The One

One Thing Leads to The Other

The following day, they arrived at the airport, waiting impatiently for mere minutes before their parents emerged from the terminal gates. Both sisters leapt from their rental car, eager to assist with luggage.

Once reunited, they headed back to their rented house, their parents enthusiastically recounting their experiences as Karol and Sharon listened with rapt attention.

Later that evening, after dinner, the Randale family settled into the common room, a sense of togetherness enveloping them.

"I'm really glad you two had fun," Sharon said, plopping down beside Karol.

Karol engrossed in her phone, shot a knowing glance at her sister. "So... Daddy, Mummy, Sharon has something to tell you both. Go on, big sis!" She nudged Sharon's side, an evil smirk plastered on her face.

Sharon felt her sister's gaze like a spotlight, clearing her throat as she summoned the courage to speak. "Erm, I found someone that I love, Mummy, Daddy," she confessed in a shy murmur, a soft smile gracing her lips.

Karol snorted, unable to contain her amusement.

"YOU LOVE? Not just like, but LOVE?" their mother gasped, the emphasis ringing in the air.

Sharon met her mother's gaze, feeling the warmth of her embarrassment, and nodded.

William broke into a smirk, teasing, "Did you skip the 'like' button, or did you just not see it at all?" He chuckled, muffling his laughter. Their youngest daughter chimed in, "She ripped out the like button, Daddy!" Her laughter was infectious, igniting fits of giggles from both parents, causing Sharon to join in the merriment.

William finally composed himself, looking at Sharon with a soft smile. "Don't worry, baby girl. Whomever you love, we'll try to accept him, as long as he doesn't do anything illegal," he said knowingly, a playful edge creeping into his tone.

In a swift moment, he glanced at Karol, raising an eyebrow, before turning back to Sharon, maintaining his charade of innocence.

Overwhelmed by love and support, Sharon jumped up, wrapping her arms around her parents. "Thank you, Mummy, Daddy," she murmured, feeling a swell of gratitude. Karol followed suit, joining the group hug, her silent thank you echoing the moment's warmth.

After what felt like an eternity of affection, Karol loosened her embrace, breaking the spell. "Alright, that's settled! Now, let's get some rest because tomorrow, Mummy and Daddy, you're meeting your future son-in-law!" she exclaimed, laughing as she dashed up the stairs, excitement bubbling over.

The next day, Sharon's nerves fluttered as she was flanked by her parents and an ever-annoying sister, who insisted on playfully teasing her in the living room. Just as the atmosphere grew thick with anticipation, the doorbell rang.

Karol leapt from her seat, a spark of energy surging through her. "I got it!" she declared, striding purposefully towards the door. With a flourish, she swung it open, revealing the handsome figure of Jason, flowers in hand.

"Welcome," she said, smirking. "Come on in; the parents are waiting for you."

"Thank you!" Jason replied, extending a single pink rose towards her. Karol's expression turned to one of puzzled delight as she took the rose, inhaling its sweet aroma, her curiosity piqued. "Erm, thanks, but why on earth did you spray cinnamon perfume on it?"

Jason shrugged nonchalantly, his expression playful. "I didn't! That's from your secret admirer. He held the flower until the last moment, so I guess his scent mixed with the rose."

Karol nodded, still intrigued, but a twinge of suspicion lingered in her chest.

'Secret admirer? Does he or she know that a pink rose signifies gratitude, grace, admiration, and joy, while a single rose represents love at first sight? Oh well, whatever. Nothing will stay the same, and this secret admiration will merely be a phase. Best not to dwell on it, but if I ever catch you, I'll probably just punch your face,' she thought, still puzzled, as she closed the door behind her and walked towards the living room where her parents and sister awaited.

In his usual charming manner, Jason entered the scene, exuding the confidence of a well-practised ladies' man. With a broad smile, he presented his gifts to the Randale family. "Flowers for the beautiful women in the house and a bottle of Dom Pérignon Rosé by David Lynch from 1998 for the man of the house," he announced, earning smirks from both William and Anna, who recognised his attempt to score points with his future in-laws.

Meanwhile, Karol, clutching the rose she had just received, dashed up to her bedroom after her brief escorting duties. She quickly retrieved a small vase from the kitchen and placed the rose by the window, pulling the curtain wide open to let the light in. Little did she realise how much was happening downstairs as she made her way back down, unaware of the unfolding drama.

As she approached the lounge area, she could hear faint laughter, a sound brimming with warmth and joy. "You all get along with each other this quickly? Damn, did I miss the in-laws' family drama? Or was there none?" Karol quipped as she entered the room.

Everyone turned their heads towards her as she settled into a seat nearby. Sharon teased, "You just missed it," but before Karol could retort, their mother, Anna, interjected, "There's no family drama, but we do have news for you two," motioning to Sharon and Jason.

Karol grinned, excitement dancing in her eyes. "Oh, this just got juicier," she said, directing her attention to her mother while keeping an eye on her father's disapproving gaze. "Language, baby girl, language," he reminded her gently.

"Sorry, Daddy."

"Right, as your mother just said, we both have news for you two," William continued, setting the stage for what was to come.

Karol leaned forward, her curiosity piqued. "Yes? What is it?"

Anna took a sip from her cup before looking at Sharon and Jason. "We know who you are, Jason. And even if you two aren't together or don't know each other yet, we're still going to match you. It's time, Sharon, for you to stop being the wild card and settle down. And Jason, that goes for you too. Your parents have already agreed to this plan. In fact, it was your mother's idea to pair you two."

Both Jason and Sharon were left speechless, disbelief washing over their faces as they processed William and Anna's words. William added, "But fate has brought you together all on its own, so perhaps you are meant to be."

A sudden silence enveloped the room, leaving an air thick with tension. "Goosebumps! This feels like a drama unfolding, minus the evil in-laws," Karol broke the silence, her voice laced with humour. "Wait! So you've known who Jason is this whole time and you didn't tell me?" She turned her incredulous gaze towards her parents.

William smirked at her, unfazed. "Yes, we knew all along. But we let you discover it for yourself, Karol."

Karol felt a flicker of betrayal at her parents' secrecy. "Seriously, Dad? I even did a background check on him! Do you know what I found?" Her voice rose in pitch, causing both parents to exchange amused glances.