Betrayed Read Online Free PDF Page A

andDad went to some symposium at Duke that had to do with something Mom was working on.”
    â€œOh,” Asia said, with disappointment written all over her face.
    After a second pause and a quick pull of the lid, a pair of Jordan sneakers fell out of the box. “I love you, Sis!” Trevor hollered, jumping around like he was a Mexican jumping bean. “You sho’ hooked a brother up!”
    â€œI aim to please,” Asia said, while Afrika looked on. “Well, Nikki, why don’t we watch a movie and then head back to campus?”
    â€œWorks for me,” Afrika said.
    â€œDang, I can’t get over how much you two look alike,” Trevor said, his eyes steadily shifting between Asia and Afrika. “You two look more alike than me and Asia.”
    â€œIt’s not that big of deal, Trevor,” Asia said. “Everybody has a twin somewhere in this world. And, Nikki does look like you.”
    â€œNo way,” Trevor said. They laughed.
    â€œPut a movie on, nut head,” Asia said. The girls laughed again. “And turn off the lights.”
    Afrika felt even more at-ease. She settled back in the high-back chair and watched
Friday
with Ice Cube and Chris Tucker for the umpteenth time. Asia slapped her leg when the credits rolled onto the screen a couple of hours later.
    â€œLet’s go, girl. You can meet my parents another time.”
    Before Afrika could respond, the lights flicked on. Almost falling off their seats, three necks twirled around in unison. It was Michael Jackson’s
Thriller
movie coming to life.
    The fear that had gripped Afrika’s body earlier returned. Asia’s parents stood in the doorway and gazed at the trio, although their eyes were dedicated to Afrika. After an awkward silence, Asia’s mother spoke.
    â€œHappy Birthday, Trevor.” His mother moved forward and kissed him.
    â€œCome on, Mom. I’m too old for that.”
    â€œYou’ll always be my baby.”
    â€œYeah, happy birthday, Trevor,” Victor Christianson said.
    â€œThanks, Dad.”
    Brenda Christianson came and stood next to Afrika. “So, you’re the new friend that Asia has been going on and on about.”
    Offering a warm smile, Afrika shook Brenda’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Christianson. I’m Nikki. Asia talks about you both so much,” she said, turning to include Victor.
    Brenda Christianson smiled. “Her daddy and I are very proud. Well, other than you wearing your hair in a ponytail and being roughly the same height as Asia, I don’t think you would pass for twins like Asia says people are saying. Asia is much lighter than you and she has a birthmark on her tummy. Do you have a birth-mark on your tummy? What do you think, Victor?”
    â€œNo, I don’t have a birthmark,” Afrika replied in a hurry. She wasn’t sure she liked the way Asia’s mother was interrogating her like their daughter was better than her. And she certainly didn’t like the way they kept staring at her; especially Asia’s father, like she was some kind of alien. Afrika thought about the sixth finger they both had in common but kept it to herself.
    â€œWell, it was nice meeting you, Nikki,” Brenda said and began to walk out of the room until she heard her husband speak.
    â€œNikki?” Asia’s father inquired.
    â€œNikki Bailey. Nikki is my nickname, which I prefer to use. My full name is Afrika Nicole Bailey. People used to tease me when I was younger about my first name and by the time I was in the fifth grade, I had everyone calling me Nikki until I went to high school. Then it was Afrika again.”
    Brenda and Victor stopped in their tracks. Afrika hadn’t noticed their discomfort because Asia started talking.
    â€œWhy didn’t you tell me Afrika was your first name? It’s so likemine. Another coincidence. I don’t believe this. We’re both named after