TNN One Shots

It Takes A Village

A/N: TW: ED I'm writing this one because I think I need it based off how I'm feeling today.

Carly wasn't sure what had gotten into her, there hadn't been any rude comments from parents, no one talked poorly about food or her lunch. It was just another normal day and yet she felt this heavy weight on her shoulders. She tried her best to push it to the side and go about her day.

As she made her way downstairs her mom was already in the kitchen making breakfast. She watched as her mom was busy scrambling eggs, cooking bacon, and it all looked and smelled amazing. But all Carly could think about was the food and not in a positive way. She went to grab the loaf of bread and threw a slice in the toaster. Once it popped up she grabbed some butter and spread it on the slice.

"Sweetheart I have eggs and bacon here for you" Carly's mom said handing her a plate full of food. Carly just half smiled and took the plate to the table. "Alright darling I'm going to go get ready then we can get going ok?" She said looking at the young girl. "Ok mom." Was all Carly said as she stared at the food.

Once her mom was out of the room and she heard the shower turn on Carly quickly dumped the food in the bin. She found some paper and other trash to cover it so her mom wouldn't see. She quickly washed her plate then waited for her mom.

After she was dropped off at nursery she felt a bit lighter but she still felt that heavy feeling. "Hello my love!" Marjorie cheered as she walked towards the door to go in with Carly. "Hi Marjorie!" The young girl said with a smile. "You alright?" Marjorie asked concerned. "Hm? Oh yea yea I'm fine. Just a bit tired." Carly said walking in after Marjorie and quickly making her way down to her room to avoid any further questions.

As Charlotte made her way into the baby room she saw the young girl setting up the breakfast table. "Hi Carly!" Charlotte said happily, Carly smiled up at her closest friend it felt like a breath of fresh air to see Charlotte. "Hi char" Carly said before returning to her work. "Oh! Char how was your surprise holiday weekend that Mia took you on!" Carly said trying her best to hold small talk.

"Oh it was truly amazing, she took me away to Bali and we went to the beach...." Carly zoned out just nodding her head pretending as if she was listening. She had no idea char had already stopped.

Char was waving her hand saying Carly's name but not getting any response. "Carly?..." "carly?..." char said louder. Carly looked up quickly, "hm? What sorry" Carly said turning red from embarrassment. "I lost you there for a second you alright?" Charlotte said concern washing over her face.

"I'm alright I didn't sleep very well last night." Carly lied. Charlotte could tell she wasn't being fully honest but she didn't want to push her friend. "Alright, if you need anything I'm here" Charlotte said reassuringly. Carly nodded and continued setting up the table.

Once it hit lunch time Carly got nervous. She was thankful Reece was busy so she didn't have to hide from him. "You ready for lunch Carly?" Charlotte asked holding the door open for the young girl, as their covers already took over for them. Carly let out a sigh and walked with Charlotte to the staff room.

Charlotte pulled out the meal deal they planned to share and allowed Carly to take what she wanted. As Charlotte started eating she looked down at her phone to see some texts from Mia. She smiled to herself as she opened her phone and began to respond, when she looked up she saw Carly just staring at her sandwich. "Carly.." Charlotte questioned gently. Carly looked up at her and tears started forming in her eyes. Charlotte opened her arms and Carly fell into them.

"Shhh it's alright." Charlotte whispered holding the young girl close as she sobbed. "I'm sorry I don't know what's wrong with me." Carly said between her tears. "Carly nothing is wrong with you. It's ok sweetheart." Charlotte said rubbing her back. Marjorie had made her way up to the staff room just to take a break from her computer she stopped in the doorway when she saw Charlotte holding Carly.

Marjorie's eyes widened as she made eye contact with Charlotte. "What happened?!" Marjorie whispered worriedly. Charlotte shrugged and shook her head. Marjorie sat down next to them and just laid her hand gently on Carly's leg. Marjorie suddenly had an idea. She remembered a time this had happened before. She remembered not knowing how to handle it but Reece came in and helped.

"Carly?" Marjorie spoke gently. The young girl look up from Char's embrace. "After work today you and I are going to go to any place of your choice, we will get whatever food you're craving then we will go back time mine and turn on any film of your choosing. Ok?" Carly half smiled, she truly loved how much the staff cared about her. "Can char come?" Carly asked looking between the two women. "If char is available she's more than welcome Marjorie said looking at the older brunette. "I'd love to come Carly." Charlotte said rubbing the younger girls back.

Once the end of the day hit the three women climbed into Marjorie's car and headed towards the pizza place Carly loved. They got one large pizza to share amongst the three of them and headed to Marjorie's house. Marjorie grabbed some 7 up from her fridge and gave one to each girl before sitting down next to her close friends.

"So Carly what film are we watching tonight?" Char said with a smile. Carly smirked looking into the brunettes eyes. The two women looked at her curiously. "The Barbie movie" Carly said with a smile as she looked down at her jumper. Marjorie and Charlotte smiled at each other before starting the movie. The three women sat laughing together and watched as Carly comfortably ate 2 full slices of pizza without even a second thought.

Once the movie finished Marjorie looked down at a sleeping Carly curled up in her lap. She played with the young girls hair and looked over at Charlotte who yawned. "You're more than welcome to stay the night I think I'm going to call her mom and let her know she'll be here tonight." Marjorie said with a smile, "I'd like that, luckily none of us work tomorrow so we can have a lazy morning and the silence at home without Mia and the girls is deafening I don't love it." Charlotte said with a small laugh.

Marjorie picked up the young apprentice and walked her to the guest room. Carly woke slightly as she was laid in bed, "goodnight my darling" Marjorie said pushing some hair out of her face. "Goodnight Marjorie" Carly said with a yawn, Charlotte crawled into bed next to Carly and smiled as the young girl curled into her. It reminded her of when her girls would sleep next to her. It was comforting to both Charlotte and Carly as they both quickly fell asleep.

Reece returned from work just moments after Marjorie shut the guest room door. "Hey gorgeous!" Reece said giving Marjorie a loving kiss. "Hey darling" she whispered, "Carly and char are asleep in there so shh" Marjorie said with a smile. Once they were in their room with the door shut Reece asked, "why are they here?" He said slightly worried. "Well don't panicked but Carly had a pretty rough day and so we went and got her favorite pizza after work then came back here and watched her favorite film. She's ok" Marjorie reassured her worried boyfriend.

Carly had a village looking out for her, she would never be alone. No matter what happened she would have her army there protecting her. And she couldn't be more grateful.

A/N: if you are struggling with this just know you're not alone. I've been dealing with it since I was 12 years old. But through this fandom I have met some wonderful friends and that even when I'm actively going through it they have been helpful in distracting me and reminding me someone cares. Today was a rough day but just remember rough days will pass. Just give it time.🖤🖤