Finding You, Again
Eluira 11 - Who??

The girl stared blankly at the door in front of her. The door froze, as there was no change.

With no hope, the girl looked away desperately. Again he gave up.

He again buried his face between his knees which had been tightly hugged by him. No sound from him.

Even for sobbing, he was no longer able to.

^^^^^^^^^^^^

This park is so beautiful. I sat down and looked out of Mom's garden in the backyard.

Mom plants almost all types of flowers that can be found in this country, even some are not local endemic. No doubt, even though it is autumn, the park still presents an artistic and beautiful scenery.

Well. up until now Charlie arranged the care of this park strictly. Only certified landscapers - and definitely for a fee - can work in this park.

Charlie takes the beauty of this park seriously, just as seriously as when choosing clothes for my date. I will not give up until I get the right and beautiful one, she said.

Darn it.. enough Lui!!!.

There is no dating word that should be mentioned any time soon. I cursed in my heart. It is enough with all the chaos that exists now because of it.

Oscar banned me from the house for almost two weeks. After the news of me and Zeno spread. He forbade me from going anywhere, even to the office. Be me just being at home all this time.

It's boring!!

I tighten the green sweater that I wear, because the autumn wind that suddenly blows brings cold. Not a suitable season to look at the garden in the backyard directly, but I can go crazy if not out of the house, even if just to the backyard.

I glanced at the pile of maps on the table next to me.

After pleading strongly with Oscar, Jovi was finally allowed to send some of the proposals that were piled up in the office, home. I feel sorry for Jovi if I have to work alone.

I grabbed the top of the map pile and shifted my laptop closer. At least I can forget for a moment the furore out there at work.

"The weather doesn't support you working here, Lu"

A heavy voice greeted from the side, as I was about to reach for the fourth proposal

I turned my head, and found Oscar walking over, then wrapped the blanket over my shoulder to make it warmer.

"I know, but I'm tired of being in the house all the time" I said, frowning.

Oscar took a soft look at my bubbling cheek with a smile, then sat down on the chair next to me.

"What are you doing at home?" ask me in wonder. He usually doesn't come back before night, and now it's not even afternoon.

"I have to take care of something in the area near here. And sending word to you, Zeno had already given clarification this morning" Oscar said, answering my question with a beaming face.

Immediately I typed the search in the browser.

I picked the top article and read it right away. I avoid the news and television right now. The news about me and Zeno, made me even less willing to watch anything, other than Animal Planet.

The news includes an interview with Zeno, complete with a video. In essence, Zeno explained that if there was no relationship between me and him, we were just friends.

He also begged the reporters not to bother me anymore, because I was just an ordinary person, not an artist or a celebrity.

He was still being nice after the rejection. Guilt again appeared to weigh on my heart. My mind drifted back to when Zeno called me last night.

"I'm really sorry Lui" Zeno said, slowly filled with regret.

"No. It's okay, I should apologize" I said softly, I would feel better if he snapped or was sniffing at me. I really deserve it.

"No.no it's fine, it's your right to completely reject me Lui, but I shouldn't drag you into this commotion. I was too careless" he said in a slightly furious tone.

"I'm sorry, too, because it took me a long time to confirm, I only learned about this yesterday" he continued in a quieter voice full of regret.

"It's okay, Oscar told me that you're on a shooting schedule in the interior so there's no way to know about this" I replied immediately, I don't want him to feel more guilty about this.

"I went straight to filming that night, and didn't see any news for a week later. The crew at the location did not tell about it either. They don't want my concentration to be disturbed. I was shocked when I found out that the news had already spread. I was hoping to sue someone for the picture, but it turned out to be impossible, even if I knew who did it, it would only bring more damage on our side" zeno said in a bitter tone now.

"You know who did it?" I'm a little surprised.

"Yes, do you remember that jerk you didn't know? My dislike for him is reciprocated. He took that photo. That's one way to have a lot of connections, sell other people's secrets" Zeno explained at length.

"Ewwww. yes, of course I remember, he was flirting with almost every waitress in the restaurant" I said, frowning in disdain. "It turns out he was rubbish"

"Yupp. garbage with high levels of decay"

I laughed hearing that. I was so relieved to hear Zeno's joke. His attitude has not changed for me. I hope it means my rejection, not hurting her too much.

"Lui.." Call him in a more serious tone.

"I wish we could stay friends after this. I'm certainly disappointed by the rejection, but I don't want it if we get far. I think you're a pretty fun friend in my opinion. Maybe after this we can still watch a movie, or watch a musical drama together, as friends of course" he said, at length politely.

"Yes, of course we can go as Zeno's friends" I replied with a smile . "I'll take Jovi along maybe, so we can all be friends"

"Good idea, I'll take Oscar" he said in a joking tone.

"I like the idea" I replied, chuckling in amusement.

\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

"You okay now?" ask Oscar, break my daydream.

"Yes, of course" I answered immediately.

"Care to share with me, what really happens that night?" His eyes are looking at me.

I never told you any details about what happened that night, because I didn't want to.

"Whatchu mean? I obviously turned Zeno down that night"

I threw away my face to avoid Oscar's sight. Trust me, Oscar's eyes are dangerous if you want to hide something.

"Well, it's nothing like exploration to me. All I know is that Zeno was sad because you rejected him. How could you have cried blood that night!" he said again in exaggeration, for obviously I did not cry blood.

I took a deep breath for the umpteenth time. Maybe it's time to tell Oscar everything I really felt. No where to run.

"I don't really know where to start to explain this either, because I don't understand how this could happen" I said bitterly.

Yeah..how do I explain something that also makes me confused?

"Try me" said Oscar short in a commanding tone. You'll regret it, my heart.

I finally told him what I really felt at the time. But there is one part that I keep secret. That foggy memory, I still don't want to tell her that.

After a while of listening to my story, Oscar only fell silent while frowning.

"You mean, you actually like Zeno, but you don't want to be with him?"  Oscar, taking the conclusion, though sounding doubtful.

"It's more or less like that" I replied, in a tone no less doubtful.

"You're not even sure about this" he said again, squinting with an accusatory look.

"Of course I'm not sure about this!! I told you earlier, I myself was also confused by how I felt" I replied, a little harshly from anxiety.

"But how come? If you like someone, then you want to be with Lui. It's a law of nature"

I just raised both hands, a sign that I didn't know the answer to his question either.

"Do you really like Zeno? I mean--maybe you're just blown away on her face, for example" Oscar asked, with a mischievous smile.

I threw that square pillow, which I used as a place to lean against his face.

"Don't joke at a time like this Oscar" I replied in annoyance. "He's handsome, but I've seen men more handsome than him, so there's no way I'm fascinated by his looks" I added.

"really? Who?"  Oscar is curious now.

"You" I replied, briefly.

"What?, oh ha.ha.ha you were right about that" Laughter burst out, filling the air for a while after that.

"You sound like you're praising yourself Lui" Oscar said still with a slight chuckle.

I frowned at the sign of not understanding.

"Because we're similar, so if you compliment me handsome, then you're praising yourself, aren't you?" he said, gently pulling the tip of my nose and smiling.

"Heah.don't joke! Who do you think will believe that" I murmured, folding both my hands to my chest.

Look who's talking, my mind while glancing towards him.

If the photo of Oscar wearing a suit is on the cover of even the most boring business magazine, Jovi said, the magazine was sure to sell well. And believe me, the buyers are mostly not businessmen, but ordinary women.

How can I compare to a perfect being like him? My short posture is clearly not qualified.

"You're beautiful Lui!! " he said again while stroking my cheek with his fingertip.

"Aww" I screeched, for the elusan turned into an anxious pinch afterwards.

"You haven't answered my question" he said with his teeth tightly clenched.

"Which one?" many confused.

"Do you really like Zeno, or are you the only one who misrepresents your feelings?" inexplicably.

"Oh.well.." I tried to choose the right words to explain this to her. "I think I like him, he's kind, funny, and pretty handsome" I replied hesitantly.

"A lot of people out there with that kind of Lui, doesn't mean you're going to like them all, right?"

"Emmm. I don't know. But my heart never calmed down every time he looked at me with his green eyes" I replied after a few minutes of silence.

"What?" Oscar was shocked to hear my answer.

I turned my face away, convinced that the color had turned red.

After being sure that my face was no longer blushing, I turned back around. I saw Oscar looking down and covering his face with both hands.

I think he was also confused by my explanation. I knew it would be like this. Just look at Jovi. He gave up a few months ago to ask me questions about my true feelings.

"Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha-"

I was shocked when Oscar suddenly laughed. Different types of laughter compared to the usual ones. Sounds dry and cynical. "Something funny?" my question, don't understand.

Not answering, Oscar only looked at the watch in his hand carefully. "I have another meeting this afternoon, I have to go to the office now"

Then he got up and peeked at my forehead a glimpse of "Bye" he whispered as he passed.

There would be no point in shouting or protesting, lately Oscar likes to leave me suddenly without explanation.

Irritating!! yelling at me while stomping my feet. What exactly is he doing here? Just show up and leave after successfully pissing me off!

I again grabbed the pile of proposals on the table. There's no point in thinking about Oscar's attitude, the longer the more I don't understand.

\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

Half of the proposals I've already checked - most of them passed without a stain, some will require follow-up surveys - when I hear the bell ringing.

Who's coming? I don't have any appointments today. Hopefully not one of those crazy reporters, who's still trying to interview me without permission. It's a recurring nightmare, if it happens again.

After a few days the photo spread, one of the reporters made it to this house. His disguise as a freight forwarder was perfect, so the security gate let him in.

When Charlie opened the door and asked for his delivery, he claimed to be a reporter and begged to interview me. He probably thought it would at least be hard to resist since he was already standing at the door.

Crazy person!!!

Immediately Charlie slammed the door in front of his face and called security. Oscar was furious when he heard of the incident. He said he would press charges against him and would end his press career.

And thanks to that reporter, Oscar extended my 'holiday' time to 2 weeks. You crazy reporter!

After a few moments of inaudible calls from Charlie, I decided to go back to work. Maybe a real delivery guy came in this time.

 \~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~\~

After examining the two advanced proposals, I glanced at the clock in the corner of the laptop screen.

The tea hour passed about 15 minutes ago. It's not usually Charlie's late. Usually he would not hesitate to pull me --while throwing himself-out of the pool, when I said 'in a moment' to his invitation for tea.

He's very serious - which is not necessary in my opinion, I'll drink tea if I want Charlie-in keeping the afternoon tea tradition.

I will examine it, as well as fill my empty drinking glass, breaking me up.

I walked towards the kitchen relaxed. From a distance I could see Charlie being with someone in the kitchen. Apparently, there were guests coming.

I couldn't see the guest's face, because he was sitting in front of the pantry behind me.

That guy wears a long black traveling coat. And I think he knew I was coming, because the next second he got up from the chair, and Charlie immediately turned his gaze toward me.

I walked into the kitchen a little confused. Because suddenly my heart was racing. This is clearly not normal. Maybe I'll seriously ask dr. Alva to check my heart too, other than the head.

Whatever the conversation between Charlie and the stranger, it has now stopped.

Charlie just stood looking at me with wide eyes. While the man just stood there. He also did not look to see me. Their attitude is strange.

"Charlie, who visited you?" I was curious when I got near them.

I faintly smelled the scent of maple syrup mixed with the petrichor* scent of that person's body. What kind of perfume is she wearing? This smell is so pleasant.

"p?" ask Charlie while stammering.

I folded my forehead hearing it. What makes him nervous like this?

"He..? " he asked again, pointing at his guest, with a trembling index finger.

"Charlie.are you sick ?" I realized Charlie's face was a little pale.

Charlie shook his head quickly, "He's Oscar's friend, he wants to meet Oscar" Charlie explained as he grabbed the glass in my hand, then turned around and filled the glass with water from the faucet.

"Oh!. But Oscar is in the office now" I said in surprise. What kind of friend looks for Oscar at home on Wednesday? Oscar will not be home. His presence in such a house was a wonder of the world that would not happen twice. Oscar never even took a vacation.

I looked at the back of the stranger, who continued to stare without moving.

"Yes, that's why he'll be home soon" Charlie said in a more steady voice, handing over my glass.

"I go first Charlie" said the man suddenly as he turned around and looked at me.

And--I almost let go of the glass grip on my hand right then and there. My arms felt weak when I heard his voice.

His voice was heavy but clear and melodious, or maybe I thought it was because now I can see his face.

That stranger--hands-handsome!.

If I said Oscar was handsome, then I would be blind. A handsome word alone would not be able to explain the face that was now in front of me.

Eyes with bright brown irises looked at me intensely, as if they could see into my soul. Her hair was jet black, perfectly matched with her fair skin, typical of Mediterranean caucasians .

A line of silver white was scattered between her hair. Not gray I'm sure, because the white color is only found in the hair of the upper part of his right ear. Hair paint maybe? Oh. I'm not gonna complain about this. A line of white color, perfecting whatever shape her hairstyle .

Judging from the face, I think he's younger than Oscar. His jaw was firm and firm, his nose pointed. All of them came together, forming a face that was also perfect. His tightly clenched mouth was dark red and slightly wet.

I immediately took my eyes off that mouth, my heart as if it was going to explode from pounding too hard when I looked at her lips.

The wrong move, because now I accidentally looked towards those brown eyes directly.

When our gaze met for a few seconds, I felt like crying!.

It's so ridiculous.

He's so handsome and I want to cry??? I question my own sanity level now.

The stranger cut off our sight contact and walked past me quickly towards the front door. And strangely enough, I felt so disappointed, I wanted to enjoy those eyes even longer.

Hahh.. realized Lui, this has been very outrageous.

That sweet and pleasant aroma, came back to my nose as she walked past me without looking back.

And that's enough to get back to making my heart race faster. I was a little jumped and realized the situation around me when I heard the sound of the front door slamming shut rather loudly.

"I'll prepare tea now" Charlie said as he walked to pick up the teapot.

I was only able to answer him with a slow nod.

My mouth feels numb and stiff. My whole body feels like it's being electrified with a low voltage - I've never had one, but I think it's going to be like this - my fingertips are tingling, not to mention the fine fur all over my body stood up straight.

I left the kitchen in a hurry, before Charlie realized it and asked. I walked quickly back to the back porch.

I threw my body in the chair a little hard, frankly, my legs are still a little limp.

Whatisthis?? Am I fascinated by his good looks?

Oscar's words about Zeno came back to my head. I've never met anyone who made me feel this way before. And--of course I've never met someone as handsome as that guy before.

I felt wet water in my hand.

The rain??

My reflexes looked up, only to realize my stupidity. You're on a porch with a roof covered by Lui.

A second later, I realized my cheeks had been wet with tears.

I felt my cheeks in disbelief. Did I cry unconsciously? How is it that possible??

That realization brought another stream of emotions that came like a storm and rolled me over. Sorrow, pain and disappointment.

What's the matter? What else is this? my mind is in a rage.

I squeezed my chest tightly, trying to ease the pain, which was starting to bulge uncontrollably now. I took a deep breath to calm myself down.

Maybe Oscar will add 'my vacation' to 3 weeks, if I pass out now. I must immediately kill the feeling of unclear origin of this.

Please stop, I groaned in my heart.

I wiped away the tears and grabbed the rest of the proposal.

I have to take my mind off if I don't want to faint. With a little bit of determination left, I concentrated again on the inscription inside the map.

The End of Eluira

*Petrichor: the smell of earth after rain, the smell of dry soil doused in rainwater