Promise I Will

33

Today was the day our English assignment was done. I did it. I was proud. But my stomach was turning in circles because the teacher just announced we would be orally presenting our essay on the novel of our choosing.

My novel being The Fault in Our Stars, I wrote my feelings about it down in an instant. My writing flowed out and I wrote enough to be a novel. Of course, I had to shorten it and make it fit into a small three paragraphs.

I was content with the final finish, but I was shaken when Mrs. Blanin announced an oral presentation. I didn't want to present this in front of everyone. Was she nuts? It was filled with so much emotion that it would be so embarrassing. She can't talk in front of 30 students, let alone to one person without stuttering and no eye contact.

As time ticked by, one by one each person went up to present. It wasn't in any particular order, but she couldn't avoid going up sooner or later. Suzy went up and her essay was on The Great Gatsby, Anthony's on Divergent, Tiffany's on The Maze Runner, Karen's on Little Women, and so one. Her name wasn't called, but by the near end of class there were only 5 people left, including herself.

The bell rang just in time. Thank god, I thought to myself.

"Okay, those of you who haven't presented will do so tomorrow in class. No excuses, I want to be moving on to our next assignment by the end of tomorrows class. See you all tomorrow. You're free to go." Mrs. Blanin dismissed us and the whole load of students crowded the door, showing no intent in staying any longer than they had to. I felt the same.

As I finally made my way out of class I ran into a warm body while turning a corner. "Watch where you're going, idiot."

I lower my eyes down to the floor in embarrassment. "So sorry." I mutter the apology. I hear a huff of frustration, but they keep walking past me. On any other day I would have ran to the bathroom to cry my eyes out, but today I had only one thing on my mind... The meeting with Mr. Anderson.

It was Monday, so that meant that my parents would be here very soon if not already here, and we would have a meeting with Mr. Anderson about what Carson told him on Friday. I'm scared to death of what is going to happen.

What if they think everything is fake and that I just want attention? What if they don't care?

I walked into the office and as I did, I saw the blonde headed boy whose lips tasted of a sugar so fine it had you craving for more. I smiled with joy and melted in his warming arms.

"It's going to be fine, don't worry." his voiced soothed the dull ache that had started to form in my stomach, the situation getting to my head.

"What if they think I'm lying?" What if they think I just want attention?" I ask in a hushed tone.

"They won't." was all he said.

"You don't know that." I murmured.

"Yes, I do."

"No, you don't."

"Oh, but I do." I smiled softly and buried my head into his chest.

"Do you want me to stay?" he asked, not pulling away from the comforting warm embrace.

I nodded, hoping that he would understand. "I won't go. I'll sit in this office all night if I have to."

I chuckled and I could feel him doing the same thing when I felt the small vibration in his chest. I couldn't help but want this moment to stay forever.

"Anna. Your parents are here, and Mr. Anderson wants you to go in now." The polite old lady announced from behind the front desk.

"And..." I said to Carson, our word we used as our 'okay'.

"And..."

* * *

"Mr. And Mrs. Mills, it's nice to meet you." Mr. Anderson said to my parents who were seated next to in the small claustrophobic room.

"And you as well." My mother responded with a polite voice.

"As I already informed you through the phone, we are here to talk about what has been going on in Anna's school life in the past little while." All eyes were on me.

My heart was racing. Could they hear it? What were they all thinking in those large squishy brains of theirs?

"I was informed about some very brief situations by another student of ours. Of course, Anna needs to admit those details with us and clear them up whether bad or good. I want to help and I'm sure you do so as well." Mr. Anderson spoke in a professional voice.

My parents stayed quiet, only a small nod from my mother corrupted the almost silent room with the occasional beep of the principal's walkie talkie. I could only think about what could be going on in their heads. Were they judging me? Probably.

"Anna. If you would." He said, hinting at the topic of interest. In all honesty, I didn't want to be here. I didn't want to spill the details of what had happened to me, what has been happening to me.

I sighed deeply and opened my mouth to speak, but nothing came out. I licked my lips and blinked lightly, scared I might black out. I tried once more but the same case scenario took place. Nothing came out.

Then finally I spoke, "Could Carson come in. It would make this easier." I looked down at the floor, shielding my eyes from the response.

I was surprised when Mr. Anderson got up and opened his office door and asked Carson to come in. He of course promised me before going into the office that he would wait outside till it was over. I was sure glad he did. As he walked in, I could physically feel the dread, stress and ache lift off my shoulders.

When Carson sat next to me, I wondered what my parents thought about it. But the thought left my mind when once again Mr. Anderson asked for me to speak. And when I felt Carson's hand gently slip into mine and squeeze it for comfort, I looked at him and smiled.

Looking back to Mr. Anderson, I told him everything...