The Thirst In Me

Twenty-Two

"Don't sacrifice your peace trying to point out someone's true colors. Lack of character always reveals itself in the end".- Mandy Hale

Veron's POV

I was nervous. I wanted this date to be perfect. I placed the champagne in the ice bucket and checked to make sure I have everything I need for our garden picnic.

"Are you ready?" Keisha asked as she came into the kitchen. Her hair was pulled back in a messy bun and she had a flower at one side. She looked absolutely gorgeous.

"Veron?" She asked again.

I cleared my throat. "Uhm...yes. This way ma lady." I didn't realize how silly I sounded until the words left my mouth and I earned a giggle from Keisha.

Once we reached the garden, I walked over to my secret spot. I've never brought anyone here before and I haven't been here in a long while.

"Where are we going?" Keisha asked nervously.

"I won't bite you," I promised her and laughed.

She didn't find humor in my words. She stood and stared at me with wide eyes. "Come on Keisha. I will never hurt you. I'm sorry for being so insensitive."

I saw her shoulders relax a bit and I was thankful. "Are we going to eat under those bushes?" She asked with a frown and I smiled.

"Yes. We are." I said, removing the bundle of leaves which served as a makeshift doorway. I stepped in and Keisha followed.

"Wow!" She gasped, taking in her surroundings.

I spread the thick blanket on the ground and carefully placed the ice bucket and the basket down.

"Would you like to sit ma'am?" Why I talk crazy when I'm nervous is beyond me.

Keisha curtseyed and giggled. "Yes my fine sir." She said in the most awful English accent and I couldn't help but laugh.

I gave her one of the sandwiches and we both ate in silence for a while. The afternoon sun made Keisha look as if she was glowing and the way she delicately bit her sandwich was fascinating.

"Are you going to stare at me for the whole date?" She asked and I turned my attention away from her and cleared my throat.

"So...." I tried to start a conversation that wasn't offensive. "How are you today K.P.?"

"I'm fine Veron." She smiled at me. "Did you grow up here?"

"Yes, I did."

"Where are your parents now?" She asked.

"I'm not really sure," I answered. "Let's talk about you. Where are your parents?"

The smile on her face was replaced with a sad frown. "They both died." She held down her head and I felt awkward. I hate being in situations like this. I have no idea how to comfort someone.

"I'm so sorry to hear that. Sorry for bringing it up." That was all I could think of saying.

Keisha shook her head. "No. That's OK. I'm sure their killer will be brought to justice." She said firmly.

I didn't know what to say then. I just stared at my half-eaten sandwich.

"It's OK Veron. You don't have to feel bad for asking. It has been two years since they passed away. I'm doing alright now." She gave me a shy smile. "Any questions?" She looked at me expectantly so I asked the question that was buzzing around in my mind.

"How did they die?"

"They were murdered." She took a deep breath. "Right in front of me."

My chest clenched. My breathing got heavy. Keisha doesn't deserve to be treated this way.

"So you know who killed them?" I asked, trying to stay calm.

She nodded.

"Who is it?"

"I really can't tell you.....at least not yet." She said and I nodded.

She doesn't feel like she can open up to me yet and I understand. I won't push her. "Let's just enjoy the rest of our picnic." I smiled at her and she giggled.

"Let's play a game." She suggested. "It's called 'never have I ever.'"

"What kinda game is that?"

"It's a drinking game." She said, taking the champagne from the ice bucket. "I'm going to say something I've never done before and if you've ever done it, you will have to take a drink. Understand?"

"I think I do." I nodded, happy to be playing a secrets game with Keisha.

"OK, here we go." She started. "Hmmm never have I everrrrrr......kissed a girl."

"Oh come on. That's not fair." I whined and she laughed.

"Ok ok. That one is out. Never have I ever lived on my own before.."

I took up my glass and drank. "My turn now," I smirked. "Never have I ever gone skinny dipping."

She pushed out her tongue in a childish way. "I've never done that so I don't have to drink."

She folded her legs and sat up. "Never have I ever fought with my parents."

I thought for a moment. "I don't remember ever fighting with my parents.....does Uncle Malik count?"

"You don't remember anything about them? Not even their names?" She asked and that got me thinking.

I've never really thought about them that much and whenever I brought it up Uncle Malik usually change the subject.

I shook my head. "No, I don't remember anything about them. The only parent figure in my memory is Uncle Malik.

"Are you OK Veron?" Keisha looked concerned.

I cleared my throat. "Yea I am. My turn. What have I never done before? Hhmmmm.....let me see...never have I ever hated a girl before."

Keisha looked at me with a little sparkle in her eyes. Slowly she took up her wine glass and took a sip.

I laughed. "I can't believe the great Keisha is capable of hating anyone. I'm so disappointed." I pushed her playfully and she pursed her lip into a thin line.

"Well my hate for her is justified since she killed Papa right before my eyes."

What?!

She covered her mouth and stared at me. I didn't say anything. I waited for her to continue talking.

"I didn't mean to say that." She said.

I got up and went to sit beside her. "It's OK Keisha. Your secret is safe with me." I assured her and she nodded slowly leaning her head onto my shoulder.

"It was Rebecca....or Vanessa. Whatever her name is. She murdered Papa." Her voice came out as a whisper.

I didn't know what to say then. My mind was going around in circles with this information. Does Damion know about this? I took a deep breath and put my arm around Keisha's shoulder.

"Your secret is safe with me," I whispered back.