They Are Meant To Be Together

Chapter Three: A Glimpse Of Her World

Jeffrey’s POV

After the last school bell rang, I kicked up the engine of my power bike and sped off through the city lanes. The wind hit my face like a splash of cold water—refreshing, freeing.

I wasn’t heading home. Not yet.

I pulled over at a familiar corner—a modest but cozy restaurant where I worked part-time.

Not because I wanted to work, but because I had to.

Helping Mom cover the bills and Jessica’s school needs gave me a sense of control, of responsibility. I didn’t want all the weight resting on her fragile shoulders.

Evening crept in as I wiped down tables and served the last few customers. The low chatter and clink of cutlery were calming. Then my phone rang.

I glanced at the screen—Jessica. I smiled and answered, “Hello?”

“Brother!” she squealed. “Please, when you’re coming home, get me my favorite ice cream. Pretty please?”

I chuckled. “Jess, are you sure you want ice cream in this weather? Rain’s coming.”

“I don’t care. I want it!” she giggled.

I shook my head, smiling to myself. “Alright, one melted treat coming up.”

Later, after closing the shop, I stopped at a nearby supermarket and bought her ice cream. As I stepped out, the sky broke open and rain poured like a waterfall.

“I knew it,” I muttered.

I ducked under a shelter, clutching the paper bag, then looked across the street—and froze.

A sleek black car pulled up to the entrance of a hotel. A girl stepped out. Her walk, her posture... it looked like Clara.

Two suited men held umbrellas over her as she entered the luxurious lobby.

Wait—Clara? In that kind of car? That kind of hotel?

I blinked. Am I seeing right? Was that really her? I thought.

I thought she was from a regular background like the rest of us.

But something about what I just saw was different. It didn’t make sense.

I shook the thought from my head. It’s not my business. Just let it go, I told myself.

---

When I got home, Mom was waiting at the door, arms crossed, her face stiff with worry.

“Jeff! Where have you been?”

I sighed. “Evening class, Mom—the rain delayed me.”

She wrapped me in a tight hug. “Don’t do that again. Always call.”

I understood. I know why she’s like this. She’s just scared—scared of losing me like we lost Dad. But that’s another story.

“I will. Promise,” I said, and she walked to her room.

Later, I walked into Jessica’s room. She was buried in a storybook again.

“Jessica,” I began, “you should be solving equations, not fairytales. A future doctor needs brains.”

She threw a pillow at me and giggled. “Where’s my ice cream?” she asked.

“Here,” I said, handing it over. It had melted a little, but she didn’t care.

“Thank you!” she squealed, digging in. Then she looked up. “Brother, do you know a girl named Clara Lim? She’s my friend.”

I paused. Clara again?

“Yeah,” I replied carefully. “She’s my seatmate.”

Jessica lit up. “Clara is so nice,” she said. “You should talk to her more.”

“I don’t talk to girls,” I muttered.

Jessica frowned. “Do you want to be single forever?”

I laughed and ruffled her hair. “At your age, don’t worry about relationships. Focus on your books.”

“You’re hopeless,” she sighed, finishing her ice cream.

Later, as she dozed off on my lap, I watched her sleep peacefully. I carried her gently to bed, tucked her in, then walked to my room.

---

But even as I sat at my desk, thoughts of Clara crept in—her voice, her smile, the way she defended Jessica.

Oh, you may be wondering how I know that.

I saw her once when she stood up for Jessica against some bully girls.

“What’s wrong with me?” I whispered, pressing my palm to my forehead.

---

The next morning, Mom insisted on driving us to school. I preferred my power bike, but I didn’t argue.

As we pulled up at the gate, I saw Clara walking—no car, no escorts, just a backpack slung over her shoulder.

Was that hotel scene just a dream? I wondered. Or… is she hiding something?

To be continued...