Heavy Hearts

THREE

Desmond Eze opened his eyes and yawned. It’s been long he had such a good sleep. But that has become a norm since he moved in with Alex Thompson’s family.
He had protested at first when Alex offered for him to come live with his family in Benin. Alex Thompson was his secondary school mate was from a very wealthy home. After so many years they met again in Lagos, in a bar where Desmond was draining numerous quantities of alcohol.  Alex had come to Lagos to attend a business conference and has gone to the bar to relax when he saw his old friend.
After listening to all that happened to his friend, Alex felt for him and decided to help him. “Why don’t you come with me to Benin? My family stays there and they won’t hesitate to take you in”.
“I really appreciate you trying to help, but I’ll be fine”. Desmond replied.
“Desmond don’t be silly. Our house in Benin is very big and you need a place to stay and plan your life over again”. Alex persisted.
So Desmond agreed and travelled all the way to Benin to live with Alex’s family.

Desmond had just stepped out of the bathroom when he heard a knock on his door.
“Come in.” He said simply.
And Regina Thompson walked in. She was Alex cousin who was also living with them at the moment.
Regina’s throat went instantly dry the minute her eyes fell on Desmond. He was bare from head to waist as he had only a towel hanging loosely on his slim waist.
Desmond looked at her, puzzled “Are you okay?” Regina who has crushed on Desmond since he moved in with them three months ago stood mute for a moment, and then she nodded. “I came...”she began, and then shook her head, “Breakfast is ready.”
Desmond said nothing.  She blinks once and then took a deep breath, “I was hoping you would join us for breakfast today.” She said shakily. “You know it is the most important meal of the day.” She added smiling sheepishly.
“I will join you guys shortly.” He said shortly.
“Okay.” She replied her voice no more than a breathy huskiness before she turned and left his room.

“Alex, guess who I ran into the other day?” Mrs Thompson asked her son as they ate their breakfast.
“I don't know Mother, tell me.” Alex replied disinterestedly. His Mother was always fond of telling him about her frivolous activities. It bored him to death.
“Mrs Simeon and her daughter.” She said happily.
“Veronica? She is Benin? Wow...last I saw her was after her Father’s burial.”He gasped.
“Her work would be the cause of that. You know she is a top notch Lawyer in Lagos. Good thing she’s on leave and has decided to spend the holidays in Benin.” Mrs Thompson said then lowering her voice she added, “But from what her mother told me, she plans on staying even longer.”
“That's nice. It's been a while. Hope you invited her for our party?” Regina asked.
“Sure I did. But guess what else I found out?” Mrs Thompson asked excitedly.
Everyone at the table looked at her anxiously except Desmond who kept on eating his meal quietly.
“She is still single.” Mrs Thompson announced gleefully.
“Mother seriously?”Alex said, disappointed.
“Yes Alex. She is single and you're single, so you know what I’m drifting at.” She replied boldly.
“Ugh...Veronica is like a sister to me” Alex replied disgustedly.
“But she's not.” His mother said quietly.
“—and she will definitely make a good daughter - in law.” Mr Thompson added smiling at his wife who smiled back and then at Alex who stood up abruptly, “Come on Desmond, let's go to work.” He said and left the table.
Desmond has being working at Alex family’s company since he began living with them. Alex practically managed the company since his elder brother; an ordained priest of the Catholic Church could not do so due to his responsibilities to the church. Alex did not have any other sibling, and that was the reason his parents were pressing that he gets married.
“Thanks for breakfast.” Desmond said solemnly and the Thompsons nodded their welcome.  Then he got up and followed Alex.