THE SKETCH

My mother used to tell me how lovely I was. 

She always made sure that my hair was pulled back into a tidy ponytail.

She used to tell me that I should live my life to the fullest.

Look at me now...

Am I relieved that She also told me not to leave the house because of my twin? Yes, of course! Nicole Ashanti is my name, the great follower. That is something I am capable of. That's something I always do. I've returned to my room. I'm staring at my sketch with rapt attention. This has been my medicine for the past months that I've been here. The door opens while I'm busy gazing at my sketch. When I look at who it is, I smiled. My twin sister entered my room. She approaches me with a curious expression on her face. She examines my drawing. Her face gradually brightens. She gave me a beautiful smile.

"Can I have your sketch, twin? It's lovely, and I'd like to hang it in my room," she said. 

I showed her all of my sketches.

"It's fine with me, You may have it," I responded, smiling. 

Her eyes glitter with delight as she asks, "Really?" As a response, I nodded my head. 

"I'll take it with me then," she remarked, smiling. "Bye twin, I'll be going to my room now." She slammed the door shut quickly. What should I do now? I wanted to sleep, but I was suffocating. I entered my bathroom and took a shower. I took off my clothes. I open the shower once I'm completely undressed. Moments later, I decided to dress up. A night shining sexy dress. I didn't put on my brassiere. I lay on my bed and did not bother to blower my wet hair. I am sleepy. Moments later, my eyelashes are gradually drooping. My eyes gradually closed.

I gently opened my eyes as morning arrived. I take a step out of bed. I didn't even bother looking in the mirror. I immediately descended the stairs.

When I realize that I am not here alone, I come to my senses. We've had some visitors. I blink several times. After a brief pause, my mother excuses herself and walks towards me, her countenance solemn. 

"Look at yourself, Nicole Ashanti. Knock on your sister's door and bring her in. Make sure she dresses properly. Don't leave your room. You'll eat later when they've gone home. Go now," she added, her voice low but authoritative. When I turned away, she smiled sweetly.

Before I left the scene, I heard my mother say, "Sorry for that. Let us continue our discussion."

I knock three times when I'm already in front of my sister's door. Fortunately, she did open it. 

"What's the matter, Nicole? I'm still asleep, you know?" she asked irritably.

"Get dressed and face our visitors downstairs; Mommy will be waiting for you."

"How about you?" she inquired, her gaze falling on me.

"I assume I'm stuck in my room," I explained.

Her eyes are filled with sympathy as she looks at me.

"Perhaps you might accompany them? I'll sleep again," she said, but I declined.

"No, I don't want to go there. Just get dressed already, okay?" I muttered as I walked away. 

I open the door to my room and went inside. Minutes later, I take a brief bath. When I am done, For a moment, I'd want to sketch. I think I've regained my senses. As I lean back in my chair, I gather my belongings and start doing my thing. 

I'm working on my art when my phone rings, interrupting my concentration. I answered the phone without looking at the person on the other line.

She pleaded, "Twin...can you set down here your sketches from the garden? It's in my room, and I'm tired of going there."

What's the deal with my drawing? Nevermind. I got out of my seat and went straight into her room. I noticed it quickly because it was just on her table. I took it and shut the door behind me. 

After a few minutes of wandering, I've arrived at the garden. When I look around, I notice that everyone is looking at me. Except for my twin and mother, they all look shocked when they see me.

"I apologize for interrupting. Please excuse me for a minute? I just want to talk to my sister," I finally said. 

The old serious man smiled at me a while ago, as if to say, "It's all right," but my mother appears to dislike what I'm doing.

"Sarah, you have a lovely twin daughter; why don't you introduce them to us?" the woman suggested, standing next the serious man who had smiled at me earlier. 

"I'm sorry. This is Nicole Ashanti, my beloved Elizabeth's twin. You haven't met her the other night because she's always busy. She's busy with her studies. Sorry to say, she's an introvert. I'm worried she doesn't have the confidence to mingle," my mother said, covering me with her body.  

"Oh, it's all right, sweetie. Don't be hesitant to socialize. You are really lovely, and everyone deserves to know that," the ancient yet classic lady smiled at me. 

My mother casts a glance at my twin, who abruptly excuses herself. I remained close to their table.

"Come on, honey," the old lady says, "you can sit here next me."

I take a seat at their table. They take a look at the sketch I'm holding in my palm. I forced a firm swallow because I know this isn't pretty enough.

"Can we look at the sketches?" inquires the solemn elderly man.

"Of course, sir," I replied, nodding. I handed the sketches to them.

When I look at them again a few moments later, they look amused by what they are witnessing.

The old lady can't help but say, "Wow..."

I gave them a hesitant smile.

The old man asked, "Who made this?"

"Uhm--"

"Is it nice, tito? I was the one who drew all of that," my twin cut my line and stated.

My mouth dropped open. What?

"Oh really?" the old lady asked, still staring at my sketches. "What a talented girl you are, Elizabeth," she added. 

But before I could talk, a hot gorgeous man entered the garden.