Heartstrings of Destiny

The Assigned Responsibility or Duty

"Candice! We've been searching for you everywhere!"

I spotted Ate Aly and Sic heading toward us. Sic is my older brother, and Ate Aly is his best friend.

"They're already eating over there. Let's join them!" Sic nudged me.

I glanced at Poopy. "We're heading to eat, are you coming with me?" I inquired.

"Who are you talking to?" Ate Aly asked with a puzzled expression.

I found myself smitten with him. Seriously? Is he so good-looking that no one else can see it?

Regardless, Ate Aly is gay, so she doesn't pay attention to or even notice other men. Her eyes are only for one person –Sic. Unfortunately, my brother seems oblivious.

"Poopy is a new acquaintance of mine, Sister."

"Hey Candice, don't joke around. Let's go and eat," said Sic, irritation evident in his voice.

"Hey, don't act like that—"

"They can't see me," Poopy interjected.

I looked at him. "What do you mean they can't see you?"

Sister Aly suddenly pulled me. "Oh no, Candice, don't spook us! Let's go!" They both dragged me back to the front of the house.

I felt anxious about what they might say. Why can't they see him? Is he a ghost?

I settled in the corner of the tent. Brother Sic joined me on the mat. Ate Aly and I prepared food, and their appetites matched, fostering a good camaraderie between them.’

Sic playfully knocked Sister Aly's cap off while she was eating, causing laughter from the onlookers. Not one to back down, Sister Aly retaliated by delivering a hefty blow to Sic's mouth. Unfinished with her retaliation, she proceeded to force-feed him rice until he vomited.

To complete her act, she poured a glass of water and handed it to him. Just as attempted to take the glass, Sister Aly pulled her hand away, opting to drench with the water. She then swiftly ran away.

Sic grabbed a jug and chased after Sister Aly. The crowd cheered in support of Sister Aly. Sic managed to catch her in a santol tree, and amid her screams, he poured freezing water on her. Sister Aly, a long-time family friend, and Sic have been friends for most of their lives. Sister Aly is openly gay.

"So sweet," someone commented.

Glancing to my left, I noticed Poopy sitting next to me, also enjoying the antics with my older brothers.

"How did you get here?" I inquired.

"Huh? I've been here for a while, Candice," replied Uncle Aaron.

"Oh... I'm sorry, Uncle. I didn't realize you were here," I apologized to my uncle.

I shot a stern look at Poopy. This situation was perplexing. I couldn't converse with others about it, fearing they might react adversely or believe I was losing my sanity.

Grabbing a paper plate with only food, I motioned for him to follow me. We made our way to a hammock on the side of the house.

"I'm confused. Why can't they see you?" I questioned him, wearing a frown.

Seated in the hammock, he stood beside me and nonchalantly took a slice of Indian mango from my plate to eat. The fact that he could eat ruled out the possibility of him being a ghost, as ghosts can't consume food.

"You're the only one who can see me," he replied.

"Why?"

"Because you don't have that connecting string." He displayed his hands, devoid of any strings, much like mine. "You're an anomaly like me—a matchmaker."

"What?!" Did he just say... matchmaker?

He gave me a crooked grin. "Listen, you wished for magic, and I granted your wish. It just so happens that I'm getting a bit bored with my job, so you can take over for now."

"Are you crazy?! I can't do that!"

"Of course, you can. It's easy," he reassured me.

"If it's so simple, why do your arrows often miss?" I referenced a song, expressing doubt about the ease of Cupid's work. If love were as straightforward as suggested, there wouldn't be individuals in tears or suffering due to it.

He rolled his eyes. "It's not my fault, and I don't use arrows, okay? If I merely used a bow, I'd be accurate every time. The misfortunes aren't caused by the arrows; it's more complex than that. I always guide them in the right direction, but people are too stubborn to heed the signs. When they resist, even if it's their destiny, they reject it, resulting in devastation."

"What do you mean?"

"Let me pose a question, Candice. Do you believe in soul mates?"

I shook my head.

"What about fate? Destiny? Kismet?"

"No, I don't believe in those," I responded, biting into a roast.

"What if I told you they were real?" he proposed.

I laughed. "Yeah, right."

"Have you observed those strings?" I affirmed in response to his question. "Those strings signify connections. The example you witnessed with your parents is evidence that they are truly meant for each other. When the strings connect and radiate light, it signifies genuine love. When the person you love is distant, the string fades, as if the other half is lost.

"I often guide people on the right path toward the ones they love. Elements like sparks and celestial signs should not be disregarded because that's the only way I can communicate with their hearts. Few individuals pay attention, and consequently, few experience the joy of it.

"Many people's minds become guarded when they are in love. They build walls out of fear of getting hurt, which shouldn't be the case. They shouldn't be afraid; it's part of the process. When something isn't earned through hard work, it indicates that it's not worth having."

"Are you serious?" He spoke with fervor, and if I were inclined to believe his words, I might have taken them to heart.

"I'm absolutely serious."

"But how would they know? They can't perceive these strings like we can," I defended. If only people were aware, finding the person destined for them wouldn't be so challenging.

"That's what the heart is for, Candice. It's not just there to pump blood in our system. It's designed to find the one who's meant for you. You just need someone to listen to their heartbeat."

"So you're asserting that each of us has a soul mate, then?"

He nodded.

"Really? Why is the ratio of women to men greater?"

He grinned at my question. "Why? Did I mention only male and female partners?"

"So, can it be the same gender?"

He chuckled. "What's so astonishing about that?"

"Well, doesn't it contradict church teachings—"

"There are aspects in this world that we resist believing in because they challenge our beliefs. That doesn't necessarily make them incorrect. As you continue with your matchmaking, you'll encounter various intricate and intertwined connections. Imagine how many jaws there are with ropes attached to themselves."

I found his explanation intriguing. "What does that mean?"

"It means that they are not fated for anyone but God. God resides within them, so the strings connect to Him."

Okay. He sounds somewhat persuasive.

"Wow," I remarked after his explanation.

"I know," he replied with a smirk. "Now, let's discuss your assignment."

"What assignment?" I asked, taken aback.

He rolled his eyes skyward. "Were you even paying attention? I told you, you are a matchmaker now."