Song: "You Ruin Me" by The Veronicas

**

"So, do you have time tomorrow or what?" Heather asked Alejandro after Spanish class ended.

"Whoa, Chica. Is that any way to ask your tutor for the next lesson?" Alejandro teased.

"Oh, don't act like you're all high and mighty. Now when's the next lesson?"

"Well, definitely not tomorrow since tomorrow is Saturday. I'm far too busy with—different lessons on weekends." He smirked.

"Ew." She grimaced.

Meanwhile, Chandler decided to wait for Heather outside the room to scare her when she walked out. He furrowed his eyebrows when he heard her talking to another guy and moved a little closer.

"We can do it next Monday. I think every Monday would be perfect anyways," Alejandro said.

"You said every Friday would work earlier this week, and you flake out on me today!"

"Look, I can not help it if I have my own classes to study for."

"Well—I'm more important than your stupid classes," Heather said, knowing it wasn't true. She just wanted her mom off her back about her grades as soon as possible.

"I know you wish it were that way, but I'm afraid you are not."

"I know, pervert! See you on Monday, I guess."

"Adios, Heather."

"Jerk!" Heather quickly spun around as she usually did after talking to him so he wouldn't see the smile creeping up on her face. She secretly loved arguing with him because she had never met someone as underhanded as her. Unbeknownst to her, Alejandro was smiling as well.

The moment she turned the corner out the door, Chandler grabbed her arm. She jumped. "Oh my god, Chandler, what are you doing?! You scared me!"

"I think the question is, what are YOU doing?!" He whisper-yelled, leading her straight outside. "Who was that?!"

"Um—he's the TA in my Spanish class. I was asking him about what days he could help me with something."

"Help you with something? Help you with what?"

"What do you think?! An assignment?!"

"Can't you just ask your FEMALE teacher for that?!" Chandler retorted.

"She's not available like that every week! That's why she has a TA!" Heather snapped back, attempting to free her arm from his grip, but he held on.

"Where is he going to help you?"

"In the fucking library! Where else?!"

"Hey, watch it! I'm just trying to keep you safe." Heather rolled her eyes, sighing in exhaustion. She tried to move her arm out again, pulling away harder this time. "If you think you're going anywhere right now, you're mistaken!"

"Chandler, let go!"

"I bet you were cheating on me. I bet that's what it was," he said through gritted teeth.

"What?! I wasn't cheating on you! Stop acting crazy!"

"What's his name?!"

"You're being ridiculous!"

"Tell me his motherfucking name!" Chandler yelled at her. A couple of students passed by, giving him a concerned look. "Uh—play practice!" He feigned a smile. They nodded with a laugh and walked away. Chandler's superficial grin disappeared when he looked back at Heather. He squeezed her arm a little more firmly. "What's his name, Heather?"

"I-I'm not telling you," Heather stammered.

His composure became surprisingly calm, and he let go of her arm. "Fine. Be that way. But I know you're a fucking cheater. I saw the way you were flirting with him. Disgusting, really. I bet he doesn't touch you like I do." He played with her hair.
Heather stood there frozen in distress. 

"I didn't cheat," she replied shakily. "I would never cheat on you. You think I'd do that after two years?"

"I didn't think you'd go behind my back to some stupid party, and you did it! Why should I believe you now?!"

"Cheating's a different thing!"

"Not really. It's still going behind my back and LYING."

Heather crossed her arms, not making eye contact with him. "Chandler, I didn't cheat." He scoffed and pushed her back before storming off. Heather felt sick. Her hands shook, and her heart thumped in her throat. She didn't realize how scared she had been until Chandler was away from her. She pulled out her journal and sat down on a nearby bench. She angrily wrote: Why can't I ever be good enough for him?!?! She stabbed the paper a couple of times before putting her things back and walking to her bus stop.

**

Alejandro sauntered into the bar with his go-to red suit on. He sat in his usual spot on the bar top chairs. He ordered himself a virgin piña colada because he wanted to appear a couple of years older than he actually was. He glanced around the room to see all his "options" for the night. A blonde girl in a tight black dress sat next to him and ordered a strawberry daiquiri. He smirked. "Hola, señorita."

She looked at him as she lifted her glass to take a drink and nearly missed her mouth. "—Hey. Wow." She giggled, setting the glass back down.

"Wow is an understatement to describe your beauty, chica."

She blushed. "Thank you. Wow," she repeated. "What's your name, handsome?"

"Yo soy Alejandro. And you are..."

"Stella." She twirled her hair flirtatiously.

"Stella. What a beautiful name for a beautiful woman."

She blushed harder. "So, what are you doing here tonight?"

"Just getting a drink. You?"

"Well," Stella scoffed. "My ex broke up with me this morning. He did it over text and left me to work the entire day upset over our breakup."

Alejandro faked a dramatic gasp. "How inconsiderate of him! If I were your boyfriend, I'd never break up with you."

"That's so sweet, but—I'm in no place for a relationship right now."

"Oh, that's fine. I completely understand. You know what always helps me after a breakup?"

"Hm?"

"We could have a one-night stand. No strings attached. No promises," he said smoothly.

"Really? God, it's been forever since I had one of those!"

Alejandro smirked. "I love a woman who loves her one-night stands."

Stella stepped closer, placing her hands on his chest. "Let's go to my place then, hm?"

"Perfect." He shuddered. "I can not wait to feel those hands of yours, Hermosa." She grabbed his hand and led him outside. They got in his car, and she wasted no time kissing him passionately. He held the side of her face and kissed back with lust. "I can't wait for your place."

"Then let's just do it here." She slid her shirt off. Alejandro reclined his seat back and hastily took his shirt and pants off. She began kissing down his neck and stomach. He shut his eyes, ready to relax and enjoy.

Suddenly, Heather crossed his mind. What would it feel like if she were doing this? We wouldn't be in a car, though. That wouldn't feel right. Why am I even thinking about her?! A hot woman is giving me a blowjob! I need to focus on how good this feels. He opened his eyes and sensually rubbed Stella's head. "You're doing so good," he panted.

Heather would complain about the car being too small of a space to do this anyways. Again, stop thinking about Heather! Alejandro squeezed his eyes shut, hoping it would help him focus. But that didn't do much. "Hey, wait, stop," he told Stella, sighing.

She stopped and lifted her head. "What's wrong?"

"I apologize, señorita, but I'm afraid my mind is too full to continue what we are doing tonight."

"Oh," she replied, a hint of disappointment on her face.

"I am so sorry, Hermosa. It's not anything you did. I—"

"It's another girl, isn't it?"

Alejandro blinked. "Que? No, no! It's not that at all! I mean—I am thinking of someone, but not in that way!"

A knowing smirk appeared on Stella's face. "Mhm. If a girl can stop you from enjoying a one-night stand, she's either a family member, or she's someone you like and wish was here instead." She put her shirt back on. "Well, Alejandro, it was fun while it lasted." She winked with a giggle.

Alejandro sighed, feeling embarrassed. Dios, this has never happened before! It's so humiliating! He got dressed and got out of her car. I can't go back in there. I can't show my face after that shameful event! Ugh, I cannot stand Heather. She's been in my head far too long! I usually end up sleeping with attractive women right away. Maybe that's why she's circling my head. But she has a fiancé! I'm just going to have to block her out next time. Yes. She will not distract me anymore with her grey eyes, her cunning smile, her voice, her laugh. Focus! He slapped himself across the face. A couple passing by gave him a strange look, and he laughed awkwardly. "Uh—hola." They both raised their eyebrows and pursed their lips in judgment before moving along. Alejandro facepalmed. Ugh, now I'm making an even bigger fool of myself! I'm just going to go back home. Maybe I'll have my touch back by tomorrow night.

**

Heather laid in bed underneath her pink sheets, staring up at the ceiling. She wondered if things would ever get better between her and Chandler. She didn't remember their relationship being this rocky in high school. Is he going through something? I wish he'd tell me. She got her phone out and texted him. Babe, can we talk? She waited for about thirty minutes, but there was no text from him. She sighed. I wish I didn't let him have power over my emotions like this. It's almost—exhausting.

Heather got out of bed and went downstairs to feed her Cat, Bruiser. "When do you think he'll answer?" The cat mewled hungrily in response. She poured mini paw treats into his pink bowl, then sat down and rested her back against the wall. She ran her hand across his fluffy white fur while he ate. She kept glancing at her phone but ended up disappointed whenever all she saw were kitten patterns on her lock screen. Heather was glad her mom was at work. She would be yelling at her for "sitting and sulking" right now. She doesn't understand what a relationship is. She doesn't even love dad.

When Bruiser finished his snack, he lay in Heather's lap, purring. Heather smiled, petting him behind his ears. "At least you're here for me." Her phone buzzed, and she immediately checked it.

Chandler: What's there to talk about?

Heather: I think we should discuss our relationship

Chandler: Are you breaking up with me? Cause you don't have a good reason to!

Heather: No, I'm not!! What makes you think that?!

Chandler: The cheating! I have a good reason to break up with you!

Heather: I didn't cheat, stop it!

Chandler: And you never told me his fucking name, so this is what you get

He sent her a picture of him and a blonde girl in bed with nothing but sheets over them. Heather felt her heart sink to her stomach and the world give out from under her. Tears raced down her cheeks. She let out a gut-wrenching sob. She shakily texted back: Why are you doing this to me?

Chandler: You were flirting with another guy, you slut! That's cheating, so I cheated back!

Heather dropped her phone and stared straight ahead out the window in disbelief. The pain in her chest was almost unbearable as if someone had taken a knife and slowly twisted it into her heart. "No. NO!!" She screamed. Bruiser woke with a start and jumped off of her lap. Heather rocked herself back and forth, her arms holding her legs. Chandler texted her again. I'll talk to you about this tomorrow. She saw the text but didn't reply. She couldn't stop picturing Chandler touching another girl, especially after everything they've been through. She lay on the floor, feeling lifeless.

She thought of her mom coming home and seeing her like this and how much more horrible she'd make things for her. She frantically dialed Courtney's number. "Hello?" Courtney answered.

"Courtney, can I spend the night?" She was hardly audible over her cries.

"Oh my God, Heather! What's wrong?

"Chandler—cheated on me."

"WHAT?! Are you fucking kidding me?!"

"N-no." Heather sniffled. "He sent me a picture of him in bed with another girl."

"That's so fucked up! What the fuck?! Why?!"

"—I just wanna come over; please let me come over," she said desperately. "I can't stay with my parents tonight."

"Yes, of course, you can come over, Heath. I'll
Help you get over him, I promise."

Heather looked at the diamond ring on her finger and how the sun reflected off of it through the window. "—Ok, I'll come over."

The moment Heather arrived at Courtney's parents' house, Courtney hugged her tightly. "I'm so sorry, Heather," she whispered. "I'm so sorry." Heather hugged back awkwardly, not used to sharing this kind of affection with anyone other than Chandler.

Heather tried not to cry again, but she couldn't help it. "W-we were—we were gonna get married. And be with each other forever!"

"Shh." She rubbed her back. "It'll all be ok." Courtney felt overwhelmed. She never experienced this kind of breakdown with Heather. "Just take deep breaks, ok?"

"I can't—I can't breathe!"

"Heather, yes, you can. Just follow my lead." She took a deep breath in. Heather struggled but did it. Then Courtney slowly exhaled. Heather followed. "See? Doesn't that feel better?"

"Not really," she mumbled.

"Well, you know what? That's ok. You've stopped crying, and you're breathing better now. My mom has some leftover blueberry scones from last night's dessert. Do you want any?"

"No, I'm not hungry."

Courtney frowned. "Ok then. Do you want to watch a movie? I can play Burlesque, your favorite!"

"I don't care." Heather got on the couch and laid down on the armrest.

"Here, I'll get you a pillow!" Courtney grabbed a small red pillow from the other side of the couch and handed it to her friend. Heather took it but kept it against her chest. She sat next to her. "Do you want to tell me exactly what happened?" She asked gently.

"I was talking to the TA in my Spanish class; the TA! And Chandler thought I was flirting with him, so he got me back! And I wasn't even flirting with him," Heather choked out.

"That's—that's so messed up. So he got revenge on you for something you didn't do?"

"Yeah. I told him I didn't cheat on him, but he didn't believe me."

"Why wouldn't he believe you? You guys have been together for two years!"

"I don't know. Ever since college started, he's been acting weird. He's always scared of losing me to another guy."

"Well, it sounds like he doesn't trust you." Courtney crossed her arms. "Which is so wrong because you're supposed to trust your significant other. That is a huge part of having a healthy relationship."

"I told him I'd always be with him. I've reassured him so many times." Heather buried her face into her pillow.

"Then he's not a good boyfriend. He doesn't deserve you, Heather. And he's a hypocrite. He acts like he doesn't trust you, then he breaks your trust. That's not someone you need to be with."

"But I love him," she whispered, her voice breaking.

"I know you do, Heath." Courtney patted her back. "But—I don't think he loves you. He wouldn't have hurt you like that if he did."

"That's so easy for you to say! Duncan never cheated on you!"

"You're right. And if he did, it would be over."

Heather sniffled, fidgeting with her ring. Courtney noticed her doing this and placed a hand on her shoulder. "How about we start by taking the ring off? You don't have to throw it away or anything. Just don't wear it. See how it feels." Heather nodded and ever so slowly slid the band off of her forefinger. She then placed the diamond on the dark brown coffee table in front of her. "There, see? You did it. Good job."

Heather squeezed the couch pillow harder. She already felt so lonely. Of course, she knew Courtney was there for her, but she and Chandler were so close and intimate all the time. She felt like she could never replace him.

"I'm gonna play Burlesque, ok?" Courtney grabbed a black Roku remote from the side pocket on the armrest. She started the movie. Heather laid there without saying a word and fell asleep halfway through the film. Courtney kept the tv on but turned the volume down. She gave Heather a dark blue blanket from her closet upstairs and laid it over her. She saw Heather's phone light up with a text on the coffee table. She carefully picked it up and read another message from Chandler. Heather, baby, please text me back. I'm sorry, and I love you♥️

Courtney scoffed in aversion. I can't believe he has the nerve to do this! She shut off Heather's phone and flipped it over on the kitchen counter. She checked on Heather one last time before turning the living room lights off and going upstairs to her room.