The petite brunette sighed, leaning forward in her chair to check the time. It was already forty past seven, and her boyfriend had promised he'd be here at seven fifteen. He was almost half an hour late.

Gabriella knew she should be used to this, it happened almost every time they tried to go out. But she still couldn't help herself from thinking, hoping that tonight would be different. That maybe David would actually show up.

She watched as the clock ticked, the minute hand moving once again. Seven forty one. Each minute that ticked by depressed Gabriella even more. She had tried to be optimistic, but it was so hard when everytime she got her hopes up, David just let her down.

Seven forty two. The minutes just kept flying away. Before Gabriella knew it, half the night would be over before it even began. That hurt even more than it was supposed to.

For at least a week, Gabriella had been looking forward to this dinner. It was the time when their jobs would be set aside, not even talked about, they could relax, and just enjoy each other's company. But apparently that wasn't going to happen any time soon.

Gabriella leaned forward in her chair, unstrapping her bright red heels, and kicked them across the floor. She watched as the set of shoes went flying across the room, finally landing in a heap by the front door. After all, what was the point of them now that she wasn't going out?

As Gabriella leaned down to soothe her aching and complaining feet, she heard a ripping sound. Her black manicured hands felt around the silky back of the dress, and sure enough the dress was torn.

It was almost enough to make her cry. She'd spent hours shopping for just the perfect dress, and had ended up proclaiming this very one as the perfect dress.

It was her first night out in it too. She'd spent many nights out with her friends, shaking her head if they asked why she didn't wear the dress. She would simply reply that it wasn't the right night.

That night Gabriella had pulled it out of the back of her closet, a smile on her face, lighting up her features. She worked so hard on the makeup, the hair, everything. She wanted to impress David. It was the first time she had spent that much time on herself since....

Gabriella couldn't bring herself to think that word, his name. It had been years since she had seen him, yet she still thought of him, remembered his face daily. Sometimes she felt as if she was cheating on David, it was that much.

But she still remembered how very good he was to her, how he was never late to a single one of their dates. He never missed an anniversary; bringing Gabriella red roses on New Year's. Heck, he brought her flowers. Something David had never done.

A longing feeling gathered up inside Gabriella's heart. It always happened when she thought about him, and it never went away. Gabriella would always try to soothe it over, but nothing worked.

And the only thing that came close to working only made it worse...

Suddenly Gabriella stood up, not caring if her dress was torn or wrinkled; not caring if David had stood her up once again. Why should she?

Slowly and carefully, she made her way up to the bedroom, ignoring the protests of her aching feet. She knew what she needed to do.

Gabriella pulled open the door, stepping onto the fluffy white carpet inside the room. It tickled her toes as it always did, and felt cool against her hot feet.

She flopped down onto the master bed, and behind the pillows pulled out a red box. It was dusty, and hadn't been opened in quite awhile.

With a click, the box opened up, and released the letters, not to mention the memories, inside it.

Dear Gabriella,

First and foremost, I miss you. I miss your laugh, your smile, the way you would hug me after a bad day and I would instantly feel better. I wish you could do that right now.

It's hard being in Alberqurque without you here with me. It's hard not knowing when I will see you again. It's hard knowing that you are in sunny California right now without me by your side.

It's raining here in New Mexico. I heard it almost never rains in California. Lucky you. You now get sunshine all year round...how do you like that?

I still remember our promise...do you?

Troy

Dear Troy,

I miss you too. It's so weird being in California all by myself. Sometimes I'll wake up in the mornings, and think of the day ahead of me: long, lazy summer days with you. Then I'll actually open my eyes, and see that I am somewhere else.

I keep a picture of us on my nightstand. You're grinning like crazy, and I'm kissing your cheek. Do you remember that? I do...

I promised myself I wouldn't tell you, but I cried myself to sleep last night, I miss you so much. It hurts without you. Sometimes I don't know what to do with myself. Can you come visit for Christmas or Thanksgiving?

And to answer your question(s), yes, the sunshine is nice, but I miss the view of the mountains, and the late night thunderstorms. It's true, it almost never rains.

And yes. I still remember.

I love you Wildcat.

Gabriella

Dear Gabs,

Ow. I just came home from a harsh day of basketball. East High never prepared me for this! I am icing myself as I write this, and Chad has his feet in an ice bucket. It's a funny sight. I just took a picture, and I will text it to you today.

I share a dorm room now with Chad, even though we're so close we can live at home. My dad doesn't mind though, he's pretty happy that I am living my dream. Funny how it doesn't feel like my dream anymore. I feel like crap right now.

About the visits...Thanksgiving is a no. My dad wants to have family time. Christmas might possibly work out though...but I don't know if I can make it that long. I miss you Gabs.

Don't forget.

Troy

Setting down the faded letter, Gabriella was lost in memories of the past; memories of what could've been. As much as the pair tried to deny it, distance tore them apart.

The two had become tangled up in their busy lives to write to one another, to even simply call or text one another. It hurt Gabriella to see that.

Troy was a famous basketball player now. He probably didn't even remember her name, much less the fact that he loved her.

Gabriella had thought of texting him before, but Troy probably changed his number. It was no use.

And there you go, the next chapter. I'm going to a Taylor Swift concert this weekend, so hopefully I'll have time to write on the long drive there!!

Thanks so much for reading guys, it means a lot to me. And if it's not too much to ask, please review. I love reading them. : )