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Maria

"No, please no, please please don't go. I beg you please just don't leave me alone. I can't live without you please stop" I sobbed "wait, wait for me please. Noooo!!!" I sat upright as I was breathing heavily and sweat covered my whole body. My vision blurred, I brought my hands to my face just to realise I was crying in my sleep, again. I don't know how will I get over this. It's been ten years

....

I am so nervous, today is my last day in Chicago and I don't even know how will I survive without all of them. I just don't feel fine when a thought keeps replaying in my stupid brain, will I be able to continue my life the same way back there?

Cathy called me and said that she wants to bid goodbye to me, she wants me to spend some time with her cause probably we're meeting for the last time today. She is such a great friend I couldn't survive my university without all of them, they were the best part of my life. They even made sure that I was focused and never alone. I love them so much.

I'll be leaving for New York tomorrow morning since I've finished my masters in business, and now I'll be focusing on one thing only, that promise.

I parked my car outside and made sure to lock it and then made my way towards the door to see it slightly ajar and it was dark inside. I frowned, she never keeps her door unlocked and why is it dark?

It could be due to power loss or short circuit cause she asked me to be there at 7 pm and it's 7:05. She can't ditch me into attending something else. Cathy, I'll kill you if you do this to me.

I made my way inside, opening the door wide making a creaking sound. It's so creepy with such a torturous silence and darkness flooded everywhere. On top of it, I could see my shadow growing taller due to the moonlight that accompanied me to the house. Sure thing I am not alone. Hah! Feeling much better. going further into the lounge I called out.

"Cathy!" There was a moment of silence

"SURPRISE!!!" My soul nearly jumped out of my body.

Oh My God! went through my mind as people jumped out from behind the couches. Lights came on as the sound of party poppers filled my ear. Everything looked so beautiful. The swaying overhead of strings of fairy light highlighted the center area where a chocolate cake stood displayed with multiple candles flickering. I wonder why I hadn't noticed just moments earlier while surrounded by darkness.

Each and every one of them was there from university and the best people in my life. God, I love them so much, I wish I could stay with them. They're the best part of my life.

One by one they came giving me warm embraces along with roses and lovely cards.

"All of us will miss you, Maria," Cathy said in a barely-there voice. She pulled me in a warm and lovely hug.

My heart broke seeing her in tears.

"I'll miss you too, girl" my voice cracked while a steady track of tears made their way down my face. I briefly tugged in the crook of her neck, hiding my sadness from the view. My hold on her tightened.

I felt the gazes of everyone around us and wanted to forever remember this moment in time. Especially when everyone started joining our hug-fest. This loving acceptance would be missed.

By 10:45 dinner was over and cake candles were extinguished. Several silvered cuts of chocolate sweetness remained up for grabs on the table. "Guys, I gotta go. I am catching an early flight tomorrow" my voice gave out as I tried to continue "This is my best day ever, thank you so much. I will always love and cherish the time spent with you guys. I love you all." I couldn't stop the waterworks show. The level of closeness I've had with these individuals superseded all my past relationships, even my sister.

"Same love, keep calling us when you're free, we all will miss you, bye!" Jane said with a very welcoming voice

*~*~*~**~*

I arrived back at my apartment, checking to see if everything was ready for my departure. I never planned to leave this soon but my sister, Catherine was insisting. Ok....more like threatening, My inner voice argued. I've been promising to come back for so long when my masters' was accomplished.

She doesn't even know that I came to Chicago because of her. I don't even want to remember those earlier days. The horrifying start of it eating away at me, day by day.

But it didn't stay that way for long, I learned to move on because of Aven. My boyfriend respected my decision to leave and never asked me for my reasons.

Aven is the CEO of William Cooperation. One of the most successful businessman in the USA. He came to Chicago with me just to make sure I don't fall into any kind of depression. He left his company back in New York because of me. I tried to send him back but he's just stubborn telling me that he's here for business. He thinks I am a baby to whom he can give candy and convince. Anyways I appreciate his behavior.

Last year he came to Chicago and asked me if I'd be in a relationship with him. I never thought I'll be able to be in any kind of relationship after what happened but after what he did for me I don't think I could break his heart.

*~*~*~*~*~*

As the flight landed my heart started to clench and my body froze to a spot. I was nervous to face everything, I wish the land could swallow me and I'd disappear this instant. With all strength, I could gain I took a shaky breath and picked up my luggage, and made my way outside. Searching through the impatient crowd I spotted what I was looking for. There they were waiting for me impatiently. My lovely boyfriend and dearest sister, Aven, and Catherine.

As her eyes landed on me she waved with a huge grin on her beautiful face and made her way towards me ignoring others like it's an Olympic race. I hesitantly waved back and within seconds she violently took my body into a welcoming warm embrace, I hugged her back. She was putting on a lot of pressure so it was difficult for me to breathe. "Umm sis.. you're choking me," I said.

She lightly smacked me at the back of my head and chuckled. I chuckled too. Pulling away I could see her eyes moistened. "It's soo good to see you, Maria," she said between sobs, and before I knew she captured me again holding in a tight protective sisterly hug.

"Likewise sis" I murmured in her ear and hugged her back.

Pulling back I saw Aven standing beside her, he gave me a very heart-melting smile I returned it with a warm embrace. "How are you, Maria? and was the flight tiring?" His voice was laced with concern and I looked at him in awe.

"Yeah, kinda I'll rest and will be perfectly fine. Thank you for asking"

So guys!! First chapter

It's always difficult to write the first chapter so I hope you like it <3

Thank you lovelies

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