Truth - Lashton

Chapter 9

Ashton's POV

"Mr. Irwin?"

I was packing up my stuff when I heard the principal's voice. I looked up towards the door and smiled, allowing him in.

"Is everything alright?"

He gracefully smiled, followed by a nod.

"We have a new student arriving tomorrow and he's gonna be in your classes."

My heart lit up, forming a smile on my face. I always loved new students and helping them navigate the school and eventually the world.

"That's wonderful to hear. What's his name?"

He pulled out a file and put it on my desk, opening it.

"His name is Michael Clifford and he's 16, there's another student named Calum Hood who just moved here but he's being placed in other classes."

I nodded as he read over Michael's school file. He seemed like a generous kid.

"I just wanted to tell you ahead of time so you could tell your class tomorrow."

I gave him an understanding nod. I'm rather glad he did this so Michael wouldn't feel too pressured.

"I'll put him a seat beside Luke."

He let out a sigh, I knew exactly what he meant by that alone.

"Is Luke doing okay?"

I frowned at him, shaking my head slightly.

"He seems to be dropping more weight.. It's getting concerning but he hasn't said anything to me. He ate breakfast very fast this morning, in a way I would describe as a binge like state. If anything drastic happens, I might have to take this to medical attention."

The man looked stunned at the information.

"Medical attention? Mr. Irwin, is that necessary?"

"Absolutely! Someone of his age and weight currently should not be losing that much weight so fast. I'm getting highly scared for him already. He walked in my class this morning looking.. dead if anything. His skin is starting to get yellow.."

I softly spoke the last sentence. The health state Luke is pushing himself into made me want to cry.

"I understand, Mr. Irwin. If it does come to that, he will recover. Correct?"

I sighed, my lips sticking out more into a pout.

"Not guaranteed.. Doctors legally have too as he is a minor but he could easily fall back into a relapse."

The principal put his face in his hands, letting out a sigh.

"I know it's stressful, Sir.."

I spoke sternly and returned to putting my stuff away.

"It shouldn't be this difficult.. He just has to eat."

I gave him a look, a glare almost.

"Sir, you need to understand that if Luke has a restrictive eating disorder, he can't just eat. His mind is rewired and if he were to just go back to eating normally, he's at risk for refeeding syndrome which could be fatal. It could be a coping mechanism or anything else. It is not as simple as you make it out to be. Have a good day."

I stormed out of the room, heading to my car. I didn't mean to get that angry over his words. I needed to calm down as my veins were protruding out of my arms. I leaned back and took a sip of my water.

Within a few minutes, I was stable enough to drive home. I was very excited to greet the new student tomorrow.