The switch

"Hello, everyone; welcome to Murphy's Pub; tonight is going to be a fun night. Grab a seat and enjoy", Lola said in her tiny voice.

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Everyone in Valleysview knew Lola to be a cheerful and jovial person. She is always seen where party or fun is happening, either at a barbecue spot, a wedding party, or Tuesday night at Murphy's Pub. She had a magnetic laugh, the one that made strangers smile even when they hadn't heard the joke. Her energy is always constant, and her smile never fades. This made everyone in Valleysview love Lola.

But as much as everyone claimed they knew Lola, no one really knew her. At parties, she is always a center of attraction, naturally endowed and beautiful. It would be impossible for anyone not to steal a glance at any party. Due to her funny and jovial nature, this made people tell her about themselves; she remembers everyone's names, everyone's drinks, and even heartbreaks. She made people feel love; she was always out to help anyone in need. Some said she is doing too much while some loved her for who she is.

Valleysview does hold a carnival once a year, where everyone in the community comes together to celebrate and have a nice time. Lola arrived at the community center in a sparkling green dress that somehow looked effortless and perfect at the same time. The community center was glowing with fairy lights while music was blaring from the speakers, the disc jockey was mixing different beats at a corner. Within a minute, she organized a dance. It's as if everyone was waiting for her. Lola started a juju line, a popular type of genre of music in Valleysview. She convinced the grumpy mayor, who sat looking dull at the front table, to duet a song with her on the stage.

"Lola vibes", the people were cheering smiling into their glasses of juice.

After singing, Lola slipped out to the balcony unnoticed to catch fresh air. She leaned against the railing staring at the stars in the sky. Her laugh so constant indoors faded into silence. Lola pulled out her phone staring at a message from two years ago which she refused to delete: "Miss you so much baby girl, wish you're here. Can't wait to see you soon, what should I get for you?", this was from her twin brother Liam who died two years ago hit by a stray bullet in the neighborhood where he lives.

While growing up together, Lola was the quiet one, while Liam was full of life and always the life of the party. He is outspoken, jovial, a dancer, and a joker. After he is gone, Lola feels the crushing silence at every gathering, which makes her miss Liam so much, and somehow, it feels wrong to let the world go dull without him. Lola picked up his spirit like a torch, she became everything Liam was.

"Hey, are you Okay?", a voice asked.

It was Oche, the only person who seemed to notice her slipping away sometimes.

"Yeah", Lola said forcing a smile. "Just taking a break".

Oche didn't pester her to talk, he just stood beside her in silence. After a while, he offered a hand.

"Come back in when you're ready; the party is not the same without you," Oche said.

Lola looked at him and for the first time that night, the smile she gave wasn't just for the show.

She squeezed Oche's hand and followed him back inside.

At the party, she was going around putting smiles on everyone's faces, but Oche could see right through her pains.

"There is so much pain hidden in that beautiful heart and behind that broad smile. What could it be?", he asked himself.

After the party, Oche walked Lola home, and on their way, they had a few discussions.

"I didn't get your name, forgive my manners", Lola said with a smile.

"It's okay; you were so busy at the party; you were our vibes after all. I'm Oche. Nice meeting you, Lola.

"I don't need to ask how you got to know my name. I guess everyone in Valleysview knows my name", Lola said.

"You're a beautiful soul, Lola, and you deserve to be happy too, but what's hidden behind this beautiful smile? I'm convinced that a lot of pain is hidden in your heart", Oche said feeling concerned.

It was like Oche decided to burst a sore that was ripe. In a few seconds, Lola burst into tears, crying uncontrollably. They sat at the relaxation center, where Oche was trying to console Lola.

"Today is my birthday", Lola replied.

"Wow, that's nice, why didn't you announce it at the party so that we can celebrate you? You've been the heart of Valleysview since you came here", Oche replied.

"I never celebrated it in the past two years. I'm in pain Oche", Lola said amidst tears.

"I know, Lola, it's obvious, but what is the reason behind this pain?" Oche asked.

"Liam, he left without saying goodbye. My heart was left shattered", Lola tried to explain.

"Liam? Who is he? Your boyfriend?", Oche asked.

The tears in Lola's eyes turned to laughter. "I knew that was what you were going to ask", Lola said, sniffing in. "Don't get jealous yet".

"I'm not Lola; I'm just curious to know who it was to hurt such a wonderful soul," Oche replied.

"Liam was my twin brother. He moved to live in another town, but he was killed by a stray bullet during a riot. He was supposed to visit me the following week but he was killed. I never get the chance to say goodbye which I never wished to say", Lola said and burst into tears again.

"Oh my! This is so disheartening. I'm so sorry, Lola; today would have been his birthday, too. It's okay please, stop crying", Oche consoled Lola.

"This was not me a few years ago. Liam was always the playful one, but after his demise, the world seemed so dull without him. I decided to take on his personality just to keep him close to me but I miss him every blessed day", Lola explained to Oche as she dries her tears with the back of her palm.

"It's okay; well, you got yourself a new twin now", Oche said jokingly.

"Leave me, mister; let's head home," Lola said as she stood up.

"I'm serious; I can be your new twin", Iche said playfully as he held Lola's hand, swinging it back and forth.

"I want to assume your twin role, my lady; permit me", Oche further said.

"I used to beat Liam which means I will beat you too", Lola replied.

"It's okay by me if that makes you happy", Oche said.

Lola smiled and hissed

"I won, at least I made you smile. That's a good beginning for me", Oche said, and they both headed to their various homes.

From that day onwards, Lola and Oche became best friends, and people thought they were in a relationship, but they were just best friends.

Thanks for your time and your comments will be appreciated.

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