Saturday took forever to arrive, but it was met with the same energy; suspense, a bucket of nervousness and a hint of thrill. With her homework done and chores out of the way, Valery approached her mother about going for a walk outside. "I'll be at the neighbourhood basketball court with Margret if you need me." It was the perfect alibi for a girl who had never lied about where she went. "Be back before four," her mother said. Valery was in her favourite pair of blue jeans, a white top, a jacket, and a cap to match. No one would suspect foul play in such a simple outfit. By the time she reached the junction, Derrick was fiddling with his cell phone, flooding her messages. He got the locks, and she hurried inside. "For a moment there, I thought you'd bail on me." "Yeah, right. Move before I get spotted." Valery strapped on the seatbelt. She turns, and this guy is just sitting there, staring at her with an arrogant smirk. "What?" "You look normal," he said. "And you look fla

Five months in, their relationship flourished, and life looked simpler. Derrick got invited by Benson's parents for dinner on several occasions, so it was safe to say that her family supported him. While he spoke less about his family, Valery became abreast with the idea of sharing her space. She shared her world and home with Derrick in exchange for companionship. They would hit the road to an unknown destination on her days off. Fun lay with the white beaches in the Volta Region and the green hills at Eburi. Anywhere they could pass the weekend without affecting their work was a plus. Derrick did everything to please her, to be in her good books. He liked what he saw when they were alone, but the question of Valery wanting the same thing left him pressed. Each time they kissed, she was the first to pull back. His hands could not cross her abdomen without her flinching and making excuses to leave. "Do I repulse you?" Derrick asked one night. He showed up at her house for a scary

Derrick stood by the glass wall in his bedroom, holding an expensive bottle of whiskey. Four buttons on his white shirt, undone, belt unhooked. He peers at the quiet neighbourhood with a ghostly expression. Being alone with his thoughts never did him good. He was facing a threat from a foe he squashed a long time back. It appeared they wanted to remain on his blacklist. Lunch with Margret was a disaster; a fabulous box of chocolates filled with maggots and sand. They concealed their mutual conflicts before Valery, playing the civil card. Drawing her into it could cost him more. The past had taught Derrick well that those two were inseparable. Margret was his lover's central support system. "There is nothing she can do," Derrick told himself. Nonetheless, he had to be vigilant. For when a blind man openly threatens to attack, his foot is most probably resting on a rock. Derrick dug into his pocket after a buzz in his pants. He swiped at the screen and held it up to his ears. "Hm.

Margret walked out of the kitchen with a hot mug in hand. She cautiously sits on the floor and hands the cup to Valery. The latter was snivelling, trying to dry her eyes.Valery: "I wish I could put this baggage down."Margret: "I know."Valery: "I'm tired of being afraid and helpless."Margret: "Do you want to try therapy? Valery, you never really got over the trauma of losing Riley. That is the explanation I can think of. You should be happy to see Ryan, not hide like a hedgehog."Valery: "Haa, you don't understand, Marge."Margret: "Then make me understand. Is it because they are identical? Is there something else you're not telling me?"Violet: "Derrick..."Margret: "Ugh! What about him?"Valery: "I swore to never get back together with Derrick, remember?"Margret: "So what? Ryan is not Riley Valery; you owe nobody an explanation for your choices. Or are you going to dump Duncan because of this?"Valery: "No. Derrick has been nothing but good to me. He cares about me, and I care a

High School... Derrick ventured out of his cherished hideaway, ascending to the rooftop. Valery had altered his man cave to the point where it was difficult to enjoy some of his favourite activities, like having a relaxing smoke. Seated on the floor, away from the wall, he took out a cigarette, lit it, and inhaled deeply. He released it in circular rings, a trick that took a lot of practice to master. Watching the swirling smoke blend with the surrounding air was oddly calming to him. After the third drag, he paused, scratching his brow and gazing at the cloud-strewn sky. A faint sound interrupted his reverie. "My apologies, I thought it was unoccupied," the intruder said. "You're the kid who took on Ralph the other day, right? Riley?" Derrick's lips curled into a gentle smirk. "Would you mind a smoke?" He offered the pack of cigarettes.Riley, with his hands in his pockets, approached Derrick. He adjusted his school shorts and sat down beside him. "My mom would kill me if she fou