The Promise That Arrived at Midnight
I was lying down in my bed. Even though I was closing my eyes, I didn't feel any sleepiness whatsoever. And this has been going on for almost 2 hours already. The only thing that I could hear was the sound of the clock ticking throughout my small room where I live.
Why is it that in times likes this? I asked myself.
Well, maybe because it's a time like this. I just want to hurry up and get to sleep. It was right at that moment. The door bell rang. I looked at my phone. It was right as the clock struck midnight. I thought it might be some kind of mistake or prank? If it was a prank then they will pay for their mistake to play prank on me. I decided I would just ignore them, but the doorbell kept ringing annoyingly. What a bother at this hour. I take a wiper from the corner of my room and go towards the door.
That's enough already... I opened the door halfway and looked outside.
Oh, so you live here a sudden voice came from a girl standing next to my door with a cap on her head although she can't hide her long black hairs and wearing a mask.
Hmmmm... I believe you have the wrong room. I can only say that at this moment because the situation is a bit confusing and scary although it's a girl but scary.
... No, it's not the wrong room she replied removing her mask from face. I see a beautiful girl with almond eyes , fairly white skin , a angle standing in front of me when I saw her face clearly, I realized I knew her face from somewhere. It takes a few seconds to remember.
.... Is that ..... Is that you Salina? I questioned
So you do remember me .... Yep that's right. Long time no sees and have you been?
Huh....yeah, getting by, I guess. Now I am too confused about what she is doing here at this hour I don't help but scratch my head.
Is that so? Well happy birthday Jay. As I promised, I came here to be your wife she said with a bright red face finding her hands backside fudging in nervousness my mind doesn't catch up the things and starts to clinch.
The girl standing in front of me saying some odd and strange things is my childhood friend. I haven't seen her in years. Her full name was Salina khan. Salina and me what you would call childhood friends. We met when we were in kindergarten and all throughout senior KG, middle school to Jr. College we were always together. Were, as in the past tense because we haven't seen each other in a few years.
During the summer vacation of jr. college Salina was scouted to become a model , in the beginning, I was also so shocked but I was rooting for her but then perhaps because I had been always been by her side I was numb to the feelings and I didn't realize how amazing my childhood friend was. Salina instantly became popular. Within a half a year, she was on the cover of magazines, and that went viral on social media, and she was even on billboards. All that was left to do was to keep climbing those stairs. She quickly became part of the popular models. Little by little in my conversation with her, various celebrities, singers and actors that everybody could know started to come up casually as her friends. That she met this person at that job. And that they were super nice and things like that. This childhood friend that was always by my side, had gone into a completely different world. Everyone in college admired her and she is always surrounded by girls and guys so I distance myself from her. Eventually, I started to avoid her, and by the time we graduated Jr. College, we barely spoke to each other. That's all I have to say about my past.
I invite her into my room because I am too afraid if someone sees her here. I can't imagine what's going to happen. Before she comes into my room I hide my laptop and I pad my study material under bed. I cover up all the stuff pretty much.
When she entered my room.
Interesting, so this is your room, Jay.
Stop steering around too much. You are making me uncomfortable.
Why? It looks like you keep it pretty clean unlike other guys who live alone. I'm impressed she said still glaring here and there
I'm sure it's way tinier compared to the place where you're living I said because I don't know how to lead conversation further or things will become awkward and to stop her from looking here and there.
Well, of course, because I have a lot of things in my room she said with goggling.
Is she coming here to brag about her life or her home in front of me and I regret leading the conversation.
I offered to sit on my study chair but she sat on my bed. She doesn't bother to sit there for a second. I have given up and sat on the study table looking towards her.
So what is it, what was that about? I questioned
What are you thinking about? She tilted her head in confusion.
A few minutes ago you were saying something about coming here to be my wife I explained what I was trying to say to her.
Oh, yeah. When do you want to do that?
Do what? Now I am confused here.
Register our marriage. I don't mind doing it at any time. I can't wait to go look at the venue and stuff. She said raising her voice in excitement
That's not what I'm saying, wait. I don't understand what's going on. What are you saying, being a wide or marriage certificate, or venue, we haven't even seen each other in years. I burst all of the questions at one time
That's true because, someone is avoiding me this whole time she replied looking at me with sad look
Well that's..... I stopped on my words
Well that doesn't matter anyways and she continued with don't you remember when we are in 2nd grade , I said when we became adults , make me your wife , and you said sure , that was your answer to my proposal she holds her hands close to her chest like it was too romantic and heartwarming story
I feel like I remember something like that but.....
Yeah and then, you said after that, well then, 20 old. When we both become 20 years old. Let's get married. And that was when I decided, that when I turned 20 years old. I was going to marry this boy, you. And today is your 20th birthday. Isn't it? So I came here to pick you up. She said she doesn't even intend to listen to me at all.
I am pretty sure this can't be the case but are you actually waiting until I turned 20? I asked her from the movement and she came to meet me I was just asking her questions
Yeah she replied quickly and confidently
But weren't you always talking about all of the celebrities and singers that you were hanging out with? Yeah she has a lot of people who know court wide.
But it's normal to hang out with your friends, isn't it? Oh, or are you against stuff like that, Jay. In that case, I'm sorry. I won't hangout with them anymore.
No it's not that but aren't you really popular? I slowly start to clear some facts
I mean I guess I am a popular model. So people do talk to me, isn't it normal?
From handsome guys, with a lot of money and they have way too high standards in society. A perfect ideal type for every girl.
That's right
So, then why me? You have way better options than someone like me who's in college. You can live a happy life with them if you marry them.
How can you decide that I can live a happy life with them when I don't know them well? Ideals are ideals they aren't reality. And it seems like you don't get what I said earlier? Throughout I just explained it all to you just now. She said that but I am still confused. I don't get confused about this in my whole life up until now. I want to puck my hair right now.
As if anyone would understand. What year are you talking about, when we were in 2nd grader? I try to explain things to her in a calm way.
Oh, I don't have any intention on listening to your opinion.
Huh....? She doesn't want to listen to my opinion.
No matter how many years ago it was a promise is a promise. So, you have to keep it. So, To begin with, why don't we move together? I don't think two people can live here. So come over to my apartment. Oh, and that reminds me. Your mom is the one that gave me the address to this place, so I've already informed your parents and finished the formal greetings. I was so nervous, when I asked for their son's hand in marriage.
I don't want to ask this. But what did my parents say?
They said please take him.
I bet that they were super excited when they answered straight away. I can already see that. How can my mom be the one who betrayed me first?
Anyway Jay that's that, so let's get married. She said with strong determination.
I knew my childhood friend better than anybody, and I knew that once she decided on something, she would never back down.
Night turned into morning, then afternoon. I was shown into the apartment that Salina was living in. And my jaw dropped to the floor. It was a fancy room, the type you can see on TV when they visit a celebrity home. When I enter her apartment.
It's so big; I can't get comfortable saying that I sit in a corner of her big apartment. I just feel gloomy all of a sudden.
You'll get used to it, don't worry Salina try to cheer me up by clapping her hands
I don't know if I will. Slowly but surely I realized that no matter what I said or tried to do Salina wouldn't accept it, so I decided to suggest an alternative options. Instead of getting married, we would start as a couple first of all, I was a college student. There was no way I could get married. Salina seemed dissatisfied in the beginning, but after begging numerous times she said NO. Now I am thinking what the point of begging her is. Even after that I tried my last resolve to explain her
Don't you think it would be fun for us to enjoy being a couple before we get married? You want to experience that too right? Going on dates, holding hands, going on trips it's going to be more fun right.
Okay let's become a couple. She said with sparkling eyes. She easily convinced by my words. Then I moved to next step that cancel the living together thing. However, when it came to that, Salina refused to budge.
She said, how many years you think it's been and then continues saying, that if she turned away, then I would probably try to run away. I couldn't say anything in response to that so that's how I ended up moving into Salina's apartment.
Salina and I go back to my room pack all the clothes and college stuffs and moved into her apartment.
This is going to be your room, Jay, it's a little small sorry she show my room that was next to her room.
No, it's still bigger than my current room I said this is my genuine answer
Use it as you wish.
So what about rent and living expenses I asked because I am bit concerned about that.
Don't worry about that, I'll take care of it myself.
But that's not acceptable. Let me pay I said it's not like I am going to pay my parents are the one.
Well, then how about you can pay me back when you get a job. You are not going anywhere and I am also still stay besides you from here on forever. By the way, let me explain this is the bathroom and shower. Let's get in together she whispered last part in my ears, I quit don't understand.
At least go to the bathroom by yourself. You're not a little kid anymore or you still scared to go bathroom by yourself?
That's not I am talking about. I meant by baths.
What! That's embarrassing I shouted my heart skipped few beats at this movement.
If we're a couple, you shouldn't be embarrassed. Because we are going to be doing even more embarrassing things eventually.
WH.....what! I want a pure relationship between me and you. There is a line where you can cross and not.
.... You are serious as always. That's what I like you about her whispered.
After she gave me all the information about house, we went to the living room.
I seat on sofa.
I guess that's all there is to explain. If there anything you don't understand let me know. She said and goes towards the kitchen and takes out a box from fridge.
Sure
And then, this is today's main event. Showing a cake she said.
A cake?
Yeah because it's a celebration. She took the cake out of the box and place on table.
I never heard of eating cake as a celebration for moving in.
What are you talking about she said setting the candles on cake.
What do you mean?
This is to celebrate your birthday. So happy 20th Birthday, Jay. She light up the candles and said
When she said that I felt that words deeply in my heart. And I felt my eyes start to get wet. It was my 20th birthday and I was planning on spending it all alone. I thought that I was past any feelings of loneliness or sadness about that.
And yet I was genuinely happy that there was somebody who wanted to celebrate the fact that I was born. I felt like I might melt from happiness, so I panicked and pulled myself together.
Oh! Are you crying? Are you touched? She started to tease me
I'm not crying it's just my sweaty eyes I wiped my eyes
You sure , you're welcome to cry , I'll let you lay on my chest to tell you the truth , I've got some pretty good proportions . She said pointing to her body.
No thanks I said I am getting emotional how can I think about her body
Darn it. Suit yourself.
Hey, Salina I called her
What
Thank you
... You're welcome she also get emotional by saying thanks and just like that , my life began with my childhood friend again.
I wake up on a smell of something good in a while I followed smell it was coming from kitchen.
Good morning I said Salina was in kitchen preparing breakfast. She sometimes do that when she have time but it's really refreshing seeing Salina in apron first thing in a morning.
Morning breakfast will almost be ready.
You don't need to worry about breakfast. I'll just drink some milk I said what I did for last 2 years.
That's not ok. If you don't eat, you won't have any energy and you can't focus on your studies she explained as my mom did.
Sometime has passed since we started living together, and I had actually gotten pretty used to it quicker than I thought I would.
Thanks for breakfast.
Here you go Salina handed me a bowl of rice and hot soup. Salina also joins me to breakfast.
I take a bit from rice and then drink some soup over it.
It's delicious I said without thinking
It's it.
I've been practicing to be a good bridge I am also careful about the calories, so even if you eat too much, you won't get fat
She joined me for breakfast and we started to eat together
This is why you're a model
Jay you have college today, Right?
Yeah?
What time do you think you'll be home tonight? I think I will be late because of a shoot, but about dinner she said with a concerned face.
Don't worry about it. I'll figure it out
.... Hump she pouted her chicks.
What? Did I say something wrong? I am confused from the movement I meet Salina I am all confused and concerned
We just started living together, so you should be disappointed she said she is explaining to me to be disappointed
..... Cute
But even if I'm disappointed, it doesn't mean you'll be able to come home sooner
Well, that is true, but it's about the thought that counts. I want you to want me more just like we used to be in old days
Listen Salina
What?
I really like people who work so hard at their job.
Do you mean....
Yes. You, I really respect you I know that you work hard more than anyone else in this industry. You are my inspiration
Oh Come on you're just making me blush ~ Alright, fine, I'll Go do my best at work today.
S...sure if you're this easy to convince, it's a little worrying.
Did you say something?
Nope Nothing at all
Really?
Oh! On the way home I'll buy some detergent I saw that it was getting low
Thanks that will be helpful.
And like this we finish our breakfast and parted our paths. Salina still has time so she stayed back
What's up obata a sudden voice called me when I entered college it was from my friend ganesh
You look sleepy again today he always sees through me
That's because I am super sleepy. The deadline is coming up soon
I see you must be working hard saying this he takes out his comb from his pocket
Trying although I'm not seeing many results. Don't rush it, don't rush it takes time and effort for a seed to grow he said while setting his hair.
But it's rare for you to come to college when you're that tired
I would much rather be at home sleeping and to be continuing working on my project I said with sleepiness and trying to open my eyes with my all might
Then why don't you. Choose your priorities. He said with looking at my still settling his hair.
I actually moved recently to new apartment
And what does that have to do anything
What I'm saying is I'm not alone anymore so if I were to do that, then the person I'm living with would know.
So it's a girl or boy?
It's a girl
What? So you are living with your girlfriend.
I can't say that but pretty much that's the case. A lot of things happened
What does that mean? Don't confuse me. Hey, are you kidding me what are you going to do about that childhood friend of yours? You...
Well, the thing is that my childhood friend is who I'm living with I busted the truth
Excuse me? I don't understand what I thought you told me you were estranged? He seems confused. Everyone in this novel is confused why?
Like I said. A lot happened
I don't have more energy to explain.
My friend that knew about my previous situation didn't say anything further and I don't intend too. Just like that fighting with my sleep I finished all the lectures and went to the apartment took a nap and again started working on a project.
Just past 8 o'clock in the night, I heard the front door open I close my I pad
I'm home I heard A voice
I reacted to the sound of the voice and went to the front door to welcome Salina home.
Welcome home
Thank goodness she seemed relieved and sat on the entrance
What?
That you're here Jay
What does that mean?
If you ran away from me like you did high Jr. College that would really suck and I don't know what I will do.
Like I said, sorry about that. Guilty here.
You definitely don't mean that she removed her high heels.
That's .... not true
Liar. If you feel that way then carries me to the living room
Okay
I left her in the prince's carry and went towards the living room
You're tired from a long day just sit here I will bring you some water
Yeah, thanks and of course I'm tired. How many gigs do think I was today? She sat on the sofa and let out a big sigh as she was concerned about something.
Here, drink water for now I'll go and get the bath ready, so wait a few minutes.
What? You're going to get in with me? The tease me
Don't say embarrassing things like that. Get in the bath by yourself I still have things to do.
Hey Jay I noticed far now that you're always by yourself in your room what are you doing not to mention you always seem sleepy she seemed down from the movement She sees my face but she is more down now .
I am working on a project. A college project. It's very important and difficult too.
Okay. You better not be cheating on me she silently said.
That makes me the worst man on earth
If you ever do that I won't forgive you
Yeah if that ever happens, don't ever forgive me
After this conversation I sent Salina into the bath I went to my room, And I noticed A missed call on my phone It was an unknown number and so, I called it back....