Hearts of trouble (under development)

Lingering Doubts

The next day at school, Lily spotted Topanga by her locker. Her stomach twisted with guilt, remembering how she'd lashed out the day before. She took a deep breath, steeling herself before walking over.

"Topanga," she called softly, trying not to startle her.

Topanga turned around, her face cautious but open. "Hey, Lily."

"Can we talk? Just... for a minute?" Lily asked, her tone almost pleading.

Topanga studied her for a moment, then nodded, motioning for them to step into a quiet corner by the lockers. Once they were alone, Lily let out a deep breath, the words she'd been holding back finally tumbling out.

"I'm so sorry, Topanga," Lily said, her voice quick and a little shaky. "I was way out of line. I don't even know what came over me. I just... I've been dealing with a lot, and I know that's no excuse, but I didn't mean to take it out on you. I was wrong."

Topanga's expression softened as she listened, the tension between them slowly melting. Lily fidgeted, wringing her hands as she continued, "I hate that I hurt you. You've always been such a good friend to me, even when I've been... well, difficult."

Topanga smiled gently, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "You're not difficult, Lily. You're just... you. And I know things have been hard lately."

Lily's shoulders relaxed, relief flooding through her. She gave a small, sheepish smile. "Still, I went overboard. I want us to be good again. Like we used to be."

Topanga reached out, squeezing Lily's hand. "We're good, Lily. We've always had each other's backs. I'm here for you, no matter what."

Lily felt a warmth spread through her, realizing just how much Topanga's friendship meant to her. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with gratitude.

They shared a quick hug, both of them smiling as they pulled back. It was like a weight had been lifted, and Lily felt lighter than she had in days. For the first time in a while, things felt like they were falling back into place, and she knew that, with friends like Topanga by her side, she could face whatever came her way.

Lily took her seat in health class, flipping open her notebook as the students shuffled in around her. She glanced over at the teacher's desk and felt her stomach drop-her mom, Andrea, was busy arranging her notes at the front of the room. This was still so surreal to her. Having her mom as the school's new health coach meant having to see her every day at school, and Lily could already feel the judgmental looks from classmates who whispered and snickered about it.

As if on cue, Shawn slipped into the seat next to her, grinning. "Ready for Health with Mom?" he whispered, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Lily rolled her eyes, though a small smirk crept onto her face. "Let's just try to get through this, okay?"

Andrea finally looked up, smiling warmly at the class. "Alright, everyone. Today, we're going to discuss the importance of mental health and self-care." Her gaze lingered on Lily for a split second, and Lily shifted uncomfortably, trying to ignore the eyes she felt on her.

Andrea continued, "We're going to start with a short exercise. I want each of you to write down one thing you find challenging and one thing that helps you feel better when you're having a tough day."

Lily sighed, glancing over at Shawn, who gave her an encouraging nod. She looked down at her paper and started to write.

Challenge: Family... everything.

What helps: Friends. Maybe too much, sometimes.

As she finished, Andrea walked around the room, glancing over shoulders and offering small smiles and words of encouragement. When she reached Lily's desk, her expression softened, and Lily felt an odd mix of embarrassment and vulnerability.

"Good job, Lily," Andrea said gently, before moving on.

After class, as the students filed out, Shawn waited for Lily at the door. He could see the discomfort on her face. "Hey," he said, nudging her arm, "it's just a class. Everyone's too busy with their own stuff to pay attention."

She rolled her eyes, but the corner of her mouth lifted slightly. "Easier said than done when your mom is giving the lecture."

"Look on the bright side," Shawn said with a grin. "At least it's not sex ed."

Lily groaned, smacking his arm playfully. "Don't even joke about that."

Shawn laughed, leading her out of the classroom. For a moment, her worries faded, and she found herself smiling as they walked down the hallway together. Maybe, just maybe, she'd survive this year with her mom in school-especially with friends like Shawn by her side.

As Lily walked through the hallway, she couldn't shake the thoughts running through her mind. She'd noticed the changes in her mom-Andrea had stopped drinking, started a new job, and was even showing up to her classes, enthusiastic and committed. On the surface, everything seemed different. Her mom seemed... better. But Lily couldn't ignore the nagging feeling in the back of her mind, the one whispering that it might not last.

How long is she going to keep this up? she thought, glancing back toward the health class she'd just left. It was hard not to feel cynical. After years of watching her mom stumble, make promises, and break them, Lily had learned to be cautious. Just because Andrea seemed okay now didn't erase everything she'd put Lily through. There was always that fear of when the other shoe might drop.

Shawn noticed the distant look on her face and nudged her lightly as they walked. "Earth to Lily," he said, giving her a lopsided smile. "Where'd you go just now?"

Lily shook her head, forcing herself to snap out of it. "Nowhere. Just... thinking."

"About your mom?" he asked, his voice gentle. He could read her so well by now; it was almost frustrating.

"Yeah," she admitted quietly. "It's just... it's weird, you know? She's showing up and doing all the right things, but part of me just... I don't know. I'm waiting for it to go wrong, I guess."

Shawn nodded, understanding without judgment. "Makes sense. It's hard to trust it when things change out of nowhere."

Lily sighed, looking down at her shoes. "I want to believe her, I do. But it's like I'm afraid to get my hopes up. I just don't know if I can go through that disappointment again."

Shawn put a comforting arm around her shoulders. "You don't have to. Just take it one day at a time, and if things go south, you've got people who'll be there with you. You don't have to carry it alone."

Lily felt a small warmth in her chest, grateful for his words. "Thanks, Shawn. Really."

As they walked on, Lily pushed the doubts aside, at least for now. She wasn't sure what the future would hold, but knowing she had people who cared made it feel a little less daunting.