2: My Sister

ELINNA

Ben kept to his promise and came back when he was down speaking to my dad.

“Is everything okay? What did he say?”

He didn't speak as he sat down and just stared at one spot.

“It’s nothing. Just work stuff.”

I should have known something was wrong. His smile was too tight, his eyes avoiding mine just a fraction too long. But I wanted so badly to believe in him - in us.

I placed my hand on his shoulder to get his attention.

“Are you okay?”

He pulled away slightly before catching himself. "Just pack business," he said, forcing a laugh. "Nothing for you to worry about."

The way he said it - like I was some child who couldn't handle grown-up matters - made my chest ache. But I swallowed the hurt. Maybe he was just stressed about our anniversary tomorrow.

“Let's forget about that. Tomorrow is our anniversary. Three Year anniversary. I have a surprise planned for you.” He added.

My stomach did a backflip and I couldn't keep my excitement as I clapped like a little girl. 

Three years together. Three years of stolen kisses and whispered promises. Tomorrow was supposed to be special.

“Really?! A surprise for me? What is it? Tell me!”

He laughed.

“If I tell you, it won't be much of a surprise, would it?”

I thought about it.

“Screw it. Just tell me what it is.”

“Wait till tomorrow.”

I didn't have a choice. I didn't want to ruin it but at the same time, I was eager.

“Okay, I'll look forward to it.”

For the rest of the day, I couldn't get my mind off what he wanted to show me. But then I had other things to worry about.

I didn't know what to wear. I didn't even have proper clothes so I called the only person I knew could help me out in this situation.

“Helen, hey. I need your help. Ben has asked me out to dinner for our anniversary tomorrow and I don't know what to wear. I don't have anything good. I think he's going to propose.”

The way she squealed on the phone let me know that she was just as excited as I was.

“Don’t worry, I'm coming over with everything I have tomorrow and I'll make sure you look so beautiful for your proposal.”

With that in mind, I felt more at ease.

True to her words, she truly showed up with several dresses and make up.

“Okay, you're going to try all of them on and let us know which one is best.”

I began trying dresses on and even though it was tiring, I was happy because I knew that by tonight, I was going to be Ben's fiance.

“Yes! This is perfect. We're going to go with this. Now sit down so I can get your make up done. Its almost time.”

All the whole, we already started talking about wedding decorations and dresses.

Then an idea flashed through my mind.

“How about you go to the hotel first so that you'll be able to get pictures? Then I'll meet up with you later. He doesn't need to know that you're there. We're having the dinner at the roof top.”

She nodded enthusiastically.

“That’s a great idea. I'll pack up and go there now. Let me know if any updates.”

I nodded and then she left. She had made me so pretty and I didn't even recognize who I was.

It was a black floor length dress with a slit up to the thigh. It had an off the shoulder neckline with lace sleeves and it fit me perfectly.

It was almost six so I was expecting Ben's call any minute. I had made sure to do all my house work earlier so that Gina won't have any reason to call me. I didn't want her to know I was going out. If she did, she'd find some work for me.

It was now six  with no call from Ben. I tried calling him but it just kept going straight to voice mail. I quickly took off my heels so that I won't feel tired quickly.

By six-thirty, my phone remained silent.

By seven, my stomach had twisted into knots. Did he forget?

At eight, when the call finally came, my hands shook so badly I nearly dropped the phone.

"Elinna, I'm so sorry," Ben's voice was strained. "Something came up at work. I have to cancel."

The words hit like a physical blow. "Oh," I managed, my voice small. "I... I understand."

I felt my hopes dashed and my heart sink but I couldn't say anything. I knew that he would be here if he could.

“Oh, it's okay. Take-”

He ended the call just then. I sat in the room with my make up and dress, staring at a particular spot. I felt so downcast. I'd really looked forward to spending the say with him.

My phone started ringing again and I thought it was him trying to apologize but it was just Helen. I didn't want to pick it up at first but I didn't have a choice.

Before I could even say anything, she started speaking.

“Ben is such a sweetheart. You should see the big dinner he has planned for you. The roses, the lighting, everything is so pretty.”

I was confused. Ben just called to cancel.

“Helen, he said he's caught up at work. He just called me to cancel dinner.”

She paused.

“Maybe he wants to surprise you. Because I'm hiding in a corner and I can see him with the waiters getting the place ready. Why don't you come over and surprise him too?”

Why would he cancel with me and then go ahead to still make plans?

That didn't make sense.

“I think I'll come there and see for myself. Maybe you're being mistaken. Surely , he won't do a thing like that.”

I picked up my things and dashed out of the door, making a straight trip for the hotel.

I met up with Helen when I got there and to my surprise, she hadn't been joking or dreaming.

The rooftop restaurant was everything I'd dreamed of - twinkling lights, roses everywhere, a table set for two. And there he was. My Ben.

Feeding grapes to a woman. Then he leaned in and kissed her on the mouth. 

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The world tilted. I couldn't breathe. Couldn't think.

That wasn't the only pain. The other woman was my sister, Lily.