Broken homes

Hair dye debate

Saturday afternoon found Lily and Shawn walking up the steps to Cory's house, bundled against the chilly December air. The holidays were around the corner, and they'd made plans to talk Christmas traditions and make plans for the upcoming break.

Cory opened the door, a huge grin spreading across his face when he saw them. "Hey, guys!" He pulled them both inside, where the warm, familiar smell of cinnamon and pine filled the air. The Matthews' house was already decked out with lights, garlands, and a beautifully decorated tree, glittering with ornaments and topped with a bright star.

"So," Cory said, leading them to the cozy living room, "what are we thinking for Christmas?"

Lily shrugged, settling into the couch. "Honestly? I'm kind of looking forward to having a low-key Christmas this year. It's been a crazy few months, and I just want something... simple, you know?"

Shawn nodded, glancing over at her. "I hear you. I could do with a break from all the drama."

Cory leaned back in his chair, grinning. "Well, we can still keep our traditions. You know, the classic Christmas Eve at Chubbie's, Secret Santa gifts, and movie marathons. Maybe even a snowball fight if we're lucky."

Lily's face brightened. "That actually sounds perfect. Just the three of us, doing what we always do."

Cory's mom popped her head into the room, smiling at them. "We're planning to have a big family dinner here, too, if you both want to join us," she offered kindly. "The more, the merrier!"

Lily looked down, feeling an unexpected pang of sadness. The Matthews family had always been warm and welcoming, and the idea of spending Christmas with them was wonderful. But part of her wished she could have that warmth and togetherness at home. With her mom trying to stay sober and her dad's focus on Karen, Christmas felt like it was missing something this year.

Cory must have noticed the look on her face, because he said softly, "Hey, Lily. You're basically family. You know that, right?"

She smiled, her heart lifting at his words. "Thanks, Cory. I'd love to spend Christmas with you guys."

The three of them spent the rest of the afternoon talking about plans, joking about past Christmas memories, and deciding who would be buying gifts for whom. For a while, the weight of family issues and worries faded, replaced by the excitement of the season and the comfort of being with her closest

As they lounged around Cory's living room, talking about Christmas plans, Lily suddenly looked up, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "What do you guys think if I dyed my hair... dark red?"

Shawn raised an eyebrow, tilting his head as if trying to imagine it. "Honestly? You'd look amazing with red hair. Totally badass."

Cory, on the other hand, looked horrified. "Red? Again? Lily, you've changed your hair so many times! At this rate, you'll be bald by the time you're 20!"

Lily rolled her eyes, smirking. "Oh, please. I know what I'm doing. And besides, I think it would look cool. Like, add some edge, you know?"

Shawn grinned, nudging Cory. "Come on, man. She'd pull it off. Not everyone can rock bold colors."

Cory shook his head, crossing his arms. "I just don't get why you're always messing with your hair, Lil. What's wrong with leaving it natural?"

She shrugged, leaning back on the couch. "Sometimes, changing it feels like changing... everything. Like, if I don't like what's going on in my life, at least I can change how I look."

Shawn's face softened, and he gave her a small nod, understanding her in that way he always did. "If it makes you feel better, go for it. Besides, it's just hair. Worst case, it grows back, right?"

Cory threw his hands up in defeat, a dramatic sigh escaping him. "Fine, but don't come crying to me if it all falls out by senior prom."

Lily laughed, tossing a pillow at him. "You're so dramatic, Matthews."

They all burst out laughing, the debate ending in playful jabs and jokes. In that moment, surrounded by friends who accepted her just as she was, Lily felt lighter. Maybe a little change, even if just in her hair, was exactly what she needed.