The Bad Twin by Shelia Goss Page B

were in Janice’s car.
    “I thought he was cool. I don’t particularly care for his friend though.”
    “Really? I thought Terrence was nice enough. What about him didn’t you like?”
    “I can’t put my finger on it right now, but when I figure it out, you’ll be the first to know.”
    “Looks like we’re going back toward my house and not your Nana’s.”
    “We are. I used Nana as an excuse to get away.  Two hours with his friend was as much as I could stand.”
    Violet laughed. “I think you like him.”
    Janice ignored her comments as they rode in silence.
    Janice dropped Violet off at her house and decided to head home. “Ms. Violet. Remember what I said about wrapping your hair and wear the emerald green suit tomorrow. Good thing you know how to put on your own make-up, or else I would have to move in.”
    Violet put one hand on her hip and leaned her head to the side. “Whatever. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
    Violet watched her as she pulled out of the driveway. After Violet entered her home and felt comfortable that everything was secure, she decided to take a nap.  After her nap, Violet couldn’t wait to start one of her Sunday rituals. She normally took Sunday afternoons to catch up on her reading and she had just purchased several books by her favorite authors the week before.  She reached into her book bag and picked up the first book her hand touched. She looked at the cover and smiled at her choice.   As she lounged on her sofa, she relaxed as she read Michelle McGriff’s latest romance novel.  She was almost at the end of the second chapter when her phone rang.  Violet marked her spot in the book and placed it on the coffee table before she answered the phone.
    “This better be important.”
     

18
    ROSE
     
    “Hi Violet.”
    “Rose?”
    “How are you? I tried calling you Friday,” Rose stated.
    “I’m doing fine. Why didn’t you leave a message?” asked Violet.
    “Your answering machine didn’t pick up.”
    “Oh, it may have been unplugged. Okay, so what’s on your mind?”
    Rose responded, “Nothing really. I was calling to see how you were doing. We didn’t part on such good terms the last time I saw you.”
    “When do we ever?”
    “I swear you and David are just a like,” Rose commented.
    “Excuse me. Thought I told you I never wanted to hear you say his name. It was my condition on talking to you.”
    “Violet. I’m sorry. I won’t mention his name again.”
    “I know you won’t because I’m about to end this conversation.”
    Rose tired of the bitterness she heard in Violet’s voice asked, “Why are you being so difficult? I’m trying to make up and you won’t give our relationship a chance.”
    “I’ve given our relationship plenty of chances. You are the one who keeps messing it up. Look I had a pleasant day and I want to end it on a pleasant note. This conversation is over. Bye,” Violet said before slamming the phone down.
    Rose was left holding the phone, as she heard the loud sound of a click from Violet’s end.
     
    ***
    Why do I even try?  I can’t make her talk to me. If she wants to talk, she’ll have to call me. I have better things to do. Such as, figure out why I keep gaining weight, because I’ve been working out every day. I’m too young for my body to be going through this many changes.
    ***
     
    Rose turned the lamp off and before she could lay down, someone knocked at her door. “Come in.”
    “I wanted to see if you had a minute,” David said as he entered the room.
    “What is it? I’m tired and I really don’t feel like any more arguing.”
    David sat on the edge of the bed. “What do you think we should do about our situation? This marriage has been hell on us both.”
    Rose fluffed a couple of pillows but didn’t look up. “Hell on me, because you take out your frustrations on me. You did not have to marry me.”
    David looked her directly in the eyes and said, “Come on now. You know you tricked me into marrying