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I remember having a phone conversation with her in the past, when I thought Richard was going to ask me to marry him. We bashed at each other with words, I even asked her to go and settle down because she was no more a baby, same thing that my parents usually say to me.

I know those words must have hurt her but she did not react, and when the engagement with Richard did not hold, she was one of those that called to check up on me after my parents told her.

Melinda did not say anything negative during then but I know now that she is engaged before me, she will start displaying all kinds of character so that I will be pained.

But I will not let that happen, I will not even let my parents feel that I’m always unfortunate and left behind in all things. I use to attend my friend’s wedding, both my younger and older friends and I wish it will be my turn someday.

My Dad used to call me “flower girl” because I’m always catching bouquet in some of this wedding but there was never a proposal or any luck of settling down. Now my own younger sister is engaged again before me and will be getting married and starting her own family.

How do I even live with myself and watch it all happen.

I’m happy that I’m not staying with my parents, it would have being more traumatic for me to watch them everyday praise Melinda and treat me like I’m invisible or some bad luck to them.

“That is a great Dad. Is a good news and I’m happy for her…she deserv….

Before I could even complete my statement my Dad interrupted me.

“Yes, you should be happy for her Rebecca. Because she is taking the bold step to do exactly what you couldn’t do. I’m not condemning you but just to remind you of what I have always said. I told you if you are not careful Melinda will be getting married before you and that is coming to past. You are not even in a relationship yet. Ever since Richard broke up with you, no man is in your life again. my good wish for you is that someday you will truly find a man that will marry you but I hope it won’t be too late by then. You are left behind Rebecca and need to start praying so hard to catch up in life and become…

I was already irritated with my Dad singing his sermon again to my ears.

I couldn’t wait for him to finish up, I quickly interrupted him before he will speak any more hurting words.

“I’m also engaged Dad….

The word just left my mouth before I could even think of it, and it was heavy bomb to my own ear. I wonder how it will sound in my Dad’s ears.

“Did you say you are engaged Rebecca or is it from my ear? I didn’t hear you clearly…what did you say?

I had to finish what I just started. If this will end all the unwarranted embarrassment that I have suffered in their hands all this years then so be it. I have to try and sound convincing to my Dad or he will not think I’m lying and it will bring more trouble for me.

“I’m engaged Dad. I also wanted to come over and surprise you and Mom. I did not want to say it over the phone…I never knew that Melinda was coming come with same news. Well, she beat me to it but I’m also engaged…

My Dad screamed happily to my ears.

“whaaat…. Rebecca you are truly engaged? Oh my God…this is a double good news. One of the best news of the century. Why…why didn’t you spill it out all this while? Your mother will be so happy to hear this. I’m really proud of you. So who is the man…where is he from? Hope is not Richard or is he? Tell me Rebecca…I’m so eager. Wow…this is a great news Rebecca, when are you coming over to the house?

My Dad was really excited. My fake engagement made him a happy man and I know it will be same thing with my Mom when she hears of it.

“I will be home soon, maybe by next month…I could have come earlier but we have a project at work that requires my full attention. And is not Richard Dad… with time you will get to meet him. I have to go now…say hi to my Mom and also to Melinda.

I was so eager to end the call and the conversation. I didn’t know how I pulled such stunt on him but it work out well. It kept him quiet from further provoking word.

I sat hard on my chair thinking to myself and what I was going to do.

Anybody that hears of this will think I am really crazy, how can I be engage to myself. I feel stupid for even saying that. The word has already gone out and I have to look for a solution to this problem I just got myself into.

Melinda called me the following day.

“Hello Becca, Dad said that you are engaged too…that is surprising though. How possible? Hope you did not give yourself an imaginary suitor because you heard that I was getting married soon? Don’t play such game because it will back fire on you if Dad and Mom finds out…

I was boiling angrily but I try to remain calm as I listen to Melinda. I laughed out my annoyance so loud so that her ears will hurt with my laughter.

Maybe I’m going crazy but I have to keep this up.

“Imaginary suitor? Please come off it…. I’m better off than that. And I was never in anyway competing with you…I expected you to be happy for me like I was for you. I was not expecting you to start vomiting this trash. It seem you really want to get ahead of me in everything and also get married before me but is unfortunate that I will always remain your senior. I’m also hooked dear sister, so deal with it…and be happy for me. Stop acting like you are an enemy of my progress. I actually wanted to surprise Dad and Mom but it seem you are ahead of me in doing that but is okay. They will be getting two inlaws at same time… because I’m really engaged….

Melinda was quiet and later said.

“I’m happy for you anyway. Take a picture of your engagement ring and send to me let me see and I will also show to Mom and Dad…

My heart started racing.

I was thinking of what to do and another idea clicks in.

“I will do that later Melinda. If that will clear your doubts…then relax because I will send you a hundred pics of my engagement ring. Not right now because I’m very busy but you will get the pics.

I ended the call before she will say something else.

I covered my mouth in disbelief.

What was I even thinking by pulling such expensive stunt on them?

What I’m I supposed to do now. I have to act fast but how do I make an imaginary fiance to become real. How will I convince my people this time?

The following weekend, I was at the jewelry shop to check out an engagement rings.

I just paid for my house rent and bought foodstuffs for the house.Property © of NôvelDrama.Org.

I also got a few things for myself.

I decided to stop at the jewelry shop to check out the engagement ring.

I walked around the place, still feeling lost in thoughts. I feel really awkward buying an engagement ring for myself but I’m left with no choice.

Melinda will not allow me to breathe in peace if she doesn’t get a picture of the ring.

I wanted to get something expensive just to impress them but by the time I saw the price tag on each ring, I felt discouraged.

Regrets crept in and I wondered how I got myself into such.

How did I get into this? There was no escaping route for me.

I asked the customer care if it was negotiable and the young lady said the price was fixed and no room for negotiations.

I have to wait for my next paycheck, I can not spend all the money I have just to purchase a ring and go bankrupt.

I saw other cheaper ones but Melinda will definitely know that it was a cheap ring and it will create more rooms for insult and embarrassment.