Cerise

Cerise : Part - II

Get a grip Ruby, it's only a voice.

A dreamy one nonetheless. *sigh*

I looked at my side, wanting to know who made my drab lunch entertaining. And boy, if I wasn't swooning then, I definitely was now. He stood tall, too tall (my neck was hurting having to crane so much) and absolutely gorgeous, dressed in a sharp suit. But what caught my immediate attention were his eyes. His eyes were a very familiar shade of Amber, startling me with their resemblance with his eyes.

Could this be the same person?

Not many people have this exact shade...

I feel like I know him. That has got to count for something right?

Obviously intimidated by this visibly strong stranger, Robert bet a hasty retreat.

Thankfully he hadn't ordered something that I would have to pay for. Money was tight as a play school teacher in this economy.

Going by the grin on Mr.Coffee Spiller's face, the accident had been totally intentional.

"I am sorry miss but I was going back towards my table and couldn't help but overhear a part of your conversation. I hope I didn't ruin your chances if you actually liked him but I couldn't hear someone talk like that to a beautiful young lady who can definitely do so much better. "

My heart stopped beating for a moment when he called me beautiful. Sure, my mom called me beautiful, Mar too and Mrs.

He didn't mean it. I was sure. He was only being polite. He had good conversational skills, I'd give that to him. 

"It's okay,he deserved that. If you hadn't done it, I would have."

"That would have been a waste of that lovely hot chocolate. Mine was simply black coffee."

I couldn't help but smile.

"Black coffee? Yikes. But you really should sit down. My neck hurts having to crane so much for looking at you."

"Oh! I am sorry...it's genetic, the height. Umm...I don't want to intrude."

Although he said he didn't want to intrude, he looked like he wanted to sit at my table. Perks of having studied behavioral science...

"Yeah, I am having an intense debate with that empty chair. So you better get going before you disturb us."

He let out a rich, throaty laugh (I was swooning again) and sat opposite to me.

"Don't freak out or something, but I feel like I recognise you." He said, surprising me.

"Oh?" Great job, Ruby. Sound skeptical. I could feel my subconscious making that disapproving face at me.

"There was a girl at my school. I met her in 6th grade and she transferred when I was in the 7th grade. She had the same auburn hair as you and the port wine stain as well." He recalled as if staring into a distant memory.

"W-what was her name?" I tried not to sound too shaky.

"I don't know. " he gave me an honest answer before continuing, "I called her Cerise."

I was sure. This was him. There was only one person who addressed me as Cerise in school. Or anywhere, really. Scratch that, there was only one person who'd talk to me in school other than the lunch lady.

"You are Michael Thomas."

He blinked and realization dawned on his face.

"The boy you saved from bullies. "

"Well, I wouldn't call myself a hero, but you can repay me with some cookies. Your stutter is completely gone now btw. " You can figure out what he was bullied for.