The promise/pledge

Chapter 6 (first meeting)

As I slipped into the darkness, the sounds of the storm and the pain in my body faded into the background. It was a welcome reprieve, a moment of respite from the overwhelming emotions that had been consuming me.

When I finally regained consciousness, I found myself in a warm, comforting space. The harshness of the storm outside seemed distant now, replaced by the soft glow of a lamp beside the bed. I blinked, trying to focus, and saw Leo sitting by my side, his expression a mix of concern and relief.

"You're awake," Leo said softly, his voice like a soothing melody in the quiet room. "You gave us quite a scare there."

I managed a weak smile, feeling a surge of gratitude for his presence. "Thank you for being here, Leo," I whispered, my voice hoarse from exhaustion.

Leo's hand found mine, his touch gentle and reassuring. "I'll always be here for you, Bella. No matter what storms come our way," he said, his eyes conveying a depth of emotion that touched my heart.

As I lay there, enveloped in Leo's comforting presence, I realized that this storm, both literal and metaphorical, had brought something unexpected—a renewed sense of connection and understanding between us. It was as if the tumultuous night had washed away the barriers and fears that had kept us apart, leaving behind a bond strengthened by shared vulnerability and genuine care.

"I'm sorry for not calling earlier," I murmured, feeling a pang of guilt for worrying him.

Leo shook his head, his expression softening. "Don't apologize, Bella. I'm just glad you're okay. That's all that matters."

And in that moment, as the rain continued to tap softly against the window and the storm outside gradually subsided, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I had someone by my side who would weather the storms with me—a friend who had proven, time and again, that his care and support were unwavering, even in the darkest of nights.

(Present)

I felt a soft knock on my door, pulling me back from the depths of my thoughts. As I blinked away the haze of sadness, I realized that tears had trailed down my cheeks. Hastily, I wiped them away, trying to compose myself before calling out, "Come in." My voice sounded steadier than I felt inside, a mask I wore to hide the turmoil that had gripped me moments ago. It was time to face the present, to confront whatever awaited me on the other side of that door, and to push aside the emotions that threatened to overwhelm me.

there stood Luca, my brother, with a concerned look on his face. "Hey sis," he said softly, "it's been hours since you've been in your room. Want to come and have lunch with me?" His concern was evident, and I couldn't help but smile at his caring nature.

As we sat down for lunch, Luca reminded me excitedly, "Don't forget, we have plans to go to the movies at 9 tonight. It's that new action flick you've been wanting to see." His enthusiasm was infectious, and I felt a surge of excitement myself. Spending time with Luca always lifted my spirits, and I was grateful for his thoughtful gestures.

i went to my room after the lunch and was scrolling through my phone when Luca entered my room, his infectious enthusiasm for our plans to go to the movies at 9 filled the air. His smile was as bright as the afternoon sun streaming through the window, and I couldn't help but mirror his excitement. "Let's grab a quick bite and head out," he exclaimed, already anticipating the fun we would have. I nodded eagerly, feeling a surge of anticipation and gratitude for such a caring brother. 

As we settled into our seats at the movie theater, the anticipation was palpable. The dimming lights and hushed whispers of excitement around us heightened the thrill of what was to come. As the film began, we were transported into a world of adventure and laughter, completely immersed in the story unfolding on the big screen. Luca's contagious laughter and occasional nudges of shared amusement added to the joyous atmosphere. Time seemed to slip away as we laughed, gasped, and cheered together, creating memories that would linger long after the credits rolled.

After the movie, Luca and I walked out of the theater, the bright lights and bustling crowd a stark contrast to the darkness that had enveloped my heart. It had been three years since I last saw Leo, and the wounds of our past still felt raw and unhealed. I wasn't prepared for the sight that greeted me as we stepped into the lobby.Seeing Leo after three years was like a punch to the gut. The moment I spotted him across the crowded street, my heart twisted painfully. He stood there, looking just as I remembered, but there was a significant difference that made my chest ache

There he was, Leo, standing with his back to us, laughing at something his girlfriend had said. She was beautiful, her hand intertwined with his, and the sight of them together sent a sharp pang through my chest. Anger and sadness welled up inside me, a torrent of emotions that I struggled to contain.

Anger and sadness surged within me, a toxic mix that threatened to overflow. I felt Luca tense beside me, his face hardening as he followed my gaze. "What the hell is he doing here?" Luca's voice was low and furious, echoing the storm of emotions inside me.

I wanted to turn and walk away, to pretend I hadn't seen Leo and his new life. But something kept me rooted to the spot, my eyes fixed on him as if I needed to see, to confirm that the person who had once been my closest friend, my anchor in the storm, was now a stranger with a new anchor of his own.

Luca stepped forward, his protective instincts kicking in. "Let's go, Bella. You don't need this," he said, his voice gentler now, though the anger was still evident.

But I couldn't move, couldn't tear my gaze away from Leo. It felt like the storm had come back, not outside but within me, a whirlwind of emotions that left me feeling lost and unanchored. The person who had once promised to be there for me was now a reminder of broken promises and forgotten connections, and it hurt more than I could have ever imagined.

Leo turned, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw me. For a moment, time seemed to stand still. His expression shifted from shock to something unreadable, but it didn't matter. The hurt was already there, festering beneath the surface.

"Bella," he started, his voice hesitant, but I couldn't bring myself to respond. All I could see was the hand he held, the space he now occupied in someone else's life.

Luca, sensing my turmoil, stepped forward, his jaw clenched in fury. "We should go," he said sharply, his gaze never leaving Leo. "Now."

I nodded, feeling the weight of unspoken words pressing down on me. Without another glance at Leo, I followed Luca, my heart heavy with the memories of what once was and the painful reality of what now is. The storm within me raged on, more intense than any tempest outside, as I walked away from the boy who had once been my anchor, now lost to the currents of time and change.

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Hi guys hope you are having a great day

so the first meeting after 3 years how was it?

so how is story till now? hope you guys like it

as always i welcome feedback

like always love you guys:) 🫶 and see you guys in next chapter