Stuck Up Meets Crazy. [COMPLETED]

TWENTY TWO

"No, I am not," Cara shakes her head, trying to convince herself more than Cassie. "He's arrogant, an ass, and just plain rude. How could I fall for him? It's just the hormones, that's all."

"Sure, blame your unborn kids," Cassie replies, voice dripping with sarcasm. "Look, I'll call you tomorrow morning. I've got an early start with Sam."

"Sorry for disturbing your sleep," Cara apologizes. Cassie always wakes up early to get Sam ready for school and make breakfast.

"Nonsense, just don't do anything stupid before then," Cassie jokes.

"I'll try," Cara mutters before ending the call.

"Hey," a voice cuts through the quiet room.

Cara turns, spotting Xavier stepping into the light. "Hey, where've you been all day?" she asks, noting the tear stains on his face.

He looks at her, eyes still red. It's the first time she's seen him this subdued. "Were you crying?" Xavier asks, noticing the similar streaks on her cheeks.

"Maybe," Cara admits, patting the spot on the couch next to her. "Come sit."

"Well, at least we're sad together," Xavier says, sitting beside her and leaning his head on her shoulder.

For a while, the room is filled with a comfortable silence until Xavier finally whispers, "I miss them."

"I miss mine too," Cara whispers back.

"I don't know how Xander keeps it all together."

"If you think watching this boring documentary," Cara gestures at the screen, "and drinking wine is keeping it together, trust me, you're wrong. Crying it out is the healthiest way."

"Is he why you were crying?"

"Yeah, he's a fucking asshole," Cara says, anger flashing in her eyes.

"I know," Xavier chuckles softly.

They lapse back into silence, both lost in their thoughts.

"I didn't drink," Xavier says out of nowhere, not even sure why he felt the need to share.

"I can tell, and I'm proud of you," Cara whispers.

~~~

"You were so happy last night," Mark says, pulling on his boxers and walking up to Liza, who's already dressed and perfecting her makeup in front of the mirror.

"And I still am," Liza replies, swiping on a final layer of red lipstick.

"Hmm, good morning," Mark mumbles, leaning in for a kiss, but Liza blocks him with her hand.

"Hell no," Liza says firmly.

"What about last night?" Mark asks, his stomach sinking as he starts to feel used again.

For him, last night was amazing. He couldn't believe how cheerful Liza was, a rare sight since her breakup with Xander.

"Alex and his little girlfriend are about to break up, and I'm celebrating," Liza says with a triumphant smile, letting her hair fall loose.

Of course, it's about Xander. Mark feels stupid for thinking she was finally over him.

"It's always about Xander, isn't it?" Mark rolls his eyes, moving away from the mirror to gather his clothes.

"And it's always going to be about him," Liza says, turning to watch him dress hurriedly. "When we get back together, this," she gestures between them, "can't happen again."

"Yeah, I get that," Mark says, searching for his sneakers, which got flung across the room during last night's heated moments.

"I might have to fire you as my manager too. Xander won't be comfortable having you around," Liza adds with a pout.