Being the odd one outI took a final look at myself doc

Being the odd one out

I took a final look at myself in the mirror before I put on my
high heeled shoes. I thought I looked presentable enough.
My brother was furiously sounding the horn hurrying me
up. I went down the steps with difficulty due to my shoes.
The minute I stepped into the car, he sped off, not caring
that my heart had leapt into my mouth.

He was to meet his friends for a barbecue. He hated to
take me along on such occasions. He said that I was a
spoil-sport tagging along behind him. However, he had to
bring me because my mother insisted. She said that every
time he needed to use my father’s car at night, he must
take me along. Well, whether he liked it or not, he had to
oblige. I was to one who had to bear his deafening nags
while we traveled to and fro in the car.

He stopped at the East Coast Park and told me to get
down. I was nearly in tears because I thought the
barbecue was to be held at friend’s house. If I had known
that it was to be at the beach, I would have at least put on
my pants and flat sandals. I would never dream of going to
such an occasion in party skirt and high-heeled shoes.
Oh… why didn’t he inform me? Although I was very angry
with him, I kept my peace. I knew better than to say
anything.

I hurried behind him towards the beach. When we reached
the location, I was utterly shocked to find that there was
not a single female soul around. His friends stared at me. I

felt strange, although I still cannot interpret their stare. I
looked down shyly, and my eyes met my skirt. At that
moment, I felt like tearing it to pieces.

The boys did not say anything to me. I realized that my
presence was not welcomed. I felt admixed feeling of
embarrassment and anger. Who should I blame? I thought
everybody was to blame; my mother, my brother and I. My
thought was rudely interrupted by a rough voice offering
me a seat on an overturned pot. I thanked him and sat,
looking at the pitch black, moonless sky against the dark
blue, calm waters.

I had been in the company of boys for a number of times
but the occasions were never as forbidding as this one. At
home, my mother and I live among seven males. They are
my father, two of his brothers, my elder brother and three
younger brothers. I love their company.

I was again interrupted by the rough voice. This time he
offered me some mutton cubes pierced in an iron skewer.
Without thinking, I took it and began to eat. I shouted in
pain when the burning skewer touched my lips. My
unsympathetic brother turned around to look at me.
Instead of doing something, he gave me a threatening
look and turned away. I heard him telling his friends that I
was a spoil-sport. I felt tears in my eyes but I would not
permit them to fall.

I waited patiently till 11.30 p.m. At exactly 11.30 p.m. my

brother signaled me to go to the car. I walked away alone,
without saying goodbye to anybody. This time warm tears
really poured down my cheeks. I quickly wiped them away
as I heard my brother coming up behind me. Then, I
realized that being the odd one out was indeed trying. I
thanked God that it was all over.