Chapter 4
Leia and Veronica are laughing and talking, and I sit in silence, smiling at how happy they look together. Veronica's dad looks at me, and he and I start talking. "So… You like my daughter?" "Yes, sir. I do. I've noticed her around the city. Mostly in the Public Library, coffee shops, and in restaurants." After a minute, he says, "Well, she does look genuinely happy being here talking with your sister, and you. Take care of her, please?" I figure that Ronnie's dad notices my confusion. He pulls me aside and tells me that he only has a month left in his life. I look back at Veronica. "She has no clue, does she?" "No. She doesn't, and that is why I want you to be a part of her life when I am gone." I turned back to him. "Yes, sir. I will be a part of her life when you are gone. I'll make sure she is happy every day and always make her know that she is loved." He nods his head. "And Jason? Call me Steven." "Of course." We go back to the table, and Veronica and Leia are crying. Steven goes into a panic, making sure Veronica is okay, and I do the same, except with Leia. "Is everyone all right? What happened?" Leia looks at me, and I notice that she is no longer crying; she is smirking. "Fooled you! Ha-ha!"