CHAPTER ELEVEN - THE PROMISE

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As the school year drew to a close, Sorscha kept her head above water, but only just. Clodaghs parents refused to let the two girls see each other outside of school. In school, they'd spend lunch together and ignore the taunts of those around them. Finally, it was the last day of term and Sorscha couldn't wait to walk out of those school gates and never look back. As she went to clear out her locker for the very last time, she spotted a little note that had slipped behind some old workbooks. Her eyes filled with tears as soon as she realised that it was from George. He must have slipped it into her locker some time ago, before she'd pushed it to the back accidentally.

Hey Sunshine!

I wrote this note during maths, I've really got no idea about fractions. I know things have been tough lately but it won't be like this forever. Yeah, fractions confuse me but I know I'll figure it out someday. That's exactly how life is, it will all work out in the end. You're probably sick of hearing me say that but I'm never going to stop, so get over it.

All my love,

Gorgeous (George - my Mum named me after George Michael, did I ever tell you that?)

Sorscha felt a lump in her throat as she desperately wished to hear George saying anything at all. She put the note in her pocket and promised herself that she'd keep it forever. After she'd thrown everything else away, she headed outside and took a deep breath, before making her way home. Most of her classmates had planned to gather together in the nearby park and celebrate their last day, but of course Sorscha hadn't been invited. For years, she'd been surrounded by people with hearts that were hollow and minds that were closed.

The next day, Sorscha woke bright and early and sat down at her vanity. Grabbing her notebook and a pen, she started to write. Once she was finished, she shoved the letter into her pocket and rushed downstairs and outside, grabbing her bike. It was always the same routine, every Saturday morning she'd visit George and tell him about her week. On arrival at the cemetery, Sorscha took a little time to marvel at the dew on the grass and the mist that still lingered. The world really could be so beautiful sometimes.

As she sat herself down in front of George's headstone, she pulled the letter from her pocket. She had no idea why she'd never thought of writing what she wanted to say down first, but she was glad that she had today. Taking a deep breath, she started to read.

Hey Gorgeous,

I got your letter. I never got sick of hearing you tell me that everything would be ok. Sometimes, your reassurance was the only thing that kept me going. I miss you so much. The short life you lived was so wonderful George and I'm so proud of you. Are you proud of me? I'll make you proud, I promise. Clodagh and I haven't backed down and that's all because of you. I love her so much and I know you're smiling down on us. Send us some luck, will you gorgeous?

You're always in my thoughts and everything I do. You always will be.

I'll always be your Sunshine.

Just as Sorscha was wiping her tears, she jumped when she heard a voice behind her. "You'll always be my sunshine too." She turned to see Clodagh, standing amongst the mist and smiling warmly. The brunette walked towards her before sitting down and kissing her lightly. The two girls clung together for several minutes before Sorscha asked "I thought you were grounded for the rest of your life?" Her humour always came through, even when she felt frustrated. Clodagh sighed and said "I snuck out, you've told me you always come to see George early on Saturdays. I've got something to tell you." She paused momentary then continued "my Dads found a better job, so we're moving again. So, we might not be able to see each other for a while, I know they won't let me call you or contact you if they can help it."

Sorscha felt like her chest was about to burst and when she tried to speak, she genuinely couldn't catch her breath. Clodagh simply caught her hand gently, before smiling once again.

"Sorscha, listen to me. I will find you and we will be together again. Go to college, university, whatever you want to do, wherever you need to go. I will come and find you. I promise."

"If you get there before I do
Don't give up on me
I'll meet you when my chores are through
I don't know how long I'll be
But I'm not gonna let you down
Darlin', wait and see
And between now and then
Until I see you again
I'll be loving you
Love, me"

- Love Me (Collin Raye)

❤️

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