The next morning, Jenna met her for brunch at the Alcove. It was one the cast's favorite places to eat breakfast. They were largely left alone by the paps and since it was relatively early on a Sunday morning, it was pretty empty. HeMo was deep in thought, trying to assess Naya's behaviors since the incident. She was so lost in her mind that she didn't even hear or see Jenna approach her.

Hey Hemo.

Heather jumped as she was shaken out of her train of thought.

'Mornin, darling. Thanks for meeting me so early. I have a photo shoot with Fitness magazine in the afternoon.

Ohhhh, no worries, Heath. Michael and I have plans after this anyways.

They were there so often that didn't even need to order; their breakfast came out shortly after Jenna arrrived.

So, Hemo, what's up?

The ease with which the cast interacted was built upon the fact that they were all just working actors when Glee started. They were all a bunch of unknown actors just hoping their pilot would get picked up by Fox and they could have steady employment. They were all around the same age and they all just got along so well. Jenna knew that there was a reason Heather wanted to meet without her having to ask.

Well, normally I would go to Naya about this, and I will...

but before I do, I just wanted to ask you if you think that Naya has been acting different lately?

Hmmmm, Jenna said, as she picked her steaming mug of coffee. Now, that you mention it, i think it is very subtle, but yes she has been.

Why? have you picked up on something?

Heather sighed as she began: Well, yea, it is a really subtle shift but I can feel it. The feeling that I am getting scares the shit out of me, Jenn. It is the same feeling I got right before I caught her cutting and downing that bottle of Goose 2 years ago.

Jenna and Heather nooded in silent understanding as they both thought back to that time...

Naya was an enigma. She had been an actress forever and she had honed her craft down to which persona she would portray. The thing is, there was one person where she didn't feel like she had to play her well-rehearsed characters. She didn't have to be "Flirty Naya," "Professional Naya," "Sexy Naya," "Angry Naya." With Heather, there was just something that made her true self swim up to the surface from the depths of her soul. She felt at ease to be herself. There was no one who ever made her feel like that. And it happened so fast.

They had all just finished shooting the 9 episodes that Fox had ordered after previewing the pilot. The cast went out to celebrate and they returned to Lea & Dianna's apartment to continue the party. Naya and Mark were casually dating, nothing serious. The cast of high school misfits got close relatively fast; friendships born out of long hours on set and in the tin shed. Naya was scrolling thru her iPhone when she saw Perez Hilton's photos of Mark cozy with another woman. She looked around to see where Mark was and he was outside with Cory. Their eyes met and he smiled at her, a genuine, warm smile. She didn't know who to believe. At that moment, Heather came over to her best friend.

She could tell that something was wrong as she sat on the couch. Everyone else was occupied, in conversation.

NayNay, you okay?

Naya didn't have to say anything. She just handed Heather her phone.

Her face fell and she scrolled over the article and saw the pictures.

It's not true, Naya. You know that Mark would never do that to you.

Naya was in panic mode as she is trying to remember where she was seen that blonde girl from,

Heath, I have seen that girl before. I just can't remember where or when, but i know that I have seen her.

Heather sat closer to Naya and gently placed a hand on Naya's forearm and started rub circles, as if to soothe the anger she could tell was simmering beneath the surface. It seemed to help, cause Naya began to relax and breathe.

There is only one way to find out, Nay. Just go and ask him.

Naya turned to face Heather and she saw a sad, apologetic face.

She got up from the couch and went right up to Mark.

We need to talk NOW MARK!

She drags him into Dianna's bedroom and slams the door behind them.

The party comes to an abrupt stop. Within minutes, all you can hear is Naya screaming:

"What the fuck, Mark. I can't believe you did this to me. With her, to top it off, of all people. You couldn't keep it inside of your pants, now could you?"

Mark then speaks:

"Naya, what the fuck are you talking about? C'mon babe. Calm down."

"Calm down, ohhh you want ME to calm down, huh? Well, Mark, tell me how to be calm after I see this- she held her iPhone right up to his face.

Yea, that's what I thought. You can't even deny it can you?"

Mark's eyes fall to the ground and the color from his face is drain.

"it's not what it looks like, Naya. You know how the paps get all these angles. She is nothing, she nothing to me."

"Bullshit. Salling. I've seen her around the set. i know that she has a thing for you. Well, she can have your cheating ass. I'm DONE. FUCK YOU MARK!"

With that Naya, slaps him across the face and storms out of the room.

Of course, everyone heard the argument. Once Naya emerged from the hallway, they tried to act like they didn't hear a single word. Kevin blasted the music and everyone danced and talked- anything to make Naya believe that they didn't just all hear that.

She bows her head and goes straight for the door. Immediately, HeMo is at her side. No words are necessary. With just a glance in each other eyes' they just had a conversation.

Heather takes Naya by the hand and they walk out of the house and into the dark of cool autumn night. She leads her to her car and she ushers her inside. Quickly, she runs to the driver's side door and starts the car. they hold hands over the center console as Naya looks out at the lights of Los Angeles and silently cries. Once they reach Naya's, Heather pulls out her spare key. She gently guides her best friend over the threshold and into her home.

Heather finally breaks the silence:

How bout I draw you a bath, Nay?

Naya just looks into those eyes and nods slightly. Heather goes into the master bath and draws her a milk and honey bath.

Okay, Naya, come in here.

Naya just looks like she is dead inside. Heather strips her of her clothing and helps her in the clawfoot tub.

I don't want to leave you alone Naya. Do you want me to stay?

Naya knows the one thing that will make it better; it was something that not even Heather could do for her. So, she just asks if she could have a couple of moments to herself. HeMo obliges saying, 'I am right out side the door, babe. Just call me," as she exits the master bathroom.

Naya gets out of the tub and finds what she desperately seeks: She takes the lid off of her toilet and fishes out an unopened bottle of Grey Goose, which will dull the pain as she untapes the thing she needs- her razorblade.

She settles back in the tub, guzzles the Grey Goose as she looks at the razor in her left hand. She tries to see the old scars. It has been so long since she has felt the urge that they look almost invisible. It has been through trial and error over the years that makes her a pro. She takes the blade and grazes the inner aspect of her right forearm. Not too deep, just enough to break the skin. As she moves the the blade purposefully across her cafe au lait skin, she can feel the pain ebb out of her. She makes another and another cut, seeing the blood drip into the water, turning it pink. She takes another gulp of the Goose, knowing that Heather will probably call out to her any minute. She ges out of the tub, hides her stash, and properly bandages her arm. She opens her bottom drawer, grabbing a familar long-sleeve t-shirt and cozy boy shorts. she wants to be the one to walk out the door, not have Heather have to come in and save her. For the first time around Heather, she feels like she has a character to play: Dejected Naya.

Heather looks to the door as it opens and see Naya standing there. she thinks to herself, I have never seen Naya wear that much clothing to bed. Well, maybe she is cold she deduces, as Naya walks toward her, more sad than angry as she says:

"I cannot believe this Heather. Mark cheated on me. With that bitch who has been flirting with him on set. What the fuck!"

"Naya, he is such an asshole for doing that to you."

"Why does this always happen to me?" Naya chokes out between sobs.

"Am I that damaged? Too fucked up to find love? What is wrong with me?

With that Heather, took her hand and pointed Naya's chin her direction- "Now you listen good, Rivera. YOU did absolutely nothing wrong. Got it? There is nothing wrong with you and you are not fucked up. Mark is the one who is fucked up; he is the one who did this. So, DO NOT think that this all somehow your fault. Okay?"

Naya just nods as she goes for the crook of Heather's shoulder and cries.