Almost The String of Fate

Third Person's P.O.V

The idea of love was never easy for Gianna, it's not as if she never felt what it's like but she can never understand how something so magical occurs.

"Gianna, can you fetch that for me?" her older sister asked, pointing at the glass of water her brother-in-law had prepared in case Lewis asked for it. Gianna finds it amusing, the way her sister found love in just a matter of little time, and now had built her very own family. She remembers how her sister will always nag, saying that she might grow old without any companion, and she doesn't want that, she wanted to have her children who she can call hers and a husband that'll love her for who she is, despite her age. She did, Her older sister did, in a year she found both. And Gianna admires her for that.

"Funny how you rant about growing old without getting married and not having a child, and now, I'm here serving you every little thing you cannot do because you're finally having what you've long for." Gianna chuckled. Fetching the glass of water Lewis asked for. Striving her way back to where Lewis is seated, she gave her the glass and watches every movement Lewis is making.

The moment her sister places the now empty glass. Gianna took it. She then went back to the kitchen to fill the glass once again and left it covered on the countertop in case Lewis asked for more. She then went back to her. Kneeling in front of her as she listens to the precious little human her sister is carrying, "Do you have a name for him yet?" she asks. Looking up to check on her sister.

"We talked about it," Lewis replied with a proud smile. Lewis knew that once Gianna founds out about the plan her husband had come up with, she'll be delighted-- possibly, even more than that.

"May I know?" Gianna eagerly asks.

Lewis nods, "He doesn't have a name yet as of now, maybe, he will if his aunt gave him one?" Lewis proudly smiled as she waits for Gianna's reaction she had pictured.

"Why would you even name him 'he'. That's absu-wait, what? Are you asking me to give him a name?!” Gianna asks puzzled, “Oh my gosh, I'm more than blessed to do so.” Gianna gasped in realization and more than what her sister was expecting, Gian squealed. Even excitedly standing up-- that she almost tumbles, just to do her celebratory dance. Even without music just to celebrate Gianna dances.

"Careful, your nephew wouldn't like it if his aunt hurt herself before she can even give his name," Lewis advises. Making Gianna halt with a huge grin on her face.

Gianna was a very simple person. She loves almost every little thing that can make her heart pumps out loud despite her lack of understanding in love. Some call her dense, but she doesn't mind. As for her, as long as she's not stepping into someone else's happiness and not hurting anyone, everything is fine.

"So, what's his name?" Lewis questions. Lovingly staring at her already panting little sister. Lewis more than the world had silently promised to make sure that Gianna never felt that she's unloved. That she's loved even in the smallest actions she'll do.

"Ace. That's the name I've chosen for him.” Gianna replied, “I've always found the name alluring ever since we're younger. And I think it suits him well.” she continues panting. Gianna then takes the seat beside Lewis. Rest her head on Lewis's already sore shoulder as she let her eyes close in exhaustion.

Shortly. Lewis groans but as she saw the exhaustion in Gianna's face the pain fades out. She smiled in awe, “My body hurts. And you know that but here you are taking advantage of me. Because you know that it's alright.” Lewis chuckled, “Because it's you.”

Despite her exhaustion, Gianna smiles. She squeezed Lewis's hands and uttered, “I love you.”

Without any hesitation, Lewis kissed her head. And said, “All the light of the moon to you too.” before she follows Gianna to exhaustion.

--

In love. There are two kinds of love Gianna had always admired. The genuine love Lewis is giving her and the pure love she's receiving from her best friend-- Treasure.

Treasure's love for her is a different kind of love. It was so pure that it confuses Gianna's idea even more. The way Treasure loves her with no condition amuses her. Amusement leads to question without answers.

"Boo.” Treasure calls. Gianna halt on what she was doing and look up to check what's up with Treasure. “A little bit more of mayo, please.” Treasure cutely pleads. She has been watching Gianna as she prepares the sandwich she had personally requested. It was one of their routines. One that Gianna finds creepy at first but with all the twisted explanations and pushing from Treasure. She had learned to take it wholeheartedly.

“That's already more, Treasure.” Gianna unconsciously answers. The mayo in Treasure's sandwich is already overflowing. Treasure sighs, a heavy one.

“Just do it.” Treasure responded with a hint of disdain in her voice. Hearing the silent plead of pain in her best friend's voice. Gianna completely disregard what she was doing.

“Hey...” Gianna cautiously trails. Gianna knows that tone all too well. She knows that she had upset Treasure with her words, even if it was done by her unconsciously.

Treasure hates it when Gianna calls her plainly. Endearment. That's the only assurance she has on Gianna's love for her. And yet, there are times that Gianna forgets that.

Treasure look away. Gianna sighs, “My daisy.” she pursues. Hoping that Treasure would at least look at her.

Sullen and in silence. Treasure stood up, leaving Gianna alone in the kitchen. She then walks her way to the sofa across the room.

Not knowing what to do. Gianna decided to hold onto her last resort each time Treasure's sulky. “I'm going to settle your sandwich with lots and lots of mayo. Then we can call your favorite fast food place, then you can order fries or whatever it is that you want on the menu.” Gianna utters, “Dad just gave me my allowance. And that means it'll be my treat.” she cheerfully added. Even smiling brightly as she tries her best to ignore the thickening air and just continue on comforting Treasure.

Knowing Treasure well from inside and out. She's aware that other than Treasure loving her with all her heart. Treasure also loves food more than anything. Sometimes. Even more than her.

But, different from what Gianna had expected and wished for. Treasure didn't even reply nor look up to glance at her. Instead, she stood up in silence. Walk her way to the guest room she'd chosen as her room each time she'll visit Gianna and lock herself without uttering a single word.

Surprised by her actions. Gianna stares at her in silence. She didn't know what she had done to make Treasure reacts like that. It was a first. Because no matter how sulky Treasure is, she never leaves Gianna alone hanging in the air mind full of questions.

It was an unspoken pact made by them. To never let go of each other's hand no matter how dark the days had turned for them. And yet, today Treasure did.

With a thousand possibilities running in her mind. Gianna picks the sandwich up, secures it neatly in a ziplock before hiding it on the fridge. “When she gets hungry later.” her mind reasoned. Making it seems like everything is alright between her and Treasure.

--

Tightly holding the bag of strawberry donuts she had personally bought. Gianna stood in front of Treasure's room nervously. Her legs are wobbling like soggy noodles and her hands tremble like a cold jelly. She don't know why, but, she was scared.

Mumbling. Gianna uttered, “You can do it!” and as she was extremely anxious about what might happen. She keeps on leaping and groaning.  “You can do it, yes. But, what about the possibilities?” she questions herself.

Doubt. Every time she's anxious or scared. She can't help but doubt herself and every little action of hers.

She's in between. Between the call of her mind and heart. Her heart wants to just knock it out and take whatever outcome she'll earn, “You won't lose anything just from knocking.” her heart reasoned.

Her mind, on the other hand, is a different story. “You'll lose her.” her mind argues. Every little thing she'll do, her mind will always find even the tiniest hole just for her to doubt her actions.

Taking the long leap to courage. She took a deep breath, and was about to knock on the door she's facing when it creaks wide open. With her eyes bloodshot and messy hair in a bun. There stand in confusion-- Treasure.

“What are you doing?” Treasure ask. Eyeing Gianna's questionable actions and the food she was holding.

Gianna answers in silence. She was stunned. That every little working cell that helps her body on functioning right drop frozen. It was her first time seeing Treasure in that state with her being the reason.

It was different. The ache in her mind and heart is different. Different from when she saw Treasure's messed up state during her heartaches and tantrums. It was stronger, knowing that she was the reason why Treasure was in that state.

“Hi.” she shakily uttered. Trying her best not to shed tears in front of Treasure. Pity. Treasure might think that she's pitiful and she might hurt herself even more, “I brought you your favorite.” she continued. Lifting the bag to show Treasure.

“I'm not hungry.” Treasure gloomily replied. She then excuses herself saying that she needs to use the bathroom urgently.

Gianna just stood there. Frozen. With the bag of donuts still on the air.

--

-Excerpt from; The String of Fate, Volume 1: Chapter xx-

When Arabella met Louis. She already saw how different things in her life will be. She knows that his charms outstruck everything in her.

“Louis,” Arabella called him. Louis halt on what he was doing and looked at her in response.

“Yes?” Louis uttered.

With a smile, Ara mumbles. “Nothing. I was just trying out my card.”

Louis stares at him in confusion before asking, “What card are you talking about?” Ara giggles.

“The best friend card.” she confidently said. Even tapping Louis nose domes.

Louis smiled. And Arabella that day saw how the moon crest on his eyes.

“It's my official card on making you mine.” Arabelle explained, “Tightly tied up with me. Even when you're already settling for your future.” she continued. Her words were full of nothing but determination.

In her mind, it was normal. She's fifteen. The future is still huge for her to even think about.

Louis chuckled. Disheveling Arabella's hair, he uttered. “That may be weird for me in the future. I'm older than you, remember?”

Arabella groans. Nagging, she said. “I don't care. And I just did my hair, it took me hours and you ruined it. ” with a pout, she childishly elbowed Louis.

“What's that for?” Louis uttered. Tightly holding his in pain shoulder.

“Is that even a question?”

“What a kid.” Louis commented, “Come on. Let's buy some food, it'll be my treat.” he added. Casually putting his hand on Arabella's side.

“I'm not a kid,” Arabella mumbles in annoyance.

--

“What's the status?” Lewis asks the gloomy Gianna. Days had passed ever since the incident with Treasure. And the lack of proper explanation and idea from Treasure's actions is confusing for Gianna.

That night, Treasure didn't use the bathroom. In reality, she left without uttering a word to Gianna.

“As it is.” she shortly answered. “I should've realized that she'd chosen that room because it has its bathroom and fridge,” she added. Pulling her hair in frustration.

When reality hits Gianna that night. It was too late. Gianna's house has three guest rooms. And Treasure being the persona that she is had chosen the biggest one because of the utilities it bears that the other two lack on.

She's been trying to call Treasure after that day. And as if a child was playing with her, all she received were short answered calls with no one speaking.

“That will not help you,” Lewis uttered. Silently warning Gianna to never do such actions to herself again. “I know what you've been doing all this time Gianna. You're not calling her, the one you've been dialing is her old number.”

Gianna sighs. Lewis knows her all too well.

Lewis held her hand. With a squeeze of assurance, Lewis said. “Stop choosing how things will turn out. You're hindering the possibilities on happening.” Lewis cupped Gianna's cheeks gently, “You're unconsciously dictating yourself for the worse.” she let go.

Silently. Gianna stares at Lewis's orbs. “Let go of the fear, no matter how uncomfortable it may be.” Lewis continues, “And embraced the doors of new chances. Who knows, that chances might give you more than you what you've expected.” Lewis smiled, “Whether it'll be a different kind of pain and lesson, or a newer insight on what Treasure's heart truly wanted  to say.”

“What if I lose her in the process of doing so?” Lewis grunts. Not because of Gianna's question but because of the cramps she's been trying to endure, “Are you alright?” Gianna added.

Lewis nods, “Just some pregnancy cramps.” Gianna sighs in relief. “Now, for your question.” Lewis mumbles. Trying hard to control her shallow breathing. “The truth is, from what you've been doing... you're already in the process of losing her.” Lewis grunts once again.

In a hurry, Gianna held her hand. “Are you sure?” Gianna questions. Despite being under doubt, she still shoulders Lewis's safety.

“I'll be alright,” Lewis uttered. “Did you ever hear what I've said?” she asked. Pushing the question back to Gianna's mind.

Gianna nodded, “I did.” she sighed “And you're right, I gotta move for progress to happen.”

--

True to her words. Gianna called Treasure that night. Asked her when she was free and if it was alright to meet up personally. Treasure was hesitant at first, but with her Father's encouragement, she had agreed to meet up with Gianna overmorrow.

And that overmorrow had come. Gianna was more than delighted that she even arrived an hour early at their meeting place-- their go-to cafe.

And to justify her eagerness, “Treasure hate latecomers.” she repeatedly reasoned out in her mind.

“Hello!” the waitress cheerfully greeted Gianna.

Gianna on the other hand exclaimed, “Oh my gosh! ” in surprise. For her to kill time as she waits for Treasure. Gianna had decided to read the book Treasure had given her on New year's eve-- two months ago.

Alarmed. The waitress hurriedly apologizes, “I am sorry. I never meant to surprise you.” even bowing to the extent of showing her sincerity.

Flustered. Gianna stood up, she awkwardly uttered, “Please don't. It's alright.” more than anyone in her family and friends. Gianna tends to be pressured with attention given to her.

Things were settled then. And once things had subsided, the waitress asks, “What can I serve you with?”

Gianna warmly smiled. “Can you reserve two dozen strawberry donuts for me? I'll call for you once the person I'm waiting for arrives.”

Amused. The waitress commented, “That's some appetite there. Bet your boyfriend is someone appealing.”

Gianna chuckled. “I don't have one.”

“Huh?”

“I'm single.” she clarifies, “It's for my best friend. She loves them.” Gianna continues. Her chin dimple shows as she smiles. One that only shows once in a blue moon-- when she's genuinely happy.

--

For the countless time that day. The chiming bell above the cafe entrance rang, revealing yet again another stranger to Gianna. It has been an hour passed the time they've talked about. It was unusual for Treasure to be late that's why every time the bell rang Gianna eagerly anticipates that it would be Treasure and not another stranger.

Sighing in frustration. She fetched her phone to send Treasure another message. “Pardon my intrusion once again.” the waitress from before approaches.

She looked up and asked, “What can I do for you?” with a forced smile.

Tensed over the situation. The waitress started, “I know you're waiting for someone. And it may sound weird for you, but, will it be alright to let someone else seat across you for a short time?”

Taken aback by the sudden request, Gianna raise her brows. “Not to be rude or anything.” she uttered, “May I ask why?”

With her question being out in the open air. The waitress nervously explains the situation to Gianna. Telling her that the cafe is already full and the only non-taken seat available is the seat for when Treasure arrives.

And because Treasure's presence is still questionable. Gianna had no reason to say no. With the deal of letting the person stay only until their order arrives or when Treasure arrives, she agreed.

“Hi.” a stranger whom Gianna assumes as the person she's sharing the table with greeted with a huge smile, “Will it be alright if I wait here?”

Gianna halts. Place the book down and look up to face the stranger. In a short glance, Gianna noticed how pleasant and eye-catching the stranger looks. He was wearing a simple white V-neck shirt that compliments his figure well, casual jeans, and a backpack. And his hair was messy but it was the presentable type of messy.

“No worries.” Gianna shortly answered. Trying to avoid small talks no matter how short it'll be.

“Thank you.”

And soon after that. It was silence. Gianna not wanting to waste anything anymore, resumed her reading. Ignoring every presence that surrounds her.

Even the stranger who's having a hard time trying to not look at Gianna. For the awkwardness to not engulf them and for Gianna to not think that he was creepy.

--

Twenty minutes. It has been twenty minutes since the stranger shared the table with Gianna. The preparations of the foods are taking longer than expected due to the number of orders that day.

And with twenty minutes passing by. Gianna is getting more frustrated than she could ever be. Because no matter how much she tries to spit the reality of Treasure being out of coverage. In less than ten minutes, the reality of waiting for two full hours with no response from Treasure will slap her hard in the face.

She's almost done with the book from Treasure. And yet, the giver itself is still nowhere to be found.

The stranger across the table might've felt that. He might've noticed the condensing dark clouds in Gianna's mood that he started to mumble.

“That seems new.” he tilted his head. Trying to see whatever it is he's looking at. “And I never heard of them.” he mindlessly continue.

Shuffling. Gianna changes her position. Making the book cover of what she was reading more visible than ever.

“The String of Fate.” the stranger loudly read.

Hearing the title of the book she was reading from the stranger in front of her. She looked up, slightly put the book down-- half of her face covered. And curiously ask, “Pardon?”

With the sudden attention from Gianna. The guy across almost tumbled down his chair.

Flustered by the sudden situation. Gianna exclaimed, “Are you alright?” she stood up to properly check on the stranger, “Pardon, but what's happening?” she questions, “I never meant to surprise you.”

Blabbering. That's what Gianna's been doing.

All eyes are on them. She knew that, but despite the curious sniffing and murmuring. She tries her best to remain her calmness.

Attention.