“I have to leave now.”
“Now?” Veronica asked. “It is still one o’clock.”
“Sorry, Veronica. I have an appointment.”
“Appointment?” Veronica repeated.
“Yes, the main team of the next school trip has a meeting this noon.”
“Oh, I don’t know about it. Shall I attend it?”
“No… no, you may not,” Evans replied, “We are only going to discuss all the preparation we made. You know in the next two weeks we are leaving.”
“Oh,” Veronica disappointed. It’s Saturday. Couldn’t they date like the other couples?
“I’m terrible sorry, Veronica. I promise I will be on time next Saturday.”
Veronica watched Evans. “Will you?”
“Yes, I will,” Evans promised.
“If you don’t keep your promise, I will not accompany you to the game center again. I won’t let you!”
“You can keep my words,” Evans smiled.
“Deal,” Veronica was satisfied.
Veronica mustn’t let her self-willed troubled Evans. It’s his last activity during High School. As the head of this activity, Evans must hadn’t want to disappointed anyone’s expectation. Every February their school held this school trip. After the trip, the third grade student must quit from any extra curricular activity including Student Council. They must concentrate on their graduating test and university entrance test.
Veronica had promised Evans to give him a charm. Veronica wished Evans could pass the entrance test of the favorite university his father pointed. Veronica didn’t want Evans continue his study abroad. Veronica couldn’t imagine days without Evans.
Lately they hadn’t chat on the net. They had almost never talked to each other these few days. Evans was always busy with the school-trip and she was busy with the preparation of Student Council election besides her duty as the advisor secretary of the school-trip.
Veronica had been lonely these days. The only thing that kept her moving on was the chance to see Evans, to hear Evans’s voice during their meeting that was getting intense and more intense. Veronica won’t be able to bare the pain, the loneliness, the emptiness of her life if Evans completely gone. She could pass these painful years because of Evans. Evans was the only person to whom she could share with.
“Maribel, I saw you and Evans in the park Saturday.”
Veronica stopped. She stood silently in the corner – listening to the shocking news.
“Are you guys dating?”
“Did Evans invite you?”
“No, I invited Evans. He is a real gentleman. He always keeps his promise. He never lets me waiting for him.”
“Never…,” Veronica held her chest.
“I often saw both of you after school. How do you do it?”
Veronica leaved in hurry. She couldn’t bare the pain of her heart. It wasn’t her hobby to hear others conversation. It wasn’t her habit to think negatively. Yes, she must trust Evans. He must be so tired that he hadn’t chat with her. He still cared of her. He always replied her message in the next day. Evans was the third year student. He needed more study time. He must have the same hope as her. He wanted to fulfill his parents’ expectation. That must be the same reason why yesterday he hadn’t asked her to go with him to the Game Center. Evans had a meeting yesterday, not a date with Maribel in the amusement park.
Veronica kept repeating it to calm herself. She didn’t want to suspect Evans.
“Please wait!” Veronica called the secretary of school-trip team after their routine meeting. “Could you give me the result of school-trip meeting yesterday?”
“What are you talking about!?” she showed her dislike. “It has never been any meeting on weekends. Besides, you aren’t the secretary!”
“But Evans said…,” Veronica shocked.
“He must have found someone suitable for him,” she left, “Thanks God.”
There had never been a meeting on Saturday. Veronica looked at Evans painfully.
Evans leaved the meeting room with his inner team.
“What the hell are you doing!?” the Student Council President yelled at Veronica. “We have lots to do. If you want to sit all the day, just go home! I don’t need a lazy bone here!”
“I’m sorry,” Veronica collected her papers.
“That’s why I didn’t agree they choose the first year,” the President grumbled, “Tell me, what did you use to get into the Student Council? Do they will just point you as the new Student Council President?”
Veronica ignored him. She had already been passing this hatred since the very first time she had stepped in Student Council Room. She got use to it.
She had already refused when Mr. Pam had asked her to take this position. She hadn’t wanted to replace the previous sick secretary. When the previous secretary had started his medical treatment for his tumor, the President had pointed the other member to take over his job. Then when the doctor had said the previous secretary needed a long recovering time, this decision had been made. No one had listened to Veronica. Veronica’s mother had accepted this offering regardless to Veronica’s objection. Mr. Pam had placed her regardless to the President’s legality.
Veronica didn’t know whose fault it was.
Veronica locked herself in the Student Council Room typing the result of their meeting today and preparing the formal documents they needed.
“Evans, I have a problem on my history homework. Will you help me?” the cute voice of Maribel was heard in the other side of the door.
Veronica stunned.
“Yes, I will,” Evans replied.
“Then, let’s meet at the library tomorrow after school,” Maribel said happily, “Now you must keep your promise. You should take me to the downtown.”
“No problem.”
Evans, he…
‘I don’t like the downtown. It’s too crowded,’ Evans ever told her.
‘We always go home together after school,’ Maribel had told her friends this noon.
NO! Veronica did want to trust Evans. He would never betray her. He would postpone their promise.
Veronica had gained her trust to Evans again that evening only to find it was tattering again.
The next day Evans didn’t show up at their daily meeting! It was something Evans would never do!
Before going home, Veronica went to the library. She saw both of them sat side by side. She didn’t call Evans. She just walked away silently in pain.
Evans always lectured her whenever she wanted to escape any meeting. He didn’t like she escaped from the reality. He always encouraged her.
There was nothing to be worried. Don’t forget Evans never refused any call for help. Veronica told herself.
Veronica turned on her PC. She would ask Evans. She needed an answer before all of her trust tattered for something nonsense.
“Unbelievable!” the girls yelled in astonishment.
Jane stared at her Physics test. Her eyes got wide at the 67 mark written at the upper right in disbelief.
“It’s impossible!”
“What did you do?”
“Did you cheat?”
“Do you think it’s possible?!” Jane got angry, “That killer kept monitoring me till I got sick!”
“That was right. It is the first time Jane did her test.”
“Well, I don’t want he failed me.”
“I still don’t get it. How did you do this?”
“I don’t know.”
“I can’t accept this! You should treat us!”
“No, I won’t. I don’t have money.”
“Yes, you should.”
“Why?”
“You got the highest mark among us.”
“But…”
“Do you want to share your secret?”
“OK!” Jane stood, “I’ll treat you girls drinks.”
“That’s cheap!”
“Better than none!” Jane leaved her classroom.
They mustn’t hope she would tell them the secret of her Physics mark. They won’t believe it. Even she couldn’t admit Veronica was behind this miracle. The Physics summary had been in rubbish unless Jane felt helpless preparing the Physics test. The time she had read it, she found it was so structured that she had almost found no difficulties in learning Physics. It was Veronica’s contribute. However she didn’t want to admit it. She was still the one helped herself!
“So, the reservation problem has already been settled,” Jane heard Veronica’s calm voice approaching; “Now you must have more free time.”
‘I’m sorry,” the other voice Jane had never heard, replied, “I couldn’t speak to you these few days. I’m afraid I will have no time to chat until the end of my tests.”
“I understand,” Veronica smiled, “You shouldn’t upset your parents, should you? Besides, if you pass the entrance test, you may not study abroad and we can always be together.”
“Veronica, I…,” Evans couldn’t say it.
“Don’t worry. I can accompany you studying at the library.”
“No, you may not. I’m afraid I will study until night.”
“I’ll talk about it with Mom. I believe she will understand. I want to spend my time with you.”
“Veronica,” Evans knew he should say it. “Let’s stop meeting.”
Veronica shocked.
“We can still meet every Saturday,” Evans added in hurry.
“Do you prefer Maribel accompany you?” she asked jealously.
“What are you talking about? She just asked me teaching some subjects.”
“But you always are seen with her not only here but… but also downtown.”
“She is a new student. She has never been in this city. I just want to help her.”
“Oh,” I ashamed of herself. She had let her jealous took her sense, “She must be lonely. I will befriend with her.”
“I know you are such a nice girl,” Evans smiled as he petted Veronica’s head.
“Don’t treat me like a child!”
Evans just laughed.
Jane watched that couple walked away.
None of them seems to be forced into this relation. They enjoyed their position.
Who cares? It’s not her business.
Jane stared the happy face of Veronica. She wanted to know who she was.
“Why don’t you stop them!?” Maribel yelled angrily.
“Don’t you think we want to!? Evans just came to her when the monster was here.”
“I’ll make her stop seeing Evans. Evans is mine!”
“Don’t be so arrogant! Evans isn’t yours,” warned the girls on Evans’s class.
“He is ours!”
“If you do like him, snatch him!” Maribel barked back, “You are just a coward!” and she left.
“You are not better than the monster!!” they yelled too.
“Useless!”
Maribel had to talk to that girl! She should clarify who was the match girl for Evans! She couldn’t let anyone stay in her way. She would do anything necessary to get Evans!
With it in her mind, she waited Veronica in her classroom.
The anger on her hearth exploded as she saw Evans escorted Veronica.
“Come with me!” Maribel dragged Veronica once Evans left.
Veronica puzzled. She let herself being dragged to the yard.
“I warned you,” Maribel shouted, “Don’t you dare to ever meet Evans again! He is mine!”
“What are you talking about? He is my fiancé?”
“You forced him to this fuck engagement!”
“No,” Veronica murmured, “I never…”
“Stop dreaming! Evans never loves you! He cares of you because he feels guilty!”
“That’s… that’s… not right…”
“Have you ever heard he said it?” Maribel argued, “He always says it to me.”
Veronica’s eyes widened.
“He chooses me! He prefers to be with me than chatting with you!”
Veronica’s eyes got wider. They promised not to tell anyone. It’s the only communication outside school they had.
“It’s time for you to realize you are nothing! Evans couldn’t stop blaming himself for everything happened. He agreed to marry you just because he wanted to repay his fault!”
‘Run! Run!’ the kid had run away. ‘The monster is here!’
Veronica didn’t want to recall it.
‘Die!’ some kids had kicked Evans. ‘Go to hell, coward!’
‘You do have the right to protect her. You’ve burned her face!’ They had kicked and hit Evans who fought for her.
‘Go to hell!’
‘ARRRGHH!’ Veronica cried in pain as her face had been burned.
“No…,” Veronica whispered painfully.
‘Veronica, from now on I’ll protect you,’ Evans had promised her in their childhood; ‘I won’t let anyone harm you.’
“Evans just pities you!” Maribel pronounced, “So, stop relying on him!”
“NO…,” Veronica whispered painfully. The tears burned her eyes.
“So what!?”
Both of them surprised.
Jane couldn’t stand of it anymore. She didn’t want to hear their conversation but Maribel’s voice was so loud that it attracted her. Jane didn’t know what happened between them. However the situation had told her their positions.
Jane grabbed Veronica’s hand. “Let’s go,” she dragged her to a quiet place – far enough from Maribel’s reach.
Veronica wiped her watery eyes. “Thank you.”
“Why did you keep silent? You should have yelled back at the bitch!”
“Why should I?” Veronica asked.
“Don’t you get it?” Jane asked impatiently, “She wants to rob Evans from your side!”
“NO, she won’t. She is just lonely. She had just been transferred here,” Veronica argued.
“You…,” Jane got angry. Why should she get angry of Veronica’s reaction? Why should she put her nose on the other’s business?
“I trust Evans. Besides…,” Veronica’s eyes were empty, “Maybe she is right,” she said in a low voice.
“Whatever,” Jane couldn’t stop herself thinking how stupid Veronica was. “Now we are deal.”
Veronica surprised. “Is that true?” Veronica was happy for Jane. “Congratulation!” There was no sadness in her face. “I always ready to help you.”
“No, thanks,” Jane turned her back and leaved.
“She is a damn good person,” she told herself as she saw Veronica waving hand to her, “And stupid.”
Stupid… Maybe that’s true. These days Veronica couldn’t stop feeling stupid.
Evans never went online. He never replied her. Nevertheless, Veronica kept writing to him. She shared everything to Evans like crazy. She chatted with him as if he was there.
There was no single time Veronica stopped telling herself it was exactly what happened when Evans had had to prepare his High School entrance test. Veronica had ever passed time without Evans for months until Evans had finished his tests. She couldn’t be selfish. Evans made this decision for their future. This condition was better was better than three years ago.. They couldn’t chat but they could still meet each other, talk to each other during Student Council meeting. Veronica must always remind herself.
However, whenever she watched Maribel walked side by side with Evans, all of her confidence was tattered. She was cute. She was beautiful. She matched Evans. And… Evans never refused her. In fact, Evans always refused to tell her the truth behind their relation.
The Student Council room was opened.
Veronica turned her eyes from the monitor.
Evans surprised to see her in the Student Council. “Why are you here? Shouldn’t you have to be in the meeting?”
“Where have you been?” Veronica asked.
“I have just studied in the library.”
That’s lie! Veronica had just gone to the library to find him but he hadn’t been there.
“We have already late,” Evans searched for his school trip files, “We must e hurry.”
“What’s your relation with Maribel?”
Evans numbed.
There was a painful silence until he said, “We have no time to discuss this. They must have waiting for us.”
Veronica watched Evans took the wrong folder from the shelf. She just kept silent when Evans leaved the room awkwardly without realizing she didn’t follow him.
The tears held for days, dropped along Veronica’s cheek.
Maribel was right. It’s the time for the beast to wake up.
These lonely days Veronica couldn’t stop recalling her painful past. Her friends had been afraid of her half-burned face and the boys had always teased her. Evans had always protected her. He had always fought them for her. He had been in quarrels and hatred with the boys.
When their parents had learnt it, Evans’s parents had decided to transfer him to a school far from their previous elementary school and Veronica’s parents had also decided to transfer her to an all-girl school Besides, they had assigned some bodyguards to make sure no one could harm her, they had also assigned a private servant and driver to serve her.
The overprotective decision Veronica’s parents had made, had isolated her from her circumstance. Her new classmates had been afraid of her overprotective bodyguards. Her old friends had been jealous of her servants. The teachers in her new school treated her as a super-rich girl. If there had been something make them respect her, it had been her parents money. They had used their influenced to let Veronica’s bodyguards guard her everywhere around the school. They bribed anyone for the damage her bodyguards had made in order to protect her.
Evans was the only person who always encouraged her. There were times Veronica felt helpless. There were moments Veronica broken apart. There were occasions Veronica lost all her hopes. It was Evans who comforted her. It was him who secretly kept a contact with her.
Evans had taught her to use computer. He had suggested them to chat on the net wince it had been very difficult for them to meet each other even to talk in the phone.
In the other side, Veronica had studied hard to make her parents proud. She had worked hard to reach the first position each term. It was the only thing she could do to prove to anyone she wasn’t the lazy super rich girl they thought. But, recently Veronica felt it was useless.
Everyone was still afraid of her, no matter how often she smiled. Everyone was jealous of her even though she had successfully persuaded her parents to dismiss the bodyguards, servants, and the driver provided only for her. Everyone still suspected her using her wealth to get the answer of the tests, no matter how hard she studied.
Veronica glazed the opened door. Evans had already disappeared.
At the end she was always alone.
“Oh, shit!” Evans sprang from his bed, “I’m late!”
It was almost 10:30 AM. He had a date with Veronica at 9 AM.
Yesterday Veronica hadn’t show up in the meeting. He would haven’t notice it if the Student Council President hadn’t grumbled about Veronica’s absence. When he had arrived to his home, Evans had turned his computer on. He had wanted to ask Veronica what’s wrong with her. It had been the first time she didn’t come to the daily meeting. Instead of Veronica, he had only received the girls’ short message.
“Tomorrow let’s meet an hour earlier,” she had said, “Don’t forget your promise.”
He had waited for Veronica however she had never gone online again. She didn’t write anything more as she had used to be these days. She didn’t share anything with him. Evans believed there must be something wrong with Veronica. He had told himself no to be late today.
“Where are you going?” Mrs. Kopf asked when she saw her son clothed in hurry.
“Why don’t you wake me up, Mom?” Evans buttoned his shirt, “You know I have an appointment with Veronica every Saturday.”
“Veronica, Veronica, and Veronica! Why do you care of that selfish girl!? She doesn’t match to you!”
“I’m leaving,” Evans leaved without hearing his mother’s lecture. His mother was the wrong person to discuss with whenever it’s related to Veronica. His father wasn’t the good choice, too. His parents disliked his relation with Veronica. They never blessed their engagement. The only thing kept their hand off of this subject was the historical business cooperation between their families. It was too risk touching Veronica.
In the next 30 minutes, Evans arrived at Veronica’s favorite coffee shop.
Veronica was still waiting for him. “In the end, you are late,” she welcomed him sadly.
“I’m sorry,” Evans felt guilty. “I won’t ask to go to the Game Center. I’ll do anything you want.”
Veronica had the right to be angry. He had promised her last week. Still, he was late.
Instead of angry, Veronica said in a low voice. “Take your seat, I’ll order another coffee for you.” She stood up.
Evans looked at the cold coffee in front of Veronica. “Don’t bother yourself. I’ll have it.”
Veronica didn’t hear it. She went to the cashier and returned with a cup of hot cappuccino.
“Why do you bother yourself?” Evans asked as Veronica put the coffee in front of him. “They can serve us.”
“I just want to serve you;” Veronica smiled, “Can’t I?”
Evans couldn’t say anything but, “Yes, you can.” Evans took his hot coffee while looking at Veronica glazing the ocean from the window.
It was unusual for that girl to be so quiet. She wasn’t the happy girl he knew. Veronica always argued him whenever he was late. She had never kept silent like this.
“Evans,” at least Veronica turned her head. “Do you love me?”
Veronica choked. “Silly question!” he avoided Veronica’s eyes.
“Tell me,” Veronica asked seriously.
Evans took a sugar package and opened it awkwardly.
Veronica watched as Evans poured a great amount of sugar into his coffee. Painfully, she realized how stupid she was. Her brain had already made the decision. However her heart was still stubborn.
“Yes, what a silly question,” Veronica agreed, “We are engaged, aren’t we?”
“Y-yes,” Evans drank his coffee. He took a peek at Veronica’s right face.
“Run! Run!” for the first time after these years, Veronica didn’t stop those memories flowing back.
“Run! The hero is here!” the boys teased Evans.
“Stop it!” Evans had yelled angrily.
“Hero! Hero!”
“The white horsed Prince!” those boys hadn’t stopped teasing Evans. “The handsome and the beast!”
Those boys had laughed as Veronica had started crying. Her small hand had covered her right face that still hadn’t be covered by her short hair.
‘STOP IT!!’ Evans had hit one of those boys.
Since the moment, Evans was always be her side protecting her from anyone who wanted to tease her. Since the moment, too, Evans often saw her face sadly.
Veronica wouldn’t lie to herself the reason Evans had proposed her. Veronica wouldn’t run from the reality anymore.
Veronica had gone to Evans’s Junior High School after her school. She had lied to her Mother. She had told her she had had an extra class that day. She had escaped from her bodyguards who had been waiting for her in her school entrance. Veronica hadn’t met Evans for more than two weeks. She had desperately wanted to meet him. She had only known Evans’s grade and school.
Everything had gone smoothly until a sudden strong wind had revealed her burned face.
Everyone had been shocked. No one hadn’t been terrified.
“Look at her.”
“Poor girl… What a terrible face!
Veronica had heard they had talked. She had covered her face with her palm and had run from those voices.
Veronica had bumped into someone so hard that she felt with thud.
“Are you ARRGHHH! M-mo…monster!!”
Veronica had realized what the boy had cried for. She had horridly covered her face. The tears had watered her eyes.
“Evans, look that girls’ terrible face. It’s very disgusting!”
Veronica eyes had met with Evans’s shocked face.
“What the hell had happened to you?” the other friend of Evans had asked Veronica.
The tears had started flowing down along Veronica’s cheek.
“Veronica,” Evans had helped Veronica, “Let’s go.” He had taken Veronica to a quiet place for Veronica to cry loudly.
“I’m a monster. I’m terrible. I’m ugly.”
“No, Veronica, that’s not true. You are beautiful.”
“What will you say about this!?” Veronica had shown her face.
Evans had turned his head to the other side. He couldn’t bear the guilt looking at that burned face.
“You’re a liar! No one likes me. No one will ever love a monster like me.”
Evans had watcher Veronica crying desperately.
“Veronica,” he said after a quiet long pause, “Let’s gets engaged.”
That words had stopped Veronica’s cried.
Now, recalling that moment, Veronica realized how sad Evans’s expression that moment. He hadn’t looked happy like a lover should be. He hadn’t been nervous like a lover should be when proposing. He… had been so sad, so helpless.
The coughing of Evans called Veronica back to present.
“You still haven’t use to sugar, have you?” she surprised on how natural her smile was.
“I don’t like sweat,” Evans declared.
“Finish your drink quickly. We don’t have enough time.”
“Why are you hurrying? We still have plenty time.”
Veronica smiled. “Today I’m the boss.”
“Ok,” Evans smiled too.
Few minutes later they leaved the coffee shop.
Veronica held Evans’s hand.
Evans surprised. They had never walked hand b hand like this. For Veronica smiley face, Evans kept silent.
“Evans, do you know what day is it?” Veronica suddenly stopped.
“What?”
Veronica smiled so sweetly. She picked a lily in the bucket in front of a flower shop. “Why does the lily is so pure so beautiful?” she asked Evans, “I wish I could be like her.” Evans wanted to say something but Veronica continued, “You have never given me a present not even a flower.”
“Veronica…,” Evans had never heard her so sad like this – not even when she had been teased for her face.
“Well, it can’t be helped,” she looked at him, “I don’t know what our parents will do if they find it. We knew how their reaction was when we were engaged,” then she stared at her engaged rig, “This ring, you gave me this in front of our parents to prove we were not joking. This is the only thing kept them away from us.”
Evans couldn’t stand for those watery eyes. He picked a lily and walked to the counter.
“Evans,” Veronica stopped him, “I’m the boss today,” she reminded him. “I’ll pay for everything today.”
“I’m late today,” Veronica always punished him to treat her whenever he was late.
“Today is valentine.”
Then Evans realize today was February 14.
“It’s the first time we celebrate Valentine. Since you don’t like sweet, it is the only thing I can give you. Please…,” she begged, “I don’t know when we can have it again.”
Veronica was right. They won’t be able dating on valentine if it wasn’t Saturday.
“Ok,” Evans put the lily back, “I’ll buy it for you next time.”
“Next time…,” Veronica repeated in a a low voice, “Yes, next time.”
“Did you say something?”
Veronica kept silent. Her eyes didn’t move from the lilies.
“Veronica,” Evans put his hand on Veronica’s shoulder, “If you really want it, I will buy it now.”
“No… no…,” Veronica refused, “Let’s go,” she pulled Evans’s hand. “Let’s go to the Game Center.”
Evans’s eyes widened.
“It is Valentine,” Veronica reminded.
“Ok,” Evans followed her. For an unknown reason, he felt Veronica wasn’t as enthusiast as usual. As long as she was happy, Evans would do whatever needed. As Veronica’s will, he should play with her in the Game Center this noon. Unlike usual, Veronica asked him to teach her the games she had never liked. She enjoyed learning how to play the racing game. She cried angrily when Evans defeated her in her just-learning fighting game.
Evans smiled happily as he saw Veronica’s happy face for the rest of the day.
“Evans, I wish we can be together forever,” Veronica said as Evans took her to the parking lot where her drive had already waited for her.
“Stop saying silly thing!”
Veronica smiled. She stood on her tip-toes and kissed Evans’s cheek.
Evans surprised.
“Thank you for everything,” she whispered at his ear. “Goodbye,” she walked to her family private car. The driver closed the door for Veronica and moved to his seat.
Evans was still surprised as the car moved away. Somehow he felt so empty and lonely.
“What’s the meaning of this!?” Evans stared at the engagement ring on the small red box on his hand. It was Veronica’s. He had given it to her as their engagement symbol.
“It’s clear,” Mrs. Kopf was angry, “That’s monster came here to cancel your silly engagement! It’s her who asked me to return it to you.”
“But… but…,” Evans could accept the fact, “There is no reason… We’ aren’t quarrelling. We have never quarreled. There is no reason to cancel it.”
“That selfish girl must be realized her selfishness.”
“She said she wants us to be together forever.”
Veronica was happy today. She smiled all the time. He would never do anything made her sad. Veronica knew it. Veronica knew he would always protect her. There was no signal Veronica wasn’t happy with him.
“I’ll ask for her,” Evans decided.
“Enough!” Mrs. Kopf shouted angrily, “This silly engagement is over! That is!” she stressed. “Don’t you ever think I won’t do anything to stop you! I will kill her if she dares to meet you again. I don’t care about the business whatever. I’m getting tired of it. Your father is a coward. He is afraid to put his firm in a risk but I’m not. I will do anything to stop that crazy monster.”
Evans kept silent.
“Evans,” Mrs. Kopf said softly, “I heard there is a girl named Maribel loves you.”
Evans watched his monitor helplessly. He couldn’t reach Veronica since last Saturday. He hadn’t talk to her since their last date. She had never gone online. She had never replied his message. She avoided him in school. She had come to Student Council meeting just in time before the meeting had started and had leaved right after the end of the meeting. He couldn’t call her. Her family controlled every single of her calling in and out and she had no cell phone. He couldn’t even write a letter for her. Her family also controlled her in-out letter.
His mother, in the other side, had self-assertively arranged a date between him and Maribel. She, without his knowing, had befriended with Maribel.
Maribel hadn’t let him go, too. She had always met him in his classroom each rest time. She had always followed him to the Student council meeting. She had always waited for him until the end of the intense meeting for the final preparation of their school trip. If he had gone without waiting for her coming, Maribel would have it reported to his mother. If he had tried to make a contact to Veronica, Evans would have it reported to his anti-Veronica mother.
Never in his life, had Evans ever felt so helpless like this.
Why had Veronica canceled their five-years-long-engagement? Could it be because she was upset for his decision not to meet her? Could it be because she was angry he had made her waiting for almost two hours? No! No! That’s impossible! Veronica wasn’t that kind of girl. Then why? There was no reason for Veronica to cancel their engagement.
He hadn’t clarified his problem with Veronica when her mother started planning his engagement to Maribel. He hadn’t had a chance talking to Veronica when he was forced to be engaged with Maribel.
Now he was here, stood elegantly in his tuxedo, welcomed every guest on his engagement party. Maribel stood beautifully in his side. His parents talked proudly to their business partners.
Evans glazed every single inch of the restaurant. His eyes were looking for the figure of Veronica hopelessly. It was Saturday. How could Veronica be here? Even though Veronica’s family was invited, it didn’t mean she must be here.
“KISS! KISS! KISS!”
Evans surprised.
“Kiss Maribel!” their friends asked.
Evans looked at Maribel then at this parents who wanted his cooperation. Helplessly, Evans bended. Suddenly he felt sad eyesight.
There across the room, stood Veronica. He had never seen her so beautiful, so elegant, and charming. Her beautiful pair of eyes looked at him sadly. Maribel had never seen those painful eyes. Not even when everyone had teased her face.
“Kiss me,” Maribel ordered him.
Evans looked at the girl in front of him and then back across the room.
Veronica wasn’t there. There was even no sign at all she had been there.
Evans bended again until their mouth almost touched then he whispered. “Sorry,” Evans left Maribel to find Veronica.
He couldn’t find Veronica anywhere. He couldn’t find anyone seeing Veronica left. The only thing made him believe it hadn’t been an illusion was the rumor spreading the next Sunday after his engagement party. Everyone gossiped Veronica coming to his engagement party. But it didn’t help at all!
When the rumor of his decision to study abroad, was spreading, Evans though could this be the reason?
No, it was impossible. Veronica knew he would do anything for her sake.
Evans didn’t understand Veronica anymore. They had passed many things. How such a thing could tatter her mind?
Maribel had told him Veronica was always alone. She had never had a friend because she thought Evans was enough. Veronica didn’t want to rely on the others but him. Maribel had made him realize all these times Veronica had always talked about general topic. She had never mentioned a girl’s name.
He had known Veronica had done anything to be with him including forcing her parents to let her study in his High School.
It was a difficult choice. Evans couldn’t tell Veronica about this decision. Instead, he had asked her to stop meeting. Still, the disappointment in Veronica’s face had excused him not to be so strict.
Now Veronica did it very well. Until they leaved for their two days school trip, they hadn’t talk to each other. Until their busses moved, Evans could only watched Veronica.
*****Continue to part 3
“Now?” Veronica asked. “It is still one o’clock.”
“Sorry, Veronica. I have an appointment.”
“Appointment?” Veronica repeated.
“Yes, the main team of the next school trip has a meeting this noon.”
“Oh, I don’t know about it. Shall I attend it?”
“No… no, you may not,” Evans replied, “We are only going to discuss all the preparation we made. You know in the next two weeks we are leaving.”
“Oh,” Veronica disappointed. It’s Saturday. Couldn’t they date like the other couples?
“I’m terrible sorry, Veronica. I promise I will be on time next Saturday.”
Veronica watched Evans. “Will you?”
“Yes, I will,” Evans promised.
“If you don’t keep your promise, I will not accompany you to the game center again. I won’t let you!”
“You can keep my words,” Evans smiled.
“Deal,” Veronica was satisfied.
Veronica mustn’t let her self-willed troubled Evans. It’s his last activity during High School. As the head of this activity, Evans must hadn’t want to disappointed anyone’s expectation. Every February their school held this school trip. After the trip, the third grade student must quit from any extra curricular activity including Student Council. They must concentrate on their graduating test and university entrance test.
Veronica had promised Evans to give him a charm. Veronica wished Evans could pass the entrance test of the favorite university his father pointed. Veronica didn’t want Evans continue his study abroad. Veronica couldn’t imagine days without Evans.
Lately they hadn’t chat on the net. They had almost never talked to each other these few days. Evans was always busy with the school-trip and she was busy with the preparation of Student Council election besides her duty as the advisor secretary of the school-trip.
Veronica had been lonely these days. The only thing that kept her moving on was the chance to see Evans, to hear Evans’s voice during their meeting that was getting intense and more intense. Veronica won’t be able to bare the pain, the loneliness, the emptiness of her life if Evans completely gone. She could pass these painful years because of Evans. Evans was the only person to whom she could share with.
“Maribel, I saw you and Evans in the park Saturday.”
Veronica stopped. She stood silently in the corner – listening to the shocking news.
“Are you guys dating?”
“Did Evans invite you?”
“No, I invited Evans. He is a real gentleman. He always keeps his promise. He never lets me waiting for him.”
“Never…,” Veronica held her chest.
“I often saw both of you after school. How do you do it?”
Veronica leaved in hurry. She couldn’t bare the pain of her heart. It wasn’t her hobby to hear others conversation. It wasn’t her habit to think negatively. Yes, she must trust Evans. He must be so tired that he hadn’t chat with her. He still cared of her. He always replied her message in the next day. Evans was the third year student. He needed more study time. He must have the same hope as her. He wanted to fulfill his parents’ expectation. That must be the same reason why yesterday he hadn’t asked her to go with him to the Game Center. Evans had a meeting yesterday, not a date with Maribel in the amusement park.
Veronica kept repeating it to calm herself. She didn’t want to suspect Evans.
“Please wait!” Veronica called the secretary of school-trip team after their routine meeting. “Could you give me the result of school-trip meeting yesterday?”
“What are you talking about!?” she showed her dislike. “It has never been any meeting on weekends. Besides, you aren’t the secretary!”
“But Evans said…,” Veronica shocked.
“He must have found someone suitable for him,” she left, “Thanks God.”
There had never been a meeting on Saturday. Veronica looked at Evans painfully.
Evans leaved the meeting room with his inner team.
“What the hell are you doing!?” the Student Council President yelled at Veronica. “We have lots to do. If you want to sit all the day, just go home! I don’t need a lazy bone here!”
“I’m sorry,” Veronica collected her papers.
“That’s why I didn’t agree they choose the first year,” the President grumbled, “Tell me, what did you use to get into the Student Council? Do they will just point you as the new Student Council President?”
Veronica ignored him. She had already been passing this hatred since the very first time she had stepped in Student Council Room. She got use to it.
She had already refused when Mr. Pam had asked her to take this position. She hadn’t wanted to replace the previous sick secretary. When the previous secretary had started his medical treatment for his tumor, the President had pointed the other member to take over his job. Then when the doctor had said the previous secretary needed a long recovering time, this decision had been made. No one had listened to Veronica. Veronica’s mother had accepted this offering regardless to Veronica’s objection. Mr. Pam had placed her regardless to the President’s legality.
Veronica didn’t know whose fault it was.
Veronica locked herself in the Student Council Room typing the result of their meeting today and preparing the formal documents they needed.
“Evans, I have a problem on my history homework. Will you help me?” the cute voice of Maribel was heard in the other side of the door.
Veronica stunned.
“Yes, I will,” Evans replied.
“Then, let’s meet at the library tomorrow after school,” Maribel said happily, “Now you must keep your promise. You should take me to the downtown.”
“No problem.”
Evans, he…
‘I don’t like the downtown. It’s too crowded,’ Evans ever told her.
‘We always go home together after school,’ Maribel had told her friends this noon.
NO! Veronica did want to trust Evans. He would never betray her. He would postpone their promise.
Veronica had gained her trust to Evans again that evening only to find it was tattering again.
The next day Evans didn’t show up at their daily meeting! It was something Evans would never do!
Before going home, Veronica went to the library. She saw both of them sat side by side. She didn’t call Evans. She just walked away silently in pain.
Evans always lectured her whenever she wanted to escape any meeting. He didn’t like she escaped from the reality. He always encouraged her.
There was nothing to be worried. Don’t forget Evans never refused any call for help. Veronica told herself.
Veronica turned on her PC. She would ask Evans. She needed an answer before all of her trust tattered for something nonsense.
“Unbelievable!” the girls yelled in astonishment.
Jane stared at her Physics test. Her eyes got wide at the 67 mark written at the upper right in disbelief.
“It’s impossible!”
“What did you do?”
“Did you cheat?”
“Do you think it’s possible?!” Jane got angry, “That killer kept monitoring me till I got sick!”
“That was right. It is the first time Jane did her test.”
“Well, I don’t want he failed me.”
“I still don’t get it. How did you do this?”
“I don’t know.”
“I can’t accept this! You should treat us!”
“No, I won’t. I don’t have money.”
“Yes, you should.”
“Why?”
“You got the highest mark among us.”
“But…”
“Do you want to share your secret?”
“OK!” Jane stood, “I’ll treat you girls drinks.”
“That’s cheap!”
“Better than none!” Jane leaved her classroom.
They mustn’t hope she would tell them the secret of her Physics mark. They won’t believe it. Even she couldn’t admit Veronica was behind this miracle. The Physics summary had been in rubbish unless Jane felt helpless preparing the Physics test. The time she had read it, she found it was so structured that she had almost found no difficulties in learning Physics. It was Veronica’s contribute. However she didn’t want to admit it. She was still the one helped herself!
“So, the reservation problem has already been settled,” Jane heard Veronica’s calm voice approaching; “Now you must have more free time.”
‘I’m sorry,” the other voice Jane had never heard, replied, “I couldn’t speak to you these few days. I’m afraid I will have no time to chat until the end of my tests.”
“I understand,” Veronica smiled, “You shouldn’t upset your parents, should you? Besides, if you pass the entrance test, you may not study abroad and we can always be together.”
“Veronica, I…,” Evans couldn’t say it.
“Don’t worry. I can accompany you studying at the library.”
“No, you may not. I’m afraid I will study until night.”
“I’ll talk about it with Mom. I believe she will understand. I want to spend my time with you.”
“Veronica,” Evans knew he should say it. “Let’s stop meeting.”
Veronica shocked.
“We can still meet every Saturday,” Evans added in hurry.
“Do you prefer Maribel accompany you?” she asked jealously.
“What are you talking about? She just asked me teaching some subjects.”
“But you always are seen with her not only here but… but also downtown.”
“She is a new student. She has never been in this city. I just want to help her.”
“Oh,” I ashamed of herself. She had let her jealous took her sense, “She must be lonely. I will befriend with her.”
“I know you are such a nice girl,” Evans smiled as he petted Veronica’s head.
“Don’t treat me like a child!”
Evans just laughed.
Jane watched that couple walked away.
None of them seems to be forced into this relation. They enjoyed their position.
Who cares? It’s not her business.
Jane stared the happy face of Veronica. She wanted to know who she was.
“Why don’t you stop them!?” Maribel yelled angrily.
“Don’t you think we want to!? Evans just came to her when the monster was here.”
“I’ll make her stop seeing Evans. Evans is mine!”
“Don’t be so arrogant! Evans isn’t yours,” warned the girls on Evans’s class.
“He is ours!”
“If you do like him, snatch him!” Maribel barked back, “You are just a coward!” and she left.
“You are not better than the monster!!” they yelled too.
“Useless!”
Maribel had to talk to that girl! She should clarify who was the match girl for Evans! She couldn’t let anyone stay in her way. She would do anything necessary to get Evans!
With it in her mind, she waited Veronica in her classroom.
The anger on her hearth exploded as she saw Evans escorted Veronica.
“Come with me!” Maribel dragged Veronica once Evans left.
Veronica puzzled. She let herself being dragged to the yard.
“I warned you,” Maribel shouted, “Don’t you dare to ever meet Evans again! He is mine!”
“What are you talking about? He is my fiancé?”
“You forced him to this fuck engagement!”
“No,” Veronica murmured, “I never…”
“Stop dreaming! Evans never loves you! He cares of you because he feels guilty!”
“That’s… that’s… not right…”
“Have you ever heard he said it?” Maribel argued, “He always says it to me.”
Veronica’s eyes widened.
“He chooses me! He prefers to be with me than chatting with you!”
Veronica’s eyes got wider. They promised not to tell anyone. It’s the only communication outside school they had.
“It’s time for you to realize you are nothing! Evans couldn’t stop blaming himself for everything happened. He agreed to marry you just because he wanted to repay his fault!”
‘Run! Run!’ the kid had run away. ‘The monster is here!’
Veronica didn’t want to recall it.
‘Die!’ some kids had kicked Evans. ‘Go to hell, coward!’
‘You do have the right to protect her. You’ve burned her face!’ They had kicked and hit Evans who fought for her.
‘Go to hell!’
‘ARRRGHH!’ Veronica cried in pain as her face had been burned.
“No…,” Veronica whispered painfully.
‘Veronica, from now on I’ll protect you,’ Evans had promised her in their childhood; ‘I won’t let anyone harm you.’
“Evans just pities you!” Maribel pronounced, “So, stop relying on him!”
“NO…,” Veronica whispered painfully. The tears burned her eyes.
“So what!?”
Both of them surprised.
Jane couldn’t stand of it anymore. She didn’t want to hear their conversation but Maribel’s voice was so loud that it attracted her. Jane didn’t know what happened between them. However the situation had told her their positions.
Jane grabbed Veronica’s hand. “Let’s go,” she dragged her to a quiet place – far enough from Maribel’s reach.
Veronica wiped her watery eyes. “Thank you.”
“Why did you keep silent? You should have yelled back at the bitch!”
“Why should I?” Veronica asked.
“Don’t you get it?” Jane asked impatiently, “She wants to rob Evans from your side!”
“NO, she won’t. She is just lonely. She had just been transferred here,” Veronica argued.
“You…,” Jane got angry. Why should she get angry of Veronica’s reaction? Why should she put her nose on the other’s business?
“I trust Evans. Besides…,” Veronica’s eyes were empty, “Maybe she is right,” she said in a low voice.
“Whatever,” Jane couldn’t stop herself thinking how stupid Veronica was. “Now we are deal.”
Veronica surprised. “Is that true?” Veronica was happy for Jane. “Congratulation!” There was no sadness in her face. “I always ready to help you.”
“No, thanks,” Jane turned her back and leaved.
“She is a damn good person,” she told herself as she saw Veronica waving hand to her, “And stupid.”
Stupid… Maybe that’s true. These days Veronica couldn’t stop feeling stupid.
Evans never went online. He never replied her. Nevertheless, Veronica kept writing to him. She shared everything to Evans like crazy. She chatted with him as if he was there.
There was no single time Veronica stopped telling herself it was exactly what happened when Evans had had to prepare his High School entrance test. Veronica had ever passed time without Evans for months until Evans had finished his tests. She couldn’t be selfish. Evans made this decision for their future. This condition was better was better than three years ago.. They couldn’t chat but they could still meet each other, talk to each other during Student Council meeting. Veronica must always remind herself.
However, whenever she watched Maribel walked side by side with Evans, all of her confidence was tattered. She was cute. She was beautiful. She matched Evans. And… Evans never refused her. In fact, Evans always refused to tell her the truth behind their relation.
The Student Council room was opened.
Veronica turned her eyes from the monitor.
Evans surprised to see her in the Student Council. “Why are you here? Shouldn’t you have to be in the meeting?”
“Where have you been?” Veronica asked.
“I have just studied in the library.”
That’s lie! Veronica had just gone to the library to find him but he hadn’t been there.
“We have already late,” Evans searched for his school trip files, “We must e hurry.”
“What’s your relation with Maribel?”
Evans numbed.
There was a painful silence until he said, “We have no time to discuss this. They must have waiting for us.”
Veronica watched Evans took the wrong folder from the shelf. She just kept silent when Evans leaved the room awkwardly without realizing she didn’t follow him.
The tears held for days, dropped along Veronica’s cheek.
Maribel was right. It’s the time for the beast to wake up.
These lonely days Veronica couldn’t stop recalling her painful past. Her friends had been afraid of her half-burned face and the boys had always teased her. Evans had always protected her. He had always fought them for her. He had been in quarrels and hatred with the boys.
When their parents had learnt it, Evans’s parents had decided to transfer him to a school far from their previous elementary school and Veronica’s parents had also decided to transfer her to an all-girl school Besides, they had assigned some bodyguards to make sure no one could harm her, they had also assigned a private servant and driver to serve her.
The overprotective decision Veronica’s parents had made, had isolated her from her circumstance. Her new classmates had been afraid of her overprotective bodyguards. Her old friends had been jealous of her servants. The teachers in her new school treated her as a super-rich girl. If there had been something make them respect her, it had been her parents money. They had used their influenced to let Veronica’s bodyguards guard her everywhere around the school. They bribed anyone for the damage her bodyguards had made in order to protect her.
Evans was the only person who always encouraged her. There were times Veronica felt helpless. There were moments Veronica broken apart. There were occasions Veronica lost all her hopes. It was Evans who comforted her. It was him who secretly kept a contact with her.
Evans had taught her to use computer. He had suggested them to chat on the net wince it had been very difficult for them to meet each other even to talk in the phone.
In the other side, Veronica had studied hard to make her parents proud. She had worked hard to reach the first position each term. It was the only thing she could do to prove to anyone she wasn’t the lazy super rich girl they thought. But, recently Veronica felt it was useless.
Everyone was still afraid of her, no matter how often she smiled. Everyone was jealous of her even though she had successfully persuaded her parents to dismiss the bodyguards, servants, and the driver provided only for her. Everyone still suspected her using her wealth to get the answer of the tests, no matter how hard she studied.
Veronica glazed the opened door. Evans had already disappeared.
At the end she was always alone.
“Oh, shit!” Evans sprang from his bed, “I’m late!”
It was almost 10:30 AM. He had a date with Veronica at 9 AM.
Yesterday Veronica hadn’t show up in the meeting. He would haven’t notice it if the Student Council President hadn’t grumbled about Veronica’s absence. When he had arrived to his home, Evans had turned his computer on. He had wanted to ask Veronica what’s wrong with her. It had been the first time she didn’t come to the daily meeting. Instead of Veronica, he had only received the girls’ short message.
“Tomorrow let’s meet an hour earlier,” she had said, “Don’t forget your promise.”
He had waited for Veronica however she had never gone online again. She didn’t write anything more as she had used to be these days. She didn’t share anything with him. Evans believed there must be something wrong with Veronica. He had told himself no to be late today.
“Where are you going?” Mrs. Kopf asked when she saw her son clothed in hurry.
“Why don’t you wake me up, Mom?” Evans buttoned his shirt, “You know I have an appointment with Veronica every Saturday.”
“Veronica, Veronica, and Veronica! Why do you care of that selfish girl!? She doesn’t match to you!”
“I’m leaving,” Evans leaved without hearing his mother’s lecture. His mother was the wrong person to discuss with whenever it’s related to Veronica. His father wasn’t the good choice, too. His parents disliked his relation with Veronica. They never blessed their engagement. The only thing kept their hand off of this subject was the historical business cooperation between their families. It was too risk touching Veronica.
In the next 30 minutes, Evans arrived at Veronica’s favorite coffee shop.
Veronica was still waiting for him. “In the end, you are late,” she welcomed him sadly.
“I’m sorry,” Evans felt guilty. “I won’t ask to go to the Game Center. I’ll do anything you want.”
Veronica had the right to be angry. He had promised her last week. Still, he was late.
Instead of angry, Veronica said in a low voice. “Take your seat, I’ll order another coffee for you.” She stood up.
Evans looked at the cold coffee in front of Veronica. “Don’t bother yourself. I’ll have it.”
Veronica didn’t hear it. She went to the cashier and returned with a cup of hot cappuccino.
“Why do you bother yourself?” Evans asked as Veronica put the coffee in front of him. “They can serve us.”
“I just want to serve you;” Veronica smiled, “Can’t I?”
Evans couldn’t say anything but, “Yes, you can.” Evans took his hot coffee while looking at Veronica glazing the ocean from the window.
It was unusual for that girl to be so quiet. She wasn’t the happy girl he knew. Veronica always argued him whenever he was late. She had never kept silent like this.
“Evans,” at least Veronica turned her head. “Do you love me?”
Veronica choked. “Silly question!” he avoided Veronica’s eyes.
“Tell me,” Veronica asked seriously.
Evans took a sugar package and opened it awkwardly.
Veronica watched as Evans poured a great amount of sugar into his coffee. Painfully, she realized how stupid she was. Her brain had already made the decision. However her heart was still stubborn.
“Yes, what a silly question,” Veronica agreed, “We are engaged, aren’t we?”
“Y-yes,” Evans drank his coffee. He took a peek at Veronica’s right face.
“Run! Run!” for the first time after these years, Veronica didn’t stop those memories flowing back.
“Run! The hero is here!” the boys teased Evans.
“Stop it!” Evans had yelled angrily.
“Hero! Hero!”
“The white horsed Prince!” those boys hadn’t stopped teasing Evans. “The handsome and the beast!”
Those boys had laughed as Veronica had started crying. Her small hand had covered her right face that still hadn’t be covered by her short hair.
‘STOP IT!!’ Evans had hit one of those boys.
Since the moment, Evans was always be her side protecting her from anyone who wanted to tease her. Since the moment, too, Evans often saw her face sadly.
Veronica wouldn’t lie to herself the reason Evans had proposed her. Veronica wouldn’t run from the reality anymore.
Veronica had gone to Evans’s Junior High School after her school. She had lied to her Mother. She had told her she had had an extra class that day. She had escaped from her bodyguards who had been waiting for her in her school entrance. Veronica hadn’t met Evans for more than two weeks. She had desperately wanted to meet him. She had only known Evans’s grade and school.
Everything had gone smoothly until a sudden strong wind had revealed her burned face.
Everyone had been shocked. No one hadn’t been terrified.
“Look at her.”
“Poor girl… What a terrible face!
Veronica had heard they had talked. She had covered her face with her palm and had run from those voices.
Veronica had bumped into someone so hard that she felt with thud.
“Are you ARRGHHH! M-mo…monster!!”
Veronica had realized what the boy had cried for. She had horridly covered her face. The tears had watered her eyes.
“Evans, look that girls’ terrible face. It’s very disgusting!”
Veronica eyes had met with Evans’s shocked face.
“What the hell had happened to you?” the other friend of Evans had asked Veronica.
The tears had started flowing down along Veronica’s cheek.
“Veronica,” Evans had helped Veronica, “Let’s go.” He had taken Veronica to a quiet place for Veronica to cry loudly.
“I’m a monster. I’m terrible. I’m ugly.”
“No, Veronica, that’s not true. You are beautiful.”
“What will you say about this!?” Veronica had shown her face.
Evans had turned his head to the other side. He couldn’t bear the guilt looking at that burned face.
“You’re a liar! No one likes me. No one will ever love a monster like me.”
Evans had watcher Veronica crying desperately.
“Veronica,” he said after a quiet long pause, “Let’s gets engaged.”
That words had stopped Veronica’s cried.
Now, recalling that moment, Veronica realized how sad Evans’s expression that moment. He hadn’t looked happy like a lover should be. He hadn’t been nervous like a lover should be when proposing. He… had been so sad, so helpless.
The coughing of Evans called Veronica back to present.
“You still haven’t use to sugar, have you?” she surprised on how natural her smile was.
“I don’t like sweat,” Evans declared.
“Finish your drink quickly. We don’t have enough time.”
“Why are you hurrying? We still have plenty time.”
Veronica smiled. “Today I’m the boss.”
“Ok,” Evans smiled too.
Few minutes later they leaved the coffee shop.
Veronica held Evans’s hand.
Evans surprised. They had never walked hand b hand like this. For Veronica smiley face, Evans kept silent.
“Evans, do you know what day is it?” Veronica suddenly stopped.
“What?”
Veronica smiled so sweetly. She picked a lily in the bucket in front of a flower shop. “Why does the lily is so pure so beautiful?” she asked Evans, “I wish I could be like her.” Evans wanted to say something but Veronica continued, “You have never given me a present not even a flower.”
“Veronica…,” Evans had never heard her so sad like this – not even when she had been teased for her face.
“Well, it can’t be helped,” she looked at him, “I don’t know what our parents will do if they find it. We knew how their reaction was when we were engaged,” then she stared at her engaged rig, “This ring, you gave me this in front of our parents to prove we were not joking. This is the only thing kept them away from us.”
Evans couldn’t stand for those watery eyes. He picked a lily and walked to the counter.
“Evans,” Veronica stopped him, “I’m the boss today,” she reminded him. “I’ll pay for everything today.”
“I’m late today,” Veronica always punished him to treat her whenever he was late.
“Today is valentine.”
Then Evans realize today was February 14.
“It’s the first time we celebrate Valentine. Since you don’t like sweet, it is the only thing I can give you. Please…,” she begged, “I don’t know when we can have it again.”
Veronica was right. They won’t be able dating on valentine if it wasn’t Saturday.
“Ok,” Evans put the lily back, “I’ll buy it for you next time.”
“Next time…,” Veronica repeated in a a low voice, “Yes, next time.”
“Did you say something?”
Veronica kept silent. Her eyes didn’t move from the lilies.
“Veronica,” Evans put his hand on Veronica’s shoulder, “If you really want it, I will buy it now.”
“No… no…,” Veronica refused, “Let’s go,” she pulled Evans’s hand. “Let’s go to the Game Center.”
Evans’s eyes widened.
“It is Valentine,” Veronica reminded.
“Ok,” Evans followed her. For an unknown reason, he felt Veronica wasn’t as enthusiast as usual. As long as she was happy, Evans would do whatever needed. As Veronica’s will, he should play with her in the Game Center this noon. Unlike usual, Veronica asked him to teach her the games she had never liked. She enjoyed learning how to play the racing game. She cried angrily when Evans defeated her in her just-learning fighting game.
Evans smiled happily as he saw Veronica’s happy face for the rest of the day.
“Evans, I wish we can be together forever,” Veronica said as Evans took her to the parking lot where her drive had already waited for her.
“Stop saying silly thing!”
Veronica smiled. She stood on her tip-toes and kissed Evans’s cheek.
Evans surprised.
“Thank you for everything,” she whispered at his ear. “Goodbye,” she walked to her family private car. The driver closed the door for Veronica and moved to his seat.
Evans was still surprised as the car moved away. Somehow he felt so empty and lonely.
“What’s the meaning of this!?” Evans stared at the engagement ring on the small red box on his hand. It was Veronica’s. He had given it to her as their engagement symbol.
“It’s clear,” Mrs. Kopf was angry, “That’s monster came here to cancel your silly engagement! It’s her who asked me to return it to you.”
“But… but…,” Evans could accept the fact, “There is no reason… We’ aren’t quarrelling. We have never quarreled. There is no reason to cancel it.”
“That selfish girl must be realized her selfishness.”
“She said she wants us to be together forever.”
Veronica was happy today. She smiled all the time. He would never do anything made her sad. Veronica knew it. Veronica knew he would always protect her. There was no signal Veronica wasn’t happy with him.
“I’ll ask for her,” Evans decided.
“Enough!” Mrs. Kopf shouted angrily, “This silly engagement is over! That is!” she stressed. “Don’t you ever think I won’t do anything to stop you! I will kill her if she dares to meet you again. I don’t care about the business whatever. I’m getting tired of it. Your father is a coward. He is afraid to put his firm in a risk but I’m not. I will do anything to stop that crazy monster.”
Evans kept silent.
“Evans,” Mrs. Kopf said softly, “I heard there is a girl named Maribel loves you.”
Evans watched his monitor helplessly. He couldn’t reach Veronica since last Saturday. He hadn’t talk to her since their last date. She had never gone online. She had never replied his message. She avoided him in school. She had come to Student Council meeting just in time before the meeting had started and had leaved right after the end of the meeting. He couldn’t call her. Her family controlled every single of her calling in and out and she had no cell phone. He couldn’t even write a letter for her. Her family also controlled her in-out letter.
His mother, in the other side, had self-assertively arranged a date between him and Maribel. She, without his knowing, had befriended with Maribel.
Maribel hadn’t let him go, too. She had always met him in his classroom each rest time. She had always followed him to the Student council meeting. She had always waited for him until the end of the intense meeting for the final preparation of their school trip. If he had gone without waiting for her coming, Maribel would have it reported to his mother. If he had tried to make a contact to Veronica, Evans would have it reported to his anti-Veronica mother.
Never in his life, had Evans ever felt so helpless like this.
Why had Veronica canceled their five-years-long-engagement? Could it be because she was upset for his decision not to meet her? Could it be because she was angry he had made her waiting for almost two hours? No! No! That’s impossible! Veronica wasn’t that kind of girl. Then why? There was no reason for Veronica to cancel their engagement.
He hadn’t clarified his problem with Veronica when her mother started planning his engagement to Maribel. He hadn’t had a chance talking to Veronica when he was forced to be engaged with Maribel.
Now he was here, stood elegantly in his tuxedo, welcomed every guest on his engagement party. Maribel stood beautifully in his side. His parents talked proudly to their business partners.
Evans glazed every single inch of the restaurant. His eyes were looking for the figure of Veronica hopelessly. It was Saturday. How could Veronica be here? Even though Veronica’s family was invited, it didn’t mean she must be here.
“KISS! KISS! KISS!”
Evans surprised.
“Kiss Maribel!” their friends asked.
Evans looked at Maribel then at this parents who wanted his cooperation. Helplessly, Evans bended. Suddenly he felt sad eyesight.
There across the room, stood Veronica. He had never seen her so beautiful, so elegant, and charming. Her beautiful pair of eyes looked at him sadly. Maribel had never seen those painful eyes. Not even when everyone had teased her face.
“Kiss me,” Maribel ordered him.
Evans looked at the girl in front of him and then back across the room.
Veronica wasn’t there. There was even no sign at all she had been there.
Evans bended again until their mouth almost touched then he whispered. “Sorry,” Evans left Maribel to find Veronica.
He couldn’t find Veronica anywhere. He couldn’t find anyone seeing Veronica left. The only thing made him believe it hadn’t been an illusion was the rumor spreading the next Sunday after his engagement party. Everyone gossiped Veronica coming to his engagement party. But it didn’t help at all!
When the rumor of his decision to study abroad, was spreading, Evans though could this be the reason?
No, it was impossible. Veronica knew he would do anything for her sake.
Evans didn’t understand Veronica anymore. They had passed many things. How such a thing could tatter her mind?
Maribel had told him Veronica was always alone. She had never had a friend because she thought Evans was enough. Veronica didn’t want to rely on the others but him. Maribel had made him realize all these times Veronica had always talked about general topic. She had never mentioned a girl’s name.
He had known Veronica had done anything to be with him including forcing her parents to let her study in his High School.
It was a difficult choice. Evans couldn’t tell Veronica about this decision. Instead, he had asked her to stop meeting. Still, the disappointment in Veronica’s face had excused him not to be so strict.
Now Veronica did it very well. Until they leaved for their two days school trip, they hadn’t talk to each other. Until their busses moved, Evans could only watched Veronica.
*****Continue to part 3
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