Heavy Hearts

FIVE

After the party, Cecilia Thompson insisted that Veronica and her mother spent Christmas with her family.
That morning, Veronica spent almost an hour getting ready for breakfast with the Thompsons, with an aim to look beautiful for…Desmond. But was that fair? Was the question going on in her mind. After their dance at the party last night she knew deep down that he was attracted to her just as she was. But if she ventured on this feeling, won’t she get him broken-hearted when she finally…dies? She absolutely had no intention of dragging anybody else into her own tragedy. Then why was she putting much effort on her looks?

Desmond Eze watched Veronica as she joined them at the table for breakfast, and felt his breath catch. She looked marvellous. And all through breakfast he couldn't help but steal a glance at her almost every minute, and the funny thing was that he caught her doing the same thing.
Later that day, Desmond who was alone in his room was jogged out of his thoughts with a knock on his door. He had stayed back while the rest of the family went to church. After all that had happen to him, he wasn't much of a religious person any longer.
“Come in.” He said blandly, and when he saw it was Alex, he added "I didn't know you guys were back from church."
“We just came back.” Alex answered, and then he looked at his friend with scrutiny.  “Hope you’re okay?” He asked.
“Yes, I’m fine. Why do you ask?”
“You look worried, and I knocked severally before you opened.” Alex said. “You knocked for a while? I guess I didn’t hear you, was deep in thoughts”. Getting himself seated Alex spoke softly to his friend.
“You can’t continue to wallow in your past Desmond; it’s only going to thwart your effort in having a new life”. Alex advised
“I wasn’t actually thinking about my past. It’s that lady Veronica; she has been on my mind since I met her.”
Smiling, Alex leaned forward on his chair and whispered “You like her?” Instead of responding Desmond just stared blankly at his friend. He couldn't explain his feelings for her.  It was weird as it felt different from anything he had felt before for any woman...Grace included.

After a wonderful Christmas dinner with the Thompsons', Veronica had no intention of going to bed. It was nearly midnight by the time she'd finished reading her Sidney Sheldon book, and she was no closer to sleep.  She put on a light white linen dress and headed for the top floor of the house. There, she walked to the balcony and took a deep breath of air, looking out at the beauty all around her. It was a beautiful night.
The moon was out and nearly full. A few clouds scudded across the sky; their greyish forms all accentuating the stars. Mesmerized by the sight, Veronica was unaware that she had company.
Desmond Eze was surprised to see Veronica this late at night. He was just about to leave and get some sleep, when he saw her strolling towards the balcony.  There was something familiar about her and he could almost swear he had met her before now.
Veronica suddenly became aware of his presence and spun around to face him. “Oh. Hello,” she said, her voice sounding surprised as she felt.
Desmond smiled, in spite of his own surprise. Why was he so glad to see her? True, dancing together at the party had been very, very nice. She was beautiful and he was attracted. Suddenly Desmond felt nervous. “What are you doing here by this time all alone?” He asked his voice gentle.
Veronica shrugged. “I didn't feel like sleeping.”
Desmond smiled again and shook his head. “Me neither”, he said, and she smiled at him.
There was a moment silence, then Desmond taking a deep breath, turned away sharply.
“It's a beautiful night.”She said, stopping him, and then added softly, “it's so wonderful out here.”
Desmond nodded. “I know. This is where I always come to, to escape from my past, to ease my mind.”
Veronica nodded, “I know, I was told what happened to you,” she told him gently, as he looked at her sharply.
Desmond sighed angrily. What actually was he still doing here with her?  He was even close to opening up to her. “Well, I mustn’t bore you any further,” he said and began turning around to leave.
“Don't go!”Veronica said sharply, and then shook her head as he stared at her, “sorry if I made you uncomfortable with what I said.” She said softly.
“It's okay,” Desmond said instantly, stepping forward and taking her arms gently in his hands. “You should get some sleep.”
Veronica voice caught as she suddenly became away of the tingling sensation of his hand on her arms. With her heart hammering she looked up at him.
Desmond looked down into wide, beautiful eyes and felt himself being drawn closer to her. It felt so right, so perfect that it took him a moment to realize that he was actually holding her in his arms. The shock rippled through him, and he abruptly let go of her and took a step back.
Veronica's eyes widened. She sensed fear in that moment.  Sharp and distinct, but not her own. But what could he possibly be afraid of?
“Well, I have to get some sleep,” Desmond said, his voice sounding strained even to his own ears. “—so I’ll say goodnight.”
Veronica started to open her mouth, but snapped it shut back as she watched him turn and walk away, her eyes swimming in tears. Quickly she turned back to the rails. His withdrawal couldn't have been more obvious.  And she knew she should be pleased. After all, he was doing her job for her. Keeping them both safe. She should be glad. But the trouble was, she wasn't glad. She wasn't glad at all.