my sister's shadow

where do i reside, you ask? thats easy. in my sister's shadow. i promise you, you have never seen anything like her before. she is flawless. i know what you're thinking but keep that cliche "no one's perfect" to yourself. she isn't perfect but her flaws only add to how wonderful she is. try living with that for a year. it goes without saying that she is beautiful, doesn't it? well, of course, she is. the type of pretty that makes it a struggle to look away. pretty isn't the best description. exotic is more precise. this means that she is so beautiful, it crosses borders, racial boundaries and any other obstacles. from her kinky, curly hair to that button nose and full lips that resemble a boat. she isn't skinny, so that the fatties can't hate her. she isn't big either, just right so she can fill out her pretty outfits perfectly. Perfect. Her olive skin tone is like a welcome mat, inviting everyone in.
Personality? oh, she's absolutely charming. fun as all get out. just elusive enough to draw people in to her mystery yet accesible enough to be honored by her presence. she is the type that hardly ever shows up for anything you invite her to "aww babe...i'd love to but i've gotta..." but will have you cancel your plans to simply run errands with her when she asks.
i try not to take it too personally that i am not my parents favorite. its nothing that they've said aloud, of course. in fact, they try hard not to make it obvious, sometimes overcompensating with loads of attention and affection. but that only proves my thesis more. my sister, libby is her name, has the nerve to be talented as well. she can perform (sing, dance, act). this simple fact is what makes her mediocre grades seem like no big deal, something to make her more endearing to her future audience when she's a celebrity. see what i was saying about the advantage of her flaws?
what do i contribute to this family of mine when they seem to have it all with their first born? im funny, sarcastic and/or witty. i have personal style (but i guess i have to with a sister like libby). i don't complain a lot. im not like that whiny Jan squeaking out "libby, libby libby!" i play my position and try not to make waves. do i like it? of course not, and you wouldn't either. no matter what kind of cool exterior you paint on, deep inside it is impossible not to resent having a sister with star quality as big as libby's. to know that for the rest of your life, you will be one of those back up singers dressed in black that helps contribute but is not truly necessary. your like the cranberry sauce to the turkey. Perhaps you will be missed by a few but Thanksgiving will go on (and successfully, most likely) without you.
there are perks to having a libby around. she can charm the pants or skirts off of any authority figure ready to lay down the law. plus, i've gone to some pretty amazing events i wouldn't have otherwise have access to because of her. therefore, i get to meet some pretty amazing people who wouldn't normally give me time of day. libby is not stingy with her popularity. because its second nature (and not threatened to end anytime soon), she does not covet or appreciate it. once given the opportunity to get in, i always hold my own and keep my spot because of the above mentioned wit and style. and btw, im no dog either. although i could never compare to my sibling, the mazzarelli's are no ugly bunch. if libby is a ten, (she has to be at least a 12 in reality) then i am a decent seven.