5

KEVIN

We arrived at a place that had a number of active people. some eating, some riding bicycles, some playing with dogs and some others, reading. We walked calmly and I turned to see how bright and happy she was. Her hands behind her back as though they might betray her to do something she didn't want to do.

"Welcome to Wales Central park" she welcomed and smiled. "I must say this is the coolest place in the city. I mean there are other fun places but being here is just relaxing" she added

"I see" I replied

She is now in my front and began to walk backwards trusting that I would keep watching ahead for her.

"So what would you like to do first?" she clapped

"I don't know," I said

She paused in her steps and twisted her lips like I'm a puzzle she's finding hard to unravel

"Alright. I know what you might like" she smiled

We walked ahead until we got to a food cart.

"Two hamburger please" She ordered

I sat quietly on the chair of the dining set just opposite the food cart. She hurried quickly to where I was with two mini brown bags in both hands and sat beside me.

"Here, you should try one of these. I called them burgers from heaven" She chuckled

"Why?" I asked curiously

"Because they're the best and I have not had any other type of burgers like this one" She answered

"Interesting" I replied

I took mine out from the bag and gave a little bite. I do eat when I get the chance to but it's not a priority. My body is not designed to depend on human-made things. It was good, and truly I have not had many kinds of food but this strangely had a unique taste.

Suddenly, my vision blurred gradually as I felt a sharp pain hit my head. My hands held my head as I tried to take control of what was happening to me.

"Arrrgh!!" I exclaimed as the pain worsened

'please don't kill me, Please don't kill me, Please don't kill me.' The voice kept on whispering.

what is this?

"Hamburgers....my favorite" A deep voice said. I couldn't see a clear picture of who spoke but I had a feeling this was related to me.

Everything stopped suddenly and the pain was gone. I paused and tried to make sense of what just happened. Was that another dream?

"Kevin!" I heard a voice shout as I turned to see who called me. Veronica.

"Oh my God, are you okay?" She worried as she helped me up from the floor.

I got up to see many faces with worry.

"I am fine," I said plainly

"What happened? Was it the burger?" She asked

"There's no need to worry. I am fine" I straightened myself and left the park.

VERONICA

He left without further word and I swelled with embarrassment. What guy leaves a girl on a date? Still, I was worried about him and I was curious to know what had really happened to him.

I picked up my mini bag from the seat and just as I was about to leave, my phone rang.

"Hey mom" I called

I was returned with cries and wailings. My heart sped up and I wondered what could make my mom cry so much

"What's wrong mom?" I asked as fear caused my voice to break a little.

"It's...It's your uncle, He's dead" She revealed as she cried even more

I felt the world stop for a moment as my hands dropped at the information I had just heard. I couldn't believe it, When? How? We had promised to see ourselves soon just after my graduation. Jakes had been my best buddy, he was my uncle but we related as siblings. He could pass for my older brother. I ran back to my apartment as tears rolled down my eyes uncontrollably. My big brother is dead, but he didn't deserve to die, he had been a good person all his life. I cried harder as I mourned his death. And at that moment, I wished Kevin was with me.

KEVIN

Energy. I felt so much energy and it came from Veronica. She is sad, really sad. Yes, my mission has begun finally. I felt satisfied and inspired to continue. If the dreams I have are from the King, then, I won't let him down.

"In no time, She will gradually delve into depression and at that point...." Alexander smiled as he turned to face the window. "The King indeed would be pleased to have a Soldier like you" he added.

I said nothing but within me was the inspiration to much more. Even at least....to stop the dreams.

VERONICA

It was a dull morning and I had no energy to do anything, mostly because I had cried myself to sleep. I heard a sharp knock on the door and I dragged myself to open it. My two best friends were revealed and the urge to cry again quickly sprung up.

"Sweetheart, we're so sorry to hear the news." Trina cried as they hugged me

"It's alright, I'll be fine eventually." I blinked my eyes as I tried to stop the tears from rolling down.

We spoke and made plans for the burial which would be done at Wales Central Cemetary. Even amidst the great things that had happened to me so far, sadness finally found its way in. I won't fall easily, I have to be strong for the others and I believe that Jake would want the same for me.

As he would always say, "Keep being strong no matter what happens in life and never let anything take your peace away from you."

My heart ached as his voice rang in my head. I will be strong. Trina and Dainy stayed with me until the evening when they had to return to their college. I got up from my bed as I desired to take an evening stroll. The evening was still young and a good opportunity for me to loosen up.

As I opened my door, I was greeted by those brown eyes I had longed to see. He seemed to be going somewhere as well. I suddenly felt the need to wrap my hands around him and just be with him at the same time, I felt bad that he had left me at the park.

"Is everything alright? You don't seem well" He asked yet again without emotions

"How do you do it? Don't you ever feel the need to have a feel of emotions?" I asked sharply suddenly feeling angry and regretting I asked such a question

"I don't understand what you are talking about," He said as he folded his arms

"Forget it, It doesn't really matter anyway," I said as I resumed what I had earlier decided.

A stronghold held me back as I turned to Kevin. His hands left my arm and slowly to my palm where he locked his fingers with mine. My heart raced and I felt tingles in my stomach. Now, in front of him, he took the second hand locked it with his. What is he doing? Whatever it was, I didn't want him to stop. I looked at him as his gaze never moved from mine. I wasn't feeling comfortable but yet I wanted this. He brought his face close to mine until we were rubbing noses. Is this what I'm thinking? His eyes still on me.

"How do you feel?" He whispered

"I...I don't know...different" I stuttled.

"You will be okay" He whispered into my ear before hugging me.

I melted and just wanted to remain here. My head on his chest and I felt safe. I really liked Kevin. And with him, I had peace.