Always Second to My Sister, until Today
GreencloudCheatingFace SlappingMistressIndependenceHypocrisyTragic LoveMelodramatic
On the day of my pre-wedding photoshoot, the photographer compliments me, saying I look just like my sister, Jenna Shaw, when I smile.
My fiance, Clifton Cooper, immediately asks Jenna to change into a white wedding dress as well, saying she might as well take a few photos for keepsakes.
When selecting the photos, the whole family gathers around Jenna's set of pictures and praises them.
My mother, Victoria Winn, says Jenna is naturally suited to wearing a wedding dress.
My father, Reginald Shaw, says she looks more radiant and poised than me, the bride-to-be.
Clifton stares at the screen for a long time, then points to the one where Jenna glances back over her shoulder.
"Jenna looks great in this one. Let's put this one at the wedding welcome area."
Only when I ask him where my photos will go does he finally seem to remember my existence.
"Since you and Jenna look so much alike, the guests won't be able to tell the difference. Besides, Jenna isn't getting married, so it isn't easy for her to get a chance to wear a wedding dress."
A laugh suddenly escapes me.
Ever since we were little, it's never been easy for Jenna, so I'm supposed to give in to her. Not only do I have to give her whatever she wants, but I'm not allowed to have anything she doesn't have either.
Even my wedding has to be about making her dream come true.
I pull the only photo of Clifton and me together from the album. In the photo, I stand beside Clifton, smiling with all my might. But looking at it now, all I feel is that I'm looking at a stranger.
It turns out spring is never late. It's just that I've been standing in someone else's shadow, waiting for it.
Well, this time, I don't want to wait anymore.