<div style="text-align: justify"><span style="font-size: 12px">Still chewing on her bottom lip, she felt the warm caress from her older sister’s hand against the side of her face. She knew how her sister felt toward her and the situation that they found themselves in. Keiko pitied her soul and felt sorry that she had to go through this road bump. Inhaling deeply, she found herself exhaling most of her frustrations out and into the heated air. Life wasn’t fair and it most certainly wasn’t kind. Looking down on the sidewalk, she noticed each crevice that ran up the path they were standing on; she was trying to evade her sister’s eyes for as long as she was able. However, it didn’t take long before her gentle caress traced the edges of her jawline and lifted her chin so that her warm brown eyes rose to meet Keiko’s.<br/>
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Apparently they had plenty to discuss about the matter as her sister had suggested they talk inside instead. With a tight-lipped smile, she nodded her head and quickly looked toward the apartment complex before gathering the rest of her belongings. Following Keiko into the complex, she felt the rush of cool air flow against her sweat-beaded face; it felt good. She felt her muscles relax and she entered the building, keeping close to follow her older sister wherever she went. After all, she was the one who lived here and she hadn’t visited her once until today. Looking up toward the ceiling and the decoration of the lobby, she nodded her head and approved of the place. It seemed that things were lining up well in Keiko’s life to afford a place in this building. She was proud of Keiko’s achievements; just not when it came to comparing who was the better daughter in her mother’s eyes.<br/>
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Keiko’s questions broke through her thoughts as she looked back up at the back of her head; her soft brunette locks flowed beautifully as she walked up the stairs. <b>“Uh, yeah… she lectured me while I was packing.”</b> Averting her gaze once more, she ascended the staircase and looked around again. She wondered if there were other people around her age that she could befriend during her time with her sister. She wasn’t even sure for how long she was able to stay at her sister’s place. Was she even allowed to go back home? Cursing her stepfather underneath her breath, she wasn’t sure how she got the life she was living now. Did she do something to offend the Gods and this was the life they offered her? Letting an exasperated sigh out, she cursed her situation, <b>“Fuck my life.”</b><br/>
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The 20-year old college sophomore stopped at the edge of the staircase as they had reached the third level; waiting for Keiko to open the door. As soon as she did, they entered without hesitation and Circe was able to place her things near the doorway. But before she could even look at her older sister’s apartment, Keiko grabbed her hand as quickly as they went inside and dragged her toward her couch in the living room. Reluctantly following her toward the sofa, she watched her sit down before taking a seat across from her. She knew this setup quite well; it was time for a discussion about her situation and like Keiko, she didn’t like to waste any time to get to the point. Tucking a loose brunette strand from her face to the back of her right ear, she managed to lift her head up and look at Keiko.<br/>
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Her first question made her burst out into a chuckle; how could she even ask? <b>“Isn’t it obvious by now? Mom hates me. She loves you the most.”</b> She paused, gathering her thoughts and letting them blend together, <b>“Everything you did when you were at home till today made her talk about you non-stop. She keeps telling me, <i>‘Circe, be more like Keiko,’</i> or <i>‘Circe, why aren’t you more like your sister? Don’t you want to be successful?’</i>”</b> Letting out another frustrated sigh, she leans back into the sofa and brings her hands up in the air before resting them on her lap, <b>“If you weren’t so perfect, maybe I wouldn’t be dealing with her madness every day.”</b> Crossing her arms over her chest, she looked away and mumbled, <b>“If she didn’t want a failure daughter, she shouldn’t have had a second child in the first place.”</b><br/>
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Keiko’s second question shocked her. Quickly returning her gaze to her sister’s, she paused for a moment acknowledging the question. She had to be sure she heard her correctly. Letting it sink in, she noticed the small smile appearing on her lips; she cast her eyes downward onto the floor. <b>“I don’t hate you… I just-,”</b> hesitating to even answer her sister, she didn’t want her to feel bad about why this was happening to her. <b>“I just <i>hate</i> the situation I’m in. That’s all.”</b> As her older sister promised her about being good to her and being a true family member, she couldn’t help but doubt her words. She adored her sister, but promises were always broken and she didn’t believe in them. It was just a useless word to mean absolutely nothing, but give false hope to the ones relying on the promise. <b>“Yeah, so, where should I put my stuff?”</b> She wanted nothing more, but to forget why she was here in the first place. She just wanted to relax and forget about her mother for a little bit. Was that too much to ask?</span>​</div>