Chapter 11: A girl called Zuzu.

"There's a traditional saying from my mom's Arabic roots. It's this: alḥubbu dawāʼu al-qulūb, which in English says 'love is the medicine of hearts'. This means that love is like medicine. It can heal emotional scars; a broken heart. It can soothe any deep spiritual pain, and bring hope and joy. I want to be that for you Branno, if you will let me."

"Mhm… Brandon, aahh, right there! Right there! Mmh ... feels good! Ahh! Deeper! More, give me more! Mmh!"

"Right here?"

"Mhm, yes. Harder! Branno aah! Oh god please! Deep, go deep! Mmh! Ohh you're so good! Mmh. Haa! You feel so good."

"Where else do you want me to massage?" Brandon asked. His hands rested on his best friend's naked back. He swallowed hard. He knew he was slightly turned on by the sounds she was making. He couldn't take her seriously however, she was the true definition of a tease. 

They were in her room. She was laying on her tummy and he was hunched over her. He admired her beautiful, dark skin. He squeezed her shoulder and she groaned.

"There are other places I want you to massage but you'd be angry with me," Azuri said sitting up. She used a thick, fluffy towel to cover her breasts. She smiled cheekily at her best friend. She bent over feigning to reach for her bra and t-shirt, but they were beside her right thigh. While she bent down she turned her head around and winked at him.

Brandon gave her a smirk and slapped her butt. Azuri groaned softly. She wished he would caress her there too. She wiggled her butt up at him, laughing mischievously.

Brandon smiled. She was very tempting and she knew this. He playfully brushed his hand over the curve of her left buttock and heard her moan softly. 

She was wearing thin fabric shorts that barely covered the seductive curve of her buttocks. When she bent over he got a better glimpse of that tempting dark skin. He bit his bottom lip. Very tempting. He moved his hand and sat on her bed, gazing at her.

She sat down and with her back turned to him, she dropped the towel and began putting on her bra and t-shirt. She wished he would come up behind her and put his arms around her, cup her breasts and massage them for her with his large hands, but he never did. 

"Branno, they're times I wish you would ease this sexual tension between us. I know you feel it too," she said turning her body around to face him, after she got dressed. She reached for his left hand and used it to touch her breast. She closed her eyes and made a soft sound, expressing her desire for him. 

Brandon squeezed her gently. Her breasts were beautiful. He had seen them before when they had spent time at a villa her older brother, Zanai, booked for a group get together. 

He had gone into the bathroom to relieve himself when she was just stepping out of the shower. Fortunately, she was wearing her panties. He stared at her, then quickly looked away, but the image of those gorgeous twin peaks still lingered. 

Another time, his hand brushed against them by accident. She shyly covered them though she was wearing a bathing suit, but that encounter seemed to have ignited something in her. Now every time they were alone, she wanted him to touch her there more deliberately. 

He would be lying if he said he never thought about it, but he couldn't risk their friendship falling apart. She was not just his oldest female friendship, she was his very first serious friendship. She was very dear to him.

Azuri saw his eyes narrow as he looked at her. She felt his hand squeeze her a little bit more, and bit her bottom lip. He was strong but he was always so gentle with her. She closed her eyes. "Branno," she whispered. "Branno, I wish..." She opened her eyes and looked at him. 

There were times when she saw passion burning in his eyes towards her, but he never made a move. Sometimes, he would touch her in a way that made her feel something more could happen between them, but he always stopped short. She knew why, but it was frustrating.

He always said he would never date any of his close female friends and jeopardize the friendship. But she wished he would take the risk for her. She had no intention of hurting him. She reached for his other hand, covered both hands with hers, and slowly moved them over her breasts and closed her eyes. 

She lay back on the bed, slowly pulling him forward to her. He didn't resist. Her heart began to race. 

Would today be the day he would take her virginity?  She told him she was, but for whatever reason he didn't believe her. But if they did it, he would know for certain she wasn't lying to him. 

As he lay on her, Brandon looked into her eyes. He couldn't deny she was beautiful. She was quite exotically beautiful. Though she was dark skinned, she had strange light grey eyes. The irises of her eyes were often light grey with solid black outer rings. Sometimes her eyes looked bluish-grey and the outer rings looked a darker shade. Other times they were a dark grey with flecks of black in the irises. Now, as he looked into her eyes, they were an hypnotic grey shade with those interesting flecks of black. He kissed her. 

He opened his mouth and playfully brushed his lips on hers. He could feel her body trembling slightly. He wondered why, but figured that she had anticipated this moment between them for a long time. So had he, but held himself back. 

He moved his right hand up to touch her face. As he deepened the kiss, he noted that his heart beat was accelerating. He closed his eyes and breathed in the intoxicating scent of the Arabian perfume her dad bought for her twenty-third birthday, a few weeks ago. 

She is so tempting. What would it hurt if we went a little further? She's beautiful. Maybe just a little more of her couldn't hurt. Zuzu would understand that this was just a moment of weakness between us. She's had boyfriend's before. 

Azuri moaned softly. "Branno, ahh! I ... I love you," she said. 

Brandon stopped. He lifted himself and looked at her. He observed her dazed expression: her eyes half closed, her mouth slightly open, her breathing shallow. He touched her arm. Her body was shaking. She said she loved him. This wasn't the reaction he expected. 

He lowered himself. He needed to see something. He opened his mouth and kissed her passionately. Moving his hand down to caress her buttocks, he squeezed gently and listened for her reaction. He heard Azuri gasp and call his name. He squeezed a little harder and heard her moan. 

"Branno, I love you. I love you. It's always been you," she said softly. He deepened the kiss between them and groaned. He slipped his hand inside her shorts and cupped her bare flesh. Mmh, she feels so good, he thought. 

She was making soft whimpering noises that sounded so cute to him. He could feel his member grow taut with arousal. He was surprised at how much the sounds were a turn on for him.

He trailed soft kisses from her lips to her neck, and heard her gasp. Her body trembling under him made him want to do more. He moved his head down to kiss her chest. He kissed it repeatedly and listened to her moans. He looked at her. She was breathing more heavily and biting her bottom lip.  He caressed her breasts. They were soft but firm, enjoyable to touch. She arched up and moaned, calling his name.

In this moment she looks so sweet, so soft and beautiful, he thought. So innocent and vulnerable, screamed his conscience. Something was off about her. Zuzu, the eternal tease, was acting like she'd never been touched like this before. He couldn't believe it. This wasn't right. He stopped immediately. Brandon sat up and started breathing deeply through his nose and exhaled forcefully out his mouth.

Realizing he wouldn't go further, Azuri sat up feeling a little confused. "Branno," she began, "Is everything okay? Did I do something wrong? Did I do something to turn you off?" She reached out and touched his face.

He looked at her. Everything within him was telling him to make love to her, to just throw caution to the wind, and lay her down and show her that he could be tender, and watch her body respond to him. It dawned on him that what she asserted months ago could be true. Could she really still be innocent? The thought scared him. 

"I have to go," he told her. He rose from the bed, went to the closet and retrieved his jeans blazer. He put it on and faced her. Zuzu noticed something she had never seen on him before. She focused her gaze on his crotch and realized that he was in fact aroused. She bit her bottom lip. She liked what she was seeing. 

She stood up and went to him. She brushed her hand on his chest. He was 6'5" and she was 5'9". He was much taller but his height did not intimidate her. She went on tiptoe and pulled him forward to her. She kissed him hard and decided she would be bolder than she'd ever been around him. 

She moved her right hand down to grab his crotch and squeezed him a little. She moaned and squeezed him harder. He felt good in her hand. She wanted to see what he looked like, maybe even feel him inside her like she'd often fantasized. 

Brandon grunted his approval. He deepened the kiss, feeling desire growing inside him. She was caressing him slowly, rubbing her hand up and down his arousal, and moaning softly. He wasn't sure what he should do, but he knew he wanted to have her. 

He kissed her passionately. Feeling himself about to lose all rational thought and control, he groaned, and squeezed her buttocks. They were nice and soft. He gripped them and pulled up so that she could wrap her legs around his hips. 

"Ohh Branno, I've wanted you for so long," she said tearing her lips away from his. Her voice was airy and sensual. Hungrily, she kissed him again, savoring the way his lips teased her. Reluctantly, he separated his lips from hers and looked at her. He kissed her brow then bent his head to touch her forehead. 

"Really?" he asked. He smiled slightly. Could he believe her? His voice dipped an octave as he held her legs in his arms. Her arms were around his neck. Her body weight wasn't an issue for him. He loved her thickness. He lifted his head and looked into her eyes. He carried her to the bed and sat down, allowing her to adjust herself on his lap. 

Zuzu touched his face. "It's always been you Branno, please believe me. I've only wanted to be with you," she said. She stared into his warm, honey-brown eyes. They were beautiful to her. "You have beautiful eyes, Branno," she told him.

He smiled and tenderly touched her face. A part of him wanted to believe her. He was curious. Circling his arms around her waist, he stared at her. She had beautiful, naturally curly-wavy black hair, long eye lashes and the most radiant skin he had ever seen. She was tall, but her physique was curvy. She was very sexy. 

"Why me?" he asked.

She touched his lips and closed her eyes. "I want you to be my first, and I hope my only," she said.

"Zuzu, look at me," he said. She opened her eyes and a flood of emotions rushed through him. How could she look so sweet and innocent but like a temptress at the same time? He felt his heart rate go up. Those eyes. Those sexy eyes. He stared into them. 

"Are you sure? I can't promise anything," he told her. He searched her face for the subtlest sign of doubt. 

"Yes, I am sure. I trust you. I know you will be gentle with me. I also know you care about me." And I hope you will fall in love with me too, she thought.

"If we do this, there won't be any turning back," he said. He squeezed her round hips. Gosh, he would love to have her! "Zuzu, you have been my best friend long before I got to know Zane and your sister, Zolah, or your parents. I love you like a sister, but I can't deny, as you've grown up I find myself attracted to you."

He moved his hands lower and caressed her bottom. "Zuzu, you're very tempting." Brandon bit his lower lip then said, "I would be lying if I said I don't want you." He squeezed her bottom. Zuzu groaned, enjoying his touch on her body. "I want you," he said, his voice gruff. "I want to be deep inside you. I want to look into your pretty eyes and get lost in them while I'm making love to you." 

He moved his hands up to caress her back. Zuzu closed her eyes and leaned into his arms. "Please Branno, I've waited so long. Please, make love to me," she breathed. She opened her eyes and looked at him. 

Branno groaned. He pulled the neck of her t-shirt forward, exposing her soft flesh and buried his face between her breasts. He began kissing the sensitive skin between them. Zuzu moaned and closed her eyes. 

Using his hands to sit her up straight, he kissed her passionately while lifting her t-shirt over her head. He released her lips and pulled the t-shirt off her and threw it behind them. He looked down at her breasts covered partially by a lacy bra. He put his hands behind her and unhooked her bra. Pulling it off her, he placed it beside them on the bed.

He looked into her eyes. She looked into his. Reaching down, he gently caressed her breasts. They were beautiful: soft and firm; perfectly shaped. Zuzu moaned and leaned her torso back, closing her eyes. "Ohh Branno, ohh I lo-love you! Ohhh ... I love you!" She was whimpering softly, her breathing shallow. He loved how sexy she sounded. 

Gently, he massaged her breasts the way he knew she always wanted. He cupped them, noting their weight and firmness in his hands. Just perfect. Not too small just enough for him to bury his face in. He looked at her reaction to his caresses, his breathing becoming rushed. She's so beautiful. I wish she was mine. All mine. My beautiful Zuzu. Sweet and tempting. 

Her skin was warm, soft, and fragrant. He watched her, taking everything in: every movement of her body, every facial expression. She was fascinating. With her eyes closed, her mouth slightly open, she massaged his head. That felt wonderful. He was biting his bottom lip while he watched her. She was making sensual sounds that made him very hard.

Her body was trembling a little. Was she nervous? He would make sure to take his time with her. It had been a long time since he wanted to please a woman, but he was feeling that way now. He wanted to caress her all over, to kiss her beautiful skin and breathe in her scent. 

Why was he feeling this way? He felt almost drunk with desire. 

 "Mmh Zuzu, you feel so good," he growled. He realized that his voice was deeper than usual, almost raspy. He squeezed her breasts gently and did a kneading motion with his hands, and heard her gasp then moan. The sound was the sexiest thing he'd ever heard. No other woman he had been with sounded like her. He was mesmerized. He wondered how she would sound if he was inside her. 

He would slip inside her slowly, and take his time. He wanted her to enjoy every minute of him inside her. But first, he would make sure to get her really wet. He thought of her thick, chocolate-brown thighs wrapped around his shoulders while he went down on her. He groaned. Mhm, that could definitely happen, he thought. He would use his tongue to taste and tease her. 

I bet she has a taste I will never forget. Mmhh, yeah, I bet she tastes really good, he mused. See her climax in my arms? Hmm, yes, definitely. 

Brandon licked his lips. I want to explore all her flavours, he thought. He bent forward and was about to taste her soft, perky skin, when he noticed their reflection in the mirror. He looked at his face in the reflection. 

He didn't like what he saw. It wasn't the look of a man in love with a girl he cherished, but of an empty, cold shell of a man. Heartless. His brown eyes held no spark of love in them. No, he was disgusted with what he saw, that was it. Zuzu might be a tease, but she was always good to him. 

No! He couldn't do this! She was his little Zuzu. His little sister! A beautiful girl that deserved her first time to be with a man who truly loved her, not just lusted for her.

He lifted her away from his lap, gently pushing her on the bed. In one quick movement, he opened the door and raced downstairs. He ran passed his other bestie, Zanai, who was playing video games with mutual friends: Jonathan, Kwame and Javon. He opened the front door and ran outside, down the long driveway and stopped at the gate. He bent over and tried to catch his breath. 

"Branno!" 

He looked up and saw Zanai, affectionately called Zane walking towards him. Behind him stood Zuzu by the doorway. She was fully clothed. She had a forlorn look on her face. He waited for Zanai to come closer then said, "I think I should go home now."

Zanai looked puzzled. "Why?'

By reflex, Brandon's eyes drifted to where Zuzu was standing. Zanai, being the perceptive young man he was, looked around and saw his sister, noted the awkward look on her face and burst out laughing. Brandon felt offended. "What's so funny?" he asked begrudgingly. 

Zanai chuckled then quieted down. "A few days ago Zuzu asked me how I would feel if you and her were dating?" he said, his voice still holding a hint of the laughter he belted out before. 

Brandon was surprised. With eyebrows raised, he looked at his friend, then looked at her. Zanai turned around and shouted, "Zuzu come here!"

Zuzu, wrapping her arms around her upper body, walked slowly towards the two young men. She took a minute to reach them, and when she came and stood before them, Brandon could see she was crying. He wondered why. He didn't like seeing her cry. "Zuzu, why are you crying?" he asked her but she didn't answer, nor did she look at him. She held her head down. He felt something in him break. He wanted to hold her, but didn't move.

Zanai circled his arms around his little sister. "Why are you crying?" he asked her. She shook her head. He kissed his little sister's head. "Always the impulsive one," Zanai said chuckling. "Ya 'umri habibi, don't cry." Zane kissed her forehead. 

He looked at Brandon. "This one here has had a huge crush on you from the eleventh grade," Zane said. Brandon was really surprised to hear that. "She never told me that," he said. It made what they just did even more devastating to his conscience. 

She said she loved me, but she's such a flirt! How can I believe her? Yes, she said all those things, but Zane now saying this makes her words seem more true. He looked at her with fresh eyes. Is her flirty behavior all pretend? Why? And who is she trying to impress? Is it me? He shook his head. 

"I know," Zane replied. "But I told her that you weren't interested in a serious relationship right now. I told her you're in your 'whore phase' and you are done with long term relationships. I guess she hasn't been listening to me." 

Zanai suddenly got serious. He released his sister and moved to stand close to his best friend. "You are my best friend, so I trust you. You wouldn't violate my trust, would you?" Zane's eyes were a darker shade of grey than his sister's but no less striking in appearance. Brandon stared into his friend's eyes and saw a warning. "No, I wouldn't. You threatening me Zane?" Brandon asked.

His friend shook his head slowly. "You guys grew up together, we all did. Ordinarily, I wouldn't mind you dating my sister, but that Heather girl ruined you for anyone else. I don't think you're ready for a serious relationship right now. Maybe you will never be. Bro, you even said it out of your own mouth. So if my friendship means anything to you, you will keep your relationship with my little sister platonic, nothing more. How 'bout that? I'm asking nicely. I don't want my sister to be an experiment for you." 

Brandon stepped back. Zane was almost as tall as he was. Brandon shook his head. It was a mistake for him to come here. "Zuzu is like a sister to me." He looked at her, her head still down. He felt like his chest had a pain in it. "I would never hurt her. I lo.." Brandon paused, his emotions feeling muddled. What was he trying to say? He sighed. "I care about her."

"Bro, you know yourself," Zane said, his countenance brooding.

Brandon shook his head. What was this? "Is there something you wanna say to me Zane? Get it off your chest," Brandon said. Could this be about his ex? Brandon wondered. "I've told you a thousand times, I never touched your ex-girlfriend. She was lying. I never kissed her, but I can see you don't believe me."

"Oh I believe you, I do, but have you forgotten what happened between you and Tan Tan?" Tania was a girl Zane was interested in, though he was dating his current girlfriend, Laurie-Ann. Brandon sighed. Here we go again! he thought. "Zane, she kissed me, you came in when I pushed her off me. You saw it. But bro, you have a girlfriend." 

He turned to Zuzu and said, "Zuzu, you were there, you saw what she did." But Azuri held her head down and kept silent. Branno hissed his teeth. "Forget this! Forget you people! And Zuzu, you're beautiful but you're not my type. I need a girl who has a backbone. You're just a flirt and when it counts you don't step up. You're too weak for me."

Smack!

Zane slapped Brandon hard across his face. "My sister is not weak! And she's not a flirt! Apologize!" he yelled.

Brandon held his face. "One thing yuh know 'bout me Zane, mi nuh back down from nobody." Brandon came up to within a few inches of Zane's face. "Yuh wah try that again?" he asked menacingly. Zane was prepared to hit him again when Zuzu burrowed herself between the two young men. "Please Zane, no! Branno is our friend, your best friend. Don't!"

"I have no friends here," Brandon declared angrily. He turned around and walked towards the electric gate. "Let me out!" he shouted. Zuzu attempted to shake her brother, but she barely moved him. "This is a misunderstanding," she said to her brother. "It's my fault. I started this. I kissed him first. Zane just apologize, please."

Zane looked at his little sister angrily. "You started this? You kissed him first?" His angry eyes bored into her. She lowered her head in shame. He used his thumb and index finger to push up her face so he could see her eyes. "What did you just say?" He slapped her. Brandon turned around, rushed over to them and pulled Zane off his sister. He held him by the collar and shook him. 

"DO NOT HIT HER!" Brandon roared. "I don't know what goes on in this house between your mother and father, but Zuzu is not your child. She's your sister. You can't just hit women!" Brandon was incensed. Zane grabbed Branno's shirt and started wrestling with him.

"Yow! Yow! Easy!" Kwame said running to wedge himself between his two friends. Jonathan pulled away Zane, while Javon held on to Brandon. Zane pushed against Jonathan, trying to get to Brandon but his friend held him firm. "Calm down and settle bro," Jonathan said. Zane looked at the determined look on his friend's face and stopped struggling, but his eyes sent darts towards Brandon. Brandon stared back at him. He wasn't afraid of him. He looked over at Zuzu, saw her confused expression and regretted his actions instantly.

Brandon sighed and stepped back. He looked at Javon. "I'm good. I'm good," he said.

"You sure?" Javon asked. Brandon nodded. "Yeah, I'm good," he said. Javon relaxed a little but was still alert. Zuzu pushed her hand in her brother's jeans pocket while Jonathan still held him, and retrieved the gate remote. She clicked on it and the gate opened slowly. 

"Branno, I think you should go," she said. Brandon saw fear in her eyes. But was she afraid for herself or for him? He shrugged off the feeling of foreboding and nodded. He turned to walk through the gate. 

"Don't come back!" Zane shouted. 

"I won't Zane, trust me. We're done," Brandon replied calmly. "Zuzu, don't call or text my phone," Brandon said without looking back. He walked through the gates and headed down the road. 

Ordinarily, Zane or their much older sister Zolah would take him home after she came from work, but he knew where to get a taxi to head down to Half Way Tree. Fortunately, he had money in his pocket and knew how to get home from there. 

He was so angry. Zane knew how he felt about domestic violence. Zane knew about his sister being raped and beaten. He told him about it. Brandon sighed. He was probably better off not being around them anyway. They were rich kids who were sometimes selfish. 

Not Zolah though, she was kind and very calm. And very beautiful. Unlike her younger siblings the irises of her eyes looked pitch black. They weren't dark brown they looked black to him. A deep, mysterious black that intrigued him. 

Their dad is a Jamaican of predominantly African descent, but their mom is of multiple nationalities. Although Rebecca looked white, she's an American of Native American, European and Arab descent. 

She has the most beautiful bluish-grey eyes he had ever seen. Branno figured their children got their exotic looks more from her. Though Zane and Zolah were light skinned, Zuzu was darker like her dad. Her eyes however, clearly represented her mom's genetics.

Of the three siblings, Zolah was the one he admired the most. She was three years older, but he had a serious crush on her. He was however resigned to the reality that nothing could happen between them. She didn't see him in a romantic light, plus she was engaged to be married next year. 

Yes, he found Zuzu attractive, but she acted immature sometimes. They were the same age, but she was like a little sister to him. But kissing her today was amazing. She felt good in his arms, and those little sounds she made were such a huge turn on. He wished he had the opportunity to explore more of her body. But he had to stop himself. Good girl, flirt or experienced, she didn't deserve him taking out his lust and sexual frustrations on her. 

And what if she really was a virgin, and you had sex with her and she became attached? What would you do then? He sighed. No, he couldn't allow himself to be tempted in the smallest degree.

 If things had not escalated between Zane and him, he would have asked her if she really was untouched. He couldn't believe it. He also wanted to know why she was crying. 

The way she wore those skimpy clothes and flirted with him and the other guys, especially Kwame, he would never believe she was a virgin. He shook his head. Recently she made jokes that she and Kwame were soulmates, but his friend would laugh it off and continue to do whatever he was doing. And now she was saying it was him she wanted all along. He hissed his teeth. She was confusing.

Every couple months she introduced a new guy as her boyfriend. He sighed. He walked briskly down to the end of the road, crossed over to the main road, and waited for a taxi heading towards Half Way Tree to pass by. 

He was puzzled by Zane's reaction to her confession of kissing him. If Zuzu had boys over every few months, and if she was dating them, didn't Zane expect that Zuzu would be messing around? He was confused. She was giving him a headache. Better to not think about her.

A taxi stopped and the driver shouted, "Half Way Tree!" 

Brandon moved quickly towards the front passenger side and slipped inside the vehicle. He looked behind him and saw three women sitting in the back. He smiled and nodded politely at them. They smiled at him. 

The driver turned up the stereo, blasting some Dancehall songs. He wasn't a fan, but he would listen. After a minute, when everyone was settled in, the driver pressed gas and the vehicle moved forward on the roadway.

****

Zuzu lay in her room crying softly. She squeezed her pillow. Her face still stung from the slap her brother gave her. Why did he have to be so mean? There was a knock on the door and her sister, Zolah walked in. 

In her hand was a bowl filled with a traditional, natural ointment passed on in the family through generations. Zolah had probably made it herself, though the housekeeper knew how to make it. Their mother taught her how.  

Zolah sat on her sister's bed and touched her arm. "Habibi, you need to let me put this on to reduce the swelling before baba gets home," she said softly to her. Zuzu sat up and sighed. Zolah smiled kindly at her. She touched her right cheek. The skin felt hot and it was red. Carefully, she applied the ointment to her sister's face. "Why did akhi hit you?" Zolah asked, her voice calm and soft. 

"By the way, he says to tell you he is sorry, and he will apologize to Brandon tomorrow. He will go see him personally," Zolah said. Zuzu nodded and sighed. She hoped so. 

"I told him I kissed Branno. Sis, I like Branno a lot. I didn't think he liked me like that, but then today we kissed and he was really kissing me like he wanted me but ..."

"But what?" Zolah asked patiently.

"He ran away from me. We were kissing then he just ran out of the room and ran outside."

There was a creaking sound behind them. They both looked behind them to see the door open. It was their brother standing in the doorway. He looked sad. He walked into the room and sat at the edge of the bed. "Zuzu, ya qalbi, I am sorry. I should not have lost my cool. Can you forgive me?"

Zuzu nodded. "Yes, if you promise not to do anything crazy to Branno. I told you it's my fault. Plus, you know I've always liked him. Why did you have to behave like that today?"

"Because my friend isn't looking for anything serious. You've heard him speak about Heather, this friend who became a girlfriend, or so he thought. Then she dumped him after he told her he loved her. He hasn't been the same since then."

Zolah dipped her fingers in the bowl and continued to apply generous amounts of the ointment to Zuzu's right cheek. "That is not how you protect your little sister Zane," she spoke quietly. Now that she was home she was in charge until their parents got home. When she spoke they had to listen to her, that was baba's rules.

She rested her gaze on him and narrowed her eyes. Zane lowered his head. He did feel ashamed of his actions, all of it. Brandon was his best friend. He was sorry he hit him too. "You know what baba would do to you if he found out you hit his delicate flower," she reminded him. Zane nodded. He came closer to Zuzu and gave her a hug. "I'm sorry Zuzu, please don't say anything to baba and I promise to apologize to Branno tomorrow in person."

"You must also allow me to try to be with him. I like him. I want to be his girlfriend," she said boldly.

"Zuzu, I told you, it's not a good idea right now," Zane said. He looked at her stubborn expression and sighed. "I warned you, remember that." He got up from the bed and went to the door. "Okay, you can try, but maybe he won't be interested, especially after today."

"I have to try," she said, looking up at her brother with a smile. He nodded. "Okay," he said then left the room.

Zolah smiled. The delicate, little flower was growing thorns. "Branno is a nice guy, but our brother is right, he is damaged. It will take a very kind, understanding soul to help him," she said.

Zuzu sighed. "I know. I can be that for him."

"It will require patience," Zolah replied.

"I know. I can be patient," she said.

"Okay," she said. "Well, take it slow with him then."

Zuzu nodded. "I will," she said. I will.

When their father came home they told him that Zuzu wasn't feeling well. Zolah did the best she could with the ointment. The swelling had gone down but the red mark was still there. She went into the fridge and took out ice cubes placed them in a clear plastic bag and told her sister to place them on her face to help. Zuzu complied.

Zolah made sure she was the one who brought dinner to her sister, though her mother said she would. She hugged her sister and went downstairs.

Later in the night Azuri texted Branno and told him that she was serious when she said she loved him. She wasn't making it up. But he didn't reply to her text.

She touched her face. Her face felt better and the red mark had turned a bluish purple and was fading. She placed her empty plate and glass on her night table and went to shower. When she got out she saw a text. She checked it. It was Branno. Her heart leaped, She read what it said:

"Are you okay? How does your face feel? I'm sorry about today. I shouldn't have let it go so far. Your brother has a right to be upset, but not to hit you or me. From now on I think we should just be civil when we see each other in lectures. Good night."

Zuzu sighed. This is going to be very hard, she thought.

She texted her reply:

"Yes, I am okay. My sister put an ointment on my face so it feels much better. I don't regret kissing you Branno. I like you. But if you want us to just talk at lectures, that's okay. But letting you know, I wont give up on you. I do love you." She sent the text.

Hurriedly, Zuzu put on a night gown. She lay back on the bed. Closing her eyes, she drifted off to sleep

Brandon read her text and hissed his teeth. He turned off the phone, placed it on his night table, and went to bed.

****

The next day Azuri woke up early in the morning and made breakfast for everyone. She prepared stewed kidney, boiled green bananas, yams and boiled dumplings. She also baked two banana bread loaves from the ripe bananas the family stored in the fridge. 

One banana bread loaf was in a more sturdy reusable aluminum baking tin, while the smaller loaf was baked in a disposable tin. The small one was for Branno. She would bring him a peace offering of sorts.  

She brushed on generous amounts of a honey lemon glaze she made that morning on both loaves. Next she ate, then showered and got dressed for her class. She knocked on Zane's door and opened it. As she expected Zane was already up, but talking on the phone with Laurie-Ann. "Hi Laurie-Ann," she said cheerily. She heard Laurie-Ann reply, "Morning Zuzu."

Zane hissed his teeth. "How much time mi have to tell yuh to stop barge in on people. Supposed yuh come in and see something yuh nuh supposed to?" he said annoyed. Zuzu laughed. "I know you, if something was happening you would lock the door." She plopped down on his bed. "Anyhoo, remember to apologize to Branno today," she said focusing her gaze on his phone. Laurie-Ann was wearing something like lingerie. Zuzu whistled. Zane looked at her and turned on his side taking the phone's screen out of her view. Zuzu laughed softly. "Well?" she asked.

Zane nodded. "I will call him, okay? Now leave my room," he said.

"Nope, I want to borrow your car today," she said cheekily.

Zane looked up at her, his eyes wide. "Babes hold on a minute," he said to his girlfriend.

"Weh yuh just ask mi seh?" he sat up

"I wanna borrow your car."

"Yuh crack? No!" Zane answered adamantly.

"Come on. You know I can drive," she said smiling at him sweetly.

"Barely! Yuh barely passed!" Zane said. "No!"

"Zaney, come on. You know all of last month when daddy was on vacation he helped with my gas and brake skills. I am much better now. Anyhoo," she smiled at her brother mischievously, "I made breakfast, your favorite kind," she said.

Zane paused, "Stewed kidney with yams, bananas and dumplings?"

Zuzu nodded, her smile became a wide grin. "I also baked a banana bread loaf for everybody."

Zane sighed. His little sister knew that her baking was his weakness when it came to her. He reached over on his night stand and took up his car keys. "Here," he said. "Please take care of it, or so help me God I'm going to give you such a spanking even baba would think I'm a better father for you."

Zuzu playfully snatched the keys out of his hand and grinned triumphantly. She launched herself at him, knocking him back on the bed. She squeezed him tightly and gave him a kiss on his cheek. "Thank you Zaney!" She got up and looked down at him. Zane shook his head and smiled. "By the way, I'm sorry about yesterday. Just be careful, Brandon isn't the guy he used to be," he said.

Zuzu sobered. "I know, but I have to try," she replied. "And apology accepted." She took up a pillow, threw it at him, then ran out of the room laughing.

****

Brandon woke up at 6:00 am Monday morning. He did a few push-ups and sit-ups, about 100 each, no biggie. He wasn't a fan of building bulk. He was interested in building strength and stamina. He reviewed notes from his engineering lectures and stretched. He went into the shower and started washing his hair. He shaved his beard yesterday before he went to hang out with the Wellingtons. He shook his head. 

He should've spent the time playing games with the boys, but Zuzu said she needed a back rub, that she was feeling cramps in her lower back. He washed his hair, then soaped himself up quickly and rinsed himself off. Stepping onto the bathroom mat, he dried himself off and went into his room to get dressed. 

He looked at the time. He didn't expect Zane to come for him and drop him off at UTECH today. He would ask his dad if he could help him out. Otherwise, he would have to take public transport.

There was a knock on the door. "Yeah," he responded. "Branno, good morning, your ride is here." It was Lissa behind the door. His ride was here? So Zane had forgiven him? He was relieved. 

"Good morning. Okay, I'm coming down," he told her. 

"Okay," she replied. He heard her footsteps moving away from the door.

He placed his notebook in his bag, zipped everything up and headed down stairs. He kissed his mom on the cheek. Sandra looked up. "You're not hungry? Lissa made breakfast," she said. 

"In that case I'll pass," he said looking at his sister mischievously. She threw a dish towel at him. He looked her up and down. Her tummy was starting to show. She was also glowing. But there was a sadness behind her playful demeanor. She hadn't heard from Shane in over a month. He was angry for her sake, he wished he never encouraged her to give Shane a chance. 

He walked over to her and gave her a hug. "Yuh good?" he asked her. She smiled at him and nodded. "I am," she said. He could see however that she was sad. He squeezed her arm. 

He reached for two paper napkins in the cupboard behind them and unfolded them. He used his mom's fork to put some scrambled eggs on two slices of bread. He folded the napkins over the sandwich and kissed his sister's cheek. "Thanks Lissa, gotta go. Bye mommy." He rushed through the door. 

Brandon opened and closed the front gate, and walked towards the vehicle. He was surprised that it was Zuzu behind the steering wheel. He knew she got her license a few months before, but according to Zane, driving with her would give you a heart attack. He told him it was a miracle she passed the test. He stopped at the passenger side window and looked in at her. "Where's Zane?" he asked. Zuzu smiled shyly at him. He looked so serious. 

"He's at home. He didn't feel like driving, so I asked him for the car."

"And he gave it to you?" Brandon asked amused, remembering what his friend said about the first time she drove the family out to eat, after she got her license.

Zuzu rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue. "I can drive Brandon," she asserted feeling a little annoyed with him. "You coming in or what?" she asked, a little peeved. Brandon noted her facial expression and chuckled softly. "Sure," he said. She unlocked the door. He opened it and slid in beside her.

She started the engine and drove carefully away from the curb. Brandon watched her as she stared intently on the road. She was beautiful. Her hair was up in a ponytail that brushed her shoulders. When her hair was loose like it was yesterday, it fell passed her shoulders, resting on the top of her back. He leaned back in the seat, taking her in. 

She glanced at him briefly. "Why are you staring at me like that?" she asked feeling a little shy. She focused her eyes on the traffic before them. Brandon cleared his throat. "To be honest I was thinking about yesterday. I saw a different side of you and now I'm curious," he said still watching her.

"About what?" She glanced at him quickly, then looked before her.

"First off, are you really a virgin?" he asked her. Zuzu looked back at him and sighed. She prepared to turn onto Old Hope Road. Turning the wheel with both hands, she maneuvered the vehicle smoothly. Brandon was impressed with the way she was handling such a big vehicle. It was a Ford F-150 new high performance pickup. He had only driven one once when he was living in the UK and his friend Basil wanted to show off the features. 

Zuzu sighed. She stopped the vehicle at a red light. She looked ahead of her. She had known Brandon from primary school. Even then he was tall. He was a tall, gawky kid back then. He was shy and had nice, clear, brown skin and curly hair. 

He was often bullied but he didn't seem to care. He never fought back. One day she couldn't take any more. She confronted the bullies and told them to leave him alone. They laughed at her and told her to mind her own business but she stood up to them. The leader of the gang pushed her so hard she fell and bruised her knee. 

She was about to get up to fight him when Brandon pushed the little boy down on the ground, climbed on him and began punching him with his little fists. The other boys seeing what was happening, ran away to call the principal. When she came, she would have held Brandon responsible, but Zuzu told her that the boy had pushed her. She showed her bloodied knee and told her Brandon was defending her.

The principal called the little boy's parents, Brandon's parents and hers. After Zuzu recounted everything in great detail, the parents of the bully apologized, and said they would pay for any medical care needed.  From that day forward no one dared trouble him and he began walking with his back straight which made him look even taller and more intimidating. She also became his best friend, and he was hers.

She heard honking behind her. Snapping out of her reverie, she pressed lightly on the gas and inched the pickup truck forward as the traffic allowed. It was 7:30 a.m., rush hour. She looked over at him and realized he had been watching her all this time. His honey-brown eyes gazed at her intently. She wondered what he was thinking. 

She cleared her throat. "Branno, we've known each other for many many years. Way before I had breasts or I had my first period. Have I ever lied to you?" 

He shook his head still staring at her. His lips curled up in a subtle but sexy smile. She looked away from him. She felt warm all over. "No, you've never lied to me," he said. "But you flirt so much. One day you're sitting on my lap grinding on me. The next day you're sitting on Kwame's lap. Just a month ago I heard you tell Kwame he was your soulmate." 

She looked back at him. "I sit on his lap but I only grind on you," she said. The traffic was clearing up. She watched the vehicle before her, applying more pressure to the gas pedal. The vehicle moved slowly forward. She chuckled and glanced at him. "I have a confession to make," she said returning her gaze to the road. "I asked my friend Sanay for advice about you. I told her I like you, but you never seem to look my way. I asked her what I should do to get your attention." 

With eyebrows raised Brandon observed her smile. He knew that mischievous little smile. He shook his head. "She said if I wanted to get your attention I had to find a way to get you interested then get you jealous," Zuzu said laughing a little. "So she said I should flirt with you, but also flirt with the next good looking guy in our friends' group. Kwame is cool and all, but I don't want him. I want you," she said. 

He was shocked, but also amused. She went through all that trouble to get my attention? He shook his head. He needed to know. "And what about those guys you would bring home every couple weeks and say they're your boyfriend?" he asked staring at her, one eyebrow raised above the other.

She slowed the vehicle down at another red light. She brought it easily to a halt. He was impressed. She looked at him and said, "They're a part of the writing club I go to. And before you go off, they know what the deal is. I tell them it's to impress a boy I really like. A lot of them have their own girlfriends, but they're good friends with me, and they understand."

Brandon leaned slightly towards her. "And the ones that don't have girlfriends?" he asked.

She chuckled. "They know where my heart belongs," she answered. "If you attend the club's sessions my friends there will tell you about the dozen and one poems I've written about you," she told him. The traffic light turned green. She waited for the car before her to move, then she moved off slowly. 

"And Zane knows about this, your plot to seduce me?" he asked chuckling.

She nodded. "Yes, he does," she said smiling.

"Okay," Branno replied. That would explain his friend's reaction yesterday. Now he understood.

He felt flattered. He sighed lightheartedly and smiled at her. "So you're saying you did all those things because you like me?" he asked, needing to confirm. She nodded while she focused her eyes on the road. "I've had a crush on you since the eleventh grade when you took off your shirt at swimming class," she said.

He felt his heart skip a beat. That was the most muscular he had ever been in his life. He was training to compete in the regional under-18 swimming meets. So along with practicing his strokes in the water, he had to hit the gym four days a week to build his chest, arms and back muscles. He chuckled. 

"I don't look like that anymore. I'm not so muscular," he said amused. She eyed him quickly. "You were never very bulky then Branno, but I liked what I saw, and I still like what you've got. You're still very sexy to me. Besides that, you're a very warm, kind person. You're very loyal and generous. And in spite of what you say, you still have a good heart."

Brandon looked at her feeling quite bowled over. "I didn't know you felt like this," he said. Zuzu smiled. "I've wanted to say these things to you for so long, but I've been so shy."

"Why now?" he asked flattered but still uncertain.

"Because I just turned twenty-three. I don't want to be just Zane and Zolah's little sister, Kyle and Rebecca's wash belly pickney," she chuckled. Branno smiled at her. "I want to be with you. I want to go on adventures with you. Experience new things. I want to experience being in love."

"I'm not sure I'm the best choice. Sure, I could probably make your toes curl, but I don't know if I have the type of love you need. The kind of love you want," he told her. 

She giggled and winked at him. "I wouldn't mind that either --my toes curling-- but I want to understand you," she replied. Her voice sounded sultry to his ears.

Branno shook his head, feeling amused but also aroused. He wanted to touch her but didn't want to distract her from driving.

"You're damaged, I know. I know Branno." she said smiling at him sadly, then pressed on the gas pedal. The traffic had cleared up near Jamaica College. 

"There's a traditional saying from my mom's Arabic roots. It's this: alḥubbu dawāʼu al-qulūb, which in English says 'love is the medicine of hearts'. This means that love is like medicine. It can heal emotional scars; a broken heart. It can soothe any deep spiritual pain, and bring hope and joy. I want to be that for you Branno, if you will let me."

"Maybe I don't deserve that kind of love, Zuzu. I may destroy your innocence," he said. 

"I'm strong enough," she told him. Their eyes met. Her grey eyes looked blueish-grey in the sunlight with tinges of green in the irises. They looked alien. They were unnerving in their beauty and innocence. He blinked and looked away from her. She focused on driving. 

After two more minutes, they were entering the university's campus. They showed the security guards their school IDs and were allowed to pass through. She quickly found parking, pressed down on the brake pedal, shifted the gear in 'park', then shut off the engine. 

She looked at him. She moved closer, rested her head on his chest and circled her arms around him. He did not hug her. Zuzu felt sad that he wasn't willing to take the risk for her. "Am I not good enough for you Branno?" she asked. She listened to his heart beat. It was beating fast but strong.

Brandon sighed. He put his arms around her. "I've always seen you as just my best friend, until recently. I have to admit seeing you flirting with Kwame made me feel a little jealous," he said chuckling. 

"Zuzu you didn't need to do those things to get my attention." He was going to confess. "I find you very attractive. I just don't want to ruin our friendship. Also, because you were such a flirt, it made it hard for me to believe you're still a virgin. Zuzu, you are more than enough for the man who will fall in love with you. Promise me from now on you will drop the flirty attitude and just be you."

"I want it to be you," she said in a soft voice. She sighed. "I promise," she said. She began playing with the sleeves of his flannel shirt. He bent his head and kissed her hair. "I'm sorry, I can't. I don't know if I will be able to in the future, but I can't give you that now," he said with a sigh. He held her close and closed his eyes. Stroking her arms gently, he inhaled her perfume. He wondered what the time was. He opened his eyes and looked at his watch. They had an hour left before their lecture started. 

He stroked her arms, rubbing his hands on her smooth, soft skin. If only, he thought. She was wearing a white tank top with cute red hearts printed on it and a blue jeans skirt that brushed her knees. Her feet were shod in black flip-flops, her toes were painted in a cute silvery blue color. 

He kissed her brow. Maybe he could fall for her. But he didn't want to hurt her. Taking the risk to be with her to then turn around and do something stupid that would hurt her, would kill the last bit of decency in him. He would hate himself if he hurt her. He could not do it.

"Why were you crying yesterday, before Zane hit you?" He needed to know.

"I've fantasized about that moment with you. The moment you will make me a woman." She looked up at him shyly. "When you stopped and ran away I felt ..." She chuckled then sobered up. "I felt ugly, unbeautiful. I felt like you didn't want me, but earlier you were all over me. I wondered if you only kissed and touched me to get me hot then leave me frustrated, like a game. I was a little confused."

Branno groaned inwardly. Have I already started hurting her?

"Zuzu, I'm sorry. I wanted to make love to you. I was with you in that moment. I wasn't pretending. And when it comes to you, I don't want to play games." He wouldn't tell her about what he saw in the mirror. "I just realized that if you were really a virgin, I would be selfish to have you, knowing I can't give you the love and commitment you deserve."

He touched her face. "You're beautiful. If things were different with me maybe, but right now I need time. Like your brother said, I may never get over this hurt. It's best you find someone else."

"I can't," she said. "I'm willing to wait for you." She placed a hand on his chest and snuggled more comfortably on him. He shook his head and laughed softly. "You are something else," he whispered. He began stroking her back.

She smiled. She was going to win him over little by little. She was convinced her love could heal him. "I brought you breakfast," she said. 

Speaking of breakfast, he had that sandwich. He opened the small compartment of his knapsack and took out the egg sandwich. He unwrapped it and bit into it. 

She sat up reached over to the back seat and brought forward an insulated bag to her lap. She took out a rectangular shaped, aluminium baking tin with a clear plastic lid covering the top. She pulled off the cover and placed the baking tin in his lap. "This is yours." she said. "A peace offering to say I'm sorry, but also I love you." She smiled up at him. 

He looked at the cake and looked at her. She was something else. He kissed her brow. "Thank you," he said. It looked like banana bread pudding. "Banana bread?" he asked to confirm. She nodded smiling. His smile widened. He loved when she baked. He hurriedly finished his sandwich. She giggled as she watched him. She had a tiny knife in the bag. She took it out and began cutting the pudding in several slices. He used his napkins to pick up a slice and hand it to her. 

"It's for you," she said. 

"I know, but I want to share it with you," he said smiling. 

"Okay," she replied and bit into it. "Hmm..." Yup, she loved the honey-lemon glaze she used.

She watched as he bit into a slice he took for himself. She laughed as his eyes rolled over in his head and he grunted. "Hmm ... so good!" he declared. He bit more voraciously into it until the slice was finished then took another one. Zuzu watched him with a smile on her face. She was going to take her time to understand this new Branno. 

He looked at her. He wondered what she was thinking. He wished he had been with her instead of Heather, maybe he would have been good now. He never knew she had feelings for him back then. He figured she wasn't ready, but now as she said, she was ready for an adult relationship. Any man who got her better know what they were doing, because they had him and her brother to answer to. It just couldn't be him.

****

"Suh yuh seh yuh can start do the work anytime we call yuh?" the man asked.

The young woman nodded. "Yeh man," she replied.

"Yuh ever do bartending?"

"Yes sir, that was my first job before mi guh work a di fast food place. It inna mi resume." the young woman said.

The young man looked her up and down. Nice and full of shape, he thought to himself. The boss a guh like her fi real. "And yuh seh yuh can do serving/waitressing good?"

The young lady nodded then smiled at him. The young man was bowled over by her pretty face. "Alright, me will pass on this resume to my boss and hopefully the floor manager will call you soon to come work. And it's the night shift alone you can do?'

"Yeah, me have a small child I have to look after in the daytime when the mother's gone to work." she said. "And you say this is a part-time job?" she asked.

The man nodded. He understood the struggle. "Yes, three days a week, Thursday to Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Arite darling, I like you. Tell you what, I will put in a good word for you."

The girl smiled happily at him. "Thank you sir," she said excitedly.

"Alright, you can leave now," the man said.

She nodded then walked to the front door of the hair salon and beauty boutique. The business wasn't just a salon/boutique. There was also a bar and night club on the second floor. Tucked away around the back of the premises there was also a gambling house. But only certain patrons had access because sometimes the games were cut throat and persons could lose more than their money. 

The girl looked back at the young man who was still watching her. She smiled shyly, waved at him, then opened the door and stepped outside. Jashur sat down and replayed their conversation in his mind. He looked back at the front door. 

What a fine piece of gyal that man! He whistled to himself. Mr Z will like her. He walked to the boss's office and placed Dana Smith's resume on the desk, right on top of the pile of the other resumes. He would say something to his boss on her behalf. He wanted to see her again. He closed the door behind him and went to supervise the landscapers who were trimming the plants and cutting the front lawn.

****

Shane paced back and forth in his small apartment. He was waiting for a phone call. He was very nervous. But if anyone could pull it off it would be her. That girl was not just a pretty face, she was very street smart. His phone rang and he picked it up. He listened to what she had to say. He nodded his understanding. "Keep me posted," he requested.

"Will do," he heard her say.

She ended the call.

He opened his front door and closed it behind him. He needed to check something out.

****

Lissa walked into her office after saying 'hi' to Superintendent Dacres. She was feeling slightly nauseous but she was able to push through. It was Monday. The only day she agreed to meet with the special cases she promised to work with, even though she was on leave.

She pulled out her office chair, sat on it and adjusted its distance to the table, for her comfort. Her tummy was more obvious now. No doubt by now everyone at the station knew she was carrying Shane's babies. They all smiled at her but no one said anything. She was actually relieved about that. If she was the brunt of office gossip she didn't want to know. 

She missed Shane so much. When she asked Supe if he heard from Shane, he told her no. He said all he knew was that Shane had applied for thirty days leave and got it. He told her he was surprised that Shane wasn't spending his vacation time with her. Lissa told him she hadn't spoken to him in over a month, and she was worried about him.

Supe Dacres said it was customary for officers on leave to check in with their superiors every now and then, but he hadn't heard from him for over a week now. He told her he was concerned too. Supe had a hunch that Shane was secretly investigating Mr Z. He told her not to repeat his theory to anyone, not even Constable Walker. She agreed.

She sat in her chair and opened the case file for Winsome. She was to come by for her appointment at 3 o'clock. It was now 3:50 p.m. she couldn't give her extra time. She was the last session she had for the day. She had to adhere to the strict regulations where vacation time was concerned, plus the agreement she made with Supe Dacres.

There was a knock on the door and she looked up. A young man looked in on her. She smiled politely. "Hello," she said.

He smiled back at her. "Hi," he said walking slowly into the room. "I'm looking for Melissa Dixon, the counselor."

Lissa smiled broadly at him. "That's me," she said. The young man came forward and stood before her desk. He looked at her. He found her very attractive. She also had a glow he couldn't quite put his finger on. 

"Hi, my name is De'aundre. I was supposed to have a session with you last week but you cancelled."

Lissa kept her smile in place. She didn't remember having a De'aundre on file to counsel. She stood up. "Tell me your last name?" she asked.

"Baker," he answered. She moved towards the file cabinets behind her. She opened the top shelf with a tiny key and looked through her files from A to D. She searched but saw nothing. "I'm sorry there may be a misunderstanding. I don't have a file with your name. Who recommended you?" She turned around and stopped short. Her heart leapt in her throat. De'aundre or whoever he was, had a knife in his hand. He pointed it towards her. 

Raising her hands in front of her she tried to keep calm. "Who are you, really? What's your name?" she asked.

"My name is really De'aundre," he said.

"What do you want?" she asked. She was afraid, but she tried to remain calm. Maybe she could talk him out of making this big mistake. 

"I'm supposed to kill you," he answered. "If I don't he'll kill my mom and sister."

Lissa heart was racing. "Who? Who wants me dead?" 

"You should know," he said.

"You do realize you're in a police station and if I scream a dozen of them will come rushing in here and light you up like a Christmas tree," she smiled at him. 

"I have no other choice. If I don't come outside with you within the next ten minutes he'll kill my mom and my little sister," De'aundre stated. His eyes were wide with fear. She believed him. 

She took up her work bag. "Okay, lead the way, but act normal or you'll draw suspicion." She eyed the knife in his hand. "Put that away," she said exasperated.

He lifted his pants' left leg and pulled on a piece of tape he wrapped around his calf. He placed the knife on his skin and wrapped the tape around it, holding it in place. Quite creative, Lissa thought as she watched him. 

He stepped aside and allowed her to walk in front of him. She smiled at Constable Walker who was looking at her curiously. "My cousin," she told her, smiling sweetly then winked. Sudanie smiled and nodded at the young man. She wondered about the wink, but brushed it off. 

"Where to now?" Lissa asked the young man. He was very nervous. "Is this your first time kidnapping someone?"

He nodded. "I'm really sorry. My mom borrowed money from Mr Z for my college tuition, and we've not been able to pay him off. I'm done with school but I haven't gotten a job yet."

So Mr Z was also a loan shark? Lissa's head was spinning. "Did you know you were going to him or..."

De'aundre shook his head. "No, we thought it was just a regular loan agency. It was at an office," he replied. He told her the name. Lissa swore under her breath. She heard of it. He walked briskly further down the road, LIssa tried to keep up with him. He stopped where Knutsford Boulevard intersected with Trafalgar Road. 

She was standing there with him when a car pulled up with lightly tinted windows. She looked at the vehicle. Oh no! Not now! Derrick rolled down his window and looked at her. "Hey stranger," he smiled at her sadly.

Derrick looked at her. She was a sight for sore eyes. He had broken up with Melody a month and a half before. He tried to be with her, but in the end it was just sex.

 Fortunately, she was not the type to hold grudges. She told her dad that the relationship was going to run its course anyway, and if he hadn't broken it off, she would have done it sooner or later. He was relieved being with her did not jeopardize his career upliftment. A few nights ago, he saw her at a popular restaurant with an older gentleman on her arm. 

She smiled at him and introduced him to the other man. Then she walked away from him like they were just casual acquaintances. He thought that was the type of girl he wanted, but no, he wanted someone who had a real soul, like Lissa. 

He looked at the young man standing beside her. What an awkward looking young man, he thought to himself. "I could offer you both a ride," he said. "Where are you guys going to?" He looked at Lissa, his eyes asking her the most obvious question. Lissa cleared her throat. "Derrick," she said, "this is my cousin De'aundre." De'aundre looked at him and smiled awkwardly. Derrick nodded. 

Wait! There were many things he ignored about her. Some things he didn't pay attention to, but he knew her family. She had a brother and only one cousin, a girl cousin. He didn't want to hold up traffic. He drove the vehicle onto Knutsford Boulevard and parked on the sidewalk. He locked his car and walked back to her. 

Lissa looked at him. He looked more heavier than usual. She observed that the muscles of his forearms were more built. It looked like he was spending more time in the gym. She stared at him. His chest was more pronounced. She smiled slightly. Good for him. She still found him attractive, but she only had eyes for Shane. Besides, he was probably still with that skinny girl. 

He stood before her. He wasn't as tall as Shane, but she still had to look up at him. He hugged and squeezed her close. He noticed that she had put on some weight but he actually liked it. Compared to feeling lean muscle for the last few months, feeling a soft, voluptuous body would do him some good. He missed her and her sense of humor, and her cooking. He smiled at her, ignoring the young man beside her. 

"Yuh good? I'm actually on leave now," he told her. "If you and your cousin aren't busy, I can take you both out to lunch." It was the beginning of the summer. He had time. In fact, he took the leave hoping he could use it to woo Lissa all over again. Just his luck he saw her when he did. 

He was spending more time in the gym trying to build more muscle definition. He noted how muscular Lissa police friend was, and wanted to as much as possible, match his physique, or at least try to impress her. He looked into her eyes. He noticed something there. He was certain Lissa had one cousin. He eyed the young man, then looked back at her. She looked uncomfortable.

He placed his hand on the small of her back and hugged her, then whispered. "If everything is okay, shake your head no. If something is wrong nod," He released her from his embrace. She looked up at him. She didn't want him to get involved, but at the same time she was glad to see him. She wasn't sure what would happen to her if Mr Z had her in his grasp. Sudanie didn't pick up on her cues. "Suh yuh good?" he asked, watching her face.

She nodded. He watched her body language. He smiled at the young man who was watching them, but also looking around him. He put his arms around her and turned her towards his vehicle. He also put his arm around the young man and guided them towards his vehicle.

"Let's have lunch," Derrick said smiling broadly.

 "Um .. cousin and I can't stop for food right now," De'aundre said nervously. "My mom is very ill and she promised to look for her. She's on her deathbed."

"Okay, I'll take you guys then. I always want to meet new people from her family," he said. Lissa looked at him sharply. He figured it out. He smiled at her. God he's so handsome. It's a pity, she thought. 

"Sure, let's take the ride," she said. De'aundre looked at her. He looked at the tall man before him and knew his luck was up. He pulled away from the man's grasp and ran down the road. Derrick looked at him running. "What now?" he asked. 

Lissa took out her cellphone and called Constable Walker. She told her they need to be chasing the young man she saw her with earlier, and she prayed they caught him for his sake as well. He was running towards Dominica Drive. She told her what he was wearing. She looked at Derrick and ended the call. He reached for her, hugged and squeezed her. "Thank you," she said feeling grateful.

He smiled. "You're welcome. I'm glad I could be here for you. I know I've been a jerk before, but I'm here now. I want to make it up to you," he told her. He reluctantly released her from his embrace. Her softness felt good to him. He longed for the times he would hold her, before they fell asleep together. He really missed her body on his.

"What about little miss slim and pretty?" she asked.

He chuckled. She was jealous. That was a good sign. He rubbed her back. "About her, you were right. I was seeing her. I'm sorry I lied to you. I broke up with her over a month ago. She's not you Lissa. I realized that I want you, and only you," he told her.

She looked up at him. She didn't know what to say. "There's something you should know," she said. He looked at her. "I-I'm pregnant," she said quietly. "I'm pregnant with twins and Shane is the father," she said. She looked at him waiting for his reaction. 

He looked at her tummy. He reached out and touched it. He felt the thickness. It wasn't flat like he was used to. "You're serious?" he asked. She nodded. He smiled at her ruefully. He was too late then. 

He rubbed her belly and looked at her. Lissa covered his hand with hers. The contact sent chills down his spine. He missed the delicate way she used to touch him. 

He had always wanted kids with her. He just wanted to wait until he was more established in his career. But what could he say now? They had been dating for five years without a proposal. Plus, considering his infidelity. I guess she was fed up, he thought to himself.

"The police guy?" he asked. He moved his hand and placed it at his side.

She nodded. 

He felt like his heart was being ripped out. He nodded sadly. "I can't say I'm not disappointed, but if you're happy, I'm happy for you," he told her. He saw something in her eyes. "Are you happy?" he asked. 

He would never see himself raising another man's child or children, but for Lissa he would make an exception. She smiled sadly. "He's in a lot of trouble. Someone called Mr Z is trying to kill him. So to protect me, he's been distancing himself."

Mr Z? Why does that name sound familiar? Derrick wondered. Nah, none of his company's clients are criminals. Perish the thought!  

"You say this Mr Z wants to kill Shane?" he asked. She nodded. "I think we need to talk," he said. She nodded. 

Just then, they heard the loud sound of police sirens coming closer. One vehicle raced past them. She looked behind her and saw another unit with Constable Campbell inside, slow down and stop before them. 

"We got him," she said. 

Lissa smiled at her. "I'll be up in a minute," she said. Constable Campbell nodded then told the officer behind the wheel to drive. The vehicle sped away from them. She looked at Derrick. He nodded. "Yeah, I can give you a lift," he said.

He touched her lower back and guided her to his vehicle. He unlocked it and opened the passenger side for her. She sat inside and he slid in beside her. He started the vehicle and drove up Knutsford Boulevard to the police station.

****

His phone rang. Zane had just finished eating breakfast, and was thinking of going over to Laurie-Ann's house for a hard core lovemaking session. The things she said on the phone turned him on. He wanted to do all the things she said she was craving. He looked at the number. De'aundre? Why was he calling him? He put the phone on 'handsfree'.

He answered puzzled, "De'aundre what's up?"

"Zane mi inna trouble!" A breathless De'aundre came on the line. Zane picked up the phone and turned off 'handsfree'. "Weh yuh mean?" he asked.

"Just call yuh uncle and tell him seh mi never get fi do what him ask mi. The girl smart man," De'aundre said breathlessly. 

"What? Weh you and mi uncle have?" Zane asked with a sense of foreboding. Uncle Z wasn't his real uncle. He was his dad's best friend from high school days, but he was around the family so often, he and his siblings adopted him as an uncle. They only knew him as uncle Z. 

Uncle Z loved all three of Kyle's kids, but he had a special place in his heart for Zuzu, because her dad allowed him to name her. Matter of fact, Kyle, his dad, said he owed Z a great debt, so to show his loyalty, he gave his kids names with the letter 'z' in it. Uncle was very pleased.

He wasn't sure what uncle Z did to make money, but he didn't want to know. He heard rumors here and there, but all he knew was that his uncle was always good to them. He listened to De'aundre's labored breathing. He was probably running.

"Just tell him weh mi seh! Oh shit mi dead now!" De'aundre said scared.

"Stop di running bwoy!" Zane heard a commanding male voice say over the line. The call got cut off. He looked at the phone. He dialed his uncle Z's number and told him what De'aundre said. His uncle, always cool as a cucumber, told him thanks for the info and said he would deal with it from there. Uncle Z ended the call. 

Zane called his dad next and told him what happened. His dad was a very accomplished attorney. He told his dad what happened and Kyle told him to stay calm. He told him however to call his sister, Zuzu, and tell her to come home right away. Zolah worked as a paralegal at his law firm so he could just walk into her office and tell her to go home early. Zane told him he would call and hung up. 

He dialed Zuzu's number, but wasn't getting through. He called several times, but got no response. What was she doing? he wondered.

****

Zuzu lay on Brandon's bed fast asleep. He watched her sleeping. He wanted to make love to her, but decided to just allow her to sleep. He smiled as he watched her. She looked beautiful and innocent while she slept. He wondered why she wanted him when she could get any man she wanted. No doubt, those guys in the writing club who tried to help her get him jealous, also had their own agenda.

Her period came that morning while she was in class. She wasn't lying about the back pain after all. It messed up the back of her skirt. Luckily, he was wearing his jeans blazer so he tied it around her waist. 

It was also fortunate that they only had one class for that day. She went into a bathroom on campus, cleaned herself up and put on a pad, but she had no change of clothes, except panties. She told him she wanted to be alone with him. 

He knew he shouldn't have indulged her, but he wanted to comfort her, so he drove her to his house. While he was driving, Zuzu lay on her side on the backseat of the pickup. She didn't want to mess up her brother's vehicle. When they arrived at his house, he lifted her out of the vehicle, and carried her up to his room into his shower. His parents and Lissa were at work. 

She cheekily asked if he wanted to bathe her. He laughed and told her he did, but he didn't deserve the privilege of seeing her beautiful body. He could see she was disappointed, but kissed her forehead and told her to go bathe. 

She gave him her skirt then closed the glass shower door. She told him she had extra panties in a ziplock bag in her school bag. He found it and brought it to her. She thanked him, leaned forward out of the shower so he could see her breasts and kissed his lips. He kissed her, taking his time to enjoy her soft lips. She was very tempting. He wanted to see all of her, but held himself back. 

He decided to wash the skirt for her. He used a large washing basin. Filling it with water and soap, he used a washing brush to get rid of the stain. He checked his blazer and noticed a small spot. He washed it out and hung his jacket on the line in the backyard. Afterwards, he put the skirt in the dryer so it could dry quickly. In the meantime, he laid out a pair of his shorts for her to wear.

Next, he raided Lissa's chester drawer and found a half used pack of sanitary pads. He took out one and brought it to his room for her. He had given her one of his towels to dry off. When she came out of the bathroom with the towel wrapped around her, he stepped out of the room to give her privacy. When she was dressed, she knocked on the door and he entered. 

She was laying down. She still wore the white blouse but also put on his shorts. They looked good on her. He lay beside her and cuddled with her. He had to admit, he loved being around her. 

She was feeling a little pain. Gently, he massaged her back and rubbed her tummy until the pain subsided. She gave him full access to her body. He wasn't sure what he did to deserve her trust like this. Sure, they've been friends for years, but in that time he barely touched her. 

Trying not to take advantage of her, he got up and went to the kitchen. When Lissa was in a lot of pain because of her period, there was one thing she liked to drink. He made Zuzu some hot chamomile tea from Lissa's stash of chamomile tea bags and watched her drink it. 

After half an hour, she said she was sleepy, so he cuddled her in his arms until she fell asleep. When she wakes up I will take her home, he told himself. He took out his phone and called her brother. 

The phone rang twice then Zane answered. "Yow bro, just the person I want to hear from," Zane said. His friend sounded happy. Brandon wondered why. "Is Zuzu with you?" Zane asked.

"Mhm, yeah she's at my house," Branno answered. "Don't worry, I haven't touched her." 

"What is she doing there?" You haven't touched her, yet, Zane thought.

"She said she wanted alone time with me," Branno answered plainly. 

Zane cleared his throat. "Well cut it short," he said. "She needs to come home right now." 

"Oh okay," Brandon replied, "the thing is she's sleeping. Her period came and she was feeling a lot of pain, so I drove her over here. As soon as she wakes up I'll take her home."

"No!" Zane said, alarm in his voice. Branno was wondering why he was being so dramatic. "She needs to come home now! Wake her up, or if you have to carry her fast asleep, bring her home now!"

Brandon was curious. "Why?" he asked. He heard Zane utter an expletive. "Bredda, if me and you are friends, if yuh rate me and yuh friendship. If you really care about Zuzu, you will ask less questions and bring her home!" Zane shouted in frustration. Brandon felt uneasy. "Okay, I will take her home," he said.

"Okay, thank you," Zane said sounding relieved. 

"Take her home now," Zane said.

"I will," Branno said. He was feeling uncomfortable. 

"By the way, I'm sorry about the slap I gave you yesterday. I was wrong. My sister is her own big woman. She knows what she wants. But to be clear, I warned her of the consequences of pursuing a relationship with you."

"You did, did you?" Branno quipped.

"Yes I did. Bro, you can't blame me," Zane said. Branno smiled ruefully. No, he couldn't blame him. "I won't hurt her. She and I are just friends, nothing more," he reassured his friend. But even if we became more I would do all I could to protect her heart. What? What am I thinking? No, we're just friends, he told himself.

"Okay," Zane said. "So we're good?" he asked.

Branno chuckled. "Yeah bro, we're good," he answered.

Whoosh! Clink! Crack! 

It was the sound of something flying through the window and breaking his bedroom mirror. Branno heard gun shots. He ducked, crawled to the bed and pulled down the sheet with Zuzu laying on top of it. He quickly pulled her off the bed with the sheet under her. Wrapping it around her, he lay on top of her on the floor. 

Zane heard the gunshots. What was going on over there? He hung up the phone then called the police and gave them his friend's address. He called his friend back. Branno picked up the call "What's going on over there?" he asked frantic.

"Bredda mi nuh know enuh. Mi nuh know if is mi sister man dem a look for, but one bag a shot a fire!" he said.

"Yuh sister man? Who is yuh sister man?" Zane asked with a sense of foreboding.

"He's a police man," Branno said. "Apparently they're trying to kill him. But he isn't here. I don't know why anyone would be shooting at us. We're not involved." 

Zane swore profusely. "Bro, if is yuh sister man and dem want to kill him, any one of you guys is a target!" he said incredulously.

Zuzu stirred and woke up. She was about to sit up when Branno yanked her back down to the floor. She was confused. She wondered why she was wrapped in Branno's bed sheet and on the floor with him. He held her close to him. 

She screamed when she heard gun shots whizzing over their heads through the bedroom window; lodging in walls and breaking more glass. Branno held her tightly to him, covering her with his body. 

Zane heard her screaming and swore more loudly. He ended the call. He called his father.

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