Jabari smiled dubiously, not caring about the act of Veronica, 'Well, everything I did this weekend I had not planned for it. I was just going on with the flow. How was your weekend?' He inquired mischievously with a fake smile.
She smiled back genuinely, 'It was perfect. Are you going to have some free time at lunch? I would like us to have a chat.'
Jabari gave her request some thought, besides he had something interesting coming up, so he didn't see a need to turn her down, and was in a good mood, 'Sure.'
She immediately made an excuse to go, 'I have to go, meet you at lunchtime.'
Jabari waved goodbye. Without giving a word out.
That day, Jabari went to the shop, and began evaluating the state of the shop. By the time he was done, it was already lunchtime.
He went back to his apartment to meet Veronica. When he was about to enter the house, he collided with her.
Jabari was the one to kick-start the discussion, 'Did you already have lunch this soon?' Jabari knew the time-frames for lunch and how accurate it was every day.
She first nodded, then words followed after, 'No, I don't have an appetite.'
She paused a little while and picked up, 'I am going to have some coffee. Come with me to my place. We shall sit under the granadilla umbrella. We can chat and then have some coffee and your favorite biscuits, or you can have your chocolate blood drink. You need something at least in your stomach.' She knew quite well that Jabari didn't like to have lunch, but dinner.
Jabari thought about it before agreeing.
'Ok.'
They walked to Alpha's house, sat under the granadilla umbrella and, they waited for the coffee to be ready.
'Jabari, I really have some good news. Alexander will be going back to Canstania for two weeks.'
'OK?' Jabari voiced with a questioning face.
'That means more freedom for me. Now I can do what I want without overthinking everything or looking over my shoulders.'
'Good for you.'
'Hey Veronica, here is the coffee for you.' as she handed a mug to Veronica and for you Jabari.' Stretching her hand to him. He grabbed the cup with his right hand.
'Thank you, Olivia.' Jabari smiled at her.
A glittering beam could be seen on her face, 'You are welcome.' As her beam went deep, releasing an energy that was pulling him in.
Veronica got up, 'Let me grab some biscuits.' She walked inside the house, pretending not to have seen anything at all.
Jabari looked at Olivia, then asked a question, 'How are you coping with the place here?' Jabari meant the Dystopian Community.
"Slowly," Olivia gave her feedback.
Jabari continued bombarding her with more questions, "You don't seem that happy. Why?"
"I have family issues, and now that I am here and not there, I don't know how to help." Jabari nodded his head as a sign of understanding and trying to sympathize with her.
"I am really sorry about that. If you feel like you want to talk, I am here. I am a good listener." She beamed as her eyes locked with his.
"Thank you, Jabari, that is very thoughtful of you."
The conversation was cut short by Veronica, "Hey, here are the biscuits." She laid them on the table.
Veronica came out with a huge smile, and looked very lively. That caught the attention of both Olivia and Jabari. It was obvious she had something interesting to deliver to them.
Jabari persuaded her, "Spill it out, Veronica? We can see it on your face." .
"It's Joseph. He says there is going to be a big show, and he has bought two tickets for you and me. Would you like to come with me this Friday?"
Jabari delayed his response, he was not yet comfortable going out again with Veronica, "Today is Monday. I will let you know by Wednesday. By then, I should have figured out my program for Friday, if I am free and available. Sometimes my programs are not predictable." Jabari Dakarai was trying to turn her down silently without getting her offended.
Suddenly, something none of them expected happened, "I would like to go out this Friday as well," uttered Olivia. She was always home and inside doors all weekend. That was a strange thing for Jabari and Veronica, who automatically turned and looked at Olivia with amazement and perplexed faces.
They could not believe what they had just heard, puzzlement and surprise was written all over their faces. Then Olivia carried on to clear the doubts of the two beings, 'Absolutely, I think it is high time that I get to experience this city to the fullest.' After these words it's obvious that she meant them. At this moment, Jabari Dakarai and Veronica Bruschetta were convinced.
Veronica had to give her assurance, 'You are welcome to come with us.' Veronica was cut short by an outstanding voice at the door to the kitchen from Freya, 'Come where?' Jabari, Olivia and Veronica all turned simultaneously to look at her. As she made her way to join the trio at the table with a mug of coffee in her hand. Her face wore an inquisitive glittering smile. Veronica briefly explained the event that was going to take place that coming Friday. On hearing that, Freya also decided to join the crew. The only one remaining without giving his confirmation was Jabari, but after noticing that Olivia was coming along, he made an interesting statement, 'I look forward to Friday then.'
While all this was taking place, Olivia sat on the same side as Veronica at the table smoking a cigarette. Veronica and Jabari were opposite to each other and Freya, next to Jabari, when she asked for a lighter from Olivia to lit up her own cigarette as well.
This seemed to be like the proper time to share good news, 'Huh, I also have some interesting news!' Jabari began.
Olivia articulated without hesitation, 'Share with us?' She seemed eager and excited to know. Jabari looked at Veronica expecting a reaction of some sort.