Whispers After Midnight: The Promise

I zipped the last compartment of my suitcase, heart fluttering with excitement. My final paper was over just two days ago, and I was done with Year Two of my Mass Communications and Media Studies degree at Arizona State University.

Next semester, Year Three will begin. But for now, I was flying home to Times Square, New York City. Nobody knew I was coming. That was the thrill of it.

Raven, my best friend and partner-in-crime, helped me plan the surprise. Our parents would be shocked, and I could already imagine my baby sister Isabella's screams of excitement when she saw me.

At the Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, I texted Nana, our housekeeper, asking her to make something special for dinner. She was the only one in on the plan. She replied with an enthusiastic yes and emojis that made me smile.

Soon, I boarded the flight and leaned back in my seat. I took a deep breath, trying to calm my racing heart.

When we landed at LaGuardia Airport in New York, the sun was mild but golden. I inhaled the city's familiar air like it was medicine.

I booked a ride immediately, and thirty minutes later, we pulled up in front of our mansion. The tall iron gate, the trimmed hedges, and the fountains dancing in the front yard all screamed home.

Dragging my suitcase along the paved path, I assumed no one was around except Nana. But as I got closer, I saw her head pop out through the window.

Her eyes widened, and she ran out, apron flapping behind her.

"Mia! Oh my goodness, child!" Nana rushed to hug me, arms wide like angel wings.

"Hey, Nana! Don't tell me you've missed me more than I've missed you!"

She kissed my cheeks and said, "You grew skinny. What have you been eating? Grass?"

I laughed and wheeled my bag inside. "You'll feed me back to size in no time."

The house smelled like vanilla and pinewood. The cream-colored tiles shimmered under the chandelier light, and the scent of cinnamon drifted from the kitchen. "Nana, I've missed this house, your food, the air. I could cry!"

She opened her mouth to speak, but I cut her off with a loud squeal. "I'm finally home!"

"Mia-" she tried again.

"Later, Nana! Let me go upstairs and-"

Then I froze. I heard giggles. Grown-up giggles. My brain stalled for a second.

I took a few steps back toward Nana, eyes narrowed. "Who's laughing in the kitchen?"

She looked at the ceiling like she hadn't heard a thing. I tiptoed to the slightly open door and peeped. My mouth parted.

There they were. My parents. Allison and Frederick. Acting like high schoolers on prom night. Mom had flour on her nose. Dad was behind her, arms around her waist, swaying as she stirred something in a pot. He leaned in and kissed her cheek. She slapped his hand playfully, but her giggle gave her away.

My heart melted. They didn't notice me watching. They were too busy whispering and stealing kisses.

Growing up, our home had always been like this. My parents weren't just in love; they were addicted to each other. My dad often left work early just to watch mom nap. She always made silly excuses to sit on his lap while watching TV. They danced in the hallway, shared ice cream, and told each other things like it was their first week dating.

Watching them now, I made a silent promise. I would find a man like my father. Or no one at all.

Just as Dad leaned in to kiss Mom again, she spun around with a laugh-and bumped into me. She screamed.

"Mia!" she gasped. "How long have you been standing there?"

I bit my lip. "I just got here."

Nana giggled from behind me, covering her mouth. My dad looked over Mom's shoulder and his eyes widened.

"Pumpkin!"

They pulled me into a group hug. I hadn't realized how much I needed that. I cried.

"Why didn't you tell us you were coming?" Mom asked, wiping my tears.

"I wanted to surprise you, but instead, Nana surprised me."

"And I'm guessing she tried to warn you?" Mum said, playfully rolling her eyes at Nana.

"I should have listened." I grinned, then looked at them suspiciously. "But what are you both doing at home on a Wednesday? I chose today because I knew you'd be at work."

Dad kissed Mom's temple. "We decided to take the day off. Just to be together."

"Aww! That's it. I'm getting myself a man like Dad or I'm staying single forever!"

I ran upstairs laughing. My room was still the same-sky-blue curtains, soft white bed, photographs of our family along the shelves. I collapsed on my bed, hugged my pillow, and repeated the promise. A man like Dad. Or no one.

Later that afternoon, we had lunch. We talked about school, exams, and my plans for the break. Isabella wasn't home yet. She was in college too, studying at The City College of New York, and would return by the weekend. I couldn't wait to see her.

That night, I had a call with Raven.

"Noah's back too," she said.

I paused. "Noah Bradford?"

"My brother. Yes. He got in this evening."

I groaned. "Good thing he didn't fly with us," I said. "I would have refused to board the same flight."

"You're so dramatic."

"Dramatic? That boy thinks the whole world revolves around him!"

I ended the call and stared at the ceiling. The image of my parents played in my head again. Their love was beautiful, pure, and rare. I whispered once more, "A man like my father. Or nothing."

By the weekend, Isabella returned. The house felt complete again. We laughed, watched movies, and made pancakes at midnight.

Days passed, and I started following my parents to the Production studio. I learned to handle cameras, sit in on interviews, and even edit scripts. It was refreshing.

Soon, the holidays ended. Year three was here.

Raven arrived to pick me up. I dashed out, only to freeze mid-step.

"Noah?" I scowled. "You didn't say your brother was coming!"

"We'll miss our flight if we don't go now," she said.

I got in reluctantly. Noah didn't say a word. He was texting Ava, his girlfriend. I looked away.

I hated him. Not just for being arrogant but for how he treated women like toys.

At the airport, I almost screamed when I saw his seat was between mine and Raven's.

"Really, Raven?" I whispered.

She shrugged.

As the plane took off, I glanced at Noah's screen. Messages from girls flooded his WhatsApp. I sighed and muttered under my breath.

"If Noah was the last man alive, I'd stay single forever."

I threw off my blanket and jumped out of bed, a bright grin spreading across my face.

"Third year, baby," I whispered to myself, my voice full of excitement.

I grabbed my notepad and books, tossing them into my bag without a second thought. Sliding into a peach-colored fitted top and my dark skinny jeans, I paused only to lace up my white sneakers. They were still spotless, and I wasn't about to ruin that.

I clipped on my sparkling earrings and sprayed a bit of vanilla perfume onto my neck. The mirror caught my attention. I stopped in front of it, standing tall.

My room wasn't anything fancy-just a small wooden bed, a reading table always messy with novels and half-used pens, shelves full of my favorite books, and a flower-patterned curtain swaying in the breeze.

Around the mirror's edges were sticky notes with reminders like "Ace that test!" and "Be kind to yourself."

I stared at my reflection. My curls spilled down to my waist, and my blue eyes sparkled like they had their own light. The scar just above my brow was faint, but always there.

Somehow, it never made me feel less pretty.

"One more year to go," I whispered. "I'm going to make the most of it."

With that, I grabbed my phone and stepped out.

Lectures passed in a blur. When it ended, I called Raven.

"Where are you at?" I asked, already heading toward our usual meeting spot under the tree.

"Still stuck in Econ," she groaned. "Wait for me?"

"Sure."

I wandered around campus, trying to kill time. That's when it happened.

I took a wrong turn, ended up in the garden behind the arts faculty-students called it Devil's Corner. I shouldn't have gone there. The moment I turned the corner, I stopped.

There he was. Noah. Locked in a very intense kiss with some girl.

I gasped.

They pulled apart at the sound.

"Oh my God! I'm sorry!" I blurted, immediately turning around and covering my eyes. "I didn't mean to-"

Wait.

Noah?

Noah Noah?

The same Noah I couldn't stand?

I turned back, narrowed my eyes, and walked toward them. I dragged a plastic chair over and sat down, folding my arms like I had all the time in the world.

Noah shot daggers at me, gesturing for me to leave. I just smirked and looked away.

The girl finally stormed off, muttering something about crazy people.

Noah marched toward me, fuming.

"What is your problem, Mia?"

"You."

"What did I do to you?"

"You exist," I replied, shrugging. "Honestly, I don't get why girls keep falling for you. You're not even that cute."

He raised an eyebrow. "Oh really?"

"Yes. You think you're God's gift to women. But trust me, you're just a walking red flag dipped in good cologne."

He said nothing. Just stared.

I continued anyway. "Sure, maybe your abs are decent-if you like guys who basically live at the gym. But that's it. You're not even close to the kind of man I admire. You're not a tenth of my father."

"Are you done?"

"Not quite," I said, leaning forward. "I used to think maybe there was something charming about you. But after this... yuck."

He stepped closer, his smile shifting into something mischievous.

"Anything else?"

His face was so close I could see the birthmark at the side of his neck. And his eyes-golden brown with an odd glow. There was a dimple. Of course he had a dimple. Stupid dimple.

I blinked, realizing my eyes had dropped to his lips.

"Mia..." he whispered, leaning in.

I held my breath.

Then he started laughing.

Loud, unbothered laughter.

"You're all talk," he said. "You call me a flirt, but look at you. I've heard you ranting with my sister. You talk about me nonstop. And now? You were ready."

"I was not!" I snapped.

"Oh, please. You were waiting for the kiss."

"Ew!"

He crossed his arms. "Let's be honest. I could have any girl I want. The most beautiful girl in the world would beg for me."

"Except me," I hissed, getting to my feet.

He scoffed. "You? You're a nerd. Not even my type."

"You're delusional," I growled, grabbing his arm. "If you were the last man on earth, I'd rather die single."

I spat-meant for the ground, but it landed too close to his shoe. Oops.

I gave him one last smirk.

"By the way, your spoiled little girlfriend Ava's been looking all over campus for you."

Then I turned and stormed off.

By the time I reached the parking lot, Raven was already in the car, texting furiously.

I got in and slammed the door shut.

"What happened?" she asked.

I stared out the windshield.

"Mia?"

"Nothing," I muttered, biting my lip.

Raven drove off.

Under my breath, I whispered, "Stupid, annoying, irresistible-"

"What was that?"

"Nothing."

She glanced at me, then gasped. "Wait. Was that... about my brother?!"

I didn't say a word.

But silence can be louder than any scream.

From that day until the end of third year, I avoided Noah like he was infected. Then came the final project.

Final-year students had to work with a junior partner-anyone from 300 level. The junior would present on their behalf. I thought I was safe.

Noah arrived late. Other juniors had been picked.

Except a few of us.

The coordinator sighed. "We'll do a random pick."

Names were placed in a basket. Noah stepped forward and pulled one out.

"Mia."

I almost fainted.

Everyone turned.

Noah grinned.

I muttered, "God, why me?"

Then I stormed out.

We had six weeks to work together. Three passed. I ignored him like my life depended on it. He chased me around campus like a lost puppy.

Then he came to my apartment.

The argument was... wild.

"You're ruining the whole project," he yelled.

"You're just scared because I'm smarter than you!" I fired back.

"You? Smarter? You're just loud."

"I'm loud? You're the one who thinks with his abs!"

Raven came bursting out of her room.

"Will you both shut up? You sound like married clowns!"

She slammed her door.

We stood there in silence.

Noah sighed. "Let's just finish the project."

"Fine," I said. "But I'm not sitting next to you."

We worked during and after lectures. Sometimes in my apartment, sometimes his. The tension shifted.

From tension to teasing.

From teasing to awkward silences.

One night, I fell asleep on his shoulder.

Another night, he brushed my hair behind my ear.

We both panicked.

Feelings were forming.

And I hated it.

So did he.

I tried. I swear I tried to stay focused. Every single time we worked together on that project, I kept my eyes on the screen and my mind on the goal.

Every day, I reminded myself that Noah was not the kind of man I wanted. I told myself over and over that he was nothing like my father. He could never be.

But no matter how many times I said it, my heart didn't listen. Not when I had to sit across from him every day, my eyes always drifted to him. His smirk. His teasing eyes. His stupid cologne that lingered long after he left.

And then came Ava. Always with him. Always around.

Ava was the kind of girl guys turned twice to look at. Tall, glowing skin, soft lips that always had a mischievous curve, silky blonde hair that looked like it belonged in a shampoo ad, and brown eyes that held no mercy. She was gorgeous, and she knew it.

Every time we worked on the project, She was always with him. She'd perch herself on Noah's lap, stroking his hair. Kissing his neck right in front of me like I didn't exist. It was disgusting. Worse, it hurt. And the worst part? I hated that it hurt.

And Noah? He let her.

Until one afternoon, I snapped.

"I'm not doing this anymore," I said, pushing my laptop aside and standing.

Noah raised a brow. Ava rolled her eyes dramatically.

"Doing what, sweetheart?" Ava asked with a sly grin, crossing her legs slowly like she was in a movie.

"This. Whatever this is. If the project means anything to either of you, especially him, then keep the sexual circus to yourselves."

Ava laughed like I'd told a joke.

"I knew it," she said, rising. "You act all calm and quiet, but underneath that façade, you want him too."

I froze.

She stepped closer. "What do you even think you are? You carry yourself like you're better than everyone. You think being decent is some kind of superpower?"

Noah tried to say something, but I cut him off. "I'm warning you. Either you respect boundaries or I'm out of this project."

Noah sighed, then looked at Ava. "That's enough," Noah said, finally standing.

I couldn't tell if he was defending me or just tired of the drama.

"Ava, go home," he said firmly.

She turned to him, eyes wide. "What?"

"You heard me. I'll see you tomorrow."

Ava's mouth dropped. "Seriously? You invite me every time and now because she throws a tantrum, I should leave?"

"Ava," he said, exhausted, "just go."

Ava picked up her bag, glaring hard at me. "Watch your back, Mia. I'm not the kind of girl you mess with, especially when Noah is involved."

She stormed out. The silence that followed felt loud.

I turned to Noah. "It's clear nothing good ever comes from you." I grabbed my things and left.

On the walk home, it hit me like a wave. Noah had been inviting Ava just to get a reaction. To get under my skin. And it worked. A stupid tear rolled down my cheek before I could stop it.

At home, I collapsed on my bed. "What's wrong with me?" I whispered. "This isn't love. It can't be. But why does it hurt?"

I sat up, eyes burning. "Noah Bradford or anyone like him will never happen to me. It's either a man like my father or nobody." I slammed my head back on the pillow and closed my eyes.

---

The project deadline was just a week away. But I kept avoiding Noah. I worked on the slides in secret, doing my part alone. I didn't want to see him. Didn't want to hear his voice or his laugh or smell that stupid cologne.

Noah was losing his mind. He stormed through the school halls asking everyone about me. He found Raven.

"Have you seen Mia?"

Raven blinked. "No. Why?"

He walked off before she could press further. She called me. No answer. She texted. No reply.

She started running through buildings, asking random students.

Meanwhile, I was hidden in the library, surrounded by books, notes everywhere. The place was calm, wooden shelves stretching high, the smell of old paper filling the air. A perfect hideout.

Then the doors slammed.

"Mia!"

Heads turned. Noah barged in, eyes blazing.

"Noah, you can't yell here," I whispered harshly, rushing toward him.

"You think this is funny?" he barked. "Avoiding me? Playing smart with this project?"

"I've been working!" I snapped. "Just not with you."

"Because you're petty!"

"You're selfish!"

We stood face to face now, people watching us.

"I needed you," he growled. "This project is my ticket to graduation."

"And what? You thought bringing Ava to grind on you while I sit and code would keep me focused?"

"You're twisting everything!"

"No, Noah, I'm finally seeing it right."

A librarian shouted. "Get out! Both of you!"

We were pushed out. I stormed down the hallway. Noah followed.

"Mia, stop!"

"No!"

He grabbed my arm. I spun and crashed into his chest.

We froze.

His arms were still around me. My hands pressed against his shirt. My heart raced. His hand lingered, his breath close. For a second, we just stared at each other.

Students stared. Phones out. Whispers everywhere. Then a scream.

"Noah!" Ava's voice cut through me like glass.

She stood a few feet away, frozen. Then she ran forward and started hitting Noah.

"You liar! You cheat! You disgusting flirt!"

Cameras clicked. People laughed. Ava screamed louder.

"We're done, Noah!" she yelled. "Done!"

She shoved him hard and walked off. Humiliated.

Noah looked broken. Angry. Destroyed.

Two days later, I agreed to meet up and complete the project. I told him we'd work only in school. He agreed. We worked like robots, ignoring our emotions. Just tasks and corrections.

---

On presentation day, I wore my confidence like armor. I stood before the class, delivered the slides with calm, poise, and passion. My voice didn't shake. My heart didn't flutter.

Noah stood beside me, shocked.

When the scores were announced, we'd done better than he expected.

Eight weeks passed. Convocation was around the corner. Noah had been away. Raven and I were talking about the event.

She hesitated, then said, "Mia, Noah left you a message. He wants you to be his date to the after-party. He's serious. I think he really likes you."

I blinked. "What?"

"He said he wants to make it up to you. He's been thinking about you. A lot."

I stared at her, unsure.

"Think about it," Raven said gently.

I did.

Days later, I said yes.

On the night of the party, I wore a simple velvet gown that hugged my body softly. My curls bounced as I walked. My light makeup shimmered under the lights. As I stepped into the venue, heads turned.

Noah walked toward me, smiling.

"You look incredible," he said, pulling me into a hug. Then he kissed my forehead.

Butterflies exploded inside me.

We danced. He held me close, eyes only for me.

Then he whispered, "I'll be right back."

He walked off. Minutes passed. Then more.

I searched for him.

I walked into the restroom hallway.

There he was.

Locked in a kiss.

With another girl.

Hannah.

I froze. Covered my mouth. Tears slid down before I could stop them.

I ran.

Ran out. Ran home. Ran from everything.

My vision blurred. My chest cracked wide open.

I didn't stop until I was home, where I fell to the floor and cried like I never had before.

That night, I packed.

The next morning, I was on the first flight out.

I was done with the Bradfords. Forever.