Fated Love

Moving from America to Britain has been a real challenge. While I do like Britain, I'm not a fan of the whole relocating thing—new jobs, new schools, basically starting from scratch. It takes a while to get settled, you know? Right now, I'm a co-provider for my family, totally focused on making sure my little sister has a better life than I did. She's my best friend, along with my closest pal. A lot of people think I'm quiet and introverted, but honestly, I'm just a 22-year-old woman trying to live a normal life. You might be wondering who I am. I am... “Kiara, have you by chance seen my pink jacket? I kept it in your wardrobe.” Not quite the intro I wanted, but that's it. I am Kiara Michaelson, and this is my story. "I didn't," I frowned. "And why would you keep your jacket in my wardrobe?” I asked, to which she promptly rolled her eyes. "Can't you just wear something else? You're already running late for school.” "No," Krystal whined. "I kept it there for a reason. It's stressful having to change into another outfit.” Now, my friends, that's my sister. Everything except fawning over celebrities is stressful. "Then, go check yourself. Just don't make a mess of the wardrobe." I left my room and was met by a familiar smiling face in the kitchen. "Morning, Dad,” I said, stretching and stifling a yawn. "Hey sweetie, sleep well?” Dad asked. "Yeah, I did. How has work been?" I pulled up a kitchen stool and sat down. "Tough, but better than before,” he answered, a slight smile on his lips. My dad, a surgeon, was transferred to London to work on a health-related project with some of his international colleagues. In his words, "I can't leave you two behind, not with everything happening now." And that's how we found ourselves on a plane to London. Since my mom passed away, my dad has pulled on the role of both a father and a mother despite the demanding nature of his job. He's really trying his best, even if he's a bit awkward at it. It hasn't been a walk in the park, but somehow we've made it through. "Krystal, did you find what you were looking for?" "Yes," Krystal replied, coming into the living room. "Have you thought of the job I mentioned?” Dad asked. "Yeah, but I don't think I'd fit in. Don't worry, Dad, I'll find something," I said, turning to look at Krystal. "Besides, I don't want to babysit a certain someone." "What are you trying to say, dearest sister?" "Nothing.” I shrugged, feigning innocence. “Absolutely nothing.” "Dad, you see what Kiara is trying to–" "Sweetheart," I stood from the stool. "You both are running late. You should get going now.” I gently pushed them towards the door. "Yeah, yeah. But know this isn't over.” Krystal retorted on her way out, and Dad laughed. I snorted. "Bye, darling,” I waved at her. "Have a nice day." "You girls will be the death of me,” he smiled, pulling me in for a quick hug. "Bye, baby girl.” "See you later,” I replied and closed the door. I sighed and got to work on the day's chores. After a few minutes of cleaning and arranging the house, I retired to my room to hunt for jobs. It had become one of my favorite pastimes since we moved to London. A quick bath later, I picked up my phone and called Rosa. She’d been more proactive in helping me find employment, being well-connected with companies that had vacant positions. "Hey, girl, how are you doing these days?" She asked, her voice muffled. "I'm fine. What happened to your voice?" "Nothing, I'm eating,” she replied. Before I could say anything, her voice came again. "Don't you dare say whatever that you're about to say. Let me eat in peace.” I rolled my eyes as though she could see me. "What did you think I was going to say?" "You were going to say “Why are you eating by this time at work?'” she answered. "Nah, you're wrong. I just wanted to ask a question. But now that you've mentioned it, why are you eating at work?" I checked the time: 9:45 a.m. "At this hour?" "Ara, leave me alone,” she muttered. "What is it you want to ask?" "It's about the job you told me about the other day. Is it still available?" I asked, munching on an Oatmeal bar I had grabbed from the fridge earlier. "No, it's no longer available but I've got one from an entertainment agency. Key Ace. They’re in need of a house manager for one of their celebrities. I didn't tell you because it's not your area of expertise—and honestly, I can't let you do that kind of stuff. You deserve something better. I'm still on the lookout, though.” "What! Why?” I screamed. "Ouch, my ears," she winced. "There is no difference between a house manager and a housekeeper. Can't you see it? You're meant to be a public administrator!” I could hear the ruffling of papers over the phone – it seemed like she was searching for something. "Well, since I can't get a job in my field, I can at least make do with what I have while still searching.” I countered. "Kiara, are you sure?" She asked, concern lacing in her voice. "I can't stay jobless, Rosa. Besides, I could use my organizational skills in the role.” "This isn't a joke,” she said sternly. "You'll be working for a celebrity, and things could go wrong.” "Babe, you can't talk me out of this one. Please text me the address?" "I'm not trying to talk you out of it. I'm only stating plain facts. "Rosa, how much is the pay?" I cut in. "Have you been listening to me?" She snapped. I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose to keep calm. "Rosa, I know you love me, but I need to do something. I can't just sit at home jobless. You, of all people know that I need to help Dad.” She exhaled deeply. "Fine, I will send you the address. It's part time.” “Even better.” "Kiara, are you sure about this? You know I can always help.” "I know that my love.” I threw myself on the bed, switching the phone to my left ear. She sighed again. "I guess I can't change your mind.” "You've beeen sighing too much, are you good?” "I'm fine, hon. Just didn't get enough rest. Anyway, what are you going this weekend?" She squealed, changing the topic. I pulled my phone away from my ear. "You're going to make me deaf one day with your squeals. Aren't you at work?" "Then, put me on speaker! And yes, I'm at work, why?" "Aren’t you disturbing everyone with your noise?” I laughed. Anyway, don't tell me you’re going clubbing again." "Hey, don't you dare judge me! You only live once. I'm just making the most of my twenties," she sang. "And I'm pulling you and Krystal along. Live Ara, live!" "Yeah, yeah." I chuckled. "Whatever you say." "Just text me when you’re both free. See you and best of luck on your interview." "Thanks. love. Hey, you didn’t tell me about the pay—" Silence. She’d hung up. I shook my head. That's typical of Rosa—disappearing right when you need details. Rosa is my best friend. She is the closest person I could call family, aside from Dad and Krystal. We met at UCLA as coursemates and ended up as roommates. She comes from a wealthy British family, but she never shows it. She's humble, grounded, and always trying to help, though I refuse to let her pull her strings at her father’s company. She has a rather bubbly and fierce side to herself. As much as she denies it, she's quite sensitive and she isn't one to turn away when someone is in need. She's an angel in human form.