It's hard when someone breaks their promise to you. But when they dig it up, it's even harder. Can an old friendship survive, and perhaps a new flame be ignited? Genifer and Jaysin are about to find out...the hard way.

“I may be moving, but I’ll never leave you alone, okay?” Jaysin said, taking my hands. I nodded, tears sliding down my face. “You’ll always be my best friend. I’ll always call or write to ask for advice, I’ll always help.” he hugged me, and I started to sob.

“I know, I know, but this is so hard!” I said. “It is for me too. But we’ll stay in contact.” he promised. I nodded, and waved as he walked to the car. “I’ll send you a letter as soon as we get there.” he said, climbing into the car with his dad as they drove off.

I walked into the house, ignoring my parents’ sad looks and ran up the stairs. I slammed my door and collapsed onto the bed, letting my tears flow freely.

“Gen!” mom called form the bottom of the stairs. “I’m coming!” I replied, running down the stairs and into the kitchen. I grabbed my plate and sat down at the table. “Hurry, you’ve only got a few minutes.” mom warned, making her own breakfast as I shoved mine into my mouth.

I finished and jumped up, grabbing my backpack. I kissed mom on the cheek and bounded out of the door, just as the bus stopped in front of the bus stop. I jumped on, and slowed down, finding an empty seat near the back.

“Hey, Scar!” a boy jeered. “What’s with the short sleeves?” I ignored him, not bothering to cover my scarred arms like I used to.

I merely turned to see who was speaking, then turned forward again. Ever since Jaysin had moved, I had no friends…that didn’t bother me now.

I had no friends, but there were people who were kinder than others, like Elisabethe, a shy girl that always sat next to or behind me on the bus. As I was thinking of this, she walked onto the bus and plopped down beside me, breathing deeply. “Hi.” she muttered, not facing me. “Almost late again?” I asked, knowing the answer. “You know why.” she snapped. “I know, I know. Don’t need to get snippy.” I replied, turning to look at her.

“Why don’t you just give in?” I asked. “Because, do you know how horrible life would be with my brother?” Elisabethe looked at me. I shook my head. “He is a very violent man. And besides, I don’t want to take care of him.” I looked at her for a moment. “Um….” I couldn’t think of anything to say. “Don’t comment.” Elisabethe said, facing forward again. I was relieved.

“Have you heard from him yet?” she asked, not looking to see my reaction. “No. Of course not. I gave up hope years ago.” I spat, the flame of anger flaring inside me.

The bus stopped at the school. “Don’t move!” the bus driver barked, and we froze. “I heard name-calling in the back. Care to tell me who the victim was?” he yelled. I raised my hand, unafraid of the man.

“Might you know who was calling names?” he asked, his tone softening slightly. “Aiden Myers.” I said without emotion.

“The rest of you may leave, Aiden, stay.” he said gruffly, and there was a scramble to get off the bus. I got off last, hearing the driver lecturing Aiden.

I walked into the school and made a beeline for my locker. As soon as I got there, I opened it, shoved my backpack in and grabbed my books. I walked toward my first class, hoping to avoid anyone who would remind me of Jaysin.

As usual, I never had good luck.

I ran right into Jaysin’s old friend, Josh. “Oh, uh, Genifer, sorry, I’ll just—” he mumbled. He saw the tears in my eyes. “I’m sorry.” he whispered, and disappeared. I full out ran to my History class, and sank into my chair once I was there.

I stared into space, and was awakened by my History partner, Ellieanna Schwartz, slamming her books down. “You had better have my homework.” she snarled. I rolled my eyes, breaking out of my trance. I pulled out her homework and handed it to her. “Here you go, you big brute.” I muttered. “What did you say to me?” she growled.

“You heard me.” I said, not bothering to look at her. She sat and sputtered, until the teacher came in.

“Genifer! You’re up first.” she screeched once she reached her desk. I sighed and grabbed my notes on the Boston Tea Party, then proceeded to walk up to the front. I started to read the report aloud, in a dead, monotone voice.

When I was done, I walked back to my seat and sat down without any change in expression. “Thanks for the massive amount of feeling.” the teacher said sarcastically, turning to pick on someone else. I zoned out for the rest of class, already knowing all I could.

I was the first up and out of the classroom when the bell rang, even before Ellieanna could attempt to lower my already frozen self-esteem.

She didn’t seem to get that I didn’t have any self-esteem…because I didn’t need any. I knew I was an average student, I didn’t get in trouble, and I didn’t have a boyfriend or friends. Big whoop. I didn’t need confidence because I didn’t try anymore. I just didn’t.

I made it to Government and groaned. Another debate. Joy.

I lived through Government, amazingly, only half-heartedly participating in the actual debate. I went to the next class in a trance. I didn’t pay attention in Science, but I always managed to get at least B’s in my final grade. I was no straight A student.

I was still in my trance-like state when I sat down at lunch. I did this often, and I was usually running through memories of Jaysin. It hurt to remember at first, but now the memories were the only things keeping me sane.

“Come on, Genifer!” Jaysin called, startling me. “What?” I asked, looking up from my book. “Come on! Let’s go to the park!” Jaysin stuck out his hand. “The book will still be there when you get back.” he rolled his eyes and pulled me up from the patio seat.

“Wanna race?” he asked, a twinkle in his blue-brown eyes. “You know you’ll win, Jay, but whatever.” I said, a smile on my face. “One…two…three…GO!” Jaysin cried, pelting off while I struggled to catch up. I finally caught up to him and actually managed to get to the park gates first. “How’d…you…win?” Jay asked, panting. “I don’t…know!” I said, gasping myself. I placed my hands on my knees for support as I began to laugh.

“I actually beat you!” I laughed, falling to the ground. “Hey!” Jaysin cried. “That was luck!” he said defensively. “I still beat you!” I gasped. “You’re gonna regret that!” he smiled evilly, than attacked my sides.

“Ahh, ahh, ahh, Jay, stop, stop!” I cried, writhing and laughing as he tickled me.

I felt a tear slip down my face. He couldn’t have forgotten all of that, could he?I mean, he always was a little air headed, but he wasn’t that forgetful…when it was something important…or was our old friendship no longer important to him…?

I couldn’t stand it anymore. I raced out of the cafeteria and toward the exit, wanting to find refuge beneath a tree or somewhere. I finally found a secluded corner and curled up into a ball. I let the tears fall silently, unheard sobs shaking my body as the memories of his promises flooded back….

You’ll always be my best friend.

I’ll never forget you.

You are the only girl I’ll ever be friends with.

I promise, I won’t let you go.

I’m your best friend, you can trust me!

His words slashed at my heart, and more sobs wracked my frame. The bell rang, but I paid no attention; it was my free period anyway. I felt a presence around the corner, but at this point I didn’t care.

“Genifer Adamson?” a slightly familiar voice asked. I looked up and saw the blurry form of Jessipher Tracey. “What do you want?” I asked, memories streaming back at the sight of her.

“I want to know what happened to you six years ago. You used to be this happy, strong girl. Now you’re a shadow, completely and utterly weak, and you don’t speak much anymore. I want to know what happened to the loudmouth, opinionated Genifer I knew!” she said harshly. “She died when Jaysin Haloway forgot about their friendship.” I spat.

“Jaysin would never hurt you, Genifer, he—” “Well, he did, okay? That lying weasel promised to never forget me, and to keep contact. That was six frigging years ago as of next month. I haven’t heard a word from him since he moved.” I stopped her with a venomous tone in my voice, anger seeping in and replacing the aching pain.

“He couldn’t have forgotten though! Do you have any idea what you meant to him?” Jessipher asked in a stark tone of voice. “Whether he forgot our friendship or not, Tracey, he did forget his promise, and that’s not something I can just let go of, okay? It was hard enough losing a best friend when I was freaking ten. I’m not going to forgive him for this, unless he has some miracle up his sleeve.” I said stonily.

“Don’t blame him for this, Genifer. He loved you.” Jessipher whispered, standing and walking away, leaving me seething.

“Twisted witch.” I muttered, standing up and wiping my eyes. I took the way to the nearest bathroom to splash cold water on my face before the next period.

I went into another trance, but this time I allowed no thoughts or memories. I barely finished the quiz in English, and didn’t do anything in Art.

I skipped the bus when I was in the parking lot, choosing to walk home instead. It was a long way, but I needed time to think. Jessipher was right, obviously; I had changed drastically six years ago.

But no one would understand the pain. I loved Jaysin. H was my best and only friend, he was kind and serious and funny and dorky all in one. He made me laugh, he comforted me, he was always there.

Jaysin was never one to break promises. As much of an airhead he could be, he was loyal and never told secrets and always listened.

That’s why his broken promise hurt so much. It had never happened before.

I was waking down my street when a truck towing a moving van pulled into the house across from mine. I looked down, tears stinging in my eyes again. That’s where Jaysin had lived.

I ran into my house, holding the tears.

I nearly plowed into my brother, Danniel, on the way up the stairs. “What’s wrong?” he asked, grabbing me and looking concerned. “You choose now to be concerned? Where the hell were you for the last six freaking years?” I asked in an unforgiving tone, struggling against his hold. “Let me go. I don’t want to tell you.” I snarled, and ripped free, continuing to my room at full speed. I slammed the door behind me, locking it and moving my bedside table and dresser in front of it.

Once I had barricaded the door, I fell onto the floor and curled into a ball, sobs wrenching out of my throat as tears spilled hot and fast from my eyes.

I don’t know how long I was on the floor, but I eventually fell asleep, still crying.

I woke to the light of dawn. I looked at the clock and saw that it was four in the morning. I groaned and got up, sore from my balled position. I stretched and moved my dresser and table, moving silently down the stairs to the kitchen.

I went straight to the cupboard, grabbing a bowl and cereal. I grabbed a spoon next, and made my way to the fridge for the milk. I heard music, and went to the window to see the top attic window open at the house across the street. The music was drifting from there, and I focused on the words, which confused me.

I never thought I’d die alone

I laughed the loudest who’d have known

I traced the cord back to the wall

No wonder it was never plugged in at all

I took my time, I hurried up,

The choice was mine I didn’t think enough

I’m too depressed to go on

You’ll be sorry when I’m gone

I didn’t know anyone but me that knew that song. I knew it was stupid to think that I was the only one who listened to it, but honestly, when you were in a school with six thousand students, two thousand of which were juniors, and no one knew that song….

I shrugged to myself and turned back to my cereal. I finished after about ten minutes, then decided to clean and organize my room to pass time.

I got to my room and opened the door, shocked when I saw a note on my bed. I picked it up and recognized my brother’s handwriting.

Gen, I know you think I don’t care, but I do. The only reason that I left you alone for six years was because I thought that was what you needed. That and I didn’t know what to do.

I don’t want you to think I don’t care for you, because I do. I have since I first saw you in the hospital and mom said “She’s your new little sister.” Right away, I wanted to protect you.

I’m here if you need me, sis. Don’t believe all those books and TV shows that say the older brother doesn’t care. Because I do.

Love,

Danny

A small tear escaped my eye. I set the note back down and went to cleaning, thinking about when Danniel had said while I organized and perfected.

When I was finished, it was six, so I grabbed a set of clothes and went to the bathroom to shower and get dressed. As usual, it took only twenty minutes for me to get that done, so I went downstairs and got my bag, packing it slowly, trying to kill time.

When I was done, I still had fifteen minutes until the bus came, so I decided to walk. As I was walking down the sidewalk, I hard a voice calling for the bus to stop. Luckily, the driver saw, and stopped the bus for the kid, who seemed breathless as he thanked the driver and sat down.

I continued walking, going faster. I had to at least get there at the same time as the bus, or I’d be late. I started to jog, and made it to the parking lot just as the bus pulled in. I rushed to my first class, sitting down and calming down before Ellieanna came in.

The day passed normally until lunchtime. I sat down alone, as usual, but was shocked when there was a commotion at the lunch room doors. I looked over to see people surrounding a boy that I guessed was the kid who’s moved in across the street. The people surrounding him were asking constant questions, and I could hear him answering, but I couldn’t quite discern words.

I shrugged to myself and returned to my lunch, and the day passed normally again for me. I couldn’t say so much for the poor new kid, though. I never got a good look at his face because he was always surrounded by people.

I decided to walk home again. On the way, the bus passed me, and I saw everyone around one seat. I guessed that was where the new kid sat.

Once home, I went to the kitchen and got myself and apple. I bit into it while I plugged my I-pod into the speakers and turned it on shuffle. The first song that came on was Better Than Drugs by Skillet.

I sang along while I tidied the kitchen and got ready to make myself lasagna. “I feel your every heart beat, feel you on these empty nights, calm the ache, stop the shakes, you clear my mind. You’re my escape, form this messed up place, cause you let me forget, you know my pain! How can I tell you just all that you are? What you do to me?” I took a breath, and the doorbell rang just then. I paused my music and ran to get it.

When I saw who was standing there, I froze. Then I did the only rational thing that I could think of; I screamed.

Jaysin is pronounced like Jason
Genifer is pronounced like Jennifer
Danniel is pronounced like Daniel
and Elisabethe is pronounced like Elizabeth.
Ellieanna: Ellie-anna
Jessipher: Jess-if-her

Okay, this is actually a romance with a plot, unlike the pointless, brainless fluff that I usually come up with. Well, maybe not s plot, but at least it has some substance. The song she heard from teh window is Adam's Song by Blink 182. I will use a lot of music in this story, and I might make a playlist of songs that i listen to while writing this story.

I'm continuing even if no one wants me to, because this is a rare occurence for me, to paln out a whole book and know what's going to happen beforehand.

Please review, I don't care if you criticize, and I don't care if you flame. Constructive criticism is welcomed, grammar Nazis are welcomed, and people who like the story are sent many virtual chocolate chips and a virtual glomp. Hehe.

FLAMES WILL NOT GET A REACTION FROM ME. If you flame, whatever. I don't care. I'll laugh. You are obviously unimaginitive and need a life and friends if you flame people.

That is all.

xPeacexinxDarknessx

(P.S. I don't own the songs Better Than Drugs and Adam's Song, nor do I own teh bands Skillet or Blink 182. I'm just not that lucky.)