A Promise

Chapter 2

4 years after

Neil is in his second year of Medical School. He got accepted into Stanford University School of Medicine. Claire was 2 years away before entering Medical School. She is still stuck in that crappy hole. Neil promised to come back.

Flashback 4 years ago

"Claire... I'm leaving." Neil says while caressing her cheeks. Claire let down a tear and she looks up to him from his neck, she nods. She knows that this day will come. The day they separate. Neil is going to Medical School. He's taking a year and a few to prepare himself for his future. Claire will be left all alone in this shithole with her alcoholic mother.

"Neil... I have something to give you. I saved a lot of money from my work to get you this." As she pulls out a cute wrapped small box. She hands it over Neil and Neil starts tearing up, "What's this?" "Open it." Claire replies, giving him a cute smile. Neil grins as he sees what's inside. A ring with her name Claire engraved on it, "Are you proposing to me Claire Browne? Hm?" Neil jokes and Claire laughs. "No, silly. I'm giving you a promise ring. I want you to promise me one thing." "Mmmhm." Neil answers, Claire cups his cheeks and say, "Whatever happens between us, we will find each other again? We will lose our V cards to each other and that one day, we will be together?" Claire tearing up. Neil is trying not to cry, ego. "Claire Browne, that's not one thing" They both laughed, and Claire gently punches his shoulder. "I promise. Whatever happens, we will find each other again. Claire, I love you. I don't want to lose you. V cards? I will stay a virgin until I see you again!" his remark makes Claire laugh. "I have something for you too." Neil got Claire the same ring. Exactly identical, engraved his name on it.

As he pulls out a small box, Claire grins and say, "Are you, Neil Melendez proposing to me?" They both fall into laughter. Neil put it on for her on her index finger on the right. It fits her nicely and he smiles to that. Claire slides the ring on his index finger too and whispered, "I promise to wait for you." Neil nods and rest his forehead on hers, sitting there in silence and just mesmerising each other's presence. Today is their last day together. God knows how long it would be for them to be able to see each other again. They promise to send each other letters every week. Neil wants to do it every day, but Claire said that he will get tired of it. They decided, one letter every week.

****

Neil is already in for 2 weeks. He is already exhausted. His batchmates are throwing a party tonight as a celebration to get through 2 weeks of medical school but Neil wasn't up to that. He wants to write Claire two letters since he didn't send one to her last week. He has to make it up to her.

First letter

Dear Claire,

It's your favourite guy here. Hey! How are ya? If you're asking me, I am exhausted! I want to apologise because I didn't send you a letter last week. I tell ya, I was busy with getting use to the accommodations and all. We have assignments every day and the due dates are close together. Tonight, is the only night I am free. They invited me to a party, but I denied, I want to write you two letters. I know, I know. We agreed on one each week, but I am making it up to you by writing two!

Listen, I know you miss me. You can sleep in our cabin every time Breeze comes home drunk. I am sorry for not being there with you right now. I miss you. I have stocked up our Cabin. Please make yourself at home. My parents don't go looking for me in the cabin anymore. You are safe there. Once I make attending, I'll come and get you. Maybe you can even be my resident! I can be your superior! Omg Claire, I can't wait for you to come here. I have missed you. I barely even getting any sleep nowadays. I probably have gotten used to having you in my arms. The bed feels empty without you. I'm kinda glad I stole a couple of your t-shirts. When I miss you badly, I would literally put it on, and my roommate will make fun of me. There have been many girls trying to get my attention. They are crazy about getting me to jump their bones. I mean, what would you expect? I am after all Neil Melendez the Greeatt! Now, stop smiling at my remark. I know you secretly love my arrogant side. I remember our promise. We will find each other soon. Take care, My love.