Chasing Forever

p a r t - o n e

It was a cold November morning, quiet and gentle sound of rain falling against the waking city, sang it's finest symphony and clouds enhanced the sky in it's calm and peaceful glory.

Feeling the small chilly droplets tenderly hitting her exposed face, Cerise stepped inside her favorite Cafe with her laptop tucked by her side. People with their relaxed features and bittersweet smell of coffee, instantly lit up her mood as she walked towards the barista. 

"Good Morning, lovely! Welcome, the usual for you?" The older guy chirped, happy to see his well acquaintance and regular customer again. 

"Morning Henry! You know me so well, yes, please" She nodded with a soft smile and turned around to look for her favorite spot. Far back at the shop, away from the people's eye.  

Thank god  She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw the seat empty. 

Tapping her right foot impatiently on the ground while waiting for her drink, she analyzed the crowd surrounding her. 

After a minute or so, Henry as she called the barista put the cup down in front of her, talking to his colleague. Quickly grabbing the cup, she began to take out the money from her coat's pocket and took a sip.

But, instead of sweet sugary and creamy taste of her beverage, she met with something far more dark and bitter than her preference. 

"Jesus Christ! Who drinks that?  Gross!" She shrieked loudly, pulling the cup away from her lips and coughed.

"Excuse me. That's my order in your hand and yes, I drink that" A deep voice rumbled from behind, like a thunder with a touch of grace.

Instantly whirling around, Cerise gaped at the handsome stranger standing there. A shade of crimson painted the canvas of her cheeks, just as his whiskey colored eyes stared down at her in displeasure.

"I am sorry" She mumbled, slowly tucking the blonde strand of hair, behind her ear in nervousness. 

Then, courageously she dared to look up and meet his flashing eyes and for a second, her breathe stopped at the magnificent sight. 

He met her gaze locking them and she turned away her head, when he raised a confused eyebrow at her. Sheepishly, she pushed the cup towards him.

Amusement flickered in those eyes as he looked down at the cup in her hand and then, again back at her. 

Cerise squirmed under his intense stare, making fun of her silently and bit her plump lower lip, saying "I can buy you another one, if you'd like?"

The man let out a chuckle, before shaking his head and denied "No, it's alright. Don't worry" 

Cerise  nodded in trance at the sound of serenity behind his raspy voice. Taking his ordered drink from her slender fingers, he looked at her one last time, before walking away and disappearing in the sea of people.  

"Oh my! It's getting cold dear, do you not want your coffee anymore?" Henry's voice called her out.

Blowing out a tired breathe, she turned towards him and grasped another cup, after putting the money on the counter. 

"Are you sure, it's mine?" She asked, giving him a playful smile and giggled, when he just looked confused at her, like a lost puppy.