AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Uh, J-Jesse’s girlfriend has one and he’s kinda clueless on what to do to help her.” Biting my lip, I hope she doesn’t acknowledge my stutter.
“Okay, well has she recovered at all?”
“Yeah. She was doing really well for a while, but then they got into an argument. She relapsed while they weren’t talking and now it’s like she’s right back at square one.”
“That’s the tricky thing about eating disorders. They can be triggered by anything and come back so easily.” She sighs. “Does she want to get better? Like genuinely?”
Her question causes me to freeze. To be honest, it’s not something I’ve ever asked. It’s always been me telling her how important it is to eat and not starve herself. Her words from when I first told her I wanted to help run through my head. “What if I don’t want to?” Fuck.
“If she, uh, if she doesn’t… does that mean it’s hopeless to try and help her?”
“Not necessarily, just makes it more difficult. Lauren shut out everyone who tried to get her into recovery for a while until she was ready.”
My stomach churns at the thought of Kayleigh pushing me away. I know what it’s like to have her, and I know what it’s like not to. I don’t think I can handle being without her again.
“So, what should he do to make sure that doesn’t happen?”
She hums thoughtfully. “Well, Christmas break is coming soon. I assume they won’t be going home together?”
“No, they’re not.”
“In that case, he should just try to make sure she’s eating something for right now, but don’t push it too much. If he does, it could cause her to get a lot worse when she’s finally alone. Besides, she may run if he tries too hard, especially being fresh off a fight. Try to get her to take some vitamins, too. They’ll help.”
Her advice makes sense and I nod even though she can’t see me. “That’s really helpful. Thanks Jo. Really, I appreciate it.”
“No problem. And H?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m proud of you.”
“Huh? For what?”
Judging by the tone of her voice, I can tell she’s sporting a smug grin. “Taking care of Kayleigh when she needs you.”
Shit. “How’d you know?”
“J-J-J-Jesse is gay.” She mocks my stutter with a soft giggle.
I groan. How could I have forgotten that?! “Jo, you can’t let her find out I told you. She’ll never trust me again.”
“Don’t worry. I won’t breathe a word of this. Just let me know if you need any more help.”
“Thanks sis. Love you.”
“Love you too, dork.”
The two of us hang up the phone and I run my fingers through my hair, tugging in frustration. Everything was going great until I had to go and fuck it all up. The truth is, she would probably be better off without me, but I’m too selfish to let her go.
THE NEXT COUPLE WEEKS are rough. Between studying for finals and keeping a close eye on Kayleigh, I’m exhausted. She’s been eating, though it hasn’t been anything close to an amount that would constitute as acceptable. Seeing her waste away in front of my eyes is heartbreaking. Her favorite excuse as of late is that the stress of finals is making it so she’s not hungry.
Exams finally come to an end which eases my tension immensely. However, the thought of not being with Kayleigh for 10 days makes me sick. I know I’m going to be worrying about her non-stop, and that’s not including how much I’m going to miss the gorgeous brunette.
The house is filled with loud music and students excited to go home for the holidays. A part of me considers not drinking at all but Kayleigh hands me a beer which tells me it’s okay. I just need to make sure I stick by her at all times. I don’t want another replay of the last time I got drunk – especially not when we’re about to be apart for longer than I’d prefer.
I’m leaning against the island in the kitchen when she tells me she’ll be right back. As soon
as she walks away, Jason smirks.
