The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

As Jason explained, Monica's eyes were red, locked onto him with an intensity that made the air feel heavy. Hearing him admit to it, to confirm there was indeed something between him and another woman, Monica fought back the tears. There was no way she was going to cry in front of Jason. That was her pride.

"So, when you say you're sorry... you mean you're going to take responsibility for her, right?" Monica forced a smile, trying to seem magnanimous. "You're a stand-up guy, Jason. You've got responsibilities, and I know you'll take care of them. After all, Will saved your life. You're practically family with Alisa and her kid, and you've been helping out Big Dan's mom. They need you. I get it."

"Monica," Jason's voice was rough, thick with emotion. He held her shoulders, struggling with his words, finally managing just a simple, "I'm sorry."

Monica waved it off with a laugh that sounded more carefree than she felt. "Hey, what are you sorry for? You haven't wronged me. Worst case, I find a new boyfriend, right? I mean, come on, I'm gorgeous. It's not like good men are as rare as unicorns." Monica decided to let go, to respect Jason's sense of duty. The age-old struggle between love and obligation. If Jason didn't do right by Alisa, he'd never find peace, and they'd both carry that burden forever.

Her understanding only deepened Jason's guilt. He pulled Monica into a hug, no words necessary, just holding her tightly, maybe for the last time.

Monica leaned against his shoulder, gazing up at the night sky, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears.

"Alright, Jason, goodbye. I'm heading home." Monica stepped back, wearing a breezy smile as she dusted herself off and headed to the curb to hail a cab.

She caught a taxi home, with Jason trailing behind in his car, making sure she got back safely. He waited until she entered her building, until the light in her apartment flickered on. Only then did he drive away. Monica knew Jason was following her, and it only made her heart ache more.

Back home, Monica sank into the couch. This relationship had ended before it really began, the shortest she'd ever had, yet the most painful.

Her past boyfriends had cheated, lied. This time, Jason had been unfaithful, a betrayal all the same.

Frustrated, Monica ran her hands through her hair. Why was she so unlucky in love?

Her phone buzzed with a message from Anastasia: "Monica, you home safe? You okay?"

It was past midnight. Anastasia was worried, sending a late text to check in.

Monica replied: "I'm fine, home now. Ana, gonna try to sleep. Talk tomorrow."

Anastasia didn't want to intrude further, leaving Monica to her rest.

Tossing and turning, Monica eventually fell into a restless sleep, deciding to face everything else once she woke up.

After a heavy sleep, she woke up past noon the next day.

Hearing noises from the living room, her first thought was Jason. But it was Anastasia, working on some designs. "Morning, sleepyhead. Saw you were out cold when I got here, didn't want to wake you. Ordered us some brunch, should be here soon."

"Ana," Monica wrapped her arms around Anastasia, acting a bit spoiled. "You're always so good to me. You, pregnant and all, and here I am causing you stress. I'm so sorry."

"Eat up when the food arrives," Anastasia smiled. "You reek of booze. Go freshen up, then come tell me everything."

"Yes, my queen."

After a refreshing shower and a change of clothes, their brunch arrived.

Anastasia had ordered chicken soup and sandwiches, comfort food.

Monica devoured her meal, then finally shared, "Jason and I broke up."

Anastasia wasn't surprised. "Let's hear it then. This has got to be your shortest relationship yet."

Monica exhaled deeply, "He slept with Alisa."