The Promise of Forever (Book One: Part One) - PUBLISHED!

Chapter Six

“Alright class, have a wonderful weekend, and I’ll see you all on Monday.”

Some of the kids groan, and one even goes far enough to say, “Can’t I get hit by a bus first?”

“Mr. Delaney,” the teacher says angrily, “your grade in my class will reflect that comment.”

° * ° * °

I’m happy to finally be outside in the sun, breathing the fresh air and knowing that I have Saturday and Sunday to relax. But then I remember the dance that will begin in three hours, and nervousness fills me. There are so many things that could go wrong.

I see Mrs. Johnson in her Mercedes entering the school grounds and after looking both ways, cross the road and get in. I always think about that truck that I was almost hit by whenever I cross a street.

I’m so consumed in my nervousness that I don’t hear Mrs. Johnson until she says my name “for the fifth time”.

“Sorry,” I say.

“It’s all right. I was asking how school was today for you.”

“It was okay.”

It really was. I was left alone by Gary and his friends, surprisingly. I’ve hardly ever gotten a break from them since my first day at this school.

I was also left alone by Christopher. I still feel a little bad about my reaction to his touch yesterday at the shoe store. It’s been nearly four years and I still struggle with the emotional damage and memories of the years of trauma. I absolutely hate how I respond to people who try to show me love. I never know how to receive it.

“Are you? Okay, I mean.” Before giving me a chance to answer, Mrs. Johnson voices her sudden understanding. “Oh… Anxious about the dance?”

“Mhm,” I answer, nodding.

“Don’t worry,” she says, sounding surprised in a way that I’m feeling this way. “You seemed so excited about it at Rosie’s house! You’ll have fun, I promise, and you’ll even tell me you wish the night won’t end! That’s how it always turns out. Am I right?”

“This time could be different.”

“Trust me, baby. Everything will be okay. I wouldn’t take you if I had any doubts.”

Sighing, I feel myself beginning to shake. Nausea washes over me, so I stare out the window, rather than at the floor of the car.

That’s when I see him.