Dr. Christina Richi, a well-known brain surgeon, noticed my research on brain injuries in children. Under her guidance, I grew.
For the first time, someone believed in my abilities and pushed me to do better, not in spite of my quiet nature, but because of it.
“You have a special talent for research, Rachel,” Dr. Richi told me once. “You notice patterns that others miss. That kind of thinking can’t be taught.”
If only my parents could see me the way she did.
The morning before Helen’s celebration party, I met Dr. Richi in her office. She was in her 70s with silver hair and sharp red eyes that seemed to see everything.
Her office was full of awards, framed articles, and pictures with famous doctors from around the world.
“Sit down, Rachel,” she said, pointing to the chair across from her desk. “I have amazing news.”
My heart started to race.
I had been waiting to hear back about the Patterson Fellowship at Windgate, the top research program in the country. Only one medical student in the whole nation would be chosen.
“The committee has made their decision,” Dr. Richi said, keeping a calm face.
I held my breath.
“They picked you,” she said, smiling wide. “Congratulations, Dr. Rachel Griffin. You’re going to Charlotte.”
I felt joy, shock, and relief all at once. I had won the Patterson Fellowship, the biggest honor in brain research. And it was mine.
“I don’t know what to say,” I said quietly.
“You earned this,” Dr. Richi said firmly. “Your work on brain healing after injury was something they’d never seen before. They were very impressed with how you combined surgery ideas with new medicine research.”
The fellowship also came with a large monthly allowance, money for housing, and best of all, full loan forgiveness.
I would finally be debt-free, just like Helen.
But I earned it myself. Not through help from her parents.
“There’s more,” Dr. Richi added, her eyes shining. “I’ve been invited to Helen’s celebration tonight. Your parents sent invites to the school staff, not knowing we’ve worked so closely together. I’d like to share your fellowship news there, if that’s okay with you.”
My stomach sank.
“I’m not sure, Dr. Richi. It’s Helen’s night. My parents might think I’m trying to take attention away from her.”
Dr. Richi’s kind expression turned serious.
“Rachel,” Dr. Richi said, “I’ve seen how your family works over the past 3 years. I’ve watched your parents at hospital events and heard how they talk about you and Helen. I get why you’re unsure, but sometimes people only respect success when it’s shared publicly.”
She was right.
If my parents heard about the fellowship in private, they’d probably make it seem like it was luck, not something I earned.
“Okay,” I said slowly. “You can announce it.”
As I left her office, my phone buzzed. It was a message from Helen.
Mom’s going overboard for tonight. It’s so embarrassing. I wish she’d done this much for both of us when we graduated. See you there. Ha.
I stared at the message, surprised. It was the first time Helen had ever admitted our parents treated us differently.
Before I could reply, another message came in. This one was from my mom.
Don’t forget to dress business casual tonight. And please let your sister have her moment. This is really important to her.
The difference between the five messages hit me hard.
Maybe I’d been wrong about Helen all this time. And maybe tonight would finally show the truth our parents had been hiding for 27 years.
Helen’s debt-free party was being held at a fancy restaurant in downtown Oklahoma City. My parents had rented out the entire rooftop terrace. It must have cost a lot.
When I stepped off the elevator, I saw a big banner that said, “Congratulations, Dr. Helen.”
There was no mention that there were actually two Dr. Griffins in the family.
Now, I smoothed out my navy red dress and took a deep breath.
This night was about Helen. No matter what Dr. Richi was going to announce, I wouldn’t let old feelings ruin my bond with my twin.
Helen saw me right away and rushed over from a group of relatives. She looked beautiful in a silver dress. Her blonde hair was just like mine, but cut short in a modern style, while I wore mine long and neat.
“Thank God you’re here,” she said. “Aunt Judy has already asked me six times if I have a boyfriend.”
I laughed, even though I was still a little nervous.
“What did you tell her?”
“That I’m married to medicine,” Helen joked. “But if she knows any single brain surgeons, I’m open to options.”
She linked her arm with mine.
“But seriously, this is too much. Mom invited half the medical school. Keith Richards is even here.”
I looked around and saw the Keith talking to our dad.
“Wow. They really did go all out.”
“Too much,” Helen said quietly. Then she added, “And why just for me? We both graduated. We both worked so hard.”
The tight feeling in my chest eased just a bit. Maybe Helen understood more than I had ever realized.
I had given Helen more credit than she deserved.
“Helen, Rachel,” our mom called out, holding a glass of champagne. “The Henry just arrived. Remember Henry? He’s the chief of surgery at Indianapolis Memorial. You should come say hello.”