SISTERS AT WAR

Eight year old Daniella clenched her fists tightly as tears streamed down her face. She wanted to speak again, but no words came out of her mouth.

"I warned you about this" Her aunt directed her speech to Daniella's mother.

"Wasn't it just a superstition?" Daniella's mother asked. She was in a state of shock and pain, motherly pain.

"Nothing is a superstition with our clan. It's real sis! And here, your daughter has proved it" Daniella's aunt eyed Daniella with disgust.

"Mummy, it's not...." Little Daniella was cut short by her dad who had Gabriella in his hand.

"Get rid of her, I don't want to see her in this house" He bellowed as he tightened his hold on Gabriella. He headed towards the door then stopped in his track and said, "Liam, come with me"

Liam was reluctant. As his eyes landed on Daniella again, he could sense the yearning in her eyes. The yearning for someone to believe her side of the story.

"Liam!" Their dad called sternly and Liam sluggishly tagged behind their dad as he left the room.

Their mom was broken. She sat on the floor, holding tightly her chest. The motherly pain she was feeling, she couldn't explain in words.

"How can I get rid of her?" She asked nobody in particular. Daniella didn't understand the meaning of "get rid of her." What bothered her was that nobody believed her.

"All is not lost sis. I know how you can deal with this..." Her aunt said to their mother.

I jerked awake to the sound of the blaring alarm sitting on my bed stand. I was a bit startled because it sounded like our planet had been invaded by aliens, or perhaps, this was the effect of reading science fictions. With my face scrunched, I shut the annoying alarm off. I drew in a deep breath, said a short prayer and got out of bed.

I headed to my bathroom in a rather sluggish manner. Of course, it was yet another Monday, one of the days I dread most or perchance, I dread all the days of the week. In a rush, I had my bath and brushed my teeth. But I must say it was quite difficult hurrying to have your bath and brush your teeth and at the same time trying to plan your day in your head. Though, planning my day wasn't so difficult, I just had to stay away from Gabriella and block my ears with my headphones. And yes! I had to keep away from people.

I knew I had to dress up in a rush because mum was going to call out our names soon for breakfast.

Just like I predicted, I heard, "Daniella! Gabriella! Breakfast is ready"

A smile curled on my lips. I ought to be a prophetess, not so? Never mind, It had become a normal routine in the morning.

I accessed myself in the mirror. Satisfied, I raced down the stairs to the dinning, my backpack, dangling behind me.

"Good morning mum" I greeted my mum as I sat down to have my breakfast.

Some minutes later, My twin sister, Gabriella, descended the stairs slowly like a princess. She was looking stunning as usual. Irritated, I rolled my eyes and shifted my attention back to my breakfast.

"Morning mum" she said, pulling out a chair to sit.

Mom made toast bread and coffee for breakfast. I savored every bite and ate to my satisfaction. It was just so yummy, I couldn't deny that.

"Are you done Gabriella?" Dad's voice echoed from upstairs. I could hear the sound of approaching footsteps. He was probably heading to the dinning room. I was right! He heaved a sigh as he strolled in.

"We need an elevator in this house" he dropped his suitcase on a chair, and knotted his tie properly.

"Dad, we're not living in a skyscraper" Gabriella laughed.

Dad was the founder and owner of KEAMS EMBASSY. Recently, he appointed someone as the CEO of the company just till the time Liam would be done with his studies at New York.

"You are running late for school" he grabbed his suitcase again. I didn't need anyone to tell me he was referring to Gabriella. It was more like I didn't exist to him. I didn't let it get to me. It was something I was used to after all.

Gabriella and I grabbed our backpacks.

"Bye mum, love you" Gabriella hugged mum and mum kissed her forehead. I mumbled a "good bye" to mum and hastened my steps out of the house.

***

I attended Brimstone International School alongside with my sister. The school was one of the best and most expensive schools in the whole country and that was why Dad enrolled us there.

To be honest, attending the same school with my sister made life a living hell for me. Whenever we were together, it was always like I was invisible to people. She got all the attention. She was brilliant, popular and loved by everyone she came across but me, reverse was the case. Though, I was brilliant just like her, I was not loved, even by my parents. I had always lived as a shadow of my twin sister. To top is all, she bullied me a lot and I just had to accept everything. It was my fault from the start. I was to blame for everything.

I knew I had to stay away from thoughts like that because it would eventually drive me crazy so I brought out my phone and started scrolling through Instagram.

***

Dad's car screeched to a halt. We had arrived at school. I drew in a deep breath before ducking out of the car.

"Bye dad" Surprisingly, we said that in unison. I didn't usually say goodbye to him whenever he dropped us at school in the morning. Maybe I was delusional for a second. I had no idea why I did that. To me, it was more like a reflex action.

"Bye sweetie" he waved before driving off. I had come to accept that the only children he had were Liam and Gabriella. I was non existent to him. It was the confirmation I needed, but I won't deny the fact that I felt hurt. That was the first and last time I would say goodbye to him. I won't cry. I just wouldn't.

"Hi G" Greetings flooded in from left to right as we walked in the hallway. Like I stated earlier, Gabriella was popular, I was her exact opposite. As usual, nobody noticed me. It was like I was invisible, perhaps, I was a ghost.

I strolled into the classroom, my shoes clip-clopping on the tiled floor, as I moved. Everywhere became silent. It was the normal thing. They all go silent whenever I entered the class like it was a sort of tradition or something.

"She's nothing like her twin sister" Damola said to her seat partner in a whispering kinda manner, but I felt as if she wanted me to hear that.

I heaved a sigh. It couldn't be worse.

My seat was just beside the window and I loved it so much. When everyone in the class was busy chattering, I just looked at the sky and admired the beauty. It made me feel better. No one sat beside me and since no one talked to me, I learned to be better off without friends.

As soon as Gabriella stepped into the class, my classmates started screaming like a celebrity had entered or something. She flashed a sweet smile and waved at everyone. Our eyes met, but I looked away, feeling irritated.

"BRIINGGGG " the siren blared. A reminder that it was time for assembly.

All my classmates stood up, pushing one another as usual to get out of the class. Taking another glance at the window, I inhaled deeply, standing up to join the other students at the Assembly.

We were all lined up according to our various classes. Gabriella and Damola were picked to sing praise and worship, while Mr Adekunle, our principal, said the prayers. This was followed by the national anthem, the pledge, the school anthem and lastly, our School's mission and vision.

It was boring to attend a gathering like this, five days in a week, for like three months, before going on a short break to be back in school again.

"Good morning students" Mr Adekunle said.

"Good morning sir" the students chorused in reply.

"If you are observant, you will notice that there are new faces on this assembly ground" he paused to watch the effects of his words on the students. He usually did that to make sure the students listen attentively to him.

"This is the second week of resumption, and I am happy to announce to you, the resumption of our JSS ONE students, as that is the tradition of the school" he paused again, and the students applauded him.

"Not only the JSS ONE students, but also new students for JSS TWO, SS1,and SS2" he added.

The student clapped again, louder, as they screamed. I had to use my hands to block my ears. What was so exciting about new students anyways? It signified bad luck for me. I hoped no one would get to sit beside me.

The assembly continued and I must say, the prefects really did a great job as all the students found wanting were punished according to the laws of the school.

Assembly was finally over and Gabriella and Damola were called to lead the students to their classes.

All the students went to their various classrooms. I quietly made my way to my seat without anyone noticing me. I checked my timetable. Mathematics was the first subject of the day. I hated mathematics, but I was kinda good at it. I brought out my note to crosscheck the assignment given to us last week by Mrs Briggs.

I took a quick glance at my sister and she was flipping through her note. The classroom door creaked. I was expecting to see Mrs Briggs in her knee length black skirt and probably a fitted top to match, but instead our class teacher came in with five students, two boys, three girls.

Oh my God! Don't tell me someone would take the seat beside me.

"Good morning students" Mrs Falana said. Her heels clinked on the tiled floor as she moved to the center of the class.

"Good morning ma'am" The class chorused a reply.

The sight of the new students made my stomach churn. I would be in for a hard time if anyone took the seat beside me and the thought of it alone made me develop a headache.

"These students are going to join this class starting from today" She announced and my classmates cheered like it was the best thing that had ever happened in the class. Wasn't it senseless that they were cheering for new students? People they didn't know? Goodness!

I placed my head on my table like I was trying to hide my face.

"Introduce yourselves to the class" I heard Mrs Falana's voice after the noise had died down. I raised my head up again, this time, a frown had settled on my forehead.

"I'm Daniel Marvel, nice to meet you all" The first guy introduced himself. His voice lacked enthusiasm and from his facial expression, I concluded he wasn't a friendly person.

I took my time to access him and damn, he was cute, like very cute. His curly brown hair, perfectly shaped nose and and hazel eyes were just right on his perfectly shaped face. It was very rare for anyone to have hazel eyes and that was what caught my attention. His hazel eyes were just so beautiful. Our eyes met and he looked at me with a disgusted expression. I quickly lowered my gaze.

Damn! I was drooling and he caught me. It was so unlike me. I bit my lower lips and pinched myself. But still, I was right! He wasn't a friendly person.

"I'm Peter Davison" The other boy introduced himself. Now talk about enthusiasm. His demeanor depicted nothing but enthusiasm. From his sweet smile alone, you could tell. Davison was on a low cut. His hair was black and his eyes were sparkling brown. He was good looking, handsome maybe.

Hey Daniel! What the.... Daniel, Daniella. Arrggghh. No no, get that thought out of your head D!

"I'm Joanna Johnson, nice to meet you all" the first girl said, a smile curled on her lips.

"I'm Elizabeth Martins, nice to meet you all" the second girl waved happily.

"I'm Christabel Dalinton" the last girl said casually. She was like Daniel, no hint of enthusiasm.

"Good! Now let me show you your seats" Mrs Falana's eyes ran across the class. My fear was at the point of becoming a reality because there are just five empty seats in the class. I shut my eyes tightly and putting my hands together, I prayed silently that no one would take the empty seat beside me. It was impossible but I still hoped no one would take the seat beside me.

As soon as I opened my eyes, I saw that Mrs Falana was looking in my direction so I quickly followed her gaze.

Damn! She was looking at the empty seat beside me. I bit my lower lips and clenched my fist. It happened, my fear.

"Daniel, sit beside Daniella" She gestured at the empty seat beside me. Daniel's eyes landed on me again I could bet a hundred percent that he glared at me. What was with the look? If drooling was a criminal offence, he should charge me to court already. I hate that look. Does he think I'm pleased that he was taking the empty seat beside me?

As he walked towards my seat, I turned my face to the window. I was definitely not ready for any sort of conversation.

I was expecting him to say something like "hi", but he didn't and then I remembered his facial expression wasn't friendly to begin with.

"Davison, sit beside Gabriella," Mrs Falana's voice caught my attention again and immediately, my eyes darted towards Gabriella and I could see a smile curled on her lips. Who won't be glad to have a good looking guy sit beside them in class? Except me of course. I was an exception.

"Elizabeth and Joanna sit beside Friday. And Christabel, sit beside Grace." Mrs Falana continued.

"I hope you guys get along" she added before walking out of the classroom.

Since Daniel didn't say anything to me, I just went back to crosschecking my mathimatics assignment. I glanced at Gabriella again and I could see that she was chatting happily with Davison. So much for sitting beside a cool and handsome guy huh! I felt like I was starting to feel jealous, but it was definitely not because she was sitting beside a good looking guy. I mean, take a look a Daniel. It seemed everyone was bound to like her and me, maybe I was evil. Maybe that was why people stayed away from me. Maybe Aunt Grace was right. I wasn't meant to be born.

Maybe because I was evil, I lived more like a ghost. My existence was not noticed.

I took a quick glance at Daniel again. I actually took a big risk there. I couldn't tell exactly, but he had this kind of expression I couldn't even make out.

Whatever! I got my own problems.

The classroom door creaked again and this time, Mrs Briggs strolled into the class.

"Class greet!" Mary, our class captain called out loud.

"Good morning ma'am" we chorused, the tables and chairs, making slight noise as we stood up.

"Good morning class! How was your weekend? She asked.

Not waiting for our response, she said, "Submit your assignment"

Mary moved from seat to seat, collecting the assignments from everyone except the new students.

"If you are not with your assignment, I want you out of my class!" Her voice was stern. She could be very strict, but she was also very nice.

No one stood up. Maybe they all did the assignment except the new students of course. When Mary got to my seat, her smile faded away. As the outcast of the class, everyone hated seeing my face. It was more like my face stole their smiles. I handed my note to her with a nonchalant attitude. If they were going to treat me as a nobody, then I guess I'd just pretend none of them mean anything to me either, whether it was their attention or whatsoever. They didn't matter in my life.

Again, Mrs Briggs voice snapped me out of my thought.

"We're going to continue from where we stopped in last class" She turned on the projector.

"What was our last topic?" she asked.

Gabriella and I raised our hands at the same time. As usual Gabriella was chosen. I sighed, as I dropped my hand. This wasn't the first time. Even the teachers treated me like a ghost though it was more like they were being nonchalant.

"Solving quadratic equations using formula method" Gabriella answered.

"Yes, very good! So today, we are going to talk about solving quadratic equations using factorization method" she said and turned to the projector.

The class was on for two straight hours until the siren rang out again.

"Ok class, we will stop here for today. Make sure you do this assignment before the next class" she said before leaving the class.

I checked the timetable. It was time for literature. Mr Babs would be here any moment from now.

Gabriella came to my sit. It was unlike her. I was wondering what she was up to when her voice snapped me back to reality.

"Hey Daniel, I'm Gabriella" she flashed a sweet smile at him, stretching out her hand for a handshake.

Daniel shot her a glare and then, he turned back to his book. Daniel's reaction surprised me. I thought everyone liked Gabriella, or was he an exception too?

Gabriella's face turned red. She was embarrassed and that too by a guy? It had never happened before. No one has ever ignored her before especially guys. They were always trying to get Gabriella's attention.

It was funny and I tried very hard to stifle my laughter, which resulted in a smile. Her eyes met mine, and she shot me a glare. What? I wasn't the one who ignored her or was it my smile?

So intimidating!

I dropped my eyes and soon, the classroom door flung open again. Mr Babs walked in. I was glad, but I was sure Gabriella won't let it go. She surely would not.

"There's no need to greet, bring out your textbooks, and let's get to work."

As usual, G answered most of the questions asked by Mr Babs. Though, I didn't get to answer any question, I really enjoyed the class.

"Write an analysis of The Pulley by George Herbert. I want it submitted by next class" He said and moved out of the class. Two assignments already.

I looked at my watch. It was almost time for break. I sighed and gazed out of the window again. 

The sky was clear and blue and the sun was shinning brightly in the sky. I hoped one day, I would be able to shine brightly like the sun. My eyes left the window and I looked around the class randomly. Everyone was busy chatting. I did not have anything to do and there was no one to talk to so I brought out my phone.

I played candy crush for about four minutes, then I heard the siren again. It was officially lunch time.

Everyone stood up, moving out of the class noisily. I waited for all of them to leave the class before I finally stood up. Daniel was busy with his phone. To be honest, I liked my new seat partner. He was quiet and he didn't even try to start a conversation with me. That was because he was unfriendly anyway and cold to everyone.

I headed to the school cafeteria and I had to wait on the queue to get my lunch.

"Sausage roll and orange drink" I said and it was handed over to me. I looked around, my eyes running across the cafeteria in search of a good spot to sit. I finally spotted an empty seat beside the window.

My eyes ran across the cafeteria as I ate. Coincidentally, my eyes landed on Gabriella. She was sitting with a group of girls and the new boy, Davison. She was crushing on him for sure. It was not bad though, Davison was handsome too but if I were to choose, I'll rather go for Daniel.

You know, since we were in junior school, Gabriella had been spreading false rumors about me. Do you know why? It was because she wanted people to stay away from me. She succeded because everyone avoided me like me a plague. It made me start to think the rumours were true. She told people I was evil.

Our eyes met and she smirked. She stood up and catwalked towards me.

I quickly dropped my eyes, wondering what she was up to this time.

She catwalked towards me in such a way that she got people's attention.

I dropped my eyes, wondering what she was up to again. I could hear her footsteps getting closer, but I didn't dare raise my head just to avoid trouble. I had this feeling that I was already at the edge, I couldn't tell how much more of this I could take.

"Hey D!" she called. It was strange. Did she want to start a conversation with me? Because usually, she'd probably just do something nasty and leave or say something mean, very mean about me. There had never been a time she'd call my name.

I raised my head up to look at her face maybe I could figure out what was going on in her head. Before I knew it, she emptied the grape juice in her hand, on my head.

That was totally unexpected. I thought for once that she was going to change her strategy. Hence the reason she called my name. My uniform was soaked and stained.

"Oh sorry! My mistake" Her sarcastic remark made everyone laugh. I'd say I was the reason why everyone had a good time at the cafeteria. Yeah, I was the ghost girl, the invisible girl who always got bullied by her sister. That was just nothing but the fact.

No matter how much I try to come in terms with it, it still hurt, very much. I tried to stifle my tears, but I could feel it slowly rolling down my cheek. I couldn't help it and whose business was it if I cried anyway? Nobody cared. It just made them laugh the more.

That feeling of anger and resentment rushed through my veins. Mum shouldn't have given birth to me in the first place or maybe she should have just killed me when I was a baby. She was the one I resented most because she was my mother. How could she watch everything happen and not say a single word? I mean, Gabriella was her daughter and I was too, not so? We were born on the same day, so why Gabriella not me? The answer didn't matter to me anymore. I've accepted everything, but accepting didn't mean I didn't feel hurt about it.

I stood up and headed towards the door of the cafateria. I couldn't even eat my lunch in peace. As I dashed out of the cafeteria door, I could hear an uproar of laughter. It was sad that they were unreasonable. Their actions and reactions could actually push someone to commit suicide, because wasn't everything just too much?

I lowered my head as I hastened through the hallway. I couldn't even stop my tears and my vision was blurry. Unexpectedly, I bumped into someone. Blame my blurry vision.

I raised my head up to look at the person's face. If it was a teacher, I better prepare a better explanation in my head. My teary eyes landed on Daniel and for a moment I was in doubt as to whether he was really the one. Again, blame my tears. It made my sight blurry.

"I'm sorry" I mumbled and lowering my head again, I ran into the girls' restroom.

In the restroom, I gazed at myself in the mirror. More tears dripped from my eyelids. I was glad nobody was in the restroom. At least I could let out everything in peace. I tried cleaning up the stain on my uniform, but it was no use. I inhaled deeply and wondered if everything would be fine someday or maybe not.

I gazed at my reflection in the mirror again. Couldn't I have retaliated? Why do I always let her get away with bullying me? I'd probably be kicked out of the house the moment I go against her. I could still handle Gabriella, I couldn't handle dad and Gabriella had her ways of making things worse for me. She was a queen at home. Dad's princess, the apple of Mom's eyes. Their pride.

I shook my head like I was trying to get that thought out of my head. It was enough to resent them already, I didn't want to be hateful.

I lowered my face to the sink and washed my face. I looked better, my eyes were just a little bit red. I wiped my face with my handkerchief and looked at the mirror again. Satisfied with the way I looked at the moment, I plodded out of the restroom.

The first person I saw was Daniel. He stared at me for a while then he walked away with an expressionless face. I already apologized to him, now what? I was already stressed out, that was enough.

I went back to the classroom. Many students were not back from the cafeteria yet so I just picked up some of my books and headed to the library. Luckily, I was not offering geography and that was the next thing on the timetable.

"Good afternoon ma'am" I greeted the librarian, Mrs Smith.

"Good afternoon dear" she raised her head up and her eyes met mine. Then she smiled at me and unconsciously, I smiled too. Mrs Smith was a very nice person. We weren't close or anything, but she was always nice to me. Sometimes she'd show me where some books were kept on the shelf and she'd tell me when there was a new science fiction in the library.

As I strolled further into the library, my eyes searched for a suitable place to sit. Finally! I found one close to the window. It was always the window.

I got engrossed in the book I was reading so much that I lost track of time. When the siren blared for the second time, reality hit me instantly.

"Gosh!" I exclaimed, looking at my watch with my eyes almost popping out of their sockets. Mrs Sharon would be in class already and I was late. Being late to Mrs Sharon class was the definition of trouble itself.

I packed my books and raced down the stairs, then through the hallway and at last I barged into the class, breathing heavily. Mrs Sharon didn't look pleased that I interrupted her class so suddenly.

"And why are you late to my class?" Mrs Sharon asked, a line appeared on her forehead.

I couldn't talk properly because I was out of breath. The line on her forehead tightened. "Stay outside!" she snapped.

I stayed outside for about ten minutes before she finally let me into the class. I scrambled to my seat and unfortunately, I hit my leg hard on my chair. I let out a loud groan, rubbing the affected surface with my hand. When I noticed the class was silent, I raised my head and my eyes met Mrs Sharon's unfriendly look.

I settled down quickly in spite of the pain so that Mrs Sharon would continue with her lesson.

"The precolonial system of the Hausa/Fulani was centralized in nature....." she continued with the lesson after I settled down.

-------------------

The siren blared and I let out a sigh of relief.

At last! It was time to go home.

"Juxtapose the Igbo and Yoruba precolonial system. Damola, if you don't do your assignment this time, I'll punish you personally" she picked up her bag and cat walked out of the class.

"Phew!" I breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally! School was over. I packed my books and arranged them neatly in my backpack. I hung it across my shoulder. I just need to make my way to the gate, avoiding Gabriella at all cost.

I stood up, but I sat down almost immediately because of the pain I felt on my leg.

"Argggghhh" I groaned, using my hand to rub the affected surface. I totally forgot that I hurt my leg.

After caressing it for a while, I stood up. My leg was still hurting so I had to limp.

Limping to the school gate wasn't easy and to top it all, I would still have to wait for Gabriella. Our driver was around already so I just got into the back seat. The front seat belongs to Gabriella. Waiting for Gabriella was like waiting till eternity so I just decided to play a game on my phone.

My phone wasn't in my backpack. My phone wasn't in my backpack! My eyes widened as I scattered everything I had in my backpack on the car seat. It wasn't there.

I ducked out of the car in a hurry and I groaned. I had forgotten about my leg again. I shut my eyes, trying to suck in the pain. I opened my eyes again and started to limp towards the school gate.

My eyes landed on Daniel. I wanted to avoid him because I didn't understand what was with the coincidental meeting.

"Hey, you forgot your phone" he said, throwing it at me. Goodness, that was a narrow escape. If I had not caught my phone, I would have definitely ripped him apart.

How dare he throw my phone!

"Thanks" I mumbled despite the fact that I was upset about how he threw my phone. He walked away without even replying.

"He should have at least acknowledged my appreciation" I thought, but I didn't care.

After getting back my phone, I decided to wait outside the car for Gabriella. Not long after, I spotted Gabriella coming out of the gate with Davison.They exchanged numbers already, I was quite sure of that. They coversed a little more before she started towards the car.

"Bye G!" some students shouted, waving at the same time. She waved back at them like a celebrity. I entered into the car, my usual spot while she got into the front seat. She put on her headphones. I felt bored so I picked up my phone to play candy crush. It was my favorite game.

After a ten minutes drive, our car pulled into the compound of a big, white duplex. I got off quickly and hastened my steps into the house.

"Good afternoon mom" I greeted, as I peered into the kitchen. She was busy preparing lunch for us.

I headed straight to my room without waiting for her reply. I was glad to be in my room again. There was this kind of feeling that made me kind of excited. I drew in a deep breath and laid flat on my bed for a while.

I lazily got up. I dropped my backpack on my reading table, then I pulled off my shoes and socks. I pulled off my uniform and plodded into the bathroom to take a shower.

After taking a shower, I just put on a short black skirt and a pink loose top. I slipped my feet into my pink flip-flops and I moved to the dinning room for lunch. Gabriella was already seated. She was putting on a short skirt too, but with a yellow top, and yellow flip-flops.

Her hair was packed up when we were going to school this morning but now, her Bob Marley hair was loose. Her hair was just as long as mine. My hair was packed in a bun and I was quite sure mom was going to send me to the salon to make my hair.

To be continued...