Chapter 7

Returning the stare with a puffed cheek and toothy smile, Vera let Johnny carry her books as they walked to the class. It appeared she'd forgotten so easily what happened. How easily it slipped from her mind! She should be worried. She should run after Cornis and see if all was well with Philip. What did Sarah say about hitting the black spot? All this filtered away, and the new eerie feeling was beginning to permeate her being. She felt different hearing his voice, walking with him, and having him carry her books. It had to be something good.

"You missed school these past days."

"I never heard you were searching for me."

"I wasn't. I wasn't here either." Vera let her gaze rest on his bust. It wasn't so brawny like the ones of African black men she saw on the Olympic channels during sports events, but his build was like theirs – muscular and broad-chested. He walked with a gait that gave him a majestic air, one that built aura and flagged authority merely by walkin