Truth - Lashton

Chapter 19

Ashton's POV

We were able to set Luke up last night in my hospital and he had fell asleep on the ride there, staying asleep all night.

"Is it worrying to you at all, Ashton? He slept a majority of the day yesterday and most of all night."

Dr. Frank spoke, his tone still serious even though he was nervously flipping through papers. We were in his office trying to set up Luke's file.

I shook my head and leaned back.

"It's normal for people with restrictive eating disorders to feel tired and sleepy all the time, especially at Luke's state at the moment."

"Should we wake him up? Breakfast is about to start."

"You're right. I'll wake him up, just keep him updated."

He nodded and I made my way to Luke's room.

I knocked on his door lightly, to which I received no response. I quietly opened it and saw Luke there sleeping. I only wish I could describe that he looked peaceful, rather he looked dead and that alone broke my heart.

I went over and softly shook him.

"Luke?"

I didn't wanna be too loud, as to not scare him. After a few more shakes and playful begging, he opened his eyes and yawned.

"What time is it?"

Luke asked, voice sounding like gravel. I chuckled and checked my phone.

"It's 7:21AM. Breakfast is starting in a bit."

He frowned and sat up, wrapping around himself.

"Do I have too..?"

"Yes, it's mandatory."

He nodded and looked down, predictably scared.

"Do I have to eat out there?"

"No, that part is your decision but I'd have to monitor you."

He looked at me and leaned back, arms still around himself.

"That's okay.. I wanna eat in here.."

I nodded, understanding that this was his first day here and probably wasn't comfortable.

I frowned as I looked at him. Even though the blanket was on him, you could easily see his knees protruding out from his legs and he was stick and bone. My main worry was that he wouldn't be able to handle food.

"When you eat, I'm gonna stay a bit longer just to make sure your body can handle it. Is that okay with you?"

He nodded, lips sealed.

"How are you feeling?"

He sighed and covered his face.

"I'm not ready for recovery, Mr. Irwin.. I hadn't hit my goal yet.."

"Luke, there was no goal to hit. If there was, you would've most likely went into heart failure. That's why you fainted that day, your body was trying to protect itself."

He shook his head and started crying. I scooted closer to him, putting my arm on his worryingly boney shoulder.

"I know I'm not healthy but I don't care anymore! I just.. I don't know.. This is all I have at this point. It's there when I'm stressed or.."

"So it's like a coping mechanism for you?"

He uncovered his face and looked at me.

"Yeah! That's exactly what it is!"