This is an African story.

Iris and ivy. The perfect identical twins. Both have different personalities but supports each other. After the death of Mr Davids,the family chose to return back to Nigeria due to financial crisis and much persuasion from their mom 'Mary' to find suitable men from their hometown.

The introduction of iris.

A group of elders gathers together with the supposed groom to see the girls family and know of his intentions to their daughter.

Mary: Woww "smiles,slumps into the chair "

I'm really happy this marriage is happening. I can't wait. All my enemies will be put to shame "laughs" Finally one of my daughters will be married "sings"

Iris: Yes mom. I'm glad you're happy. Gabriel is a nice man after all. I just don't get why you desperately want us to get married to a Nigerian. "Furrowed eyebrows"

Mary: Aren't you a Nigerian?

So what's your problem? 'Inhales' Please don't ask questions. "Retires inside"

Iris: I'm not particularly sure I'm ready for commitment. I have lots of things to do. I need my freedom. I don't want anyone to hinder me. But I guess I'll give it a try. If it isn't worth it I'm damn out.

Mary: 'Comes out' Have you called your sister?

Iris: Uhmm yeah. You know she got a teaching job after we relaxed here. She always forms to be busy. Excuse me mum I have to take a call.

Iris: Hello.

Oh my God! "Exclaims excitedly" you got me gifts. That's why I love you darling.

"Rings" I'll call you back,I have to take this call.

Hey babe what's up?

Gabriel: I'm fine. I couldn't help but call you. Anyway I called you to thank you for accepting my proposal.

Iris: "laughs" is that why you called?

You're welcome love.

Gabriel: You were on a call when I called. Who was that?

Iris: Uhmm ivy my twin. She called to let me know she'll be back for my wedding.

Gabriel: Okay that's great. Goodbye my love

Iris: "Hangs up" He sounds clingy. I won't jeopardize my freedom for marriage. Africa is just something else "rolls eyes"

"Calls Bob back" sorry love that was my mum.

I promise to see you tomorrow. "Hangs up" falls on the bed. I can't wait to see what marriage is all about. I kept thinking till I drifted to sleep.

Next morning,I thought of an excuse to give mum since I was going to bob's house

Iris: Mum..I'm leaving for Gabriel's house.

Mary: Why? You guys aren't even married. He hasn't completed all necessary things.

Iris: "rolls eyes" Chill ma I'm just going to cook for him.

Mary: So..who has been cooking for him before he met you huh?

Iris: Mom..please I don't have time for your lectures. I'm leaving.

Ivy comes back home

Ivy: Hey mum "smiles"

Mary: Ahhh my love is finally back. How are you my baby? You look slim. Do you eat well. You know, I know it's hard for you guys to adjust in Nigeria but it's alright.

Ivy: Mum!! Too much questions "laughs"

I'm fine and I haven't lost weight. I look just fine. I do miss America but I guess we can't do anything.

Mary: I'll make sure I save a lot so we can go back.

Ivy: you don't have to mom. You've done so much for us. Now it's our turn to repay you. I got a job at a private school and although their pay is nothing compared to America. It's manageable.

Mary: " exclaims" Why can't iris be like you?

Ivy: "laughs" No more chitchat mum. I'm starving.

Mary : I'll go dish your food.

Ivy: Thanks mum. Uhmm.."scans the room"

I can't seem to find iris. Where is she mum?

Mary: She went to Gabriel's house. She'll be back soon.

Ivy: Ohh okay.

Hours later,iris come back. I quickly embraced her. It's been quite long we saw each other. She was as delighted as I was.

We head inside. I head to the kitchen to prepare pasta. Which I served once done with a bottle of red wine. Mum went to bed while iris and I chatted for a while before drifting to sleep.

Ivy POV

I woke up myself as it was a habit to wake up early. I checked the time and it was 6:00am

I slowly got out of bed and headed to shower.

After I took my bath,I fixed my hair into a high ponytail. I quickly did the chores. Our house is quite big. Its a 3 story house and has 5 rooms which I have to clean. I went to the lawn and watered the plants. I went to prepare breakfast. I cooked eggs and bacon. I dished the food as I saw mom and iris come down.

Mary: My baby "pecks her"

Ivy: Good morning mum. Why don't you go freshen up while I serve the food. Same goes to you iris. I'm going to get food stuffs as soon as I'm done eating.

Mary: Okay darling "I shouted from afar"

Iris: "scoffs" Yes Madame

I kinda envied ivy. She's blessed with all good attributes. She finished with good results,found a decent job. While i dropped out of school to start a business which flopped badly. She's always praised by everyone. But her love life Oh! I don't envy that. She's always unlucky with guys. I probably can't do anything without her "smiles"

I quickly took a shower,brushed my teeth and headed downstairs. We ate together.

Mary; Uhmm.. Gabriel's coming to pick you up right?

Iris: Yes. I finished eating,and quickly went to dress up. I fixed my hair into messy bun on top of my head and applied makeup. I let  down my hair so it could flow into loose waves.

...

...

I sprayed my perfume,clutching my handbag to my side and headed downstairs. I saw Gabriel already waiting. If not this guy is dreamingly handsome and have some money

I wouldn't ever think of spending my life with him. I sighed and went to him.

Hey sugar "I kissed him" I missed you a lot. So where are we heading today?

Gabriel: Hey darling. I just spoke to mom and seems your sister already left the house.

Iris: Ohh Okay. You'll see her some other time. Answer me! "rolls eyes"

Gabriel: Anywhere you like babe. Uhmm can you follow me home after this? I want you to meet my son.

Iris: Okay. I've heard now can we go!

We entered the car and drove to my favorite restaurant. I ordered a lot of things.

Gabriel: Babe aren't you done? Let's head to my place.

Iris: Nope. I want to go to a different restaurant. I'm still hungry "Pouts" please...

Gabriel: "laughs" Babe...Okay let's go. I can't see you unhappy.

Iris: "smiles" Uhmm..do you remember the promise you made to me?

Gabriel: Promise? No i can't.

Iris: Hmm..I told you this recently. How can you forget so soon. It seems your love is fading. "Feigns anger"

Gabriel: Ahh! don't say this babe. Okay I'm deeply sorry. Please remind me again.

Iris: Okay. You promised to upgrade my wardrobe as soon as we're married.

Gabriel: Oh yeah. I will. I'll just take a loan from the bank.

Iris: Loan! Please don't. What if we can't pay back. they'll take everything. Just try work it out.

Gabriel: Okay "smiles"

"After going to another restaurant,we finally headed home. I'm so glad my son finally got a good mom like iris. I'm sure she'll take care of him. Though she lived in the US all her life. She still has a good character."

We arrived at home.

Daniel; Dad!! "rushed to embrace him'

I missed you.

Gabriel: Daniel I just left not quite long and you miss me "laughs"

Daniel: "pouts"

Gabriel: let's head inside. Daniel..this is your mom. Her name is iris.

Daniel: Good afternoon

Iris: Yeah. How are you "my eyes fixated on my phone"

Daniel: I'm fine.

Gabriel: I'll leave you two. I have to answer an important call. Meanwhile my sister is cooking dinner.

Daniel: Takes the remote and changes channel

Iris: Are you mad? Will you change that back. Aren't you trained well?

Snatches the remote. Why are you still here? Don't you have a book to read? Will you get inside!!

Ella: comes out of the kitchen. Excuse me iris but don't ever talk to Daniel that way!! He simply wanted to watch cartoon since you were so fixated on your phone.

Iris: Uhmm Ella right? Such audacity!! How dare you talk to me in that tone! Get out of my sight!! And make sure that food is spicy.

Ella: I suggest you cook your food and don't be bossy.

Iris: "claps,laughs" I don't blame you a bit. Mannerless family "scoffs"

After a while,Gabriel drops me off at my house. Feeling extremely tired,I sluggishly walked to my room. I laid on the bed still thinking about this so called marriage! And drifted to sleep

Iris: I wake up late as usual. I brush my teeth,shower and dress up. I went downstairs to eat breakfast. Seeing mum and ivy already there,I sat down.

Mum: Your wedding is in 3 days. When are you going shopping? Will Gabriel accompany you?

Iris: Gabriel's going to work mum. Ivy will accompany me. Right? I pouted

Ivy: Sure..

Iris: I quickly eat breakfast and hurried to the room.

Ivy: Uhmm.. Can I say something?

Iris: I'm listening.

Ivy: Gabriel has a son right?

Iris: Yeah.

Ivy: What happened to his mum?

Iris: Uhmm..Gabriel said she left immediately she gave birth to Daniel. I don't know why though.

Ivy: Ohhh..it's sad Daniel grew up without a mum by his side. I can't imagine my life without mum.

Iris: What's your point ivy? Rolls eyes

Ivy: I Just want you to care for Daniel. And I'm sure he'll call you mum sooner than expected.

Iris: laughs Do you think I care if the brat addresses me as his mum?

Ivy: iris!!! He's a child!

Iris: Rolls eyes Can you end this discussion?

Uhmm..you carried a big suitcase. Do you plan on relocating here?

Ivy: a frown appeared on my face. Yeah I am. But don't tell mum. I'll tell her soon.

Iris: Why? What about your teaching job? And your boyfriend?

Ivy: Nothing. I quit my job and my boyfriend broke up with me

Iris: Really? I'm sorry. I've told you multiple times not to depend on one man. Now look what it cost you. I can remember how you suffered to help him.

Ivy: I don't do multiple men iris! Have some dignity.

Iris: Lol. Well..I'm the one who's engaged and you're not.

Ivy: You don't have to insult me

Iris: Okay..I'm sorry. Give me the address of the fool!! I'll send boys to him.

Ivy: laughs

Iris: let's go shopping. I look in my wardrobe and pick out sweatpants

while ivy wears a short gown.

We both head out. I'm going to get lots of clothes,it isn't my money after all.

  We arrive at the mall. I select a few dresses,a wedding gown,some shoes and clothes for ivy.

We head out by 3:00pm. We arrived home. Mum checks the dress while I head inside. My phone rang.

Hey Bobby. I've missed you so much.

Can I see you tomorrow. I have gifts for you

Squeals. Really?

Yeah.. Don't fail me

Sure love I won't.

Iris: Oh lord! My wedding is in 3 days and I have to get this gifts from this guy. I pondered in my room. I have to figure out what to do

Ivy: I enter the room seeing iris full of worry and restless. I stare at her for a few minutes until I tapped her.

What's wrong?

Iris: 😖i need to travel!

Ivy: Okay.....To where?

Iris: Abuja!

Ivy: Why?

Iris: A guy invited me to Abuja. He bought lots of gifts for me. I really have to go!!

Ivy: Nobody's preventing you going iris.

Iris: Well.. Gabriel is!!! He insists on coming over tomorrow to see my twin🙄.

ivy: Lol..what's there to see? We're literally the same.

Iris: jerks up quickly. Oh God! I love you ivy. You're brilliant!! hugging her tightly.

Ivy: Lol. Did I say something brilliant? 

Iris: Since we're literally the same and Gabriel hasn't met you. We can switch.

Ivy: What!!!Stands up angrily. Are you nuts?

You want me to pretend to be you!

Iris: Please! Just for two days. I promise to be back on time for the wedding.

Ivy: No! No! No!. I won't!

Iris: Okay.. I'll just call off this marriage. It's not like I'm interested.

Ivy: Can you hear yourself. You want to call off your marriage because of gifts. Shame on you!

Iris: Oh! don't start that nonsense.

Ivy: sighs Okay. I'll do as you say. Make sure you're back soon.

Iris: I love you. I'll be back I promise. You can wear my clothes and wig.

I hurriedly packed some few clothes and personal stuff I needed. I'll have to leave early before mum finds out