Heartstrings of Destiny

Gilded Destiny

"Why me?" I asked him. He mentioned that he'd have to take me under his wing to make me a matchmaker for a year and complete the task of gathering six connecting hearts before time runs out. Why me out of all the people who could have been more qualified?

I was a non-believer. Did he see that as a challenge? Did he mean to change my beliefs?

"Like the rest of your kind, you used to have that connecting string, Candice. But yours is different. You have that golden streak."

My eyebrows furrowed. "Golden streak?"

He nodded. "It's just short. I think it's only about one inch long. Do you know what that means?"

I shook my head. How am I supposed to know? I thought it was just my wish that this is happening to me.

"People with golden streaks on their strings were destined to be matchmakers no matter how short that time might be. You won't literally be like me, but in a way, you will have to bring people together. He said that if you fulfill your destiny, I will be atoned from my sin. If not, well... you already know what will happen to both of us."

I frowned at him. "You talk as if falling in love is a bad thing."

"We are not allowed to have romantic connections with humans. Why? Because love makes you irrational. It makes you jealous. It makes you selfish. It makes you covet. It makes you vulnerable to sin. Those are risks we angels cannot take. And we aren't allowed to."

"But you did fall in love. How?"

Conversation:

Candice: Why me? Why make me a matchmaker?

Poopy: Like the rest of your kind, you used to have that connecting string, Candice. But yours is different. You have that golden streak.

Candice: Golden streak?

Poopy: It's just short. I think it's only about one inch long. Do you know what that means?

Candice: (shaking head) How am I supposed to know? I thought it was just my wish that this is happening to me.

Poopy: People with golden streaks on their strings were destined to be matchmakers no matter how short that time might be. You won't literally be like me, but in a way, you will have to bring people together. He said that if you fulfill your destiny, I will be atoned from my sin. If not, well... you already know what will happen to both of us.

Candice: You talk as if falling in love is a bad thing.

Poopy: We are not allowed to have romantic connections with humans. Why? Because love makes you irrational. It makes you jealous. It makes you selfish. It makes you covet. It makes you vulnerable to sin. Those are risks we angels cannot take. And we aren't allowed to.

Candice: But you did fall in love. How?

He shook his head. "I don't know either. Maybe I am the exception to the rule. Maybe I'm the glitch in the system. Nothing's perfect, you know. Laws are bound to have loopholes." He gave me a tight smile. "And I still can't say who I fell in love with. You don't have to know."

I grunted. "Stop reading my mind!"

"I don't have to read your mind to know what you're thinking. It's written all over your face." He stepped closer and bent to level his head to mine. "You're wondering if I could feel anything," he stated.

"Well... do you?"

"Yes. All the emotions you feel, I feel them too. Anger, irritation, jealousy, pity, misery, happiness, excitement, sadness, hunger, lust... love. I can feel everything."

"Wasn't it hard to control whenever you're around that girl?"

"It's hard, of course, but I can't do anything about it. We're not the end game either." There's a hint of sadness in his eyes when he said that.

"So you've been feeling those all this time, and you kept on telling me that you don't feel anything?"

"I had to, but you are too naughty."

I smiled sheepishly at him. "That's right. Wait... you said that I also have the string, right? Does this mean that I also have a soul mate?" And here I was, thinking that I'm bound to be alone forever. All this time, someone was destined for me. Well, I hope so.

"You do, of course."

"Who?"

He shook his head again. "I can't tell you."

"Why not?" I asked with a pout.

Conversation:

Candice: Why can't you tell me who you fell in love with?

Poopy: I don't know either. Maybe I am the exception to the rule. Maybe I'm the glitch in the system. Nothing's perfect, you know. Laws are bound to have loopholes.

Candice: (grunting) Stop reading my mind!

Poopy: I don't have to read your mind to know what you're thinking. It's written all over your face. You're wondering if I could feel anything.

Candice: Well... do you?

Poopy: Yes. All the emotions you feel, I feel them too. Anger, irritation, jealousy, pity, misery, happiness, excitement, sadness, hunger, lust... love. I can feel everything.

Candice: Wasn't it hard to control whenever you're around that girl?

Poopy: It's hard, of course, but I can't do anything about it. We're not the end game either.

Candice: (with a hint of sadness) So you've been feeling those all this time, and you kept on telling me that you don't feel anything?

Poopy: I had to, but you are too naughty.

Candice: (sheepishly smiling) That's right. Wait... you said that I also have the string, right? Does this mean that I also have a soul mate?

Poopy: You do, of course.

Candice: Who?

Poopy: (shaking head) I can't tell you.

Candice: Why not? (with a pout)

"Because you might look for him, and you might neglect your task," he replied. "Patience Candice. You'll know everything in time."

I looked at my hands. So there is someone out there for me, but... "Since I don't have that connecting string, what will become of him?"

He sighed. "When will you stop asking questions? That's enough for now."

I frowned at him. "You're cheating."

Since Sister Aly works late, she always comes home late at night. Usually, she gets home around eleven or midnight. It's good that Brother and I stay up often. We marathoned a movie on his laptop while I typed my manuscript on mine.

But now, the first thing to worry about is that Sister Aly is still not there. Brother looks worried. He was still looking at his phone. Looks like he's waiting for a call or text message from Sister Aly.

"That's a long time," he muttered.

"Maybe working overtime," I told him.

"I hope she's saying it so we can at least sleep, right?" he said a little irritated.

I gave him a questioning look. "You look worried Brother," I commented.

"Of course, I'm worried. Even if it stings, she's still a woman," he explained.

I almost laughed at what he said. "So you also think of her as a woman? It's not obvious, is it?"

"Stop it," he scolded me. He took his phone and dialed. For sure, that's Sister Aly's number. After a while, he threw the phone on the couch in annoyance.

Conversation:

Candice: Brother, you seem really worried. Is everything okay?

Brother: (looking at his phone) Sister Aly is still not home. She usually gets home by now.

Candice: Maybe she's working overtime. You know how it is.

Brother: I hope she's not working late just to mess with our sleep.

Candice: (teasingly) Worried about her, huh? You see her as a woman.

Brother: (annoyed) Stop it. It's not like that.

Candice: (smirking) Sure, sure. Let's hope she's okay.

(Brother dials Sister Aly's number.)

Brother: (waiting) Come on, pick up...

(After a while, he throws the phone on the couch in annoyance.)

Candice: No luck?

Brother: No answer. I'm getting worried.

"Oh? What happened?"

"Out of coverage," he answered annoyed.

"Maybe low battery? You called me a while ago." Brother is very worried. I don't know if I should be happy or nervous. It's different when Brother worries. Something is definitely wrong when he's worried. This person's gut feeling is strong.

Just when he was about to defend himself, the front door opened, and in came Sister Aly.

"Oh? Are you still awake?" she asked with a frown.

Brother stood up and took his phone from the couch. He then glared at Sister Aly. "I hope you can at least text next time when you're coming home, huh? We stayed up late waiting for you."

"Who told you to wait for me? I can just call when I arrive. Then why don't you call? I was scolded. Busy with work." I was surprised because Sister Aly also looked sick. So what's this... LQ? It seems that both of them are hot-headed.

Brother didn't answer. He just laid down on the floor and then turned his back on us. Sister Aly, on the other hand, went straight to the room. I turned off my laptop and followed her.

"Sister, are you okay?"

Sister Aly nodded, but her face showed that she was not okay. I've known her since childhood, so she can't lie to me. She may have sensed that I don't believe her. She sighed and resigned herself to my bed.

I sat next to her and waited for her to share the problem.

Conversation:

Candice: Brother, everything okay?

Brother: (annoyed) Sister Aly was out of coverage when I tried to call. I got worried.

Candice: (teasingly) Maybe her phone was just low on battery.

Brother: (ignoring the tease) Well, she called me a while ago. What's wrong with waiting for her?

(Sister Aly enters)

Sister Aly: Why are you still awake?

Brother: (glaring) We were waiting for you. Next time, at least text us when you're coming home.

Sister Aly: Who asked you to wait? I can call when I arrive. And why didn't you call? I'm busy with work.

(Silence between Brother and Sister Aly)

Candice: (to Sister Aly) Are you okay?

Sister Aly: (nodding, but looking unwell) I'm fine.

Candice: (skeptical) You sure? You look sick. What happened?

"Candice..." he grumbled. "Do you think I'm foolish?" he inquired, his brow furrowed.

"On which side?" I teased lightly.

"Why do I still have feelings for your brother? It feels so futile. I might end up an old maid waiting for him," he lamented.

"But she likes you too! You should pursue it!" I encouraged him.

He frowned at me. "Did he tell you?"

"No, but I sense it..."

"I'm not his type. I've known for a while," he said, his tone heavy with sadness.

"How can you be so sure? Remember when you dressed up as a woman?" I reminded him.

A smile tugged at his lips as he recalled the incident. "That was just a silly surprise, nothing more."

"Well, it's not every day you see someone cross-dressing, so he's bound to be surprised every time!" I quipped.

Despite his melancholy, he chuckled at my joke. "You're incorrigible."

"It's better than being stuck in the friend zone forever," I reassured him.

He sighed again, staring into the distance where Poopy stood silently. Poopy just gazed back at him.

"She's hopeless," I remarked to Poopy.

He offered a lopsided smile and replied, "Not entirely."

And with that, a glimmer of hope sparked within me.

I was relieved to see Jasper following my advice and apologizing to Sir Brian. It seemed like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. His demeanor was notably lighter, almost unusually so. As he approached me with a smile, I couldn't help but wonder what had changed.

"Hey there, ma'am!" he greeted cheerfully.

"You seem to be in good spirits," I remarked as he sat beside me. We were in the study area near the CIT, with a couple of hours of free time before lunch. Poopy was nearby, mingling with students, perhaps enjoying the invisibility.

I couldn't shake off the thought of the punishment looming over Jasper. "To experience a brief moment of sadness is one thing, but to be condemned to eternal misery... It must be incredibly tough for him," I mused silently.

"Ma'am, can I ask you something?" Jasper interrupted my thoughts.

"Of course," I replied.

"Would you be happy if I gave you flowers?" he inquired, catching me off guard.

I hesitated, unsure of where this was headed. "Hmm... maybe?" I responded tentatively, sensing Poopy's laughter nearby. Oh, if only he knew what I was thinking. If Jasper's intentions were genuine, it could potentially complicate things further.

"Do you like stuffed toys, ma'am?" Jasper asked suddenly.

"I'm neutral about them," I replied.

"When you go on a date, where's your ideal spot?" he questioned further.

"Why are you asking?" I shot back, feeling a sense of unease creeping in. I hoped my suspicions were unfounded.

Jasper just smiled in response. "Alright, ma'am, I should head back to class. Thank you!" he said, excusing himself.

"Poopy!" I called out in a panic.

His laughter echoed in response. "He's a bit eager, isn't he?" he teased.

Annoyed, I glared at him. "It's not funny!"

"Oh, but it is!" he chuckled.

Frustrated, I pleaded, "Can you just make us fast-forward through this?"

"Why? So you can elbow me again? No way, I can feel pain too, you know," he retorted, sticking out his tongue playfully.

"Stop invading my thoughts!" I scolded.

Poopy just laughed, unfazed. "You should take a page from Bella's book. Embrace the invasion of privacy!"

I sighed, realizing there was no winning against Poopy's antics.

I felt relieved that Jasper followed my advice and apologized to Sir Brian. It seemed like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders. His demeanor was noticeably lighter, and he even had a smile on his face as he approached me.

"Hi, ma'am!" he greeted cheerfully.

"You seem to be in good spirits," I observed.

He grinned as he took a seat beside me in the study area near the CIT. I had a couple of hours off before lunch, and Poopy was off somewhere, mingling with students. Sometimes, I wondered if he could turn invisible.

My thoughts drifted back to the punishment hanging over Jasper. The idea of being miserable for eternity weighed heavily on my mind. Despite that, Jasper appeared surprisingly happy today. Perhaps he was experiencing a range of emotions usually reserved for humans, but with only a year to savor them.

"Why does he even need to be loved?" I mused silently. "If not, he wouldn't be facing this predicament. It must be incredibly difficult for him."

"Ma'am, may I ask you a question?" Jasper interrupted my thoughts.

I nodded. "Sure."

"Would you like it if I gave you flowers?" he inquired.

I hesitated, unsure of where Jasper was going with his questions. "Hmm... maybe?" I replied, feeling uncertain. I noticed Poopy laughing nearby. He must have known what was going through my mind. Oh... if Jasper's questions turned out to be true, it would only add to my problems.

"Um, do you like stuffed toys, ma'am?" Jasper continued.

"Somewhat," I answered cautiously.

"And where would you like to go on a date?" he asked next.

I frowned, feeling nervous about his line of questioning. "Why do you ask?" I inquired.

Jasper simply smiled in response. "Alright ma'am, I'm heading back to class. Thank you!"

"CANDICE!" I called out in panic.

His laughter only grew louder.

"Seriously, is that kid itchy?!" I muttered to myself.

Poopy came over, still chuckling. If I didn't look crazy, I would have scolded him earlier. It was frustrating; here I was in a panic, and all he could do was laugh at me!

He sat beside me and draped his arm over my shoulder. "Looks like someone has a crush on you~" he teased, singing the words.

I shot him a glare. "It's not funny!"

"It's hilarious!" he retorted.

"Can you just stop reading my mind?" I snapped.

"Why? So you can poke me in the ribs? No way. I can feel pain too, you know," he replied, sticking his tongue out at me.

"Ugh, just stop it!"

He just chuckled. I should learn to be more like Bella. Unfair! Invader of privacy!

The next day, my worst fear came true. I received a bouquet of flowers from an anonymous admirer. This Jasper is something else! This continued for several days, and finally, after a week of receiving mysterious gifts, I decided to confront Jasper.

Taking a deep breath, I could feel his eyes on me.

"Jasper, I appreciate the gifts but..." I hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's just that... you're not really my type." I cringed inwardly after saying that, silently hoping I hadn't offended him. Cupid had mentioned before that Jasper has a bit of a temper. What if he suddenly loses it and snaps at me?

To my surprise, Jasper burst into laughter. He was laughing so hard he nearly fell to the floor. "Did you seriously think that, ma'am? Haha!"

My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, especially when Poopy joined in the laughter. It was irritating! It seemed my suspicions were completely off base!

"Then who's been sending those flowers and gifts?!" I demanded.

Jasper's laughter died down, and he became a bit more serious. "I can't tell you, ma'am."

"Looks like someone's got a secret admirer~" Poopy chimed in from the other side. I wasn't sure whether to laugh, feel annoyed, or be thrilled. It felt like high school all over again, the last time I had a secret admirer. Or should I say, a stalker, because let's face it, that's creepy.

Yes, I'm the judgmental one.

"Do I know this person?" I asked Jasper.

He nodded. "You know him very well, ma'am." His smile widened, but I couldn't help but squint at him suspiciously.

I stared at him, trying to decipher his thoughts. But I'm definitely not a mind reader like Poopy, so I wouldn't have a clue. "But I won't reveal who it is. Just be patient. He'll confess soon," he added cryptically.

Who could it be?

If I could wish for anything, I hope it's Joseph Marco.

Later that evening, instead of heading straight home, I tagged along with Poopy to a bustling park. He mentioned we were meeting Fiify there.

He clarified that he and Fiify aren't actually siblings, at least not biologically. Among angels, they're considered siblings. What's interesting is they have their own roles, almost like a department. In the love department, Poopy leads the team while Fiify serves as the assistant lead, with other matchmakers as staff.

And I bet Fiify is stunning as well. There's just something about angels that screams beauty. If they were to walk among us as regular people, sinners would probably increase in number.

Poopy chuckled at my thought. I huffed. He's reading my mind again. No doubt about it.

Fiify would join us tonight to update us on a couple we observed a few weeks back. Karen and RB—both connected by a string. The last time I saw them, there was a clear connection between them.

Karen became RB's girlfriend, but it was an unusual and unsettling connection. It was rumored to be caused by a potion. Love potions tamper with free will, forcing the victim to fall for the potion's creator, even if they don't want to.

"Here she comes," Poopy said, grinning.

I followed his gaze, and I was almost taken aback. Walking towards us was Miranda Kerr.

'Are you kidding me?!' She's practically an angel! A Victoria's Secret angel! Unreal! She's so alluring! It's a good thing others can't see him, or he'd be a total mess. She has the same physique and grace as Miranda. As she got closer, I could see it more clearly. Her eyes even had the same shade as Miranda's.

She greeted us with a smile. Yep... definitely the same dimples. What in the world? Are they all this flawless?!

"Hi Candice," greeted Miranda Kerr a.k.a. Fiify. OMG. Even her voice is enchanting!

"H-Hello..."

I shut my mouth before I started drooling. I'm feeling incredibly shallow. And of course, Poopy must've caught onto my thoughts because he burst into laughter once again. Ugh. I hope the matchmaker will also be blessed with such beauty. Even if it's a bit excessive.