Two sides of the WRONG Twin

         
         

Prologue:

Invitation to evolve and build.

 The age old debate! Nurture over Nature? Or is it, Nature over Nurture? Either, either? Leave your pride and ego as you being this unfeignedly, authentic exploration of self-discovery. Maybe the explosive outburst or two may peak your interest, but the life-shattering heartache will be what truly keeps your mind engaged and you pulling at your heart strings as you find yourself compelled to hug your loved ones, and to appreciate those you hold dear and close.  The journey comes romantically coupled with page-turning drama and senseless self-indulgent episodes. All blatant attention seeking stunts of an egocentric, megalomaniac, brat. Right? Or does this behaviour actually give us a real glimpse, behind the curtains, the facades that broken and abused people use to shield and protect themselves? Thus, illustrating the severe dilapidation of a neglected, broken boy. Only, once we make the real effort to be understanding, acceptive and approachable;  to make sure we listen attentively,  and if given an opportunity to respond, also reminding yourself of the situation and stay mindful, maintaining a calm and patient demeanour; then we will delve into real communication and create better meaningful connections with others.

The forthcoming journey illustrated through Jake and Lucas is a personal pilgrimage of sorts, which aims to facilitate a better understanding of one self. Thus developing a genuine consideration for others, by providing us with the tools necessary. As we venture out of our comfort zone, we must agree to be open minded and receptive to the different concepts each individual may have, because we don't want our own views and idealisms to stop any growth or learning otherwise learnt. Our views, and our idealisms are the blocks that build and develop into our principles, which in turn forms the structure and foundation of our values. These principles, along with our own personal goals and incentives, are what keeps us driven and motivated. To then further maintain and achieve self-preservation, one must understand the need for continuous personal development and positive growth is of fundamental importance. "Leave your ego at the door," a phrase heard many times before, usually without a thought to its meaning, or its significance in achieving the active listening skills needed for a positive communication channel. It understands the total need to separate one self from pride and ego, both considerable barriers to active listening and positive communication. The understanding being, 'Pride and ego' are the culprits behind your assumptions, which may mislead you to decode inaccurate messages, preventing you from the senders' genuine intent. Finally, to create a positive platform for all parties to feel respected, heard and valued. These tools help avoid interrupting others or causing wrong assumptions, that may make the platform volatile and argumentative. Using these tools of communication, embrace the following journey of separated twins,Jake and Lucas, enabling you to make the your own conclusion about whether one's principles and values derive from a childhood raised by nurturing, loving parents, or whether it is solely nature and a firm belief that DNA and genetics hold greater significance and importance.


Prepare for an insightful, yet bold voyage enabling one to not only understand, but to appreciate the unique skills, values and views, of others as we probe beyond the themes that rarely scratch the surface. This isn't a Romeo and Juliet' love tragedy retold with an updated backdrop. Nor, is the twist on 'Cain and Abel,' the age old story of sibling rivalry. No, what you are about to read, purposefully dares to dive deeper into these themes, to investigate how the 'undying and unconditional love', a true and pure love, which could only come from a parent, can over those of genetics and even wealth, examining the ever controversial subject, "nature versus nurture."

TWINS of TWO SIDES

   In the bustling city of Lower Hutt, two lives are set on diverging paths from the moment they take their first breath. Lucas and Jake, identical twin boys, are separated at birth, each destined to follow different fates.  

         In the harsh, rough neighbourhood of Naenae, the cries of a newborn are heard by a kind and tender heart, too soft-hearted ignore the cries. Mary Windham, a frail yet loving middle aged woman, takes the baby into her modest one bedroom home. The baby, Jacob Thompson was raised in the dilapidated shack, its walls engulfed in dried, peeling paint and bridled with the damp, worn-out furniture, displayed the evidence of their hardship and a life drenched in poverty. However, despite these surroundings and in his loving and doting mother, Mary, Jacob finds solace. Her ample hugs and kisses, along with her never-ending words of encouragement, always made sure he felt loved. She couldn't help herself, she just loved her sweet "Blue-jay". Never once had she expressed any signs of disappointment, even if he wasn't the smart grade "'A' student," he knew she deserved. Instead her words of endearment and her affection gave him confidence far greater than anything money could ever buy. This devotion and her encouraging words was what really motivated Jake and would fundamentally instil a real driving passion to succeed. The same devotion and love is inherited by Jake, who was always thoughtful and caring, matures with a driven purpose as he does his utmost to lift the pressures of life and bills, off his sick mother's shoulders. Although, he may not get A's in all his school subjects, he couldn't be blamed for lack of effort. He spent his spare time with his head crammed into his books. Thing was, Jacob didn't often get much spare time, if any, he was working two part time jobs while also cleaning at the University, to lower his study costs while also paying the majority of the household bills. Yet, this was only the tip of his hard work and endurance. The really cement the extent of his motivation, once the last shift for the night was finally done and he would be able to hand up his overalls, or apron depending which night of the week it happened to be; he raced home, skipping any and all invites to a party or after work drinks, to care and cater to his sick mother. There wasn't a person in town that spoke ill of Jacob, no one would dare, he was usually romanticised by the locals, as their 'Hero'. This would eventually materialise itself when, during the Championship Game's follow-up interview, the Mayor would refer to Jacob as, "The Spirit and Heart of Lower Hutt." And even through all his protests, and the fact, it was years ago, in high school, back when he Captained the local basketball team, the sentiment was felt. The name took on a life of its own, reaching beyond Jacob's control, as it continued to grow through his following years at Tech, continuing through to his time at University, maybe further, only time will tell. Jacob, obviously enjoyed keeping busy, and became a qualified mechanic during his time at Tech, always keeping his dream and goal to enter engineering in his unwavering sight. So it wasn't a surprise, that once he found stable work as a mechanic at the local garage, and had saved every possible penny he could find, to see him enter the into a Bachelor's Degree in Engineering at the local University. Overcome with pure joy and excitement, his manager from the garage, did everything possible to make the work revolve around Jacob's study schedule. However, he wasn't quite done, and after adopting Jacob's perseverance and tenacity, he met with many of Naenae's locals, who also shared the same admiration and high regard for Jacob and his dream, which eventually materialised itself in a very generous donation to Jacob's Study fees.

            Nestled comfortably in the hills of Hutt Valley, a wealthy Lower Hutt suburb, we find Lucas as he is welcomed into the loving home of Lucas Simmons Snr. The home, with its silk curtains billowing in the breeze, and the sound of crystal glasses clinking in the background, was an excessively outrageous grand mansion, where Lucas, immersed in privilege and luxury, was given every opportunity for success. He couldn't think of a day that wasn't filled with wealth and luxury. However, behind the  polished faSPAN LANG="en-US">ade lay a darkness that loomed over their grand home. His father, the powerful and esteemed Judge Simmons, stood tall and stern, the definition of a man who possessed true power and respect. There were countless times Mr Simmons picked Lucas from wherever he was, whether it was school or one of his extra curricular activities, just for the two of them to jet set to some exotic country, on another spontaneous vacation. The two definitely were not your ordinary father and son, they had come accustomed to drinking and smoking the 'hashish' together. Undoubtedly, it was blatantly clear to anyone with a pair of eyes, Lucas Snr was reliving his youth; and Junior was only there to further empower Mr Simmons' arrogance, self-importance and ego. He earned his wealth so he made sure to enjoy the fruits of his labour. It was evidently clear, once those giant golden gates shut, he was in charge. In secrecy, Lucas and his friends would refer to his father as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, owing to his erratic and unhinged behaviour. Lucas Snr, or commonly addressed as Hon. Judge Simmons, could be all smiles, one moment, you know a real Prince Charming type, then he would completely switch in an instant, as a dark shadow surrounds his eyes, before they turn a stone cold, piercing blue. You could feel a total shift in the whole atmosphere, as he swallows you whole.  To further transform into his twisted portrayal of 'Mr Hyde', he would even use his vulnerable son to lure in some poor, innocent, unsuspecting girl to his sphere of abuse. An inebriated Snr would create a certain fear amongst everyone, Lucas' friends, visitors and even fellow Judges, leaving them all on edge. Nothing more than a few drinks and the dark flash would occur, allowing him to completely transform into the vindictive, abusive, damn near evil brute, who enjoyed using his superiority to repeatedly unleash malicious attacks, bullying and harassing a vulnerable young boy. The worst of these scenario's turning physical, often ending with Lucas on the losing end, defeated and broken. A son, who for the majority of his opulent and flush upbringing had idolised and revered his father, in tears, and his father continuing to mock him. Yet, in spite of all that wealth and riches of the lifestyle, or even whatever 'respected' position any of his peers held, not a soul bothered to speak up, causing Lucas to become more cold, distant and detached as each dark moment passed. Lucas would continue to grapple and struggle, continuously over his relationship with his father, who barely expressed any care or affection towards his only son. This lack of care and neglect would cause Lucas to frequently explode with anger and rage. However, it was the abuse, the torment and suffering he endured at the hands of his father, that transformed him into a wounded and bitter child, who was utterly incapable of grasping the mere concept of parental affection or support. Lucas only way to try, to attempt asking for help, was through the constant challenging of his father's boundaries and limits.

The chasm between the their childhoods screams in stark juxtaposition, a theatrical clash of worlds where each of life's milestone unfolds in a stark contrast when to the other.




A series of events lead to Lucas and Jake's paths crossing unexpectedly, revealing their true connection as twin brothers. Jake receives a call to go to Mr Simmons place to fix his car. Upon his arrival, and to everyone's amazement Lucas is outside, and they cannot believe what they are seeing. Their own reflection is standing there. Lucas is shocked to discover the existence of Jake and struggles to come to terms with the stark differences in their lives. He couldn't understand why his father didnt adopt both boys, instead of tearing the twins apart. Jake, on the other hand, is in total awe. Lucas, for all his privileged upbringing, couldn't help but notice how well this identical person standing before him, was holding himself, and how happy and confident he seemed. An initial desire to reconnect with his long-lost brother, Lucas brushes these feelings aside. The chapter explores themes of family bonds, identity, and the impact of upbringing on one's life choices. But it doesn't take long, to notice Lucas' change in character, the sudden coldness, his disregard for Jake, and his humble surroundings and life.




-Lucas, however, cannot seem to find a moment of peace, even in the vast manor of the Simmons' Estate. His father's constant verbal abuse was hard to bear on its own, that is, before his father has a few drinks then the fists come in.
-Eventually, Lucas becomes a businessman, yet becoming more and more unhinged and unpredictable, much like his father. Jake, becomes a mechanic, while studying his Masters to become an engineer.
-Jake goes to fix Judge Simmons' car, meets Lucas. They end up forming a relationship, however Lucas becomes jealous of jakes, happy and cheerful way of life, especially while his father's abuse continues to get worse as well.
-Lucas and Jake have big argument.
-Later, Lucas fights his dad. thinking he killed his father, He drives, drunk to Jakes.Crashing into Jakes mother
-As Lucas and Jake attempt to establish a relationship and make up for all their lost time, the gap between their worlds, continues to grow eventually causing tensions rise beyond any redeemable height, as they confront their past and present circumstances.
- Lucas grapples with the realisation that his success may have come at the expense of his confidence, the struggles of leading a somewhat double life leads to a break in his conscience.
- Jake faces internal conflicts as he navigates his studies, work, his terminally ill Mother, and now the intense relationship with Lucas.
This was when Snr would transform and mutate into the vile, spiteful, sadistic thug, whose sole purpose was to torment his son.
The chapter examines the ever controversial subject surrounding "nature versus nurture.". The story revolves around Jake's upbringing in a modest, dilapidated apartment with his loving mother, who was always making sure to show her love for him by giving him tender hugs and kisses.


The chapter examines the ever controversial subject surrounding "nature versus nurture.". The story revolves around Jake's upbringing in a modest, dilapidated apartment with his loving mother, who was always making sure to show her love for him by showering him with tender hugs and kisses, and constant words of encouragement. Additionally, she just loved her sweet Jake so much, never expressing any signs disappointment, even though he wasn't the smart grade 'A' student, he wanted to be for her. Yet, her words of endearment and her constant affection gave him something better than 'book smarts' or 'money'. Her encouraging words really motivated Jake and truly instilled a real drive and passion to succeed. As Lucas and Jake attempt to establish a relationship and make up for all their lost time, the gap between their worlds, continues to grow eventually causing tensions rise beyond any redeemable height, as they confront their past and present circumstances. Lucas grapples with the realisation that his success may have come at the expense of his confidence, the struggles of leading a somewhat double life leads to a break in his conscience. Jake faces internal conflicts as he navigates his studies, work, his terminally ill Mother, and now the intense relationship with Lucas. Lucas grappled continuously over his relationship with his father, who barely expressed any care or affection towards his only son, even if they didn't share genes, or DNA. Lucas, who for the majority of his opulent, flush upbringing had idolised and revered his father, started becoming cold, distant and detached. Mr Simmons, wasn't always some vile vicious villain, not at all. He was very wealthy and definitely made sure he enjoyed the fruits of his labour. There were countless times Mr Simmons picked Lucas from wherever he was, whether it was school or one of his extra curricular activities, for the two of them to jet set on another vacation. The two definitely were not your normal father and son. The two had come accustomed to drinking and smoking together. Undoubtedly, it was blatantly clear to anyone with a pair of eyes, Lucas Snr was reliving his youth; and Junior was only there to, not only to further empower Mr Simmons' arrogant self-importance and ego; but Snr would also use his son to lure in some poor, innocent, unsuspecting sheila. This was when Snr would transform and mutate into the vile, spiteful, sadistic thug, whose sole purpose was to torment his son. Lucas, and his friends would refer to his father as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. This was owing to his erratic and unhinged behaviour. Everyone, including Lucas' friends would be on edge, especially when they caught that dark flash, when his eyes turned stone cold, and you could feel the shift in the whole room. His father was all smiles and mr Prince Charming, in public. But once those giant golden gates closed, he changed. A few drinks later, he would completely turn and metamorphose into a vindictive, damn near evil brute. Abusing his superiority and unleashing a malicious attack, bullying and harassing Lucas with the worst of these 'bonding' times leading physical. Usually, with Lucas on the losing end, in tears, as his father would continue to mock him. The chapter examines the ever controversial subject surrounding "nature versus nurture.". The story revolves around Jake's upbringing in a modest, dilapidated apartment with his loving mother, who was always making sure to show her love for him by giving him tender hugs and kisses. This stark difference serves as a clear juxtaposition to the extravagant lifestyle Lucas had enjoyed throughout his childhood. Birthdays, vacations, hell, daily; Lucas' days were filled with wealth and luxury. However, it was the abuse, the torment and suffering he endured at the hands of his father, Lucas had transformed into a wounded and bitter child, completely devoid of comprehension when it came to parental affection and support. This behaviour would cause Lucas to frequently explode in anger, constantly testing boundaries and challenging himself.

5

- In the final chapter, Lucas and Jake come to a pivotal moment, a do or die situation.
-An unruly and angered Lucas, completely enraged after another big argument and fight with his father, completely lost control. He had enough, the pain, the hurt, all the years of torment and torture, all those nights he suffered by himself, 'No NO MORE!" Mr Simmons' worn out from his monotonous daily regime, was slumped in front of the T.V, obviously satisfied with his efforts, chugging the last of his whisky as he chuckled to himself about Lucas' miserable nightmarish predicament. Lucas, wiping the blood from his eyes, makes his stand. To be honest it wasn't even planned or thought out, it was rage, pure hate and anger. "This what you want!!" Lucas grabbed the kitchen broom, and stomped and thundered his way towards his father, his adopted father who never let him forget it. He spat out the snot and blood phlegm ball, that had been lodged in his throat while he was cowering on the floor, summoning what he had thought was his last ounce of strength to stop from crying. He wasn't going to give Mr Simmons, Dad, that last bit of him, of his pride. Not this time! Everything was quiet now, you know that deafening silence you always hear about. Lucas looked at himself, not recognising what stood in place of his reflection. The blood, it was everywhere, he couldn't help thinking this made the scene from 'Carrie' seem like spilt milk. Grabbing a towel, Lucas furiously wipes his face and hands, grab his car keys, and Mr Simmons' Special Edition Bottle of 25year Chivas Regal. Lucas still can't what happened, what he did. 'No, what he made me do, it was me or him, I did what I had to. He didn't know where he was going, but must have been a twin thing, as he found himself unknowingly driving in the direction of Jake's place. He didn't even stop to think what Jake would say, how would he receive me? Will he invite me. They had just had a big altercation two days prior and hadn't spoken to each other since.It was more a squabble or barney between brothers than an actual altercation. Lucas isn't stupid, he knew Jake pretty much exercises and trains everyday. Especially, when you compare that to Lucas' 5-6years lapse since he last ran. Again, to be more accurate, he was being chased rather than going for a run. Mental note to self, make sure she ain't got a big as brother, and his five friends, before talking her into some head...brain, you know what I'm getting at. But thats all besides the point, Lucas' had crossed the line, called Jake's mother 'a feeble weak waste of space.' In all honesty it is obvious Lucas was lashing out and reacting out of his jealousy of Jake. How can we be in this situation, I had pretty much got everything I ever wanted, well except for love and Jake had spent his life damn near saving crumbs and counting pennies. Really though, to all intents and purposes Jake was taught the true lesson in life, and he did his best daily, you can just see it in him, to practice that lesson and to share the lesson with others. The lesson of life being: 'a parent's true unyielding love, care and affection can truly overcome any hardship any man will face; enforced with 'practices of true forgiveness and redemption' a somewhat foreign and strange concept to Lucas. Lucas arrives at Jake's, "THHUUDDD." Lost in his revelations and thoughts, Lucas didn't see what it was, he didn't really think much of the incident. As he hopped out his Audi, one last gift from Mr Simmons' he thought indifferently, before erasing the image and thought from his memory with a few more chugs of the Chivas Whisky. Before Lucas, could turn to inspect the damage to his car, thinking to himself fixing the car will probably be more expensive than whatever knock or dent he left on the stairs, or did he hit the garden bed, "hmm.?" Then it all comes crashing down, reality hits, harder than Tyson and Robin Givens.
"AAARRggghhh....NOOOO."
"What did YOU do!!!"
Lucas jumps to actually inspect what happened, what he did. As Lucas reaches the front of his car, his brother Jake barges out the front of his house screaming and crying, yet faster than a zip, he beats Lucas to the front. Catching a glimpse of 'Cherry Red' blood on the ground flowing beneath the car Lucas can't help but notice it is the same shade of red as his 'Audi', He shakes his head, trying to shake the scene from his head. Or maybe he was trying to shake away the truth and the harsh verity of the situation. Jake's still clutching his mum, screaming, bawling his eyes out. I didn't know what to do, heck! Too shocked to move I literally became momentarily paralysed, then as I tried to profess my biggest truest deepest regret and say sorry, it was as if I forgot how to breathe. I found myself gasping for air.

6

Lucas, waddles into the court room, face down, eyes a puffy, hazy red. Alone again, he thinks to himself, always alone. Better alone, than in that house with that monster. Then out of nowhere, Lucas feels a hand on his shoulder.


"I know you are sorry brother, I'm here for you."


The look on Lucas' face, was that beyond, any thank you or gratitude he felt Jake for coming to his trial. This was one of true, honest and real understanding. Lucas, finally understood now, what true, caring and unconditional love was. With the rush of the initial realisation Lucas also felt the impact of the Love, that he has been wishing and yearning for his whole life. He finally sat down with his head stuffed into his hands. He took a few deep breaths and prayed a quick 'thank you for your undying love and most of all for the gift of your son', prayer to Jakes Mum, wrapping it up with a "and I thank and love You too, Mum."


Through a series of events and heartbreaking tragedies, they come to terms with their fractured past and embrace the bond of brotherhood. Together, they confront the forces that have kept them apart and work towards a future built on mutual respect and empathy. The chapter concludes with a message of hope, resilience, and the enduring power of love to overcome even the deepest divides. This narrative arc aims to explore the themes of family, identity, privilege, and redemption, while highlighting the transformative power of love and forgiveness in the face of adversity..>>








"Amen," Lucas quietly finishes his prayer to himself, and finds himself smiling for the first time, since...?


He met his brother, his better half, Jake.

?

Then he hears the court house go quiet and the bailiff announces to the courtroom, please stand for the honourable Judge Lucas Simmons Snr.


At precisely the exact same time, for what I think was our first 'in sync' Twin moment, both my brother and I let out a big, "FUCKKK!!"

4,290 words and counting lol.