TNN ONESHOTS

I'm sorry - AFK & SS & MK & VC

Siobhan walked out of the meeting room, her heart racing and a knot of anxiety tightening in her stomach. Roger's critical remarks echoed in her mind, each word amplifying her self-doubt. She had prepared thoroughly, but it felt like nothing she said or did had made an impact. The fluorescent lights of the corridor seemed harsh, and she could feel the weight of her worries pressing down on her as she made her way to the office.

She entered the familiar space before leaning against the door. The sight of Marjorie and Autumn brought a flicker of comfort. They sat together, laughing over a shared joke, their laughter a soothing balm against Siobhan's frayed nerves. She took a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension that clung to her. Marjorie glanced up first, her expression shifting from amusement to concern as she noticed Siobhan's pale face.

"Hey, you alright, my love?" Marjorie asked, her voice gentle but probing. Siobhan forced a smile, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes. Autumn, sensing the shift in energy, stood up and walked over to Siobhan, watching as the blonde haired woman coward slightly. "What has he done this time?" she asked, her tone slight softer than normal.

Siobhan sighed, feeling the warmth of their support wrap around her like a cosy blanket. "I just feel really overwhelmed after that meeting," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. Siobhan hated to be seen as weak, but right now, all her energy had been drained by him, and she physically couldn’t hide how she was feeling. Marjorie nodded, her expression understanding. "It’s okay to feel that way. Let’s take a break. How about some coffee? I will go and make them." Marjorie offered. With a grateful nod, Siobhan felt the tension begin to ease.

Once Marjorie had left, Siobhan moved and stood in the quietest corner of the office, furtherest away from the door. Her heart felt heavy with the weight of her emotions. The meeting with Roger had left her feeling exposed and vulnerable, and now, as she tried to gather her thoughts, tears threatened to spill over. She had worked so hard on herself since she left him, but now it was like it never happened. Autumn had been observing Siobhan's struggle from a distance as she didn't want to push her too far, sensed the turmoil, and approached her with a gentle smile.

"Siobhan," Autumn said suprisingly softly, her voice like a soothing balm. "I know this isn't us, but as long as you dont tell, i won't, but you look like you could use a hug." While waiting for a response, she stepped slightly closer and held open her arms for Siobhan. The blonde flinched to start with before stepping closer to Autumn and allowing her to be pulled into a warm embrace. Siobhans body tensed at the contact, but at the same time, she felt a rush of comfort before she leaned into Autumn. The familiar scent of her friend helped to ground her in the moment.

"I know we both have a history, but im sorry. Im sorry for being cold to you in the past when we were younger, im sorry that i didn't see everything sooner and saved you when me and Reece left. Im also sorry for the times that reece called you mum, i know i didnt say it but it was a joke we both found funny at the time because we were to blind to see what he was doing to you. Just know I won't say any of that again, so i hope you listened." Autumn mumbled at the end before moving slowly to look at the blonde.

As they stood there, Siobhan fought against the tears that threatened to escape. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself, but the kindness of Autumn's gesture made it harder to keep her emotions in check. "I’m okay, I promise. I just hope you know that it's not your fault," she murmured, her voice muffled against Autumn's shoulder as she fell back into her embrace. But deep down, she knew she wasn't okay—not yet.

"You're not alone, you know," Autumn whispered, squeezing Siobhan a little tighter. She was also seeking comfort, and that man left a trail of destruction wherever he went. "It's okay to feel what you're feeling. Let it out if you need to." At that moment, Siobhan felt a wave of relief wash over her, the warmth of the hug allowing her to finally acknowledge the tears that had been building inside. She let out a shaky breath, and a few tears slipped down her cheeks, but she felt safe in Autumn's embrace.

"Thank you," Siobhan said, her voice breaking slightly. "I really needed this." Autumn pulled back just enough to look into Siobhan's eyes, her expression filled with empathy. "Anytime, Siobhan. I'm here for you, no matter what. We both had to deal with him. It's not fair that you think you are on your own because you aren't." In that moment, Siobhan realized that with friends like Autumn, she could face whatever challenges lay ahead, one day at a time.

Just then, Marjorie walked into the office holding 3 mugs of coffee. "Sit quietly and drink this, viv is on her way to pick you up," Marjorie told her calmly while handing out the drinks. A small smile played on Siobhan's lips. "Thank you," she whispered while sitting back onto the couch.

*

Viv had always been the reliable, the one who would drop everything to lend a hand. So when she arrived at the office to pick up Siobhan earlier than usual, she was surprised to find Autumn waiting outside, a concerned look on her face.

"Hey, Viv," Autumn said, her voice low. "Can we talk for a second? It's about Siobhan."

Viv's heart sank. "Is she okay?"

Autumn hesitated, glancing back at the office windows where Siobhan sat on the couch, staring blankly at her mug that she held in her hands while Marjorie sat next to her. "Not really. She's been struggling mentally lately. I think the pressure at work is getting to her, and she hasn’t been herself."

Viv frowned, feeling a rush of worry. "I had no idea it was this bad. I just thought she was busy with the upcoming Ofsted."

"She is, but it's more than that," Autumn explained. "I've noticed her withdrawing from everyone. She doesn’t laugh like she used to, and she seems exhausted all the time. She also had a meeting with my father today and came back very anxious to say the least. I will let her explain more but i just thought it would be good for you to know before you take her home."

Viv nodded, understanding the weight of Autumn's words. "Thanks for telling me. I’ll make sure to check in with her." With a determined look, she approached the door, ready to be the support Siobhan needed, knowing that sometimes, just being there was the most important thing of all.

*

The car ride home was quiet, the soft hum of the engine filling the space between Viv and Siobhan. Siobhan stared out the window, watching the world blur by, her mind racing with thoughts she couldn't quite articulate. Viv glanced over, concern etched on her face. She reached over, giving Siobhan's hand a gentle squeeze.

"Hey, it’s okay," Viv said softly, trying to break the silence. "You can talk to me about anything."

Siobhan forced a weak smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes. "I know… I just… I don’t want to be a burden."

Viv shook her head, determination in her voice. "You're not a burden, bonbon. You're my partner. I’m here for you, no matter what."

When they arrived at Vivians apartment, Viv helped her inside, and they settled onto the couch, the familiar comfort of home wrapping around them. Siobhan curled up against Viv, seeking solace in her warmth. As they sat there, the weight of the day began to press down on Siobhan, and she fought back tears, not wanting to break the fragile moment.

Viv noticed the tension in Siobhan’s shoulders and wrapped her arms around her tighter. "You don’t have to hold it in. Let it out if you need to," she whispered, her voice soothing.

Finally, Siobhan let go, the tears spilling down her cheeks as she leaned into Viv, who held her close. In that moment, the world outside faded away, and all that mattered was the comfort of eachother, the safe space they created together. Viv stroked Siobhan’s hair, whispering words of reassurance, reminding her that she wasn’t alone and that it was okay to feel vulnerable. Together, they embraced the moment, finding strength in each other as the storm inside Siobhan began to calm.