The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Monica slapped her thigh, "Ana, something just came up, I gotta run." Just like that, she was in and out like a whirlwind. Herman and Anastasia shared a knowing glance, and Anastasia chuckled, "That's Monica for you-always in a hurry. She's a bit insecure about relationships, you know? Got burned a few times. Now, with Jason giving her the cold shoulder, she's probably overthinking everything." Herman nodded, "Yeah, I noticed. Last time, she saw me having lunch with my cousin and totally jumped to conclusions."

Anastasia laughed, "She told me about that. Funny enough, her being with Jason now is kinda thanks to that little misunderstanding."

"Oh?" Herman's curiosity was piqued.

Anastasia shrugged and recounted the story, leaving Herman grinning, "A happy accident, then. But yeah, your best friend seems like someone who doesn't let things slide easily."

"Who does? Getting sand in your eye hurts," Anastasia teased. "Trust is a two-way street. She and Jason are just starting out, so a little insecurity is normal. Remember when we first got together..."

Anastasia trailed off, her cheeks turning a soft shade of pink at the memory. Herman, intrigued, pressed on, "What about us?"

Anastasia rolled her eyes, "First, that business with Cason Kirkwood-was that your doing?"

"For a rival, no mercy," Herman's eyes darkened slightly, "Had to dig up some dirt on him. It might've been a minor annoyance for him, but it was an eyesore for me. Best to deal with it cleanly. He brought it on himself."

Anastasia was speechless. To Herman, it might have seemed trivial, but for the Kirkwoods, it was everything their factory closed, and Cason ended up in jail.

If Cason hadn't tried to blackmail Herman, things might not have ended so harshly.

Little Pattie ran over, tugging at Herman's hand, eager to show him her drawing. Pattie could now communicate a lot through gestures. Herman lifted Pattie, "Let's see what my little artist has drawn."

Pattie gestured with her tiny hands: birds, a big tree, a stream... Every time Anastasia saw Pattie using gestures, her heart ached with guilt. She'd never hear Pattie's voice again.

Herman admired Pattie's artwork, his voice full of praise and encouragement. Anastasia listened, taking a deep breath. She hadn't told Herman about Pattie's biological father yet. Without confirmation, she didn't want to stir up any trouble. Anastasia noticed her mom, Salma, sitting in the yard, lost in thought, and walked over, "Mom, what's on your mind?"

Salma quickly helped Anastasia to sit, "Why are you out here? Didn't your husband just come home?"

"He's with Pattie." Anastasia asked, "Mom, are you thinking about Dad again?"

"Your dad's unreachable again. I'm worried. Last time this happened, he had a stroke. Do you think... could they have poisoned him or something?"

Anastasia looked at her mother, asking, "Mom, you still haven't let go of Dad, have you?"

Salma quickly denied, "No, it's just... even for a friend or someone I know, I'd worry if I couldn't reach them."

Anastasia half-joked, "Mom, how about I set you up with someone? Might help shift your focus so you won't overthink."

Salma blushed, "Having your daughter play matchmaker? That'd be a laugh. I've not thought about remarriage. I'm just waiting for your baby, so I can help out."

"My baby's still a few months away. Why don't you and Herman's mom go on a trip? Take a month off, and by the time you're back, it'll be almost time. Once the baby's here, you won't want to leave."

Salma shook her head, "I'd rather not. I'm not cut out for that life of leisure. By the way, I ran into your aunt the other day. She's having some issues, doesn't even recognize me now. Your uncle said she hardly knows anyone anymore. With your uncle being so busy, I thought I'd help out. It's Gianna's fault, but your aunt's the one suffering."

Salma tapped her temple, indicating her mental state. Since Gianna was imprisoned, Cynthia's mental health had deteriorated, locking herself away and worsening her condition.

Anastasia caught the unspoken concern. Despite everything, Salma couldn't bear to see her sister suffer. But what's done is done, and there's no turning back.

"You decide, Mom," Anastasia said, not wanting to add more. Salma then asked, "Julie's been caught, Ana. How long do you think she'll be sentenced?"