Rewind me

I was looking at the clock Martell gave me, still in its paper bag. It was made of glass and very beautiful. I didn't understand why he gave it to me. He only said to hide it and not show it to anyone. I hung it on my wall and covered it with a cloth so no one could see it.

I then left my house and walked to Martell's to show him a picture of the clock hanging in my room. It was a long walk because my house was far from his.

A few minutes later, I texted Martell to let him know I was on my way. As I walked along the road, almost at his house, a car horned. I turned around just as the car hit me. Everything went black.

---

I woke up on the rooftop of Martell's house, waiting for someone to return. I heard the door open and saw her walk in, wearing her favorite dress and a beautiful smile. She always finds a way to annoy me.

"It's nice up here. I haven't been here in a while," she said, sitting in my usual chair. I was tired from running my cafe earlier and came here to rest. I often stay at Martell's because it feels like my second home.

"Shut up," I snapped, putting on my headphones. I'm Leighton, the owner of a cafe my parents left me when they passed away two years ago. Since then, Martell has been my only friend.

She suddenly screamed, "Ahhh, what the hell? Who are you?" Her loud voice made me cover my ears.

"I'm Leighton. You're probably dating Martell or maybe not, because you're not pretty," I said, laughing as she got mad. Martell had never mentioned a girlfriend, so she must not be one.

"I am Natasha. Martell is my cousin, and for your information, I am beautiful," she replied. I sighed, still doubting she was his cousin.

"Just shut up," I said and left. She was ruining my day. Going downstairs, I saw Martell working on his laptop as usual.

"Martell, do you know the girl on the rooftop? She's so annoying," I said. Martell smirked at me.

"Yes, she's from the province. She's here to be my secretary," he replied. I couldn't believe someone with her attitude could be a secretary.

"Be careful, she might bite you," Martell joked, laughing. I glared at him, making him stop.

"She's so annoying. Send her home and get a new secretary," I said, explaining there were better options.

"I can't. She's my cousin. If you can't handle her, you can leave," he said. As I turned to go, I saw Natasha again. Before I got more annoyed, I went to the guest room where I stayed at Martell's.

It was late, and I decided to sleep there. I often slept at Martell's and cooked there too because he didn't have a maid. Cooking had become my responsibility.

"What's for dinner, Leighton?" Martell asked. I saw Natasha and thought of a plan.

"I think your cousin can cook. I'm not in the mood," I said, curious if she could cook. People from the province were supposed to know how.

"Natasha, you cook dinner. Leighton can be picky, so be careful," Martell said. I smirked, eager to see if she could meet my standards.

"Sure, Martell. If you want me to poison Leighton's food, that's fine," she said, laughing. I couldn't believe how annoying she was.

From the kitchen, I heard her struggling. I went to see her fighting with a fish, oil splattering everywhere. I couldn't help but laugh.

"I don't need you here. I'll take care of it. It's just fried fish, and you can't cook it," I said, seeing the burnt mess. She raised her hands, saying she didn't do it on purpose, and ran out of the house. I threw away the burnt fish.

I cooked chicken cordon bleu, her favorite dish, and saw her smile again. We sat down and prayed before eating.

All this is my plan, including annoying her. I've known her for a long time, but every time I see her, it feels like I'm meeting her again for the first time.

"What if you just end up together?" Martell said with a teasing grin, to annoy Natasha.

"I've known Leighton for a long time, and besides, he has good genes."
I coughed at Martell's was saying, trying to hide my growing irritation.

I don't need a relationship right now," I said, waving off the idea. "That's not on my mind yet."

Natasha laughed lightly. "I'll just go back to the province. You're just selling me to your friend. What is his race again?"
Her laughter was contagious, and Martell joined in. It was clear they shared a bond only close cousins could have.


Later that evening, as we settled into Martell's living room, I tried to focus on the book I was reading, but Natasha's laughter kept drawing my attention. She was sitting across from me, curled up on the sofa, focused in her phone. Every now and then, she'd glance up, catching my eye and giving me a playful smile that sent an unexpected warmth through me.

Unable to ignore her any longer, I finally put my book down. "What's so funny?" I asked, trying to sound indifferent.

Natasha looked up. "Just a silly video," she said, and face her phone to show me. Our shoulders brushed as I leaned in, and I felt a strange flutter.

"That is funny," I admitted, laughing with her. Our laughter mingled, breaking the tension.

As the evening went on, we continued chatting and sharing stories. I found myself enjoying her company more than I expected. There was something about her laughter, her smiles—it made the room feel warmer, more inviting.

By the time we said goodnight, I realized I was looking forward to seeing her again tomorrow. Maybe she wasn't so annoying after all.