Promise?

Chapter 3

Years passed and they continued to be the same. She'd seen him in a variety of looks and tonnes of his moodswings and together Alan and Chloe had helped each other through everything.

She knew him way too nicely and she knew it wasnt good - the addiction, the affection - for she knew he didnt feel the same.

And among the growing years of their friendship, they'd made promises to each other.

The promises that meant alot to Chloe.

But all this was really good to be true.

It had been days she'd had a nice word with him. And somehow she sensed that something was wrong. But she knew better than to interfere, for she knew he needed space. Maybe it was one of his moodswings and that he'd eventually tell her everything like always.

So that day when Alan called her, she had a gentle smile playing on her lips just as adrenaline rushed through her.

She picked up, trying not to sound overwhelmed, failing miserably.

"Hello?" she said

" Where are you?" he replied flatly.

"At my place. Why? Is everything okay? Do you need something?"

" I am okay. Just had to tell you something."

She felt pain surge through her at his short replies.

"Yeah go ahead. I'm listening."

" I have to leave." he stated simply.

Shocked as well as hurt, she tried to find her voice to let out a reply. After a few moments of silence she managed to speak.

" You mean you're going for yet another vacation?"

" No "

" Then what is it? "

" I'm moving to London. For markering. "

" What? "

" Yes "

" And how long is it going to be? "

" I dont know"

" When are you leaving? "

" Will let you know.

" Ohh. Okay. "

And before she could say anything; he hung up.

Angry at first; as Chloe tried to put two and two together, she knew that going to London wasnt a sudden decision. He was distancing himself from her since a long time so he wouldnt have to face her when he left. With the realisation that dawned upon her, she decided to stay mad at him and not call him. He certainly didnt need to know that this decision of his had an effect on her.

The next day, she heard from Erica who told her that he'd already left.
Betrayed - was the most euphemic description of what she felt.

And as anger and betrayal surged through her; she felt her eyes moisten, and even after trying the hardest to push the feeling back; she felt a tear trickle down from her eyes.

Promise me one thing today.

What is that? Chloe had asked.

Promise me that you'll never cry, whatever the situation might be. Alan said.

Thats really tough you know? She laughed.

I am serious Chloe. He said.

Well, till you are there with me, I dont think I'll ever need to cry.

Good; because I dont want to see you cry. He'd replied solemnly.

But in that moment; whether voluntary or not - she broke her promise. She cried.

Because he wouldnt be there anymore to make sure that she wont.

The next morning, after he'd left; she didnt feel any better, as all that she could think of, was that he was gone. That too, without a goodbye.

She remembered the time when he'd made her promise that ever in his life did he leave town, she'd come to see him off.

He had made her promise that they would talk frequently - however busy - however far - whatever may be the distance. Recollecting those promises; the ones that he had insisted upon; and ironically broken them ever so easily, she laughed hysterically.

She laughed at the situation, at her naivety. It had been ridiculous to think that he had changed or that he cared. She had made a fool of herself.

People always take you for granted when you make yourself too devoted to them. Maybe it was human nature to care less when you know that the thing wont go.

Yes, that must be it. Because till now, even she never cared to think that he'd leave. She was so sure that nothing as such would ever happen.

But at the age of 20; maybe God had planned to teach Chloe a lesson.

The difference being, at 15, ge made her trust and believe him.
And at 20, he made it particularly clear, that everything is temporary.

Five years ago, when she had met him; she was a very closed, shy and an introvert.

But he changed her - for good.

He gave her confidence; and made her believe; while in return, he'd share all that would bother him.

They were like the pieces of a puzzle. Too perfect for each other.

He was her Escape. Escape from a world she didnt like, escape from the nagging thoughts.

But as he left; she learnt not to care about him or any other person again.

And deep inside, she knew that even if she tried to do so - she wont be able to create the same bond. Because some bonds are special. And her bond with Alan; though for a span of 5 years, held an infinite set of memories and the evolution of a clearly better Chloe.

She continued with college, where she met Reece.

They had been friends through college and had been dating since a year; but somehow, she couldnt bring herself to tell him about Alan.

For she was afraid - not that Reece would judge her - but for the fact that if she recollected the whole thing, she'd get all tangled and frustrated all over again.

*******

(present)

Snapping out of her thoughts; she made her way towards her bedroom; and almost unvoluntarily moved towards the desk, removing an old box, thus retrieving a bracelet from it. It still sparkled in the sunlight.

It was the one that Alan had gifted her on her 16th birthday; and she'd kept it with her through all these years.

Holding it in her hand ever so gently, she took a deep breath closing her eyes - doing so that she had done all those years - and finally felt the anxiety leave her.

Somehow, he ( in this case, the bracelet he gave) still was her Escape.

She placed it in the box again and slid the box in a place out of sight for anyone to see and headed towards the bathroom.

It had been an exasperating day for her and she needed a hot shower and a lot of time - to rinse of the memories that had come flooding in - she needed time to again put on the facade; and today it was gonna take a long time for he'd managed to shake her entirely.

Amd then after the shower, she would take a nap - another escape - a rather temporary one.

And maybe tea after she woke up.

But little did Chloe know, that this time, she wouldnt be able to avoid the situations by finding escapes or running away; but will have to face them and make decisions.

Unaware of the plans that Alan had, Chloe quickly texted Reece that she was fine; and was soon lost in deep slumber - her temporary escape.