12 The Promise (1)

Before Mia and Stephanie went their separate ways, they exchanged contact details and kept in touch with each other. It was just normal conversations between girls like how our day was, how they spent it or was there anything exciting happening that day.

While they exchange messages, Stephanie would give Mia updates and share stories about William which Mia found very amusing.

…

The date for the company outing was getting nearer and nearer.

Some people made a lot of preparations for it, but Mia decided to use her old swimsuit since she'll be using a cover-up and shorts.

It was under the employee's discretion to wear whatever they want.

One week before the company outing, Stephanie informed Mia that William will be in the same vicinity as their company outing, so he would like to meet up someplace to catch up.

Mia was hesitating at first, but she decided that it's better to get it over it. People change with time, and the gap between the times they spent together with the time they were apart was huge.

Mia just hopes that when she meets him face to face, it's not going to be one of a stranger.

The day has finally come.

They were divided into different groups depending on their departments. The buses were assigned as they moved in an orderly fashion.

The so-called Mr. CEO was nowhere to be found. People were expecting him to be on the same bus and it dampens their mood when they found out that they would be riding in their own vehicles.

They arrived at the site without any hiccups, the beach looked pristine with its white sandy beach and bright blue waters. There were dramatic rock formations that adventurous people would surely enjoy.

The pamphlet did say that there is a viewing deck on the side of the rock formations that are perfect to watch the sunset.

The same viewing deck is where William invited Mia to have a picnic. Mia wasn't nervous at first, but when the date came, she was not able to sleep well.

Mia was anticipating her reunion with William after so many years.

The time was after the activities were finished on our side, so while Mia waits for the time to arrive, she was listless.

The rooms were assigned to accommodate 2 people, Mia did not know who her roommate would be for 3 days but her roommate's luggage was already on the right side of the bed.

It doesn't really matter, as Mia was not personally close with anyone in the company.

The event passed one by one, Mia, on the other hand, did not know how the time passed as her mind was preoccupied. Stephanie messaged her that day saying good luck and have fun. Mia was not able to understand what Stephanie meant.

5 pm on the dot, the events were finished and the employees were given personal time. The employees could sightsee or buy souvenirs, or just enjoy ourselves without the company supervision.

A lot of the other employees just stayed in the hotel to rest while the others formed groups to party. This beach resort was known for its nightlife. There are live bands and performance, dance clubs and food stalls all around.

Mia, on the other hand, was wearing jeans, shirt, sneakers and grabbed a jacket as she followed the instructions that Stephanie gave her. It was a simple map so Mia won't get lost since this is her first came here. Mia walked with trepidation in her steps, as she wanted to turn back and run away.

While Mia had these thoughts she stopped her steps and looked up. Just a couple minutes away and she'll reach the top. She becomes undecided and her determination wavered. Mia was about to turn back when her phone rang.

It was Stephanie. "Hello?" Mia asked.

"So did you get there?" Stephanie asked.

"I'm on my way," Mia said.

"Okay, good luck," Stephanie said and hung up. Thank you, if it wasn't for your encouragement, I would have already turned around, Mia said to herself.

This gave Mia another boost to her determination, she pumped her fists and told herself, Fighting!

As she was nearing the top with just a couple of steps, she could see a silhouette.

Mia focused her eyes, saw there was a man standing on the top of steps, waiting.

As she looked at the person, the person did the same, he then smiled gently at her.

Mia could not help but ask, "Why are you here Mr. CEO?"

"It's me, William," William said still smiling.

"No, you're not," Mia said with confusion.

William looked at Mia with sincere eyes and said, "It's me, Mia. I've changed physically but I'm still the same person you know."

"You're lying." Mia was slowly trying to step back, while William came walking towards her.

The gap between Mia and William became smaller and smaller as they are now face to face. He became taller, time really changes people. His teeth are now perfect, but his eyes, however, were the same sincere eyes that Mia would gaze to.

"You broke your promise," Mia said quietly as tears started to well up her eyes.

"I'm sorry." Was all William said while just standing there.

However, his gaze did not falter. He did not give Mia any explanation while she broke down in tears in front of William.

He opened his arms and hugged Mia gently towards his chest.

Mia who was crying used William's shirt as cloth to wipe away the tears.

William just stood there in silence, hugging Mia, while she was sobbing the whole time.

Original novel by Chuchuwachuwa

Editor - Chocolate Cake