One Promise.

Chapter 1: One Promise

Beautiful weather has always made everything so much more significant and full of life. It's never this warm here in London; sun is out, smiles smudged on people's faces, from ear to ear and happiness quickly filling the atmosphere around us all. Flowers-brightening the streets, with warm, fresh, delightful fragrances filling our lungs and exhaling excitement.

On my way to meet mum, dad and sister, just before I take off into the adventures America holds for me.

It's been almost 2 weeks since I last saw my dear family. I've been getting everything ready for my flight later today, that I haven't even had any time to pay them a visit. I'm going to New York, the city of buzz and love, for six months and staying over at my best friend's Lilian's house.

Lilian has been my best friend for more than 16 years, I met her in a library near my house when we were 6. Ever since then, our parents became great friends and still remain the same now. We actually went to the same secondary school and after secondary school we both decided to go to different colleges, I went to Southbourne College and Lilian decided to go of to New York. Lilian had always wanted to visit New York, so it was her perfect opportunity. She saved up some money and managed to travel there, pay for college and even rent a cosy place there, of course, with the help from her parents. And what greater idea than me visiting her for some months? Couldn't be crazier actually.

I drive down kings-borough road to our family coffee shop. Our family shop has been opened for more than 36 years. My mum had always wanted a coffee shop of her own. I pull up and immediately spot my mum, standing by the till, daydreaming-as always. I jump out of the car in almost never-before anticipation and excitement to see them. Rapidly locking my car, I make my way over to the front door. Opening the door, the buzzing and loud sound of the lovely and decorated bell on top of the door quickly wakes her up from her daydream and she gives me a long smile.

"Darling, how wonderful to see you after so long." Mum says joyfully, sounding completely thrilled to see me.

"Oh mum, I've missed you so much." I jump into her arms and let our bundles of joy escape everywhere, like dropping open a tin of ants. I am quick to spot my beautiful sister Esther, she's recently graduated and I am immensely proud of her, she's done so well. Esther is a year younger than me, and has always been more studious and a bit more intelligent than me.

Oblivious to everyone I get into Esther's arms and gracefully give her a warm-proud hug. "Hey Claire, I've missed you". Esther's delicate, soft voice quickly leaves a message in my heart, reminding me how much I am going to miss her. "I'm going to miss you so much, Esther".We hug again with joy, but with a slight spoonful of sadness.

"Let's catch up then, shall we?" Mum hurries us over to a table over to the corner, still near the till so she can keep an eye on it. "So, are you excited about leaving for America this evening?" "Extremely, Esther, I can't wait for the journey, to see Lilian again, to meet new people, learn new things." I reply to Esther's question. Excitement soon starts to build up in my veins and I seem more anxious about it than ever.

I soon begin to wonder where dad is. "Where's dad?" I ask questioningly and confused. "His at Jerry's, he had to quickly pick something up. He should be here soon." Mum says, but I can't help but feel like she's nervous, almost like she's trying to hide something.

"Oh, I see." I dismiss the thought immediately, and get back into conversational mode.

" So tell me Esther, what's new?"

"Hm. As you know I've just graduated from college, and now I'm planning to go university. Derek and I have been great lately and I'm so happy." She gives me a long smile and I can tell just how happy Derek makes her feel. Derek has been Esther's boyfriend since last year. They met at college whilst working on a project together, they are both incredibly cute. Who knows, maybe I can be just as happy as they are, some day...maybe.