Breaking the Promise (Free to Read Story)

"Whatever happens, I promise I stay by your side. Mahal kita, at 'yon ang mahalaga, Ava." Ava genuinely smiled. There's no room for doubt on how much they loved each other. He never let her feel to question herself or to doubt his love for her. He never let her to feel jealous. Mula noon hanggang ngayon — wala siyang pinagbago. "Basta walang susuko a?"Itinaas rin ni Ava ang kanyang pinky finger. Agad rin namang tinunguhan iyon ni Caleb at inabot ang kanyang kamay. Sealing their promise. "Walang susuko, promise." But the world doesn't revolve as like that. It would never be easy. The more you stay strong, the harder it will be. Parang sinasadya ng tadhana. Kahit anong subok nila na manatili at maging matapang, ngunit anong laban nila kung kahit anong pilit ayaw pa rin silang pagtagpuin? "Anak, please come home. Paano mo ba nagagawa saamin ito? How can you turn your back on your family, Caleb?" It was Caleb's mom. She called him after numerous attempts na hanapin siya o mas mabuting sabihin na silang dalawa ni Ava. "Is that Caleb? Give me the phone, I wanna talk to him. He was such a disgrace to this family! Hanggang kailan niya ba papanindigan 'yang paglalayas niya? Walang yumayaman sa passion. Tandaan niyo 'yan." Caleb ended the call. That was exactly the reason why he chose to ran away. Nobody supports him with the things he truly loved. Nobody believes in him. But of course, Ava was the only exception. She was always his only exception. And he will proved to everyone that he can achieve his dreams. Because he will follow his heart with Ava on his side. "Ang p-papa mo anak...." It was just four words, but it made Ava's world to crumpled. His father was diagnosed with brain cancer. And Ava, being the breadwinner of her family, siya lang ang aasahan nilang lahat. "Shhh, I'm here, babe. Don't worry. May kumukuha sa'kin as ghost artist, that would help us." Napalingon kaagad si Ava sakanya. Ghost artist? One thing Caleb hated the most. "H-hindi ba-" He cut him off. "Just for now. Don't stress yourself." He assured her. But it didn't turn things according to their plan. Of course, it would never be easy. It was one night, when Ava caught Caleb kissing another woman. But it didn't end there. Countless times, where Ava actually lose track on it. Hindi na niya alam ang gagawin. His father was still on the hospital, while her sister was still recovering from its leukemia. "Pagod na ako." She paused. "Hi-hindi ko na kaya.", one night where Ava can't take it any longer. "Is that what you wanted?" She nodded. Yes it was what she wants, but why the hell it hurts her so bad? Hanggang doon nalang ba ang lahat? Ganoon na nga lang ba magtatapos ang pagmamahalang paulit-ulit nilang pinaglalaban? Ano nangyari sa pangako nilang walang bibitaw? Kaya pa bang ipaglaban? O dapat nang bumitaw?