A Royal Pain In The Texts

Quote:

"I knew the pain I felt now was here to stay.

In many forms.

Through many nights."

-Melita Tessy

If there's one thing I detest more than anything, it's school. I hate it with every fiber of my being, but not for the reasons you might think. My hatred has a name-Damien Pierce. My twin sister's ex-boyfriend.

He loathes me, and I think I know why. Not that it makes it easier to bear. Deep down, I believe I deserve love, but my mind whispers otherwise. After all, I caused my twin's death. Or should I say, I murdered her?

Why would I say that? It all began back when Emerald was still alive, and Damien was hers.

Before we dive into that mess, have you ever wondered if your life was a book or a movie? I think about it all the time. If my life were a story, the author must be one twisted genius. So, here's my official introduction: My name is Ruby Chantel Parker, and my twin was Emerald Winnie Parker. Beautiful names, right?

Our middle names were inspired by the model Winnie Harlow, thanks to our mother's obsession with her. But enough about names-this is my story.

Flashback: Three Years Ago

"Hey, Rubes! Guess what? Damien and I started dating!" Emerald's voice rang out as she joined me on the porch.

"What?" I blinked, not trusting my ears.

"Don't be like that! Be happy for me." Her smile faltered for a moment, then brightened again. "I know you don't like Damien. You think he's a player. But he's changed, Rubes. He's different now-because of me."

I forced a smile. "That's... great, Emmy."

Andrea, my best friend, gave me a questioning look, mouthing, Are you okay? I nodded, offering a tight-lipped smile.

That summer afternoon, we were all headed to the beach-Damien, Andrea, Justin, Richard, Emerald, and me. But my excitement had evaporated. I went along anyway, not wanting to seem like I was breaking up the group.

I had to watch my sister fawn over the boy I loved. I had to choke down my feelings and pretend it didn't hurt.

Later, we went bowling, and Emmy, feeling tired, asked me to partner with Damien. My nerves were a tangled mess. For a fleeting moment, bowling with him felt like leaping off a waterfall into refreshing water on a scorching summer day. But that fleeting happiness? It vanished as quickly as it came.

Damien turned to me during a quiet moment and asked, "Why do you hate me? Why didn't you just tell me what you thought instead of going to Emerald?"

I opened my mouth, but before I could respond, Emerald appeared. "Hey, guys, it's getting late. Let's head home before it gets too dark."

And just like that, the moment was gone.