Fated Love

Chapter 3

It was 5:30 a.m., and my alarm had been ringing endlessly, urging me to get out of bed. But I was just too lazy to move. It wasn't until I remembered that I had a job waiting for me that I finally summoned enough strength to sit up. Instantly, every trace of sleep went out the window.

I dragged myself to the bathroom, took a quick bath, got dressed, and headed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast. Only then did it dawn on me –I was the only one awake in the entire house.

"This isn’t right," I muttered, clicking my tongue. "Not at all."

I left what I was doing and strode purposely to Krystal's room, only to find her still sleeping like a baby, even though she had school.

Dad was usually the early bird of the family. If he were at home, everyone would be up by now. But because of his shift-based job, he was often away.

"Krystal, get your ass out of bed. Don't you have a school?" I said, sitting on the edge of her bed and trying to shake her awake.

She groaned and turned away. "Get lost."

"Such insolence," I huffed, tapping her shoulders repeatedly. When that work, I started blowing air into her ear. At that, she immediately pulled her pillow over her ear, and I knew she was awake.

"Krystal, get up!" I shouted.

"Leave me alone," she grumbled, slipping under the comforter. "Why are you being such a b***h?"

I snorted and yanked the comforter off her.

"Kiara, just let me sleep a little longer. What time is it, anyway?” she coaxed, half-asleep.

"It's 7:20 a.m. You’re late, sweetheart." I smirked.

"What?!" She sat up instantly, snatching her phone to confirm. Exactly what I wanted.

"Now that you're awake, go take your bath," I said, walking towards the door, having accomplished my mission.

"Kiara, did I ever tell you, you're evil? Why would you ruin my sleep?" She grumbled, slouching against the headboard.

I smiled. "My dear little sister, it's called love. Now, get up, bathe, and come assist me after you're done."

"That's what you should’ve said in the first time,” she muttered, trailing after me into the living room. "You're starting work today?" She asked, stretching.

"No, I'm starting next week. Can't you see I'm still in bed?" I said sarcastically, rummaging through the cabinet for milk.

"No need for sarcasm, sis. I was just showing I care,” she plopped onto the couch with her phone. "What are you looking for?"

"Milk."

She blinked, then pointed. “Cabinet on your right." She replied, typing furiously on her phone.

“Thanks,” I said, grabbing it and starting on the pancakes. "But really, how could you forget that? I told you last night."

"K, I was half-asleep when you said that,” she yawned. I do remember something about a new job.”

I smiled dreamily. "Yeah, I get to work for one of Key Ace's celebrities. Isn't that cool?"

She instantly perked up. “Wait—what? Which one?”

That did the magic. Krystal was obsessed with celebrities—especially the ones she claimed as her “crushes.” I liked them too, but nowhere near her level. Sometimes I worried she might turn into a stalker.

"I have no idea. But I do know he's out of town."

"Oh, so it’s a he. Interesting." She smirked. "Where exactly does this mystery celebrity live?" She asked, fetching her phone from where she kept it on the couch.

"Lower Thames, I think. That's what was written on the card Erika gave me," I said, handing her a cup of coffee.

She inhaled the aroma. "Mmm, it's divine," she muttered. I chuckled. "Thanks." Then, before I could stop her, she whipped out her phone and started typing rapidly.

"Krystal, what the hell are you doing?" I asked carefully. Knowing her, she could be seconds away from posting something online.

"Hm?" She answered absentmindedly, sipping her coffee.

I craned my neck to see what she was doing. "You better not be posting anything about my job on that blog of yours, if you do and it’s traced back to me, I could get fired—or worse. You get what I'm trying to say, right?"

She finally looked up. "Relax, Kiara. From here to Lower Thames is about a 55-minute drive, or an hour if you decide to walk,” she said casually, ignoring my warning. "And besides, why would I blow our cover? Jeez, I’m not stupid. I get, this job is confidential, and if I mess it up for you, I’d be hurting myself and Dad, too. I’ll stay quiet. Not everything needs to go on my blog.” She smiled reassuringly.

"And just so you know,” she added. “If this guy tries anything funny, I can't guarantee that I won't break his hands and legs and maybe that pretty face of his too.”

"Even if he’s a crush?" I teased.

"Yep, I don't care. It's family first," she said with her mouth full of my pancakes.

"Hey! That doesn't mean you can steal my pancakes," I protested.

"Aw, can't I have a little?" She cooed.

"Of course, darling, I’ll just reduce your share later,” I replied sweetly.

"You can't do that! That's why being the younger one sucks." She retorted.

"Oh? Then I suppose you show me where it’s written that younger siblings are allowed to rob their elders.”

"Dearest sister,” she grinned cheekily, “It’s written in karma's law book. Don't ask for proof—I can't find one."

I rolled my eyes. "Krystal, have you taken your bath?"

She made a face at me, arching my brow. "I've been sitting here talking with you.”

"It's 6:30 am already, and you only have 30 minutes left. Want me to come bathe you?”. I teased.

"What the hell! That’s reserved for my boyfriend or future husband," she winked and dashed upstairs.

"Wow, who is he?"

"W-what? I don't know what you’re talking about," she stuttered.

"Oh, you do," I smirked.

"Leave me alone, Kiara!"

I laughed. "You need discipline, young lady.”

She reached her door and turned dramatically. "Your Majesty, have mercy on thy humble servant!" She said, bowing before disappearing into her room.

"You didn't wait for my reply!" I called after her.

"I can't hear you. I'm bathing!" came her muffled reply.

"If you're done, bring my black bag from my room. It's on the dressing table."

"Get it yourself!”

"Thank you very much," I shouted back, laughing.

Since Mom’s death, Dad, Krystal, and my best friend Rosa had become my whole world. Krystal, especially, she understood me in a way no one else did. She was wise beyond her age. I just wanted a better life for her and Dad.

Speaking of Rosa, I picked up my phone and dialed her number.

"Hey girl, what's up?"

"If it isn't my favorite girl." She sang.

"Good morning. How was your night?" I asked, turning off the stove.

"It was fine—well, except for a fight with Harry. But we settled this morning."

"You guys fought?" I frowned.

It took a lot to refrain from saying again. Rosa’s relationship was draining her. She was constantly either arguing with him, crying over him, or convincing herself not to leave.

"What happened this time?" I asked, stepping into the living room.

"He said I’m always too busy with work and don’t have time for him anymore. He’s just being dramatic,” she said bitterly.

I glanced at Krystal coming down the stairs, adjusting her skirt. I motioned her over and put the call on speaker.

"He keeps pointing out my faults and ignoring his. Sometimes, I can’t help but think he’s seeing someone else. I’m tired, K. I don’t know what to do.”

Krystal dropped my bag on the table. “You want confirmation before leaving him, that’s what. He should be grateful to have you, Rosa. Not everybody would tolerate his crap.”

Rosa sighed. "Hey, Krystal. And thanks, I wish he could hear that.”

"I mean it,” Krystal said seriously. “You're giving too much to a relationship that’s clearly hurting you.” Krystal was never a fan of her relationship. She never liked the guy from day one, and she never fails to express her dislike for him.

"I know," She murmured. "But it still hurts."

"So, what are you going to do?" Krystal asked as we stepped outside.

"I don't know. He did apologize this morning, though.”

"At least, he apologized," I said, locking the door.

Krystal shot me a look, but I shrugged. " Apologies aren’t enough,” she muttered. “But at least, he did.”

Rosa laughed faintly. "Anyway, are you two free this weekend? Let’s hang out at my place to celebrate Kiara’s new job.”

"Oh my God!" Krystal gasped dramatically. "Have I ever told you I love you?!"

"Yes, baby. More than your sister," Rosa teased.

"Exactly!" Krystal laughed.

"So much for ‘family first,’" I muttered, falling in step with her.

"Someone's jealous." She sang.

"Hello? Are you guys in?" Rosa asked.

"Yes, of course," Krystal answered before I could speak.

"You didn't ask for my opinion," I said.

“Your opinion is not needed, babe,” Rosa giggled.

I could almost see her laughing. That’s how my sister and best friend operated—ganging up on me for sport.

"Okay, sweetheart, we've got to go. See you later," I said, climbing onto the bus.

"Have a great day, babe, and don't forget to spill all the tea from your first day,” Rosa said.

"Yes, ma'am." I laughed, sitting beside Krystal.

After the bus started moving, her words echoed in my mind —my first day at work. I was excited, but nervous too. A new work environment always came with new challenges.

Just then, I felt Krystal’s hand on mine. She smiled knowingly. “You’ll do great,” she mouthed.

It was all I needed to start the day. I couldn't begin to doubt myself now. I'll just have to face it headlong.