Like The Cool Kids

Chapter 28: Goodbye Empty Promises

The next day, early in the morning I went to 'our place' in the woods. I looked down at the ring that I've been wearing since Tom gave it to me. It feels like its part of my skin now. Like it's tattooed on my finger. I held it and started to slide it out of my finger and I smile, "At least we stayed committed through our deal." I said glancing up into Carter's eyes. He glanced down at his necklace with a side smile. "Yeah." He says while taking it off. I looked towards the pond. "Come on." He says turning around making his back face the pond. "What?" I said looking weirdly at him and confused while doing the same. "I know this is not a fountain or a river but it's ours I guess. Lets throw our promises just like how they did." I wanted to laugh because it's so cheesy and somewhat ridiculous. Instead I smile and held his hand as he held mine "Carter, are you sure about yours?" I ask not sure if he was 100% over her. He answers with a simple, "Yes." and we both lifted our arms and screamed, "1... 2... 3!!" And threw those old empty promises. We instantly heard our items hit the water and we turned around. "I guess this is it then..." I say with a sad smile. "Have a great time in New York." I added. "I'll miss you." He says. "I'll miss you too." I say almost whispering. He held my hand and pulled me in for a hug. His chin was on my head and my arms around his waist. We stayed there for a minute or so before we pulled away. For the last time I looked into his eyes and then stepped back. He smiles, "I'll see you." He says while walking way backwards. "I'll see you too Carter." I smile. As he was walking, I only hoped that I could truly trust him again. However, tonight was an important night at Sam's House. It is the annual Christmas party. Though, We still have a week before the official day of Christmas, it is not early to start celebrating with friends and family.

My mother and I spent the afternoon at her boutique to see what dresses we should both wear. "Mom, I know this is your design but it is not for me." I said walking out of my mother's walk in closet. I had this navy puffy knee length dress that I disliked so much. "It is defiantly not you." She says sending me back in with another dress. This time I tried this beautiful dark shade of red and it's a retro sweetheart neck sleeveless velvet kind of dress. It's right above the knees and it looked so classy and perfect for a Christmas dinner evening with Sam's family and friends. "It looks perfect!" Mom said the second I walked out. "This is one of my favorite designs for this winter." She says turning me around. "Mine too" I reply happy with the way it looked.

It was almost 7 pm and all of us were waiting for my mother to come down so we can leave. My mom walks down in her black lace tight dress with her black Louboutins and a red lipstick on. She had her hair in a sleek ponytail with a twirl at the end. And of course diamonds are a necessity for my mother. We all took photos before we left because according to my parents my brothers never clean up that nicely. I looked over at Dad and Kyle who were both wearing black ties, then Caleb with no tie as usual and Cole with a burgundy tie (because apparently he's matching Sam's burgundy lace dress). They all looked very dashing.

"You guys look gorgeous!" Sam says the second her housekeeper opens the door. "Thank you Sam, you look beautiful yourself." My dad says giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Marry Christmas!" I said while giving her a hug.. "I'm the boyfriend who needs to kiss his girlfriend, so move" Cole says pushing me out of the way and immediately kisses Sam while wrapping his arms around her waist as he picks her up. "I'm going to say hi to your parents." I said walking to the filled house with people I never met. Finally after what it seemed like forever, I spot Sam's parents who were greeting someone that looked familiar. As this person turned around, it appeared to be Thomas. I smile and he notices and smiles back. I make my way to greet Sam's parents with a smile on my face and they welcomed me like I'm their own daughter. They were nice people just not there for Sam when she needed them the most. Tom approaches me with a smile, "Hello there." "Hey" I gave him a quick hug. "My parents are excited to see you" "Wow that's a first." I said surprised of his parents. "Well, since they knew I was dating Tori, you've become a better option." "I don't remember I was the better option a few years ago." He chuckles. "Just greet them the way you usually do." I see his parents and they both smile brightly at me. "You look wonderful Katharine!" "Oh thank you, so do you Mrs. Hamilton and Mr. Hamilton looks great as usual." "Oh honey, you're so sweet." Says Tom's mom with a smile. "I'm glad to see you again Katharine. How are your parents?" Says his dad. "They are both doing great. Hopefully they'll be able to catch up with you tonight." "I hope so too." "We'd love to chat but excuse us we have some friends to greet." Tom says politely to his parents and we both walk away before they say anything else. "This is the first time your dad actually says that he is GLAD to see me." I chuckle. "They must be crazy if they think they are going to get us back together." "Yup they must be if that's their plan."

After an hour or so, Dinner was served on the grand table that was filled with 40 people. Every chair had a name in front of it. So I sat next to Sam who was sitting next to Cole on my left hand. But on my right hand sat Thomas. Everyone was chatting as they eat away and here I was stuffing my mouth with food and so was Thomas. I loved the catering that Sam's parents always hire and I don't get to eat that food except in this party every year. The minute dinner was over, Tom ushered me to the closest room and it turned out to be Sam's father's office. We walk in and Tom closes the door behind us. I turn to face him confused of his sudden action. "I couldn't give you the gift earlier because it was still in my car but here you go" He says pulling out a small box from his jacket pocket. "That's not fair, I still have yours at home!" I said as I hold the small box in my hand. "You can give it to me tomorrow morning before I leave to London." "This box looks expensive Tom. You didn't have to get me anything." "God Katharine stop talking and just open the box." I open it and I see a silver camera charm that usually is placed on a charm bracelet. "It's beautiful Tom." I said giving him a tight hug. "It's probably confusing for you that you don't have a charm bracelet but everything will make sense on Christmas day." I looked at him confused. "You'll understand soon enough." He smirks and I just slightly shake my head at whatever he or the rest were planning. "I'm glad that we're friends by the way." He says before opening the door to leave and I smile, "I think we were meant to be friends." He nods in agreement and we both head back to the living room to enjoy the rest of the night with our friends and family.