not be broken. It is a beautiful testament to the power of sibling love.

As they finally release their embrace, their eyes meet, sparkling with affection and a shared sense of happiness. The warmth of their connection lingers in the air, a reminder of the unwavering love that binds them together as twin sisters.

Vivian, her eyes sparkling with excitement, looks at Veronica with a wide smile.

"Veronica, I have to tell you something! I'm absolutely thrilled about your engagement! Congratulations!"Vivian said with so much excitement.

It was obvious Veronica couldn't contain her joy because her face was glowing with so much happiness.

"Thank you so much, Vivian. I couldn't be happier. He's truly the love of my life, "Veronica said, meaning every word.

" I couldn't have reached this point without your unwavering support. You've always been there for me, through thick and thin. You're my rock."Veronica added.

Vivian's eyes well up with tears as she listens to her sister's words.

Vivian: "Oh, Veronica, you're making me emotional! But you are the strong one. You've always been so determined, so resilient. You bring out the best in everyone around you."

Veronica, with a soft smile, reaches out and gently touches Vivian's hand.

Veronica: "No, Vivian. Don't underestimate yourself. You're just as strong, if not stronger. Look at how far you've come, pursuing your dreams, and facing challenges head-on. You inspire me every day."

Vivian blushes, feeling a swell of pride and gratitude for her sister's words.

"Thank you. Your words mean the world to me. And having your support and love has been invaluable. Seeing you find your happiness is all I need."

Veronica inhaled, I wish you could open up and let someone in. Talk to Mom again about what happened or see a therapist. I always wish I could take back everything that happened to you", Veronica said tears welling up in her eyes.

Veronica took her sister by the hand and drew her to the couch, so they could sit, "let's not dampen this beautiful moment with ancient history. Where is my brother-in-law to be", Vivian said, trying to sound upbeat.

"Let me go get him. He was taking a bath", Veronica said as she walked towards the staircase.

As Vivian's mind wandered back to a difficult period in her life, her face took on a more sombre expression. The memory brought forth a wave of pain and vulnerability that still lingered within her.

Vivian recalled a time when she faced immense emotional turmoil, battling through a period of deep sadness and despair. The weight of her experiences weighed heavily on her, leaving her feeling lost and broken. It was a time of personal struggle that tested her resilience and strength.

The pain Vivian endured was profound, leaving scars that haven't fully healed. She remembered the sleepless nights, the tears that seemed endless, and the heaviness that clung to her heart. It was a dark place, one that seemed impossible to escape.

But amidst her anguish, Vivian found solace in her sister, Veronica. Veronica became her pillar of support, the one who held her hand through the darkest moments. She was a constant source of comfort, lending a listening ear and offering unwavering love and understanding.

Veronica recognizes the depth of Vivian's pain, she knows that the wounds run deep and understands that therapy can provide the necessary guidance and healing that Vivian needs, Veronica gently and constantly encourages her to seek professional help. Veronica's words resonate within Vivian's soul, but she struggles to take that step towards therapy. Her approach over the years has been to drown it with work, alcohol and lots of bad decisions.

Years have passed since that difficult time, yet Vivian acknowledges that she is still on the path to recovery. She realizes that healing takes time, and sometimes, wounds leave lasting imprints on the heart.

Veronica's words echo in Vivian's mind, reminding her that therapy can offer the tools and support she needs to navigate her emotions, confront her past, and ultimately find the sense of healing and wholeness she deserves.

As she reflected on the love and understanding Veronica showed her during her darkest hours, Vivian found herself grateful for her sister's unwavering presence.

"Sweet sis", Veronica called out and Vivian looked up to find them walking up to where she was sitting.

As Vivian stood up in the presence of her sister's fiancé, a faint glimmer of recognition danced in her eyes. She gazes at him intently, searching her memory for the elusive puzzle piece that would connect their paths. There was something about his features, something familiar that tugged at the edges of her consciousness.

She studies his face, taking in every detail. The way his eyes crinkle when he smiles, the curve of his jawline, and the way his hair falls effortlessly. It's as if she has seen him before, but the memory remains just out of reach, teasing her like a distant melody on the wind.

She tries to recall the places she has been, and the people she has encountered, hoping to unravel the enigma that shrouds this man. Her mind races through countless interactions, flipping through the pages of her life's chapters, searching for the elusive connection.

Yet, despite her efforts, the veil of forgetfulness persisted. She cannot piece together the fragments that would unlock the mystery of their prior encounter. It hovers on the periphery of her consciousness, taunting her with its elusiveness.

Vivian's brows furrow slightly, a flicker of frustration crossing her face. She wonders if this could be a mere case of mistaken identity, a trick played by her mind. But deep down, a hunch tells her there is more to this than meets the eye.

She turns her attention back to the present, observing the interaction between her sister and her fiancé.

"Sweet sis, meet my man, Ted Monroe," Veronica announced, smiling ear to ear. Their love is evident in the way they exchange glances, and the tenderness in their touch. They share a connection that surpasses any fleeting memory Vivian might have.

Curiosity lingers within Vivian, an itch that yearns to be scratched. She knows that the answer lies just beyond her grasp, buried within the recesses of her mind. And while the frustration of not fully remembering gnaws at her, she also understands that some things are destined to reveal themselves in due time.

For now, she chooses to embrace the uncertainty, allowing the currents of life to guide her toward the truth. Perhaps, in the unfolding of their shared journey, the mystery of their past encounter will be unravelled, bringing with it a flood of recognition and understanding.

With a mix of anticipation and patience, Vivian decided to let fate take its course, trusting that the truth would reveal itself when the time was right. Until then, she would continue to navigate the intricacies of her sister's love story, cherishing the present while remaining open to the enigmatic twists that life had yet to unveil.

"Let's move to the dining room."Regina called out, bringing their short discussion to a halt, "Your father said he can't make it. He is held up at a board meeting ".

Even as Regina Moore made that excuse for a husband she felt numb, she was used to making excuses for Victor Moore, why he couldn't attend birthdays, and functions in school. She was basically a single mother who was still married. The nights alone in her big bed were now countless, but looking from a distance, Regina Moore lived a flamboyant life. Regina couldn't tell for how long she would be able to keep up appearances, how long she would be able to hide her husband's dirty secrets.