Heartstrings of Destiny

Entangled Fates: Karmic Heartstrings Unveiled

Candice: "Isn't Heaven Can Wait such an adorable song, Poopy?"

Poopy: "Absolutely! I mean, my name's in it. Feeling pretty special."

Candice: "True, but we've been playing it on repeat for a while. How about switching things up?"

Poopy: "Sure, what do you have in mind?"

Candice: "How about Silly Love Letter by The Friday Night Boys? It's got a fun vibe."

Poopy: "Ah, that one! Good choice. You know why I like it, right?"

Candice: "Because it mentions you shooting someone in the eye, claiming love is blind, just like you?"

Poopy: *laughs* "Bingo! You got it. You know me too well."

Candice: "Well, it's not fair. You can read my thoughts, and I can't read yours. How's that fair?"

Poopy: "It's just one of the perks of being me, I guess."

Candice: *rolls eyes* "Fine. Let's not argue. I have a better idea. How about we head to the movies? I'm getting bored at home."

Poopy: *squints eyes* "I have a feeling I know which movie you're itching to watch."

Candice: *sheepish grin* "Guilty as charged. Can we?"

Poopy: "Sure, let's go. But you owe me some popcorn."

Candice: "Deal! Let's go catch that movie, Poopy."

And off they go, leaving the music behind for the excitement of the big screen.

--

Candice and Poopy headed to the mall to catch a movie, specifically Despicable Me 2. However, there was a twist in the plans.

Candice: "I really want to watch Despicable Me 2. It's been on my list for days!"

Poopy: "You know, I'd rather watch World War Z. They say Despicable Me 2 is too childish."

Candice: "Well, since I'm the one buying the tickets, it's still going to be Despicable Me 2."

While waiting in line at the ticket counter, Candice decided to spice things up.

Candice: "Tell me a story, Poopy. Anything. This queue is too long and boring."

Poopy: "About what?"

Candice: "Anything. Surprise me."

Poopy: "I'm just paying attention. It seems like you've been ordering me around for a while."

Candice: *smiles* "Hey, it's just a request, not an order."

Poopy: *smirks* "Say please first."

Candice: *rolls eyes* "Fine, please. Now, a story?"

Before she could hear the story, their plans took an unexpected turn.

Candice: "Oh no! Brother Guard just announced there are no more seats for Despicable Me 2!"

Poopy: "Looks like our plans changed. How about catching it later tonight? There's a free slot after nine."

Candice: "Late at night? I still need to work on my manuscript. I've been dealing with writer's block since yesterday."

Frustrated with the turn of events, Candice decided to take a break from writing and head out for a while.

Krisha and Poopy left the matchmaking queue. Krisha leaned against the railing, observing the people around her. The role of a matchmaker seemed to have changed her perspective. In the past, she didn't pay much attention to those around her, but now, their happiness felt like her responsibility.

"Krisha, look over there," Poopy said, pointing across from them. There was a scene unfolding with one boy and two girls. The situation seemed tense, with one girl yelling at the guy while they were next to the Time Zone.

"Karen, please! Not here!" the man shouted at the woman, Karen, who was also yelling back at them.

Karen pointed accusingly at him, asking, "Not here? Why, Brian? Are you shy? Huh?" The argument continued, and it was evident that Brian, the guy in question, was trying to protect the other girl.

Curious, Krisha decided to approach the situation.

"Karen, please, go home," Bryan begged Karen, attempting to hold her arm, but she pulled away.

"Don't touch me! You broke my sister's heart, you jerk! Then who are you going to replace? This woman whose face looks like ten horses have stepped on it?"

"Gina and I are over! It's only been a month, Karen! Why are you so affected? You're not the one I broke up with?" Bryan retorted, his expression cold.

Witnessing the emotional confrontation, Krisha felt compelled to ask Poopy, "What's wrong with him?"

"Excuse me?" a man nearby asked.

Krisha hesitated and forced a smile. "Err... nothing. Sorry." She shot a disapproving look at Poopy. 'I hate that I'm the only one who can see you. I look really stupid,' she complained.

Poopy chuckled. "You'll get used to it soon enough."

'Back to my question. What's wrong with him?'

Poopy's lips formed a grim line as he gestured towards the trio. "Tell me, what do you see?"

Krisha observed them and became perplexed by what she saw. The strings of Karen, Bryan, and the girl with Bryan were connected. This puzzled her since Poopy hadn't mentioned connections involving three or more people before. According to him, it should always be one or two people.

Krisha: Second is the soul mates. Souls destined to meet during their lifespan on Earth. Only one for each. But why is there a love triangle?

Poopy: That's an unnatural connection. One that is forced and must be corrected. See that string from the other girl's end?

Krisha nodded, observing the red string connected to the girl's finger, gradually darkening as it extended. It was entangled with the strings of Bryan and Karen.

Krisha: So, Bryan and Karen -

Poopy: Yes.

Krisha felt a sudden sadness with his answer. She couldn't help but sympathize with Karen, destined to end up with the guy who broke her sister's heart. How would their relationship as siblings survive in such a scenario?

Krisha: What caused all this?

Poopy: Gayuma. It's one of those things that violates a person's free will. Love potions put someone in an illusion that he or she is in love with whoever concocted them.

Krisha raised an eyebrow in disbelief. She didn't believe in potions, despite watching Harry Potter multiple times. However, she realized the significant damage it could cause.

Krisha: So are they a hopeless case?

Poopy shrugged.

Poopy: I'll ask Fiify to take care of this. Maybe there's still a way.

Krisha: Who's Fiify?

Poopy: My sibling.

Krisha was still bewildered by his revelations. Angels had a gender? Can they get married? And the love potion situation with Karen and Bryan left her confused. What if they become my prospects? Oh dear.

Candice and Poopy found themselves holding hands. However, before jumping to conclusions, there's a unique reason behind it. Since Poopy is invisible, everything he touches becomes invisible to everyone except Candice. Eager to watch DM2 with no available seats for the early showing, Poopy held Candice's hand and instructed her not to let go, at least until the movie concludes.

Entering the cinema, they followed the crowd, ensuring they were seated only after everyone else. Curious, Candice inquired if people could see or hear Poopy.

Candice: So, they really can't see me?

Poopy: Nope.

Candice: Can they hear me?

Poopy shook his head.

Candice: Cool!

Excitedly, Candice considered shouting, but Cupid requested to focus on the movie.

Candice: Fine.

Despite the oddity of holding invisible hands, Candice found it awkward.

Candice: You like it, don't you?

Poopy: I know.

Poopy: Just don't let go. It's only for a few hours.

Observing Poopy's focused profile with a hidden smile, Candice accused him of enjoying the situation.

Candice: You're enjoying this, aren't you?

Poopy smirked.

Poopy: Kinda. Don't worry; I don't feel anything towards you. It's just nice to hold your hand.

Candice: Uh-huh.

Turning her attention to the screen, Candice found solace in the fun and stress-relief provided by the Minions.

Candice: I wish I turned yellow.

-—

After the movie, Candice and Poopy joined the crowd heading towards the exit. It went unnoticed that Candice suddenly appeared from nowhere, as everyone was still absorbed in the film. The joyous laughter of kids filled the air, requesting their parents to watch the movie again.

Candice noticed a familiar couple of teenagers ahead. It wasn't until they left the cinema that she realized who they were. Excitedly, she grabbed Poopy's hand.

Candice: What?

She pointed at the two teenagers seemingly on a date.

Candice: It seems like I would get two pairs of connected hearts in less than a month.

Poopy: I wouldn't be so sure about that.

Curious, Candice followed Poopy's gaze. To her surprise, the teenagers were not on a date. Jasper had a girl with him, likely his brother, judging by their similar features. They entered a fast-food chain, with Candice and Poopy following.

Inside, they saw the teenagers approach a man in his over 40s, accompanied by a lady who seemed to be both their mothers. Jasper's brother hugged the lady, and Jasper kissed her forehead. It appeared that the two invited their mothers to join them for a meal, but Jasper refused.

Candice: He's telling them that he will deliver his friend.

Poopy explained.

Candice: So, you can read lips too?

Poopy just shrugged in response. Jasper said his goodbyes to his parents, and Candice and Poopy followed them outside the fast-food chain.

Krisha: Are you still mad at your dad?

Jasper: That won't go away.

He looked at Krisha and smiled.

Jasper: Then he's not really my father.

Candice was taken aback by what she heard.

Poopy: Are you okay?

Candice nodded. What Jasper said struck a chord with her. Back in high school, she discovered that the man she thought was her father was not. Her real father had supposedly left when she was a baby, a truth concealed by her family. It was a complex situation, and her real father reappeared after her grandparents passed away. Despite the complications, forgiveness prevailed.

Candice: Let's continue following them.

And with that, Candice and Poopy continued trailing Jasper and Krisha.

Candice and Poopy followed Jasper and Krisha to a restaurant at the mall. The enticing aroma of steak and baby back ribs filled the air, making them hungry.

Candice: I thought you were going to take me home?

Jasper: I'm hungry. Aren't you hungry?

Jasper shrugged, and after placing their orders, the couple began eating. Candice and Poopy sat nearby, eyeing the delicious food.

Candice: When we're done here, remind me to buy some ribs.

Poopy: Buy some for me too.

Krisha: JL... don't mind my question, huh?

Jasper: Depends on the question.

Krisha hesitated.

Krisha: What... is your stepdad still causing you trouble?

Jasper's aura darkened, a familiar sight for Candice.

Candice: Why does his aura-

Poopy sighed.

Poopy: Darken? Rage. Some people have Rage in their system, making them prone to intense anger. They can become dangerous when enraged.

Candice: What about Krisha?

Krisha smiled.

Krisha: Connections are more powerful than you think, Candice. Those with connections have karmic bonds, destined to be with each other for balance. Taking Krisha away from him would create a critical imbalance in his life.

Candice frowned at the complexity of the situation.

Poopy: Krisha is like his tranquilizer, his haven. She provides him peace of mind. There are people in the world destined to influence your life in different ways.

Candice looked back at the couple. Jasper stopped eating, and Krisha bowed apologetically.

Krisha: Sorry.

Jasper: I don't want to talk about that, okay?

Krisha nodded.

Krisha: I'm just worried-

Jasper cut her off.

Jasper: There's nothing to worry about.

Candice stopped Poopy from leaving.

Candice: Wait. Maybe he'll say more, Poopy.

And the story continues.

Poopy shook his head. "People like him go through tough times. Be patient. You'll learn things at the right moment. Now, come on, let's buy a steak. I'm hungry too."

--

Candice and Poopy bought steaks, grabbing an extra one for her brother and another for Sister Aly in case she joined later. Candice felt overwhelmed with the newfound knowledge, unsure if it would bring happiness or chaos.

Candice: I've got a lot on my mind. My head is throbbing.

After their meal, Candice tried to work on her manuscript. Despite trying various approaches, she felt stuck and decided to overhaul her previous work. Deleting everything, she found inspiration for a new idea.

Candice: They're not just soul mates; they're also each other's karma.

Poopy: Soul mates, bonds, and karma.

Candice smiled as she began typing the words for her new title.

Candice: Karmic Hearts.

And the creative process continued.