Heavy Hearts

TWO

Veronica Simeon who has stumbled from her door to the sofa, lay numb staring at her television set which she put on to have some noise in the room – a sort of distraction from the reality.
How long did she have to live? Greg couldn't tell, but her days were surely numbered, she thought and smiled sheepishly. She looked around her and then she shuddered and resumed her crying. Then her phone rang. It was Gregory calling. She stared at it with teary eyes for a while before deciding to pick it up.
“Hello...” She said her voice more like a whisper.
“Vero, I know what you're going through, darling I am behind you all the way.”
“I’m going to die Greg.”She said, tears helplessly flooding her eyes.
Gregory sighed at the defeat and lack of hope in her voice. “I won't give up on your case Vero. Your sickness may be a rare kind but they could still be something we can do about it.” He paused, waiting for her to say something but she kept mute so he continued, “I have friends who are professional Doctor abroad, I will have them look at your case. Please don't give up...not yet.”
Veronica sighed deeply. “Thanks Greg.” She said at last, slowly.

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS. But in Veronica’s case, no news was bad news. It has been three months now since she was told about her illness and there has been no news from Greg if there was hope of any treatment.
Giving up and resigning to her fate, Veronica Simeon quits her work at the law firm, and a week later was comfortably installed in her Mother’s house in Benin right in time for the Christmas celebration.
Mrs Dorothy Simeon, Veronica’s mother and still a grieving widow of three years was glad to see her daughter home to celebrate Christmas. Veronica who had not told her Mother about her illness yet, didn’t plan to do so until nearer the end... She was her Mother’s only daughter and last born of two children.  Her Mother was still obviously grieving the death of her husband, she couldn’t tell her she was going to lose her only daughter soon.
“I’m so glad you came back home for the Christmas holiday.” Her Mother said smiling at her, “when your brother informed me that his family wouldn't be coming around for the festival, I thought I would be alone for Christmas.”
Veronica smiled back at her Mother.
“How is work?” Her Mother asked.
“Work is fine. I'm on leave.” She lied.
“Good. You seriously need a vacation from that job of yours and at least have time to focus on other important things.” Her mother said.
“Important things like?” Veronica asked anxiously.
“Like finding a Man and getting married.”
Veronica’s eyes popped out in response.

The next day, as Veronica and her Mother spent the morning Christmas shopping, and buying themselves designer dresses galore. Later they went to a hair salon to get their hair fixed.
Mrs Simeon watched her daughter with admiration as she stared at her reflection in the mirror, checking out the hair she has just made. “Darling, you look marvellous. You should have no trouble at all catching a husband.” She said smiling.
Veronica laughed but deep within her, her heart ached.
Done with their hair, they stepped out of the salon and started heading home when they ran into her Mother’s old friend, Cecilia Thompson a wealthy woman.
Veronica! You came around. It’s been a while I saw you.” Cecilia Thompson exclaimed happily as she slowly opened her arms inviting her for a hug.
“Good evening Mrs Thompson, its nice seeing you.” Veronica replied accepting the hug.
“Well it’s good you're around. We'll be having a Christmas Eve party at our place and you’re both invited.” She said smiling.
“Thanks Cecilia, we won't miss it.”Dorothy smiled back.
They exchanged goodbyes and left.