Copycat Chapter 2:The dinner disaster

The buzz around school hadn’t settled since the prom incident. Ardania’s friends, the Quadro, were still talking about how awkward and unsettling it was that Saevana had copied her dress so closely. Despite Ardania’s efforts to shake it off, it continued to haunt her, especially when she’d catch Saevana watching her in class or in the hallways. It was as if Saevana had crossed an invisible line, and now, nothing felt quite the same.

Yet, Ardania was determined to put the prom behind her. She wanted to focus on more important things, like her upcoming family dinner—a tradition that her family held dear. Twice a month, Ardania’s relatives gathered at her home to enjoy each other’s company, share stories, and keep the family bond alive. This time was special because Ardania had been asked to help prepare the food, a rite of passage in her family that meant she was officially stepping into her role as a young adult.

On the night of the dinner, Ardania felt a surge of excitement as she dressed in a simple yet elegant lavender dress. She knew her family would be there to celebrate her, and nothing was going to ruin it. As she took one last look in the mirror, she felt a sense of pride wash over her. This night was hers.

The Dinner That Wasn’t

The table was set, and the aroma of home-cooked dishes filled the air. Ardania’s parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins were all there, chatting and laughing as they gathered around the table. She joined them, basking in the warmth of family and the joy of shared traditions. For the first time in weeks, she felt truly at ease.

Then, just as they began passing around the food, the doorbell rang. Ardania’s mother glanced at her father, a hint of confusion on her face.

“Did we invite anyone else?” she asked, her voice low.

Her father shook his head, just as curious. Ardania, feeling a twinge of unease, stood up to check the door. As she opened it, her heart dropped.

There stood Saevana, dressed in the exact same lavender dress.

Ardania’s breath caught as she took in the sight. The dress, the hairstyle, even the small details of her jewelry were identical. It was as if Saevana had been keeping tabs on Ardania’s every move and was determined to mirror it down to the last detail.

“Hey, Ardania!” Saevana’s smile was wide and unbothered, as if her presence here was the most natural thing in the world. “I heard you were having a family dinner tonight. Hope you don’t mind if I join?”

Ardania’s mind raced, scrambling for an explanation. How does she even know about this? The dinner was supposed to be private—an intimate gathering for close family members only. She couldn’t fathom how Saevana had found out, let alone had the audacity to show up uninvited.

“Uh, Saevana,” Ardania stammered, barely able to mask her shock. “This…this is a family dinner. It’s not really open to guests.”

Saevana’s face faltered for a moment, but only for a moment. She quickly regained her composure, shrugging as if her being here was no big deal. “Oh, I didn’t realize! I just thought it’d be fun to join you, especially since we’re so close. And, by the way, love the dress! Great minds think alike, huh?”

Behind Ardania, the murmurs of her family grew louder. She could sense her parents’ confusion and her cousins’ curiosity. She felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up her neck as she struggled to find the right words to politely ask Saevana to leave.

“Actually, Saevana, tonight is a bit of a…family-only thing,” she said as gently as she could, hoping to convey the message without offending her.

“Oh, I totally understand,” Saevana replied, but her eyes glinted with a determination that made Ardania uneasy. “I’ll just stop by to say hi then. Don’t worry, I won’t stay long.”

Ardania felt trapped, unsure of how to handle the situation without causing a scene. She reluctantly stepped aside to let Saevana in, hoping she would indeed keep her promise and leave after a few minutes.

But Saevana did not leave. Instead, she lingered, introducing herself to Ardania’s relatives with a warmth that left them both confused and charmed. Ardania’s family, being polite, welcomed her with open arms, though Ardania could see the questions in their eyes. Her aunts and cousins gave her puzzled looks, clearly wondering why she hadn’t mentioned inviting a friend.

Trying to salvage the evening, Ardania led Saevana toward the food, hoping to subtly steer her toward the door afterward. But Saevana seemed oblivious, chatting animatedly with Ardania’s cousins as if she were a regular guest. She laughed, commented on the delicious food, and even shared anecdotes that sounded strangely familiar—stories Ardania had told her friends in private, stories Saevana couldn’t have known unless she’d been listening in.

With each passing moment, Ardania’s frustration grew. Saevana had crossed another line, and this time, it was personal. This was her family’s space, her private world, and Saevana had barged in uninvited, stealing not only Ardania’s dress but also her stories, her identity.

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