The Thirst In Me

Twenty-Three

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started."- Mark Twain

Veron's POV

We sat there for a while, none of us moving or saying anything. We were both too wrapped up in our thoughts.

A few minutes later, Keisha slowly lifted her head from my shoulder. "The picnic was nice Veron. Thank you very much." She smiled at me warmly. "But I have to go now."

"What? Why?" I asked as she got up from beside me. "We haven't even tasted the pie yet."

"I'll have to try them another time." Her smile was so perfect. "Malik is calling me." She said and walked away.

I didn't hear Malik calling her. Is she lying to get away from me? But I really thought we were connecting.

I shook my head. I never have and I will never understand the female gender. They are so diverse and complicated. They are like puzzles that you have to solve.

I sighed again as I chewed a piece of the pineapple pie.

My mind went back to what Keisha told me. She must be mistaking Vanessa for someone else. How could Vanessa have killed someone? She is always so sweet and kind. How can she be a bad person? I killed someone too. I reminded myself not to judge her. People are not always what they seem.

I will just have to confront her about it and hope that she confesses everything to me.

Arg! My life has become so intricate, filled with lies and deceit that I don't even know who I can trust anymore.

Uncle Malik. From the day of the accident at my dorm, he has been acting a little shady but I didn't pay it any mind. He's not a wicked person and he would never hurt me but sometimes I wonder why he never talks about my parents. Maybe he is disappointed in them for leaving me at such a young age and maybe he doesn't want me to hate them so he doesn't talk about it. I remember him telling me that once when we had parents' day at school.

My phone beeped and I jumped.

Damion: Hey man. Where are you? Vanessa wanted us to have drinks on the roof. Are you in?

This is the perfect opportunity to speak with Vanessa.

Me: I'm on my way.

I packed up the remainder of food and wine and turned to leave. I tried not to be too anxious. I need to be as calm as possible when I confront Vanessa.

As I walked into the kitchen, the aroma of home-cooked food played with my nostril. Uncle Malik was standing around the island placing the food into containers.

He smiled when he saw me. "This is for our......pets downstairs. I wouldn't want them to start producing less blood now would I?" He chuckled to himself. "Would you like to help me bring these food downstairs son?" He asked but I shook my head.

"Sorry uncle. I can't. I'm meeting Damion and Vanessa on the roof for drinks." I was happy that I had an excuse. I don't want to go back to the basement unless I have an idea of how to free them.

Damion and Vanessa were both laughing when I reached the roof.
"What's so funny?" I asked, grabbing a chair and sitting beside Vanessa.

"Vanessa here was just telling me that she can run faster than me?" Damion laughed. "Can you believe that man! A girl running faster than an athletic guy? That's not possible."