Jabari wrapped up his mind from the strong weighing information he had received earlier on, this made him take longer to respond than he did most. 'It is difficult to tell. But our old traditional culture still dominates Plagatoscal city. It is not common, and if it is practiced, it is very secretive.'
Veronica was silent for a couple of minutes, probably examining or relating the information she received from Jabari and what was on the ground, 'I have noticed that, how about you? Have you ever thought of being in that kind of relationship yourself?'
Jabari momentarily analyzed what kind of person Veronica was, and it gave him some insight into how she perceived things and her kind of lifestyle. He was also curious about open relationships, but he had never been in one. 'Yes, actually I would like to give it a try.'
Veronica couldn't shut her mouth, she kept on offloading more, 'Good, I have observed that Vampires, wolves and humans here are like mine in many ways. However, you are completely different. You have a broad mind. For example, the reason I left Canstania is that my parents don't support my lifestyle. They want me to get married, give them grandchildren, and then they will consider that I have grown up. I look at life differently. Yes, one day I plan to get married and have children. But not on my parents' timeline and account. What about you?'
Honestly, Jabari was getting bored, he didn't want to talk much about his past, so he simply gave out what would be logical to her. He wasn't lying, it's just that he knew less about his past, which was more like a mystery. Well, my biological parents died when I was very young. I grew up from an orphanage. I was reunited with my extended family when I was seventy years old. So I don't have a strong bond with them. And they have no say in my life. I am just getting to know them now. I suppose it is going to take some time for me to feel and connect with them as family.'
Now, both Jabari and Veronica were extremely jovial, and began dancing. Especially Veronica, who danced with almost anyone who was good at dancing. Especially women's. Veronica kept glancing at the D J from time to time. She went to him several times. She even asked him to dance with her. Jabari Dakarai was very envious and jealous, but he tried to keep it cool. The D J guy was a wolf. He remembered the story she had just narrated to him, and he had to hold himself from reacting, because of the friendship they shared and, on top of everything, the pubs were full of humans, vampires and werewolves, including the outside, which was like an arena.
Jabari couldn't fantom this beautiful girl, whom any man would die for the choices she made. I think this guy is ugly. I really don't see why Veronica has taken a keen interest in him. Maybe I am overthinking about this stuff. Maybe she was interested in the D J thing. So she must be going there because they have one thing in common. Jabari reasoned.
Jabari dropped the thought and tried to enjoy the moment. But once in a while, his eyes would tilt in the direction of the D J and then to Veronica to see if there was something between the two. His intuition told him there was, but he did not want to pay attention to it. He didn't want to trouble his thoughts and heart.
They enjoyed the drinking until twenty-three thirty P M. And then they picked up a cab and went home.
As usual, Jabari was in his garden early that morning, 'Hi Jabari, you got up early! As if you did not drink yesterday till late. We reached home at midnight, right?'
Jabari was disappointed with Veronica last night, so he did not have the zeal to talk to her, 'I guess so.' Frankly, he was disgusted with her. What made him entertain her now was his love for her, which had not yet faded.
She picked up, 'I like that place. I would love to go there again. What do you think about the D J?'
Jabari carried on, 'I don't get your question. Do you like him?' Today he was not laughing nor did he deliver his cute, charming smile. However, Veronica did not seem to take note of all these signs that Jabari Dakarai was trying to give her. She was so self-centered and consumed in her lustful world and full of fantasies that Jabari was able to see through her facial expression and the energy she was emitting here and now.
Without any shame in her, she confessed how she felt about him, 'Yes, I think I do. Besides, we have something in common with him. Maybe this is the guy for me. I really would like to see him again.' Jabari Dakarai's heart was broken, smitten with a thousand swords at that moment, fire was burning in his bosom, his chest getting hot and hotter.
There was silence everywhere. Everything stood still and Veronica's words rang in Jabari's mind over and over again. The question that crept into his mind was, 'but why have you been leading me on?
What is wrong with her? Is she a normal person or what? Maybe there is something wrong with me?
Jabari gathered his strength and said, in bitter anger, 'Congratulations, I am happy that you found someone you like.' And forced a fake smile.
She took up an opportunity to invite him, 'Would you like to come with me to meet him this afternoon? We can have some beers, I am buying, get to know him well, and when his working hours come, we can pick up the party from where we left it yesterday.'
Jabari wouldn't go to his crucifixion. 'No dear, I have lots of work to do, and I have customers who will come late in the afternoon to make orders. If I have time, I can come through later. I will keep in touch.'
She looked very conflicted. She became thoughtful momentarily, not knowing how to convince him further.
She came to her conclusion, faked a smile like everything was in perfect shape, 'Alright, let's keep in touch. See you later.'
Jabari Dakarai in a low tone voiced, 'Bye.'
She turned and walked away.
Jabari's entire system was set on fire. His heart rate rose very rapidly, his breathing was too fast and the air was in short supply.