4 TRIGGERED

*SOPHIA'S POV*

"Good Morning Dinosaur!" I greeted, waking up from the slippery tongue of my dog. I jumped out from my creaky, but still comfortable bed to head downstairs. "Mom, I really need a total make over. I was invited to a birthday party tonight and it's one from the hottest guys at school!" I heard my ever so awesome twin sister. Her annoying pitch really creeps the hell out of me.

I tried to silence my footsteps but it was an epic fail. Dinosaur barked at the two ladies talking at the living room or should I say the maine coon cat called Trixie. Well, I couldn't care less. Dinosaur is not far behind - a black Brazilian Mastiff is something to be proud of.

"Behave Dino!. Come back here." I instructed which he obediently followed. Dino has been with me since I was 5 yrs old. He's my best friend.

"Hello mom and sis" I continued as soon as I saw Dino behind me.. but like an air passing through, I did not even get a single reply from either of them. Instead of cracking my head why, I focused on making my own breakfast.

"Aww!" I snapped. I sliced my finger while preparing sandwich. "Now I can't eat this. Such a waste." I said to myself as I see droplets of blood fall down to my bread.

"I agree. Such a waste.. like you!" Just great. Here comes another dramatic episode of our life as twins.

"Not helpful Elizabeth." I responded.

"I did not come here to help you obviously. I want you to join the party. Unfortunately, you are my gate pass." She exclaimed.

Saturday came by so quickly. It was just two days ago when I got the letter. I did not want to go anymore, but here comes Elizabeth wanting to change my decision. After saying what she wanted, she made her way up to her room.

I thought it would be a longer conversation, but it's also refreshing that it ended less than five minutes.

I don't even know what to wear. Let alone join a party that will be composed of the popular teenagers at school and in town.

I watch the clock ticking. It's already 10:45 am. No one's home except me and my bud. Dad still has this business trip and mom joined Elizabeth at the salon. "Come on Dino." I tell my dog as I head up stairs.

I naturally walk to my bathroom and turn on the heater for my shower.

I stripped off and observe my body in front of the mirror. I do not have the hourglass figure but still not bad for a meaty girl. "Shower is ready" I commented happily and after 25 minutes, I'm finally done. I then covered my body with my soft, white towel and a grey one for my wet hair. I head towards my closet to scamper any attire I can make use of.

I stared at my wardrobe for quite sometime before accepting the truth - I do not have anything decent. All I can see are my hoodies, tshirts, sweats, loose jeans and shorts. I can rock these outfits in a gangster party though. "Shit! I think it's better not to come after all. I don't want to be the talk of the town!..Am I even a teenager?" All these complaints came rushing to me. I really had no reason to buy any expensive or luxury clothes, until now.

"Praise me Sophia, cause I have the perfect outfit for you." Elizabeth's voice echoed through the room. I jumped back as it caught me off guard. I did not notice her entering.

"God! please knock!" I shouted.

"It doesn't matter. Take this and ready yourself. At least you won't look like a trash bag!" She said. If I could just grab her neck and strangle her, I would be happy - my psychotic mind is again running wild.

I unwillingly took out the clothes from the plastic and was surprised to what I saw. A beautiful red and black checkered dress was presented to me. I hurriedly tried it on and it perfectly fits me. I am happy that she's my sister, for the first time in my life.

I put on some lipgloss and powder on my face to complete my look, while Elizabeth was still there, standing beside my cabinet. Arms crossed- watching me intently.

"Not bad sister" she said as she scanned me. "I'm glad it's to your liking." she continued. I no longer responded as I may open a can of worms. "Now, let me fix myself then we'll head there!" Elizabeth proudly said and then left. I looked at my clock and it's already 1:41 in the afternoon and I'm bored.

"Let's watch some TV Dino" I excitedly stood up from my seat to head to the living room.

I already finished two movie reruns but I still don't see my sister's shadow. It's awfully quite as well. Right when I decided to look for her, I heard her laugh. She sounds delighted. Elizabeth then emerged with a beautiful pale pink, silky satin short dress. It highlighted her curves and white skin. Her shoes is in nude color, perfectly matching the outfit. She straightened her hair and placed it on the side to emphasize her bare back. "Behold my queen-like beauty Sophia" She blurted. Nothing came out from my mouth. I was astonished myself.

"Now let's hurry Elizabeth. You go and surprise everybody!" My mom said while grinning. We hopped right into her red Mazda car she bought back in 2018. Dropped us off at Luke's house at exactly 5:51 pm before her own dinner engagement with her 'yoga friends'.

"Sophia, I'm really glad you came." my sister said as soon as mom left. I'm now starting to feel nervous about this behavior. Such pleasantries do not go well with her when talking to me. She fixed her hair while we walk down the pebble road towards Luke's front yard.

"What are you planning?" I ask as she opens the door to reveal the answer to my question. The cloth for the tables and chairs are designed just like my dress. I am now the mother of all checkered. I should've known.

Every body inside stopped and was staring at us, or rather me. "Now you got your answer sis. I hate you having the same face as me. There should only be one, don't you agree?" She spitted the words. Everyone laughed the moment I stepped into the house. I can feel their eyes peeling off my skin.

My tears started welling up. I looked at her, gathering all my pent up emotions.

"I hope you trip and break your nose. Then you will no longer look like me!" I yelled at her.

I uttered those words one by one. I didn't even understand why I responded that way.

Something sparked inside me.

I was definitely TRIGGERED.