THE RED THREAD OF FATE (Part I)

The amusement park was teeming with people. In the midst of noises and chattering, I swear I could still hear my heartbeat.

It was bound to happen, I was sure of it. Ever since we started going out, our thread had not connected all along. It's only a matter of time before he figured out our feelings was but a fake. 

Isn't it weird of me to keep going out with him despite knowing the outcome?

As I stood waiting for his speech, a hesitant voice beckoned me.

‘We should break up.’

People around us were gasping. I held my tears and smiled, ‘It's okay, I can understand.’

'None of this is your fault, alright? I'm the one to blame."

‘No, it’s alright. What matters is we now know better… that I was-- no, we were too foolish to let it go on even though you were meant for someone else.’

He looked at me regretfully. His arms were about to hug me, but I gently pushed him away.

‘You two will be happy together. Please don't make her cry, Lenon. For my own sake.’

I walked away from him, and looked down at my little finger… how I wished my thread was connected to his.

“For a two-year relationship, that sure is one painful break-up story,” Rose commented.

“I hope I was there with you! I can't imagine how sad you would've felt then…” And that was another one by Adlynn.

I let out a short laugh. "It’s nothing to sweat over, guys. I’m not that invested in him anyways. No regrets.”

"That's Jesh for you. Ever so strong and unyielding." Steffy was always one to cheer me up by pointing out my strength, but I wouldn't be so quick as to call myself strong, though.

"Well, in any case, we're glad you could get back on your two feet. If anything else happens, we're always ready to lend you our ears." Moretta circled her arms around me.

I nodded faintly, my eyes gazing emptily on the wine in my glass.

When I first told the girls to meet at the pub, they knew Lenon and I must have broken up.  They asked me if I was okay, and I said yes. They were confused why I could say that without any hint of sadness or regret. To be honest, if it weren't for the string, I'd be confused myself for being okay with the break-up. He was a handsome guy, nice and tall, with a little tanned complexion (a type I totally boot), and furthermore he comes from a well-to-do family too. He also lets me copy his Economics essays whenever I feel lazy catching up. What more can I ask in a guy? But if the thread says we're not meant to be together, then there's nothing a mere girl can do to her fate save accepting it as is.

“So Jesh, about that ‘red thread’ you keep seeing on people… is it really true you can see it?” Steffy asked. Judging from the redness of her face, I think she had one too many mugs of beer.

“Yes,” I had my arms folded as I continued, “I’ve had this kind of ability ever since I was born. It’s hard to explain to you guys, but it just happens to me.”

“Do you ever, like, tell people about it? Like, if you see a couple being lovey-dovey to one another, but their strings are not connected… will you tell them out?”

“Nah, I let them discover it by themselves. Besides, they won’t believe it if I tell them.”

Ah, yes. The ‘Red Thread of Fate’. It’s an antiquated belief about an imaginary red thread that is tied to your little finger. The legend has it said that if your ‘red thread’ is connected to that of someone else’s, you are fated to be together for the rest of your life. Although, the time for that ‘connection’ is really different across people; not even I can predict it. I told that I can see the red thread to my parents and my older sister, and they found it hard to believe. It was troublesome to explain to them what it’s all about anyways; what with the internet age nowadays, people seem to let go of these ancient, dormant theories. So I seldom talk about it.

“With Lenon out of your sight, though, who are you seeing right now?” asked Moretta.

I took my time before responding, “To be honest, I actually am seeing someone already, and it started off before I even broke up with Lenon.”

“Are you serious!? Who is it?” Everyone put down their glasses.

I took my breath. “His name is Malcolm. He is from the College Council, and he’s pretty cool.”

“Ah, yes, of course…” They sighed and dropped down, their eyes dreamy.

Well, Malcolm is a true player in the house. He’s the kind of guy who will get girls riled up for no reason at all; just his pure existence is charming on its own. All the girls are into him. He’s unexpectedly still single, or so I thought since I’ve never seen him going out with any girls; not even in his social media. His thread is not attached too, as of now. It’s a dream come true if I can get together with him, but it seems so treacherous with all the girls wanting to be his too. It’s a bloody competition. But only I know whether the girl he suddenly chooses to go out with is a true match for him. At least I have that kind of upper hand.

“Speaking of boys, hear me out--…” Rose said, as she downed in one go her remaining beer. Sounds like she has some juice to spill. “Just yesterday after lessons ended, I was hit on by Edro. How unnerving! Can you girls believe it?”

“Edro? Wait, isn’t he that clumsy bastard from Jesh’s class?” Adlynn replied.

“Yeah, and I heard he’s got into a lot of fights with the next door’s college too. I’ve seen him getting called to the discipline office many times lately.” She then bent inwards as if to divulge a secret. Everyone else did the same. “But now, it’s a rumour that he’s been looking into courting a girl. Heh, sadly for him, I totally don’t want to be his.”

“But he’s hot too, though. I don’t mind being together with him,” said the blotto Steffy.

“Yea—well, I don’t want guys who’re all brawn but no brain. That’s like walking out on a park with my own puppy. Besides, he has a controversial record. I ain’t gonna be no criminal’s hoe.”

“Hmm… What do you think of him, Jesh?” Moretta suddenly asked me.

“Well—” I tried to reply as I gulped my last sip of wine. “If you compare him with Malcolm, their physique has almost no difference, but Edro’s behaviour really sticks out like a sore thumb. No wonder then girls don’t fancy him.”

“Heh, especially me.” Rose shouted. She looks drunk too—seems like the light is on but nobody’s home.

“I mean, Malcolm’s in the Council, to begin with, so he’s always seen as a respectable, spotless guy compared to people like Edro…”

The girls were buzzing until the night was late. I looked at my watch. It’s almost past midnight. Tomorrow’s a day off, so maybe I could hang on for a few more glasses of booze. Anyways, I live in a separate apartment from my parents, now, so no one’s going to reproach me if I return home late.

Let’s stay for a while. What am I rushing to go home for, even? Heh, it’s not like the red thread is rushing to be connected, too.

***

“Jeez, this work is not getting any less, is it?” I nattered while stretching on my seat. And also, I should leave this place before it gets too late outside… I should just save whatever progress I have right now and continue the work in my place.

The seminar hall is lifeless now at 5.30pm. There’s only me here to stay back to finish some college work on Friday evenings. Everyone else is either back at home or having club activities. So that leaves me with a silent hall like this. It’s pretty nice to have some quietness around you when you need to finish your work—it really enhances your concentration. Ah, and yet I still have to go for my dance club soon at 6pm. College life is not as hassle-free and dandy as my seniors said… Anyways, I should get prepared and head out.

As I was stretching out, someone came in from the front entrance of the hall.

My heart is fluttering. It’s Malcolm.

“Excuse me for barging in, but are you still using this hall…?” He looked at me. I was at a loss of words. “Would you mind if we use this room for council meeting? The other meeting rooms are being used, so we’re out of choices and resorting to this place.”

I muttered, while closing my laptop, “Of course, let me pack my stuffs first.”

“I’m really sorry for the intrusion. You must have been staying back to finish some errands…”

“Ah, it’s nothing, actually. I’m also about to head out to my own club too.”

We looked at each other in the midst of an awkward silence. “Oh, I probably should introduce myself… I’m Malcolm from the College Council, semester 4. Nice to meet you.”

“Oh, erm, I’m Jesh, semester 3.” Well, it’s not like I don’t know you (dude, you’re pretty popular around here!) but anyways, “The pleasure is mine too…”

“You know, it’s unusual to find juniors who stay back to do work on Friday evenings. Looking at you doing your work until this late… I find it pretty admirable. Even I have a hard time catching up with lessons,” he sneered while ruffling his hair.

“I imagine being a council wouldn’t be any easier, so at least you have a co-curricular excuse,” I giggled.

Oh my god, why is he even praising me? Shouldn’t I be the one praising him for existing in this world? What is this situation, even?

“Hey, I really appreciate your understanding. We’d rather not interrupt anyone, really, but we’re really running out of alternatives. The college’s open house is just around the corner, and all the meeting rooms are being booked for other club meetings before we know it.”

This man, he can’t stop being so courteous, can he?

“Anyways, I’m heading out now. You seem pretty busy, so please don’t let me get in you way. Please keep up your hard work as a College Councillor!”

“Ah, thanks. You too! I’m going to tell the other councillors to hold the meeting here. Hope to see you soon!” We parted as the hall doors closed.

WHAT. IN. THE. BIOSPHERE. JUST. TRANSPIRED.

Wow, luckily, I managed to retain my composure and talk normally. If not, I would’ve possibly collapsed there and then, and cause further trouble for him. It would be rather humiliating. Heh, but somehow, my burdens from the unfinished work felt lighter. Thank you gods for letting me delight in such a fortune. Please, would you be so kind to connect my red thread with his, since we’re at it… I giggled to myself. I think I’m starting to go crazy over petty things.

Ah—it’s getting pretty dark. I should text Moretta that I will be late to the club, since she’s usually early for club meetings.

I wonder what we’re… doing for… today— huh? Wait, hold on.

My thread… it’s trying to connect.

Holy mother of gods, I can’t believe it’s going to happen now. At last, I’m going to find out who I’ll spend the rest of my lifetime with!

I followed the path of the red thread. It seems to go to the direction that… Malcolm just went to! Don’t tell me… Before I jump to any conclusions, I followed the thread further. And before I knew it, I found myself after the rush of finding the other end. Oh my god, who’s it going to be? To think that I will bond with someone else from the same college…

I panted heavily, not being able to continue walking anymore. I tried to control my breath, when I notice the other end of the string is right in front of me.

“Are you okay? You seem troubled.”

Wait, I recognise this voice! Could it be…? I looked up to confirm my belief. My heart immediately stopped beating, knowing my guess was...

It’s Edro.

“Why are you running in such a place? You could trip, for all you know!” He tried to smile at me, and hold his laugh.

This despicable man? Really, gods? Are you sure you’re not just trying to pull a prank on me? Is this just one of your whimsy and caprice?

“Ah, nothing, I was ermm…” I’m flustered and yet he keeps grinning. Rose is right, he’s possibly one of the most vexing man I’ve ever encountered in my life. “I’m rushing to my club, so please move! You’re in my way!”

“Eh, wait—” I pushed Edro aside and continued running forward… even though the club is not headed that way.

I can’t believe it! To think that the gods see me worthy to go out with a man of his ilk... I totally deserve better than this… right?

“Wait, don’t go yet!” I heard Edro hollering me from behind, following me. Oh my god, will you just get away from me? What more do you want?

He quickly caught up and halted me from the front. “Huh…? What is it?” I tried to speak intermittently between pants and breaths.

“You forgot your phone, here. You dropped it just now when you stopped.”

“Huh… really..? Thanks… How careless of me…”

There’s so much happening today, and I can’t seem to get my head straight. And this guy… he keeps smiling like nothing ever happened, even though I’m visibly upset!

I saw Moretta coming over from the other side. At last, a saviour!

“Jesh, you’re here! Everyone in the club is looking for you, where have you been?”

“Sorry about that, I stayed back in the hall to complete my work… I was headed there, though, but I was…” Oh—I cannot say that I was following the red thread, or else Edro will ask about it, and it would be troublesome. I should remain quiet.

“So you really are rushing somewhere…” he said.

“Hey, I think I know— …aren’t you Edro, her classmate?”

“Oh, yes, I am. Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb her on her way to the club, but she just dropped her phone. I was running to return it to her…” We ended up talking for a tad bit, before going back to the club. Moretta seems friendly around him, although she knew he was quite dangerous to be around. Even I would keep a distance from him, knowing he’s involved in disciplinary issues.

“Hey, let’s go back to the club. I’ll bring your stuffs for you, you seem pretty exhausted from just now.” Moretta said as I passed my laptop and my bag to her.

“Thank you…”

She then whispered next to my ear, “Did you notice it? He was flustered when speaking in front of you. I think he may have fallen for you.”

“Eh, what?!”

“If it weren’t for me, I think you’d be stuck in that situation,” she sniggered. “But on a more serious note, keep an eye on his movement.

You don’t want to be hit on by him just like Rose, right? You don’t even know what type of person he is deep inside, he might have feigned his gentleness to you just because he’s too desperate to be in a relationship.”

“You’re right…”

Of course, I won’t be controlled by this red thread. Who I will be with for the rest of my life, depends on me. I will never become the girl that he goes out with. The person that I want to be with… is Malcolm!

***

I woke up the next Monday abnormally tired. The thought of meeting Malcolm kept running in my head over the weekends and I couldn’t go to sleep as early as I used to. He’s so charming and gorgeous. This morning too, he was smiling at me as we walked through the college entrance… and yet because of the string, I also kept meeting this Edro guy along the corridors during lecture shifts—it’s as if he’s wherever I go. I couldn’t believe it that the red thread of fate decided that Malcolm was not the one, but Edro, that miserable fella. Never have I imagined that this thread would someday go against my own emotions…

“Jesh, you’ve bee spacing out a lot lately,” I jolted in shock as Adlynn waved her arms in front of me. “You haven’t even finished your food. What happened?”

“It’s… nothing. My mind has been pre-occupied by college work, and it’s beginning to take a toll on me.” I wavered as I spoke.

“Oh, could it be because you met that guy…” Moretta smirked. She thought that this has something to do with what happened that Friday evening with Edro. Is she seriously going to let the others find out?

“Eh, who?”

“You see, I was looking for Jesh ‘cos she’s late for the dance club meeting. Turned out that she met—ow!” I pinched Moretta’s arms from the bottom of the table. She squirmed a bit, and she looked at me. She nodded lightly, understanding what I meant by that. “I think Jesh should tell the story for this one.”

I calmly took my breath, and said, “So, I met Malcolm in the hall last Friday..!”

The girls brusquely turned at me, casting looks of disbelief. “Really?!” Even Moretta was stunned too.

“Yes, but only for a short while. He was so well-mannered and shining, even though all he wanted was to just chase me out.”

“That’s so fortunate of you,” says Steffy, dazed. “Oh, but that aside, you better eat your meal quickly, because it’s almost time for your next lesson, though.”

I checked the college timetable in my phone. Economics lecture is starting in 8 minutes. I’d better finish this meal quickly.

Wait, Economics lesson… that means I’m going to see Lenon.

“See you some other day, Jesh. We’ll be off for our lessons, then. Don’t forget to finish your story about Malcolm some other day.” Steffy and the others walked out of the cafeteria.

I sat down and tried to eat a little more of the meal I ordered, but at this rate, I won’t be able to empty the plate. I should clean up now and head to the lecture hall. Immediately as I returned my tray, I dashed out from the cafeteria. I walked briskly to the hall, while looking at the time and schedule in my phone. 3 minutes. I should be able to make it there on time—

“Ouch!” Suddenly, I crashed against someone. Both of us fell. I tried to rise up but my papers fell out of my file. Oh no, this is disastrous. I will be late for something again…

“Are you okay? Are you injured anywhere?” A familiar voice addressed me.

Ugh. I knew before looking that it’s Edro. How is he everywhere?

“Oh. It’s you, again… sorry.” I nonchalantly apologised to Edro.

“No, I’m sorry,” he said while helping to collect my papers on the floor. “You seem to always be in a rush. I should be more careful around you.”

“Ah, I’m fine. What about you, though, is everything okay?”

“I don’t feel hurt at all. I’m a guy, after all” he snuffled.

Haha, so funny. I put my papers back in my file, and looked up to see if Edro is really fine…

“…your shirt…”

“Uh, what? I didn’t catch that—”

“I RIPPED YOUR SHIRT, DAMMIT!” There was a big tear on the abdomen area of the shirt he’s wearing. I didn’t know a simple fall could split open a silk easily like that. “WE NEED TO GO THE INFIRMARY TO SUTURE IT! LET’S GO, HURRY UP!” Against my wits, I gripped his hands and carry ourselves to the nearby infirmary. It’s not far from here, so it should be a pretty quick trip. But I will have to skip my Economics lesson…

After passing through hallways, doors, and several commotions, we arrived at the infirmary. I closed the door to make sure no one can look at us form the outside, or else my friends will see. I have to be fast, before anyone else finds out.

I hastily search for a sewing kit. I commanded to Edro, “Sit on that chair!”

“W—Wait! It’s not a huge tear, really! I’m wearing a jacket too, so I can cover it up. There’s no need for you to be so worked up—”

“Shut your mouth,” I said as I came back with the sewing kit. “I caused this, so it’s only natural for me to be responsible. So if I were you, I’d just stay silent and let this be over quick.”

As I was preparing the sewing needle with a white string, I squatted down to get started to sew the opening. Fortunately, I know how to sew since a very young age. I should be able to do this quickly… and I don’t need to be with him for very long, too.

“Umm…” Hold on, I didn’t think this through… how can I do this when his legs are closed? They’re preventing me from getting to the opening of his shirt, right at the area of his stomach. “This position is very difficult for me to start sewing…” I tried moving to different sides, but nothing seems to work.

Edro is looking down at me, “Then, what should I do?”

“Well…” My blood is rushing towards my face. “…maybe you can open your legs?”

“Huh? But—are you okay with it? That position is going to be awkward—“

“Just do as I say! Let me get this over with quickly, so I don’t have to hold you back too. You’re making this unnecessarily longer…”

“O—okay,” he obliged.

My heart is beating like crazy. My hands are also trembling. I hope I don’t puncture his skin with this needle. But anyways, if he got punctured, it’s going to be his fault for bumping against me and cause this rip on his shirt upon himself…but he seems pretty calm with anything whatsoever.

As I was sewing the two seams, I couldn’t help but notice his body. He must have exercised a lot—well, as expected from a man, duh. Just like what I thought: he is as well-built as Malcolm. But, he has several wound marks all around the place, here and there. I notice them on his arms too. Hmm, it’s normal to find these on a troublemaker like him… but damn, how many fights has he been involved with, though? Isn’t he semester 3, too? I’m amazed he could withstand so many physical attacks on him.

“Hey, Jesh, is it?” Edro spoke out of the blue. “Is it done yet? It’s awkward sitting in this posture…”

“Geez, keep your mouth sealed and let me pay attention, will you? Or else, I might accidentally stab you with the needle. You don’t want blood staining your white shirt, right?”

“But, it’s your lesson time now. Are you okay with missing out on your lesson?” he said.

“How funny to hear that from you. Thanks for your concern, but I won’t take it from a misbehaving scoundrel like you…” But frankly, a part of me is glad I get to skip today’s Economics lesson. At least I get to avoid looking at Lenon today, because I’m not sure if I can handle seeing him in my life again ever since that day…

I shouldn’t get lost in my thoughts, or I might cry in front of this man’s junk.

“It’s fine. There’s nothing much going on in lessons nowadays, anyway… If I missed it, I can quickly catch up and I’ll be fine,” I continued.

“That’s amazing… For me, I just skip lessons because I don’t like the teacher,” he sniggered a little.

“No wonder you get called to the disciplinary office many times…”

We laughed a little. For a while, the atmosphere feels less heavy.

I got up and bit off the excess string from the sewn cloth. “There, it’s finished. Sorry if it doesn’t look good, but under time constraint, this is my best shot. I don’t mind you throwing it away if you don’t like the way it looks now…”

“There’s no way I’m going to throw this away, this is your effort.” he said in a somewhat dreamy tone. “Thank you so much… I ended up troubling you instead.”

“It’s nothing, really. Now, we should get back to our own classes—“

“You know, ever since that day we met for the first time, I can’t help but think about you all the time.”

I was about to leave the room, when…eh? What is this suddenly?

“I know it was just for a short while, but I’m pretty sure with my emotions. I think…”

My hands are tightened, and I feel a bit repulsed… I can’t believe this. He’s really going to confess, isn’t he?

“…I’m in love with you, Jesh.”

I was so furious because of him crashing onto me. Now he’s making me even more upset with this. Are you serious? He’s hopeless, isn’t he… this must be the effect of the red thread, that he starts to see me often, and suddenly develops some emotions for me. 

Yes, this is the red thread’s fault for having him feel this way. I should make it clear to him.

“Okay. First of all, you just met me for a while. You don’t really have the privilege to address me very casually with just ‘Jesh’, don’t you think? At least get to know me for a while or something. Don’t suddenly go and decide on your own whim and declare things like that so indifferently!”

“But, I’m being serious…!”

“Secondly, I can’t really go out with you. With how things are, I don’t really feel like I deserve you, alright? You’re very handsome and you have a pretty nice built…” I blushed briefly as I said that. “…so you should go and find someone else to suit your athletic merits. Haven’t you looked at me?” I pointed at my own tummy. This is so embarrassing. “Do you see this? This hip don’t lie!”

“No, it’s not about that…”

“I’m also seeing someone else, so it’s not going to work. I deeply apologise if I hurt you in any way, but we should really be apart. Bye!” I immediately closed the door on him and rushed out.

“But you don’t let me explain myself…”

I am running as fast as I can from the infirmary, even though he’s not chasing after me. What is happening to me? What was that, even? A confession? From him?

Kiss my ass.

All these weird things start happening to me because of this red thread… I should not be fooled by fate. I must fight for my own partner and not be just content with what the thread decides on me!

[to be continued]