Bound By Fate

Chapter1

Kya!!! Jas screamed from down the stairs.

I'm coming! I said scurrying down the large staircase barely able to put on my sweatpants. I'm sodang late for my shift at Brew and Bliss, the café downtown that was kind enough to squeeze me into a shift when I was in dire need Of a job.

You may be wondering why I'm late, well I got a job to work remotely for a big company and I was trying to cross check some documents that was sent to me. We don't do mistakes here. And yes I haven't stopped working at Brew and Bliss because an extra cash wouldn't hurt... naa I lied, I love working my shifts at the café, it's like the only fun thing I have going on in my life at the moment, from my playful manager Joe, to my shift partner Aaliya, who is the absolute b esti and to Grace the oldest cook who acts grumpy but we know deep down s he loves us.

Kya! Snap out of the fairytale and hurry, if you continue this way, Joe might end up firing you. Jas said a bit irritated-

What's with the attitude Jas? I can't remember making you angry- I retorted

I'm sorry cous, I'm just nervous about my interview today. Jas said helplessly.

Look at me Jas, raising her chin- You are one Of the smartest, coolest person I know, and if anyone deserves the job? It will be you. I said giving her a light nudge.

And remember, they'd be a fool to not whoop you up right away, cos Y ou got the brains, looks and the wits, so chin up and walk like you own the place. I said trying to brighten her face- Now give me your brightest smile Jas-

Thanks Kyar what will I ever do without you? Jas said with a broad smile

Nothing my darling, I said playfully. Now run along I don't want you getting late to your big interview. I said as I hugged her, biding her goodbye with a kiss on t he cheek.

Jas is my cousin, my best friend, my confidant, practically my soulmate. She's being there for me ever since both Of my parents died in a car crash, reasons s till unknown and I have a big feeling it was murder, but I can't prove it since I was in another car on that day. I still remember it like yesterday.

Oof! I breathed out as a lone tear dropped down my face. I hate feeling this way- But alas, I've got to be at work.

The bell chimes softly as I step into Brews and Bliss, the warmth hits me first, breathing in the sweet cinnamon tea Valerie was brewing, I waved at her as I head straight to the changing room- My favorite thing about Brews and Bliss is the smell of their buttery cinnamon bread. It's like walking into a hug.

Here comes the princess of Brews and Bliss, Joe said jokingly. To what do we owe this honor Of you showing up 15 minutes early to work? He said in the most sarcastic tone ever.

I'm super sorry Joe, I didn't mean to be late. I lost track of time. I said in on breath.

You know, if your new job is taking up your time, you can just quit Brews and B liss. It's not like we're paying you a lot here. Joe said.

I know Joe, I just love working at the café, you guys are the only family I haver asides Jas. I said trying to convince him

Okay Okay, if you say so. I'd leave you be. But you come later than 15 minutes next time, I'd have to let you go. Joe said half serious, half joking. By the way, I still don't like that bratty cousin of yours.

Ha! The war between you and Jas isn't over? I retorted

Naa, it's not a war I just genuinely don't like her, he said in a serious tone. There's something about her that just scream PRETENCE.

You're just being paranoid, she's literally the sweetest person ever, I said trying to convince him. You just have to be open minded to see that.

Okay okay, if you say so your highness. He said raising his hands up as a sign of acceptance.

Ever since Jas had a rift with Valerie over a wrong order, everyone in Brews and Bliss made an unspoken rule to not interact with her- I've tried my best to convince them, to see Jas like I see her- She was probably having a bad day that day and that caused her to lash out on Valerie.

Morning, starshine, Miguel calls, you're right on time to get the order Of that grumpy guy over there.

I grab an apron from the hook, tie it around my waist. The motion feels automatic now, comforting too.

Grabbing my pen and mini jotter, I went to the grumpy guy table, he's a regular here but we still have to confirm his orders all the time to avoid mistakes and all that shenanigans.

Hi, I'm Kya-

Kya, he said with me, I know your name girl.

Ha! Its just the system here sir, I said with a slight smile. What would you like t o order today?

The usual Kya, and loose the Sir at the end of every sentence, he said jokingly, our age are not that far apart.

Okay sin. I stopped midway

Kevin, I'm Kevin, he said with a smile

Okay Kevin, so buttery ginger bread and cinnamon tea? I asked in confirmation while jotting it down, and for your friend?

I'm okay, the girl seated beside Kevin said with a sly smile.

Sure, your order will be ready in 10 minutes, thank you. I said retreating.

Giving the order to Valerie, I went back to my spot behind the counter- He's not so grumpy today, he was rather sweet- I said facing Miguel-

Yeah I noticed he must be swooned by your charm, Miguel said more like a dr e am.

The day went by, as we closed up, I picked up my phone, as my face falls as I isten to the most shocking revelation that will seemingly change my life for better or for worse, depending on who found out before me-