3: All Of A Sudden
1160 Words
Chris considered his first love to be Daicy -- just considered it himself. Because they never really got together.
All those close moments he had with her were all in his head.
He even thought he was sick or something.
But the truth is, he has been sick for a long time. In other words, he thought he had some other kind of sickness.
He thought it was some kind of delusion. Otherwise, how could he have imagined "bullying" her in his mind when they were just acquaintances?
A few years later, when he started to question why they never got together in the first place, it was probably because of the sickness he had — He was easily furious and unsettled.
When he encountered something beautiful and fragile that he truly wanted to cherish, he didn't dare to touch it.
He lied to himself about thinking he could pursue her once he got better.
But time waits for no one. And she sure as hell didn't wait for him.
Their fate came on the day when their junior high school life ended.
She disappeared from his life immediately after they graduated from junior high school, and changed all her contact information.
No matter how hard he looked and asked, he couldn't find her.
He remembered the doctor saying he was taking a turn for the better during that time, obviously.
He knew it was because of her, or rather, because of love.
She was like a spring season that appeared in his cold winter life. But once time passed, she quickly vanished.
She disappeared, and his sickness became even worse.
***
Three years later...
***
During the summer vacation of his junior year of university, Chris Yates planned to travel to Tuscany in Italy.
It was stopped by his roommate — Andrew Linton asked him,
"Why go to Tuscany? Looking for some romance?"
Chris gave him a side-eye, slowly flipping through his book, not giving a definite answer.
"You cut it down," Jansen interjected. He glanced at Chris and only relaxed when he saw that Chris's expression was calm.
"Just kidding..." Andy Linton mumbled.
The guys in this dormitory all knew that Chris had a bad temper.
They had witnessed his fierce and crazy tantrums when he threw things, so they were always on edge and afraid of bothering this rich and quick-tempered big shot.
They had also vaguely heard that Chris was even scarier in high school. It was said that just one look from him felt like being cut with a knife.
"For a trip," Chris tried to lighten the mood and said casually.
"Then don't go to Tuscany. Come to my hometown, L City. The scenery is beautiful. The best thing is that not many people go. It's not like those overcrowded tourist cities. And I know you don't like crowded places, right?" Andy suggested.
Chris made a noncommittal sound, indicating that he would consider it.
Andy continued,
"I'll be interning this summer and won't be able to go back, so you can stay at my place."
Chris looked up at his kind-hearted roommate for a moment,
"I'll think about it."
He didn't like to bother others, but he was still grateful for Andy's kindness.
"My parents are quite welcoming," Andy added.
Chris didn't say anything more, but Jansen teased Andy,
"You're not going back this summer? With Paige? Aren't your parents asking you and your future wife back home?"
Andy's smile faded when it came to this, "I haven't told them yet," he said.
"It's been a year! You still haven't told them? Weren't you always saying you would be?" Jansen asked.
"Every family has their own difficulties. My parents... Well, I'll bring Paige back eventually. But before that day I'll drag it out as long as I can." Andy said, looking distressed.
Jansen didn't ask any further questions. He clicked his tongue twice before shutting up.
Chris picked up his phone and searched for L City. As Andy had said, it was indeed a beautiful place and has just gradually developed in the last few years. It was much quieter than those touristy cities.
It didn't take him long to make a decision. He changed his destination to L City.
On the night before he left, Andy said there was something he needed Chris to bring back to his parents.
"You should just stay at my place while you're there. There aren't many hotels. I don't want you to be uncomfortable," Andy insisted.
"There's really no need to trouble you," Chris casually refused, meanwhile taking the documents Andy handed him. "I'll drop them off at your home tomorrow noon."
"Then let my parents treat you," Andy said with a smile.
Chris didn't say anything more.
On the way to L City, Chris realized that Andy's words had been right. The scenery was beautiful and incredibly peaceful.
His mood was healed gradually by the view outside the window as the train journeyed on.
After getting off the train, he went straight to the hotel he had booked and settled his luggage.
When it was time, he messaged Andy and said he was ready to go to his house.
Andy sent him the address. Then Chris replied with an "OK." He took the documents and hailed a taxi to Andy's home.
The city's buildings weren't densely packed. Instead. There were tall trees lining the streets. Chris cracked open a window and inhaled the fresh air. His mind relaxed without realizing it.
He liked L City.
Chris understood why Andy was so enthusiastic after meeting Andy's parents,
His parents were even more welcoming than Andy. Then they called him "My little Chris" as soon as they met and insisted he sit down for a meal.
Chris wasn't comfortable in such situations. He also didn't enjoy eating with elderly people.
His expression stiffened. Then he found an excuse to go to the bathroom and planned to talk to Andy before going back out.
Andy chuckled at the other end of the phone. "They can be a bit overwhelming. I'll talk to them for you. Just wait a moment."
"Okay." Chris hung up the phone.
He heard voices outside the door not long after. It sounded like a young girl's voice. Possibly someone was dropping by.
Judging by the speed of their chatting, it was probably someone quite talkative.
He blinked, exhaled a long breath helplessly, and took two deep breaths back. Then he opened the door and walked out.
His eyes slowly moved up from the ground. He saw smooth, fair legs by lifting his gaze. Keeping moving upward, he noticed the soft, shiny black hair falling on her shoulders.
Chris suddenly found it difficult to breathe as if touched by a divine entity!
He saw her face.
All his senses seemed to fail to sense.
It was Daicy.
At first, she glanced at his face. But after realizing who he was, she paused and hesitantly asked,
"Christopher...?"
- Writer
