Second Fiddle

I was young and fragile. I only wanted to be recognised, to be shown love and to have some worth in my loved one’s life, but it seems nothing I do is enough. My brothers always manage to take the limelight away. Not that I hate them for being so perfect and flawless, I just detest the fact that when I think I’ve done something deserving of praise, I get compared to them. Why can’t people see me without seeing my brothers?

First year in high school I won the junior school math quiz- a big deal I’d say. I went home happily with the little trophy in my hand, beaming happily, ready to show my parents that I’m a son they can love like my older siblings. I got in and saw people gathered smiling. What was at the centre of attention?. The answer is simple, my oldest brother-Drake just qualified to participate in the Cowbell mathematics challenge (Now called Cowbellpedia). I silently dropped the trophy on the table, ready to dive into the background as usual.

“What’s that Valour” my Mum asked just as I was about to sneak into the room.

I turned back excited but did a good job at hiding it-

“It’s the trophy I won at the junior’s Math quiz” I replied trying to sound not so excited.

My mum smiled and replied “I’m proud of you my son, I know you’re my brightest son”

Everyone gathered laughed including my brothers. What sounded like a compliment earlier started feeling like sarcasm.

“Brightest you say? Drake got 79% when he was in junior school and Julius got 81%-”

“No Dad, I got 82%” Julius replied beaming before he could complete his sentence.

I shrugged and left the room, only if they knew I got 98% - an all-time high in the state, but who am I deceiving? Even if I tell them, they won’t do as much as roll an eye. Moreover, by now I’m accustomed to playing second fiddle to my brothers. My Dad believes they are his only sons, they are smart, and handsome, ladies worship them and they bring in medals in sports and other aspects. I’m not bad either, I have ladies flocking after me though some are more interested in my brothers and see me as an avenue, I might not be as handsome as Drake but I surely outclass Julius in terms of beauty- Mom's beauty rubs off on me. And in my academics, I keep on breaking and writing records I even try to do better than them by winning medals in sports and other competitions, but it seems I’m invincible to my Dad.

I can remember vividly, at the 40th  inter-school sports festival, I participated in the relay race which was meant to be the biggest track event at the festival. Despite sustaining an injury a few minutes before the match, I covered the longest distance to win Gold for my team.

The 3 other relay partners had their parents cheering and jumping up after the victory but mine was nowhere to be found. Sorry! saying “Nowhere to be found” Is a big lie. They were at the other side cheering my brothers who were playing the third-place football match. My Parents supported them despite losing the semi-finals. I went there to cheer them after my race and to show my Dad my medal but he didn’t spare me a little glance.

We won, with Drake scoring a Hattrick courtesy of a hattrick of assist from Julius- The two golden boys.

I don’t hate them I repeat. Neither do I hate my parents or teachers who kept on comparing me to them. Even when I’m complimented, they still find a way to add them to the conversation which inadvertently undermines my effort.

Maybe if I change they will notice me. I started doing the things I wasn’t doing. I got a suspension from school and I saw the anger and disappointment on my Dad’s face. This time, I was happy because I got a reaction I truly deserve from him. My Mum came to my room and spoke with me, seeing the pain in his eyes I decided to do my things just to please her and no one else. I will try my best to be the best I can be. I won’t try to be better than Drake and Julius for the word “better” no longer excites me. I will be the “best”. This woman is the only one that believes in me and gives me attention. I was determined to make her proud and that, I did!…

To be continued someday…

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