Chapter 11: “Promises Kept” 

Lucky twirled his fork through his eggs, keeping himself busy. He could feel 
everyone’s eyes on him, and he didn't like it. But he wasn't going to say 
anything. Last night he made a resolution. Never talk about what happened. 
Never. That was a promise he made to himself for several reasons. Lucky sighed 
and put some eggs into his mouth. They were cold but he chewed and swallowed 
anyways. He didn't remember the last time he ate, and not through an IV. It was 
that night. That night at the bar. With her. The stale pretzels. The beer. The 
smell. The room. The woman. That women. Her presence kept appearing in his mind. 
He couldn't get rid of her face, her laugh, her sins. 

Lucky jumped up in his seat suddenly. Liz placed her hand over his and felt it 
shaking. She glanced at Laura who had a worried expression on her face. Luke 
cleared his throat and focused on his son. “You ok, Cowboy?” 

“I'm… ok.” He stammered. He blinked and looked up to his father, giving him, 
what he thought was a reassuring smile. To Luke it looked just pathetic, but he 
smiled back. 

“So, any plans for today?” Laura asked brightly, changing the subject. “I 
thought maybe you could get out of the house for a bit. It would be a change of 
scenery.” 

Lucky thought about this. On one hand, he could finally breathe some fresh air. 
Get away from his family to have time to think things through. On the other 
hand, he would be outside, alone. He shuddered involuntary and opted for the 
first choice anyways. 

“Sure, I'm sure a walk to Kelly's wouldn't hurt.” Laura smiled at her son. “I'm 
sure we all could use some good cooking.” The family laughed. And so did Lucky. 
A little. 

********************** 

Brenda walked into Kelly's and saw her mother seated at a table. She walked over 
and joined her. “Hi Veronica,” Brenda smiled sweetly. Veronica looked up, the 
tears obvious in her eyes. “Veronica… what's wrong?” Brenda got up and knelt 
down next to her. “Are you ok?” Veronica shook her head. 

“I have something to tell you Brenda?” Brenda shook her head, waiting for an 
explanation. Veronica took in a deep breath. “I'm HIV Positive.”