“Job done,” said Mark as
he tossed a file onto the desk. “Good work Mark, that is your 950th
client,” said Brevard, the plump man by the desk. He has silky silver hair and
a very experienced look. “Sheesh… cut the crap and give us our next
assignment,” Kian interrupted. “Kian, I would give you the pleasure of being
praised if you are able to at least serve your 10th client, so is the
rest of you,” said the plump man to the other four guys in his office. Shane,
Bryan, Nicky and Kian just ignored him. “Here’s the next assignment for you
guys,” he said. Five envelopes then float of out of the air into the guy’s
hands. “It’s Valentine’s Day in another week, I just need you to help
these clients to find a perfect match before that day is over,” the plump man
continued. “What? Couples? Love? This is the G.A. department, not Cupid’s
‘We Love To Make You Love’ department,” Bryan protested. “Somehow
C.W.L.T.M.Y.L. has not enough members to help… it’s Valentine’s
remember?” said Brevard. “We’ll take it,” Nicky said as he headed out,
followed by the others.
“Who did you get?” Bryan asked as he peeped at Shane’s files.
“Theresa Woods, 35, lives in Paris,” Shane read. “35? Wow… let’s see
mine then,” Bryan said in shock as he checked his. “Roger Lemmings… 40,
lives in Africa? What?” Bryan shouted disbelievingly. The others laughed at
him. “Natasha McGrath, 25, Ireland, sounds easy,” Kian, read. “Care to
trade?” Bryan asked. “No,” Kian replied. “I’ll add in the German
chocolates I just got yesterday…” Bryan negotiated. “No,” Kian replied
again. “Oh… C’mon!” Bryan begged. Kian shook his head. Bryan then stared
at Shane. “Don’t even think about it,” Shane warned him.
Nicky and Mark was walking behind the three as they examined theirs.
“What did you get?” Mark asked Nicky. “Jennifer Rachel Richards, 22,
America, how about you?” Nicky replied. “Katherine Willows, 22, Malaysia,”
Mark told him. “Hmm… it doesn’t sound hard does it? Meet you at the
departure gate then,” Nicky said as he left Mark and the rest. Mark also bid
the others farewell as he went back to his place.
Mark’s apartment was all bright and white. He settles his envelope and
headed for a relaxing shower. After the shower he settled by the tea table and
studied more about his client. “Katherine… A.K.A. Kath… Accountant for the
Matthews Plywood Company,” Mark slowly read. Mark flipped to the next page and
a photograph dropped out. He reached down and took the picture. He looks at it
and saw a picture of a young woman, black hair and green eyes. Somehow something
attracts Mark to her. “Mr. Marcus… it’s almost time for your departure,”
said a small fairy. Mark snapped out of his daydream and looks at the fairy.
“Is it? All right… please take care of the place for me Serene,” Mark said
as he got up and put on his white long coat and left.
“Hey
Mark,” Nicky called as Mark arrived to the departure gate of Heaven. “So…
you’ll be in U.S huh?” Mark asked. “Yeah… we’re angels anyway… we
can still contact each other,” Nicky said. “That depends on the rate… if
it’s too expensive, I’m not calling you,” Mark said with a smile.
“Cheapskate,” Nicky replied. “Oh please! I don’t wanna go to Africa!
It’s hot! It’s warm! It’s dry! Did I mention it’s hot?” Bryan groaned.
“For the last time Bryan! No!” Kian scolded as he tries to push Bryan back.
“You guys leaving already?” Shane asked. “Yeah… the sooner the
better,” Nicky told him. “We’ll be leaving tomorrow, Bryan insist to go to
Africa,” Shane said as three of them looked at Bryan as he hugged Kian’s
leg. “Very well… we’ll give you a call,” Mark said. Shane nodded as they
bid farewell.
Nicky
and Mark then walked to the gate. “Well… see you soon Mark,” Nicky said.
“You too,” Mark replied. With one stretch, both their wings spread out
gloriously and both of them jumped down the ledge and flew to their destination.
Mark flew onto a helipad of a building and landed gently. Just as his
feet touch the ground, his wings vanish. He walked over to the roof door and
tried to open it. “Locked,” he said to himself as he jiggled the doorknob.
He then waves his hand over the door and it unlocks. He opens it and headed
down.
Mark walked through the crowd of the town of Kuala Lumpur, the main town
of Malaysia and finally reached a fancy building. He walks in easily and went
into an elevator who took him to the 12th floor. Mark continued to
walk along the corridor and finally he reached an office. He waited and suddenly
a girl opened the door and Mark follows her in.
“Here you go Kath, this is the final amount of the shipping to
Thailand,” the girl said as she settled the files onto Kath’s table.
“Thank you Irene,” Kath said as she smiles. “Don’t forget the dinner
tonight alright?” Irene asked. “What? Dinner? Oh! God… I’m sorry Irene,
but I have to cancel it,” Kath told her disappointingly. “What? C’mon!
Richard’s eager to meet you! You haven’t been on a single date since
Thomas,” Irene told her. “It’s not that I don’t want to meet Richard,
but William needs me to finish the shipping costs in Asia for tomorrow’s
meeting,” Kath told her as she resumes her work on the computer. “Please!
Richard’s going to kill me if you don’t come,” Irene begged. “I’m
really sorry, but it’s really not possible tonight,” Kath continued. “God!
You’re such a thickhead!” Irene said in anger as she stormed out the room.
Mark was sitting on the sofa by the corner of the office, looking at
Kath. Her beauty stunned him. Kath then picks up a file on her desk and her
handbag and headed out the office. Mark followed behind her. She went over to
Irene’s desk and left the file on it. She then headed to the elevator and went
down. Mark followed her to a café nearby where she ordered a cup of latte and a
sandwich. Mark was just sitting opposite her as he watches her eat slowly. There
was something about her that attracts him, but he doesn’t know what it was.
Suddenly, Mark’s cellular phone started ringing. “Hello?” he
answered. “Mark, it’s Shane here… I’ve forgotten what we should do,”
Shane told him. “If your client is always interested in someone, use the
‘Love Potion No.9’ on them and it’s done,” Mark explained. “Oh…
okay, thanks, anyway, found your client already?” Shane asked. “Yeah, now
I’ve just got to find someone she likes,” Mark, replied. “Okay then, call
you some other time then,” Shane said and hung up. Mark closes his phone and
puts it into his coat pocket. He then notices Kath having second looks at a
certain waiter. “He’s the one huh?” Mark asked as he stares at them both.
But something is stopping him from using the potion. He didn’t feel that it
was right. So he decided to give it more time.
This time, when Kath left, he didn’t follow; instead he kept an eye on
the waiter that Kath was looking at. He had red hair and hazel eyes. He waited
at the same spot till the waiter was done for the day and followed him. The man
changed his clothes and headed to a nearby bar where he had a few drinks and
ended up spending a night with two girls he met. Mark was disappointed that Kath
was interested in him, so he was trying to think of another way to make her like
someone else.
‘Status:
Never once found true love. Been living a life full of shattered dreams.’
Nicky recalled while walking towards Paws & Claws. He followed closely
behind a customer and slips in to the blue building. A girl greeted the customer
with a warm smile in her early twenties. “This must be her.” Nicky said,
looking at the girl behind the counter who has long brown hair and sparkling
blue eyes. Nicky was certain that she is his client after glancing at her
nametag which reads Jennifer. A few minutes later after the customer left,
Jennifer went to the back of the room. Nicky was shocked to see that Jennifer
was sitting on a wheel chair. She came back with a carton of dog food on her lap
as she cleverly wheeled herself to the counter. There she sat, slowly putting
price tags on each can. The clock struck five and seconds later, a handsomely
dressed young man walked in to the store. “Evening Mr. Dean.” Jennifer
greeted while she push aside those can foods. “Call me Edward. Mr. Dean’s
too formal.” Edward said and pressed his lips into a small smile.
“Well…this is all I wanted.” He continued while placing five cans of dog
food on the counter. He handed Jennifer a fifty-dollar bill as he helped himself
to bag the items he bought. “Here’s the change. Thanks for shopping at Paw
& Claws. Hope you have a nice day.” Jennifer said while pressing the
change onto Edward’s out stretched palm. “Thank you.” Edward said and
returned a smile before grabbing the paper bag. He walked casually towards the
door and Jennifer watched him until he disappears in the distance. Nicky looked
at her while she smiles to herself. “So he’s the one huh?” Nicky asked, as
if Jennifer could hear him. “All righty then. I’ll see what I can do.”
Nicky uttered and got up before walking out of the door. He followed closely
behind Edward and after passing a few couple of blocks; they were at the
doorstep of a beige coloured house with a navy blue roof. Edward inserted the
key to the door and pushed it ajar to be greeted by a tail wagging Golden
Retriever. “Hey there. How are you? See what I’ve got for you.” Edward
held a can of dog food in the air after patting it on the head. He closed the
door and walked to the kitchen with his buddy following closely behind, walking
on fours while wagging its tail. He head towards the cupboard and began to store
the items he just bought. Nicky just stared at the cupboard which was packed
full of dog foods. “Here you go.” Edward said and placed a bowl of dog food
in front of his four-legged pal. Nicky walked towards the cupboard to have a
closer look and saw that all of the dog foods are bought from Paws & Claws.
This made him more astonished. “God…this guy is crazy.” Nicky said to
himself. The use of the potion was delayed after Nicky saw Edward’s strange
behaviour. He decided to watch Edward for another day before using the potion on
him.
Nicky
didn’t have to wait long before the next day came. Jennifer was at her usual
spot as she serves every customer, one after the other. Nicky watches her every
now and then while flipping through the monthly magazine of Angels’ Gadgets.
“Boring.” Nicky said and flips the page. “Boring.” He said again after
having a quick glance at the pages that were filled with all kinds of things.
The clock at the shop struck five and Nicky lifted his wrist to look at his
watch. “Any second now…okay…3…2…1…” He counted and cast his view
at the door. “That’s funny.” Nicky scratched his head and looked at
Jennifer who was actually stretching her neck to have a closer look at the door.
Jennifer kept looking at the clock every five seconds. “Whoa…check this out,
Self-retrieve Soccer Ball. Retrieves itself after being kicked out of the range
that was set earlier. Cool.” Nicky exclaimed while looking at the picture of
the item. He looked up when he heard the doorbell. There Edward stood, very well
dressed and had a can of coke in his hand. He closes the magazine and it
disappears into thin air. “Sorry I’m late. I was caught in the traffic.”
Edward said and took a sip out of his coke can. He laid his coke can on the
counter while grabbing another five cans of dog food. “You have lots of dogs
at home? As I see that you come each day.” Jennifer said. Nicky stared at him
in his eyes, trying to read his mind. Edward’s thought came in angel vibes as
Nicky could hear them loud and clear. Well…I
do have one dog. I’m here each day because I wanted to see you. “So
that’s how all those can foods ended up in your cupboard.” Nicky said
thoughtfully like a Crime Scene Investigation agent who had finally cracked the
toughest case. “Well…er…I…” Edward stuttered and gulps down a mouthful
of coke to calm him down while he gathers his courage. “This should do the
trick.” Nicky said and drops two drops of Love Potion No. 9 into Edward’s
beverage. *Poof!* And the concoction is ready. Edward then opened his mouth to
speak but nothing came out. So he took another sip of coke. “Actually I only
have a dog. Erm…I was wondering if you would like to join me for a walk later.
I could introduce you to Elsie.” Edward said. Jennifer’s face changed after
hearing the name Elsie. “No thanks. I’ve loads of things to do.” Jennifer
replied. “Oh c’mon. You’re always here everyday. A walk at the park would
do you some good. What time you close? I’ll pick you up.” Edward said, full
of hope. “I don’t fe…well alright. Meet you here at 6.30pm.” Jennifer
said, not sure if she had done the right choice. Edward grabbed his paper bag
and headed for home. An hour later, Edward was there at Paws & Claws with
Elsie following closely. “Hey Jennifer. I’d like to introduce you to
Elsie.” Edward said to Jennifer’s back. She spun around after locking the
door. “She’s Elsie?” Jennifer asked, surprised. “Wuff.” Came Elsie’s
reply as it wags its tail. “Yeah…who do you think Elsie was?” Edward asked
while patting Elsie on the head. “N…Nothing.” Jennifer said and smiled,
relieved to know that Elsie’s not Edward’s girlfriend. “Well…case close.
Time for me to go.” Nicky said and spread his wings, which appeared suddenly.
With a final glance at Edward, who was pushing Jennifer to the park with Elsie
tagging along, Nicky flew back to the Angels’ Headquarters.
Mark was pacing up and down of Kath’s office, finding a way to attract
another man towards her. “If only I could read minds, darn that Nicky for
taking my book,” Mark said to himself. Katherine was focusing blankly outside
the window. Mark headed towards the window and notices that she was staring at
the café where the waiter she fancied works. “No Kath… you don’t deserve
him,” Mark tried to tell her, but he’s an angel. Suddenly his phone started
ringing. Mark quickly answered it. “Hey Mark, still on your case?” Nicky
asked. “Kinda… how about you?” Mark asked back. “I’m done, waiting for
the next assignment,” Nicky replied. “That’s fast… thanks to you I’m
stuck here,” Mark told him. “What do you mean ‘thanks to me?’” Nicky
replied. “Mind reading for dummies? You still had my book!” Mark shouted
furiously. “Oh… hehe… sorry,” Nicky replied. “What else can I do to
know what she thinks?” Mark asked as he slumped onto Katherine’s couch.
“Well… how about turning yourself into human and talk to her?” Nicky
joked. Mark fell silent. “Oh no! Don’t you dare think about it! Rule 24 of
the Angel rulebook is thou shall not revert into human form!” Nicky replied to
Mark. “See ya soon… if anyone is looking for me just come out with your best
excuse okay?” Mark asked and cuts the line. With a final stare at Kath, Mark
decides that he would do anything just to finish his job. He got up from the
couch and ran to the restroom.
Mark switch his cellular phone off, making sure no one disturbs him as he
converts back into human form. He goes into an empty cubicle and locks the door.
He sits on the toilet and closes his eyes. “Angels west and angels north, do
your best and step forth, grant my wish and disembark, out of reach from Angel
Mark!” he chanted and his heart started pumping hard. In order to revert to
human form, angels have to brace themselves for pain. The veins on Mark’s
forehead appeared as he tries to hold back the pain. With one last scream, he
collapsed onto the floor.
Mark opens his eyes and felt the cold floor on his cheek. He pulled
himself up and unlocks the door. He walks over to the sink and notices his
reflection on the mirror. “I’m back,” he said to himself as he touches his
face. “And I’m here to help!” said a small voice. Mark turns around and
notices his fairy, Serene. “Serene? What are you doing here?” Mark asked.
“G.A. Nicky has sent me for you, he says that you might need some help,”
Serene told Mark. “Good thinking, could you get me a much more formal wear?”
Mark asked as he noticed that he was still in his all white outfit. “Casual
wear coming up!” Serene said in a cute manner and started flying around Mark.
Mark’s entire white outfit then changes into a long sleeve shirt and black
slacks. “Thanks Serene,” Mark said as he headed out the restroom.
Mark headed to Kath’s office when Irene appeared and stopped Mark from
entering. “Excuse me sir, but do you have an appointment?” she asked.
“Umm… no but I’m here to help get Kath a date,” Mark told her. “Excuse
me?” she replied. “I’m here to make sure Katherine Willows is able to find
a life partner,” Mark explained. “Interesting… but unfortunately, Kath has
left for lunch,” Irene told him. “Really? I better hurry then, thanks
Irene,” Mark said and headed to the lift. “What a cutie… hey! How did he
know my name? What is his name?” Irene asked herself.
“Thanks,” Kath said after being served by the redhead waiter. She
takes her sandwich and took a bite at it, still having her eyes locked on him.
She finishes her sandwich and latte and she finally decides to ask the waiter
out. She takes a final look at herself and walked towards him. “Hi!” she
says to the waiter. “Hi!” Mark replied as he suddenly pops in front of Kath.
“Wha? I wasn’t…” Kath tried to say when Mark pulls her away from the
waiter. “Excuse me… I wasn’t talking to you, can you please let me go?”
Kath asked. “Trust me, you wouldn’t want to date him,” Mark told her as he
pulls her to a table. Kath blushed deeply, but shocked to know that Mark knows
what she wanted to do.
“Who
are you?” Kath asked as they sat down. “Call me Mark,” he replied with a
smile. “Mark… how did you know I wanted to date him?” Kath asked.
“It’s so obvious… your actions,” Mark replied. “It’s obvious? Is it
the way I walk? I know I have a weird kinda walk, I think one of my legs is
shorter than the other,” Kath started with her popular unstoppable talk.
“Don’t worry, your legs are fine,” Mark told her. “Is it? But… how
would you know?” Kath replied. “I seen how you walk, it’s fine,” Mark
replied again. “Is it my head then? I think this haircut makes it look
bloated,” Kath asked. “Well… the haircut is kinda funny, but your head
isn’t bloated… it looks fine,” Mark replied, focusing on her head. “My
haircut is funny looking? Are you sure? God! I better get a haircut soon,”
Kath told Mark. “Maybe I could help, I know a thing or two about styling
hair,” Mark told her. “Umm… I hardly know you, and you know me… I
don’t think is quite a good idea,” Kath decline. “Trust me…” Mark
whispered as he held out his hand. Kath was caught in Mark’s striking blue
eyes; she somehow could feel certain sincerity in it.
It
was finally time off and Kath got ready to go home. She arranged her files and
switches off her computer before heading out. On the way down, she bumped in
Irene. “You gonna meet him again?” Irene asked. “I don’t think so… I
didn’t even get his number, neither did he got mine,” Kath told Irene.
“What? That’s unbelievable of you! Such a cutie and you let him go?” Irene
asked. “Bucker off… I do what I like okay?” Kath replied irritatingly.
“It’s not like you get blue eyes boyfriends in Malaysia you know?” Irene
replied. “I know… but its kinda late rite? I didn’t take the chance when I
had it,” Kath replied disappointingly as they both stepped out of the
building. “I guess luck is on your side,” Irene replied as she pulled Kath
back to the entrance. “What do you mean?” Kath asked. “Look, at the corner
there,” Irene said, pointing to the very direction. Kath peeped at the side
and noticed Mark leaning on the wall, waiting for someone. “He’s waiting for
me?” Kath asked. “Only one way to find out,” Irene said as she pulled Kath
along with her towards Mark.
“Hey Mark,” Irene called out. Mark quickly got up at the sight of
Irene and Kath. “Hey Irene, hi Kath,” Mark said with his charming smile.
“Whom are you waiting for?” Kath asked. “You… wanna join me for
dinner?” Mark asked. “Sure she does…” Irene told him. “I do?” Kath
asked Irene. “Great… let’s go, you coming too Irene?” Mark asked.
“Oh… no, I have plans tonight, you two enjoy yourself okay?” Irene said as
she left the two alone. “Let’s go then,” Mark said as he led Kath.
“You enjoy your job?” Mark asked, as he played with the fork. “My
current one? Yeah…” Kath replied, looking at her fingers. “But?” Mark
replied, trying to catch her sight, and succeeded. Kath looks at him a little
confused. “How do know that there’s a ‘but’?” Kath asked. “The way
you said the word yeah…” Mark told her. “Well… the job pays good, but
I’m not really enjoying it, it’s kinda repetitive,” Kath said. “Find a
new one… what do you enjoy?” Mark asked, fully interested. Kath was
surprised at the attention Mark was giving her; she never had such attention
before. “Well… I kinda like animals,” Kath told Mark. “Would you risk
the current job you’re having to work in a pet store?” Mark asked.
“Kinda… maybe… why?” Kath replied. “Just wanna know,” Mark said with
a smile. Katherine blushed shyly and bit her lips, amazed at how handsome Mark
is.
“This is where you stay?” Mark asked as they arrived at Kath’s
apartment building. “Yeah… 12th floor,” she replied. “Looks
peaceful,” Mark told her as he looked around. “Yes it is, calm and quite all
the time, I love it here,” Kath told him. “Maybe I should get a place here
too,” Mark said as he took a few steps around. “Your place isn’t as calm
as this?” Katherine asked. “Well… kinda… anyway, thanks for the company,
hope to see you again tomorrow,” Mark told her. “Yeah… thanks for
dinner,” Kath said as Mark started walking away. Just as he was about to step
out of the apartment gates, Kath called him. Mark turned and noticed her running
to him. “Here’s my number, call me,” she said, handing him a card. “Sure
would Kath… see you,” Mark replied with a kiss on the cheeks. She blushed
and held to the cheek Mark kissed and watches him walk away. With a smile, Kath
skipped joyfully back to her apartment.
To Be Continued...