STAY

[note: the senior high school is still not implemented in this book.]

CHAPTER 3- STAY

I have never forgotten my promise. If I get to see my Heather again, I will fulfill that promise right away.

I have been ready my whole life and I think this year is the best year for it.

As the wind softly touched my face, another scene from before flooded my memory.

"Two months from now, you'll start college already, and I am gonna be on the tenth grade!" Heather said cheerfully.

She really amuses me everytime she is excited and happy.

"I know. Both of us will be separated since College and High School are not on the same building," I said.

Her smile faded at the moment.

I chuckled, "don't worry, we will still see each other. I will still take and get you from School."

She sat on the tire swing that is hanged on the tree. We are in our favorite place-where you can only see nothing but tall trees and the wide landscape of green grasses. Both of us loves nature that is why this place became our favorite.

"But in College you will get very busy. It's okay if you can't take or get me from school. You know it's always been goals before anything else, remember?" she said pouting.

My Heather is just too cute.

Eversince we met, both of us are inseparable, and we are close to five years of friendship because I was in first year high school while she was in the sixth grade when we first met.

Our day to night bonding will be minimize since the next school year will be a challenge for the both of us.

"Yes, I remember, but you are important too. You are a part of my goal."

She chuckled and then jokingly wiped her eyes as if there were tears rolling down her cheeks, "I am so touched. Should I cry?"

I rolled my eyes jokingly, "you really spoil everything."

She laughed and it was music to my ears. She didn't really change even after years. Her innocence remained and that will always make her beautiful.

"I will probably melt if you'll continue to stare at me like that," she said while her eyes fixated on mine.

"I just can't help it, Heather,"

"Why? Am I too beautiful?" She then confidently smirked.

"Dream on, Heather. You look like a monkey in my point of view." She rolled her eyes and I just gave her a laugh.

"You are no fun," she said glaring at me with those eyes that could make my heart flutter every now and then.

I went to her and crouched, "I am just kidding."

She pouted her lips that made me a little bit distracted, "you will always be beautiful in my own point of view, Heather."

Her eyes twinkled like those stars in the night sky. Her lips formed into a smile that made her the brightest in my eyes.

My ever innocent lovely Heather.

"We should go now Jersom," she said looking up into the sky that is already turning orange.

"Alright." I seconded.

Just like the usual, I held her hands and we walked on the road leading to her house.

"Will you still stay with me even after this?" she suddenly asked, her voice a little sad.

I looked at her. How can I leave if she is this precious.

She is my angel, and will always be.

"I will never do that, Heather. When I held your face on the first day we met, it means I will never let go." I let her look at me and then I carresed her face, "and when I say I will never let go, I'll fulfill all of those promises to you one by one."

She looked at me in the eye with a tear rolling down her cheek.

I smiled gently and wiped the tear from her cheek.

"My Heather's a softie," I said giggling. She gave me a glare and a smack in the arms for teasing her.

I just laughed, "you are really not meant for crying. I'd be happy if you put on a smile now."

Heather just furrowed her eyebrows more. She looks cute but she is really pretty when she smiles.

"Turn that frown upside down," I said that made her smile a little bit. "That's it, baby. Smile for me."

She intertwined our hands, "I promise to stay with you too, Jersom. No matter what it takes, I'll stay. As long as you're with me."

"As long as you're with me." I repeated.

She smiled that made her shine brightly. She is like the sun. When she smiles, she gave off a better lighting.

"Let's go now," she said, our hands still intertwined.

"Lets go." And then I brought her home safely.

The next day went by and as usual I went to Heather's house to pick her up.

We have plans today that is why I am here standing outside their house.

I saw Aunt Heira, Heather's mother, outside their house watering the flowers. I went inside their opened fence and greeted her.

"Jersom! You are here early. Heather is not ready yet," she said.

"It's fine, Auntie, I can wait for her at the same time help you with this."

Aunt Heira smiled and let me take over.

"You're such a gentleman, Jersom. Clarise raised you well,"

"My mom really raised me well, auntie, and I am thankful for her,"

"Keep it up Jersom because I want you for my daughter."

Aunt Heira tapped my shoulder before she went inside the house probably to call Heather.

I was left outside smiling because of what Aunt Heira said.

I've known Heather's parents for quite a long time now. I even remembered the first time I met them and it was totally embarrassing. I remember I stuttered the first time I saw Heather's father; Uncle Dylan. He was not strict but he looked like he could choke me if I say something that could offend him but he's actually nice.

"You are here early," said Heather.

"As if I come here late,"

"Yeah whatever, Jersom. What did you and my mom talked about?"

"Why?"

"Mommy said something confusing... So what is it?"

I chuckled that made Heather more confused.

"Tell me what is it?" she asked, still confused.

"Something good to hear." I said that made me in a good mood.