A Promise kept

CHAPTER TWO

At Beverly Hills High School...

"Today I'm writing my last exam, then off to college I go," I say to mom, as we finally pull up to my school. "After writing, we're going somewhere to celebrate. It'll just be me and Lena, so you don't have to pick me up," I tell my mom. "Well, you girls deserve it," she says. "I'll send you some money when I get home. I have a flight in the afternoon, so you'll only find your brother at home. He did say he'll be back today."

I kiss my mom's cheek and exit the car. "Thanks, Mom. I better get going. Have a great day, bye," I say as I close the door. "Bye, sweetheart," she says, then drives off. I head inside, searching for my best friend Elena at her usual spot.

"Rory!"

I turn with a smile to find her already walking up to me. "Lena!" She catches up to me, and we both laugh while hugging. "I can't believe we're almost done with high school, but I am so not looking forward to this Biology test. Do you know what I am looking forward to though?" she says as we let go of each other and walk inside.

"Graduation!" we say in unison, then laugh.

Elena Miller and I have been friends since kindergarten. We started out as a big group, but as we grew up others took different paths and only she has been there since.

"I know. Now let's go and show this Bio exam who's boss," I say, and we hug again. "Yes, president!" she says, saluting, and we laugh and head to our respective exam rooms.

2 HOURS LATER...

I exit the exam room and look for Lena. When I don't see her, I text her to meet me outside. While waiting, Cory Luke approaches me. A boy who just won't give up.

"Hey Aurora, how did you find the exam? Well, I'm sure it was a piece of cake to you." Cory is handsome, nice, and smart too. He's been asking me out, but I just never had those feelings for him. We do get along though.

"Hey Cory, it was good. How about you?" I look up at him.

"Yeah, it was great. Rory, when will you give me a chance? I only want to take you out. You don't have to reciprocate my feelings."

Well, here we go again. "You just won't give up, will you?"

He shrugs and smiles. "Fine. Just one date. Just one," I say, holding up one finger.

He throws his fists in the air. "Thank you, Rory! I promise you won't regret it. How is this Saturday?" I spot Lena and wave at her. "I'm free, so just send me the details and I'll show up."

He nods and leaves, smiling.

"What's loverboy smiling for? Did you finally agree to his advances?" Lena says as soon as she reaches me.

"Yeah. I mean, one date won't hurt, right?" We start walking out to catch a cab.

"What about you-know-who? Are you going to forget about him?"

"Taxi!" Luckily a taxi stops. We get in and tell the driver we're going to The Grove.

"I mean, it's not that easy, but I have to try. I don't think he even sees me as a woman. Perhaps this was meant to just be a silly crush," I say, looking at the passing buildings as my mind conjures an image of a certain man with short jet black hair and green eyes.