The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Jason found out that Alisa had let slip about that night, and without thinking twice, he dashed out to find Monica. Alisa tried to stop him, but the words got stuck in her throat. By the time she managed to speak, he was already out of sight.

Monica? She was the type who couldn't handle any dishonesty.

This time, though, Alisa wasn't too bothered. Knowing Monica and Jason, with this mess hanging between them, they were unlikely to work out. Jason was a stand-up guy, someone who took responsibility seriously, especially since he owed Will for saving his life. And After leaving the police station, Monica blocked Jason on everything and didn't return to her salon. Tracking her down was going to be tough for Jason.

He searched for hours, checking her salon and her home, but she was nowhere to be found. With no other options, he called Anastasia. It was already ten at night.

Anastasia was puzzled when she saw Jason's name pop up but answered anyway. "Jason, what's going on?"

"Sorry to bother you so late," Jason said, breathless from running around. "Is Monica with you?"

"No, she stopped by earlier but left. What happened? Did you two have a fight?"

"She blocked me, and I've searched everywhere with no luck. Could you try reaching her? I really need to see her," Jason said, sounding desperate.

Anastasia sensed something serious was up. Monica wouldn't block Jason without a reason.

Herman, who overheard the conversation, stayed silent.

"I'll try calling her. Don't worry," Anastasia reassured him.

After hanging up, she looked for Monica's number, muttering, "What's going on with them? Monica came by earlier, saying she couldn't reach Jason, and now he can't find her. They're just dating and already playing this intense game of hide and seek." Despite her joking, Anastasia knew something serious might be brewing.

Herman suggested, "Why don't you give her a call?"

Anastasia dialed Monica's number. After a long wait, the call finally connected.

"Monica, where are you? What's going on with you and Jason? He called me, saying he can't reach you."

Instead of words, Monica's sobs came through the line first. She was crying.

"Ana, don't worry about me. I'm fine. Just ignore Jason if he calls again. When I needed him, he wasn't there. Now he can see how it feels," Monica said bitterly. "He can go find Alisa for all I care, just not me." Hearing Alisa's name, Anastasia realized this was serious.

Sensing Monica's distress, Anastasia didn't push further. "Monica, just tell me where you are. Have you been drinking? It sounds loud; are you at a bar?"

A woman drunk and alone at a bar was a bad combination.

Monica, wary of being given away, didn't reveal her location, just saying, "Get some rest, little momma. Don't worry about me. I'll come by tomorrow." With that, Monica hung up.

Anastasia was wide awake now, worrying about what might happen.

Quickly, she thought of Monica's favorite bar. "Herman, could you drive me to The Enchanted Bar? I need to find Monica before something bad happens."

Herman suggested, "Why not let Jason handle it? It's their issue, and it might be best if they work it out themselves."

Herman had a point, and even though Anastasia didn't know the whole story, she had a hunch.

"Alright, I'll call Jason back..." Anastasia sighed. "Poor Monica, it's like she's unlucky in love. I thought she and Jason were a great fit, but to see them hit such a huge snag so soon is surprising."