PENELOPE.
It's tough being the perfect child, right? But it's even tougher when you're a twin. People are always watching your every move. They expect you to be flawless in every aspect of your life, and when that pressure becomes too much, you end up living a lie—playing a part in the story they've written for you. For me, it's a constant balancing act, knowing that whatever I do reflects on my family's name and, most importantly, on my twin brother.
Before I was old enough to understand that my actions had consequences, I enjoyed the freedom to do whatever I wanted, which was mostly bad things. My brother? He always took the fall. It was like he had this radar that knew our parents would punish me, and I hated that he was so perfect.
He would take the blame for me yet they still saw him as the golden child. It made me throw more tantrums, and every time, they'd compare me to him, saying he was so much responsible and more mature. MATURE? He was only ten minutes older than me! Somehow, they acted like that made him a whole different species.
However, as the years passed and we got older, I began to understand that age isn't what shaped Percy's calm and mature demeanor. He was special in ways I was just starting to appreciate. He doesn't waste words; he only spoke when he needed to, and even then, it was brief. Strangers? They get a glare or just a turn of his back. Percy is perfectly content in his own world. The only person he shared his space with is me. I'm the chatterbox; he's the quiet listener. Every now and then, I can convince him to hang out with our childhood friends. I know he considers them friends, but it's mostly just me doing the talking while he nods, occasionally chuckling at my jokes. And yes, he's always there for me, even when he feels miles away in his head. So, it goes without saying that I love my brother more than anything.
Like many gifted individuals, Percy struggles with voicing his feelings, but somehow, I can read him like a book. To outsiders, he may seem cold or aloof, and I sometimes wish I could help him with that, make people see him the way I do. But I know that's not possible and I can't push him into anything he's not comfortable with. I prefer to be the gentle voice in his subconscious helping him navigate the mundane.
"Another sleepless night, big brother?" I asked as I caught sight of Percy's messy morning hair and tired eyes making his way into the kitchen. Each time I see that grimace on his face, I immediately feel bad for him. He's like a world class insomniac, I can't say I totally get his pain.
"Morning, sis." Percy grumbles through a yawn before taking a seat in front of me on the kitchen island. "You look ready to head out—morning lectures?" He gestured toward my sketches and notes, and I nodded.
"Yep, but just the one class today, and I'm free." I replied, and he gives me a small smile.
"Lucky you!" he replied, helping himself to some toast and coffee.
"Thanks again for letting me tag along on your date." I said and just as I imagined, confusion flickered across his face before he sighs and waves his hand dismissively.
"You weren't going to take no for an answer. Plus, it wasn't a date, I've told you this already, Pen." he insisted, taking a bite of his breakfast.
"It looked like a date to me," I teased, recalling how he treated the boy. He narrowed his eyes at me—a sure sign that he's getting annoyed.
"Well, it wasn't, so what you think doesn't matter," he replied flatly, but I can feel his emotions swirling beneath the surface.
Percy is a late bloomer in human interaction, and right now it's clear he doesn't know what he wants from that kid. His sudden interest in the boy alone is probably driving him crazy as we speak. And given his tendency to get bored quickly, he may lose interest before he understands his feelings. Even if he doesn't feel like that about the kid, It would be good if he found another friend, someone he could really talk to.
"It's okay, you know?" I reached over to hold his hand, cupping it gently in mine. His eyes widen slightly; he's never been fond of being touched, but he doesn't pull away when I touch him. That says a lot about our bond.
"I don't…It's not like that!" he says, his gaze locking onto mine. I smiled back, letting him know I understand.
"Whatever it is, I'm telling you now. It's really okay, Percy." I kept my hand on his, feeling him tense, but I steadied my grip.
"I'm not saying that's what it is," he began after a while swallowing thickly, "but for the sake of argument let's say it is, what would they say?" The vulnerability in his voice pierced my heart, and I hate that he feels he's living only for our parents' approval. The only choice he ever made for himself? Was going back to Uni again, and even that too they weren't totally on board with it.
"They'll just have to accept it—whether they like it or not. I'll make sure of it." I squeezed his hand gently, and he meets my gaze for a moment before letting out a sigh.
"No need. It's not like that." he insisted again, and I couldn't help but smile. It doesn't matter how long it takes him to realize this, at least he knows I'll always stand by him.
"I have to run," I say, gathering my things as my phone chirps. "Daphne is almost here."
"Don't keep her waiting," he replies as I move around the kitchen Island and plant a quick kiss on his cheek before skipping out the door.
"That was fast. I didn't even have to come inside!" Daphne comments as I reached the car, and I couldn't help but laugh as Cole holds the passenger door open for me.
"Ha! I thought I'd try to do something nice, even if it's against my nature. So, you can consider this as me being in a charitable mood today!" I shoot back with mock seriousness.
"Charitable mood? Is that like a new illness or something?" Daphne joked, hitting the gas and Cole and I burst into laughter.
Since the beginning, it has always been the four of us: Cole, Daphne, Percy, and me—like a family. Our parents were friends, so we grew up inseparable. But over the years, things have gotten complicated. Daphne has a massive crush on Percy, but he's oblivious. Meanwhile, Cole is also secretly in love with Daphne, who also has no clue, and he fears confessing his feelings, especially since he knows she's into Percy.
I've watched this tangled web of unrequited love unfold, patiently waiting for them to navigate their feelings. I'd hoped Percy might notice Daphne's feelings for him over the years, but he never showed interest in her. And right now it looks like he's set his sights on someone else—the cute boy with those beautiful blue eyes. Every change comes with uncertainty, and part of me worries none of us will escape this unscathed.
Our friendships might've always seemed strong in the past because it was just the four of us, but now Percy is branching out. For the first time in his life, he's interested in someone else, I feel a shift coming. I can't say whether this is good or bad, but more than anything, I want my brother to be happy. I don't know what the future holds, but one thing is clear: none of us are ever going to remain the same after this.