Billionaire's Triangle

When I was a little girl, Miss Kendell would always tell me to not be afraid to fall in love one day when I grow up. Sounds weird, huh? But no. That's what I thought at first, but I was wrong. Those words have stuck to me for as long as I can remember. To fall in love. Hmm, sounds like every little girl's dream, huh? To meet her prince, and to ride off into the sunset on a white horse. Yeah, while most little girls would dream about that, mine was different. But it's been years since Miss Kendell said those words to me. But I still take these words to heart.

Those words have got me to where I am now. And let me tell you, it may not be what you think. It could be, but who knows?

I didn't realize how much it could affect my life until I truly set out for reality. That one day, changed who I was forever. The realization didn't come at first, but let me tell you, it changed my views on everything. But here's my story of how I was afraid to fall in love. It all started, 10 years ago...

April 1995

I was in grade 4. I was 9 years old. It was a slightly cold Spring afternoon when I came home from school that day. I was sitting at the table, eating a snack, when my mother, Miss Kendell came up to me. I looked at her, and she looked at me with a smile. I was confused. I looked away, wanting to finish eating my vanilla pudding but before I knew it, she pulled out a chair and sat beside me.

"Sylvia, honey?" She said.

I looked at her. "Yeah?"

I could tell Miss Kendell looked uncomfortable. Her nose would slightly twitch and she would make really awkward eye contact towards you if she was nervous. "May I speak to you?"

I wanted to say 'Well, does it look like I have a choice?' but I nodded and said, "Okay. What about?"

Miss Kendell smiled at me. "Well, not a lot. But I think it's important. You'll listen carefully, right?"

I had no idea where she was going with this. I nodded. "I will."

Miss Kendell took a deep sigh. "Well, Sylvia. You're my daughter, and I love you. You're such a smart girl. I can't believe you're growing up so fast."

Fast? Is she telling me that I look old? Or that I'm mature for my age? Wait, I don't even have a clue what she's talking about. "Um, thank you?"

"I can't wait for you and your sisters to go to college because I know you guys will do extremely well. I am just so proud of the 3 of you." Said Miss Kendell.

Yet, she's only talking to me.

"But you're getting to the age where I need to talk to you about certain things." Said Miss Kendell.

I raised my eyebrows in confusion. Getting to the age? What age? I was 9 years old for crying out loud! And if I was getting to the 'age', whatever she was talking about, why weren't my sisters here? They're the same age as me. I mean, we're triplets. We were born on the same day! But I just nodded my head again and said, "What things, Miss Kendell?"

Miss Kendell sighed and shifted her chair so she was facing me. I looked as uncomfortable as she did, but I didn't know why. Miss Kendell looked at me for a couple seconds. "Sylvia, you know I'm not gonna be around to protect you forever. In a few years, you're gonna manage your own life and your own job and if you really wanted one, a family."

I stared at her. The only words running through my head were 'I want to finish eating my pudding' and 'What the heck is she talking about?'

Miss Kendell continued. "Now, I'm saying these things to you right now because you're still young. And I think it's good to talk to you about these things at a young age because you'll take it, and know about it until you've grown up. You'll understand. Because if I wait, and talk to you about this when you're about 14 or 15 years old, I'm guessing you won't really care or understand." Miss Kendell shook her head. "Teenagers these days."

I remained quiet.

"I know this will sound weird, but I just want you to understand. Because I know these things will come in very good use when you grow up." Said Miss Kendell.

To be honest, I was getting a bit impatient. "Miss Kendell, what are you talking about?

Miss Kendell went on. "I want you to have a good life, Sylvia. I want you to take care of yourself when you've grown up. And I want you to take these things I'm saying to you to heart, alright?"

I just nodded.

Miss Kendell sighed. "Gosh, I don't know how to put this." She pondered for a couple seconds.

I gotta tell you, I was feeling really weird about myself. I just wanted to say 'Just spit it out, lady!' But I didn't. It wasn't very respectful, or however Emma and Annie would call it.

"Okay, first of all, I know you're too young to be thinking about...relationships, but I need to tell you this now before you get to the age where you can do anything you want, and me, not having the power to control you. I may be your mother, but as I said, I won't be around forever." Said Miss Kendell.

Gosh, this is depressing.

"One day, when you meet a boy that you like, take the chance. If he's the right one for you, and if you're the right one for him, don't let that chance slip away. There are only so many boys in the world, but only one that is perfect for you. There is a boy out there perfect for everyone. But one of the keys to having a good life, is a good relationship." Said Miss Kendell.

I raised my eyebrows. So, this was coming from a lady who isn't married. Hmm, interesting.

Miss Kendell continued in a soft voice. "So, Sylvia. Just don't be afraid to fall in love."

My mouth hung open. The only words running through my mind were EW EW EW. "Miss Kendell!" I gasped, actually surprised at myself for spazzing, almost knocking my pudding on the floor.

Miss Kendell sighed. "I know, I know. I should have waited another few years to tell you, but I just couldn't. I know you're too young to understand, but when you grow up, you're gonna set into reality and realize what is right for you."

I shook my head. "Miss Kendell, I-I know what I want to do when I grow up." I don't want to fall in love when I get older. All I want to do is go to university, and have a good life where I can take after myself. But did Miss Kendell understand? No!

Miss Kendell nodded. "I know, and I'm so proud. But in 10 years, you'll be off to university. I won't be there to look after you or Annie, or Emma. You three have to handle your own lives, and I want you to handle it right."

"The right way?" I asked, full of disbelief. Did she not trust me or something? "Miss Kendell, I know what I want to do." I said, more sternly.

"And I'm just saying, Sylvia, that when you fall in love, make sure he's the right guy for you." Said Miss Sylvia.

I felt like pulling my hair from its roots. WHAT BOY? AND WHEN I FALL IN LOVE? THAT WILL NEVER HAPPEN. "No, Miss Kendell." Was all I could say.

"I know its hard to take it, honey. But you never know what could happen." Said Miss Kendell.

Can she not hear what she's saying? Exactly my point. You never know what could happen. But who cares about that, because I know I don't. I didn't know what Miss Kendell was trying to get to, but she thought she was doing the right thing for me. "Fall in love with who?" I asked, annoyed with the world right now.

Miss Kendell shrugged. "Whoever is right for you."

I wanted to roll my eyes. "There is no one right for me, and I am not right for anyone." I muttered.

"What about Flynn?" She asked.

I gasped. THAT'S IT. THAT WAS THE LAST STRAW. Did she just say Flynn? As in Flynn Alex? ARE YOU KIDDING ME? God, you have no idea how much I loathe that boy! Okay, yeah, we've known each other since we were 5, but that doesn't mean we're friends! Sure, I'm friends with his brothers, but Flynn himself pisses me off. He loves to tease and annoy me on a daily basis! 3 words. I HATE HIM. If (I'm not saying I am) I fall in love one day, he's the guy I least expected to fall in love with, so NO THANK YOU.

"Flynn? You mean, that boy who lives across the street? The boy I hate?" I asked.

Miss Kendell gave me a disapproving look. "Yes, I'm talking about him. The boy who you've known for almost 5 years."

"Ew, Miss Kendell, can't you see how much he annoys me? I don't even like him!" I exclaimed.

"I know, but I can see the way you two act around each other." Said Miss Kendell.

"Oh, you mean the way we want to kill each other all the time?" I asked, sarcastically.

Miss Kendell sighed. "You know, whenever a boy annoys a girl, it actually mean he likes her."

My mouth dropped open. That was so not true. You should see the way Flynn and I fight at school. In words, he hates me, and I hate him. And it will always stay that way. If Flynn liked me, I would know. But ew, gross. What was Miss Kendell saying? Flynn doesn't like me, and I sure as hell don't like him.

"WHAT? I'D RATHER DIE!" I exclaimed.

Miss Kendell held her hands up for defence. "I'm sorry, it was was just a suggestion." I could see she found if amusing.

What a stupid suggestion. Just feed me to bears and sharks! Just don't ever put me and him together. I sighed out loud and crossed my arms. "What are you suggeting? That me and Flynn will grow up and fall in..." Ugh, I didn't dare finish that sentence.

Miss Kendell laughed. "I wasn't serious, honey! Relax."

I pouted. "It's not funny."

Miss Kendell laughed again.

I sighed. Just the thought of us actually spending 5 minutes with each other without yelling and screaming was pretty impossible. You don't even know much we argue, let alone be actual friends! Okay, fine. It's impossible to say that we aren't friends because we've known each other for years, and my sisters are pretty good friends with him and his brothers too, and Miss Kendell is friends with their dad, Alex, but still! He's probably the most annyoing kid you will ever meet.

For a 9 year old, he can give you a headache in 5 minutes. 99% of my headaches are caused by him. And I shouldn't even be getting headaches! I'm 9! He's such a flirt too, it's stupid. We're only in grade 4, but every single girl, beside my sisters and I, swoon over him. Annie, Emma and I know him too well to even think of getting giggly with him. It's gross to look at. I wouldn't be surprised if he dated every single girl in school by the time we're in high school.

But Miss Kendell turned serious again. "But all jokes aside, Sylvia, I hope you will understand what I'm trying to say to you."

I didn't do or say anything.

"Look at me. I'm not married, but I wish I was. I regret not falling in love when I was younger. But I'm getting too old now. It's too late. I don't want that to happen to you or your sisters." Said Miss Kendell.

She's got to be kidding.

"I want the 3 of you to find the right guy, and for you all to be happy." Said Miss Kendell.

"So you're saying that you're not happy?" I asked quietly.

"Oh, Sylvia! I am happy, I have you and your sisters. But what I'm saying is that I don't want you 3 growing up like me. Single for the rest of her life." Said Miss Kendell. "Do you understand what I'm saying?"

I nodded. Yeah, I did understand. But my life is different. I'm gonna graduate with good grades and follow my dreams. No offence to Miss Kendell, but I know I'm not gonna be job less, staying at home 24 hours a day like her. I know I'm gonna follow my heart, and live a good life. That's my one and only goal.

"When the time comes, you will realize that life may not be easy as you think. You need someone there to help you and be with you." Miss Kendell continued. "I just hope you will take these words until you grow up, and follow what your heart tells you to do."

I remained as I was.

"But just remember what I said. Don't be afraid to fall in love. It might just be the best thing that will ever happen to you." Miss Kendell said quietly.

I looked at her in a weird way, keeping my mouth shut. I had no idea what she just said. But the only words that stuck in my head were 'Don't be afraid to fall in love'

That night, I laid awake in bed. Ever since this afternoon when Miss Kendell had that brief talk with me, I couldn't stop thinking about it. What was she talking about? Okay, I understand why she wanted to talk to me about it when I was still young, but really. But I'm not that type of girl who wants to fall in love. No way. What I want to do when I grow up is to go to college, graduate, get a good job, and stay with that job the rest of my life.

Fall in love? As if.

I appreciate Miss Kendell talking to me and all that but I really don't give a flying hoot about falling in love. First of all, I'm 9 years old. Second of all, I don't like any boys right now, and I never will, ESPECIALLY NOT FLYNN. And third, I know Miss Kendell is wrong. She said that one of the keys to having a good life is a good relationship. Yeah, I highly doubt it.

I wasn't sure if Miss Kendell was being serious or not, but I just let it go. It didn't matter to me. Surely Miss Kendell thought she was doing a good thing by talking about boys, and relationships to me, a 9 year old little girl. That stuff doesn't matter to me, and it never will. But I just pretended to be interested in what she was talking about. She told me that once I fall in love, I have to make sure that I'm ready. I mean, what the heck is that suppose to mean?

But don't be afraid to fall in love. Okay, first, ew. Second, no way. And third, why would I be afraid?

Afraid of what? Falling in love? What's so scary about that? Obviously, Miss Kendell had a meaning to what she said, but I couldn't care less. Was she telling me I had to fall in love?. Was she choosing Flynn because he is from a rich family?. I know she's my mom and all, and I respect her with all my heart, but once I'm grown up, she can't control the choices I make in life. She said so herself!

I don't need to fall in love to be happy.

I'm not that typical little girl who wants to grow up, fall in love with her dream boy, get married in a castle, while wearing a long and flowy white wedding gown, complete with pearls and diamonds while little earthland creatures trottle by your side. When you come to think of it, it's just plain frightening.

I want to grow up, graduate from university, and live my own life. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. In the TV shows I watch, boys are just annoying things that get in the way. I've learned a couple of things while watching TV, and I learned to live my own way. Yeah, maybe there may be some boys out there who aren't like the boys I see on TV shows, but that doesn't matter to me. It doesn't matter at all.

But when Miss Kendell mentioned Flynn...

The probabilty of us getting together in the future is 1 trillion to 1. In other words, never. He's just a friend that I fight with everyday, a boy that I highly despise. Sure, we may grow up to be friends when we're in high school and university, but that's it. Just friends. I know him well enough to not get caught in his drama. I mean, if I liked him, I would get all nervous and stuff around him, like every other girl in school. But no. Whenever I see him, I feel like ripping his head off. Enough said.

Why did she mention Flynn? Out of all the boys in my class, why Flynn? Was it because we had so much in common, or because we've known each other for years? Was it because she wants me to marry a rich guy? I don't know, but what I do know is this. Flynn and I will never fall in love.

So, why did Miss Kendell talk to me about falling in love? Being afraid to fall in love? I don't know, but one thing's for sure...

When I was 9 years old, I thought Miss Kendell's words were nonsense, but boy, did she prove me wrong. Through the upcoming years, I realized that I was wrong, and she was right. Everything Miss Kendell has said to me that day is still locked in my heart. I still believe in those words, to this very day. And she was right. I did realize the truth of reality. I realized the truth of everthing.

Yes, I did follow my heart, but not in the way you think.

"Don't be afraid to fall in love."

Those words have changed my life forever.