The Promise

By Denise

The days and weeks seemed to go by slowly, since the day Antonio left. Fall was drawing near and school was about to begin. This would be my senior year. Oh how I had looked forward to this year, I was going to be an assistant teacher. That was my career goal. I wanted to go to collage to become a teacher. I knew that would be one way of getting me out of this small town.

Steven finally wrote to me telling me about his adventures, in the south Pacific. He was promoted to Ensign. I was happy for him.

Winter finally arrived which meant long cold nights, but my thoughts of Antonio, kept me warm. My 18th birthday came and now I was old enough to start dating, as my father told me. If he only knew I had been dating since I was 14. I didn't care what he said, since I was still angry with him. I couldn't forgive him for sending Antonio away. I knew in my heart that he would be back for me. So, I kept myself busy by attending dances and social gatherings that were held in town on Friday and Saturday nights. I met old friends and made some new. I was sitting at a table talking to a group of my friends when Brett came up to me.

"Hey, Cassandra!"

"Hello, Brett."

"How are you doing?"

"Fine."

"Would you like some punch?"

"Sure."

My friends left as Brett came back to the table. He sat down across from me. "Is your Mexican friend still around?"

"Who?"

"That man that was working for you last summer."

"Oh, you mean Antonio. No I haven't seen him since he left town."

"That's too bad."

"Brett, he isn't Mexican!" I declared as I stood up from the chair.

"Was he arrested?"

"No, I don't think so."

"So, why did he run off? I thought since I saw you two kissing he was going to stay around longer."

"What did you say?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing. "When did you see us kissing?"

He stood up to face me. "Morgan and I were out riding we saw you kissing near that waterfall."

"You followed me? I can't believe you would spy on us."

"I wasn't spying."

"Yes you were. You can't see the waterfall unless you were hiding watching us."

"Cassie, I was concerned."

"Is that how my father found out?"

"Yes, I told him."

"Damn you!" I screamed. "Why are you concerned about me?

"I didn't want anything to happen to you." He attempted to put his arm around me.

I backed away from him with tears running down my cheeks. "Brett I can't believe you did this to me."

"I'm sorry."

"I thought you were a friend of mine."

"I am." He stepped closer to me.

I looked up into his blue eyes. "You are the reason he is gone."

"Okay…I was jealous of him."

"Why?"

Brett touched my face. "Cassandra I love you."

"Brett I did love you, but that was along time ago."

"You could love me again."

"No, Brett. I love Antonio."

"Okay." He put up his hands and backed away. "Do you know where he went?"

"No, but he promised me that he would be back."

"You believe him."

"Yes I do."

"I will always be here for you."

I picked up my coat off the chair. "I think it's time for me to head back home." I started to walk away.

"Wait, I will take you home."

"Thanks Brett, but I need some time alone."

***

It was finally Christmas time. I helped decorate the house and the tree. I tried to keep myself busy by baking cookies and making candy to give out to family and friends. My thoughts kept going back to what Brett told me, if it weren't for him, Antonio would be here right now.

A few days before Christmas Brendan came into the house with several packages for the entire family, post marked from Denver. Everyone stood around me eager to see whom these gifts were from. I read the name off each package and handed them out to everyone. I opened mine and found a music box inside. I opened the lid and it played a tune. There was a note inside the box. I carefully opened it and it said: "Cassandra, I haven't forgotten you. When you play this music box you will think of me. Love Antonio." Then there was another letter, this one was sealed and it had "don't open until you are alone," written on the outside. I put it into my pocket.

"Who is it from?" Mom asked.

"It's from Antonio." I looked around the room and everyone was watching me. "Aren't you going to open your presents? I asked… I was anxious to see what he sent everyone else.

Antonio gave my mom pearl earrings, my sisters both got gold bracelets, my brothers got shirts and then my dad…well he didn't open his…he tossed it aside when he knew whom it was from.

My eyes filled with tears as I looked around the room, feeling the love and warmth Antonio has brought to everyone. "I'm going to my room." I got up from the chair and went to my bedroom. Leslie and Diana followed.

"Is he coming back?' Leslie asked.

"He said he would."

"Can I see the music box?" Diana asked.

"Yes of course." I handed the box to her.

"This is so beautiful," Diana said.

"Leslie, Diana, would you mind leaving?" I calmly asked. "I want to be alone."

When they finally left my room, I closed the door and locked it so I could read my letter in peace. I opened the lid of the music box turned the key to wind it up. I lay down on the bed and listened to the music as it played the same tune over and over. Then I sat up and slowly opened my letter. It was scented with cologne. It said:

Cassandra,

I miss you so much!

I have a great job at a bank. I have bought you a home. I want to marry you.

My nights are cold and lonely without you. So, be safe and stay warm. I will see you in the spring."

Love,

Antonio

I re-read the letter several times. I couldn't believe he finally wrote to me. I feel asleep and dreamed about him.