“Are you sure you're not exaggerating? ” Isla asked as they sauntered out of the shop with some poly bags in hand.
Jade stared expectantly at Phidel as her brows creased in a thoughtful gaze– not sure whether she was exaggerating or not. But then, why would they throw her that look? This was the nagging feeling Phidel couldn't just shove off.
“I probably may just be exaggerating. ” She shrugged, giving the matter rest.
The day had been a fun and hectic one– but the sun had already started going down. Phidel, Isla, and Jade had just about 45mins to get home before their parents starts nagging them.
Without wasting another second, they scampered off to the bus stop. They were fortunate to find the bus already there when they arrived.
Joining in the queue, they glided in and settled on the three-seater just a few paces to the back.
A few seconds after everyone had settled in, the driver sped off. Phidel couldn't help foreboding despite giving whatever happened a rest. The entire drive home found her in silence.
“Hey,” Isla nudged her– a few drives to their stop; making Phidel glance deftly at her. “Are you okay?” She inquired.
Phidel in turn nodded her response as the corners of her mouth quivered into a lopsided smile. Just then, the bus pulled up at their stop.
“Come on,” Isla mumbled and they sauntered out of the bus.
It was nearly 6 pm when they got home. Slowly pushing the door open, they shambled in to find Jerome and Emma over the dining table–getting things ready for dinner.
“You guys should go drop those things and come down.” Emma hastily muttered on seeing them; while she balanced her gaze between what she was doing and the kids.
Jerome on the other hand said nothing. From her expressions, Phidel could read out how unhappy she was with the turn of events. She could see through her every action– the pain she was huddling in despite not saying anything.
She instinctively clicked her tongue, the corners of her mouth quivered as her brows furrowed with worry. Without a word, she went her way to her mother, back hugging her as her chin rested on her shoulder.
“I’m going to be an okay mum–” She uttered, making Jerome slowly turn to face her while she let go of her. “ You don't need to worry about me.” She added, staring into her mother's eyes.
By this time, Isla and Jade had already left to their rooms to drop their poly bags.
“Why wouldn't I dear?” Jerome's voice rasped the atmosphere, betraying her worry. “We don't know what happened to your sister and I’m here, about to throw you into the same pit. How won't I be worried about that?” She muttered in a near breakdown.
“I know mum– but you have to trust me.” Phidel snapped in. “I'll make sure to be careful with whatever I do.” She assured. The two had quite a lengthy talk for a while and only retired from each other when Randy, Martin, and the rest started joining them in the hall.
They all took their seats around the table; passing the meals around while everyone took his/ her take. When everyone had had their plates served, they dug in. The next 45mins continued in silence with everyone enjoying their meal.
After everyone have had their fill, Jade retired to his room to freshen up and also prepare for school tomorrow –whiles Isla and Phidel helped Jerome and Emma clear the table, and also wash the dishes.
When they had had everything sorted out, they retired to their rooms. Phidel instinctively plodded over to the wardrobe on sauntering into the room.
She slowly pulled the door open on getting to it– her eyes directly traveling to Phidelia’s dark blue plaited skite, coupled with a white blouse top and a statement jacket hanging in the right corner of the wardrobe.
She sighed, spontaneously touching it as her mind went to her sister.
“I promise to you, Delia.” She mumbled as her expression dropped.
********
It was a bright Monday morning with the fluffy clouds yet clearing the sky to give room to the gentle sunshine. Phidel had long risen from bed, getting herself ready for school.
It was the first time she was going to live as her sister – and there was no way she was going to give room for any mistakes.
She had earlier on learned from Isla that there were few friends she kept around her. Moreover, she was a lively and positive character who never gave room to negativity despite her asthmatic health.
And this was no problem to Phidel at all, as they were almost similar in character except she was more outspoken than Phidelia.
Gathering her silky and curly hair into a ponytail with the help of a red ribbon, she instinctively grabbed her bag from the bed– shoving it over her shoulders while she looked herself up in the mirror for the last time.
She needn't have to work so much on herself to look like her sister as they looked so similar.
They shared almost everything similar in physical features. Phidel spontaneously let out a deep sigh after some seconds and hustled out of the door–locking it behind her.
“Good morning Aunt Emma?” She cried as she got down the last stairs, wandering over to her Aunt who was busy packing some breakfast for them.
“Wow..” Emma mumbled as she glanced deftly at Phidel, returning her gaze to what she was doing. “Looking so much like your sister now. I almost mistook you for her.” She added.
“Guess I did a good work then.” Phidel simpered, lurking around as she found the house extremely quiet than usual. “But where is everyone?” She inquired with a skeptical gaze.
Just when Emma was about to reply, the heavy steps –coupled with the murmuring of Isla and Jade descending the stairs drew their attention towards the stairway.
“Ah, there they are,” Emma muttered, placing the last pack she was working on– on the table.
“But where are Mum and Dad?” Phidel questioned with a furrowed brow as they watched Isla and Jade close in on them.
“Guess they went out,” Emma replied.
“This early?” Phidel hastily snapped in.
“Hm,” Emma muttered with a nod, not wanting to disclose where Randy and Jerome went nor what they went to do. “I think you guys should get going now.” She added, handling over their packs to them as she lead them to the door.
When they had gotten to the door, they wished Emma a good day and scampered off. “Don't try anything dangerous Phidel!” Her voice called after them and Phidel in turn gave a dismissive wave over her shoulders.
Emma watched at their backs as their giggles faded through the corner of the pavements and trod back into the house.