The Universe is Indifferent

*This story, unlike most of my works, is fictional.*

It has to be one of my earliest childhood memories. I am the youngest in the family, born after two sisters. I guess I have always been coddled more than required, especially by my eldest sister Jenny. Even though my other sister Kate is closer to my age, I have always shared a special bond with Jenny. From being my playmate, she became a friend, a guide and my confidante. I could tell her whatever I wanted to, without the fear of being judged. I guess that’s what made our bond as strong as it is today.

However, it wasn’t like this always. I remember it was twelve years ago, when I was five. I has started school but as any other kid my age; I couldn’t wait to get back to the sanctuary, home. On that day, mom had some dry cleaning to pick up, so she asked Jenny to pick me up after school. I was ecstatic to see her at my school! The big kid among us puny younglings! She had just turned sixteen and gotten her own car. I loved riding shotgun, especially with her because she let me touch the controls of the tape and the AC as well. Dad usually didn’t because it seemed to distract him. Midway through my favorite song, she asked if I’d like to have ice cream. Wow! This was turning out to be a great day! I thought to myself.

Banana Split with three scoops of different chocolate varieties. I always ordered the same. She was more adventurous, always trying out new stuff. This type she went for the hilarious new flavor, cotton candy ice cream. She didn’t let me have even a bite at first because I’d never give her mine. But just when there was little left, she gave it to me.

When we got home, I saw some of her friends waiting at the door. Ashley and Summer. I had had a crush on Summer ever since I saw her for the first time. As we entered the house, I went to my room and they went to Jenny’s. After about half an hour, Summer came to my room. She was wearing a beautiful yellow shirt and denim cutoff shorts. I was mesmerized by just her presence in my room. She led me to Jenny’s room where I came to know about their plan. They wanted to dress me up, in a girl’s clothes! A frock for God’s sake! Jenny was giggling throughout and offered me two big chocolates if I did it for them, for her. She even said that Summer would really like that! The battle was won when Jenny handed me the chocolate.

I distinctly remember it was a pink frock, a long one, the kind that little girls wore to Sunday Mass. After I hesitantly revealed myself, they started sniggering. To say that I was embarrassed would be an understatement! I remember Ashley even clicked a few pictures. I ran back to my room and stayed there till dinnertime. Later that evening, Jenny came to my room to apologize. It seemed so sincere and heartfelt to me, perhaps I was naïve back then… She gave me another chocolate, which we shared as we sat on the edge of the small bed, silently.

I destroyed all the pictures taken that day, except one copy, which only Jenny has. She won’t show it to anyone, I trust her. Reminiscing today, the incident seems funny. I laugh at my silliness, but I think I have forgiven Jenny. She has become closer to me each day ever since.