Damian POV

While I was lifting weights, I noticed how Rhea's eyes kept wandering back and forth between me and Vanessa. Instead of working out herself, she seemed more focused on finding out what was going on between us. But she could think about and analyze it for a long time. Because the truth was, I didn't know myself. For weeks now, it seemed as if there was a wall between us.

The Vanessa we knew was only a shadow of her former self. Nothing about her was as cheerful as usual. And the fact that she avoided me didn't help me one bit to find out how I could help her.

Without saying a word, Ness left the gym area. I was used to it by this point, but now she wasn't even saying anything to Rhea. It was getting worse.

"Okay... what's actually going on here? How can we help her? How is it possible that things get worse instead of better after a break-up..." Rhea wanted to know.

"I have no idea. She's been avoiding me like the plague... since well... Vegas. I've tried to talk to her, but things are really awkward between us." I replied as I sat up and reached for my water bottle.

"I've noticed that too. She hardly talks to me either. She's also totally unfocused. If it goes on like this, she'll hurt someone else or even herself. It's been 6 weeks. I just didn't expect her to be so upset," she said.

"I know, but to be fair... We both know she didn't have the best childhood. It's probably subconsciously opened up a lot of old wounds. And a lot of fears. I mean... he didn't just leave her without warning... the bastard got married." I replied.

"That's true... She didn't even visit her foster mom at Christmas like she usually does. But I never thought she'd treat us so dismissively. Especially you." Rhea said.

"Why not me in particular?" I wanted to know.

"Oh come on, Damian. You know how important you are to her. And she's probably even more important to you. Why do you think it's so hard for you to see her like this? If anyone can get her to talk, it's you. But let's go back to the thing in Vegas... What exactly happened?" she replied, narrowing her eyes as if she was trying to make a point.

"It was just a really awkward situation overall. But I'm sure nothing happened. But after that, things with Feliz only got worse and more distant. She even drives herself to the airport. And we both know how much she hates driving. I don't know how I... we can help her. It's as if Mitch has taken away her happiness,' I explained to her.

"Yes, I've noticed that too. Maybe the bachelorette party can cheer her up a bit. She'll probably try to skip it, but I'll drag her by the hair if I have to," said Rhea.

"And you think that will work? I hope so... She should be in a good mood at the wedding in a few weeks when I introduce her to Jerry." I replied.

"Is that really what you want?" she wanted to know.

"What do you mean?" I asked instead.

Instead of answering me, she just shook her head and rolled her eyes.

*****

Time passed. But nothing about the situation with Vanessa seemed to improve. Once again, I tried to call Feliz, but just like the last few weeks, she didn't answer. And now I'd finally had enough. I grabbed the keys and drove to her house.

I rang the doorbell and immediately heard Pom-Pom start barking. However, the barking didn't come from the house but from the back yard. And as Feliz didn't seem to want to open the door, I just went to the back.

Hopefully the gate to the yard wasn't locked. And I was actually lucky. I opened the gate and saw the little dog running towards me. As always, Pom was happy to see me. But that didn't seem to apply to Ness.

She was sitting on a sun lounger with her knees pulled up and only gave me a quick glance before sighing deeply.

"I'm not in the mood to talk, D." she said simply as she looked off into the distance again.

"You never are lately. But to be quite honest, I'm fed up with it. You're not yourself anymore and I can hardly stand it. Are you really going to let that son of a bitch take away your joy? This has been going on long enough, Feliz,' I replied and sat down next to her.

Pom hopped over to us and then climbed into my lap, where she curled up.

"Do you really think it's all because of him? You're wrong, Damian. This... is what I really am. And I'm tired of trying. I'm sorry it's taking me so long to get back on track. But it's hard work. It's hard work for me. Every single day.

I have decided to be happy. I have decided to be determined. I decided to make an effort. Because I had to. I had to do what I could to escape the deep dark hole that was my life.

I am not naturally a happy person. It's a choice I make every day so that I don't get caught up in my darkness. I am actually a sad, twisted and broken soul fighting for her life.

Now maybe you understand why I don't like the nickname. Because it's just a mask. The happiness I wrap myself in is to protect myself. Right now I feel like I'm standing on the edge of the abyss and I don't know whether to let myself fall in or take a step back to save the work I've done," she explained to me.

"Hey... we all have hard days. But the most important thing is that you know you're not alone. Even though things are a little tense between us right now, that doesn't mean you can't call me anytime.

You are so strong. Look around you... Look how far you've come through your hard work. It may have started as a mask. But I don't think it still is. What would you do if I let myself go like that?" I asked.

She thought for a moment and then grimaced. As if she had to stifle a grin.

"I'd kick your ass and tell you to get a grip," she muttered.

"Exactly... and probably more than that. Now get ready. I heard there's a party Rhea's going to drag you to otherwise." I replied.

Instead of answering me, she slid a little closer to me and hugged me tightly. I heard her sigh. It seemed like Feliz could breathe a little more easy.

*****

An hour later, I was back at my place. I finally had a quiet evening to myself. That's why I wanted to check my mail quickly before I could relax.

Quite a pile had built up. I probably shouldn't always wait weeks to deal with it. But I had often planned to do that without anything ever changing.

However, what I found in the mail today was something I should have discovered immediately. I opened the letter and almost had a stroke at what I read.

"Uh-oh..." was all I could manage to say.