Celia's POV
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It was around 20 years ago when I met Arthur, my childhood friend.
As a child, I was an outcast. My family's status made me so. I had hobbies, interests, and rules others couldn't relate to, which made it hard to make friends.
It didn't help that my family was strict and monitored each and everything I did, even the people I wanted to become friends with.
But—he was different.
Even if he had nothing in common, he tried his best to learn what I did and stayed with me.
Like how every typical love story would go, I fell for him. Soon after, he also fell for me.
We made a promise to be each other's when we grew up. An oath of true love.
Cheesy, I know that much. So much for that thought, huh?
It's clear he doesn't even remember me at all, and I've had enough.
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" How long will you continue to be like this...?
Please tell me you've noticed! Just once... Arthur..! "
' Calm down woman!? Why are you crying?!
At least keep it down so you don't cause a scene! '
" But I want to! I've been holding back for so long… But you've never once asked me!!! "
' Ask you what exactly?! Ask you out? You know I'm waiting for someone, I can't! '
" You never asked if I was her...
You always tell me how similar we were, without even knowing if I was actually her!
Let's not forget, you don't even remember what she looks like; you just tell me we were the same anyway! Did your head injury really make you forget me?!? "
' Please, bombarding me with a text wall isn't helping anyone right now!
And how do you know about my head injury? I don't recall ever telling anyone about it, I almost died back then.
How is this relevant now?
What's it to you?! '
" Because I did it, it was my fault.
I almost killed you.
I'm sorry...! "
' Sorry for what?
Unless you're trying to be funny, I didn't even know you before I got injured.
I slipped off a cliff, so how was that YOUR fault? '
" I PUSHED YOU! I PUSHED YOU OFF THE CLIFF, OKAY? "
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" I'm her. I'm the same person you keep going on and on about. I was with you on that day, when we were hiking and we got chased by a bear. I brought you to the hospital half-dead! "
' Just... stop.
...It's not funny anymore.
I was told I lost memories, but clearly, I haven't lost anything important, as far as memories go. I know you aren't Selina, you can't be... '
" But I am, Arthur.
I hid who I was because I was afraid of facing you.
I wanted to be with you, but I couldn't bring myself to stand in front of you as the one who nearly killed you.
So, I changed my name. I used my nickname as my real name. "
" As time passed, I was happy that you hadn't noticed who I was, but it hurt so much whenever you spoke of me, without realizing I've been here this whole time..!
And now, you're here miserably looking and still hopelessly looking for someone else to love even when you said she'd be the only one, that I would be the only one. "
" You promised me...
I promised you...
That we would be together...
Right...? "
" Right. "
" Right! So does that mean—"
' What made you think I'd be happy about you lying to me? "'
" Huh...? "
' I couldn't care less for the fact you almost killed me, but on the inside, you've done more than just that.
All this time, I was searching for something that didn't even want to be seen. Something, someone so selfish that they'd rather choose to hide rather than believe in the possibility of forgiveness.
Maybe that's why I forgot you. Maybe I knew you pushed me, and I chose to refuse that you would ever do such a thing.
I was wrong. '
...
....
.....
...
' ...is what I would have said. Selina, no... Celia.
—I forgive you. '
Now in front of me, was a speechless girl.
Crying all by herself.
There was nothing to say. Loud silence echoed through this starless night.
I almost feel bad.
If anyone saw what was happening, people would think I was the one who did something wrong.
But, then again...
She kept her promise.
That's all that matters.
In her own way, she took responsibility for her actions and faced the consequences for a whole decade.
Maybe I'm also at fault for choosing to avoid the truth. For avoiding knowing the truth.
There's really only one thing to do.
Like any man should do, I wiped the tears off her face and gave her a quick, but light slap on the face.
' That's payback. Now, let's head back home, Celia. '
" ...mhm. "
.
.
.
" ...I think I remembered that we kissed to seal the deal on that promise... Should we do it again...? "
And there it is, her pretty smile. It's been a while since I've seen it too. For all of you who may be reading this, there are no words left to say.
Thank you for staying and witnessing,
The oath of two hearts.