Mabelle couldn't even remember a time she had last cried, wiping at her face again though the damage had already been done and there was nothing left to hide. That wasn't the sort of attention she wanted from him, and he obviously was just as uncomfortable with it as she was. "Maybe I am," she whispered defiantly, feeling plenty pathetic with her watery eyes and flushed face, wondering why after all that had happened to her that this was the moment she finally broke down- why her chest was so tight and her throat felt so constricted as she tried to keep her breathing steady. It was just a stupid cup.
Easing away from the corner, Mabelle strode over to the table without hesitation, not because of his silent challenge or any sense of shame, but wanting to move on and hopefully get things back to normal. As normal as possible between them.
"I know," she sighed at his confession so soon after the denial, moving the second chair so she could sit next to him. Close, perhaps too close, but she was willing to take that risk. "I care too."