You promise?

Chapter 4

Char

The rain brings with it a fog that covers the entire soccer field; a major storm has caused many streets to be closed, extracurricular activities have been cancelled, and many of the students are rushing home to shelter from what could be another stormy night.

But the thought of being at home cooped up in the dark makes my bones shiver, even though the classroom is on full heat. The week went by pretty fast, between projects and exams, homework and some college talk, I was surprised when my calendar read Friday.

Alex told me that they wouldn't be going out tonight, the rain could get bad, and they didn't want to risk the cab drivers who would have to pick them up.

I didn't answer him because I really didn't know what to say.

"Char? Aren't you going home?" Jora appears through the door, she's wearing a big sweatshirt that looks like her boyfriend's. I smile at her.

"I'm waiting for the literature teacher to give me my results, he said he wouldn't be long."

"Do you want me to wait with you?" she asks worriedly after hearing thunder in the distance.

I shake my head.

"Don't worry, it really won't be long, go home, protect yourself from the rain."

Jora nods, still with concern on her face.

"Text me when you get home, okay?"

I nod, waving my hand as the redhead leaves the classroom.

The wind is so strong that leaves from the trees fall beside me.

The dark sky threatens to drop overhead, but somehow, the cold, damp street seems a better place than inside that house.

I sigh, looking at the time on my almost out-of-battery cell phone, and start walking towards the other side. Walking further and further away from the house. I hugged myself, trying to find warmth in my own body.

Alex

I open the curtains of the sliding garden doors, wanting to see the rain pouring down. It has fallen heavily for the last few hours.

The TV blares in the distance in the living room, reporting all the disasters that are starting to come out due to the storm.

My cell phone vibrates, my friends send pictures of how they are having a great time in the storm because everyone has decided to enjoy it in different ways.

I laugh when I see some pictures, and I look around when they ask me for a picture of how I'm having a good time. But all I can see is a big empty house.

There is no noise other than the storm that threatens to knock the house down.

I excuse myself to their friends, saying I'll take a bath. And though many wish to see that, I send them to hell.

I laugh as I climb the stairs. I'm just halfway up when the doorbell rings.

A small, distant sound completely overshadowed by the sound of the rain.