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]