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There was no response. All her texts and calls went straight to voicemail or unanswered, and it was driving Annalise insane.
The first workday after the whole mess was awkward. Annalise and Veronica ran into one another almost, and when Annalise looked at her, about to speak, Veronica just gave her a look and walked off.
“Fuck,” Annalise said to herself.
Veronica didn’t bother to say hello or acknowledge her existence. It was as if she was nothing. For her, being treated like that by the woman that she was in love with made her upset, but it’s not like she could tell her that. Veronica wasn’t listening.
Annalise presumed that things would get better and that it would be all right. The next day, the two of them ran into one another once again. Annalise began to speak, but then, Veronica responded.
“Don’t say anything to me right now. I’ve got a lot going on, and I don’t want to talk to you,” Veronica said.
“But—”
Before Annalise could respond, Veronica was gone. Veronica's rejection hurt Annalise, but it's not like she was wrong. Annalise screwed up, and she upset the woman that she loved.
“I guess I’ll figure it all out myself eventually,” she said.
Annalise didn’t know where to go to, though. She felt lost, alone, and in her mind, the only thing she could think of was Veronica. She just wanted to work everything out, to make everything right, but she didn’t know how to.
She knew Veronica was stressed about work, judging from the way her eyes seemed heavy with bags despite the makeup, the way her face looked haggard and tired. All of this was weighing on her, and Annalise hated seeing her like that.
The next few days were quiet. Annalise gave Veronica the space that she needed, but she wasn't happy with it. A week later, Annalise felt a presence near her, and when she looked up, she saw Veronica there, looking at her.
“Hey,” Veronica said.
“Hey there,” Annalise replied.
"I wanted to ask you something if that's okay," Veronica said.
Annalise got up. “Do you want to do it here?”
“No. Let’s go to my office. It’s a proposal,” Veronica said.
Annalise was confused as all hell, but she followed Veronica to the office. Veronica closed the door.
“What did you want?” Annalise asked. The glare on her face petrified her, making her want to apologize for existing.
"I wanted to ask if you wanted to come with me on a trip. That's all," Veronica said.
“What are you talking about?”
“It’s simple. Bob had a business trip that’s filled with corporate meetings that he can’t attend due to his treatments. I wanted to see if you would like to come along,” Veronica explained.
“Are you sure?”
"Yes. I'm sure," Veronica said.
Annalise thought Veronica was messing with her. “But what about—"
“Did you talk to your mom about us after I left?”
“Yes,” Annalise replied.
“So, she knows. And she’s fine with it, right?”
Annalise nodded.
"Good. That's all I wanted to know. I don't forgive you for what you've done, Annalise. I don't know how to feel just yet. But, I'm giving you a second chance. You can come with me if you want, and maybe I'll get over my fear of being with you," she said.
Annalise felt like time stopped. “I don’t expect you to forgive me right away. But thanks.”
“You’re welcome. I’m trying to get over it. I thought you were better than that, Anna. I thought you would speak with her.”
"I'm sorry, Veronica. I am."
“What’s done is done. I want you to stay by my side. I don’t get my feelings at all, but that’s what I’m asking of you. To come with me and stay with me. I don’t know what else to say.”
Annalise smiled, moving closer. “Can I at least give you a hug?”
Veronica looked at her with hesitation, and Annalise could tell she was afraid of doing so. However, she stepped forward about a moment later, embracing Annalise.
The hug felt relieving to Annalise. Her worry about Veronica hating her did dissipate as they touched one another. Veronica pulled back after a second, looking at Annalise with hesitation.
"I'm trying to understand myself," Veronica said.
“It’s fine. Take your time. I’m here for you,” Annalise replied.
“Thank you. And I’m glad you spoke with Georgie about it. I was honestly worried she might disown you.”
“She didn’t. My mom had a feeling for a while, but she was scared to ask.”
“I see. Well, I’m glad you two worked it out. The trip is next Thursday to Sunday. I’ll make sure that you get time off here, but do make sure you pack for it,” she said.
“I will. Thanks, Veronica.”
“No problem.”
Annalise left the office with a heavy heart and lots of worries. At the same time, a good amount of relief. She felt better about her relationship with Veronica, and she knew deep down that Veronica did care about her. They had their issues and their demons to face, and Annalise knew explaining to her mother the truth helped a lot. She also wanted to help Veronica out. She knew Veronica was struggling to balance work and play, a problem she's had ever since she chose this life. Annalise would prove to her it's okay to have fun and to have a person to rely on, even though it might be scary at times.