The dreaded day had finally come, Family night. All patients and nurses spent the day setting up for the celebrations. There were decorations, tables, chairs, food, etc. I was assigned to set up the food, as if I wasn't already on edge. I didn't want to touch the food but when I asked the doctor if I could have a different assignment he told me it was a good exercise for me. So I did my job. When everything was set up, I went straight to my room and showered.
When I went back to the lounge to eat lunch, Stella and Annie were whispering to themselves while looking at me. I walked over and sat down with Talia. The girls were still staring and looking up and down at me. I can't eat this way. They left after a while. I ate as quickly as I could and left to my room. I worked out more than before. My thoughts raced and all I could hear was my mom's voice telling me I was fat and needed to stop eating. I tried to ignore it. I sat on my bed, head in my hands, telling myself it's not true over and over again. When all of a sudden, I hear a knock on my door. "Hello hun, are you alright?" It was Nurse Rodney.
"Yeah, sorry, I just woke up from a nap."
"Okay then dear, family night is in thirty minutes. Don't be late, okay?" she said and then left. I took a quick shower and then went back to the lounge where the night would start.
I saw many of the patients reunite with their loved one. Talia's family was the first to get here. They seem very nice, like the TV families. Then Stella's fiancé came and they sat together, her legs on top of his lap. Gina's parents walk in, they all head over to the food table. Annie's dad walked in and gave her a hug. I kept waiting alone until Talia came over. She introduced me to her family. Her mom gave me a big hug. I have never experienced that kind of affection before. Talia definitely takes after her mom. Then I see my brother walk in. I walk over to him and he gives me a hug. "I missed you Sky." He said.
"I missed you too." I grab his hand and bring him over to meet Talia and her family. "Hey this is my brother Oliver." Talia's mom gives him a hug too. It kind of made me happy to meet people who seem like they actually care.
Later on, Oliver and I head of to my room. We sit on the bed and talk. He was hiding something, I could feel it. "What's going on Oliver? How's mom and dad?"
"They are fine."
"How are you? How is school?"
"I moved back in with mom and dad. I dropped out of school." He said.
"What?! Why?! You loved Harvard." he looked down. "You did this for me right? You have to go to school. That is your future. You are not my guardian. It's not your job to keep me safe and healthy, that's mom's job. Just because she sucks at it doesn't mean you need to ruin your life for me."
"You need this and mom and dad aren't gonna give it to you so I am. End of discussion."
I felt really guilty and in a way I felt like I needed my mom's approval to be here. "How is mom? Is she angry?"
"She's not very happy with me but she will get over it."
The night was coming to an end when Nurse Rodney came into my room. "Hi hun..um.. You have some people waiting to see you." Oliver and I walked back to the lounge and were shocked to see our mom and dad standing there.
"Hello Skylar. Ready to go home?" mom said very ignorantly.
Oliver stood up for me, "She can't leave mom. She is still sick."
"She is coming home tonight. We can handle this at home where she will be comfortable."
"You can't do that, she needs help."
"I already signed your release papers and spoke to your doctor. You are coming home." she walked over to me and grabbed my arm. Oliver was angry and my dad did nothing as usual. I just went with her and Oliver followed behind.
