Broken Promises

Prologue

"Emerson?" Liam asks, running his hand through his brown curly hair.

I look up from my small, fumbling hands, not really liking the tone in his voice.

I found his big, deep, brown eyes penetrating me, and I couldn't tear my eyes away.

"Yes, Liam?"

"I have to tell you something.." the fourteen year old boy trailed off. A smile was tugging on his lips, and my heart sank. Is it a girl that he is fancying?

"I have something to tell you too."

Liam looked relieved. "You do? Go first."

I shook my head. "No. You brought it up first. It's probably better than mine anyway." I grin at him.

He bit his full pink lip, then burst, "I'm auditioning for X-Factor in London in a week. But we are leaving tomorrow morning to go and stay with family there."

My feelings were mixed. I was relieved because I now know that it wasn't a girl, but Liam is such an amazing singer that I know he will go somewhere, while I'm still here, in Wolverhampton.

I was speechless. I saw that he was still waiting for a response, so I managed to squeak out, "I- I- I'm speechless! I'm so happy for you! You are going to go so far! I just know it!"

Liam broke out into a huge smile, and enveloped me in a bear hug. I inhaled his woodsy scent, wanting to soak it all in before he left. The thought of him leaving brought tears to my eye. I pulled away, and wiped the tears away. But it didn't help, I was bawling like a baby now.

I hiccuped, and realized that I was once again buried in Liam's chest. He pulled away first this time, and grabbed my chin gently, pulling my face up so we look in each other's eyes again. "Hey, Emmy, don't cry, please don't. I'm not going to be gone that long. I doubt I will make it very far."

I shook my head again, my throat thick with tears. "You will though. And I'm just gonna miss you.."

We hugged some more, and then he asked, "Now what did you have to tell me?"

I gulped. I knew that I couldn't tell him, it would only make it awkward when he came back, if he came back. So I made up a lie. "I-..I just wanted to say that I'm your number one fan. When you get famous... please don't forget me, Li."

He ruffled my dirty blonde hair. "Aw, Emmy. How could I ever forget my number one girl? Hm? I will never forget you, I pinky promise." He added when I gave him a disbelieving look. We locked pinkys, and to secure it, we kissed each other's, something we've done since we were little. "I gotta go and pack now. I'll try and call you when we land tomorrow. Next time you see me, I'll be on T.V." He winked at me, and pecked me on the cheek lightly. "Bye Em. Love ya!" Liam called out as he jogged to his house down the street.

I watched as the boy I loved jogged away.

"I love you Liam." I whispered.