Regina took a deep breath as she dialled Cady's number, her heart pounding with nervous anticipation. She had been dreading this conversation, but she knew it was necessary. After everything that had happened with Aaron, Cady deserves to know the truth.

"Cady? It's Regina," she said, her voice steady despite the butterflies in her stomach.

"Regina, hey," Cady replied, her voice warm yet tinged with sadness. "What's up?"

Regina hesitated for a moment, gathering her thoughts. "I... I ran into Aaron today."

There was a brief pause on the other end of the line, and Regina could almost hear Cady's sharp intake of breath. "You did? What happened?"

Regina took a deep breath, her mind racing with the weight of the conversation. "He was with his girlfriend, Emily. And... she's pregnant, Cady. Seven months along."

Cady's voice was barely above a whisper when she spoke again. "I know. He told me."

Regina's heart sank at the pain in Cady's voice. She knew this news must be devastating for her, and she wished she could take away her friend's pain. "I'm so sorry, Cady. I know this must be really hard for you."

Cady let out a shaky breath. "Yeah, it is. But... it's not your fault, Regina. You didn't do anything wrong."

Regina swallowed back her own emotions, her throat tight with unshed tears. "I just wish I could have protected you from all this, Cady. I wish I could have stopped him from hurting you."

Cady's voice was filled with warmth and understanding. "Regina, you did everything you could. You were there for me when I needed you, and that means more to me than you'll ever know."

Regina felt a surge of gratitude for her friend's unwavering support. "Thank you, Cady. I don't know what I would do without you."

They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared pain hanging heavy in the air. Regina knew there were no easy answers, no quick fixes for the hurt they both felt. But in that moment, she found solace in their connection, in the knowledge that they would always be there for each other, no matter what.

"Hey, Regina?" Cady's voice broke through the silence, pulling Regina from her thoughts.

"Yeah, Cady?"

"I just wanted to say thank you for telling me the truth. I know it couldn't have been easy."

Regina felt a lump form in her throat at Cady's words. "Of course, Cady. You deserve to know the truth, no matter how painful it is."

Cady let out a soft sigh. "Yeah, I guess you're right. The truth hurts, but... the lies are worse."

Regina nodded, her heart heavy with the weight of their shared pain. "Yeah, they are."

As they said their goodbyes and hung up the phone, Regina felt a strange sense of peace settle over her. She knew there were still difficult days ahead, still wounds that needed time to heal. But in that moment, she felt a glimmer of hope, knowing that no matter what challenges they faced, they would face them together.

Regina sat at the kitchen table the next day, the soft hum of the refrigerator filling the silence as she sipped her coffee. The morning sun streamed through the large windows of her mother's grand house, casting a warm glow on the marble countertops and gleaming appliances. She couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia as she looked around the familiar space.

Her mother, June George, bustled about the kitchen, preparing breakfast with her usual grace and efficiency. Regina watched her for a moment, marveling at how effortlessly June seemed to navigate the chaos of life. Despite her polished exterior, Regina knew her mother was a source of unwavering strength and support.

"Mom, can we talk?" Regina's voice broke the comfortable silence, her tone filled with a mixture of hesitation and determination.

June turned to her daughter, her expression softening with concern. "Of course, sweetheart. What's on your mind?"

Regina took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "It's about Aaron. I ran into him yesterday, and it stirred up a lot of old memories."

June's brow furrowed slightly as she set down the spatula and turned her full attention to Regina. "Aaron? Your high school boyfriend? What happened?"

Regina recounted the encounter with Aaron and his pregnant girlfriend, Emily, leaving out the part about Aaron knowing she had feelings for Cady. June listened intently, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"That must have been quite a shock," June said gently, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Regina's arm. "How are you feeling about it all?"

Regina sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "It just brought back a lot of memories, and not all of them are good. Seeing him with someone else, knowing he moved on so quickly... it hurts, Mom."

June's eyes softened with empathy. "I can imagine, sweetheart. But if I'm being honest, I never thought Aaron was right for you."

Regina blinked in surprise, her brow furrowing. "Really? You never said anything."

June chuckled softly, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "Well, I didn't want to interfere. But Aaron always struck me as... how do I put this? A bit self-absorbed. I was secretly relieved when you came out to me. I knew you deserved someone who truly appreciates you for who you are."

Regina felt a lump form in her throat at her mother's words. "You never told me that before."

June squeezed her daughter's hand gently. "I didn't want to influence your decisions. But I always hoped you would find someone who sees the incredible person you are, Regina. Someone who loves and respects you."

Regina felt a wave of gratitude wash over her, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "Thank you, Mom. That means a lot to me."

June smiled warmly, her eyes filled with pride. "I'm just so proud of you, Regina. You've been through so much, and you've come out stronger on the other side. You're brave, compassionate, and resilient. And you deserve all the happiness in the world."

Regina felt a swell of emotion in her chest, her heart filled with love for her mother. "Thanks, Mom. I don't know what I would do without you."

June pulled her daughter into a comforting embrace, holding her close. "You'll never have to find out, sweetheart. I'll always be here for you."

As they held each other, Regina felt a sense of peace settle over her. The conversation with her mother had given her a newfound sense of clarity and strength. She knew the road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with her mother's unwavering support and love, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.

When they finally pulled apart, June looked at her daughter with a determined glint in her eye. "Now, let's get you some breakfast. You need to keep up your strength for whatever comes next."

Regina laughed softly, feeling a lightness in her heart that she hadn't felt in a long time. "Thanks, Mom. Breakfast sounds perfect."

As they sat down to enjoy the meal together, Regina felt a renewed sense of hope and resilience. She knew that, no matter what happened, she had her mother's support and love to guide her through. And with that knowledge, she felt ready to face the future with courage and determination. 

Short, also I realised that at some point I switched between using Mum in this story to Mom. I am British, I don't say mom. Don't ask me the logic, it happened and it will exist that way until I proof read it all once the story is completed.