The Zodiac Lovers

Tuesday night was another typical day for Morisette, who was having coffee outside the balcony of her 28-square-meter apartment in New York City. The snow falling from the sky makes the scenery more dramatic and calming. Morisette wrapped herself in a winter jacket, as the breeze of the cold air gave her body a chill. As she leaned on her wooden carved chair, she could see the whole city of peaceful New York City in front of her.

Reading fantasy books is a hobby she enjoys the most, especially tonight because she's found a story about a princess who finds her lover in the enemy of her kingdom. They fought for their dominance, and their relationship became the way to put an end to the rivalry of their kingdoms. Morisette finished reading the fantasy book with a smile and looked into the distance as she dreamed.

"I hope I find my prince charming too... I hope my love story will also be a fairytale. I want it to be something magical," she mumbled. Then she closed her eyes and imagined herself in the shoes of the princess in the story.

The story was so good that she was smiling when she slept. Tomorrow morning, Morisette woke up earlier than her alarm clock. She got off her bed and started preparing, before heading to her walkable university. She is a very introverted girl who enjoys her own company. She always stays at the library to read any fantasy books she finds.

A librarian woman wearing thick-rimmed geometric glasses frames and red lipstick interrupted her reading of another fantasy book."Hey, it's already 8 p.m. in the evening. Are you not going home yet?" asked the librarian.

Morissete gazed at her golden-yellow vintage watch and returned her gaze to the librarian, who had a serious face and spoke with a soft voice. "I'm sorry, the book I was reading was so good that I didn't notice it was already late in the evening!" The female librarian smiled and removed her glasses. "That is just okay. Actually, I often see you in this library, and I'm just glad that there are still people like you who like to read. If you want, you can borrow that fantasy book and return it tomorrow or when you finish it!" Morissette stood up and put the two books back on the bookshelves at her back. Then she took her purple handbag with green straps at the table.

"No thanks, I enjoyed reading those books and I'd like to continue reading tomorrow. I just want to rest because of the amount of work I did at school today!" "Okay, but what's your name, dear?" asked the librarian. Morisette happily introduced herself to the librarian. "My name is Morisette and I am a graduating student. Nice to meet you!"

"Oh, while I am happy with you, I'm worried... what if you're not in this school anymore? No one will read the books like you do, and they will be stocked in the dusty bookshelves!"

"Don't worry, I'm sure there are still students who will go to the library. Everything really depends on the teachers of this school. See you tomorrow and take care, Ma'am!"

Morissete left the library, as she was walking down the road, she saw a strange book with a blue cover. What drew her attention was the strange one-hand clock that revolved around the twelve strange signs.Then she read what was written on the book's cover.

"Magical book?" She picked it up and brought it to her apartment. Twenty minutes later, she got home and read the book on her round table. She found it weird that there was nothing written on any of the pages of the book as she turned the pages.

Then a tall, beautiful lady dressed in a white gown appeared in front of her. Morisette's eyes widened in shock, and she could hear her heart pounding in her chest. "W-who are you?" she asked curiously. "I am a fairy and my name is Elvenia. I would like to help you find your fated man, Morisette," said the white lady, who spoke like she was under water and whose voice echoed inside Morisette's apartment.

Morisette's cheeks glistened in sweat, and she could barely talk. "W-why do you know my name, and... where are you from?"

Morisette turned around at the door of her apartment, and it was locked. "Are you a ghost or am I dreaming?" "Like I told you, I am a fairy and I came from the future. I went here because you found my magical book, which means you are the one I have been looking for the entire time!" Morisette frowned as she found the statement of Elvenia odd.

"Pardon me, white lady, but I can't fathom what you just said earlier? Are you drunk or crazy?"

"I know it's hard for you to process what is happening right now, but imagine yourself in a fantasy world where you are a princess, and I will help you find your fated man!" Elvenia elaborated. Morisette grinned and showed interest in hearing more from Elvenia. "If you really wanted to help me find my fated man, then I would be thrilled to listen to what you were planning to do with my love story!"

"I am glad to feel the excitement in your voice. The book you are seeing in front of you is called the 'magical book,' and the pointer revolving on concentric shafts at the center is called the zodiac finder. As you see, it has never stopped rotating since you brought it here to your apartment. It will only stop on any zodiac sign once it detects your possible zodiac lover, known as "the fated man!" "I see. How about the blank pages of the book? What is the purpose of that?" inquired Morisette. "It's a magical book that enables you to know something about them before they meet you, including their zodiac signs and characteristics!"

"That sounds like clairvoyance, which only occurs in fantasy. I actually can not believe what I am hearing right now. It's peculiar, yet a thrilling journey for me. Finding a man who will love me for the rest of my life in a magical way is the best feeling I've ever dreamed about!"

"Indeed, I guess, I need to leave now. I look forward to seeing you in the future... with your fated man, Morisette!" The fairy disappeared, and Morisette hugged her magical book. "Who would have thought that, out of a billion people on this planet, I was chosen to have this wonderful fantasy journey in this realistic world. I can't wait to begin this exciting part of my life. Perhaps this is more exciting than my upcoming graduation!"

On April 19, one month after Morissette's graduation, she first decided not to work for the entire year because her father is a rich businessman who owns a company. She receives 1000 dollars monthly as her allowance. Her mom died due to a car accident when she was a kid, and her grandmother who took care of her, died two years ago due to lung cancer. While sitting on the table, her magical book sparkled in front of her.

The finder hand of the clock pointed to the Aries Sign, then it opened automatically. A guy named Tyler was written in cursive on the first page. Morisette then read the rest of the text. "The zodiac sign of your first possible fated man is Aries. He is a thoughtful and competitive guy, willing to dive under the ocean, just to see the woman he is dying to love." Morisette was transported to the shore of an empty Brooklyn beach, where she spotted a hot tall guy emerging from the sea. He has a nice tan body, and he was half naked. He has thick eyebrows and a pointed nose with blue eyes. The handsome guy stared and smiled at Morisette.

"Hi, are you lost?" he asked.

"Hello, handsome guy. I'm not lost, I lived in New York!"

"Ahh, I see... I live nearby in Williamsbur... you look pale? Are you okay?"

Morissette flips her hair before speaking with a seductive tone of voice. "Y-yes, I'm fine." Morisette stared at the young man's beautiful body. "You've got a really nice body, I am sure you are addicted to the gym!"

"Yes, I am an athlete, and going to the gym is a must. By the way, it's already 12 noon. I am going to have my lunch at the nearby restaurant. Want to come?"

Morisette declined the hot man's invitation. "I'm sorry. I'm sure someone will be jealous when they see the two of us together. You're handsome, and I'm sure many will be insecure of me."

"Please don't mind those f*cking b*tches, their opinions don't matter to me. I am just not used to eating alone. I would be glad if you'd come with me!"

Morisette was attracted to the lovely eyes of the man. "Okay, sure. By the way, my name is Morissette! How about you?"

"My name is Tyler, and I am a professional swimmer. I am practicing for my upcoming competition in Malaysia!"

"Good luck and advanced congratulations, Tyler!"

"Thanks, Morissette!"

Morisette and Tyler walked along the beach while having a nice conversation.

"It's hot right now, isn't it? I'm sweating profusely!" Tyler said. "I already miss the winter!"

"Me too! I guess time flies so fast and it saddens me that winter ends!"

Tyler nodded in agreement. "Indeed, especially for athletes like me. Every second of our time is so important!"

"The same goes with me. In fact, I just graduated last March and I'm currently resting!"

Tyler suddenly looked at Morissette. "Really? Congratulations!"

"Thank you, Tyler... the same goes with you for your upcoming competition in Malaysia. I know you can do it!"

"Thank you for cheering me up as well, Morisette. I promise to win in the competition!"

They walked, and not far away, they saw a newly opened restaurant. They both went inside and sat on opposite chairs. The waiter in white apron approached them and handed over the menu list to Tyler.

"Have a nice day, I'm Liam. Happy to serve!"

Tyler asks Morisette what she would like to eat and tells her not to be shy. The waiter took out his small paper and pen to check their customer's orders.

"Thanks again, Tyler. I want salad, pizza, burger, juice, and ice cream for dessert!"

"My order is the same, but with sushi and two orders of rice!"

"Noted sir, please wait 20 minutes for your orders to arrive," said the waiter.

"Alright, we're willing to wait," Morisette said, smiling at the waiter.

The waiter left. While waiting for their lunch, Morisette and Tyler talked.

"This newly opened restaurant has a minimalist design that compliments the beauty of Brooklyn Beach," uttered Morisette while looking around.

"Yes, indeed. It really enhances the beauty of the beach! And when the food here is good, I might come here again next time!"

"Let's see, I would also like to taste their foods as well!"

After 20 minutes, the waiter came. Morisette could feel his nervousness because his hand was shaking while putting down their food. "Hey waiter, are you new here?"

"Y-yes ma'am-this is my first job, pardon me," he stammered.

When the waiter was about to put down the ice cream, he accidentally spilled the juice Tyler was drinking and it spilled on his body. Morisett was surprised because Tyler yelled at the waiter and humiliated him in front of many people.

"What the f*ck was that idiot? Look what you did?"

The other diners at their table looked at Tyler in shock. The male waiter humbly apologized for what he had done. I'm sorry, sir, but I'm just a little tired. If you want, I'll just get you a new juice!"

Tyler screamed at the top of his lungs. "Shut the f*ck up and get out of my sight, stupid b*tch!"

Tyler's face turned red as he glared at the pitiful waiter. Morisette tried to calm him down. "Tyler, don't worry. He apologized, saying maybe we just need to relax a little bit. If you want, you can have my juice!"

It seemed effective, because Tyler calmed down. Morisette exhaled a snort of relief. An old man wearing corporate attire came and apologized for what the waiter did. "Excuse me sir, I'm Carl, the manager of this restaurant. If you want, we will serve new juice!"

"Fine, make sure that all of your waiters are well trained so your customers won't get pissed off! Customer service is one of the reasons why a restaurant grows!"

"You can count on me to reorient my waiters, sir. I hope the incident doesn't spread outside, considering that this is my newly opened restaurant in Brooklyn!"

"Okay, I'm not that kind of person. Besides, I have the right to complain as a customer. Too bad, I was impressed with the restaurant's interior design!"

The waiter and his manager left, while Morisette took the handkerchief from her pocket and handed it to Tyler. "Here, wipe the juice so you don't get wet!"

Tyler held Morisette's hand and looked into her eyes. "Would you like to wipe it off? My hand is tired because I have been practicing earlier this morning. Please Morisette!"

Morisette paled at what he said. She rolled her eyes around and faced Tyler. "There are a lot of people here!"

"Oh, you're just going to wipe my abs. I'm sorry, my hands really hurt. Is it too much to ask?" He begged.

Morisette approached Tyler and enjoyed wiping his abs. "You've got nice skin and abs," she said in amazement.

"Thank you, being fit is important to me, especially now that the competition in Malaysia is approaching!"

"Is that so? I also want to go to the gym, but I don't have a trainer who will guide me," Morisette told him sadly.

"I can be your trainer if you want!" Tyler offered himself.

"Are you serious?" Morisette asked in wonder.

"Of course. In fact, it's boring when you're practicing alone. Can I get your phone number or social media account?"

"Worry not," Morisette said, taking her phone from her pocket and giving it to Tyler.

Tyler entered his number on her phone. After eating, Tyler called the waiter again and paid for their food, and he also gave a 20-dollar tip. They both went out and said goodbye to each other.

"So I shall see you next time, Tyler?"

"Sure, thanks for the treat. I look forward to receiving your later Morisette!"

They departed and went their separate ways.

When Morisette got home, she immediately texted Tyler. "Hey, how are you? Are you already home?" she said to the text.

Morisette was extremely excited when Tyler replied immediately. "Hey, new friend? Yes, I've arrived at my house safely. By the way, we can go to the gym tomorrow morning. Bring your towel, extra clothes, and bottle of water!" He replied to Morisette with a heart emoji at the end of his text.

Morisette quickly responded. "Thanks for the reminder, I'll treat you tomorrow!"

"I'll pick you up tomorrow. Can you tell me the address of your apartment in New York?"

"No problem, the exact address is Arizona Building A, Brooklyn. The security here is pretty tight, so let me know if you have already arrived so I can tell the receptionist I have a visitor coming in."

"Thanks for the early advice. I used to check in to that apartment before, because the amenities are good, especially the swimming pool!"

"Really? That is so nice. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow. Be careful and God bless!"

Tyler sent a heart emoji to Morisette, who was blushing while reading his texts to her.

The next day, Morisette did her personal hygiene and brought extra clothes and two bottles of mineral water. She made sure that her make-up beautified her and even splashed her body with perfume. Her cell phone rang, and she read the text she received from Tyler.

"Good morning, Morisette, I am in the lobby of your apartment!"

"Oh my gosh, he is too early," Morisette said, panicking. She called the receptionist to let them know she had a visitor coming.

"Hello, Miss Receptionist?"

"Hello, good morning! Who are they?" The receptionist asked.

"It's Morisette. One of the people living in your apartment I have a visitor and his name is Tyler. Is he in the lobby?"

"Yes Ma'am, in fact, we just finished talking earlier. He said he was going to pick you up!"

"Yes, please tell me I will come down!"

"Thank you very much, Ma'am Morisette !"

Morisette hung up the phone and went downstairs. She saw Tyler sitting in the waiting area. He was wearing a white undershirt and gray pants. Morisette's heart beat faster when Tyler turned around and stared at her with his lovely eyes. He slowly walked towards her. "So shall we go?"

"Sure!" Morisette answered briefly.

They walked to the parking lot where Tyler's expensive, brand new car was parked. Morisette couldn't help but praise the beauty of the car. "Your car is so nice Tyler, you are a rich kid!"

"No, I just worked hard in life," he said as he opened the door for Morisette in his car's front seat. "Get inside, please," the gentleman said.

"Thank you for opening the door for me," Morisette said as she entered the car.

When they both entered, Tyler took the box of donuts and offered it to her. "Anyway, I bought a lot of donuts. It's all for you!"

"Wow," Morisette said, opening the box and taking a doughnut. "So just out of curiosity, how did you become an athlete?" She asked.

"My grandfather used to be a swimmer. I guess I inherited my skills from him. I was discovered in school and the rest is history," Tyler explained.

"That is awesome. Are you pressured to compete in Malaysia?"

"Yes, absolutely!"

"Too bad I won't be able to see you compete in another country in person, but nevertheless, I will still support you!"

"Thank you, Morisette. Your support means a lot!" Tyler grinned.

Morisette was happy that she and Tyler had been so close since they first met. "I am beyond happy to become your friend, even though we've only known each other for two days!"

"That is because I am an aggressive person. When the opportunity comes to me, I don't let it go!"

Tyler has a solemn look on his face, as if he wants to say something more to her. "Hold on, before I forget, there's a 20-dollar entrance fee for newcomers, but once you become a member, the one-time fee is $2,500, and you can go to the gym for one whole year! It's worth it, isn't it?"

"Maybe I won't be able to stay long at the gym. I just want to be fit, and I think I can achieve that while you're here in the USA!"

"Alright, it's okay. My uncle is the owner of the gym. He's a bit of a bully and, in the worst case scenario, he went beyond with his jokes, so just be patient!" Tyler reminded.

"Don't worry, it's okay with me... I know how to play along with some wild jokes!"

Tyler just smiled, a few minutes later, he parked his car across the mall and removed his seatbelt. "Let us go inside the mall, I will introduce you to my uncle Peter!"

Morisette removed her seatbelt and took her purple handbag. They got out of the car, entered the mall, and walked until they arrived in front of a gym.

"Let's go inside," Tyler urged.

They got inside, and Tyler introduced her to his gym mates. "Guys, this is Morisette. She is my new friend. Please be nice to her!"

An old man with a nice build, wearing a black cap and blue shirt, approached them. Tyler gestured with his hand and introduced his uncle to Morisette.

"He is my uncle Peter, the one I was telling you about earlier!"

"Nice to meet you, Morisette. You can call me Peter!"

"Nice to meet you as well, uncle!"

"So I guess Tyler will be your coach for a while," asked Peter.

"Yes uncle, it's better to have a buddy while I am here. Besides, I am just so tired of practicing by myself!" Tyler explained.

"Sure, no problem... enjoy your day and don't pressure yourself, Tyler... excuse me!"

Peter left the gym after talking to them. Tyler and Morisette put aside their belongings and began their warmup before going to the actual session.