The day dragged on as Lilianna meticulously reviewed every detail of Mr. Stillman's case. She paced back and forth in her office, rehearsing her arguments, anticipating every question the plaintiff's lawyer might throw at her. She needed to be ready for everything—no stone left unturned, no weakness exposed. The stakes were high, and she wasn't about to let anything slip through the cracks.
Grace knocked softly and entered, her expression laced with concern.
"Do I look crazy talking to myself out there?" Lilianna asked with a half-laugh, trying to lighten the mood.
"No, not at all," Grace replied, her gaze softening as she stepped further in. "But you do look worried. Is everything okay?"
Lilianna sat down heavily at her desk, running a hand through her hair. "I can't shake this feeling about Carly," she confessed, her voice quieter now. "She's acting like she's fine, but I know her better than that. There's something she's not saying. Her answers... they don't sound like her. It's like she's putting on a mask for me."
Grace took a moment, considering Lilianna's words. "She's been through a lot, Lili. You know how strong-willed she is. She probably doesn't want to burden you with whatever she's dealing with."
Lilianna's eyes tightened with frustration. "She would never be a burden to me. But this—this silence? I don't know how to get her to open up. How do I get her to tell me what's really going on? How is she really feeling?"
Grace hesitated, then placed a reassuring hand on Lilianna's shoulder. "You know her. And she knows you. Maybe she just needs time... or maybe she's waiting for you to ask the right question. But, Lilianna, don't forget—you're not the only one who's been carrying a lot on your shoulders."
Lilianna smiled softly as she looked at Grace. "I know. Carly's so strong. I really admire her for it... but sometimes I just wish she'd let me in more."
Grace's expression brightened, a spark of inspiration lighting up her eyes. "I've got an idea," she said, almost gleeful. "What if you took some time off after your case is over? You and Carly could go on a trip together—by the time your case wraps up, it should be spring break for school, right?"
Lilianna raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A trip? That's a pretty big idea... Where would we even go?"
Grace grinned, her excitement growing. "Why not do something your parents would've done? Take her on a trip that honors them but make it your own. You could bring your own twist to it. You know—something that feels personal for both of you."
Lilianna paused, the idea floating in her mind. "My parents loved camping... and we always talked about going to Orlando to visit the amusement parks. I always thought that would be so fun."
Grace nodded, her eyes lighting up. "That sounds perfect! It's a place that holds meaning, but you can make new memories together. And hey, when Carly gets home, you could bring it up with her—see what she thinks, if she has any other ideas. Just let her feel like she's part of it."
Lilianna felt a wave of relief wash over her. She pulled Grace into a tight hug. "Thank you. I really needed that. I'll definitely talk to her about it."
Grace pulled back with a smile, giving her a playful nudge. "Let me know how it goes, okay? I'm rooting for you both."
Lilianna packed up her things for the day, the excitement buzzing in her chest. For the first time in what felt like forever, she was looking forward to something—something that could bring her and Carly closer. The idea of a trip felt like the perfect escape, a chance for them both to step away from their everyday lives and just be for a little while. Lilianna couldn't wait to pick Carly up, to tell her about the trip, and see what she thought.
She slid into the driver's seat, still smiling to herself as she started the engine. The rhythmic hum of the car was almost soothing as she made her way toward Carly's school, her thoughts drifting to the possibilities. Maybe this trip would give Carly the space she needed to finally open up. Or maybe, just maybe, it would be a chance for them to relax, to laugh, to live a little again. It felt like just what they both needed.
As she pulled into the school parking lot, Lilianna's heart gave a little flutter. She could already picture the conversation with Carly, the way she'd tell her about the trip and watch her reaction. It was a step in the right direction—she hoped.
As Carly slid into the car, she shot a puzzled look at Lilianna, who was grinning like she'd just won the lottery. Carly raised an eyebrow.
"Did you get a promotion or something? You seem... way happier than usual." Her tone was light, but there was a hint of teasing in it.
Lilianna let out a soft laugh. "Nope, no promotion. But I do have a great idea, I want to run past you." Her voice was full of energy, making it hard to hide her excitement.
Carly shot her a sideways glance, still confused. "Okay... I'm listening?"
"What if, over spring break, we went on a trip?" Lilianna's smile widened even more.
Carly blinked, clearly intrigued. "That sounds fun. Where to?"
"Orlando! Just like we always talked about when we were kids!" Lilianna practically bounced in her seat, her excitement spilling out.
Carly's eyes lit up. "That would be awesome!"
Lilianna's voice softened a little, a more thoughtful edge to it now. "I was thinking... We could stop and camp somewhere in Florida for a few days before we hit Orlando. Make some new memories, y'know?"
She waited for Carly's response, unsure how the idea would land. After a moment, Carly smiled.
"I think that sounds like an amazing idea, let's do it."
On the drive home, the car was filled with their animated voices, each of them throwing out ideas for the trip. They eagerly talked about all the things they wanted to do while camping—setting up the perfect campsite, cooking over a fire, maybe even hiking if they had time. Then, their conversation shifted to Orlando, and the thrill of all the amusement parks they'd visit. Roller coasters, water rides, and shows—they made a mental list of everything they couldn't wait to see and do.
When they finally got home, the excitement didn't fade. They jumped out of the car, their energy still high, and rushed inside to start planning. They grabbed a notebook and began making a list, jotting down the things they wanted to bring—sleeping bags, tents, snacks, sunscreen—and a rough itinerary of what they wanted to do once they got to Orlando. For the first time in a while, there was a feeling of lightness between them, a sense that they were both looking forward to something, together.