10
It was an easy eighty degrees in the middle of October. Dressed in a colorful pink, purple, and white sleeveless sundress and three-and-a-half-inch white sandals, Afrika crossed the quad in a hurry to get to her two o’clock class. She was hoping to see Keith, who was fast becoming the object of her affection and taking up more time in her already limited schedule. He had met her after cheerleading practice on Monday, and together they had gone to the student union and grabbed a snack.
Just before she entered the building, she heard Asia’s voice shouting her name. Afrika turned in Asia’s direction, guarding her eyes from the sun. “What’s up, Asia?”
“Let me catch my breath.”
“This better be good. I only have three minutes before I’m late to class, and I’m never late.”
“Girl, you won’t guess who asked me for my phone number.”
“You’re right; I don’t have a clue.”
“Deon!”
“You mean that fine, juicy lip, I-wish-I-could-squeeze-him-forever Eagles quarterback, Deon?”
“Yes, Nikki. He’s the one.” Asia and Afrika began to jump around and slap each other’s hand.
“I say, go for yours, girl. Maybe you can ask him to meet us on Friday night.”
“Been thinking about it ever since he asked me for my number ten minutes ago.”
“Didn’t know you were giving him the eye.”
“The eye and everything else.”
The girls laughed.
“I’ve got to go, Asia. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Okay, but did you know that our mothers were meeting for lunch today?”
“Really? I can’t say that I did.”
“You need to talk to your mother more often.”
“You’re right. I owe her a phone call. We’ll talk later, Asia. Gotta run.”
Asia smiled as Nikki turned and went into the building. Asia held her hand by her mouth with her thumb and pinky finger sticking out. “Call me.”
VICTOR STOOD BACK AMONG THE CLUSTER OF TREES AND WATCHED Asia and Afrika from a distance. They were laughing and seemed to be sharing a best friends’ moment. It was only a matter of time, if he didn’t take matters into his hands, before one or the other would stumble upon his secret and discover they were more than friends… sisters. But Victor resolved within himself that he’d go to whatever lengths necessary to make sure they never did.
He moved quickly from out of the shadows and headed for his office. It was clear now to Victor that he had to take immediate action to force Mimi’s hand.