Heavy Hearts

EIGHT

A MONTH LATER…
Desmond Eze knocks before walking into Alex Thompson’s office.
“Alex are you busy?” he asked.
“Not really,” Alex answered, “Please sit.” He said beckoning Desmond to a seat.
“Have you found any apartment for me as you promised?” he asked once he was seated.
“Yes I have.” Alex answered, and Desmond eyes widened as he smiled.
“A mini flat.”
“A mini flat?” Desmond asked, disappointed.
“Yes it’s perfect, since it’s just going to be you and Veronica.”
“I know. But what of it someone visits, like her mother for instance and decides to sleep over.” He asked.
“Fine.” Alex said simply, “I will look up a two bedroom flat.”
Desmond smiled. “That sounds better. But remember to make sure it’s the one I can afford.”
“I got your back Desmond.” Alex said.
“No offense Alex, but I want to do this myself. You’ve done enough for me.”
“Alright if you insist, but I’m always here if you need anything.” Alex offered.
“Thanks man.” Desmond said, “How soon do you think you can find the two bedrooms flat?” he asked, “Because I want to get married to Veronica as soon as possible.” He added bringing out a ring from his pocket to show Alex.
“You got her a ring?” Alex asked.
“Yes. I thought it would be proper to get her one. I will be giving it to her today.” He said smiling.
“That’s very thoughtful of you.” Alex said slowly, and then he held Desmond’s gaze for a while before asking, “So you’re really going to marry Veronica, even when you know she is going to die soon.” He said gently.
Desmond stared at him quietly.
“You’ve lost enough people in your life Desmond, your parents, wife and kids. Do you really want to go through that again?”
Desmond sighed. “I love her Alex. I love her so much, and whether I marry her or not it will still hurt a lot when she is gone.” He said and looked at the ring in his hand before shifting his gaze back on Alex, “I’d rather she spend the few months she has left as my wife. I need her in my life even if it is for a short while.”
Alex nodded.
Desmond continued, “Meeting Veronica changed my life. She gave my life a meaning again. I can’t even remember the last time I was this happy after I lost Grace and my kids.”
“What happens after she’s gone?” Alex asked softly, “I’m just worried that you would go back to being bitter, resentful and grief-stricken.”
Desmond shook his head, “its different Alex. I didn’t know I was going to lose my parents the time I lost them or Grace or even my children. In Veronica’s case I know what’s coming; I will be prepared for it.”
“Thank you Desmond.”
“For what?” he baffled.
“Loving her the way you do.”
“I want to make her remaining days a happy one Alex, that’s why I need to get my apartment as soon as possible so that we could get married and start living together.”
Alex nodded.
Then Desmond got up to leave.
“Desmond,” Alex called, and Desmond looked back at him.
“My parents’ fortieth anniversary is in two weeks time, I was hoping you waited till after the anniversary before moving into your own apartment assuming I found one by then.”
“It’s fine by me.” Desmond said simply.
Alex smiled.

Veronica Simeon and Regina Thompson were in kitchen together dishing foods for the guest that have arrived for the Thompson’s anniversary party. It was a small and simple celebration as only family, relatives and close friends were invited.
Mrs Cecilia Thompson joins them in the kitchen with a big smile plastered on her face. “I can’t still believe that Alex actually came along with his fiancée,” she said smiling excessively, “My anniversary just got even better. My son is getting married.” She added happily.
Veronica and Regina smiled.
“Do you know what that means?” she asked smiling. Regina and Veronica looked at each other confused before sending their gaze back at her and then shaking their heads.
“I’m going to be a grandmother soon.” She announced gleefully, and both Regina and Veronica smiled instantly.
“Thanks girls,” she said after a moment, “your help is much appreciated.” She added, then took a bottle of wine and hurriedly left the kitchen.
“Looks like everyone around me is getting married.” Regina grimaced as she eyed the engagement ring on Veronica’s finger.
Veronica blushed.
“To think you got the man I thought would be mine.” Regina said despicably.
“Regina I…” Veronica began but Regina cut her short.
“Don’t mind me; I was just pulling your leg.” Regina said laughing, “You and Desmond deserve each other.”
“Thanks.” Veronica replied smiling.
There was silence immediately as both went back to work.
“Veronica can you kindly help me with those dishes close to you?” Regina asked.
“Sure.” Veronica answered and moved to get them, but then she felt hot and dizzy in that moment. She leaned forward and began to take deep breaths.
“Are you okay?” Regina asked with concern.
“Yes.” She replied hoarsely, “but do you mind getting the dishes yourself?” she asked. “I need a minute.” She added weakly.
“No problem.” Regina said and walked past her to get the dishes.
Veronica felt her heartbeat accelerate, she kept taking deep breaths hoping the feeling would pass, but it didn’t.  Her head began to throb. It had never done that before. The ground beneath her feet seemed to undulate, as if an earthquake was happening. But she knew it was not the ground that was rocking.
“You’re sure you are okay?” Regina who has being watching her quietly the whole time asked again.
“Yes.” Veronica replied, her voice sounding weak.
“Okay.” Regina said, “I will serve this myself.” She said gesturing to the tray of food she carried. “Looks like you need a rest.”
Veronica nodded and gasped almost immediately. Her head throbbed harder. Quickly she closed her eyes, but it wasn’t enough. With hollow sense of fatalism, she realized she was passing out, and then in that instant she collapsed.
Regina was startled. Her first instinct was to drop the tray she held and rush to help Veronica who was apparently lying numb on the floor. But then another instinct stopped her. She could leave her there to die.
She could still have Desmond for herself. She thought and smiled as she walked out of the kitchen, carefully shutting the door behind her as she obviously went with her latter instinct.
As she entered the living room where all the guests were having a good time, she spotted Veronica’s mother in a deep chat with some of her old friends that were invited. Desmond was discussing with Alex elder brother, the priest, and Alex was with his fiancée and parents obviously still introducing her. She smiled to herself. It will really be a long while before anyone found about Veronica. She thought as she went to serve guests the food she carried in the tray.