TNN ONESHOTS

Unloved - C & AFK & MK

Charlotte paced back and forth in the break room, her brow furrowed with concern. She had noticed Carly all day, her usual bubbly self replaced by a forced smile that seemed to fade the moment anyone turned their back. It wasn’t like Carly to hide her feelings from everyone, and Charlotte felt a nagging urge to do something about it. Normally she would turn to Lydia or Eric or Marjorie but this time was different.

“Autumn, can I talk to you for a sec?” Charlotte called out as she spotted her friend at the coffee machine. Autumn turned, her expression curious. “I think something’s up with Carly. She’s been faking a smile all day, and I don’t think she’s okay. This isnt normal for her at all.” Autumn's eyes narrowed in thought, and she nodded slowly.

“Okay, send her into my office. Me and Marjorie will talk to her.” Autumn decided, her voice firm. They walked out of the staffroom. Autumn made her way back to the office, while Charlotte walked to the baby room where Carly was sitting in the book corner, staring blankly at the book in her hand with a child sat on her lap. “Carly, can you go in the office for a moment please?” Carly looked up at Charlotte, her smile slipping for just a second before she nodded and stood up.

As she entered the office, Marjorie and Autumn exchanged a knowing glance, ready to support their friend in whatever she needed.

Carly walked into the office, her heart pounding as she faced Autumn and Marjorie. Once she was inside and the door was shut, Autumn took a breath. "Charlotte told us that you havent been yourself today." Autumn started but before she could continue with her speech, Carly felt a wave of emotions crashing over her, and the forced smile she had been wearing all day crumbled and the weight of her feelings became too much to bear.

“I just… I can’t do this anymore,” Carly said, her voice trembling. Tears began to spill down her cheeks as she looked at her friends, feeling vulnerable and exposed. “I feel so unloved lately. It’s like no one really sees me or cares about how I feel.” Autumn’s expression softened as did Marjorie's. The manager stood up and she moved closer, placing a comforting hand on Carly’s shoulder. Autumn nodded along, her eyes filled with empathy.

“Carly, you are so loved,” Autumn said gently. “We’re here for you, and we want to support you. It’s okay to feel this way, but you don’t have to go through it alone.” Marjorie chimed in, “You’re such a bright light in our lives. You mean so much to us, and we want to help you through this.” As the words of comfort washed over her, Carly felt a flicker of hope which soon disappeared once again.

"Go and get your stuff from your locker and i will drop you home." Autumn instructs the upset teenager but she shakes her head, holding on tighter to Marjorie. "No, but thank you" she whispers before a sob escapes her mouth. "Carls, its okay ive got you. Its okay." Marjorie whispers while guiding them across the office to sit down. Autumn watched how tightly she was holding onto Marjorie. She stood up and sat herself down next to Carly. "Talk to us. Why dont you want to go home?" Autumn questioned quietly as she placed the hand on Carly’s shoulder supportively.

"Im not loved at home. My mum despises me. You dont get it, im left on my own sll evening in my room. I dont even hear an i love you from anyone ever and the only time i get hugged is if someone hugs me here. Its killing me, i dont want to do this anymore. How come people go home and be loved?" She mumbled the last part before covering her mouth quickly. "Im sorry, i didn't think, im sorry" A fresh set of tears spilled over.

The woman remained quiet, which made it worse for Carly as she overthought what she said. Autumn looked up at Marjorie and she nodded back, neither of them saying anything. In one swift motion, Marjorie let go of Carly and Autumn lifted her onto her lap, wrapping her arms around the younger woman tightly. "Ive got you. Just relax for me" Autumn whispered quietly, this was out of character but she couldn't help but see her younger self in Carly.

"My love, tonight you are going to stay with me and Auts. I will send Reece over to Winters house and we can have a girls night, just us three." Marjorie whispered while Carly nodded slightly, her eyes fluttering as she cuddled into Autumn's embrace. "Never let me go." She whispered as she gripped her shirt. "I've got you, you're okay" Autumn replied to the young girls begs.

As the evening wore on, Autumn and Marjorie knew they couldn’t leave Carly alone or send her home if what she said was true after the emotional outburst earlier. They decided to invite her over for a cosy night in, hoping to lift her spirits. With blankets, snacks, and a lineup of feel-good movies, they transformed Autumn’s living room into a comforting haven.

Carly sat down, still feeling the weight of her sadness but grateful for the support. As they settled in, Autumn made hot chocolate while Marjorie flipped through the movie options. They chose a light-hearted comedy to start, hoping for some laughter to break through Carly's gloom.

As the movie played, Autumn and Marjorie kept checking in on Carly, offering her hugs and reassuring words. It wasnt long till she was sandwiched between the two women in a comforting embrace. The three shared stories and jokes, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and friendship. Slowly, Carly began to smile again, the laughter easing her heavy heart.

The night turned into a beautiful blend of camaraderie and comfort, with the three friends sharing their dreams, fears, and hopes. As the clock ticked past midnight, Carly realized that even in her darkest moments, she had friends who truly cared. She was snuggled into Marjories side while holding onto Autumns hand, a blanket wrapped around them.

"Um, tonight can i um" Carly mumbled nervously while looking at the floor. "Can you what my love?" Marjorie asked softly while looking at the young girl. "I dont want to be on my own. I know its nearly bedtime. I guess, can i sleep on the floor in your room please?" Carly finally got out. "Oh Carls its okay to ask." Autumn started before standing up. "I will go and sort out sleeping arrangements." She whispered as she made her way out the room.

It wasnt long before they were all upstairs. Autumn had moved the mattress from the spare room into the main bedroom. "I will sleep down here and you will sleep with Marjorie incase you wake up or need comfort,  she will be there." Autumn whispered quietly while watching as the young girl nodded.

It wasn't long till they were all tucked into bed. Marjorie absent mindedly ran her nails over Carlys back till she fell asleep. "Aut can you come and sit with me. I feel so drained but i cant sleep." Marjorie questioned quietly Autumn nodded slightly before squeezing onto the edge of the bed. Both women relaxed into eachothers embrace before drifting off to sleep.