TNN ONESHOTS

Im here for you - C & L

Carly sat across from Lydia in the staff room, the usual buzz of conversation around them fading into the background. She noticed Lydia staring blankly at her coffee cup, her brow furrowed in thought. Concerned, Carly leaned in slightly, her voice gentle. “Hey, Lydia, what’s bothering you? You seem a bit off today.”

Lydia sighed, her shoulders slumping as she finally met Carly’s gaze. “It’s just… work has been really stressful lately, and I feel like I’m juggling too much,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m trying to keep everything together, but it’s overwhelming.”

Carly nodded, understanding washing over her. “I get that. It can be a lot sometimes. Do you want to talk about it? I’m here to listen.” Lydia looked at her, confused about the fact she actually wants to be there for her.

Carly reached across the table, her hand gently covering Lydia's. She could feel the weight of exhaustion in her friend's voice, and it tugged at her heart. "Of course," Carly said softly, sliding her chair closer. Lydia leaned in, and Carly wrapped her arms around her, holding her tightly.

As they embraced, Carly felt the tension in Lydia's shoulders slowly begin to ease. "It's okay to feel this way," Carly whispered into her ear. "You don't have to go through it alone." Lydia took a deep breath while trying her best to fight back tears, and for a moment, the world outside the staff room faded away.

After a few moments, Lydia pulled back slightly, looking into Carly's eyes. "Thank you," she said, her voice steadier now. "I just needed to know someone was here for me." Carly smiled, relieved to see a hint of light returning to her friend's expression. "Always," she replied, knowing that sometimes a simple hug could make all the difference.

They stayed sat together quietly at the table. "It's okay for you, at least Marjorie and Reece love you. They see you struggling and then help you with everything possible. They see me struggling and turn a blind eye to it all, and Char hates me, but im not lazy. im struggling. " She mumbled nervously while looking down at the table.

Carly listened intently, her heart aching for Lydia as she spoke. "I know it feels that way," she said gently, trying to offer comfort. "But you're not alone in this. Just because they don't see it doesn't mean it's not real. You're fighting battles every day, and that takes strength."

Lydia looked up, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "I just wish someone would notice," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "It's like I'm invisible, and I'm tired of feeling like this."

Carly reached out again, squeezing Lydia's hand. "You're not invisible to me. I see you, and I care. We all have our struggles, and it's okay to ask for help. You deserve to be supported just like anyone else." With those words, Lydia felt a flicker of hope amidst her despair, knowing that even in her darkest moments, she had a friend who truly understood. "Maybe we should go together and speak to Marjorie and Reece or even Charlotte. She has two daughters shes not completely heartless." Carly offered softly to which Lydia nodded slightly.

Carly could sense the tension in the air as she and Lydia made their way to Marjorie’s office. Lydia had been feeling overwhelmed, and it was clear that Marjorie’s lack of support was weighing heavily on her. Carly was determined to change that. “Let’s go talk to her,” Carly said, her voice filled with resolve. “You deserve to be treated better.”

As they approached the office, Carly knocked on the door, pushing it open without waiting for a response. Marjorie looked up, surprise flashing across her face. “What is it my love?” she asked, a hint of annoyance creeping into her tone.

Carly stepped forward, her heart racing but her determination unwavering. “We need to talk about how you’ve been treating Lydia. She’s been under a lot of stress, and it feels like you don’t care about her well-being. That’s not right.”

Marjorie crossed her arms, defensive at first, but Carly continued, “Lydia works incredibly hard, and she deserves your support, just like I know you would give to anyone else. It’s important for us to look out for each other.”

Lydia stood silently beside Carly, her heart pounding but feeling a rush of gratitude for her friend’s bravery. After a moment of silence, Marjorie’s expression softened. “You’re right,” she admitted, her voice quieter. “I haven’t been as attentive as I should be. I’m sorry, Lydia.”

Carly nodded, feeling a sense of victory, but it was Lydia’s reaction that truly mattered. Marjorie stood up and walked over to Lydia, pulling her into a warm hug. “I’ll do better,” she promised, her tone sincere. “You’re an important part of this team, and I appreciate everything you do.”

As they left the office, Lydia felt a wave of relief wash over her. With Carly’s support, she knew she could face anything, and now, even Marjorie was on her side.