the only exception

"Breakfast is ready," Hayley announced softly into the room, leaning against the doorframe.

Phoebe sat quietly on her bed, where she's remained for the past few days. They still hadn't really talked about anything, but the awkwardness has worn off slightly, even if Phoebe could tell Hayley was still sort've walking on eggshells around her.

"You gotta eat something, at least." Hayley tried, "And maybe get up and move around a bit? It might make you feel better."

"But if I don't get up I don't have to see Erin today," She responded easily, faux excitement laced through her voice.

Hayley sighed, making her way into the room and sitting on the bed, the closest her or Taylor have gotten to her in days. "We've talked about this, you have to see them."

"And what if I just don't?"

"Phoebe, you have to." Hayley told her, even if it was something the teen already knew.

Phoebe frowned, sinking deeper into her bed as Hayley watched, both of them falling into silence for a few moments.

"Okay, get up, get showered, and we're gonna go somewhere before Erin gets here." Hayley decided, standing up and swiftly pulling the covers off of the teen.

Phoebe groaned, the cold hitting her like a train, "I really just wanna lay here."

"Well, you're not gonna." Hayley replied quickly, "You're going to get up, shower, maybe do your skincare? Put on an outfit that makes you feel good and meet me downstairs in 30 minutes."

"Do I have to?"

"Yes," Hayley nodded once, "I've let you have your time sulking, but I'm not gonna watch you continue to pull yourself down like this."

Phoebe stayed silent, arms wrapped around herself to try and shelter from the cold. The two stared at each other for a moment before Phoebe relented, moving to sit up, "Fine, but can you at least turn my fan off?"

Hayley smiled, moving towards the door and shutting the fan off, "30 minutes."

"Yeah, okay." Phoebe sighed as they parted ways.

It ended up being more like 45 minutes, but nonetheless Phoebe still made her way downstairs, newly showered and wearing something other than lounging clothes.

"Morning, kiddo," Taylor greeted from the living room as Hayley stood up from beside him.

"We'll be home in a few hours, call if you need anything from the store, okay?" Hayley told him, walking backwards towards the door before shifting her attention to the teenager, "Go grab an apple or orange at least, okay?"

Phoebe nodded, making her way to the kitchen to do as told before heading out to the garage where Hayley was waiting in the car. She slowly got in, neither of them saying anything as they began driving.

"Where are we going?" Phoebe asked after a while, staring out the window.

"The store."

The teen scrunched her face, "That's supposed to make me feel better?"

"Well, getting out of the house will help a bit, but no. We're going to get you some stuff. You know, your favorite drinks, snacks, maybe some aromatherapy candles. Oh, a journal too, probably." Hayley told her easily, "It might not help, but it could. Everyones different, we just gotta find what helps you."

"Okay," Phoebe nodded slowly.

"What else do you think could help?" Hayley asked, glancing over.

"I don't really know."

"That's okay, no one does until they try some stuff. I figured we'd just start with what helps me and expand from there." Hayley told her easily, "I had another idea, something I'm not sure you'd be open to, but would definitely be beneficial."

"What?" Phoebe asked nervously, earning a small smile from Hayley.

"It's not bad," the singer assured, "but I was thinking we could look into getting you a therapist."

Phoebe turned, brows furrowed, "You think I need a therapist?"

"I think everyone should have a therapist," Hayley shrugged, "It's not a bad thing. I mean, you know I have one. I think it could be super, super helpful for you. Just to have someone to talk to about stuff, work through everything, try to find ways to cope. That kind of thing."

"I don't need someone to talk to. I talk to you and Dad." Phoebe assured quickly, the thought of sharing her secrets and problems to strangers completely unappealing.

Hayley sighed, "You do... Sometimes. But it's been less and less lately, and anyway, it's different. This is someone who's educated in it all, they know what to do and how to help you. Me and T will always be there for you, but we don't always know what you need or how to help."

"If I don't always talk to you guys, what makes you think I wanna talk to a complete stranger?" Phoebe frowned, earning a shrug from Hayley.

"That's what I worry about, honey. It's not good for you to let it all bubble up inside you. Especially when you wont even willingly leave your room." Hayley mumbled, making Phoebe turn back to the window.

"Listen, why don't we just try it out and if you don't like it you can stop? Or try a different one? It might be hit or miss for a while, but eventually I think it could be a really good thing." Hayley told her, a bit of hopefulness in her voice.

Phoebe sighed, slumping in the seat, "Fine, I'll try it."

"Okay, I'll start looking around." Hayley grinned triumphantly, pulling into the parking lot. "Now hurry and eat your orange, we're not going in until you do."