LOVE ACROSS TIME

CHAPTER 7: FOLLOWED

KIRSTEN POV'S

YEAR 2022

Life's simplicity can often turn into monotony, where daily routines become a predictable cycle. The repetition of waking up, going through the motions, and going to bed can lead to a sense of weariness. It's when this routine persists, overshadowing the joy in daily activities, that a deeper exhaustion sets in.

The loss of interest and enthusiasm for once-enjoyable activities reflects a more profound emotional fatigue. When the spark of excitement in mornings fades and the appetite for life diminishes, it's a signal that something is amiss. In your case, a month of this monotony has left you feeling not just physically tired but mentally drained.

Reflecting on the simplicity of childhood pleasures, like swimming with family, highlights the stark contrast between the past joy and the current fatigue. It raises questions about the source of this exhaustion – whether it's related to work, personal life, or a combination of factors. Recognizing and addressing these underlying issues is crucial to breaking free from the cycle of exhaustion and rediscovering the vibrancy of life.

Perhaps, it's time to evaluate the balance between work and leisure, reassess priorities, or seek new experiences that reignite passion. Life's straightforwardness can be a canvas for diverse experiences and meaningful connections, and breaking away from the monotony might lead to a renewed sense of purpose and energy.

"Sister, it's so good." Mitchie comment on the Jollibee we ate that I ordered earlier.

Perhaps it tastes better pickled. If only those stupid men hadn't tried and purchased the stuff.

Hyst!

Before taking a piece of the food, I chased myself to say, "It's delicious."

"Thank you. I had so much fun, I don't know how to repay you." Alfred replied humbly, alluding to his visit to this location.

"That's fine. What are you doing? I brought you here to get back at you, so let's go."

I placed my hand on his shoulder, as if we were good friends. "But this is too much, Shí."

"It's fine. Let's just enjoy the day."

We just kept eating, and then Alfred and I put the food away since the kids went swimming again and my grandma was talking to an elderly woman in the other cottage; perhaps she knows someone and just saw again.

I pulled my phone out of my bag as I was setting the table because it rang out of the blue.

>>>Incoming call, Rigel

Meet Rigel Alcones – a 31-year-old force of intellect and mischief that has been my partner in academic crime since the days of high school. Our friendship started in the illustrious confines of the guidance office, a place that witnessed the birth of an alliance that would defy the laws of social studies.

Rigel and I, both possessing brains the size of planets, found ourselves in a perpetual battle for academic supremacy. Our rivalry in the field of social studies was legendary, akin to two scholars engaged in an eternal duel. Recitations became our battleground, with only the two of us daring to step into the arena. No other brave soul dared challenge our scholarly prowess – until, of course, boredom struck me like a lightning bolt.

Picture this: a moment of academic intensity shattered by the unexpected – a swift kick from yours truly. Yes, I kicked her. Not because I had a deep-seated grudge against Rigel, but simply because the routine of outsmarting each other needed a touch of theatricality. A kick, a harmless and comical act, to break the monotony of intellectual sparring.

Our friendship, if you can call it that, remained confined to the boundaries of the guidance office. Outside those walls, we were blissfully unaware of each other's existence. Our lives revolved around textbooks and test papers, leaving no room for curiosity about the person behind the scholarly facade.

Despite our academic rivalry and the occasional kick, Rigel and I shared a unique camaraderie – a blend of competitiveness and humor that made each day in class a memorable adventure. Who knew that beneath the veneer of academic rivalry, there existed a friendship built on quirky recollections and the shared absurdity of high school antics?

So here's to Rigel Alcones, my academic nemesis turned partner in comedic mischief. May our rivalrous recollections continue to entertain, and may our kicks be forever light-hearted reminders of the joy found in the most unexpected friendships. Cheers to the chaos of high school and the absurdity that bonds us all!

"Hey Shí! Don't you want to know what's going on today?" I was surprised by what she said.

Why? What's up?

"GJ birthday?" I answered the question.

"H-his birthday too?" She asked curiously.

I was confused by what she was asking. Why is there 'too'? Anyone else have a birthday? Who is it?

"Yes, it's his birthday," i answered confused.

"It turns out we have the same birthday!" She happily said.

I was dumbfounded. It's her birthday too?.

I thought for a moment before I remembered that today is also her birthday.

I remembered that on her last birthday she celebrated her birthday at the club where I work.

"Hehe happy birthday to you" I shyly greeted her. I remembered that your birthdays are at the same time... And besides, a lot has happened hehe"

"Yes, it's been a long time since we last met" her voice suddenly became sad.

We haven't seen each other for almost 6 months because we're too busy at work.

"What's there?" Suddenly I heard the voice of my twin friend on the other line. I don't know whose voice it was but it was shrill.

The delightful duo – Trisha Dela Cuesta and Ria Dela Cuesta, my perpetually young and mischievously deceptive twin friends. At the ripe age of 30, they've managed to cling to the elixir of eternal youth, making the rest of us mere mortals jealous of their age-defying secrets. Little do we know, their secret might just be a daily dose of laughter, mischief, and the occasional trip down memory lane.

Our tangled tale begins at a bar, the sacred ground where friendships are forged and hilarious hijinks are conceived. It was during one of their tactical maneuvers – taking turns ordering from me, the unsuspecting bartender. They lured me into their cunning scheme, a tag-team effort that culminated in a triumphant trip on my part. Yes, they literally tripped me, and as I lay there pondering the absurdity of my predicament, they reveled in their victory with mischievous laughter.

But wait, there's more to this dynamic duo than just expertly executed pranks. They possess a unique skill in the art of deception, a talent for weaving tales that leave you questioning reality. Case in point: convincing me to foot the bill for what they ordered by claiming they had already paid earlier. Little did I know, it was a clever ruse, a masterclass in twin trickery.

The deceptive delights of Trisha and Ria extend beyond the barroom antics. Twins by birth and partners in crime, their synchronized schemes are enough to leave anyone baffled. One moment you're dealing with Trisha, and the next, Ria has seamlessly taken her place – a comedic ballet of identity swaps that keeps us all on our toes.

In the grand tapestry of our friendship, their deceitful escapades serve as the colorful threads that weave together moments of hilarity. And as I navigate the labyrinth of laughter they've created, I can't help but appreciate the absurdity of it all. So here's to Trisha and Ria Dela Cuesta, my ageless twin friends, and my partners in laughter, deception, and the occasional stumble. May our escapades continue to defy the conventional and keep us forever young at heart. Cheers to the twins who've mastered the art of mischief!

"Aren't we done yet?" A question asked by a twin.

Maybe that's Ria voice because she's always impatient when she goes somewhere. She can't leave their house to go abroad if she's always impatient.

"Can you just go home? We got here." Trisha complained to Ria.

Are they going to tease or fight? Tss, it's up to them.

"We've been here for 1200 seconds, which is around 2 minutes. You've been here for too long. Isn't Shí going to come here? I heard that she's rich, but---" she abruptly cut off his sentence when Alfred suddenly spoke.

Before leaving, he said, "I'm just going to throw it away and then I'm going to take a shower. Just follow after me, ok?."

I felt ashamed as I nodded to him.

What will I do?

I can hear the whisper on the other line.

"H-hello? Are you still there? I have something to do---" Trisha interrupted what I wanted to say.

How can I get through now? There are still three of them.

"What does that mean?" Rigel asked.

"Who is he?" It was Trisha.

"What to throw away?" Ria asked, as if she suddenly got interested.

"Where are you?"

"What are you doing?"

I tried to explain, but they didn't seem convinced.

"What are he going to throw away?" When Trisha said that, I'm sure something else was going through his mind.

"Hey Tri! Stop it! If I just cover your mouth now, I'll put Extra Large Double Sided Mounting tape on it!" I said annoyed on the phone and I can imagine that she has tape on her mouth. It's annoying!

"Why are you calling me 'Tri' ? My name was too beautiful and you just call me that? And if you stop me, I'll put tape on it."

"Can you do it?" I challenge her.

"That's enough," Shay said. "Just come here, Shí and explain that, ok?. I'll text you the address." She added and hung up the call.

After only a few seconds I received a message from her.

---

Rigel

+63 991 *** ****

Today, 1:50 pm SIM1

Go to the Beau Colton Club tonight. I heard that it would open last week. I'll see you there.

---

Tss, I'm sure that we will be drinking again and she won't let us go home without getting drunk. They're definitely not going to stop at me asking about what happened earlier.

Shall I go with them? It would be a shame if not... But there is still next year. Besides, I can just free them tomorrow.

I recieved a message again.

---

Rigel

+63 991 *** ****

Today, 1:52 pm SIM1

You go. You are the one we go to when you don't come here.

---

Hyst! Looks like I have to go... I'm tired of it! HUHU.

JERVIN BRYSON RAMOS POV'S

I'm currently here at the resort following Kirsten Turner wherever she goes. I need to get her to sign the contract to get the money she should give to our company.

I recognized her easily because I saw her picture, i also have a good timing that we have the same car that we want to buy so I competed with her to find out what kind of attitude she has.

She is a brave woman and will get what she wants, we are the same... So if we are united to fight in the war, we will die immediately because we have our own decision.

Maybe we can be together in a collision because we are both at the end and ready to avoid each other. Tss.

"Where is he?" I asked myself while looking for that girl.

Where did she go? Just a while ago she was still with his husband.

Oh wait, is that man who was putting away the food earlier is her husband?... Umm maybe... They are not sweet to each other but I am sure they are married, they both look like rhinos. HAHA.

I will just go to my car that next to that girl. I'll just keep an eye on her.

A few minutes later, i look at the back to see if they had already boarded there or were going home before I decided to go to sleep.

They probably won't come home yet.

A few minutes later I woke up because of the ringing of my cellphone.

>>> Incoming Call, Uncle Julian

"Hey Jervin!" That's what immediately dawned on me when I answered his call.

"Where are you now? I went to your house but no one was there. Your assistant wasn't there either. Where is she now? Has she resigned?" He asked successive.

Uncle Julian Valencia, a 56-year-old man and father of four, has taken on the responsibility of managing the company in the absence of the narrator. This shift in roles arises from the narrator's inability to focus on work due to an undisclosed event. Uncle Julian's dedication to stepping in and overseeing the company showcases his commitment to family and the ability to adapt to challenging situations. The dynamics within the family and the company may be influenced by this change, highlighting the interconnectedness of personal and professional life. The essay could delve deeper into the specific event that prompted this shift and explore the implications on both the family and the business, shedding light on the resilience and versatility demonstrated by Uncle Julian in this unexpected turn of events.

"Uncle, I'm just doing something."

"What are you doing there? What if you prioritize this company of yours so that I don't have a hard time here at my club." He said, because he built a club and it just opened a week ago so he's too busy on working.

"Who told you to handle the company?" I asked which made his head even hotter. "Just put your club first. I'll take care of the company."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." I answered uncertainly.

I have to put the company first because we might end up going bankrupt.

"Okay. When you have free time, come here."

"I don't. You know I don't like the club." I told him before hanging up.

I sigh deeply while thinking about what happened before at the club... I was so hurt then. I just got out of the car so as not to think about what happened before.

I looked at the new van that rhino bought.

Why is she still arguing with me when it's the same van she will buy, just a different color? Tss.

"Sister Shí, are we going home?" I immediately hid behind the van when i hear a boy talking and he recited rhino's nickname.

I sneaked a peek at them. Rhino is now wearing a white fitted dress while her husband was just holding his shirt.

Along with an elderly mother, they were accompanied by numerous kids, all of them were 10 years old or older.

Even swimming rings that resemble doughnuts are available.

Why do they seem to be so young? That's their son, right? Although it isn't stated in the paper I've read if she is married or has children, it appears that she is too young to be a parent.

Tss, who cares, anyway?

I only needs her signature for me.

I quickly hid and got in the car so they wouldn't see me.

"Sister Shí, I want to play some more." requested the boy who spoke earlier.

Why does he call her sister Shí? They're just siblings?

I opened the window a little so I could hear what they had to say.

"We played tomorrow, ok? It's too late, now." She said to the boy.

What night is it? It's only 5 o'clock. Is it night time for her? It seems like it's still morning, tss.

"Let him go, sister, just once." Said a tall man. He's also a brother?

"Please!" The girl said. I heard other children complain before she agreed.

"I have a friend near SM City, Batangas. We can sleep there." His husband suggested.

"Umm, I can't be with you. I'm going somewhere." I heard Kirsten said.

"Where?"

"Just there, grandma."

"Where's that? You won't leave your siblings if it's not important. So where are you going!"

"Well, grandma, it's also my friend Rigel's birthday."

"So?"

"Do you need complete info?"

"Of course. Where are you going? What are you going to do? What time are you going home?"

"Grandma, don't worry about me."

"Just tell me if you don't want to have a fight with me!"

"I'm going to club. We're planning a birthday party with her. We'll just have some friends over, share some laughs, and enjoy the day. Nothing too wild, I promise."

"Hmm, who's going to be there? Is it a safe place?"

"Relax, grandma. It's just a small gathering with our close friends. Everyone attending is someone we trust, and it's a safe and familiar environment."

"What time will you be back?"

"I'm not sure about the exact time, but it won't be too late. I'll make sure to be back by a reasonable hour, and I'll keep you updated if there are any changes."

"You know, in my time, we didn't have surprise parties like this. Things were much simpler."

"I understand, grandma. Times have changed, and we celebrate things differently now. It's just a way for us to make happy memories with our friends."

"Just be careful. You're still my grandchild, and I worry about you."

"I appreciate your concern, grandma. I'll be cautious, and I promise to let you know if anything unexpected comes up. No need to worry too much."

"Just tell me if you don't want to have a fight with me!"

"Grandma, I don't want to fight. I just want to celebrate Rigel's birthday and have a good time with friends. I'll be responsible, and I'll make sure to keep you in the loop. Let's not let this turn into an argument, okay?"

Kirsten took a deep breath before looking at her grandma "Okay grandma, by the way we are going to the Beau Colton Club, maybe we can go home early in the morning."

To the Beau Colton Club? Is that uncle's club? Why are they going there?

"Ok fine. You're too responsible, you know what you're doing. Just don't drink too much."

"Yes, grandma."

"If I can accompany you. I'll drink for you." Her husband said.

"Tss. Who's going to drive it? He?" Kirsten said while pointing to her son.

The boy laughed at what rhino said.

Is that a joke? HA. HA. HA. I laughed a lot.

"Go ahead grandma, I'll ride on the bus."

"Okay. Be careful." Her grandma ordered.

"Yes, you too. Enjoy yourself."

"Don't look at others." There was a threat in his husband's voice.

"Tss. Just go, first."

They said goodbye one by one before leaving.

After a few minutes, Kirsten has ride on the bus that just arrived.

As she stepped towards the bus stop, her grandma's words echoed in her mind. The cautionary tone carried the weight of experience and concern. She could sense the mix of care and worry in those simple words, a reminder of the protective nature ingrained in her grandmother.

While her grandma's parting words lingered, her husband's tone contrasted sharply. His voice held a different edge, a stern warning that hinted at possessiveness or perhaps an underlying unease. It was a reminder of the complexities within their relationship, the subtle dynamics that shaped their interactions.

As the bus arrived, she exchanged a final glance with her grandma, who stood on the doorstep watching her depart. The concern in those eyes mirrored the love that had guided her throughout life. It was a bittersweet moment, the blend of independence and familial ties.Entering the bus, she found a seat near the window. The engine roared to life, and the journey began. Thoughts swirled in her mind – the contrasting tones of advice and warnings, the anticipation of the upcoming event, and the underlying tension from her husband's words.

Shall I follow her?

***

Written on: July 25, 2023.