LOVE ACROSS TIME

CHAPTER 5: ENEMY

KIRSTEN TURNER POV'S

YEAR 2022

In our life, we often find ourselves entangled in a web of secrets, each thread weaving a story of hidden desires and concealed truths. Among the clandestine whispers that echo in the chambers of the heart, one secret stands out – my profound and unspoken affection for none other than the enigmatic figure, Boss Clyde.

From the very moment our paths first crossed, I found myself ensnared by the allure of his good looks. Despite occasional bouts of grumpiness, his eyes betrayed the authenticity of his character, unveiling the true essence beneath the surface. It's a secret love, concealed in the recesses of my heart, a silent symphony that only I can hear.

Yet, amidst the tender notes of this covert melody, another revelation emerged – a revelation as weighty as the riches it concealed. Unbeknownst to many, I carry the heavy secret of wealth. The opulence that surrounds me is a clandestine treasure trove, hidden behind a façade of simplicity.

In my existence, these secrets form the intricate patterns that shape my narrative. Love and affluence, intertwined in a delicate dance, unfold chapters yet to be revealed. Life, with its myriad secrets, continues to be an enigmatic journey, where each hidden truth adds a layer of complexity to the unfolding story.

"You're the one I want to inherit the company I started." Grandma said that surprised me.

"Do we have company?" I can't believe it I said.

In my 30 years of living in the world, I just now found out that we have a company... It's cool!

"Yes grandchild, your godmother is currently taking care of it, but maybe this is the right time for you to be in charge of that."

"W-what?... But I don't know anything about that company. I'll just build a business to help you too."

"You don't have to do that, grandchild. You can invest the rest of your money in our company and start working there."

"But I don't know anything about that, grandma." I will specify the company.

"Don't worry. Our board of directors will help you with work. They know you're just a beginner so they'll support you."

"I don't want to, grandma. I'll just go to sleep... Go to sleep, too." I said and turned away from her.

I went to bed but because of what happened today I couldn't even feel sleepy.

Today is a strange day! Really different!

NEXT DAY...

I woke up around 8 o'clock and most of my siblings were staring at their coffees. They were still mixing at the same time as if they were discussing what to do.

"Good morning!" I greeted them but they didn't respond. "What's up?" I asked them and they simultaneously looked at me with sad faces with eyebags.

"Did you stay up late?"

"We didn't sleep well, sister." Catherine replied.

"H-Huh? Why?"

"Because of the 60 million!" They both responded simultaneously.

I laughed at them.

Even I couldn't sleep well because of that magical money. It's just now that we had that much money and I don't know where to spend it.

Do I really need to invest in our company so that the money doesn't run out immediately? Tss, whatever.

I looked at my cellphone when it suddenly rang.

Notification Centre

Calendar • now

August 17- GJ 6th BIRTHDAY!

Shit! I almost forgot!

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY GJ!" I happily said and hugged him but he was still wool-gathering like his siblings.

"What are you guy's doing? It's our brother's birthday." I said with my little siblings.

"Happy birthday."

"Happy birthday youngest."

"Happy birthday, bro."

They greeted in a sad way.

They were really surprised at 60 million. What should I do?

I looked at GJ with a smile. "What do you want us to do now?"

"Buy me toys."

"That's all?"

"Me too, sister, buy me a new cellphone." Adrian request.

"Me too, I want a laptop!" Jade said.

"Is that all you want?" I asked.

"Of course not!" They said together in a happy way.

We agreed to go to a resort here in Batangas so we could enjoy GJ birthday. We have also included grandma and Alfred as payment for his taking me to work. He was so happy to come along.

I went to the car shop first because I really wanted to buy a car. I like it right because I have a lot of money now.

I left my family at the mall first to surprise them with what I would buy. I am also exchanging checks and have withdrawn 2 million from there.

Upon entering the shop, the white van immediately appeared to me and made my eyes shine.

It was a Maxus G10 minivan with a starting price of P1,890,000.00. It has two sliding doors, LED taillights, and alloy wheels measuring 16 inches. Additionally, it has a 9-seat configuration with four captain's chairs. Electronic controls for the front passenger and driver seats in the car make adjustments quick and simple. A blend of leather and cloth covers the seats.

It's so beautiful and cool! Terrible!

I was about to touch it when a man stopped me. He held my arm tightly.

"That's mine!" He said but I just raised an eyebrow at him before looking at his appearance.

In the cacophony of first impressions, one might be deceived by the superficial allure of pointed noses, red lips, and meticulously crafted hairstyles. The outward appearance may scream confidence, style, and a certain retro charm, epitomized by a two-piece American retro-style embroidered jacket paired with sleek brown and black pants. Yet, what unfolds beneath this carefully curated façade is an attitude that leaves much to be desired.

What the heck is up with that demeanor? The arrogance exuding from his every pore eclipses the coolness of his clothes. It's as if the threads of his outfit weave a tapestry of aloofness, and the colors of his attire mirror the hues of his insufferable attitude. The pointed nose becomes a metaphor for the pointed disdain he seemingly directs at those around him. The red lips, once captivating, now appear painted with the disdain that drips from his every word.

And don't even get me started on that undercut with medium sleek hair. It's as if his hairstyle is a metaphorical crown, symbolizing the self-proclaimed royalty he believes himself to be. The meticulous grooming only accentuates the arrogance, each strand of hair screaming, "I'm too good for this."

In a world where appearances often deceive, this individual stands as a living contradiction. A fashion-forward facade concealing a demeanor that clashes violently with the aesthetics. The clash between the stylish exterior and the repulsive interior creates a dissonance that leaves onlookers bewildered and appalled. What a shame that such an impeccable wardrobe is overshadowed by an attitude that tarnishes the allure of every meticulously chosen garment.

"How do you say that it's to you? Do you have a name in here? You don't have one, right?" I searched on the car if there's a name.

"But I was here first so it's mine."

"Don't claim what isn't yours. Crazy!"

He gasped because of what i said. "W-what are you saying? I'm c-crazy? You have no right to say that in front of me."

"So, turn your back." I said to him angrily, meeting his eyebrows.

From what I see now, he looks like angry birds now, the red color. HAHA.

"Hey girl! Haven't you been informed of the price of this car?"

"I'm sorry. Did an orientation happen? I'm sorry, I wasn't able to attend because of my personal reasons." I answered him sarcastic before grinning.

"Huh! So you don't know... It's better to buy a motorcycle than this van that I own, now." He even looked at me from head to toe.

Does he think I have nothing to pay?

"You are so proud, you look like angry birds." I raised an eyebrow at him.

"W-what? A-angry birds? M-me?... Who are you to tell me that? Guess who's beautiful, looks like a rhinoceros!" He shouted at me.

W-what? Rhinoceros! Is that me? Huh!

"Hello ma'am and sir, are you calling me? Do you need help?" We were immediately surprised by the man who approached us.

What is he saying?

"What can I help you with?" He asked again.

Why did he think we were calling him? Is he going crazy?

I looked at the man. He must be a staff here because he is wearing a red polo shirt that is the color of this shop. He is well dressed, he is also tall, has a sharp nose, and he has a cold brown hair that fit's to him. Overall, he looks good. Perfect for women looking for a tall man, I'm not one of those.

I looked at him again before looking at the name tag attached to his uniform.

*Rhino Marana | Intern*

I immediately laughed when I realized why he came to us.

He thought maybe the angry birds called him this man, tss.

"I'll buy it." I said to man.

"No, I'll buy it." Angry birds guy arguing.

"I was here first so I'll buy it."

"You're just a few seconds ahead, arrogant!"

"I'm sorry, is it obvious?"

"Yes! And it's also obvious that you won't pay anything!"

"Why aren't you there? I can buy what's here." I proudly said.

"I can buy that too! Even the land we're standing on." He said more arrogantly.

Is his money more than 60 million?! Tss.

I was about to speak when suddenly a woman approached us and she light massage the car. She was wearing an off-the-shoulder long dress and a lot of jewelry around her neck while carrying a branded bag.

"My vanny is ready." She said happily and almost kissed the car.

Angry birds and I just stared. Is the car sold? Why didn't they say it right away? I had an enemy just because of that car.

"Do you buy here too?" The jewelry woman asked and stared at us.

Tss, why do they stare so much at my appearance? Is there something wrong with my knitted squareneck top and pants coordinates that are color nude? It's okay, right?

Since the car we chose was sold, I just chose a new one, I also chose a van but it was black in color, as for angry birds, I don't know what he chose because I had already left.

Why do I care about him?

I just took my cellphone and called Alfred to come here and he will drive the car.

"Wow! Great!" He said surprised when he saw the car I buy. "I think you're too hot-headed right now, Shí." Alfred said to me when we got into the new car.

"No, I'm fine. I just met an angry bird there." I got in the van and went to grandma who was already outside the mall.

As expected, they were surprised when they saw our new car and were excited to ride it.

"It's beautiful sister!" Gjann said foolishly.

"Is it really ours?" Mitchie asked.

"We're not dreaming, are we?" Catherine asked and rubbed her eyes.

"Let's go, grandkids, I'm hungry." Grandma said and as she said we left.

We waited for a few hours before we arrived at the resort we were just going to.

I don't know much about the area so I don't know where we are going yet.

"Here we are." Jade said and pointed in the direction that said 'WELCOME'. As soon as we entered, the large blue swimming pool was the first one that appeared to us. It has waterfalls that designs of swans, mushrooms, and dolphins placed on the side.

We went straight to the counter to pay and after that we went to our house-shaped cottage and immediately my siblings jump in the pool and swim.

"Adrian, Jade, and Catherine, take care of your siblings first, I'm just going to buy something." I order from all three of them. They nodded in response.

"Can i join with you, Shí?" Alfred asked.

"No, it's okay. I'll take a moment. Just keep an eye on grandma and my siblings."

"Hehe alright. Be careful." I nodded at him as answered.

"Be careful, grandchild." Grandma said.

"Yes grandma." I waved to her before leaving.

I walked around until I found a place to buy food.

"How much ri---" I stopped speaking when a customer suddenly put his finger to tasted the food that i wanted to buy.

Adobo is my favorite. He just blew it! Annoying!

I looked to see who the buyer was and I was shocked to see the man I hate now.

Angry birds guy!

"You again?!" I told him I was annoyed.

"Yeah, it's me, again." He answered annoyingly.

"Why did you taste the merchandise? Are you the only one buying it?" I complained to him.

"Because I already bought that before you came."

"How arrogant!" I scolded him.

"What? It's true that I already bought that? You should ask first."

"Why?... Do you think I didn't do? Tss." I just left and went to another store.

"Is this available?" I asked the seller but she was busy wrapping his goods.

"Everything has been sold. Just buy from someone else." The seller answered.

I looked at the angry birds guy who were smiling at me.

Hyst! The irritation bubbles forth like an untamed geyser as I witness an individual engaging in a shopping spree of epic proportions. The burning question that sears through my mind like a relentless flame is, why did he buy everything? Is he on a mission to single-handedly consume the entire inventory of the store, or does he harbor a secret ambition to outdo the feat of a one-person food festival?

And to add fuel to the fire, of all the places in this vast world, he chose this very spot. Really? It's as if the universe conspired to amplify my annoyance. The myriad options, the plethora of choices, and yet he graced this particular location with his overwhelming presence. Could it be mere coincidence, or is there a sinister undertone to his selection of the same space I happened to occupy?

The insidious thought creeps in – is he following me? The notion of being pursued by an individual with an insatiable appetite for the same surroundings is enough to send shivers down the spine. Paranoia takes root, and every step, every turn, becomes a potential confirmation of an unwanted shadow tailing my existence.

I fervently hope not. The prospect of being an unwitting subject in someone's impromptu stalking expedition is enough to elevate my irritation to new heights. The audacity of someone to invade my chosen domain, coupled with the suspicion of being an unintentional focal point in their escapades, adds a layer of discomfort to the already simmering irritation.

As I navigate this sea of exasperation, I'm left to grapple with the unsettling questions that linger in the air. Why the excessive purchases, the invasion of my space, and the unsettling possibility of being pursued? The irritation festers, fueled by the sheer absurdity of the situation, leaving me with a lingering sense of annoyance that refuses to be easily dispelled.

Annoyed, I walked around to another store until I got out of the resort. I saw a food cart but they didn't sell food but clothes.

I just went back inside and used my cellphone. I just ordered something for us to eat because I didn't want to look for another store. It's boring. Maybe all those angry birds have sold!

"Grandma, are you hungry?" I approached him happily looking at my siblings.

"Not yet... Go swimming first grandchild, join your siblings."

"Hehe later, grandma."

"All right." He looked at me before looking back at my brothers. "They are lucky because you became their sister... You are so kind, Kana."

"That's normal for me grandma. I'm naturally kind." I said with an arrogant voice.

"So, are you going to invest?"

"Grandma, I don't want to talk like that."

"Why don't you just accept it, grandchild?"

"I don't want to. Besides, I told you that I don't know anything about that company, so just leave it alone."

"But I only have a few months to live grandchild." She said sadly which surprised me.

"W-what was that? What did you say?"

"Grandchild, I won't be here much longer. I'm old."

"What are you talking about? I know you are old but you still look like a child." I said jokingly and hoping that what she was saying earlier was wrong.

"As long as I'm gone, you're the one I want to handle our company."

"Grandma, it will be a long time before that happens."

"Is 3 months still long? I don't think we---" I cut her off.

"Grandma! Don't talk like that!"

"Listen, grandchild." She sat straight and stared at me. "Everything I'm telling you is true, that's why I hope you'll do what i said before I disappear."

"G-grandma, d-don't say that." My voice is shaking because I want to cry.

"I want you to have a good life and I also want to fulfill my promise to your grandfather."

"Just say that you have fulfilled it." I'm kidding.

"You're really young." She hit me on the shoulder. "Just agree, if you don't want to. Just get married!" I was dumbfounded by the last thing grandma said.

The mere mention of the word "marriage" can send shockwaves through the very core of one's existence. The notion of embarking on the journey of matrimony is often met with a symphony of conflicting emotions, leaving one in a state of disbelief and bewilderment.

Wait, what? Marriage? The gravity of those two syllables echoes in the chambers of the mind, triggering a cascade of thoughts and emotions. It's as if the very fabric of reality is momentarily suspended, and the ground beneath one's feet threatens to give way.

The initial reaction to the prospect of getting married is a resounding "I will get married?" The question hangs in the air, laden with a sense of incredulity. It's a moment of reckoning, a collision between the anticipated and the unexpected. The mind races, attempting to grapple with the enormity of the revelation.

The "What???" that follows is an exclamation of sheer surprise, a punctuation mark to the whirlwind of thoughts swirling within. It's a visceral response to the unexpected plot twist in the narrative of one's life. The very idea of entering into the sacred union of marriage can be both exhilarating and overwhelming, a paradoxical cocktail of emotions.

Marriage, with its promises of companionship, shared journeys, and intertwining destinies, becomes a seismic shift in the landscape of individual existence. The realization that one is on the precipice of such a profound life-altering commitment can leave even the most composed individuals momentarily stunned.

In the wake of this shocking revelation, the mind becomes a canvas painted with hues of uncertainty, anticipation, and a touch of trepidation. As the shock subsides, the journey towards understanding and embracing the profound implications of marriage unfolds, setting the stage for a chapter that promises to redefine the very essence of one's being.

***

Written on: July 21, 22, (2023)