The next few days passed in a blur for Funmi. School consumed her thoughts, a temporary escape from the quiet drama at home. But the tension she felt every time she walked through the door remained, like an invisible weight pressing down on her chest. Lizzy's presence was constant, gentle, and unassuming, but it was the very nature of that presence that made Funmi's skin crawl.
Saturday arrived, and the family was getting ready for their outing at the country club. Funmi lingered by the door, watching as Lizzy slipped into a new dress—soft floral patterns, perfectly pressed. Everything about Lizzy screamed effortless beauty. Meanwhile, Funmi felt like she had to force every movement.
Her own outfit—an oversized cardigan and a pair of faded jeans—seemed to lack the polish Lizzy exuded, and the difference felt more glaring than ever. Mrs. Smith smiled at Lizzy as she twirled in front of the mirror, nodding approvingly.
"You look stunning, darling," she said.
Funmi swallowed the bitter taste in her mouth. She knew it wasn't malicious, but every compliment aimed at Lizzy felt like a rejection of her own worth.
When the family finally left for the country club, the air between them was thick with unspoken words. Lizzy and Mrs. Smith chatted excitedly in the back seat, while Mr. Smith drove, his eyes on the road, but his thoughts clearly elsewhere. Funmi
stared out of the window, the passing scenery blurring as her mind raced.
Arriving at the country club, the sprawling grounds were even more impressive than she remembered. The neatly manicured lawns, the laughter of families, and the soft hum of tennis balls hitting rackets should have felt relaxing, but Funmi couldn't shake the feeling of being a spectator in her own life.
Lizzy, of course, fit right in. She greeted everyone they passed with a warmth that made her seem like a long-lost friend to everyone she met. Funmi, on the other hand, found herself retreating into the background, watching the scene unfold as if it were happening to someone else.
Mrs. Smith leaned over to her. "Why don't
you join Lizzy for a walk by the lake, dear? It's such a beautiful day."
Funmi hesitated, the familiar mix of frustration and resentment bubbling up. Why did Lizzy always get these gentle invitations, these suggestions of connection? Funmi looked at her mother, trying to mask the irritation in her voice.
"I'm fine, Mom. Really," she said, her words sharp despite her best efforts.
Mrs. Smith didn't seem to notice, smiling warmly before turning back to Lizzy.
"Would you like to go, Lizzy?" she asked, her tone light and casual.
Lizzy smiled and nodded. "Of course, Mom. I think it's a lovely idea."
The two of them walked off, arm in arm, leaving Funmi standing alone, swallowed by the vastness of the country club.
As the day wore on, Funmi found herself wandering away from the others, making her way toward a secluded bench near the edge of the lake. She wasn't sure what she was searching for—maybe peace, or maybe just a moment away from everything.
The soft lapping of water against the shore was calming, and she allowed herself to close her eyes for a brief moment, trying to clear her mind. But the familiar weight of her emotions kept pulling her back.
"You know, it's hard to escape the feeling that you're constantly fighting for
attention."
Funmi's eyes snapped open, her heart skipping a beat. She hadn't heard anyone approach, but now Lizzy stood beside the bench, her gaze steady and kind.
Funmi stared at her, unable to find the right words. "I don't know what you mean."
Lizzy sighed, sitting down beside her. "I don't want to make this awkward, but I can see it, Funmi. The way you look at me sometimes. I'm not blind. I know things haven't been easy between us."
Funmi felt a rush of anger, but it was quickly replaced with guilt. She didn't want Lizzy to know just how deeply she resented her, how much it hurt to feel like she didn't belong.
"I don't hate you, you know," Funmi said quietly, the words feeling heavier than she intended.
Lizzy's expression softened. "I know you don't. And I don't hate you either. I'm just trying to figure out how to make things better between us."
Funmi scoffed, turning away. "You're perfect. You don't need to fix anything."
"I'm not perfect," Lizzy replied, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm just trying, Funmi. I know I don't always get it right, but I'm here. If you ever want to talk, I'm here."
For a long moment, the two sat in silence, the weight of the words hanging between
them. Funmi couldn't tell if Lizzy's sincerity was something she could trust, or if it was just another way to make her feel small. But, deep down, a part of her wanted to believe her sister. Wanted to believe that maybe, just maybe, there was a way to bridge the gap between them.
As Lizzy stood up to leave, she paused, looking down at Funmi with a soft smile. "Take care of yourself, okay?"
Funmi watched her go, the bitterness in her chest lingering like a knot that refused to loosen. She wasn't sure what to make of the conversation, or of Lizzy's unwavering kindness. But one thing was certain: the cracks in their relationship had deepened, and it would take more than a simple walk by the lake to fix them.