I suddenly woke up from that dream, flashing in my mind, the sun shining into his eyes. I, Jake, now 17, who is sitting in the senior classroom lifting my aching head off the desk, had just had another dream of the promise that Layla and I had made. I never forgot about that promise and had that necklace with me still around my neck. Though it's tucked away. We also made a promise that I and Layla can't say who we are. If we truly loved each other, we would know who the other is, and when one of us asks to go out, we would then go together, revealing each other in the end.
When Layla entered Nakami High during the 2nd year, I tried talking to her, but she seemed to have changed. She was always looking at me weirdly since then. She is the most popular girl in school ever since she entered. Even in the same class. Even when during role call and my name was called, she never even recognized me. Even when I kept asking her out every single school day, she refused and never recognized me or the promise. She even gave me a bigger cold shoulder than everyone else because of it. She would talk badly about me behind my back, saying how I am such a creep for asking her out and always looking at her in class. Even though her friends stood up for me, saying how good a guy I am, she did proceed to agree, but also said she just didn't like me. She would never have done that before. She would always be cheerful, scared when it comes to everything, but brave enough to stand up for me, and now, 9 years later, she did a complete 180. Though she is kind to everyone else but me. She just hated my guts. Even when I protected her from other boys coming on to her, she would scold me instead of thanking me.
This is my senior year, and approaching graduation in almost 2 months. I have started going to the recruiter's office to start processing into the military. I told the recruiter about everything and understood that if she did recognize me even on graduation day, I would be aiming to be a firefighter instead. I was even taking first responder classes as well. That way, I can set myself up for either direction. I apologized to the teacher for dozing off. Then proceeded with classes.
The bell signaling the end of our final class for the day went off. I then proceeded to stand up and walk to Layla's desk, and proceeded to ask her out. I always genuinely ask out. never half-hearted. I even focused on her and learning about how different and new she had become. Not in a stalking way, but observing her since I haven't seen her for a long time. I wanted to get to know her throughout. Even though a lot has changed inside and outside, she is still smart, kind, respects others, and doesn't let anyone destroy her pride. She always enjoys volunteering to help, even if it is inconvenient for her. She changed for the better, the way I see it. "Layla, I like you. I really do like you. I wish to be with you for the rest of my life. Please just give me a chance." I'm desperately pleading. "Like I told however many times, a No is a no," was her response. I asked her out every single day. But that day was something that would hit me a little harder than normal.
After that day, I would have to be at school a little less. I would have to go to the recruiting office a little bit more. They want me to be in better shape. I would be a lot busier on school days and after school. "I understand. I will continue asking," was my reaction to her response. But out of all the other times, I felt really down. I never showed it at all; however, Layla noticed it. She had not said anything and didn't keep it in mind, but did have a feeling that something was about to change. As I walk out of the school building, I hear gossip everywhere about how I am a good guy, but always weird to keep asking Layla out every day. Even though I am hearing these words, I didn't loosen my resolve. I felt that she would eventually remember as the day approached. But, weirdly, she never has, given that she moved back to the city. Not once did she come by our house or anything. It's like I never existed. Our parents talked and took part in this promise. Never revealing anything. So I know that she was never in an accident or anything, based on our parents' conversations. I walk to the home I've always lived in for the past 15 years. I proceed to walk in the door and go upstairs as Tiffany is making dinner. "Welcome home, hun, how was school?" Tiffany, my mom, had asked. "She rejected me again today." As I then close my door, I fall on my bed. I start to sleep, feeling tears running down the side of my face. It happened like this ever since our 3rd year of high school, since it was approaching the day. Even though my resolve was still strong as ever, I couldn't help but cry every night, knowing she had forgotten about me and the promise we had made.
I then go downstairs at midnight and see a bowl of hot food on the counter. I lifted the bowl and noticed the note Mom had left. "Have a good night, my son. I pray and support your success, keep going," was written. It's been like this for half of our senior year. I suddenly realized I am in an unfavorable emotional state. But showing how much my mom loves me with this bowl of food makes me cry even harder. I couldn't stop crying since she has been supporting me every step of the way. No matter what path was taken, she would fully support me, no matter what.