After the incident at the cafeteria, Lemon spent the rest of her day at Crystal Prep in despair. All the enthusiasm she had for anything had all but vanished. Sour must have been avoiding her since she wasn't anywhere to be seen. And who could blame her? She had every right to be upset. I really, really fucked things up with her. she thought. I know I still have Twilight as a friend, and good on her for trying to cheer me up...but that alone won't make me feel better.

After her last class, Lemon trudged her way to the bus. She thought she heard her name, but she was in her own little world until she felt an arm on her shoulder.

"Lemon." Lemon turned around slowly to see Dean Cadence. Before the Dean could say another word, Lemon hugged her tightly and burst into tears.

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When Lemon had finally calmed down, Cadence brought her to her office.

"Before I tell you what's going on, I need to send a text. I don't want my mom and dad to worry about me." said Lemon.

This must be serious if she's not calling her parents her "parentals". She always calls them that. thought Cadence.

Hey guys. I missed my bus, so I'll be home late. - Sent by Lemon Zest

Is everything okay, hon? - Sent by Mom

No. But don't worry too much. I'm fine. Physically, at least. I'm in Dean Cadence's office right now. - Sent by Lemon Zest

Do you want us to come over and get you? Are you in any sort of trouble? - Sent by Dad

Yes, but only after I'm done speaking with Dean Cadence. No, I'm not in any trouble. I promise I'll tell you both everything when we get home. - Sent by Lemon Zest

Take all the time you need, sweetie. - Sent by Mom

We'll be there for you, Lemon. Just say when. - Sent by Dad

Thank you. I love you guys. - Sent by Lemon Zest

"Sorry about that." said Lemon. "You know how it can be with families."

"That's fine." said Cadence. Her smile turned into a look of concern. "I've noticed you haven't been yourself since lunch period ended. What happened?"

Lemon took a deep breath, and shuddered when she exhaled.

"Take your time if you need to, Lemon Zest." said Cadence.

"Thank you." said Lemon. After a few minutes, she finally began telling Dean Cadence what happened.

Once she finished, Cadence simply said "I see. That's...rather unfortunate."

"To say the least." said Lemon. "I betrayed her trust. You have no idea how bad I feel, and that's just compounded by the fact that I was her first friend." she sighed with her head in both of her hands. "At least I still have Twilight...and no offense to her, but that's little consolation to me at this point."

Cadence smiled. "That's okay, I understand."

"I do feel a little better, though." said Lemon. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have to text my parentals so they can get me home and I can bawl all over them."

That's a good sign. thought Cadence.

Okay guys, I'm ready. - Sent by Lemon Zest

We're on our way! - Sent by Dad

"Thank you, Dean Cadence." said Lemon.

"Of course." said Cadence.

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The entire car ride home was silent. Both Florid Abundance and Citrus Splash could tell their daughter needed some silence to gather her thoughts before breaking whatever news she had for them at home. Every now and then they'd glance at either each other, or Lemon via the rear view mirror. They were at least grateful that Lemon wasn't visibly worse for the wear, but her words via text concerned them.

As the car pulled into the garage, Lemon's parents could hear her sniffling in the back seat. They both looked back at her once the car stopped. She shook her head, signaling that she didn't want to talk in the garage. They all got out of the car and into the house. Lemon Zest took a few steps into the living room, then collapsed onto the floor, bawling. Her parents immediately rushed to her and held her in the same way they did when she had the nightmare involving Sour Sweet.

"Shh, shh...it's going to be okay, honey. Just let it all out." said her father in his most soothing voice as he gently rocked her back and forth.

"Your father's right, sweetie. We're here for you." whispered Florid as she stroked Lemon's hair and back.

After a few minutes, Lemon had calmed down. She took a deep breath and shuddered. "Okay. I'm good." she said and her parents let go of her. "Christ, I needed that." she said as she got up and walked over to a sofa.

"So what happened?" said Florid.

"We're really worried." sad Citrus.

Lemon took another deep breath and sighed. She told her parents about the incident in the cafeteria. By the time she finished, she had thrown away several tissues in a nearby garbage pail.

Florid and Citrus looked at each other, then Lemon.

"And you haven't seen her since?" asked her mother.

"No..." said Lemon as she blew her nose.

"That really sucks, kiddo. Hopefully you two will make amends." said her father.

"The key word there being 'hopefully'." said Lemon.

Citrus clapped his hands together. "You know what'll cheer you up? Pizza!"

Lemon allowed herself a smile. "Yeah. That will cheer me up."

"That's the spirit!" said her mother.

Lemon walked over to her parents and gave them a big hug. "I don't think I can or will ever say this enough times...but thank you."

"Of course, honey. You've just had a bad day, is all." said Florid.

"Yeah. A full stomach and a good night's sleep might be just what you need." said Citrus.

"It might be, indeed." said Lemon as she genuinely smiled for the first time in hours.

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After they finished eating, Lemon went straight upstairs. Drained from all the emotion of the day, she fell asleep swiftly.