CHAPTER TEN

A Few Weeks Later...

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, and I'm still single—what a shame. It's Saturday, February 13, 2021. I decided to stay home, but then my phone rang. It was Kyle.

"Hey, want to go out?" he asked.

I agreed without hesitation. I quickly put on my yellow top, blue jeans, and black sandals. Grabbing my small black bag, I hurried downstairs.

"Mom, I'm going out with Kyle," I announced, making my way to the door.

"You can't, Rockie. I'm sorry," she said, stopping me. "Your Aunt Lucia and I are going out, and I need you to watch her kids."

"So you're telling me... I'm going to..." I trailed off, trying to process it.

"Babysit? Yes," she finished my sentence effortlessly.

"But, Mom—"

"But, daughter," she cut me off, smiling.

"My happiness counts too, you know," I protested as she prepared to leave.

"Mine too," she said, closing the door behind her.

"Hmmm... what a day," I sighed.

I picked up my phone and called Kyle.

"Hey, sorry, I can't make it today. Something came up," I said.

"Then I'll come over," he replied.

"Sure, that would be great," I said, ending the call.

A While Later...

"Hey, kid, sit here. I'll be back," I told one of the kids before going to open the door for Kyle. He stepped in and pecked me on the cheek.

"Wassup?" he grinned.

"This," I said, pointing at the kids. "I have to babysit them."

"That'll be fun," he said with a chuckle. "Just think of it like we're married and these are our kids. It'll be easier that way."

"Ha ha ha, very funny," I replied sarcastically.

We had a hard time handling the kids, but eventually, we got them to fall asleep. Now, we were in my room—me sitting on the bed, and Kyle on the small sofa.

"So, tomorrow's Valentine's?" I asked, pretending not to know.

"Yeah," he said casually.

"So... who's your Valentine?" I teased.

Kyle looked at me with those cute eyes of his, and our eyes met for a moment before I quickly looked away.

"I don't know. Tomorrow will tell," he replied with a small smile.

"Imagine Valentine's Day on a Sunday," I mused.

"Yeah, if it were a school day, it would've been a whole lot better," he said.

I went to the kitchen and came back with a bowl of ice cream and some chicken for him.

"Why, thank you," he said gratefully.

Just then, I saw Velvet standing behind him. She stared at me for a long time before disappearing.

Later That Afternoon...

After Kyle left and Aunt Lucia picked up the kids, Mom was in her room. It was only three in the afternoon, so I decided to check out The Book of Time.

I opened it and read:

*"Raya, the powerful woman with control over all elements of time, was destined to bring balance to the world. But she was distracted by love, which led to the world's destruction—along with her loved ones. She vowed to reincarnate until she finally defeats Rafaal, the evil lord.

Her next reincarnations were Mia in China, Susan in London, and Velvet in India. However, 100 years passed, and Velvet was never reincarnated. Some believe the line has been broken; others say she is in hiding. But on October 12, 2006, a mysterious light struck California. Some claim it marked the birth of the next warrior, but she has yet to reveal herself.

Would she fail like the rest? Or will she finally defeat Rafaal?

Her name? Not yet recorded. Follow us for more. Check the cover for feedback."*

After reading it, I realized Velvet was telling the truth all along.

"So now you believe me?"

I heard her voice and turned to see her standing right in front of me.

"I, Rockie James, am ready to train," I declared, standing up.

"Defeating Rafaal requires years of training, and you have until summer. He knows when you were born and will reveal himself then," she warned.

"Can we start training on Monday? I'm really tired today," I asked, yawning.

"What about tomorrow?" she pressed.

"Tomorrow's Valentine's Day—I really need to enjoy it," I said, grinning.

"Bye, Velvet. See you later!" I called out and left the room.

She watched me leave and muttered to herself, "She doesn't realize the consequences of loving Kyle..." before vanishing into thin air.

Later That Night...

It was 10 PM, and I knew Mom would be coming to check on me soon.

"Bye... see ya in the next chapter," I whispered before turning off the light.