Page 152 of Poison Aches

A point made poignant when the whispers and stares become so loud, I feel like I’m standing here naked in front of them.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I imagine this is a big surprise but… well, as you can see, I have an identical twin sister!” Melissa squeals above the whispers.

Oh God.

“Isn’t that amazing? Daddy, come and see your long-lost prodigal daughter! She has finally come home! Now you can make your announcement. Happy Birthday!”

CHAPTER 20

Ivy

Like a fish out of water, I stand there gaping at the girl who just announced to the entire room—and to me—that she’s my twin sister.

I have a twin sister.

She looks exactly like me, save for the fact that she looks refined, genuinely happy and loved.

And why wouldn’t she, after hearing that speech, it’s obvious she grew up in a happy home.

Never did she have to cry herself to sleep wondering why she was abandoned.

Never has she had to run away to look for her parents and in doing so, killed her own grandfather.

She looks free, open, without a trace of burden or guilt on her shoulders…and she’s my twin sister!

Fool.

Idiot.

Dumbass.

I’m all that and more.

Samuel dissuaded me from doing this. Did he know that I had a twin?

Did he know that I would find this kind of heartache?

As the thoughts race in my head, an acute pressure blooms fully in my chest.

I start feeling like I’m about to choke, as if something is blocking my airway.

I grab my throat, but the invisible hold squeezes tighter.

My hands become clammy and hot.

My knees weaken even more and I stumble backward.

The spotlight is still on me.

Multiple eyes are still on me!

“Ivy, hello!” Melissa comes barreling towards me and engulfs me in a tight hug as if we’re reuniting.

“OMG! I’m so glad to see you! You look just like me!”

I stand there, wooden and frozen, staring at her.

“Melissa,” a hesitant voice speaks behind her, and then Governor Hughes is right in front of us.

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