The Promise

Written by Chen and Bords

“Love is not enough… not enough to fulfill all promises we made to someone we love no matter how sincere the love could be—in spite of everything.”

I first met Fred during my first year in college. He was intelligent and famous, while I was just a “nobody” who admired him. One day, I was walking my way to my apartment. The rain poured down and then, he offered me his umbrella. He did not know how happy I was that time not because I was with him for a while but because I appreciated him more for being so gentle. Still, I was never expecting that he would be attracted to me until such time that fate moved us closer—we became classmates during our P.E. 2.  When the final dyadic practicum came, our professor chose us to be partners. My heart beat fast when he touched my hands every time we practiced the steps and I could still remember his smile while dancing and our first hug when adjudicators announced us best pair. After that, we became best friends. He started courting me during our last year in college and we formally started our relationship months before graduation.

After graduation, he decided to go abroad and promised me that he will come back to marry me.  We surpassed years of long distance relationship and after seven years, he came back.

It was such a romantic night when Fred proposed to a marry me. He put a ring on my hand while saying the best promise I ever heard in my entire life—that he would love me forever. I do not know if it was just me but I saw the moon shined together with his eyes when he looked at me closely.  Then suddenly, a spark, I forgot all things around us and felt an instant flash in our first kiss. That magical kiss made me wish for that moment to never end…

That same year, my dream came true. Like a princess wearing a white wedding gown bringing a bouquet of flowers, I walked toward the altar. My prince, Fred, was waiting for me to come in front. We took our vows and held our promises with each other. He opened my veil and kissed me in front of our relatives and friends. That was the most unforgettable day that happened in my life.

One night, I called him to say I was three months pregnant. I tried to contact him many times but I got no answer and it was on my eighth dial when he answered. I heard only a loud sound of a horn coming and a crash, then... the call ended. My tears kept falling from my eyes. I did not know what I actually felt that time. I did not even hear him say anything. My baby felt the poignant agony and so, this angel died inside my womb. I lost her. I lost my baby...

Two years after that accident, while I was preparing to go to my job, Fred came. I saw him at the door as if he was waiting for me to hug and kiss him but I did not for I was angry with him. For two years, I have suffered being alone; two bitter years that I never saw him and felt his love.

He entered into the living room and smiled.  He hugged and kissed me in my forehead (he usually did this when he had committed mistakes). Then, he said in a low voice, “Marian, I missed you!” I never spoke for a second. The tears from my eyes answered him. Then, Fred hugged me again but I pushed him away and slapped his face. Then, I shouted:

“How dare you do that? You left me for two years without thinking that I am being killed by my loneliness.”

“Marian, honey, let me explain!”

“Explain what? I thought you love me... I … I thought that you will not leave me. But I was totally wrong!”

“Oh, please! Do not be angry Marian. Here I am, in front of you, begging for your forgiveness. I know it was hard for you. Two years was such a long time. But... but...”

“But what, huh? For two years, you left me alone. Our baby, she died when I heard the news that you met an accident.  You let me think that you were the one I buried… That you were the one I mourned at.”

“Honey, it is not what you think.”

“You broke your promise to me, Fred! I spent my whole life loving you and the rest of my life doing such stupid things just to accept that you're already gone!”

“Please, Marian! It was not my intention to hurt you. I did not know you were already pregnant that time.”

“But what was your reason why you left me?” I still keep on crying.

“Sometimes, love is not enough to fulfill our promises. There are circumstances that might hinder us to make this come true.”

“What do you mean, Fred?”

Then he suddenly hugged me and said, “I love you so much. I never intend to hurt you. Two years before, I never said that. Now that God let me talk to you, please let me know that you forgive me. I do not want to see you mourning and crying because of me. I want you to have a happy life without me.”

“Fred, I was so angry with you, but I couldn’t live without you, I’m still holding your promise deep inside my heart.” I hugged him so tight.

“Marian, I want you to know that I love you and I hate seeing you crying in your deepest pain because of me!”

“So, never leave me again! Fulfill your promise.”

“I couldn't  if only I have a choice… Fate does not allow me. I'm sorry but I must break my promise Marian.”

Then, he kissed me and...

The wind from my open window woke me up. It was just a beautiful nightmare. I cried for the last time. I cannot forget the hugs and the last kiss that he gave me. I hate the thought that he will never come again and fulfill his promise. Then, I remembered that, that day was his second death anniversary. I promised myself I would never cry again as I what he wanted me to do in my dreams. I believe that Fred wanted to fulfill his promise, but death never allowed him to do so. Love is not enough to overcome all things.... Goodbye Fred!