Lois couldn't remember the last time she had felt this nervous. It had been a few days since she and Naomi had exchanged numbers, and in that time, their conversations had shifted from casual exchanges to something more personal. The messages were constant now—late-night texts about life, family, and dreams that felt too intimate to be shared with anyone but Naomi. Every time her phone lit up, her heart would skip a beat, and she'd find herself grinning at Naomi's quick wit or thoughtful observations.
She hadn't felt this way in years.
But even as the connection between them deepened, Lois couldn't shake the gnawing guilt that followed her every time she returned home to Peter and the kids. Her phone, now a lifeline to Naomi, became something she hid from Peter's view. It was a secret, this budding friendship—or whatever it was becoming—and it made her feel alive but also confused. Was this just an emotional escape, or was it something more?
Lois stared at her phone, reading Naomi's latest message:
*Can't wait to see you again. Maybe we can actually have that coffee, no distractions this time?*
Lois' thumb hovered over the screen as her stomach flipped with anticipation. But her thoughts immediately snapped back to her family—what would Peter think if he knew she was emotionally invested in someone else? In another woman?
She sighed, typing out a quick response: *I'd love that. I'll find some time this week.*
But as soon as she hit send, that familiar sense of dread returned. How much longer could she balance these two worlds?
---
Meg sat hunched over her phone in her room, headphones in, the soft hum of a musical soundtrack playing in the background. She had always found solace in musicals—something about the way emotions were laid bare in song made her feel understood, even when her own family never seemed to care. Acting was her escape; she could be anyone but Meg Griffin when she stepped into a character.
Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her reverie. It was another text from Riley:
*Hey, you down for bowling tomorrow? There's a league night at the local alley, and I need someone to help me crush the competition.*
Meg smiled. Bowling. Another one of the few things she was actually good at. It had always been her little secret hobby, something her family never paid attention to, but she had excelled at it in high school. The idea of spending more time with Riley—and doing something she loved—was too tempting to pass up.
*I'm in,* she replied quickly, her excitement building. Maybe this was what she needed—something outside of the toxic Griffin household. A new chapter in her life, with someone who actually saw her for who she was.
---
The next evening, Lois sat in her car outside the coffee shop, heart pounding as she checked her reflection in the rearview mirror for the tenth time. She had planned to meet Naomi here, and despite her nerves, she couldn't stop herself from feeling excited. There was something magnetic about Naomi—something Lois couldn't walk away from, no matter how much she tried to rationalize it.
When she walked inside, Naomi was already there, sitting at a corner table with two coffees in front of her. Her face lit up as soon as she saw Lois.
"Hey," Naomi greeted, standing to give Lois a quick, casual hug. "You look great."
Lois flushed slightly, feeling an odd mix of happiness and guilt. "Thanks. I almost didn't come... but here I am."
Naomi smiled warmly, her hazel eyes sparkling under the dim café lighting. "I'm glad you did."
As they sat and talked, the conversation flowed naturally. It was effortless, the way Naomi made Lois feel comfortable. They shared stories about their families—Naomi revealing more about her life, how she'd moved to Quahog for a fresh start, away from a relationship that hadn't worked out. It made Lois feel like she wasn't alone in her own struggles.
But then, Naomi leaned in, her voice softer, more serious. "I have to ask, Lois... what's holding you back?"
Lois blinked, taken aback. "What do you mean?"
"You and I—we've been talking for a while now," Naomi said, her tone gentle but direct. "And it feels like there's more here. But every time we get close, you pull back. I get that you have a family, but I guess I'm wondering... what do you want?"
Lois felt her throat tighten, unsure of how to answer. What did she want? Her life with Peter felt comfortable, but stale—like she had been going through the motions for years without really living. And now, there was this undeniable connection with Naomi, something that made her feel alive in a way she hadn't in so long.
"I don't know," Lois admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I just... don't want to hurt anyone."
Naomi nodded, her gaze softening. "I get that. But you also have to think about what's going to make you happy. You deserve that."
Lois swallowed hard, unable to shake the weight of Naomi's words. The tug-of-war inside her continued, pulling her in two directions—toward the safety of her family and the thrilling unknown with Naomi.
---
Meanwhile, Meg was at the local bowling alley with Riley. The place smelled of greasy fries and polished lanes, a familiar scent that brought Meg a surprising amount of comfort. Riley was in her element, confidently tossing her bowling ball down the lane with an easy grace.
Meg, however, was in her head, still thinking about the conversation they'd had at the coffee shop. Riley's words had stayed with her—how she had left her own toxic family behind. It was something Meg had always dreamed of doing, but fear had held her back.
"So, you gonna keep me in suspense?" Riley teased, nudging her as Meg lined up her shot. "You gonna show me those skills or what?"
Meg smiled, shaking off her nerves. She stepped up to the line, rolled the ball, and watched as it struck the pins with a satisfying crash, leaving only one standing.
Riley whistled, impressed. "Not bad, Griffin. I didn't know you had it in you."
Meg felt a small surge of pride. "Yeah, well, I'm full of surprises."
As the night went on, Meg felt herself relax. With Riley, there was no pressure to perform or be something she wasn't. For once, she felt like she could just be... herself. Maybe that was enough.
YOU ARE READING
Target of Affection
Fanfiction"Target of Affection" is about the cut scene or whatever you went to call it with Lois Griffin, and that target employee who got marked by target but her name for the story will be "Naomi"
