Story - Broken promises

Hello, my readers! My sincerest apologies for not updating my blog for a long time. Been extremely busy with assignments and stuffs. Now that I have a little time to spare, I think it's time to do a little updating. Here is a little short story. Enjoy! =)

She looked out the window. The sky was darkening, the wind was blowing and the tree branches were shaking. She can hear the distant rumble of thunder. "It's going to rain soon..." she thought to herself. Then, she turned her attention to her laptop in front of her. "It's time..." she whisper softly to herself.

2 years... I have to face it... I cannot let this continue to haunt me...

A trip down memory lane. She typed in the website address slowly. Her fingers trembled. When the website appeared in front of her, she closed her eyes and cover her face with her hands. "I cannot do this..." she told herself. "Yes, you can!" another side of her urged, "You have to do this!" She moved her hands away from her face and opened her eyes. His photo on the screen looked back at her. She took a deep breath and plunged into the sea of memories. The memories she has kept locked up tightly in the most remote part of her brain. Now, she is opening it and letting it flood her brain again.

2 years ago... 

"Hey!" A simple greeting. The beginning of a wonderful yet disastrous short friendship. She, an innocent young girl who can't wait to see the world around her. He, a charming young man who has just stepped out into the world and discovering the world around him. She, bright and happy. He, serious and brooding. An unlikely pair, but somehow they clicked.

"I like you!" he blurted out during a meet up after a month of knowing each other. He blushed. "I mean... um... I like you... as... a, um, friend! Yea! A friend that is a girl!" he stumbled over his words, trying to cover up. She smiled mischievously, feeling very much amused at his flustered face. "I like you too. As a friend. A friend that is a guy." she said cheekily, amusement written all over her face. He blushed harder, speechless.

He showed her the blog that he created. "Here. When I am away, we will communicate through this blog. You write about your day and I write about my day. Deal?" She smiled. "Sure!" He caught her hand, holding it tight and said seriously, "I promise to be with you through everything. I promise to take care of you and protect you. I promise."Promise. That's a big word, you know." she teased him. "I know. I am serious." he said. She looked into his eyes and believed him, giving him her heart.

Present...

She shivered. That friendship survived a few months. She looked at all the blog post that he and she had written over that few months. Full of promises for the present and future. But... Yet... Slowly, a tear slide down her cheek. She was too innocent. Now, she is left with nothing but a broken heart, broken promises and bittersweet memories.

The best way to heal a broken heart and forget the sorrow and hurt is to face it. During these 2 years, she has grown up. She might still be innocent but she knows better now. She is now exploring the world around her. So fascinated and amazed at what the world has got to offer. She has kept those memories locked up tight but she knows sooner or later, she will have to face them again.

She put her face in her hands and wept. How many times has she cried over this boy? She looked at his photo again. "This will be the last time I cry about you..." she thought. She will never let him haunt her again.

That night...

"I am sorry... I just can't..." he said.
"But, why? You said..." she cried.
"I am sorry..." he said.
"No..." she sobbed.
"Goodbye." he said.
"..... Bye..." she whispered brokenly.

Present...

She shook herself mentally, bringing herself back to the present. Her face wet with tears. She barely remember what was said that night. All she remember was the sadness, hurt and betrayal she felt.

For quite some time after that incident, she lived like a possessed person. His words haunted her. His entire being haunted her. His broken promises kept repeating in her head. She never let anyone get close to her. Nor does she trust anyone easily. She closed her heart to everyone, living in the past, trying to mend her broken heart.

She took a deep breath and wiped away the tears. She came to her senses after a while. She seek comfort from her friends and family around her, immersing herself in events and activities with her friends and family. She swept up all his memories and dump it in the drawer and locked it up tight. But from time to time, the memories will leapt out and loom over her like a shadow.

"There is always an air of sadness around you, love." her friend observed one day. She just shrugged her shoulders, saying nothing. "The best way to overcome a memory that haunt you is to face it." her friend said gently. She looked at her friend, not knowing what to say. "I know it's hard and painful. But you cannot just let it be and not do anything about it. It will keep coming back. It will stop you from moving on. Face it once and for all and it will not come back and haunt you ever again." her friend said, "You will be at peace and you can live again." "Are you sure?" she asked softly. "Yes. It's just like a physical cut on your hand. You tend to it, it will become better. But if you don't, it will become worse. You understand?" her friend explained. She nodded her head. "I know you can do it. You are a strong and brave girl. Whatever it was, you will be able to face it and get over it." her friend encouraged her. She smiled softly, nodded her head and giving her friend a hug.

Here she is, facing the memory of him and their past together. Much to her surprise, she felt like a heavy weight was lifted from her shoulders. She felt more at peace and calmer. She realised she will never have to run or hide again from the memories. She has overcome it all. Now, she can live. She sniffed and smiled. Then, she shut down her laptop.

I promise...
Sorry...

"Promise."