Hearts of trouble (under development)

Breaking the pain

Lily spent most of the day hiding in the quiet corners of the school. Every time she saw Shawn or Topanga, she ducked into a classroom or slipped into the bathroom. She couldn't deal with their questions. It was easier to keep it all locked away, to pretend that everything was fine, even if it meant putting up walls with the people who cared about her.

By lunch, she was exhausted, the weight of her emotions pressing down on her. She headed toward the courtyard, hoping to find an empty bench where she could be alone. But as she turned the corner, she nearly ran into Abigail.

Abigail gave her a small, concerned smile. "Lily, I was looking for you."

Lily forced a tight smile, trying to keep her tone casual. "I'm fine, Abby. Really."

Abigail's eyes softened, and she gently took Lily by the arm, guiding her over to a nearby bench. "Lil, you don't have to pretend with me. I know you're hurting. I'm here to listen, okay?"

For a moment, Lily felt the walls she'd built around herself start to crack. She looked at her sister, feeling a mixture of anger and sadness she couldn't put into words. "I just... I don't know how to talk about it, Abby. Mom left, and Dad... he's just pretending like everything's fine. But it's not fine."

Abigail reached out, squeezing her hand. "You're right. It's not fine. And it's okay to feel upset. You don't have to carry all of this by yourself."

Lily let out a shaky breath, finally allowing herself to admit how much it all hurt. "I just don't understand why it has to be like this. Why can't we be a normal family?"

Abigail's face softened with empathy. "Sometimes, things don't work out the way we hope. But that doesn't mean you're alone. I'm here, and I'll be here for as long as you need me."

Lily nodded, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Thanks, Abby. I just... I don't know what to do now."

Abigail hugged her, holding her close. "One day at a time, okay? And remember, you have people who love you-me, Dad, and even your friends. Don't shut them out. Let them help."

Lily took a deep breath, feeling the weight lift just a little. "Okay," she whispered, finally allowing herself to believe she didn't have to face this alone.

As they sat there, Lily glanced up and saw Shawn standing a few feet away, watching them with a look of concern. She met his gaze, and for the first time that day, she gave him a small, genuine smile. Maybe, just maybe, she was ready to let him in too.

After a long day, Lily and Abigail returned home, feeling a little closer than they had in a while. The weight of everything felt lighter for Lily, knowing she had her sister's support. But as they stepped into the house, both sisters stopped short, surprised by the unfamiliar voice coming from the kitchen.

Standing next to their dad was a young woman, dressed in business attire with a bright, charming smile that seemed a bit too friendly. She laughed at something their dad said, lightly touching his arm as she did. Lily felt her stomach twist uncomfortably.

"Oh, hey! You must be Lily and Abigail," the woman said, noticing them by the doorway. "I'm Rachel. I just started working with your dad."

Their dad gave them a sheepish look, scratching the back of his neck. "Girls, this is Rachel, my new assistant. She's helping me with some of the projects at the office."

Rachel flashed them a friendly smile, but there was something overly familiar in her gaze as she looked at their dad. Abigail, sensing Lily's discomfort, stepped forward, crossing her arms as she looked between Rachel and her dad.

"Nice to meet you," Abigail said, her tone polite but cool. "Dad, didn't realize you were bringing work home."

"Oh, it was just for today," their dad said quickly, glancing between Rachel and his daughters. "Rachel's been a huge help getting things organized."

Lily looked down, clenching her fists. It was hard enough dealing with her mom leaving, and now, here was this stranger-this flirty, smiling woman-who seemed far too comfortable in their home. It felt like her dad was moving on too quickly, as if he'd already forgotten everything they'd been through.

Rachel, seemingly oblivious to the tension, smiled at Lily. "You must be in high school. I remember those days-best years of my life!" She gave a little laugh, like they were supposed to bond over it.

But Lily just nodded stiffly, her eyes fixed on the floor. "Yeah. I have homework, so... I'm gonna go."

She turned and walked upstairs without another word, leaving Abigail and her dad standing there awkwardly. Abigail's gaze hardened as she looked at her dad.

"Really, Dad?" she whispered once Rachel had turned her back. "Mom just left, and you already have... this?"

Her dad sighed, his face tightening with frustration. "Abby, it's not what you think. Rachel's just an assistant. I'm not... replacing your mother. I'm just trying to keep things going, keep the business stable."

Abigail didn't seem convinced, crossing her arms even tighter. "Well, maybe think about how this looks to Lily. She's already struggling, and this isn't helping."

Their dad's shoulders slumped, guilt flickering across his face. "You're right. I'll talk to her."

Abigail nodded, giving him a pointed look before heading upstairs to check on Lily. She found her sister in her room, curled up on her bed with her back to the door.

Abigail sat down next to her, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. "You okay?"

Lily shrugged, keeping her voice low. "I just... I don't get it, Abby. It's like he doesn't care. Mom's barely gone, and he's already bringing some new woman home."

Abigail sighed, pulling her into a comforting side hug. "I know, Lil. I think he's just... trying to hold everything together in his own way. But that doesn't mean he's moving on. I'll make sure he understands how this looks to you."

Lily nodded, feeling a little reassured but still hurt. "Thanks, Abby. I just... I don't want things to change more than they already have."

Abigail squeezed her shoulder. "I know, Lil. And I'm here to make sure you don't have to go through this alone."

With that, they sat together in silence, letting the presence of family be a small comfort in the midst of their ever-shifting world.