Lois sat at the small café table, her heart racing. She and Naomi had fallen into a comfortable rhythm of meeting each week, but tonight felt different. Naomi was quieter than usual, her expressions tinged with a seriousness Lois hadn't seen before.
"Hey, are you okay?" Lois asked, concern creeping into her voice. "You seem a bit off."
Naomi looked up, her hazel eyes piercing. "I've been thinking about some things, Lois. You know I care about you, right?"
"Of course," Lois replied, her heart sinking slightly at the solemnity of Naomi's tone.
Naomi leaned in closer, her voice low. "Then you need to hear me out. I get that you have a family and responsibilities, but... what's the deal with your kids? Meg, especially. I've seen how you are with her."
Lois stiffened, the air between them growing tense. "What do you mean?"
Naomi took a deep breath, frustration evident in her posture. "I've watched you with her, Lois. You brush off her feelings, and it's not just typical family stuff. It feels... abusive. She's crying out for attention, and you're too wrapped up in your own issues to see it."
Lois felt her chest tighten, anger and defensiveness rising to the surface. "You don't understand what it's like. I'm doing my best with everything—Peter, the boys, my own struggles. I can't be perfect for everyone!"
Naomi's gaze softened. "I'm not asking for perfection, Lois. I just want you to acknowledge that your kids need you, especially Meg. She's hurting."
Lois looked away, a mix of shame and guilt washing over her. Deep down, she knew Naomi was right. Meg had always been the overlooked child, and Lois had often chosen to focus on her own happiness instead of her daughter's pain.
"I don't know how to fix this," Lois admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
Naomi reached across the table, placing her hand over Lois's. "You have to start by being present, by listening to her. If you care about me, you'll try to do better. For her."
The moment hung heavy between them, and Lois felt the weight of her choices crash down. She pulled her hand away, torn between her feelings for Naomi and the reality of her life at home.
"I need some time to think about all this," Lois said, her heart aching.
Naomi nodded, a look of disappointment shadowing her face. "I get it, but just remember—your family needs you more than you realize."
---
Meanwhile, at the local bowling alley, Meg stood next to Riley, feeling a mix of exhilaration and anxiety. They had spent the last hour sharing laughs and playful banter, but now, as they waited for their turn, Meg's insecurities bubbled to the surface.
"So, what's the deal with you and acting?" Riley asked, her tone casual but genuinely curious.
Meg shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I guess I just like pretending to be someone else for a while. It's... easier."
"Easier?" Riley echoed, tilting her head. "How so?"
Meg glanced away, her heart racing. "I don't know. I mean, I'm always Meg, the invisible daughter, you know? When I act, I can be anyone—someone brave, someone fun. It's like escaping my life, if only for a little while."
Riley nodded thoughtfully. "I get that. Sometimes I feel the same way about art. It's like a way to channel all the messiness of life into something beautiful."
A flicker of connection sparked between them, and Meg felt a warmth blossom in her chest. "You're really good at what you do. I've seen your sketches."
"Thanks! But it's not always easy," Riley admitted. "There are days when I feel like I'm not good enough. Like I'll never be able to do what I love for real."
Meg felt a surge of understanding. "Yeah, I know that feeling all too well. Sometimes I get nervous before auditions, thinking I'll just bomb it and everyone will see how pathetic I really am."
"You're not pathetic," Riley said softly, reaching out to touch Meg's arm. "You're brave for even putting yourself out there. Not everyone has the guts to chase their dreams."
The sincerity in Riley's voice sent a rush of warmth through Meg. "It just means a lot to hear you say that."
They shared a smile, and Meg felt her walls begin to crack just a little. The night continued, filled with laughter and playful teasing, each moment drawing them closer together.
As they finished their game, Meg leaned back against the bowling lane, feeling lighter than she had in a long time. "Maybe we should do this more often," she suggested, her cheeks flushed with excitement.
"I'd love that," Riley replied, her eyes sparkling. "Next time, I can show you some of my sketches. Maybe we can collaborate on something fun?"
Meg felt a surge of hope. "That sounds amazing."
As they walked out of the bowling alley, Meg felt a new sense of freedom. With Riley by her side, maybe she could finally start to break free from her past.
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"
