Just Like You

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Dearest Katherine,2

It sickens me, the very thought that I could be just like you . People always said we were just alike, but I never believed them. I didn't want to believe. You were the cruel one, not me. You were the one that always seemed angry . And believe me living in your shadow wasn't exactly a picnic. 3

And then, you have the audacity to try and 'guide me' Pffh!! You were only in my way . So step aside, dear sister, because I'm never gonna be just like you . I don't have the darkness in my heart that you seem to possess. I feel sorry for you, to be honest. You with your ruthless ways. How can you live with the things you have done? The things you have said?4

When you're near a cute guy, you act so sweet and kind, but I know how fake you are. You think you're perfect, and that somehow gives you the right to treat people good or bad based on their looks and clothes. How can you be so mean and senseless , dear sister? 5

You've tried for years to shove me into the same skanky clothes you wear, adopt the same prissy attitude...guess what? Not gonna happen, sis. I refuse to be be just like you . Individuality isn't a bad thing, I should know. 6

Please do not not misunderstand my words, dear sister, I'm not saying these things to hurt you. I wish for you to look in the mirror and realize what I see when you are angry ; the flames in your eyes, the unattractive scowl on your mouth. You look like a brat. I hope that you will change your wicked ways and adopt a new persona. I love you, and want better that the live you are trying to attain. You are so much better than the way you have been acting. Think it over, please.7

Love Always, Your twin sister,8

Kelsey9

P.S. I hope one day I can proudly say in at least one way, I wish I could be just like you .   10

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Katherine sobbed uncontrollably, her hands shaking as she pressed the letter to her chest. She felt horrible about the way she acted towards Kelsey now. A few weeks ago, Kelsey was trying to reach out to her, Katherine realized. 12

"What have I done." Katherine sniffled. 13

She decided in that moment, in a flash of determination, she would honor her sister's request, her sister's last request. 14

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 Kelsey died four days ago, she was hit by a car that swirved into her lane. It happened so quickly Kelsey never had a chance to react. 16

It was merely chance, or perhaps fate, that Katherine stumbled onto the letter she had written. Earlier that day, her mother said she could bear to go into Kelsey's room, so she asked Katherine to go into her room to find a good picture of her for the funeral. 17

No one had been in Kelsey's room since the accident. It still looked lived-in, if you know what I mean, like Kelsey could walk through the door at any moment. Katherine scanned the room hoping she could find the picture quickly so she could leave. She wandered around the room, then stepped toward the desk and open the top drawer. Kelsey was always something of a pack-rat, keeping everything from abc gum to notes from her third grade history test. Katherine's fingers glided over her sister's treasured possessions, lifting papers and knick-knacks out every now and again. 18

Her fingers stopped over a sealed envelope that read 'To Katherine'. At first, she thought it might be a birthday card Kelsey had forgotten to give her; so, she added the envelope to the growing pile of stuff on the dresser. But Katherine couldn't help her curiousity about what the envelope contained, the question of whether or not to open it weighed heavily on her mind. "It probably just a birthday card, no harm in opening it." she said to herself. Poor Katherine didn't know anything about the very honest, yet, heartfelt letter that awaited her sorrowful eyes. 19

After reading the letter a second time, Katherine layed on Kelsey's bed and cryed herself to sleep.20