Mine From Day One

Chapter 8

I expect him to come and hug me and kiss me.

"You're back." He says in shock.

Instead of hugging me he just sits down.

Like I didn't disappear for 10 months.

I swallow to hold back my tears.

"I guess I didn't warn you guys, this is Maddie's first meal without her therapist and nurses so we'll have to guide her, sorry if it gets annoying." My mom says.

"It's alright! We're just glad she's here." Jill says.

"Time to start eating Maddie." My mom says looking at me seriously in the eyes.

I take a deep breath looking at my mom.

I couldn't break down here.

Not in front of him or his parents.

Like those 10 months didn't work.

"Don't worry about the outcome, worry about the now." My doctor would say.

I pick up my fork tears filling my eyes from shame.

Embarrassment.

I'd just wasted my whole sophomore year because of this.

I drop my fork and put my head in my hands.

-Ethan's perspective:

"Shit I have to go you guys." I say urgently.

"Noo! Come on dude! We're almost done with the project for her!" Blake says.

"I have family dinner." I say back trying to defend my case.

I walk in the door.

First dinner with her parents in 10 months.

Not long right?

I look up and see the brown haired girl sitting at the table.

She's here.

She looks up and I see her face.

Just as beautiful as before.

"You're back." Is all I can say.

I want to run up and hug her and kiss her.

But something told me not to.

'Maybe she's not ready' I thought in my head

I go over and sit down without saying a word.

I see the fork drop from her hands when she tries eating it.

She looked ashamed.

She puts her head down.

I swallow.

This girl had been put through hell.

I wish I could've gone through it with her.

-Maddie's perspective:

My mom comes over comforting me.

"I can't do it Mom."

We finish up dinner after barely eating, lots of crying, and lots of staring. God I already hated this.

My parents lock all the bathroom doors.

No mirror rule.

"Let's gets fresh air." I say to Ethan.

We walk out back and sit on the swinging seat.

I start shivering automatically.

It's only about 60, but less meat less heat.

"Do you want my sweatshirt?" Ethan says, obviously noticing my shivering.

"Oh uh, sure." I say shyly.

I take it and put it on.

It smells like him and his room.

Out of all boys, Ethan was actually one who was always clean and had good hygiene. His room is messy but smells like his scent and not like sweaty ball sacks.

It was a bit big but would work.

He smiles a bit.

"Why didn't you text." He asks looking out into the lake.

"No communication allowed, straight from my therapist." I say.

"So you went 10 months without talking to anyone outside of that hospital?" He asks.

"Pretty much." I say looking out onto the lake.

"We missed you." He says looking over at me.

"Is that why you guys ignored my call this afternoon?" I say looking at him as well.

He pulls out his phone looking at the screen.

"Im so sorry look, we were distracted and-" As he says this I cut him off.

"I get it. I was gone and you guys just went on. Happens. I.. I need to.. go take my meds, um, I'll see you at school tomorrow." I say getting up.

"Mad that's not it-" He starts to say.

I walk up the porch steps ignoring him.

"Night everyone." I say with a fake smile.

My mom follows me as I go to my room and into my bathroom.

"Door open. Go to the bathroom take your pills and brush your teeth." My mom says peeking in my room.

"I got it Mom! " I say smiling.

"Good! I love you sweetie.. I'm so glad we have you back here." She says hugging me

"I love you too Mom." I say with tears forming.