Chapter 1 Prologue

The street lights lining the narrow dirt road where they stood flickered, casting shadows of different shapes on the ground. The chilly wind of February blew their hair in a mess. Vehicles honked, as their headlights illuminated the two fourteen year old couple amidst the mountains of gravel which lined the sides of the street that is under construction.

Michael stood in front of her, he ran a finger over her shoulder length hair and whispered, "I'm sorry"

She gazed back at him and smiled. He ended everything. The boy who is the the pillar of her strength amidst the chaos which reigned inside her household. The boy whom she had loved since the second grade—no longer belongs to her.

"I understand," she answered, doing her best to keep her voice and stance steady.

A flash of light illuminated her face as another vehicle went past them. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She can feel her heart breaking. The torturous dance of her emotions nearly robbed her of consciousness.

"We can still be friends," he whispered softly—and all she could do was bob her head.

He smiled at her agreement, then leaned over to give her their first kiss. Yes, Michael and her went out for nine months, and this, will be their first kiss.

The first kiss was supposed to feel euphoric, but not for her. Because her first kiss, was a bitter goodbye.

They stood in front of each other a few minutes more, before he turned to walk away. She wanted to run after him and say that it wasn't alright. She wanted to beg him to reconsider—but she is a coward. So she remained standing in the side of the road, wishing, praying, and hoping.

As his visage dissappeared under the blanket of that cold February night, she turned and walked towards the other direction, thinking to herself. We are young, he will return, someday.