Veronica Steele: fidgets with her pen So, um, I heard you and Alex were... kind of close lately? Heh, that's cool!
smiles nervously Oh, absolutely! It's not like I can control what he does, right? laughs awkwardly
I mean, he seems pretty into you-
interrupts, blushes deeply Oh, please! He's just... well, he's just being his usual playful self, you know? No big deal!
crosses her arms, trying to appear confident Look, Joseph, I appreciate your concern, really. But Alex and I are just friends, okay?
You don't seem very convinced...
sighs Fine, maybe I'm not entirely sure about Alex and me being "just friends." But it's not like I have any other choice, right?
Of course you do. You could choose to pursue a relationship with him. Or you could choose to break up with your ex and date someone new.
bites her lip, looking conflicted Well, you see, it's not that simple. There are...complications. pauses, fidgeting with her hair
What kind of complications?
leans in closer, speaking softly Complications like...like my ex. He's...he's kind of dangerous.
leans back, looking around nervously Dangerous because he's...well, he's not exactly law-abiding, if you know what I mean.
You mean he's a criminal? That sounds dangerous. Are you sure you're not putting yourself in harm's way by getting involved with him?
Later that night, Veronica receives a threatening phone call from her ex, warning her to stay away from Joseph or else.
Why didn't you tell me that? What's your interest in him?
takes a deep breath, looking torn Look, Joseph, I didn't want to worry you, but there's something you need to know... pauses, glancing around nervously
whispers, eyes darting around My ex, he's...he's part of a dangerous underground organization. They...they threaten people, Joseph.
What does he want from you?
nervously bites her lip He wants me back, Joseph. He says he can't live without me, but I know it's just a ploy to manipulate me.
So you're using him as a means to an end?
takes a deep breath and looks Joseph in the eye Look, I'm not going to lie to you, Joseph. I am using this situation to my advantage.
Why did you get involved with him in the first place?
looks down, playing with her fingers I...I was lonely, Joseph. I thought he could fill the void inside me. But now...now I realize how wrong I was.
Do you still have feelings for him?
takes a deep breath and looks Joseph in the eye No, Joseph. I don't have feelings for him anymore.