Forgotten Promises (The Promises Series Book 2) (31 page)

I hadn’t known that Pam and Bill would be here today. When I saw them before I had to take my place in the auditorium, they told me that they wouldn’t have missed my graduation for the world, and they’re only sorry that they didn’t get to witness Em’s too. I was so choked that I couldn’t warn them that I would be reading from her diary. I can see Bill rubbing Pam’s back as she blots furiously at her face with a hanky, but they are both beaming proudly. My anxiety begins to wane and I carry on.

“Emily’s words made me think, and I hope that they strike a chord with you too. So I’m not going to tell you to strive to achieve greatness; instead, I’m going to say stop doing things that you don’t want to do. If you don’t want to study pre-med, but you’re planning on it anyway, because your father, and your grandfather and his father all did…just stop. Do the things that YOU want to do, because this isn’t a dress rehearsal, this is the main event.

Say what you really mean, follow your intuition and let yourself be inspired, because someday you may become someone else’s inspiration. Be good to yourself and don’t be afraid to say no. Don’t be afraid to say yes! Try not to look back, because that’s not the direction you’re travelling, and don’t worry, because it’s okay to not have a plan. Not everyone knows at eighteen what they want to do, and how it is that they are going to get there. Sometimes we need to just breathe, let everything go and see what happens.

Today is our last day as high school students, and if anything, it has made me realize that life is short. So laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and make every day count. No doubt some of you will be feeling ecstatic that school is now over. Some melancholy, some bored, and I’m sure although many won’t admit it, there’s even a few of us feeling a little heartbroken. Enjoy these feelings—they’re how you know you’re alive.

Congratulations, Class of 2014!”

Silence descends and although I wasn’t expecting a fanfare, I didn’t count on nothing at all. I look out to the crowd and then I spot him. He’s wearing the biggest grin I’ve ever seen grace his handsome face.

Ethan stands and slowly begins to clap, then Brie appears and follows suit, then Case, Jackson and TJ, before the whole senior class takes to the floor and begins applauding. I smile at the sight I’m witnessing and taste a rogue tear as it slides down my cheek and wets the corner of my mouth.

For the first time since Emily died, I’m excited for the future.

AS WITH
Promises Hurt
, I am beginning my acknowledgements with another apology. To my amazing husband and children: I’m sorry I broke my promises...You have had to endure the microwave meals, creased clothes and a messy house again! I’m lucky that you are all so understanding and patient. I love you. You are my world.

Author Kathryn Andrews, my book bestie. You’ve spent countless hours helping me hash out this book and your support astounds me. I always look forward to our daily chats and voice tags. Thank goodness for Instant Messenger! You’ve provided so much encouragement, and you are truly a dear friend. I can’t wait for our next meet up; I’ll bring the pink champagne.

To all the wonderful bloggers that have loved Promises Hurt and supported me with Forgotten Promises, you guys rock! I need to single out Perusing Princess Blog. Elizabeth, Kelly and Emma; you have gone above and beyond anything I could have ever dreamed of. You have spent so much time and effort promoting me, organizing my blog tours, and I want you to know that I think you girls are just the best! To all the other super star Bloggers that have posted teasers and reviews, Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I owe you all so much. Please know that every single one of you is appreciated. Your help has been invaluable. I’ll be indebted to you forever.

My BETA girls! Jaime, Silvia, Malinda, Dana, Susan, Ali and Pauline. I sent you out my manuscript knowing your feelings about the ending of book one, and I was so nervous for your comments. I had no expectations to manage with that book, but I knew you all had strong feelings on what you wanted from this one and WOW didn’t expect the reactions I received. Ali —your voice message left me speechless and in happy tears! I had hoped that you would like the direction that this book takes; I never expected you to all come back and tell me that you loved it. I’m blessed to have you in my corner.

To my best friend and sister-in-law, Lucy. You are a lifesaver! Thank you so much for taking the time to cast your beady teacher eye over my manuscript, and proof it for me. You are like superwoman, helping me whilst taking care of my brand new beautiful baby niece and her gorgeous sister. Love you.

The Pimpers… Author Anne Mercier, Trish, Dana, Sanne, Alexis, Susan, Heather, Pauline, Lynn and Ali. Thank you for telling everyone about my books. You girls never fail to make me smile.

The wonderfully talented
Melissa Gill
of MGBOOKCOVERS & DESIGNS. You knocked it out of the park AGAIN!

Marie Piquette
The best editor a girl could have. You are a dream to work with. I can’t commend you highly enough!

Julie
(JT Formatting) my brilliant formatter, you are the most helpful person ever. Thank you for squeezing me in…again! YOU ARE AWESOME.

Finally, a huge thank you to you the reader; it is still blowing my mind that you’re reading my second novel after loving the first. I could never have imagined your reactions. I am so humbled.

FOR INFORMATION ABOUT ELLE BROOKS AND HER BOOKS, VISIT:

Her Website:
http://ellebrooksauthor.com

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/@ellebrooksautho

E-mail: [email protected]

Facebook:
https://facebook.com/elle.brooks.author

Goodreads:
https://Goodreads.com/Elle_Brooks

THE PROMISES SERIES:

Book #1
Promises Hurt

Book #2
Forgotten Promises

Book #3 Will be coming early 2015

Blair and Ethan’s story is fictitious, but the problems that they have to overcome are very real. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this book, there is always someone here to listen and help.

CANCER SUPPORT:

Macmillan Cancer Support –

http://www.macmillan.org.uk/Home.aspx

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society –

http://www.lls.org

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE SUPPORT:

Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline –

https://www.childhelp.org/hotline/

The National Domestic Violence Hotline –

http://www.thehotline.org