Promise (3)

Chapter 2 : Cinderella..Back By Eight?

"So what makes you think I love cheese cake?" Cedric asks while controlling the steering wheel with his left hand. The other - holding my small, fragile hand.

Cedric and I are on our way home - to my home. He is supposed to be sending me back, by eight. Right now, it is a quarter past eight. Obviously my mum will not be glad - and my dad. And my dog. The truth is, mum isn't really fond that I'm going out (or rather, dating - the exact word) with Cedric. Dad too.
Cedric's parent are not too sure either.

When I ask Cedric about this, all he says is, "Don't worry, they'll get over it," confidently. Maybe Cedric's right - I don't have to worry. So, actually, my family knows about Cedrics's family and they know my family as well. How? Open day and Parent-Teacher's Meeting, of course. Plus, it is because we have known each other almost half our lives.

Their conversation went like this the first time they met in school. As far as I can remember..we were juniors in high school. Not very pleasant times, really.
"So, Mrs Applemint, my son, Cedric, talks a lot about your daughter," Mrs Richmen started as soon as Cedric and I introduced our families. "Sydney is indeed very beautiful," she continued and smiled at Cedric.
I shot an embarrassed look at him.
"Well, after all, she's all I got. Your son is one good-looking boy too, you know," my mum replied in a manner so polite I almost couldn't recognised and laughed. We all laughed - not so much for me.
Everything was fine at that time because Cedric and I were just plain, good friends. The fact that both our families opposed our relationship when we were 14 was because (a) I - my family - wasn't up to standard and (b) Cedric was too good for me.

Sigh..
However, I always believe till now that their minds will one day, change.

The reason why we are late now is because we spent nearly 30 minutes hugging..and.. and it's just that, that we forget all about time.

"I read your profile in your blog. I do blog, you know," I reply him sarcastically.
"Haha, one point for Miss Applemint."
"Haha..very funny," and I pull out an 'amused' look. He notices my familiar expression and chuckles.

We reach the front of my house just before half past eight. I get out of his car. My black, brown hair swings in the air as I turn my head to face him who is sitting in his comfortable seat and wave goodbye.

As I am walking to the porch of my home, with my back facing the car, Cedric honks and wishes goodnight - aloud. I quickly make my way to the door and inside my cosy little house before any neighbour looks out of his - or her window.

Guess what? Mum and dad are out. Of course, i think. They would have waited at the door if they were home to see me waving goodbye at my beloved Cedric. "Hey, Cassie," I greet my dog, pat him and feed him. So what I do next is grab some cream crackers and head up to my bedroom facing the street at the first floor and changed into my teddy-printed pyjamas.

Just as I am pulling out my History book from my pile of untouched-since-summer-holiday school books and magazines, my phone rings. I reach for my phone in my bag - on my bed - which is beside my study table. I look to the screen to see Cedric's name.
"How's it going?" the first question pops out as soon as I receive the call.
"It's fine. They're out. Remind me again if we ever, ever get into this situation again. How about you?" I answer while munching my second cracker and swallowing it down my throat.
"Very cool. You know I never have limits,"
Which means, Cedric is free to be anywhere at anytime of the day.

Before I can say anything more, I see two streams of light which brighten the entire dark, quiet street in front of me.
"Er..Cedric, sorry. I have got to go. My parents are back. See you other time! Night," I rush those words in three seconds and manoeuvre my finger to the end-call button before he says anything.
I open my book to the page where I last stopped and read while my mouth is munching away.

"Sydney?" my mum calls from my door which has the poster of my favourite movie - titanic on it.
"Yes?" I reply in a bright tone as I make my way to the door and open it.
"I called the house at eight to check if you were home. And nobody picked it up. Where were you?" she asks, her voice more and more suspicious.
"Oh.." Before I can think of anything else, I shoot out a reason you can call reasonable and acceptable, "Probably, I was too ABSORBED in my homework.." and grin.
"Uh.."
Still grinning.
She scans my room - my study table which now looks utterly messy as though i have been sitting there all day long - and leave.

"2 points for me.." I whisper to myself although mum is no longer upstairs in front of me.

Half an hour later, I am on my bed, dreaming of another day of summer vacation.



[this story is fictional and it has nothing to do with the living or the dead][please be noted that places mentioned are meant to be fictional]
**not meant to sound alike (if you think it is) with other stories you known.

Promise (2)

Chapter 1 : The Best Gift

A year and three months ago..in June

"Hey, Sydney!" Cedric storms from my back, grabs me and throws us both into the water.
"No!!" I shout shockingly as I am lifted from the sand into the..yeah, water. "No! You fool!" I cry out.
Salt water fills my mouth. "Haha. I told you I am dangerous. I am the handsome-and-sexy-yet-dangerous guy on the beach.! Whoa!" Cedric jokes..
I put on an upset face but give a short smile after that. I can't help but to admire him, this Cedric.

I met him in elementary school, well..7 years ago.
We were so small, at the age of ten. However, our love only bloomed 3 years ago.
Cedric said it was because he was getting cuter. But I said,
"No, it's puberty." And he gave me a wink.
He has a pair of thick eyebrows, a rather big pair of eyes, a sharp nose and a dashing pair of lips. His hair is untouched and naturally dark brown with shades of golden. Height? Well, he is about a head taller than me.

Today, we are hanging out at the beach in Collington. It has almost been a tradition for us to come here every summer. I love the sea breeze and the sound of the waves. Cedric doesn't surf. He prefers to be cool, on land. That is why girls - from short to tall, skinny to slim - usually crowd him whenever he is alone.
But, all he will say is, "Sorry, girls. But I am here with my girl.."
Yes, that's me, Sydney Applemint.

I am just an average girl who grows up with my parents' love. We are not poor..but not rich either.

So, right at this moment, I am wet in my pink top and denim shorts. Cedric's madness - plus his Bermuda shorts - makes him more attractive.
We laugh at each other.

Twenty minutes later, at noon, we are dressed up in our casual clothes. Cedric in his favourite Nike T-shirt and jeans. Me in my green tank top and black slacks. We are going to have lunch at 'Green Forest', about a 10-minutes drive from the beach.

'Green Forest' is a tea house that Cedric and I often go to. We started visiting this place since last year. Parties for all sorts of occasions can be held there from day to night.
Today is Cedric's 17th birthday. I have a surprise waiting for him - he has no idea about it and I can't wait!

We then arrive at 'Green Forest' which is located near the woods in Cedric's Porsche. As soon as we get down the car, I blind-fold him with Forever 21 scarf - a birthday present from my dad, Cole, two years ago. I cherish it very much since dad doesn't earn much - to buy me presents for every birthday.

"Wat'cha doing?" Cedric asks.
"Nothing. Just follow me." I reply calmly and guide him through the door of the entrance.

"Happy Birthday!" I wish him aloud right after taking off the blind-fold. "What do you think?" i ask eagerly.
In front of us stood a round table with a round-shaped cheese birthday cake - his favourite.
'Happy Birthday, My Love!' is written on the cake in red. Star decors hang from the ceiling. The floral-printed curtains are down, making the lighted candles at every corner of the room glow romantically. And in the room, there are only both of us.

I have actually arranged this for a couple of weeks. Since I never had a proper celebration for Cedric, I plan to give him the best I can this year. In fact, I used a little bit of my savings. Well, most of it - but I know it's worth it.

"Well?" I ask again. I can see the reflection of the light from the candles in his eyes while they are scanning the room. His blue eyes look green for the first time and his hair is glossier than ever.

"You..made this? For me?" he asks with an unreadable expression, still slightly shocked. His body turns to face me.
"Yeah. Erm, I planned this." I reply and continue, "Don't you like it?"
Suddenly it hits me. I have the sudden panic feeling. Will he like it? I thought. I mean, he is the rich guy who's able to throw parties every night if he wants. How can mine compare to those? My head suddenly feels heavy. I look to the carpeted floor to avoid his gaze, feeling a little bit disappointed.

Then he lifts up my head by my chin and says, "This, ..is the best birthday gift a guy can ever have. I am lucky to have you by my side, Sydney." We are standing face to face so close that I can feel his breath when he speaks. It is also as if I can hear his heart pumping. So close, I feel sincerity.

Touched, tear drops that look like crystals by the glow of the candles fall from Sydney's eyes down her hot, blushing cheeks.

Cedric smiles and gives me a loving hug. His body is warm. His scent is the like scent of nature.
My small hands reach his back and I rest my head on his broad right shoulder.
"I love you." he says gently.
"I love you too.."


[this story is fictional and it has nothing to do with the living or the dead]
[please be noted that places mentioned are meant to be fictional]

Promise (1)

Preface : Love Is Like An Unpredictable Journey

The cold wind that blows chills my skin. Somehow, I feel warm in the heart. There is something that I am awaiting..deep at the bottom of my heart.

Summer passes, autumn arrives. I too arrive at the familiar cold and abandoned road which is long and narrow.
Along the road are trees..maple trees.
Leaves in the shade of gold fall..flying miles away, making the road seems never-ending.
It is also an unpredictable journey..

I have come a long way. Since the day he left me, I become stronger everyday. It is the promise that keeps me from falling.
I believe that one day..he will come back.


*never thought that it will be this way..
the feeling with you still seems like yesterday..
will we make our way through this..
i wonder...*



[this story is fictional and it has nothing to do with the living or the dead]
[please be noted that places mentioned are meant to be fictional]