Heavy Hearts

FOUR

In the early hours of 24th December, Veronica pushed aside her bed covers anxious to rise and have breakfast with her mother, and see what the day had in store.
But as soon as she got up and took a step forward, a wave of dizziness hit her. Carefully, she walked into her bathroom and went straight to the mirror, where she checked her pupils, her tongue, throat and neck glands. She sighed deeply.
As she walked back to her bedroom, she saw her mother. “Good morning dear.” Her mother greeted.
“Morning Mum.” She replied huskily.
“Are you okay? You look pale.” Her mother asked with concern in her voice.
“I'm fine mother, just hungry.” She answered feigning a yawn.
“Hungry? When your mother is here?” Her mother teased and Veronica smiled.  “Come on dear. I already made breakfast, your favourite.” Her mother said smiling as she beckoned Veronica out of her bedroom.

“Dorothy, you're here early.” Cecilia said smiling as she went to hug her friend.
“Thought we could have a head start chatting before the party begin.” Dorothy said smiling too as she hugged her friend.
Cecilia laughed. “How are you doing my dear? You look lovely.” She said to Veronica.
“I'm fine Ma.” Veronica replied.
“Alex went out with his friend but he will be thrilled to see you.” Cecilia said smiling at Veronica.
“Likewise. It's being long I saw him last.”
Cecilia and Dorothy looked at themselves and smiled.
“Well, make yourself comfortable.” She said to Veronica as she gently pulled Dorothy to follow her.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Cecilia asked sending a quick gaze at Veronica whom they had left alone in the living room.
“My daughter and your son?” Dorothy asked guessing her drift.
Cecilia nodded.
“We think alike on that matter Cecilia.”
And they smiled.

Veronica wandered around the living room of the Thompsons' with her mouth agape. They have got a beautiful home. She thought. And in that moment, two gentlemen walked in. Veronica knew both, but the sight of one of them made her freeze.
It has been two years ago, when Veronica saw him last. Running late for a court case, she ran into him with her car and broke the two head lamps of his car. She quickly got out of her car and apologised. “I’m so sorry …please”
“It’s alright. Hope you’re okay?” He asked her with concern in his voice.
Veronica was stunned by his concern. She had expected him to be furious. Immediately she stole a look at the face of this nice man and felt her heart leap. He’s good looks got her day dreaming. The moment though brief, had enticed her but on the sight of the ring on his middle finger of his left hand; it became clear to her that it was far better to forget him. Forget the moment ever happened.
But now she was seeing him again, when she’d thought she’d never see him again.
“Veronica!”Alex gasped.
“Hi Alex.” She greets back as accepts the hug he offered.
“It's really nice seeing you again.” Alex said smiling at her.
“Same here.” She replied smiling back at him.
Desmond, who was behind them the whole time, cleared his throat.
“Oh how remiss of me.” Alex said apologetically.
“Veronica meet my friend Desmond Eze,” Alex said stepping aside, so he could introduce Desmond, “and Desmond this Veronica Simeon, the young lady my mother was talking about during breakfast the other day.”
As Desmond took the hand of the beautiful woman in front of him, he felt he had met her before but couldn't recall. Even so, he felt a strange trickle climb up his spine as he distinctly felt her eyes upon him.
Finally Veronica knew his name... Desmond, very suiting for a fine man like him. She also noticed that his wedding ring was gone, but didn't just know how to react to that.

Veronica Simeon made sure she stayed far away from Desmond during the party. She hanged out with Regina. Regina really didn’t help matters, because all she did was talk about Desmond. How strikingly looking he was and how she was glad he has moved in with them which will give her the chance to try her luck with him. But what got Veronica’s attention most was when Regina told her that Desmond was a widower, as he has just recently lost his wife and two daughters. Veronica’s heart wept for him and she wished she could talk to him, but since she had earlier decided not to, she stayed put. What she felt for him was too overwhelming, and it was rather too late for such feelings, she was more reconciled to her fate.
“I guess that’s why he is always on his own,” Regina continued, “he is still grieving. He doesn’t talk to anyone expect Alex.”
“That’s sad.” Veronica said.
“I just hope he gets over it soon, and probably I and he will have a chance together.” She said smiling.
Victoria nodded numbly.

Unwilling to join the party, Desmond Eze finding a deserted spot, he took a seat and stretched out on it, sighing blissfully. Within moments he was asleep.
Veronica’s throat felt dry. She needed a drink, and went to get some when she stumbled over something or somebody. Walking without looking where she was going, she almost fell over him. As it was, her foot connected with his ankle. At the same moment, Desmond sat up, fully awake. He looked up at her, his eyes instantly meeting hers.
“Sorry. I wasn't looking.” Veronica quickly apologised.
“It's alright.” Desmond replied huskily. He couldn't drag his eyes away from hers.
“So...what are you doing here all by yourself? She asked,” You're missing the party.” She added as she dropped down onto the seat beside him. And then, just as quickly, she wondered what the hell was she doing. Hasn't she promised herself she would stay away from him?
“I'm not the party type.” He said simply.
Veronica shook her head, “Me neither.”
There was a brief moment of silence.  Then Veronica started to open her mouth to ask him something then abruptly she changed her mind.
He caught her. “What do you want to say?” he asked his voice deep yet not loud.
The look in his eyes made her heart pound. “I was going to ask if you knew how to dance.” She said huskily.
He stood up slowly and looked down at her as he held out his hand. “Let's dance.”
Veronica smiled as she lifted her hands to meet his. The moment her hand touched his, her heart began to pound again. She let him pull her up to her feet and lead her to where the party was.

MERRY CHRISTMAS! All present at the party screamed as soon as it was twelve midnight. Veronica who has being dancing all night with Desmond quickly excused herself.
“Good night.” She said softly to him.
“Good night.” He replied, and watched her earnestly as she walked slowly to the room that have being given to her and her mother to sleep in.