People always ask me, “Why didn’t you tell me you had a twin brother?”

Well, I wouldn’t usually say, “Hello, my name is Estefany and I have a twin brother.”

Being a twin comes with the stereotypical questions that are asked a little too often: Which twin is older? What’s it like being a twin? Can you feel each other’s pain?

It’s amusing how much people are fascinated.

Which twin is older? That would be me. People assume that I am, based off of my maturity level (science has proved that girls do mature faster than boys).

No, I can’t feel my brother’s pain or talk to him telepathically. Although, when we were younger, we did have this odd connection.

Whether Javier was crying or overjoyed, I could sense his emotions, and my brother would be able to feel when I was physically hurt.

If I fell off my bike and scraped my knee, he would feel something tingling at the exact same place.
I constantly find myself in a ball of confusion and internal conflict when people would ask me, “How is it like to be a twin?”
This life I have is the only life I’ve ever known. It does get frustrating when people ask me this but I understand and I’ve learned to tolerate the ignorant curiosity.

Growing up, I just laughed at those silly questions.

Just like every other pair of siblings out there, we argue. It’s nearly impossible for us to stay angry each other for more than five minutes, though.

My mother finds it extremely frustrating when one minute we would be wanting to choke each other’s brains out and the next acting as if nothing happened, straight back to normal.

Still, Javier and I are complete opposites. While he spends his free time catching up on his TV shows or playing video games,
I usually have my head stuck in a book or at my laptop, writing away.

My brother has always had more luck with math while I struggle with it. I naturally am more fluent and love anything that has to do with literature.

When Javier and I were in orchestra together, he favored the big instruments, taking on the bass and the cello, while I challenged myself to learn the beautiful viola.

He’s more outgoing, loud, and optimistic while I’m more reserved, opinionated and witty.
I tend to get sick about every two months while Javier only falls ill about twice a year, and only because he was contaminated by me.

Javier’s a little healthy bean while I have problems with anxiety, allergies and asthma.

My grandfather likes to call the healthier twin “the alpha twin,” which Javier loves to tease me about.

Javier and I have complementing dimples, as well. I have one dimple on my right cheek and he has one dimple on his left cheek.

Pretty crazy, right?

We like hanging out with each other, we buy each other Christmas presents and we watch every new Marvel movie together.
I’m complicated, with my passion for reading, assertive personality, and my hard working goals, but my brother has gotten used to it all, and vice versa.

I find myself lucky because I’ve always had someone there with me.

Things aren’t as nerve-wracking and scary as they are when my brother is there by my side.

Yes, I am a twin, but that shouldn’t affect how people perceive me.

Looking back, I’m grateful for all the experiences and moments I’ve shared with my brother.

Sooner or later, high school is going to come to an end, and we will most likely be searching for separate colleges. I want to pursue my future as a strong, independent and confident woman and as I do, I’ll always have my brother there supporting me.