by Mary Smith
I stood in the middle of the room, and I felt like I had been dropped from a tornado. I processed everything Garnet said. She couldn’t be correct. I mean, I didn’t go home as often as I should have, and I regret that. However, my obligations to the sorority were important to my future career. I know Dad cared about Garnet; he wasn’t that expressive though. I knew she was helping with Mom, but I guess I hadn’t realized how much.
I tried to remember some of my conversations with Garnet, when I would call home. I don’t remember a lot except what was happening with me.
“Oh my God.” I dropped into the armchair.
I was a bad sister.
It wasn’t Garnet’s fault that she was this way. It was mine. She had been holding all these emotions inside, and it had been eating at her. No wonder she had been drinking, sleeping around, and cussing like a sailor. She’d had to grow up too fast, and it was because she had so many responsibilities.
Garnet had been sixteen when Mom became ill. She should have been out with her friends, calling her crush on the phone, and worrying about what college she was going to apply to. Instead, she was a nurse to our mother.
I never really thought about it. My selfish ways had kept that part of reality away from me. I assumed that everything was okay at home even though Mom was sick. I slapped my hand to my forehead. How could I have been that stupid? How could I not have fathomed everything that Garnet had gone through?
I walked up to her room and lightly knocked on her door.
“Go away,” she shouted, but I could hear the sadness in her voice.
“Garnet, please, may we talk?”
She didn’t answer.
“Please,” I begged. I stood there, for what seemed to be an eternity, until I heard the doorknob move.
In front of me stood my sister. Her red hair was drooping from her messy bun. Her fresh, milky white skinned face was blotchy and puffy from her tears. Even her nose was red.
“What do you want, Daisy?”
I cleared my throat and stood tall. “I thought about what you said, and I want to tell you that I’m sorry. You’re right; I put my needs in front of our parents and especially you. I didn’t realize all that you’d gone through. I am truly sorry, Garnet.”
I studied her face, waiting for her to give me some reaction, but she only crossed her arms, and stared at the plush carpet under her feet.
“You know,” she raised up and looked me dead in the eyes. “I thought when I was younger that we would always be best friends. It really hurt me when you pushed me away. I’m not saying you had to change your whole life, but you could’ve at least asked how I was doing or something. You could have come home one weekend and given me a break. You don’t know how hard it was watching Mom deteriorate. You and Dad were gone, and I had no one to lean on.”
My heart was breaking as I listened to her words. My sister had taken on a huge burden, and I hadn’t helped at all.
“I know you don’t believe this, but Dash is an amazing person. He has helped me a lot, and you shouldn’t be so quick to judge.”
“Dash? Dash helped you?” I couldn’t comprehend which was more shocking. If it was all that she just confessed, or the fact that Dash was being helpful.
“Yes, and I was confused about my feelings for him, but after everything, and after talking to him, I figured out that I do like him.”
“You do?” My jaw fell. Garnet liked Dash. Could this day become any stranger?
“Yes.”
“Do…do you love him?” I stammered, still trying to figure out what in the world is going on.
Garnet rolled her eyes. “We aren’t like you and Dart.”
A small smile crept onto my face. Dart and my relationship was a special one. “Could we be sisters again?”
“Daisy, were always sisters, but you need not be so self centered.” Garnet’s words hit me square in the chest. I had been that way for too long.
I wrapped my arms around her before she could push me away. “I love you. No matter what, I love you.” I kissed her cheek, and I walked away, knowing I needed to fix two more things.
I strolled across the street. For the first time, I was nervous. If Dash had done all these wonderful things for Garnet, then I had to be wrong about him.
Right?
Another first was me knocking on the door. Dart answered.
“Why didn’t you just come in?”
“I figured you were still mad at me.”
Dart cupped to my face. “I am upset because you were intentionally hurtful to Dash, but I love you.”
“More than Dash?” I winked, teasing him.
“I’d rather die than choose between you two.”
I giggled, kissing his lips. I felt so safe with him. Dart was my home.
“Is Dash here?”
Dart nodded, stepping to the side to let me walk in. He guided me into the living room, where Dash was playing the Xbox.
“Dash,” Dart semi-yelled his name to get his attention.
“Well, hello Daisy. Have you come to call me more names?” He put the controller on the table and stood up.
“Dash, I just had a long talk with Garnet. Well, it was mainly her yelling at me. However, I did learn some things. She said that you’ve been helping her.”
He crossed his arms.
“I wanted to tell you thank you for that.”
He continued to stare at me, not saying anything.
“I’m sorry I was rude to you.” I felt Dart rubbing my back.
Dash continued to stand there and look between Dart and me. “Daisy, you and I haven’t liked each other, but because Dart loves you, and you’re Garnet’s sister, I accept your apology.” He turned away and walked out of the room.
Chapter 21 – Dart
I woke up Wednesday morning more tired than I was when I went to bed. I had stayed up late finishing homework, and I needed to get ready for practice.
I sat at the kitchen table, eating some toast, and heard Dash moving around upstairs. I couldn’t believe how much Dash had really changed in the past few days, and it was all because of Garnet.
“Good morning, Dart.” As I finished my thought, she appeared in the kitchen, looking as if she just rolled out of the bed.
“Morning, Garnet.”
“Hey, Dart,” Dash slapped my shoulder.
“Are you almost ready?”
“Yep,” he gave Garnet a quick kiss, and I rose from the table to give them a private moment.
When they were done, we all walked out of the house. The sun was starting to rise, and the sky was a mixture of soft yellows, reds, and oranges.
“I’m going to walk her home. Be right back.” Dash informed me.
I nodded at him. I sat in the driver seat, waiting for him, and sent a quick text to Daisy. I knew she was still asleep, but I missed her
I missed you in my arms this morning. I love you.
I watched the display of the text was sent, thinking of the past three years with her. She was my everything. I wanted her all the time, and not just physically.
Daisy was a good person, who supported me in whatever I wanted to do. When I brought up the idea of moving to North Carolina this past summer, she asked if I’d thought it all through. The truth was I had.
I never thought about going into real estate, but for the last two summers I had worked with Mr. Bowlings, and I’d enjoyed it. We had traveled to all of his properties. Even though his company was based in North Carolina, he had real estate holdings all over the east coast.
The first summer I worked for him, I was in Georgia. I worked as Mr. Bowlings’ assistant. I was learning the ins and outs of real estate. The one thing I enjoyed the most was how he was able to purchase a home, remodel the home, and sell it for almost double the price. I had seen those types of people on reality shows, but never saw them in real life.
I was hooked after that first transaction. When Daisy and I suggested moving to North Carolina, Mr. Bowlings offered me a position i
n his company. I couldn’t have been happier.
I knew I wasn’t going into the NFL. Not one scout had ever talked to me, unless I was standing next to Dash. I was okay with that, because that was Dash’s dream, and I knew he would make it.
My dream was to be with Daisy. I had always known that she wanted to move back to North Carolina and be an RN down there. I wanted to build a life with her, and settle down wherever she wanted.
Settle down?
I had thought about those words. Daisy and I had talked about our future, but we’ve never discussed that.
Marriage.
Dash jumped into the car, and I didn’t think about that word again as we headed to the stadium.
~~
After practice, a short weight lifting session, and classes, I was finally home. However, I wasn’t tired. All day an idea had been creeping around in my head.
When I walked into the house, Dash was at the dining room and had homework spread out around him. He was reading from a large thick textbook.
“You busy?”
“No, Dart, this is what I always do in my free time,” he mumbled still looking at the book.
“Well, can you take a break?”
“I could, but this paper will not write itself.”
“Dash,” I said firmly to gain his attention.
He finally glanced up. “You okay?”
I pulled out the chair next to him and sat down. “I need to talk to you about something.”
I watched as an unsure, panicked look washed over his face. “Dart?”
“It’s not bad,” I rushed out, to keep him calm. “But, it’s something I want to discuss with you first.”
“Okay,” his voice was perplexed. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. That’s it.”
“I don’t understand.”
“I mean it’s good news. I’ve been thinking about it all day, and I want to ask Daisy to marry me.”
“Today?”
“No, I haven’t worked out all the details, but I want to go ring shopping tonight. Daisy’s going to be in the lab for a few hours, and I figured it was a perfect time. I really want you to go with me.”
“Hold up,” Dash shut his book and pushed it away, setting his elbows on the table. “You want to marry Daisy?”
“I’m not sure why you’re shocked by this. We’ve been a couple for over three years. We’ve already made plans for our future after we graduate in May. You know this.”
“What if you get drafted?”
“Dash,” I gave him a serious look. “You know as well as I do, I’m not going to the NFL. Don’t act like you don’t know my future plans with Daisy.”
“But—”
“No, Dash. No ‘but’. Daisy’s my soulmate. She’s my life, and I want to marry her.”
We didn’t drop our gaze from each other as he took in everything I’d said to him.
“Dart, you are my twin, and I love you. If you want to marry Daisy and run off into the sunset together, then I’ll be there for you.”
“Wow,” I blinked a few times, shocked by his words. “Sex with Garnet is really changing you.”
He smiled. “Well, it’s good sex.”
“I don’t want to know.” I covered my ears, shaking my head side to side.
Dash laughed. “Fine, but when did you want to go shopping?”
“Now.”
“Well, I don’t know anything about rings, do you?”
“Shit,” I dropped my head into my hands. “I have no clue either.”
“You could use your secret weapon.”
“Huh?”
Dash rolled his eyes. “Garnet. Garnet is your secret weapon.”
“Oh yeah,” I didn’t even think about her helping me out.
“Hang on.” Dash reached for his phone. When she answered, he asked her to come over to our house.
A few moments later, she walked in. “All right, what’s up?”
“Go ahead, Dart. Tell her.” Dash smiled.
I took a deep breath and told her everything. Garnet’s eyes grew big with excitement.
“Wow, she’s going to be so happy. Dart, I mean it when I say congratulations.”
“Thanks, but I have two favors to ask of you.”
“Shoot.”
“One, please don’t tell her. Two, I don’t know anything about rings. Could you help me?”
“I won’t say anything and hell yeah, I’ll help. When are we going?”
“Right now.” My heart was beating joyously at the fact everything was coming together smoothly.
“Let me run and grab my purse.” She raced out our house.
“Well, come on Dart, let’s go get a ring.” Dash stood up, slapped my shoulder, and headed out the door.
Chapter 22 – Dash
The mall was busy when the three of us walked in. I held Garnet’s hand, as we made our way to the jewelry store. When we reached the counter, all I could see was sparkling diamonds and they all looked similar.
Garnet went in full girl mode and started talking to the clerk. It was like she was speaking a foreign language. Cut, carat, sizes, color, it all confused the hell out of me.
“Okay,” Garnet and the sales person held out two diamond rings. “I’ve narrowed it down to these two.”
“What are you thinking, Garnet?” Dart asked, looking as bewildered as I had been.
“Well, this one,” she nodded at the one in her left hand, “is a two carat, princess cut, platinum. And this one,” she nodded at her right hand, “is a two carat, emerald cut, in white gold.”
At the same time all three of us said, “Princess.” The clerk laughed, and then asked what size. Garnet told her, and Dart handed her his credit card. Because it was already in Daisy’s size, he was able to take the ring with him.
We stopped at Starbucks to grab a quick drink. When we sat down, Garnet and Dart started talking, and I drifted into my own thoughts as I stared at her.
Was it possible that she was more beautiful today than yesterday? Her red hair hung loose, and her makeup wasn’t as dark as usual. Garnet’s gray t-shirt was tight around her breasts, and the words Team Daryl were written across the front. Her light colored jeans were cut just right because I’d stared at her firm ass while we stood in line for coffee.
But, her smile made my heart race. It wasn’t that fake smile like some girls wore. It was her true self. It was Garnet.
When we finally made it back to the house, Dart gave Garnet a hug and thanked her for helping him. He lightly pushed on my shoulder as he walked into the house, leaving us alone in the driveway.
“What are your plans right now?”
“Um,” Garnet looked down. “I have plans.”
“Really?”
“I wanted to see if you wanted to go, but you can’t say anything.”
“Are we going to the library?” it was the first place I thought of where you couldn’t do that.
She giggled. “No, but I know you have work to do, so it’s no big deal.”
“Wait, I want to go.” My curiosity was piqued at her plans.
“Let me grab my bag, and you’re driving.”
I watched her run across the street. When she came out, she was holding a large black duffle bag. She threw it in the back seat and told me to drive toward the other side of town. I followed every direction on the paper and told him where to go, until I pulled into a parking lot, where there was only one car.
“Where are we?”
“Dash,” she covered my mouth with her hand. “I don’t want you to say anything at all. Just trust me.”
I wasn’t sure what was going on, but I nodded. She removed her hand and grabbed the bag from the back seat. I did as she requested, remained quiet, and followed her into the building.
“Garnet,” a small woman behind a small desk smiled. She had gray streaks through her natural dark brown hair.
“Hello, Tina. Thank you again.” I saw Garnet’s face light up.
“No
problem. Enjoy.” Tina had given me a nod, and Garnet took my hand, leading me down a long hallway.
Garnet opened a large frosted glass door and turned on the lights. It shone brightly, and I realized I was in a dance studio. Garnet continued guiding me into the room.
“Have a seat. I’ll be right back.” She walked to a small door on the opposite side of the room.
I saw a few chairs set up in the corner. My boots squeaked as I walked across the glossy wooden floor. It was wall-to-wall mirrors. There wasn’t an angle that wasn’t covered. I sat down in the metal chair and noticed the matching wooden railings along one side of the mirrored wall.
There was no sound in the whole studio, and it was almost eerie, like a scene from a horror movie. I thought I knew where we were, but I couldn’t be sure. It wasn’t until Garnet walked out of the side door that it hit me. She was in a black leotard, and pink ballet shoes.
“Remember, no talking.” She kissed my lips.
I nodded.
“I was four when I took my first ballet class. I can still remember it like it was yesterday.” She sat down in the middle of the room, stretching her legs out. “I felt like I was the best prima ballerina, and no one could stop me.”
Garnet reached for her toes. Her legs spread out in a split form. She switched from one leg to the other. I watched as she did this several times.
“After a year or so of dancing ballet, I started tap dance classes, and then more modern dance classes after that. I would dance almost every day. Not including the time I spent practicing at home. Mom would watch me, and when Daisy was home,” she paused, pulling her knees to her chest. “She was my number one fan besides Mom.”
Garnet stood up, and strolled over to a sound box near the small door she’d gone through earlier.