Chapter 3 Hans Valentin

It was Sunday and as usual everyone is busy for the morning service. Her father is always early and when it comes to time management, it was her father that influence her the most, very particular and most disciplined. Since her father is a public figure, every time she walks outside their house, she feels like a glass so vulnerable tiptoeing every single step, scared that she will make mistakes that will stain her father's reputation as a leader of a big congregation. Her mother is the lead singer of the church's choir this morning, and of course, she's part of it. Imagine growing up with both of your parents leading a church, do you think you can escape the chores? No, of course not. Her father preaches, her mother leads the choir, granny is part of the choir and yes, she is no exception. She plays piano while Josh plays the bass occasionally. For Veronica, this has become a routine and today, nothing is different except there is particularly someone in the audience that she's not familiar with. Someone she can't seem to get her eyes off. Well the church is big and it's not like you will know everyone who will go to church every Sunday, but yes you are wrong, she knows everyone who goes to church every Sunday. Imagine since then till now that she's twelve, she's been doing the same routine every Sunday, and it's very seldom that a new face will show up.

After the service, people will have a small talk and have fellowship for a bit. Veronica's father of course will meet his discipleship team and talk to some people. Her mother also has her own small group and Vee serves in the kid's ministry. From the corner where she's situated in the table along with the girls of her age, she can see Joshua getting along with the new guy she's talking about. From there she feasted her eyes with that beautiful creature. He is as tall as Josh, with thick eyebrows and long eyelashes, perfect jawline, apple chin and,

"damn those smiles, forgive me Lord I think I'm in love", says Vee silently in a prayer-like manner.

After some time, almost everyone has left already. His father and mother are talking to Mr. Valetin, their town's Mayor. Apparently, the new kid is the Mayor's youngest son. His father called her and signalled her to come over then he introduced her to the Mayor's son.

"Hans Valentin", he said smiling sweetly and extends his arm for formality.

"Veronica Warren, Vee for short", she responded and casually shake his hand. "Oh, please stop smiling you handsome creature of God or else I'm going to melt", she said in her mind. When her hand touched his soft hands, she can't explain the feeling, it is her first time to encounter her crush face to face and even shakes a hand. Her heart races and it seems like she has lost her senses for a moment, "What is wrong with you Vee, compose yourself your parents are watching", she scolded herself and smile calmly with all her might.

The Mayor bid goodbye and they headed first. Her father has meeting with the staff members and her mother with the assimilation and the music team. Her granny and grandad who was still alive that time bring the kids home, while she and Josh skate their way back home since the church is just a couple of blocks away.

"You like him, don't you?, Joshua asked.

" Who", Vee responded as if he doesn't know who he is talking about.

"Hans Valentin", he simply replied.

"I saw you two talking back then, you seem to get along well with him", she commented.

"Yeah, he seems nice and he talked to me first, maybe because his family is a politician that he knows how to get along with other people really well, just like his dad", he said.

"Right", she agreed. "I heard he will be on the same class as us", she continued.

Joshua suddenly stopped and looked at her suspiciously, "Wait, you did not answer my question and you seem very interested about him", he said. "You like him, don't you?", he asked persistently.

She blushed. "Shut up! you are talking nonsense", she said and strode past him hurriedly to avoid his further interrogation.

"Vee, wait! You answer me!", she heard him shout from behind. The way he interrogates her, he's like worse than her father right now.

"I don't hear anything", she shouted back and skates like crazy. When she approaches their gate, she picked up her skateboard and run inside.

That was six years ago, her first encounter with Hans Valentin, the first man of her fantasy. Time flies so fast and it feels like yesterday, but now Hans is nowhere to be found. He simply disappeared into thin air three years ago when his father lost the election. Even his closest friend in school- Joshua, has no idea where Hans is, or that's what he told her at least. Joshua is pretty much a good secret keeper after all.