Recalling of Hue

Chapter 2: Stranger

~"Sometimes we might find that we need the help or support of someone, even if we don't know them personally."~

-Eniale

Viella

I finally turned to look at the stranger beside me, his striking good looks took me aback.

I noticed that he was deep in prayer so I decided that I should not bother him, however I couldn't help but notice the way the soft lighting accentuated his golden eyes, giving them an almost otherworldly glow.

Unexpectedly, he noticed my gaze and our eyes met, I immediately looked away feeling a flush of embarrassment.

"Are you new here?"

Even his deep voice sounds so perfect, I thought to myself as I fix my posture and cleared my throat while my brown hair covers my face.

"Not really"

"I see..."

He didn't respond after that and silence was loud between the both of us, it makes me wonder how can a good looking guy sit next to me when there are so many empty pew. his broad shoulders suits the grey jacket he's wearing, and his fluffy hair, oh.my.grace

"Something big must've happened, Considering how you were so focused,"

He noticed that? Well I guess it's also obvious since I was so quiet and almost look like I was about to cry. However a feeling bothers me, that this isn't the first time we met.

"I'm open for a rant..."

"Yeah...something did...can I tell you?"

I felt him looking at me for a moment before he turned his head away, then we both stare at the solemn figure at the center of the chapel.

Sometimes it's better to rant problems on a stranger than rant to a friend "If I can help you feel better, sure"

I nervously fidgeted my fingers "I went to the hospital today, and the doctor told me I have a brain tumor" He sat in stunned silence after I revealed to him the shocking news.

"Have you told your parent's about this?"

"I don't plan to."

We looked at each other, his face saying the words 'Are you an idiot?' and somehow it makes me want to laugh in this serious situation "Why in the world do you plan on hiding this from your parents?"

His voice filled with concern "I don't want them worrying about me" The man sighed heavily "Then do you plan on taking a surgery" my gaze slowly shifted downwards, and It felt so hard answering the question "I'm...still thinking about it" somehow those words managed to get out of my mouth because if im going to be really honest I don't want to take the surgery.

"Is there a specific reason why you are hesitating?"

I shook my head and took a deep breath then leaned my back against the hard, wooden pew.

"I don't know... I'm still shock about the news" His reaction was something I expected to see, but him worrying about me? that's the unexpected, I mean like...were stangers, i wouldn't care if someone beside me has a brain tumor, if it was me.

"I forgot to ask you your name" I casually asked to change the subject, My voice betraying no hint of any hidden meanings "Why do you want to know my name?" he asked, his voice dripping with irony and intrigue "you feel familiar..." He chuckled at my comment "I do? well you also feel familiar for some reason," He also feel familiar? do I know this man?? or have we met before?

"Delacroix...it's my last name" The moment he spoke, his golden eyes met mine again, and my heart skipped a beat, maybe this is an effect of the tumor.

"What's yours?" he tilted his head slightly, and I avoided his gaze "is it necessary for you to know?" Delacroix frowned like a child "Not fair" He says "I'll tell you, if we met again" I crossed my arms and looks at him, now that he mentioned his name, 'Delacroix' sounds familiar.

"You know, Delacroix means 'on the cross' " his eyes glued to the cross "it's also the last name of a famous French artist" I added as I followed his gaze "seems like you know a lot about arts" of course, I forced myself to be "indeed, I'm an artist" he regards me with a smile

"If you won't tell me your name, then is it alright if I call you Carmine" Carmine? "why Carmine?" I stare at him waiting for a response "Because it's easier for me to remember people by the color I give them"

I sat there confused " i'm sorry to ask but do you have a mental health issue?" I ask "No, it's a weird habit I got when I was a kid, I only use this if a person does not want to tell me their name"

I chuckled "how does that even work? do you say 'hey blue' in public? what is this Among us?"

we both tried to laugh quietly, because were inside of a church and there are people praying.

"your making me want to take back my words" he said as he tried to hold back his laughter.

"That's a weird habit you got there buddy" suddenly all of my sadness and worry disappeared at this moment. just as we were enjoying, I accidentally hit my watch on the side of the wooden pew, which made me realized my driver is waiting outside.

 I stood up from my seat and picked up my sling bag back to my shoulder "It was nice talking to you Delacroix, but my driver is waiting for me outside, so please excuse me" I smiled warmly at him "I hope we meet again Carmine" he says as I turn to leave the church. 

My heels clacking while I walked back to the car, I stepped inside and he started to drive. 

Once I got home my feet quickly rushed to my bedroom then I jumped on my bed, and it felt so comforting until someone knocked on my door ruining my rest time. "What is it?" I stood up and dragged my tired body to the door "Ma'am you received an invitation" I picked up the pearl white paper and opened it, but due to my tired brain, I didn't payed much attention and just skimmed through it. While skimming I gasped.

-to be continued