Impossible

Me and Monica's attention was immediately drawn to Braxton's entrance. I didn't realize how much I had always liked the attractive billionaire until he started dating Monica.

Braxton smiled and replied "Hey," oblivious to the tension. In other words: "What's up?"

Monica gave me a sidelong glance and added, "Nothing much."

I just gave him a smile.

Monica stood up and grabbed Braxton's arm, implying that they should go for a walk. It was "just the two of us."

As they left the room, I felt a twinge of jealousy and realized she had to do something to get Braxton's attention. I got up and followed them outside, acting like I was going for a walk as well.

Monica and Braxton seemed happy as they went along the trail and chatted with one another, but there was clearly tension between them. She made an attempt to integrate herself into the conversation inconspicuously, but Monica was not amused.

A quiet area by the lake provided Monica with the opportunity to tell Braxton, "I need to talk to you about something important."

We need to know, "What is it?" Braxton asked anxiously.

Monica remarked with a sneer, "It's about your secretary," as she gave me a malicious glare.

As in, "She's been trying to steal you away from me."

"What?" Braxton said, obviously surprised.

That can't be right, right?"

Her face was flushing with shame and rage, and I could feel it.

I said defensively, "I don't know what she's talking about." I wanted to see you because I missed you.

"Well, I think it's pretty clear what you're doing," Rachel remarked, her voice cracking with rage. To paraphrase, "You're always trying to one-up me, even when it comes to guys."

Braxton shifted his gaze from one sister to the other, evidently undecided. His final words were, "Look, I don't want to come between you two. I feel like I need to leave.

Monica reached out and grabbed his arm as he turned to go. She pleaded, "Don't leave me," her voice breaking with emotion. As in, "I don't want to lose you."

As she watched the two of them embrace, I felt a wave of wrath and frustration. Even after she knew she couldn't get Braxton back, she still had some resentment towards her half-sister. Disappointment weighing heavily in my chest, I turned and went away.

Our mother, Susan, entered the room as Monica and I were having another heated discussion over our brother, Braxton. Immediately, she sensed the tense atmosphere and realized something was amiss.

She questioned her two little girls, "What's going on here?"

Monica responded, "Nothing, Mom," as she wiped away a tear. This is more than just a quarrel," Braxton said, referring to his secretary's attempt to poach Bracton.

As in, "A disagreement about what?" Susan probed further, feeling an untold twist.

I raised my voice, anxious. The focus is on Braxton. I don't know why Monica thinks I'm attempting to steal her boyfriend.

Susan let out a long sigh. It broke her heart every time she witnessed her children competing for the attention of the same guy. She said, "Girls," her voice forceful but not harsh. "It goes without saying that I adore the two of you."

Monica's pupils drew in.

"What?"

Why do you care for us equally, Mom?" I'm the only one you've got.

Oh, Monica, I'm so sorry. I'd rather you not learn this way. Really, I mean it. Please accept my deepest condolences. Even now, you remain my one and only child. I couldn't believe what my own mother had told me. How many kids does she have? Then why even bother with me?

Surely I'm not one of her offspring? My mother never loved me again once I found out my father hadn't provided her with the finer things she'd always wanted.

"She is my what?"

"No! There is no fucking sister in my family! No, I'm an only child. My status as an only child is permanent. Particularly that young lady! She's just a secretary; what a lowlife! Currently, she is nowhere near me. False, she is not my sibling. No way, not my sister! She gave me the side eye. "Did you get that? To put it bluntly, you are not my sibling. I refuse to consider you a sister. Never in my life, you f*cking idiot! She let forth a piercing yell.

If that's the case, then I take it she has zero interest in me. Absolutely nothing to be concerned about. She didn't have to treat me like that, but I still don't like her.

Sadness and resentment welled up inside of me as I saw my half-sister cry. I'm sorry that I've been a source of suffering in her life, but I can't help it.

You've put in genuine efforts to be warm and inviting, but they've fallen flat. It's clear that she's having a hard time welcoming you into the family.

You feel terrible about being the cause of her tears. You want to comfort her and have her realize that you're not out to take her position; you just want to be in her life.

But you can't help but feel like an outsider in her eyes no matter how hard you try to fit in. The best you can do is wait for her to warm up to you and consider you a sister.

However, that outcome is beyond my ken. I just don't get it. There is zero chance that we'll become as close as sisters.

Still wiping tears from her eyes, Monica looked up. But it's not right, Mom. I'm your only child, and now that I've been seeing Braxton for a few weeks, she's trying to steal him away from me by taking you away from me.

Susan cocked her head and said, "Artemesia," to me. Is that so?"

After some thought, I decided to give a tentative yes. I had a slight crush on him, I suppose. But I didn't intend for Monica to feel bad.

Susan reached out to her girls and put a soothing arm around each one. I know it's not easy to keep your emotions in check, but you have to consider the results of your behavior. You'll live with the guilt of hurting your sister for the rest of your life if you do it because of a guy.

Monica blinked her eyes and sneezed. "Yes, Ma'am. I can't stand feeling so envious of other people and I have no idea how to stop it.

The woman beamed a happy smile. There is no silver bullet, but I do think that talking about it is helpful. Perhaps you two need to put Braxton on the back burner for a while and concentrate on strengthening your bond.

My mother recently revealed to me the existence of a half-sister, the product of my father's first marriage. I just couldn't fathom it. I had always assumed that I was an only child; to learn that I have a sibling I've never met came as quite a shock. To be honest, I was hoping to avoid having a sibling. I didn't feel comfortable letting someone who wasn't related to me into my private sphere. I didn't want to have to readjust my lifestyle to accommodate someone new, especially someone older who would be likely to have different hobbies and passions than me. I wanted everything to stay the same!"

Monica exited the building and climbed into her vehicle.

Bracton tried to calm Monica down so he could go inside her car as she sat there.

Monica slammed on the brakes, sending a jolt through the vehicle and forward into Braxton's seat.

As in, "What the hell, Monica?"

I can't do this," Monica finally admitted.

I just don't have the energy to spend the whole weekend acting like things are fine between us.

Panic began to rise in Braxton's chest. "What do you mean by that? We need to pull over immediately.

Monica cried, "No, I can't do it," she said.

I just can't be in your presence right now. Please give me some privacy. As Braxton put it.

She then rolled down her car window and walked out into the shoulder. I couldn't believe my eyes as I saw Monica start to leave, tears streaming down her face and shaking her shoulders.

Say it with me now, "Monica, wait!" I yelled, but her sibling didn't come when I called.

Desperate, I got out of the car and started running towards Monica. Up ahead, she could see her sister accelerating her pace, like if she were attempting to outrun her.

I was startled by the squeal of brakes and the crunch of metal. As she looked up, she saw a car hurtling down the road in the direction of Monica, who was still walking there.

"Monica!" My heart was hammering in her throat as I screamed.

To no avail, however. With a sickening thud, the automobile slammed into Monica, sending her flying. Horrified, I saw her sister's lifeless body fall to the ground.

Monica's eyes were watering, so I quickly rushed to her side. She wailed, "Monica, oh my God, Monica," as she held her sister's head in her lap.

The wait for the ambulance seemed to last forever, but once it did arrive, I could do nothing except watch as the paramedics worked to save her sister's life. At last, Monica was placed on a stretcher, and we were all off to the hospital, leaving me alone on the side of the road.

As I sat there, trembling and crying, I tried to make sense of what had just transpired. The entire impact of their dispute didn't hit her until she found out that Rachel had survived but was in critical condition. No matter what it took, she realized she had to make amends with her sister.

In today's progressive society, people are speaking up for what they believe in and challenging long-held norms and prejudices. The word "equality" is frequently seen displayed on a placard in it. At every demonstration, the cries for universal human rights are loud and clear. But the question is, do we truly want it? When trying to effect change in a developing nation like ours, wouldn't equity be the best strategy?

In my opinion, treating individuals fairly in terms of their needs and other factors is the correct thing to do. It's about supplying people with the basics they need to stay alive. As a short-term aid, equality is useful, but equity is more helpful in the long run. Equality may make you feel wonderful at first, but you'll quickly realize that it's not for you and the other people who live in the gutters. I have faith that justice and fair treatment will be demanded one day.

Absolutely no one is without flaws or intrinsically bad qualities. As a law-abiding person, there is still one negative value you are working to alter. We've all had the experience of wanting to break a simple regulation, like crossing a street without a ped xing or flyover, simply because we're sick of doing it. Regarding this matter, I consider myself to be a law-abiding citizen.

She felt sorry for her half-sister since she was a loser and her mother had given up on her. At home, I have been applying everything I've learned about being a good citizen and adhering to school rules. There are guidelines around here that I always adhere to. In order to become a well-informed, law-abiding citizen, I've been reading literature on the subject of rights and the history of our country.

It's impossible for their to be heroes, but it doesn't mean people can't play them. Even though they lack superhuman abilities, heroes nevertheless exist among the human population. When I think of success, I think of being truthful and committed to my family.

The ability to laugh at oneself and change with the circumstances has given them an edge. They have the resources to overcome any difficulties they encounter, be they physical, social, emotional, or mental. A hero is someone who is prepared to give of themselves to help others and raise moral awareness.

Morals that I'm beginning to doubt.