Prologue
Emma
Present Day
The worst thing that ever happened to me was being unwillingly torn away from my friends, family, and the love of my life.
All because of a stupid custody battle.
Ethan and I tried to stay in touch, but that didn’t work out. It wasn’t either of our faults. We promised to never stop loving each other. We promised we’d wait for each other. That I’d be back someday and we’d be together again.
I’m still holding onto the hope that it’s possible. We promised each other we’d always love each other, and I still love him more than I can even explain. I miss him so much.
Because I wasn’t eighteen when the court case happened, it wasn’t my choice that I had to move to California with my father. The sole reason I couldn’t stay in touch with Ethan, who lives at home in Chicago. My dad was upset that I was still talking to him. He said I was wasting time “living my old life”. But I wasn’t wasting time. I was getting every second I could, because I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep in touch with E forever.
I went to UCLA, and I built a life in Los Angeles for myself. I work at the Staples Center, managing the public relations. Basically I’m an event coordinator, and I’m the one who books all of the performances at the venue. Artists’ managers reach out to me years in advance, and I’m the one who schedules their tour performances here.
It’s been a great job. I’ve met so many amazing people. I have friends here. I like the weather. But home is where Ethan is, and he’s not here.
It’s been almost six years without him, and I miss him so much I can’t even take it anymore. My heart still breaks thinking about it.
I just wanna go home.
I’ll come home soon, Ethan. I promise.
