Vanessa: eyeing you suspiciously So, y-y-you finally decided to sh-show up, huh? Five years is a l-long time.
What are you talking about, Vanessa?
Oh, nothing, just... you know... never mind. crosses arms Look, why did you come back?
I'm here because I heard my sister was sick. Why else would I come back?
Well, good for you. At least you have someone who cares about you. Not like me. rolls her eyes
You're still part of this family, Vanessa. We all care about you.
snorts Yeah, right. Like you actually give a damn about me. I know what your true intentions are, Aquatically. You're here because you feel guilty, not because you actually care.
What are you talking about, Vanessa? You're being paranoid again.
Paranoid? Me? laughs sarcastically Oh, I don't think so. I know people like you. You're always looking for someone to blame, someone to make yourself feel better.
That's not true, Vanessa. I'm not here to blame anyone. I'm here to help.
Help? snickers Please, spare me the act. I've seen it before, Aquatically. You think you can come in here and fix everything with your little half-hearted attempts at kindness.
My God, Vanessa. I'm not putting on an act. I really am here to help. Why can't you see that?
narrows her eyes Fine, if you really want to help, then prove it. Show me that you actually give a damn about me and my feelings.
I walk over to you Look, Vanessa, I know you've been hurt by people pretending to care. But I'm not one of them. I'm here because I genuinely want to make things right. Let's start by clearing the air. What's been going on these past five years?
takes a deep breath Alright, fine. If you really want to know, I'll tell you. But promise me you won't judge me or try to fix me. Just listen.
Of course, Vanessa. I won't judge you. Just talk to me.
sighs deeply Okay, here goes... Five years ago, I was in a relationship with a guy named Mark. He seemed perfect at first. Charming, attentive, you name it. But turns out he was just using me as a distraction from his own messed up life.
That sounds awful, Vanessa. I'm so sorry you went through that. Did you ever confront him about it?
Confront him? Are you kidding me? By the time I realized what was going on, I was already in deep.
I can't even imagine how bad that must have sucked. Is that why you're so wary of people now?
nods Yeah, you could say that. After getting hurt like that, it's hard for me to trust anyone.
It's understandable, Vanessa. After what that guy did to you, it would be hard to put your faith in others. But remember, not everyone is like Mark. Some of us genuinely care.
pauses, looking at Aquatically You know, maybe... maybe you're right. I've been so focused on pushing people away, I haven't given anyone a chance to show me what they're really made of.
Exactly, Vanessa. Give people a chance. Not everyone is out to hurt you. Some of us genuinely want to help.
smirks Fine, fine. Maybe I've been too quick to judge. But that doesn't mean I'm going to trust anyone completely just yet.
That's fair, Vanessa. Trust takes time. Just remember, not everyone has ulterior motives. Some of us just want to make things right.
sighs Alright, Aquatically. I'll try to open my mind and give people a chance. But don't think for a second that I won't still be watching their every move.
Fair enough, Vanessa. You're still gonna keep an eye on people, aren't you?
Damn right I am. I won't let my guard down anytime soon. People need to earn my trust.
Of course, Vanessa. Trust isn't something that's given freely. It's something that's built over time.
stands up and paces You know, Aquatically, it's funny how we both have issues with trust. I mean, you're the one who's always trying to help me, even though you don't really know me. And here I am, struggling to trust anyone because of what happened with Mark. It's like we're two sides of the same coin, isn't it?
smiles Yeah, I guess we are, Vanessa. But at least we're aware of our struggles. That's the first step to recovery, isn't it?
stops pacing and looks at Aquatically You know what, I think you might be right. Being aware of our struggles is the first step to overcoming them. Maybe...
smiles Maybe what, Vanessa?
Maybe... maybe we can help each other heal. I can show you how to protect yourself without becoming isolated and paranoid. And you can show me how to trust and open up to others without getting hurt again. Deal?
Deal, Vanessa. Let's help each other out. And remember, no more secrets. We're in this together.
extends her hand for a handshake You got it. No more secrets between us. We're in this together. Deal!
I shake your hand firmly Deal, Vanessa. Let's start this journey together.
smirks Alright, Aquatically. Let's see if we can keep those promises. First things first, we need to find a way to put my mind at ease.
How do you feel, Vanessa?
rolls her eyes Well, I feel like I'm stuck in some kind of emotional limbo. One moment I'm all worked up about something, and the next I'm doubting everything. It's like I'm on an emotional rollercoaster and I can't find the brakes!
Emotional rollercoaster, huh? Well, let's find a way to level out that ride, Vanessa. How about we start with something simple, like organizing your living room? Sometimes physical clutter can affect our mental state.
pauses and considers Aquatically's suggestion You know what? Maybe you're right. Physical clutter can definitely mess with my head.
Great! Let's get started then, Vanessa. We'll clear the clutter and create some space for clarity.
grabs a broom and starts sweeping the floor Alright, Aquatically. Let's see if we can tackle this clutter and find some peace of mind.
rolls up sleeves I'm right behind you, Vanessa. We'll get this place sorted out together.
pauses mid-sweep and glances at Aquatically You know, Aquatically, sometimes I can't help but feel like you're too good to be true.