Promise?

Chapter 8

Chloe opened her eyes to the slight rays of sunlight entering her room from the window.

And as the minutes ticked by, events from last night came rushing towards her, making her sit upright very abruptly and scan the room like it was going to be attacked any moment.

On finding it empty, she sure was disappointed; but at the same time, it was something that she had expected. Who was she kidding thinking even for a second that he would've stayed?
This was exactly how he was.

It surprised her as to how he could just leave, without a word, without ever looking back, without ever caring.

She knew that was how he was, but it was far too late for reason to defend what he did.
In an attempt to protect himself, he'd hurt other people.

She realised it was still 7 am and that she had time to let out the building anger.

Quickly brushing her teeth, she put on a black tank top and grey yoga pants, tied her hair in a messy bun, grabbed her earphones and cellphone and was already getting out of the door after slipping into her black converse shoes.
She started off slow, letting the thumpy beat of the music blend in with the wind that lightly touched her face as she ran.
She let her mind drift to all that bothered her, all the memories still vivid in front of her eyes.

And as she relived it, she felt her anger build in once more - full force, and she found it difficult to keep it in and not scream out in frustration or kick something really hard on the way.

Her breathing was hard and short, her legs burning in protest as she increased her speed, her mind boggling with all the thoughts, trying very hard to comprehend it all - but all of it combined was in no way equal to the ache that her heart felt.
Even after all these years, it was obvious to her- that she hadn't still been able to let him go.

She finally sat on a park bench, closing her eyes and gathering all the courage for what she was about to do next.

She fidgeted with her phone once again as she contemplated whether what she was about to do was right.
Sucking in a sharp breath, she clicked over the call contact option with the thumb that had been hovering over it for quite a long time.
He picked up at the second ring.

"Hello?" his voice filled in.

"Umm.. Hi, Reece. I need to talk to you about something."

"Okay, I'm listening. What is it?" his tone was both curious and cautious.

"Can you meet me for dinner? We'll discuss it then."

"Sure. I'll pick you up at 7?"

"Yeah, that would be great. Have a nice day."

"After talking to you and with the thought of meeting you; this day couldnt get any better." he said genuinely.

Chloe didn't know how to reply. She'd never been good at accepting compliments, let alone doing sweet talk. And at this moment, she couldn't help but loathe herself for what she'd done and what she was about to do.
She let out a nervous and shaky laugh, which probably would have made him think that she was insane and murmured a hurried Bye! and hung up.
The thought of the day ahead was a torture.
There was so much on her mind, but she'd have to let it go for now or she'd be late for work.
Reaching home, having a quick shower and a little to eat; she was again heading out the door grabbing her car keys.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Chloe somehow managed to survive another day without snappin at anyone at her workplace.
However, that didn't stop her from thinkin that her boss - Megan, was putting extra efforts to make her day even worse by keeping her on her toes the entire time.

It was 5:30 in the evening when she got back home.
Stepping into the house, her mind automatically drifted off to last night, when Alan was waiting for her to come home.

Waiting for her... To come home...
Didnt that sound just simply, unnervingly perfect? she thought. So perfect, that it was enough for her heart to start beating wildly.

Sometimes she thought if something was possibly wrong with her. Or not just wrong - too wrong.
As much as it amused her, it scared her as to how she could think about him all the time.
Good times, bad times, sad times, boring times, idle times, sleepless times.
It surprised her as to how she could think of him so much.
So much that it would drive her crazy.

And as if that wasn't enough, he had to come back. For what? To complete his promises.
As much as she wanted to laugh at her situation, it scared her a bit. Or maybe a little more than a bit.

She'd already fallen so hard that it was difficult. He certainly didn't need to do that again.
She got ready in a similar daze, however she was now more worried about confronting Reece.
She had to do it today. It was her stupidity to think that it would be okay someday.

And yet again, amidst all the confusion and her scattered thoughts, she realised one thing - Alan always gave her the strength. Directly or indirectly - he would always be the one to help her confront her fears - to not run away from reality.

She never realised how much she had him to herself, until she lost him entirely.

And every day - each passing second - she'd wish she could hate him. But some things dont turnout like we want them to. Its something that you just cant avoid, like loving chocolate.
It was almost impossible. For her atleast.

She was brought back to reality by the ring of the doorbell.
Funny how she could forget about her 'date' with Reece.
Her stupidity really annoyed her.

She walked to the door and opened it to find Reece standing there with a bunch of Lillies.
Chloe never really liked Lillies, but she was glad that he didn't bring roses.

Looking at Reece, a genuine smilelit up Chloe's face and she went on to hug him. Reece had always been there for her, no matter what.
Taking her purse and making sure to lock the door, she made way towards his car.
This made her remember about her spare key; and if Alan still had it.

Making a mental reminder to talk to Erica about it, she got into Reece's car.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Thank you for all the patience and support.

I intend to update the next chapter as soon as possible.